Abstract: Sun-aware routing and controls of an autonomous vehicle is described herein. A location and an orientation of a sensor system is identified within an environment of the autonomous vehicle to determine whether the sun causes a threshold level of perception degradation to the sensor system incident to generating a sensor signal indicative of a traffic light. The determination is based upon perception degradation data that can be precomputed for locations and orientations within the environment for dates and times of day. The perception degradation data is based upon the location of at least one traffic light and positions of the sun relative to the locations and the orientations within the environment. A mechanical system of the autonomous vehicle is controlled to execute a maneuver that reduces perception degradation to the sensor system when the perception degradation is determined to exceed the threshold level of perception degradation.

Abstract: A method for positioning an augmented reality (AR) model of a building or area of construction relative to an image of the building or area of construction as displayed on a handheld device. The AR model is positioned so that vertical surfaces of the AR model are aligned with vertical surfaces of the building or area of construction and a horizontal surface of the AR model is aligned with an associated horizontal surface of the building or area of construction.

Abstract: The invention discloses a positioning light beam emission system, a method and an indoor positioning system. A positioning space includes a plurality of positioning sub-spaces. A plurality of positioning light beam emission devices are fixed at predetermined positions in the plurality of positioning sub-spaces, respectively, and the positioning light beam emission devices are used to emit positioning light beams toward the respective positioning sub-spaces in a sweeping manner with a predetermined sweeping cycle and predetermined angular velocity. Each positioning light beam has a linear cross section and is rotated about a rotation axis in the sweeping manner, the rotation axis not perpendicular to an extended direction of the linear cross section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an attitude self-compensation method to the transmitters of wMPS based on inclinometer, including the following steps: step 1: arranging inclinometer-combined transmitters according to the mechanism structure of the transmitters; step 2: building a horizontal reference frame based on an automatic level and guide rail; step 3: calibrating rotation relationship between the inclinometer and transmitter coordinate systems by referring to the horizontal reference frame according to the measurement model of the inclinometer and rotation measurement model of the transmitter; step 4: updating the orientation parameters of the transmitters in real time according to the output values of the inclinometer and compensation algorithm for the orientation parameters. The method of the present invention aims at self-compensating the orientation parameters of transmitters in real time and increasing the stability of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus of positioning with curved light surface includes a transmitter for transmitting optical signals and a receiver for receiving optical signals. The apparatus determines a position of the receiver based on the received optical signals. The transmitter includes a light emitter for emitting optical signals of at least two flashing frequencies and a hollow hemispherical cover including two fixed-angle opaque regions, a variable-angle opaque region, and transparent regions located therebetween. The present invention further relates to a method of positioning with curved light surface.

Abstract: The sensor (1) for determining an orientation of the sensor in a gravity field comprises a ball (2) and a rolling surface (R) describing a generally concave shape on which the ball can roll inside the sensor. A further surface (F) is arranged opposite said rolling surface, and a light emitter (E), a light detector (D) and another light emitter or detector is provided. A region (R) within which the ball (2) can move is limited by at least the rolling surface (R) and the further surface (F). And the light emitters (E) and detectors (D) are arranged outside the region (R) for emitting light through the rolling surface (R) into said region and detecting light exiting the region (3) through the rolling surface (R) or for emitting light through the further surface (F) into said region (R) and detecting light exiting said region (R) through the further surface (F). Corresponding measuring methods and manufacturing methods are described, too.

Abstract: To eliminate influences of unnecessary reflected light other than a liquid surface in a liquid surface reflection type inclination sensor. In order to attain the object described above, an inclination sensor includes a liquid that forms a liquid surface, an illumination section, a barcode pattern to be illuminated by the illumination section, an optical system that projects the barcode pattern on the liquid surface, a light receiving element that detects the barcode pattern, a storage section that stores a detection image when the liquid surface is removed from an optical path of the optical system, and an arithmetic section that calculates an inclination angle by subtracting the detection image when the liquid surface is removed from a detection image when the liquid surface is present on the optical path of the optical system.

