Abstract: A photodetector including: a case including a light receiving surface provided on an upper surface and having a first region that transmits visible light and a second region that transmits less visible light than the first region; a printed circuit board provided to face the light receiving surface; and a plurality of electronic components provided on a light receiving surface side of the printed circuit board and including a first light receiving element configured to detect visible light. The first light receiving element is disposed at a first position of the printed circuit board exposed to the visible light transmitted through the first region. The number of mounted electronic components disposed at the first position is smaller than the number of mounted electronic components disposed at a second position of the printed circuit board other than the first position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for solar power generation is provided. The embodiment may include identifying relative positions of co-located electric autonomous vehicles (EAVs) within a group. The embodiment may include identifying solar power generation metrics for each EAV. The embodiment may include determining whether at least two EAVs have a same side unexposed to direct sunlight. In response to determining at least two EAVs have a same side unexposed to direct sunlight, the embodiment may include identifying a direction and an angle of solar light impacting the group. Based on the relative positions and the direction and angle of solar light, the embodiment may include instructing a collaborative movement among the group such that solar light is reflected from an exterior surface of at least one EAV to an exterior surface of at least one other EAV which was unexposed to sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative apparatus and method for onboard spacecraft location determination and navigation by employing observations of extrasolar planetary star systems. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. Additional embodiments incorporate other spacecraft sensor or system data to derive a filtered navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions.

Abstract: A rotary actuator has a rotatable platform rotatably supported on a base. The rotatable platform has a friction surface. An actuator band is operated by a band clamp so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface. A motion actuator is coupled between the base and the actuator band such that change in length of the motion actuator causes corresponding movement of the actuator band. A brake band is operated by a brake band actuator so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface, the brake band anchored to the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for determining a direction to a geodetic target from a geodetic instrument. The method includes emitting an optical pulse from the geodetic target, capturing a first image and a second image of the geodetic target using a camera arranged at the geodetic instrument, obtaining a difference image between the first image and the second image, and determining a direction to the geodetic target from the geodetic instrument based on the position of the optical pulse in the difference image. The method further includes synchronizing the geodetic instrument and the geodetic target for emitting the optical pulse concurrently with the capturing of the first image and nonconcurrently with the capturing of the second image. The present disclosure also provides a geodetic instrument, a geodetic target and a geodetic surveying system.

Abstract: Described are LiDAR systems including an apparatus configured to translate one or more spherical lenses, an array of light sources, an array of photodetectors, or any combination thereof of a collection optical system in the Z direction (optical axis) to move the image plane of the collection optical system and match the image size between a transmission optical system and the collection optical system.

Abstract: A method is provided that involves mounting a transmit block and a receive block in a LIDAR device to provide a relative position between the transmit block and the receive block. The method also involves locating a camera at a given position at which the camera can image light beams emitted by the transmit block and can image the receive block. The method also involves obtaining, using the camera, a first image indicative of light source positions of one or more light sources in the transmit block and a second image indicative of detector positions of one or more detectors in the receive block. The method also involves determining at least one offset based on the first image and the second image. The method also involves adjusting the relative position between the transmit block and the receive block based at least in part on the at least one offset.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative apparatus and method for onboard spacecraft location determination and celestial navigation by employing observations of extrasolar planetary star systems. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions.

Abstract: The method comprising attaching a 3D sensor (20) on a top part of the container (10) in a position (P) and with an orientation (O) such that its field of view (FOV) is oriented towards the content (11) stored in the container (10); acquiring, by the 3D sensor (20), a depth map (DM); and computing, by a computing unit, a 3D surface model by processing said acquired depth map (DM) and using said given position (P), orientation (O) and field of view (FOV), and a 3D level model by removing from the computed 3D surface model the points corresponding to the interior walls of the container (10), using a 3D function that searches the intersection or matching between the 3D surface model and the shape of the container (S), and filling in the missing points corresponding to the content (11) that falls out of the field of view (FOV) of the 3D sensor (20).

