Automatic Following Or Aligning While Indicating Measurement Patents (Class 356/139.04)
  • Patent number: 11401664
    Abstract: A milling machine having a height-adjustable machine body includes a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, a plurality of traction elements, a milling rotor assembly; and a machine height sensor system. The machine height sensor system includes a plurality of laterally adjustable machine height sensors and a plurality of position sensors, each associated with a respective height sensor and measuring a lateral extent of the height sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Muir, Nathaniel S. Doy
  • Patent number: 10943367
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a method of calibrating a detection system that is mounted on a vehicle. The method includes detecting characteristics of the mirror and characteristics of a vehicle portion using the detection system. The mirror reflects the vehicle portion to be detected using the detection system. The method also includes determining a first transform based on the detected one or more of mirror characteristics, determining a second transform based on the one or more vehicle portion characteristics, and determining a third transform based on a known position of the vehicle portion in relation to the vehicle. Further, the method includes determining a position of the detection system relative to the vehicle based on the first, second, and third transforms and then calibrating the detection system using the determined position of the detection system relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Craig Lewin Robinson, Volker Grabe, Colin Braley, Zachary Morriss, Stephanie McArthur, Andrew Crawford
  • Patent number: 10931874
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating burst mode calibration sensing and image mode sensing. In one example, a device includes a detector array configured to detect electromagnetic radiation and provide image data frames according to a first frame rate. The device further includes a logic circuit configured to determine whether a threshold delay has elapsed. The device further includes a frame output circuit configured to: provide, based at least on the threshold delay having elapsed, the image data frames according to the first frame rate; and provide, based at least on the threshold delay not having elapsed, the image data frames according to a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate. Related methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: FLIR COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Brian B. Simolon, Christopher Chan, Robert F. Cannata, Eric A. Kurth
  • Patent number: 10634994
    Abstract: An imprint apparatus forms a pattern on an imprint region of a substrate by bringing a mold into contact with an imprint material on the imprint region and curing the imprint material. The apparatus includes a controller for controlling an alignment operation of adjusting relative position between the mold and the imprint region in a state that the mold is in contact with the imprint material. The alignment operation includes a translation operation of performing relative translation between the imprint region and the mold, and a rotation operation of performing relative rotation between the imprint region and the mold. The rotation operation includes a first operation and a second operation, and a relative rotation direction between the imprint region and the mold in the second operation is opposite to a relative rotation direction between the imprint region and the mold in the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tosiya Asano
  • Patent number: 10571257
    Abstract: A system for determining an optimal clocking orientation of an object at which to attach mating structure to the object includes a plurality of radiation devices, a plurality of transceivers, and a processor. The radiation devices are mounted on the object which has an as-designed object configuration. The transceivers are configured to generate distance measurements between the transceivers and the radiation devices at different clocking orientations of the object. The processor is configured to determine, based on the distance measurements, as-built object configurations corresponding to the different clocking orientations of the object. The processor is configured to compare the as-built object configurations to the as-designed object configuration and determines an optimal clocking orientation at which the as-built object configuration has the smallest deviation from the as-designed object configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Li Chun Chang, Ronald J. Steckman, Richard M. Coleman, Joshua B. Guerry
  • Patent number: 10343041
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring loft and lie of a golf club head with better accuracy is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus that utilizes a high precision camera that focuses on the striking face portion of the golf club head, working in conjunctions with encoders near the shaft portion of a golf club head, to instantaneously provide precision measurement of the loft and lie of the golf club head and feedback to the operator in order to allow for more precision adjustment to the loft and lie of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Chad Arch
  • Patent number: 10197677
