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 then preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation with the pre-aimed devices.

Abstract: A novel Parametric Systematic Error Correction (ParSEC) system is disclosed which provides improved system accuracy for image navigation and registration (INR). This system may be employed in any suitable imaging system and, more specifically, to all imaging systems that exhibit systematic distortion. The ParSEC system may be employed to any such system regardless of sensing type (remote or in situ) or imaging media (photon or charged particle) and is further applicable to corrected imaging of any celestial body currently detectable to remove distortion and systematic error from the imaging system employed. The ParSEC system of the instant invention comprises a software algorithm that generates at least about 12 correction coefficients for each of the INR system measurements such as stars, visible landmarks, infrared (IR) landmarks and earth edges.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a sensor to locate and track an object of interest; an imaging camera having a plurality of detectors juxtapositionally aligned to increase the field of regard of an image of interest and a plurality of corresponding illuminators, each illuminator co-aligned with the field of view of a corresponding detector; and a digital processor connected to the sensor to receive tracking signals indicative of the track of the object of interest and connected to the imaging camera to provide a control signal to the imaging camera to activate each one of the detectors when the object of interest is within the field of view of a detector.

Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire dimensional information associated with tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly. The sensors acquire dimensional information associated with at least one feature of the vehicle wheel assembly or a tire service tool. The vehicle tire changing system is configured to utilize the acquired dimensional information to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention a laser directed infrared countermeasures system (hereinafter: “LDIRCM system”) is mountable on a platform. According to some embodiments of the invention, a LDIRCM system may include a plurality of sector units. Each sector unit may include at least one laser unit and a laser guidance module. The laser unit may be adapted to generate a laser beam or laser energy that is intended for jamming a guidance system of a threat. The laser unit may be coupled to the laser guidance module. The laser guidance module may be adapted to steer at least a laser beam generated by the laser unit towards a threat.

Abstract: A weighing scale, e.g. a top-pan scale, having a scale pan (01, 02) supported on a force transducer, and a corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) measuring the tilting of the scale pan (01, 02) relative to the force transducer. The corner load sensor includes a light beam source (03, 04, 06) emitting a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam and the second light beam are directed toward a reflecting surface on an underside of an arrangement that includes the scale pan (01, 02). The first light beam and the second light beam are respectively inclined relative to the reflecting surface of the untilted scale pan (01). The corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) of the scale also includes a first optical sensor (08) measuring the first light beam reflected by the reflecting surface. If no corner load exists, a predetermined proportion (12) of the reflected first light beam is directed to the first optical sensor (08).

Abstract: A device and a method for checking an attitude of a vehicle (100), comprising at least a measuring instrument (3) for measuring at least one characteristic attitude parameter, in which the measuring instrument (3) is installed on board a self-propelled unit (2) which moves autonomously on the ground, in such a way as to follow variable trajectories.

Abstract: A star tracker is used to measure the direction of stars. Preferably a wide imaging range is provided so that a reliable orientation of the star tracker can be computed from measurements of the directions of star at substantially different directions. The star tracker comprises a light baffle and located between the light baffle and an image sensing arrangement. The light baffle comprises an array of walls, including sidewalls and at least one internal wall between the sidewalls. Preferably, the side walls and the at least one internal wall are oriented at mutually different orientations emanating from a virtual line of intersection of the planes of the walls. Thus a range of star directions can be imaged with constant sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided is a high-effective concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method; and, more particularly, to a concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method, which maximize concentration efficiency by concentrating solar light using a Fresnel lens and moving a solar panel based on focus information formed when the concentrated solar light is irradiated on a photodiode.