Abstract: A method for comparing a reception beam incident on a laser receiver with a rotating laser beam transmitted by a rotating laser in a direction of rotation, where the laser receiver includes an evaluation unit and a detection field having a first measuring range and a second measuring area, includes, when the reception beam is incident on the detection field, determining a first reception signal which represents a first time trend of the incident reception beam in the first measuring range and a second reception signal which represents a second time trend of the incident reception beam in the second measuring range. A direction of movement of the reception beam relative to the laser receiver from the first and the second reception signals is determined. The direction of the movement of the reception beam is compared by the evaluation unit with the direction of rotation of the rotating laser beam.

Abstract: A thin-slice manufacturing device is a thin-slice manufacturing device for cutting an embedding block in which a biological sample is embedded by paraffin using a cutting blade relatively moved with respect to the embedding block along a virtual plane to cut out thin slices, the thin-slice manufacturing device includes a vertical illumination part configured to radiate light to the embedding block, and an inclination estimation part configured to detect a boundary line between a cutting surface cut along the virtual plane and a non-cutting surface based on reflection of light generated by the light radiated to the embedding block by the vertical illumination part, and estimate inclination information showing information related to inclination of the embedding block based on the detected boundary line.

Abstract: An object detector includes a projector including a light source having a two-dimensionally arranged plurality of light emitter groups, ach of the light emitter groups having a plurality of light emitters, a light receiver which receives light emitted from the projector, and reflected by an object, and a light source driver which lights on and lights off each of the light emitter groups of the light source.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting objects in a monitored zone (20) is provided which has the following: a front screen (38); a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light beam (16); a movable deflection unit (18) for the periodic sampling of the monitored zone (20) by the light beam (16); a light receiver (26) for generating a received signal from the light beam (22) remitted by the objects; at least one test light transmitter (42); at least one test light transmitter (42), at least one test light receiver (44) and at least one test light reflector (48) which span a test light path (46a-b) through the front screen (38); and an evaluation unit (32) which is configured to acquire pieces of information on the objects in the monitored zone (20) from the received signal and to recognize an impaired light permeability of the front screen (38) from a test light signal which the test light receiver (44) generates from test light which is transmitted from the test light transmitter (42) and which is refl

Abstract: A gravity-based angle sensor apparatus includes an outer housing (which may be incorporated into a carpenter's level or other reference frame) that contacts or is fastened to a workpiece, and a sensor assembly rotatably mounted within the outer housing. The sensor assembly includes a frame having internal cavities for supporting a LED light module and a sensor responsive to the orientation of the sensor assembly. The sensor electrically bridges two terminals of the LED light module to activate an LED indicator lamp when the sensor assembly has a reference horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An optical sensor that a deterioration of detecting accuracy is suppressed is provided, and an optical sensor that an increase of the number of components and an increase of a physical constitution are suppressed is provided. The optical sensor has a light receiving element having a light receiving surface to receives light, a detector detecting an inclination of the light receiving surface in the vertical direction, and a correction portion correcting an output signal of the light receiving element based on an output signal of the detector. Furthermore, the optical sensor includes a raindrop detector detecting a raindrop, a light detector detecting an incident light, and a storage part storing these things. The raindrop detector includes a light emitting element, a first light receiving element, (212), and a first lens. The light detector includes a second light receiving element and a second lens.

Abstract: A tester including a laser transmitter, a laser receiver, a zero reference plane located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, a tower reference plane located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, wherein the tower reference plane defines an aperture, and a controller. The controller is configured to measure a pitch static attitude of a head stack assembly by at least determining a zero axis, determining a first horizontal position of the aperture and a second horizontal position of the aperture, determining a mid-point of a first slider of the head stack assembly, determining a first vertical position of the aperture, determining a first horizontal line, and generating a pitch static attitude reference line corresponding to a pitch static attitude of the first slider based on a least squares approximation using the mid-point of the first slider and the first horizontal line.

Abstract: To provide an optical sensor, an electronic apparatus, etc. that suppress reduction of spectroscopic characteristics. The optical sensor includes a light receiving element, an optical filter 140 that transmits a light having a specific wavelength of incident lights with respect to a light receiving region of the light receiving element, and an angle limiting filter 120 that limits an incident angle of the incident light transmitted through the optical filter 140.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring method for performing monitoring measurement on a plurality of measuring points by using a measuring instrument, which comprises a telescope unit, a distance measuring unit, an image sensor, angle detecting units for detecting a directional angle in sighting direction, and an arithmetic unit. The monitoring measurement comprises a coarse monitoring measurement for acquiring a digital image in measuring direction and for performing angle measurement on the measuring point, and a precise monitoring measurement for performing sighting of the measuring point by the telescope unit and for performing distance measurement and angle measurement, and wherein the coarse monitoring measurement is executed on each of the measuring points, a deviation of a result of the coarse measurement by the coarse monitoring measurement from the initial value is determined, and the precise monitoring measurement is executed on the measuring point where the deviation exceeds a first threshold value.