Abstract: A method of estimating a quantity of a liquid fuel in a fuel tank of an aircraft is disclosed. A surface of the fuel is illuminated with light so that the light is reflected or scattered by the surface of the fuel onto an array of sensors. The light travels to and from the surface of the fuel via a measurement path containing a transmission medium. A measured time of flight is made at each sensor for the light which travels via the measurement path to that sensor. At least one of the sensors is illuminated with light via a reference path containing a transmission medium with substantially the same refractive index as the transmission medium in the measurement path, the reference path having a known reference distance which does not vary in accordance with the quantity of the fuel.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive weather data including a plurality of measured data points in an area around a vehicle, from a remote weather server. The processor is also configured to receive a path from a vehicle subsystem. The processor is further configured to combine the data points and path to form a predictive model reflecting expected weather conditions along the path at future times, the model based on predefined parameters defining expected weather behavior and send the model to a requesting vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: A system for locating the position of a component includes, an image capture device, the image capture device being configured to capture an image of a component, a working implement mounted in fixed relation to the image capture device, a positioning system configured to adjust a position of the image capture device and the working implement in relation to the component, and an image processing module in communication with the image capture device, the imaging processing module being configured to receive the image from the image capture device and to identify at least one feature of the component. The positioning system is configured to adjust the position of the image capture device based on a location of the identified feature within the image to align the image capture device with the identified feature, and to align the working implement with the identified feature based upon an offset between the image capture device and the working implement.

Abstract: A method of mapping pixel locations of a detector array includes measuring a location on the detector array, initiating a frame readout of the detector array, measuring a location of one or more metrology targets on the detector array, analyzing the frame readout to identify a pixel at the location on the detector array, and defining a location of the identified pixel with respect to the location of the one or more metrology targets. Subsequent measurement of the metrology targets alone by another metrology system allows one to infer the six degree of freedom alignment of the detector array in space.

Abstract: A method is provided that involves mounting a transmit block and a receive block in a LIDAR device to provide a relative position between the transmit block and the receive block. The method also involves locating a camera at a given position at which the camera can image light beams emitted by the transmit block and can image the receive block. The method also involves obtaining, using the camera, a first image indicative of light source positions of one or more light sources in the transmit block and a second image indicative of detector positions of one or more detectors in the receive block. The method also involves determining at least one offset based on the first image and the second image. The method also involves adjusting the relative position between the transmit block and the receive block based at least in part on the at least one offset.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a measuring device, in particular a video theodolite or video tachymeter. The measuring device may include a base, a support, a telescope optics having a lens, a physical target marking, an eyepiece, and a camera. The measuring device may also include an evaluation and control unit containing stored calibration parameters with respect to an image position indicating the target direction as target image position in the captured image, and a display for displaying a captured image having marking for the target image position. In some embodiments, a function may be included to respect and/or restore. In some embodiments, the function may be in form of an application on the user-device interface that can be called up.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes an ultrasound transducer and a pressure sensor both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.

Abstract: A technique for image acquisition and management, by utilizing a mobile device equipped with a camera and a mobile software application. The software application enables a) providing guidance to an operator for making, by the camera, a set of one or more images of an object, so as to obtain them at one or more angles suggested by the software application for properly registering currently existing visible features of the object, b) obtaining the set of images, c) storing the set of obtained images as a current set, along with its related data, in at least one storage/processing location for further analysis. The technique, using the mobile software application, may also perform d) analysis of thus obtained current set of images by comparing it with another reference set of images of the same or similar object. The technique may be used, for example, for detecting defects on a vehicle body.

Abstract: Method, systems and devices for determining for performing enhanced location based trilateration include receiving location information (e.g., waypoints) from one or more external devices, determining the validity of the received location information, performing normalization operations to normalize the received location information, assigning an overall ranking and a device-specific ranking to the location information, and storing the validated and normalized location information in memory. The enhanced location based trilateration may also include selecting four locations (e.g., waypoints) from the memory based on a combination of the overall ranking and the device-specific ranking, and generating a final location value or waypoint based on a result of applying the four selected waypoints to a kalman filter. The output of the kalman filter may also be reported and/or used as the device's current location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative apparatus and system for onboard spacecraft location determination and celestial navigation by employing spectral observations of extrasolar planetary star system motion. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions.