Abstract: An onboard solar cell array current and voltage characteristic determination method is preferably used on small spacecraft and determines the solar cell orientation relative to the sun by a comparison between prelaunch solar cell characteristics with on-orbit solar cell characteristics well suited for spin axis determinations and monitoring the degradation of on-orbit solar cells over the operational life of a picosatellite.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method for measuring the attitude of an object in outer space includes an optical system having an aperture to receive optical radiation and a focal plane to image the optical radiation and an aperture-sharing element attached to the optical element and at least partially surrounding an optical path into the aperture. The aperture-sharing element directs optical radiation from a field of view of the aperture-sharing element to a corresponding first portion of the focal plane to provide multi-axis stellar attitude measurements, and the aperture receives optical radiation along the optical path into the aperture and directs the optical radiation to a second portion of the focal plane.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a level of a substance in a container, the method comprises emitting one pulse from a light source in a field of illumination toward a surface of said substance in said container. A backscatter signal of said pulse is detected by an optical detector. A lidar trace is created from said backscatter signal, said lidar trace including at least one reflection peak; A surface reflection is identified among said at least one reflection peak in said lidar trace, said surface reflection being a reflection of said pulse from said surface. The surface reflection is signal-fitted to provide a fitted surface trace. A level of said substance is determined in said container using said fitted surface trace.

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: The invention in the preferred embodiment features a solar concentrator that can align and/or track based on images from a video camera, for example. The concentrator preferably includes one or more optical elements for directing light to a receiver, a camera for capturing an image of the optical elements, and a controller configured to: detect the orientation of the one or more optical elements from the one or more images, determine an orientation error based on the detected orientation, and automatically orient the one or more optical elements to minimize the orientation error. The optical elements generally comprise a plurality of mirrors or lenses arranged in a one or two dimensional array.

Abstract: A measuring system includes a laser tracker (10), a target point marked by a reflector (12), a surveying apparatus (13), and an arithmetic and control unit (14). The laser tracker emits a measuring beam (M) which is reflected by the reflector, a process that is used for determining the distance between the laser tracker (10) and the reflector (12). The surveying apparatus has a known position and orientation relative to the measuring beam (M) while preferably being embodied as a survey camera. The inventive measuring system is designed so as to track the reflector (12) via the measuring beam (M). In a normal tracking mode (A), a measured value for controlling the orientation of the measuring beam (M) is derived from the detection of the measuring beam reflected by the reflector (12).

Abstract: A tilt sensor capable of detecting more diverse orientations is to be provided. The tilt sensor includes a light emitting element and a plurality of photodetectors, a rolling element, and a hollow portion that accommodates the rolling element so as to allow the rolling element to roll in all of x-, y-, and z-direction, and to locate the rolling element, according to a direction of the gravity, at one of detecting positions including a complete blocking position that inhibits light from the light emitting element from reaching any of the photodetectors, a plurality of partial blocking positions that inhibits the light from the light emitting element from reaching at least one but not all of the photodetectors, and a nonblocking position that permits the light from the light emitting element to reach all of the photodetectors, and two of the detecting positions are each located on a respective end portion of the hollow portion in the x-, y-, and z-direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensor based on the transit time principle, comprising a light source for the emission of emergent light pulses into an observed region, comprising a rotating device for rotating a beam direction of the emergent light pulses about a rotation axis orientated transverse to the beam direction, and comprising a detector for the detection of light pulses reflected by objects in the observed region, comprising a housing for keeping the sensor interior separate from the environment and including a partitioning screen that is transparent to the emergent light pulses and to the reflected light pulses, comprising a test device for testing the translucence of the partitioning screen, and comprising a control and evaluation unit for controlling the light source, for evaluating the light pulses detected by the detector, and for determining the distance away of an object on the basis of the measured transit time of the light pulses, which control and evaluation unit cooperates wi

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic measurement method for determining a position, particularly an angle or a length, of a code carrier (10) that carries a position code (11) and is movable relative to a detector element (30) with a degree of freedom, particularly in a rotary or translational fashion. The detector element (30) has at least one line in the longitudinal direction comprising a plurality of light-sensitive receiving regions (31) disposed in a linear fashion. In the course of the positional measurement method, a projection is produced of part of the position code (11) on the detector element (30) that is dependent on the position of the code carrier (10); said projection is produced by at least an emission of optical radiation onto the code carrier (10) using a laser diode (20) having an emitter edge (21), and said projection is detected by the detector element (30). The position of the code carrier (10) relative to the detector element (30) is derived from the projection.

Abstract: A power tool control system includes a non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with the power tool and enabled to establish various readings, such as power tool settings. A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a surveying instrument is disclosed, the survey instrument comprising a base element and a camera with an image sensor, the camera being rotatable about a vertical axis fixed with respect to said base element and being rotatable about a tilting axis, the tilting axis being rotated about the vertical axis with rotation of the camera about the vertical axis. In the method, data associated with calibration points and images of the calibration points on the image sensor captured in different faces are used, the data for each of said calibration points comprising distance data and the data for each of the images of each said calibration point comprising image position data and orientation data.