    Abstract: A technique for is presented for locating at least one object illuminated by a laser designator. A detector and an optical unit are provided. The one optical unit is configured for receiving a beam of laser light scattered by the at least one object being illuminated by the laser designator, for creating two secondary beams, and for focusing the two secondary beams to respective foci along an optical axis of the at least one optical unit. The detector is located between the two foci, divided into an even number of portions, and is configured for measuring an intensity of impinging light at each portion. The optical unit is configured for causing the received laser light to impinge the detector, such that an upright image and an inverted image of the scattered laser light beam having substantially equal sizes and substantially equal energies are projected on the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Analog Modules, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Drummond Crawford, Charles Gary Smith
  • Patent number: 9614625
    Abstract: In a visible light communication system including a transmission device and a receiving device arranged separately in a vertical direction and provided so as to relatively move in a horizontal direction, which transmits data from the transmission device to the receiving device by optical space transmission using visible light, the transmission device includes a first light emitting part outputting visible light, and the first light emitting part has a light source emitting visible light and a correction part correcting the light radiated from the light source so as to uniform a light intensity distribution on a horizontal plane. Even when the transmission device and the receiving device arranged separately in the vertical direction relatively move in a horizontal direction, data can be stably transmitted and received by the optical space transmission using visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Daitron Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Okaya, Minehiko Mukaida, Takashi Koyabu, Masaki Hori
  • Patent number: 9158262
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus contains a registration correction portion correcting an inclination of the sheet of paper by hitting a forward end of the sheet of paper against a pair of registration rollers, a detection portion that detects an amount of deviation in the sheet of paper, a control portion that calculates a command value of movement for correcting the amount of deviation and a moving portion that moves the registration rollers toward a direction which is perpendicular to a sheet-conveying direction based on the command value of movement with the sheet of paper being nipped with the registration rollers. The control portion controls the moving portion so that the movement of the registration rollers finishes before a limited time of movement or below an upper limit of movement set in relation to the command value of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Yusuke Kawanago, Takahiro Okubo, Ken Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8817247
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Fazludeen Ruknudeen, Vivek Viswambharan, Shinu Gervasis
  • Patent number: 8803055
    Abstract: A volumetric error compensation measurement system and method are disclosed wherein a laser tracker tracks an active target as the reference point. The active target has an optical retroreflector mounted at the center of two motorized gimbals to provide full 360 degree azimuth rotation of the retroreflector. A position sensitive detector is placed behind an aperture provided at the apex of the retroreflector to detect the relative orientation between the tracker laser beam and the retroreflector by measuring a small portion of the laser beam transmitted through the aperture. The detector's output is used as the feedback for the servo motors to drive the gimbals to maintain the retroreflector facing the tracker laser beam at all times. The gimbals are designed and the position of the retroreflector controlled such that the laser tracker always tracks to a pre-defined single point in the active target, which does not move in space when the gimbals and/or the retroreflector makes pure rotations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Automated Precision Inc.
    Inventors: Kam C. Lau, Yuanqun Liu, Guixiu Qiao, Liangyun Xie
  • Patent number: 8665426
    Abstract: Provided is an optical thread position detection device for detecting the rotational position of threads of containers. The thread position detection device comprises at least an optical detector and a positioning device for the defined orientation of a longitudinal axis of the containers relative to the detector ,the positioning device and a defined coupling area of the container being connectable to one another. The optical detector , without coming into contact, registers items of information on at least one relative rotational position of at least one thread portion, the processor device serving to generate data on the rotational position of the container, incorporating a defined reference variable and the items of information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Gerald Huettner, Stefan Piana, Robert Schmitt, Ulrich Lappe, Gerhard Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130241762
    Abstract: A light beam is scanned, for use in laser radar and other uses, by an optical system of which an example includes a beam-shaping optical system that includes a first movable optical element and a second movable optical element. The first optical element forms and directs an optical beam along a nominal propagation axis from the beam-shaping optical system to a target, and the second optical element includes a respective actuator by which the second optical element is movable relative to the first optical element. A controller is coupled at least to the actuator of the second optical element and is configured to induce motion, by the actuator, of the second optical element to move the optical beam, as incident on the target, relative to the nominal propagation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Smith, Alexander Cooper, Eric Peter Goodwin, Yuichi Takigawa, Alec Robertson