Abstract: An autofocus system includes an imaging device, a lens system and a focus control actuator that is configured to change a focus position of the imaging device in relation to a stage. The electronic control unit is configured to control the focus control actuator to a plurality of predetermined focus positions, and activate the imaging device to obtain an image at predetermined positions and then apply a spatial filter to the obtained images. This generates a filtered image for the obtained images. The control unit determines a focus score for the filtered images such that the focus score corresponds to a degree of focus in the obtained images. The control unit identifies a best focus position by comparing the focus score of the filtered images, and controls the focus control actuator to the best focus position corresponding to the highest focus score.

Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, comprising a frame unit rotatable in a horizontal direction, a telescope unit as mounted rotatably in a vertical direction on the frame unit and further for sighting an object to be measured, a horizontal driving unit for rotating and driving the frame unit in a horizontal direction, a vertical driving unit for rotating the telescope unit in a vertical direction, a horizontal angle measuring unit for detecting a horizontal angle of the frame unit, a vertical angle measuring unit for detecting a vertical angle of the telescope unit and a control device, wherein the control device is adapted to calculate a solar altitude at a time moment by setting up coordinates of where the surveying instrument is installed and the time moment, and to make the telescope unit to set to the solar altitude as calculated by controlling the vertical driving unit, to control the horizontal driving unit, to execute searching of the sun by horizontally rotating the frame unit at the sola

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for laser-based target locating for measuring and displaying absolute coordinates (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates) for a target. Techniques include determining absolute coordinates of a laser-based target locator, and using range and other measurements (e.g., compass heading, tilt, and/or the like) to determine the absolute coordinates of a target. The laser-based target locator can then display the absolute coordinates to a user. Sensors providing the other measurements may be calibrated by first determining the absolute coordinates of an optical tag, which may be optically communicated to the laser-based target locator.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide for a computer implemented method, computer readable medium, and data processing system for adjusting a perceived image seen through an optical observation device. The azimuth-elevation-rotation of the optical observation device is measured relative to an observer. The field of view observed through the observation device appears with at least one of rotated and inverted optical translation relative to observation of the object with an unaided eye of the observer. Based on the celestial coordinate system inherent in the design of the mounting of the optical observation device, moving optical observation device in the optical translation direction, wherein the field of view moves in the optical view direction, and wherein the celestial coordinate system is selected from a group consisting of an equatorial coordinate system and an azimuth-elevation coordinate system.

Abstract: An attitude control device for space station with system parameter uncertainties and on-orbit dynamic disturbances. A plurality of state sensors measure a plurality of states of the space station. An identification frequency selecting device selects an identification frequency. A moment of inertia identification operator calculation unit calculates a moment of inertia identification operator. A moment of inertia identification device calculates moment of inertia of the space station. A disturbance torque identification device calculates disturbance torque. A control torque calculation unit calculates a control signal. A plurality of thrusters generate a control torque based on the control signal.

Abstract: Microlithographic illumination system includes individually drivable elements to variably illuminate a pupil surface of the system. Each element deviates an incident light beam based on a control signal applied to the element. The system also includes an instrument to provide a measurement signal, and a model-based state estimator configured to compute, for each element, an estimated state vector based on the measurement signal. The estimated state vector represents: a deviation of a light beam caused by the element; and a time derivative of the deviation. The illumination system further includes a regulator configured to receive, for each element: a) the estimated state vector; and b) target values for: i) the deviation of the light beam caused by the deviating element; and ii) the time derivative of the deviation.