Abstract: Systems and methods to calibrate aircraft surfaces are provided. A particular method includes installing a set of laser targets. The set of laser targets includes at least first laser target and a second laser target. The first laser target is installed on a first side of a first aircraft surface and the second laser target is installed on a second side of the first aircraft surface at a known location relative to the first laser target. The method also includes determining a first position of the first laser target with a first laser device. The method further includes determining a second position of the second laser target with a second laser device. The method includes determining a position of the first aircraft surface based on the first position of the first laser target and the second position of the second laser target.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic tracking system includes a system controller having a sensor interface, a generator, and a positioning and angular orientation configuration. The generator is responsive to the system controller for generating an electro-magnetic field that includes a tracking volume of highest accuracy. The highest accuracy corresponds to an accuracy of the sensor interface and system controller to detect a sensor physically located within the tracking volume versus a lesser accuracy of the sensor interface and system controller to detect the sensor if the sensor is located outside of the tracking volume. The positioning and angular orientation configuration is coupled to the field generator for visibly optimizing (i) a positioning and/or (ii) an angular orientation of the electro-magnetic field generator such that the tracking volume lies within a centroid of a physical volume of interest, thereby enabling a detection of a sensor within the tracking volume with a highest accuracy.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a sunlight-detecting unit, a control unit, a first motor and a second motor. The sunlight-detecting unit detects the position of the sun. Based on the position of the sun, the control unit instructs the first motor to rotate a solar cell array and the second motor to tilt the solar cell array.

Abstract: Detection sensors utilizing linear arrays using one or more linear arrays of detectors sampled at a high rate. The invention is useful for target detection including hydrocarbon events such as guns, mortars, RPG missiles and artillery firings, lightning, and other optical events.

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: Angular deviation of illumination beam is measured with high accuracy for an expanded continuous range of angles using grating sensors that are configured to exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance effects at actinic wavelengths. The beam deviation measurement systems and procedures are applicable to both mask-based and maskless lithography tools. A control system adopts an appropriate calibration algorithm based on whether the SPR effect is detected or not. Relative intensity shift in an SPR-affected diffractive order, and/or relative position and slope change in non-SPR-affected diffractive orders are used as a basis of the adopted calibration algorithm.

Abstract: A satellite surveillance countermeasure system uses an airborne platform to position a coherent radiation source above a substantial portion of the Earth's atmosphere. The coherent radiation source provides coherent radiation that is directed toward an enemy surveillance satellite, so as to reversibly deny the satellite the ability to image. By positioning the coherent radiation source at such an altitude, atmospheric attenuation and distortion are mitigated. Thus, a smaller, less powerful and less costly coherent radiation source can be utilized. The use of an airborne platform also makes the system more portable and affordable.

Abstract: A method of mobile radio positioning aided by a single fan self-surveying laser transmitter (SF_SS_LT), wherein a rover comprises a mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) integrated with a mobile laser detector; and wherein THE SF_SS_LT comprises a single fan laser transmitter and a positioning system integrated with the single fan laser transmitter. The method comprises: (A) performing self-surveying of the (SF_SS_LT); (B) generating a single fan laser beam by using the single fan laser transmitter; (C) detecting the single fan beam by using the mobile laser detector; and (D) timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location and using the timing of the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.

Abstract: Method for providing a known reference point for an airborne imaging system, the method including providing at measured earth co-ordinates a camera/mirror assembly having a camera and a mirror mounted in fixed mutual spatial relationship and capable of tilting about two mutually orthogonal axes. Using the camera to track the sun and produce at least two or more different measured times respective time tagged camera images. Using the time tagged camera images to obtain a transformation of mirror axes relative to axes of the earth at a mirror location on the earth where the mirror is mounted. During a time window when the mirror is within a line of sight of the airborne imaging system and the sun, adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the mirror so that the sun is reflected by the mirror toward the airborne imaging system thereby capturing an image of the mirror in an aerial image produced by the airborne imaging system.