Abstract: A geodetic target 1 for use in geodesy comprises an orienting device 10 with a bearing direction P, a first inclinometer 20 with a first axis of inclination 20A, a reflector 30 reflecting incident measurement beams S, an imaging optics 40 that focuses the incident measurement beams S, a matrix sensor 50, whose receiving surface 51 is situated in an image plane of the imaging optics 40, and an interface 60, which is connected to the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50. The spatial arrangement and orientation of the optical axis and/or axis of symmetry 30A of the reflector 30 relative to the bearing direction P of the orienting device 10 is predetermined here. The first axis of inclination 20A makes an angle ? other than zero with an optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40. The optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40 coincides with an optical axis 30A and/or axis of symmetry of the reflector 30 or is parallel to it or make an angle with it.

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 laser range finder including a laser configured to project a laser beam onto a target object thereby causing a target beam to be reflected from the target object, wherein the laser beam has a frequency, and wherein the frequency is modulated at a known rate, a first beam splitter positioned to split a reference beam from the laser beam, a second beam splitter positioned to receive the target beam and the reference beam, wherein the target beam and the reference beam are coherently combined, the coherently combined beams establishing a difference frequency, and a detector configured to measure the difference frequency.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance. A method including receiving a physical wafer pattern according to a mask, extracting a mask contour from the mask, and extracting a deconvolution pattern based on the mask contour. A lithography process is simulated to create a virtual wafer pattern based on the deconvolution pattern. The virtual wafer pattern is then compared to the physical wafer pattern.

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 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: An orientation tracking system including a first tracking system subject to drift. A second tracking system is configured to provide an output for calibrating the first tracking system to reduce the drift of the first tracking system. The second tracking system includes at least one inclinometer, each inclinometer including a light source adjacent one side of the inclinometer, a light sensor adjacent an opposing side of the inclinometer, and a light obscuring material within the inclinometer for obscuring the light between the light source and light sensor to indicate an orientation of the inclinometer.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute orientation of a platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sky polarization data set for a first time Ti is measured using a sky polarization sensor disposed on a platform. A second sky polarization data set is obtained at a second time Tj. A difference in orientation between the first sky polarization data set and the second sky polarization data set is determined using an orientation determiner. The difference in orientation is provided as at least one orientation parameter for the platform at time Tj. The at least one orientation parameter is used to provide a direction relative to a reference point on the platform.

Abstract: A geodetic target 1 for use in geodesy comprises an orienting device 10 with a bearing direction P, a first inclinometer 20 with a first axis of inclination 20A, a reflector 30 reflecting incident measurement beams S, an imaging optics 40 that focuses the incident measurement beams S, a matrix sensor 50, whose receiving surface 51 is situated in an image plane of the imaging optics 40, and an interface 60, which is connected to the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50. The spatial arrangement and orientation of the optical axis and/or axis of symmetry 30A of the reflector 30 relative to the bearing direction P of the orienting device 10 is predetermined here. The first axis of inclination 20A makes an angle ? other than zero with an optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40. The optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40 coincides with an optical axis 30A and/or axis of symmetry of the reflector 30 or is parallel to it or make an angle with it.

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 projection type display apparatus in which an inclination and a positional deviation of optical axes among a plurality of light sources can be easily corrected to obtain a high quality projection image. Green, blue and red laser beams emitted from light sources are converted into collimated beams by condenser lenses, and the positions and angles of the optical axes of the beams of the three colors are evaluated by position detection imaging device and angle detection imaging device, respectively. The positions and angles of the light sources are adjusted by respective actuators so that the positions and angles of the optical axes match each other. Consequently, the laser beams emitted from the light sources can be combined with high accuracy to thereby realize a high definition projection type display apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for checking the attitude of a vehicle (2) includes: at least one target (3) defining a spatial reference system; a mobile unit (4) adapted for measuring the value of parameters representing the geometric characteristics of the wheels of the vehicle (2), and for viewing the target (3); a processor (13) is connected to a camera (14) mounted on the mobile unit, for calculating the position of the wheel (9) relative to the reference system to calculate the attitude of the vehicle (2); an interface (23) is provided, designed to make available in real time to the user driving the mobile unit (4) information relating to the position of the camera (14) relative to the wheel (9), wherein the mobile unit (4) can be driven manually by a user to be positioned in proximity of the wheel (9).