  • Patent number: 8536501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Minas Tanielian
  • Patent number: 8531657
    Abstract: This document discusses apparatus and methods for aligning and centering an articulated laser projection system. In an example, a laser projection system can include an alignment stabilization system configured to align an optical path to a reference and a centration stabilization system configured to center the optical path within an aperture. The alignment stabilization system can have an alignment stabilization processing path configured to receive alignment information from an alignment sensor, and the centration stabilization system can have a centration stabilization processing path configured to receive centration information from a centration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ernest Dean Fasse, Frederick B. Koehler, Peter Val Messina
  • Publication number: 20130201052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a group of passive sensor systems, an active sensor system, and a processor unit. The group of passive sensor systems is configured to generate first sensor information from light in an environment around the group of passive sensor systems. The active sensor system is configured to send signals, receive responses from the signals, and generate second sensor information from the responses. The processor unit is configured to control the active sensor system to send the signals in a direction toward an object using the first sensor information and generate information about the object using the second sensor information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Martin Saint Clair, William D. Sherman, Mitchell D. Voth, Ronald N. Murata, Bentley Edwin Northon, James Ridgeway Gillis, Robert P. Higgins, David Christien Soreide, Robert R. Keever, Ordie Dean Butterfield
  • Patent number: 8477419
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Celestron, LLC
    Inventor: Danyal Medley
  • Publication number: 20130070239
    Abstract: A laser spot tracker comprising a quadrant detector. A portion of a spot of laser light reflected from an object being illuminated (OBI) may be defocused to occupy a significant portion such as one-third of the field of view, while another portion remains focused, therefore allowing for quick calculation of the spot centroid. With such a “composite spot”, multiple target (OBI) positions may simultaneously be defined in elevation and azimuth with respect to null by analyzing the energy in each quadrant. The X and Y angle information (off null) for multiple targets (OBIs), and their codes may be displayed. For a large, defocused spot, two segmented multi-element detectors may be used, one in front of and the other behind the focal plane to reduce the effects of hot spots in a spot of laser light collected from an object being illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOG MODULES INC.
    Inventors: Ian D. Crawford, Noal Chandler, John Harwick, Dwight Wildon, Charles G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8325333
    Abstract: A geometric error measuring device includes a measuring module and at least one (quadrant) photodiode. The measuring module has an emitting deice, which may emit at least one light ray; the photodiode may receive the incident ray. Also, the trajectory of the incident ray is parallel with the direction of measurement. If there is no geometric error, the position of the incident light ray will coincide with the position of the measured light ray. If there is a geometric error, the position of the measured light ray will not coincide with the position of the incident light ray. After the data are processed and calculated, geometric errors in straightness, squareness and rotational angles (pitch, yaw and roll) may be obtained. These geometric errors may then be corrected in the setup of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: National Formosa University
    Inventors: Wen-Yuh Jywe, Teng-Yu Yang, Tung-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8294073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Leonard Dean Vance, Kent P. Pflibsen
  • Patent number: 8279429
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Elta Systems Ltd., Optigo Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Ori Aphek, Gil Tidhar, Tal Goichman
  • Patent number: 8279430
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Dold, Daniel Moser, Roland Zumbrunn
  • Publication number: 20120170029
    Abstract: A sensor system is provided comprising a precision tracking sensor element and one or more acquisition sensor elements. The acquisition sensor elements may be mounted on a rotating base element that rotates about a first axis. The precision tracking sensor elements may be mounted on a hinged or pivoting element or gimbal on the housing and provided with drive means to permit a user to selectively manually or automatically direct it toward a scene target of interest detected by the acquisition sensor elements. At least one of the imaging elements in the precision tracking sensor or acquisition sensors is stacked micro-channel plate focal plane array element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ISC8 Inc.