Abstract: A combination laser detector and global navigation satellite antenna has a laser detector positioned in a known and fixed relationship with the nominal phase center of an included global navigation satellite antenna. The offsets for these elements may be fixed, simplifying set up.

Abstract: Multiple observations using a reconfigurable space-based telescope are performed by independently targeting one or more sensor units, within a field of view, relative to a main body of the space-based telescope. The sensor units are capable of simultaneously obtaining an image of one or more targets, respectively. At least one of the sensor units is independently retargetable relative to the main body of the space-based telescope to obtain an image of at least one other target. Further, the sensor units are independently maneuverable in formation relative to the main body of the space-based telescope to obtain various lines of sight without changing an optical axis of the main body of the space-based telescope.

Abstract: A star tracker is used to measure the direction of stars. Preferably a wide imaging range is provided so that a reliable orientation of the star tracker can be computed from measurements of the directions of star at substantially different directions. The star tracker comprises a light baffle and located between the light baffle and an image sensing arrangement. The light baffle comprises an array of walls, including sidewalls and at least one internal wall between the sidewalls. Preferably, the side walls and the at least one internal wall are oriented at mutually different orientations emanating from a virtual line of intersection of the planes of the walls. Thus a range of star directions can be imaged with constant sensitivity.

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for processing signals in a satellite/laser positioning system capable of generating location coordinates from received satellite signals and a received laser signal. A height coordinate bias value is maintained by a filter processor during periods when the laser signal is available. The height coordinate bias value represents an estimated difference between a satellite signal derived height coordinate and a laser signal derived height coordinate. During periods when the laser signal is available, the laser signal derived height coordinate is output. During periods when the laser signal is not available, a corrected height coordinate value is generated by applying the height coordinate bias value to the satellite signal derived height coordinate.

Abstract: A method for target acquisition and tracking of a moving station or target (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle) for carrying out free space optical communications uses an “elapsed time”-based approach to determine the position of the moving station at any future time, based on the time difference since the moving station's last known position. For example, the vehicle may be for purposes of reconnaissance, where the optical link provides a secure and high-bandwidth communications pathway between the moving station and a ground station. A mathematical model of the moving station's expected periodic flight path is combined with position and time elements to accurately predict the future position of the moving station for target re-acquisition. The model is a cubic spline interpolation of known flight path waypoints. The system may also employ multiple waypoints in initial acquisition, by alternating acquisition attempts over several waypoints instead of “staring” at a single waypoint.

Abstract: The method of mobile radio positioning aided by a single fan laser comprising: generating a single sloping fan beam by using a stationary fan laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates; detecting the single sloping fan beam by using the mobile laser detector; receiving the averaged low-passed filtered estimate of angular rate of the laser beam; receiving the plurality of main time tags; receiving the plurality of additional time tags; and timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: A system for detecting motion between a first body and a second body includes first and second detector-emitter pairs, disposed on the first body, and configured to transmit and receive first and second optical beams, respectively. At least a first optical rotator is disposed on the second body and configured to receive and reflect at least one of the first and second optical beams. First and second detectors of the detector-emitter pairs are configured to detect the first and second optical beams, respectively. Each of the first and second detectors is configured to detect motion between the first and second bodies in multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). The first optical rotator includes a V-notch oriented to form an apex of an isosceles triangle with respect to a base of the isosceles triangle formed by the first and second detector-emitter pairs. The V-notch is configured to receive the first optical beam and reflect the first optical beam to both the first and second detectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include presenting data related to image information captured by a telescope on an electronic display, such as, for example, a high definition display. For example, a telescope control system may advantageously output video or other signals to one or more displays in a multi-media or image presentation. In certain preferred embodiments, such display comprises high definition displays, or the like. For example, such display may comprise entertainment, academic or other presentations.

Abstract: A celestial object locating device according to the present disclosure enables a user to unambiguously identify one or more stars or other celestial objects. The celestial object locating device may also direct a user to a desired celestial object or objects. The device may be useful for locating or identifying stars, constellations, and deep sky objects without knowing a users location or time of day. The celestial object locating device determines the angle between selected visible stars and compares these angles to angles between known stars to determine the location of all other stars. The device includes a 3-axis magnetic field sensor and a 3-axis gravitational field sensor that operate with a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated using any suitable method such as flash drives, network connections or other.