Abstract: In a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto an energy collecting body mounted at the mirror's focal axis, an alignment correction apparatus and method includes a linear array of light detectors adapted to be mounted at a bottom of and across a centerline of the curved mirror so as to intercept the shadow cast by the energy collecting body mounted along the focal axis. Outputs of each of the detectors are measured and plotted according to an order of arrangement of the light detectors on the array. The output results in a dip across adjacent detectors when a shadow falls across the array. A shadow detection means is adapted to determine a center point of the dip and correction means are configured to output a correction command if the center point is different from an optimal position.

Abstract: A sound-creation interface is used to create a sound-creation instrument such as a musical instrument. The musical instrument includes a mechanical-human interface such as a set of keys, strings or breathing pipe for user actuation and control of the system, a mechanical-electrical interface receiving inputs from the mechanical-human interface and for converting those inputs to a machine comprehensible signal and an electrical/processor interface receiving signals from the mechanical electrical interface and converting those signals into a processor comprehensible form. A processor receives processor comprehensible signals from the electrical-processor interface and includes a processor component and a memory component. The system allows simplified interaction between the user using the mechanical interface and the processor providing an improved sound-creation interface.

Abstract: A solar simulator includes a light source having an optical axis linearly elongated, a feed means for feeding a long continuous film-shaped irradiation object, and a position regulating means for regulating the long continuous film-shaped irradiation object in position to surround the light source so that a center of the long continuous film-shaped irradiation object is coaxial with the optical axis. The long continuous film-shaped irradiation object regulated in position is irradiated with light from the light source.

Abstract: Precision approach path indicator (PAPI) measurement systems and methods are described herein. One system includes a number of light sensor modules, wherein each light sensor module is configured to determine an intensity of a beam of light from a PAPI unit, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine a transition angle of the beam of light from the PAPI unit, an elevation angle of the beam of light with respect to horizontal, and a width of a transition region of the beam of light, based, at least in part, on the intensity of the beam of light determined by each light sensor module.

Abstract: An optoelectronic inclination sensor determines the inclination of a reference plane relative to the horizontal. A sensor body has a liquid layer, the free surface of which represents a horizon that can be inclined relative to the reference plane, forming an optical boundary to the adjacent medium. A light source disposed below the liquid layer emits a light beam onto the boundary. An optical sensor surface below the liquid layer detects the light beam reflected by the boundary. An analysis unit determines the inclination of the reference plane as a function of the amount of light received by the sensor surface. A deflecting element for deflecting or initially totally reflecting the beam is disposed between the source and the liquid layer. The beam is inclined as a result of said deflection or initial total reflection. A second total reflection occurs at the boundary in both the inclined and non-inclined orientation.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and using open sky data is described. A vehicle equipped with a range-finding device travels on a road network in a geographic region. The range-finding device transmits a pulse at a given position and obtains range data associated with the position. The system uses the range data to generate data representing visibility of open sky at the given position and at other positions along the road network. For example, the system may determine transmission angles of pulses transmitted at positions that did not encounter a physical object and then use the determined transmission angles to generate data representing visibility of open sky at these positions. The system then stores the data representing the visibility of open sky. The system then associates the data representing the visibility of open sky with data representing physical features.

Abstract: A satellite tracking system and a method of controlling the same, in which the satellite tracking system comprises an ARGO-M Operation System (AOS) and a Tracking Mount System (TMS). The AOS comprises a time & frequency system configured to include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and to receive Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), and an Interface Control System (ICS) configured to calculate the orbital position data of a satellite using the UTC and per-satellite estimated orbit data by means of Lagrangian interpolation, and to send a command to track the position of the satellite. The TMS comprises a tracking mount configured to support a telescope that measures distance to the satellite, and to operate in accordance with the position of the satellite, and a servo controller configured to receive the orbital position data of the satellite, to receive the UTC, and to send a command to track the satellite.

Abstract: A beacon device includes a control circuitry, a window, and a plurality of sets of illumination sources. The window includes a prismatic structure forming a ring from a planar perspective. The prismatic structure defines an inside surface and an outside surface from the planar perspective. The plurality of sets of illumination sources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set of illumination sources includes a first illumination source disposed proximal to the inside surface of the prismatic structure and includes a second illumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface of the prismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a first set of the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit a signal in a first direction.