    Inventors: Medhat Azzazy, David Ludwig, James Justice
  • Patent number: 8184272
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a target from a missile warning system to a fine tracking system in a directional countermeasures system includes capturing at least one image within a field of view of the missile warning system. The method further includes identifying a threat from the captured image or images and identifying features surrounding the threat. These features are registered with the threat and image within a field of view of the fine tracking system is captured. The registered features are used to identify a location of a threat within this captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Gidseg, John A. Carattini, Phong V. Ha
  • Publication number: 20120120391
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Dold, Daniel Moser, Roland Zumbrunn
  • Patent number: 8149388
    Abstract: A surveying apparatus and method for surveying and tracking a moving object is disclosed to improve the tracking so that a moving object may be tracked reliably and automatically. The surveying apparatus comprises an optical arrangement to sight an object, and a tracking unit to track the sighted object. The tracking unit obtains an object parameter of the object, wherein the object parameter is associated with a movement of the object. Further, the tracking unit issues an instruction to the optical arrangement to change between a close range setting and a long range setting according to the obtained object parameter, the close range setting corresponding to a wide field of view and the long range setting to a narrow field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Kludas
  • Patent number: 8125629
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Dold, Daniel Moser, Roland Zumbrunn
  • Patent number: 8120764
    Abstract: A tilt sensor with power-saving mechanism is provided. The tilt sensor includes a light-emitting element, a blocking object displaceable in an accommodating space on a baseboard, at least two first light sensors, a second light sensor and a control module. The first and the second light sensors respectively sense a light amount and a light amount variation according to the relative position of the light-emitting element and the blocking object. During a power-saving mode, when the light amount variation is larger than a specific value, the control module makes the light-emitting element work in a working mode to emit light according to a first current. During the work mode, when the light amount does not change or the light amount variation is smaller than a threshold value, the control module makes the light-emitting element work in the power-saving mode to emit light according to a second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Opto Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Ping Feng, Peng-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8049870
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking an airborne target including an illumination source (e.g., a diode laser array) is used to enhance a target signature and a detector (e.g., a passive high-speed camera) is used to detect to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared radiation) reflected off the target. The received electromagnetic radiation may be processed by a digital computer and passed through a spatial filter that implements a band limited edge detection operation in the frequency domain. The filter may remove low spatial frequencies that attenuate soft edged clutter such as clouds and smoke as well as filter out artifacts and attenuated medium to high spatial frequencies to inhibit speckle noise from the detector as well as speckle from the laser return off the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mosier, Dwight L. Denney, John Yoon
  • Patent number: 8023107
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a target from a missile warning system to a fine tracking system in a directional countermeasures system includes capturing at least one image within a field of view of the missile warning system. The method further includes identifying a threat from the captured image or images and identifying features surrounding the threat. These features are registered with the threat and image within a field of view of the fine tracking system is captured. The registered features are used to identify a location of a threat within this captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Gidseg, John A. Carattini, Phong V. Ha
  • Patent number: 8004664
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Chang Type Industrial Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Etter, Jaime E. Garcia, Kathy DeKeyser, Alan Phillips, Robert F. Burkholder, Jeffrey D. Weston, Melinda J. Hearn
  • Publication number: 20110181872
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Dold, Daniel Moser, Roland Zumbrunn
  • Patent number: 7978313
    Abstract: Systems and methods for targeting a directed energy system are provided. A particular system includes a first laser and a second laser. The system also includes a scanning system coupled to the first laser and the second laser. The scanning system is adapted to movably direct the second laser in a pattern around a pointing location of the first laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard W. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7952691