Abstract: The position of an apparatus moving along a surface is determined by calculating a plurality of vertical angles between the apparatus and a known location, where the vertical angles vary only within a range having a largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of horizontal distances between the apparatus and the known location are determined, each of the horizontal distances associated with one of the vertical angles. The horizontal distances are computed to within a tolerance based at least in part on the largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of heights of the apparatus are then determined using the plurality of vertical angles and associated horizontal distances. In particular embodiments, the known location may be associated with a rotating laser used with a photodetector at the target to determine the vertical angle. Further, the target may comprise a GPS receiver for use in determining the horizontal distance measurements.

Abstract: A method for enabling a vehicle wheel alignment system to compensate an imaging sensor coordinate system for changes associated with adjustments to the pose of an imaging sensor, following movement of a vehicle lift mechanism supporting a vehicle undergoing a vehicle wheel alignment procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surveying system, comprising at least one total station unit (210,220), and at least one target (201,203), said targets having wireless communication means, each unit provided with a unique wireless communication address for wireless communication, the wireless communication to be used to activate a selected total station (210,220) to identify and measure the location of a chosen target (201,203) in relation to a relative reference system, each target having identification means to be used by the total station for identification of the chosen target, each total station having identifying means used for identification of the chosen target to be measured. The invention also relates to a target and a method for surveying using the total stations and the targets according to the system.

Abstract: A method of mobile radio positioning aided by a single fan self-surveying laser transmitter (SF_SS_LT), wherein a rover comprises a mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) integrated with a mobile laser detector; and wherein THE SF_SS_LT comprises a single fan laser transmitter and a positioning system integrated with the single fan laser transmitter. The method comprises: (A) performing self-surveying of the (SF_SS_LT); (B) generating a single fan laser beam by using the single fan laser transmitter; (C) detecting the single fan beam by using the mobile laser detector; and (D) timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location and using the timing of the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: The method of mobile radio positioning aided by a single fan laser comprising: generating a single sloping fan beam by using a stationary fan laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates; detecting the single sloping fan beam by using the mobile laser detector; receiving the averaged low-passed filtered estimate of angular rate of the laser beam; receiving the plurality of main time tags; receiving the plurality of additional time tags; and timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for aligning an optical instrument with respect to a celestial coordinate system, the optical instrument having a field of view and an optical instrument coordinate system, the celestial coordinate system having a plurality of objects each having celestial coordinates. The method includes the steps of receiving a plurality of captured optical instrument positions in the optical instrument coordinate system along with a plurality of associated capture times; calculating, for each associated capture time in the plurality of associated capture times, coordinates in the optical instrument coordinate system for the plurality of objects to create a plurality of calculated object positions for each associated capture time; and, determining, for each associated capture time, a match for each captured optical instrument position in the plurality of captured optical instrument positions with the plurality of calculated object positions to create a list of actual alignment objects.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an optical arrangement, an assembly of a plurality of detectors, and a signal processor. The optical arrangement is capable of viewing a scene that includes an object, where the scene is capable of moving through a field of view of the optical arrangement during each of a plurality of transit periods. The detectors of the assembly are arranged in a vertical scanning direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the scene, and are separately capable of producing an image of the object for each transit period in accordance with a time-delay integration technique. The signal processor, then, is capable of determining the angular position of the object for each transit period based upon the images produced by the detectors.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system utilizing a non-contact range finding system in conjunction with one or more optical imaging sensors to acquire images of a fixed target, fixed random object, or the vehicle wheels, from which three-dimensional information related to one or more optical imaging sensor positions or vehicle wheel alignment angles can be obtained.

Abstract: A platform such as a car has a processor receiving information representing the location of the platform and a location of a target. An emitter assembly controlled by the processor produces a visual display outside of and beyond the platform that an occupant of the platform can see. The display is transmitted along the target bearing.

Abstract: A self-surveying laser transmitter comprising a laser transmitter configured to generate at least one rotating laser beam and a radio positioning system integrated with the laser transmitter. The radio positioning system is configured to obtain the precise coordinate measurements of the laser transmitter. by utilizing the differential corrections transmitted from the Base Station by using the wireless communication link.