Abstract: A method of determining a position of a target is disclosed. A position of a targeting instrument relative to a friendly asset is established. A signal from the friendly asset is transmitted. The signal from the friendly asset is received at first and second locations associated with the targeting instrument. An orientation of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset is determined based on when the signal is received at the first and second locations. The position of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset is compared with the orientation of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset, to thereby determine the orientation of the target relative to the targeting instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that can be utilized for accurate pre-aiming and installation of devices. The devices are pre-set to an aiming orientation relative to a universal reference plane. The reference plane is then correlated to a feature of a pole, tower, or other structure that will be used to elevate or suspend the devices. A position sensing subsystem is utilized to inform a worker when each device is correctly angularly oriented to the reference plane. The worker simply moves the mounting structure for the device to the correct three-dimensional angular orientation, uses the position sensor to confirm the correct orientation to within a highly accurate margin of error, and either locks the device in that orientation or marks the orientation. The pole, tower, or other elevating structure is preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation with the pre-aimed devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geographical data collecting device, which comprises a distance measuring unit 5 for projecting a distance measuring light and for measuring a distance to an object to be measured, an image pickup unit 3 for taking an image in a measuring direction, a display unit 6 for displaying an image picked up, a touch panel installed to match a position of screen of the display unit, a tilt sensor 11 for detecting a tilting, an azimuth sensor 12 for detecting a horizontal angle in the measuring direction, and a control arithmetic unit 8, wherein the image pickup unit takes an image of a measurement range, acquires a reference image, is directed to a selected measuring point in the reference image, and acquires a measured image with the measuring point as a center, and wherein said control arithmetic unit calculates the measuring point in the reference image through an image matching of the reference image and the measured image and displays a measuring point on at least one of the refer

Abstract: A machine control system uses a laser system and global navigation satellite system to determine the position of the machine. The laser system has a laser detector positioned in a known and fixed relationship with the nominal phase center of a global navigation satellite antenna. The laser detector receives laser light transmitted from a laser transmitter. The outputs of the laser system and the global navigation satellite system are used together to determine the position of the transmitter prior to being used to determine the position of the machine.

Abstract: An inclination detector includes: a casing; a light source installed in the casing; a reflector being suspended with a suspender to be at a certain position in the casing and reflecting a light beam from the light source to a direction different from a light axis direction; and a detector that outputs a signal corresponding to a projected position of the light beam, and an inclination of the casing is detected based on the projected position of the light beam reflected by the reflector.

Abstract: A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined position is disclosed. The SAMD may include a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD, an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector, and a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit.

Abstract: A satellite tracking system and a method of controlling the same, in which the satellite tracking system comprises an ARGO-M Operation System (AOS) and a Tracking Mount System (TMS). The AOS comprises a time & frequency system configured to include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and to receive Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), and an Interface Control System (ICS) configured to calculate the orbital position data of a satellite using the UTC and per-satellite estimated orbit data by means of Lagrangian interpolation, and to send a command to track the position of the satellite. The TMS comprises a tracking mount configured to support a telescope that measures distance to the satellite, and to operate in accordance with the position of the satellite, and a servo controller configured to receive the orbital position data of the satellite, to receive the UTC, and to send a command to track the satellite.

Abstract: A rotary laser emitting apparatus includes a rotary body, a foundation configured to rotatably support the rotary body about an axis, a laser light emitting section contained in the rotary body and configured to emit laser light in a direction orthogonal to a rotation axis of the rotary body, a relative slope detecting mechanism configured to detect an amount of deviation of the rotation axis of the rotary body from the axis of the foundation as a relative slope signal, and a transmitting section configured to transmit the relative slope signal detected by the relative slope detecting mechanism.