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning a tracking beam and a high energy laser (HEL) beam includes a tracking beam and a HEL beam. A detector receives at least a portion of the tracking beam, wherein the tracking beam received at the detector has been reflected from the airborne target. The detector also receives a first portion and a second portion of the HEL beam prior to output through a housing. A processor processes the signals to determine a relationship between the tracking beam and the HEL beam; and generates a control signal to steer the HEL beam to the airborne target based upon the determined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mosier, David J. Park
  • Patent number: 7920255
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Elta Systems Ltd., Optigo Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Ori Aphek, Gil Tidhar, Tal Goichman
  • Patent number: 7880872
    Abstract: The present invention features a method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The method includes sensing relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Pawan Kumar Nimmakayala, Tom H. Rafferty, Alireza Aghili, Byung-Jin Choi, Philip D. Schumaker, Daniel A. Babbs, Van Nguyen Truskett
  • Patent number: 7880870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet Can Ertem, Eric Heidhausen, Norris J. Krone
  • Patent number: 7880871
    Abstract: A recording sheet moving device includes: a moving unit that moves a recording sheet; a recording sheet specifying unit that specifies a length in the transport direction and a weight per unit area of the recording sheet; a first memory configured to record, for each of plural recording sheets, a threshold for a length in the transport direction in association with a weight per unit area; and a movement control unit that retrieves a threshold for a length on the basis of the specified weight per unit area from the first memory, and compares the retrieved threshold for a length and the specified length, to determine whether to cause the moving unit to move the recording sheet, and if it is determined that the recording sheet should be moved, causes the moving unit to move the recording sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kazama, Michio Tada, Ryoji Watanabe, Shouichi Maeda, Makoto Ochiai, Tatsunori Izawa, Naoto Nishi, Yoshinobu Nakamura, Satoshi Kanou, Shun Yashima
  • Patent number: 7830501
    Abstract: A surveying method using a the video total station comprises placing the video total station on a first platform, recording a first image of scenery, placing the video total solution on a second platform disposed at a distance from the first platform, measuring the distance from the first platform and recording a second image of the scenery. Three-dimensional coordinates of objects contained in the images are determined by a photogrammetric analysis of the images based on the measured distance. Further, orientations of the video total station can be recorded when taking the images and when measuring the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: TRIMBLE Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Kludas, Michael Vogel
  • Patent number: 7821624
    Abstract: A tracking system utilizing an excited state atomic line filter. The filter includes a metal vapor cell having an optical entrance port and an optical exit port and containing a metal vapor having a first excited energy state with a resonant frequency, and a second excited energy state. The cell has an absorption line, at or near a desired filter wavelength. The platform to be tracked, which could be an un-manned aerial vehicle has a beacon laser system located on it for producing a beacon laser beam at a wavelength within the narrow spectral band. The present invention solves the problem of lack of ground state resonant lines in at wavelengths substantially longer than those of visible light. Atomic line filters of the Faraday or Voigt crossed polarizer type are provided in which alkali metal atomic vapor in a vapor cell is excited with a pump beam to an intermediate excited state where a resonant absorption line, at a desired wavelength, is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Trey Enterprises Corp.
    Inventors: Zhong-Quan Zhao, Daniel H. Leslie, Michael Joseph Lefebure
  • Patent number: 7768631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacob Rovinsky
  • Patent number: 7739803
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying system, which comprises a surveying device 1 provided with a function for tracking a target 13, and a remote control device 16 for remotely controlling the surveying device on a target side, said surveying device comprises a measuring unit 21, an image pickup unit 23, a first radio unit 33, and a first control arithmetic unit 29, said remote control device comprises a second radio unit 37, a second control arithmetic unit 35, a second display unit 18 and a second operation input unit 20, said first control arithmetic unit transmits measurement data of the measuring unit to the remote control device via the first radio unit when a detection result is within the tracking range based on the detection result of a reflection light from the target, and transmits an image data taken by the image pickup unit via the first radio unit when the detection result is out of the tracking range, said second control arithmetic unit receives the measurement data and the image data via
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yahagi, Masaaki Kobayashi, Terukazu Nagashima, Yoshikatsu Miyao
  • Patent number: 7714993
    Abstract: The present invention provides operators the ability to follow a predetermined path and achieve desired digging depth by watching steering and elevation indicators of just one system. The indicators are activated by data derived from the interception of signals generated by a single laser transmitter and a receiver array mounted on the machine. The system according to the present invention uses the multiple, tilted fan beams provided by the laser transmitter to calculate elevation angle and azimuth of the tool carried by machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Gary Cain, Mark Nichols, Hiroyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 7701565
    Abstract: An optical navigation system having an illuminator housing and a sensor housing that are movably connected at a connection point with a connection mechanism, which may include a pivot. The illuminator housing and the sensor housing may be rotated about the connection point relative to each other so that the optical navigation system may be configured with a desired operating Z-height. The optical navigation system may also include a locking mechanism to lock the illuminator housing and the sensor housing in a predetermined fixed position after the desired operating Z-height has been selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiang Sun Cheah, Chin Heong Yeoh, Ak Wing Leong
  • Publication number: 20100060884
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment angle measuring device and an attachment angle measuring method which realize accurate measurement of attachment angle between an axle carrier and an absorber. An attachment angle measuring device measures an attachment angle ? between an axle carrier and an absorber as in the following. A slit light is projected to a first reflection position on an outer peripheral surface of an absorber rod and a reflected light from the first reflection position is received. A slit light is projected to a second reflection position on the outer peripheral surface of the absorber rod different from the first reflection position and a reflected light from the second reflection position is received. A first optical path distance between a projection start position of the slit light and the first reflection position is calculated based on the reflected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Shinji Tohyama, Yuichiro Oka, Koji Tomida
  • Patent number: 7630067
    Abstract: The present invention features a method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The method includes sensing relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Pawan Kumar Nimmakayala, Tom H. Rafferty, Alireza Aghili, Byung-Jin Choi, Philip D. Schumaker, Daniel A. Babbs, Van N. Truskett
  • Patent number: 7587803
    Abstract: A process for assembling a camera module comprises the following steps:—placing the substrate (10) on a positioning die (70);—irradiating the lens assembly (30) with parallel rays of light (90);—displacing a lens assembly (30) comprising the convex lens (33) in an axial direction;—measuring the light intensity of light passing through a spot hole (75) by means of a light sensor (80) being accommodated in the positioning die (70);—determining an optimal axial position of the lens assembly (30) on the basis of an obtained light intensity curve;—bringing the lens assembly (30) to the optimal axial position;—removing the positioning die (70); and—attaching an image sensor chip to a bottom surface (12) of the substrate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: TPO Displays Corp.
    Inventors: Vincent Johannes Jacobus Montfort, Fransiscus Gerardus Coenradus Verweg
  • Patent number: 7558688
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Schering, Wayne John Gordon, Donald Richard McMillan, David Curtis Lennon, Marc S. Adams
  • Patent number: 7548306
    Abstract: An optical encoder including a sensor module including a light emitting member, a light receiving member opposite to the light emitting member to receive the emitted light, and at least one boss extending in a first direction; a shade member located between the light emitting member and the light receiving member and having a shading pattern; a first support supporting the sensor module and including at least one recessed portion engaged with the boss, and a groove connected with the recessed portion and extending in a second direction, wherein the sensor module is attached to the first support by being moved in the second direction while the boss is guided by the groove, and wherein the recessed portion has a depth greater than the height of the boss, and a portion of the groove adjacent to the recessed portion has a depth less than the height of the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090128815
    Abstract: A roll detection system is disclosed for detecting a roll angle of a light emitting apparatus around a longitudinal axis thereof. The light emitting apparatus preferably is a pointing device (2). The system furthermore comprises a light detecting arrangement (4) for detecting light emitted by the pointing device (2) and means for determining where the pointing device is pointed. The pointing device (2) comprises at least a first (X1) and a second light source (Y1). The first (X1) and second light source (Y1) emit light with a different polarization orientation. The light detecting arrangement (4) is equipped with a polarization filter (3). The orientation of the polarization of the light emitted by the first (X1) and second light source (Y1) differs by an angle unequal to 90°. With the system the roll angle of the pointing device (2) can be determined for a large angle range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maurice Herman Johan Draaijer, Egbert Wouter Joghum Robers, Galileo June Destura