Abstract: The direction of a solar light tracking sensor is set easily with high accuracy. A solar light tracking guide (35) is installed on the optical axis (11) of the reflected light collected by a heliostat (2). An optical telescope (47) is so attached to the rear end part of the guide (35) as to be aligned with the guide axis (C) of the guide (35). The posture of the solar light tracking guide (35) is so adjusted that a cross provided in the field of view of the telescope (47) agrees with the center (10a) of the light collection target position and fixed to the base (38). Then, a solar light tracking sensor (12) is fastened to the rear end part of the guide (35) in place of the optical telescope (47).

Abstract: A solar resource measurement system captures an orientation-referenced image within a field of view of a tilted surface that includes a skyline, detects the skyline within the orientation-referenced image to establish a set of zenith angles as a function of azimuth angles associated with the skyline, and determines a solar resource for the tilted surface from the orientation-referenced image and the set of zenith angles as the function of azimuth angles that are associated with the skyline.

Abstract: A system for tracking a structure relative to the sun using an azimuth motor and an elevation motor, the system including an ephemeris calculator configured to output an anticipated azimuth angle and an anticipated zenith angle of the sun relative to the structure geographic location at a given time, a command calculator configured to generate an azimuth motor shaft position command corresponding to the anticipated azimuth angle and an elevation motor shaft position command corresponding to the anticipated zenith angle, an azimuth control loop configured to minimize a difference between the azimuth motor shaft position command and the actual azimuth motor shaft position, and an elevation control loop configured to minimize a difference between the elevation motor shaft position command and the actual elevation motor shaft position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light sensing system and a control method thereof. The light sensing system comprises a body, a plurality of first light sensors, a base, a plurality of second light sensors and a processing module. A through hole is disposed on the body. The first light sensors are disposed symmetrically on the body and generating a plurality of first sensing signal after sensing lights correspondingly. The base is arranged under the body. The second light sensors are disposed symmetrically on the base, while the geometric center of the second light sensors corresponds to the geometric center of the through hole. The second light sensors generating a plurality of second sensing signals correspondingly after sensing lights via the through hole. The processing module connects to the first and the second light sensors, and controls the light sensing system according to the first and the second sensing signals.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a telescope is automatically aligned without requiring user intervention and without requiring knowledge of actual local time or location. A mount model specifying a relationship between a telescope's internal coordinate system and a celestial coordinate system is generated using an arbitrary time, arbitrary telescope location, and a number of alignment reference points. A pointing error for the initial mount model is determined, for example using a plate solving technique to translate between plate coordinates and celestial coordinates for the alignment reference points. Time and location values are iteratively adjusted to reduce the pointing error until it is acceptably low. In one embodiment, adjustments are made by reference to a local sidereal time (LST) offset and/or a latitude value. In one embodiment, the iterative adjustment is performed using a two-phase methodology, including a coarse adjustment followed by a fine adjustment.

Abstract: An optical tracking system can include at least one scanning detector having a scanning mirror and one or more fixed photo-detectors located near the scanning mirror. The scanning mirror can be configured to deflect a light beam from a source towards a retroreflective target and the photodetectors are configured to collect a portion of the light beam that is retroreflected from the target. A scanning optical detector apparatus may optionally comprise a substrate, a scanning mirror having at least one portion monolithically integrated into the substrate, and one or more photodetectors monolithically incorporated into the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the claims' scope or meaning.

Abstract: A method of stationing an unleveled optical total station includes placing the unleveled optical total station at a first station. At the first station, positions of at least three non-collinear measurement points in an instrument coordinate system are determined using the unleveled optical total station. The method also includes obtaining positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in a local coordinate system. A transformation is computed between the instrument coordinate system and the local coordinate system using the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the instrument coordinate system and the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the local coordinate system.

Abstract: A solar tracking device including a solar panel, an orientation control device, and an inclination sensing device is provided. The solar panel is suitable for converting solar energy into electric energy. The orientation control device controls an orientation of the solar panel according to the position and time of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is disposed on the solar panel for detecting an inclination direction of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is suitable for outputting a feedback signal to the orientation control device to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. The solar tracking device has a simple tracking mechanism because of a simple feedback mechanism of the inclination sensing device.