Abstract: A method and optical device measures the rotation of an object, including a light source emitting a collimated incident light beam, and a reflecting plane optical interface to be fastened to the object and forming a first reflected beam. The device includes a corner reflector fastened to the object, and having reflecting plane faces forming a second reflected beam, and a detection system capable of measuring the displacement ?1 of the first reflected beam, and the displacement ?2 of the second reflected beam. A processing system calculates, as a function of ?1 and of the distance D1 between the detection system and the reflecting plane optical interface, and of the measurement of ?2 and of the distance D2 between the detection system and the corner reflector, a measurement of the rotation ? of the object between an initial position and a measurement position.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a circuit board integrally formed with a driving element for driving a display element and a light receiving sensor for receiving light; a light change structure provided in a region of the circuit board, in which the light receiving sensor is formed, and includes a light change material that selectively changes a light receiving amount of the light receiving sensor by moving by itself according to an attitude with respect to a direction of gravitational force; and an attitude determining unit that determines the attitude based on the light receiving amount of the light receiving sensor.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes an optical measurement assembly coupled to an exterior of a processing chamber that has a portion that is transparent. The processing chamber includes a reference object and a pedestal for supporting a work piece. The optical measurement assembly measures a lateral location, a height and a tilt of the pedestal by transmitting light into the processing chamber through the transparent portion of the processing chamber and detecting a reflected light from both the reference object and the portion of the pedestal after the reflected light leaves the chamber through the transparent portion of the processing chamber. A method of adjusting a pedestal includes analyzing the reflected light and leveling the pedestal, translating the pedestal, calibrating the pedestal height to a preheat ring level, and checking the level and location of the pedestal in response to the analyzed reflected light.

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.

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 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.

Abstract: An operation method to operate a tilt sensor with power-saving mechanism is provided. The operation method comprises the steps as follows. An accommodating space is provided such that a blocking object is displaceable in the accommodating space according to the gravity. A working mode is performed such that a light-emitting element emits light according to a first current and at least two first light sensors sense a light amount to determine a tilt angle of the tilt sensor. When the light amount doesn't change or when a light amount variation sensed by a second light sensor is smaller than the threshold value within a predetermined time period, a power-saving mode is performed such that the light-emitting element emits light according to a second current smaller than the first current. When the light amount variation is larger than the specific value during the power-saving mode, the working mode is performed.

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: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element (for example a photodiode) and an angle limiting filter that limits the incidence angle of incidence light with respect to the light receiving area of the light receiving element. When a wavelength of the incidence light is denoted by ?, a height of the angle limiting filter is denoted by R, and a width of an opening of the angle limiting filter is denoted by d, “d2/?R?2” is satisfied.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatic calibration of a container crane, the container crane being controlled by a system including a first sensor (LPS) and/or a second sensor (TPS), are provided. A calibration rig is arranged in a fixed position and includes a plurality of markers, each arranged at a known and fixed position and distance relative to one another. The markers may include a first marker with a first visual appearance, or active marker and/or a second marker with a second visual appearance, or passive marker. The active marker is preferably an illumination source, such as an IR source. A method for calibrating a container crane using the calibration device and a container control system including the calibration device and one or more computer programs are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining a position by emitting a first laser beam (7) by a laser source (6) positioned in a reference system onto a detector (1) and simultaneously detecting the first laser beam (7) by the detector (1), thus defining an emission direction of the laser source (7). The detector (1) has a segmented detection area comprising a plurality of discrete partial detection areas (17), each having a defined partial detection direction and at least two partial detection directions thereof being different. When detecting the first laser beam (7), an impingement point (9) of the first laser beam (7) on the detector (1) is detected by means of at least one partial detection area (17), and when determining the incidence direction (10), said direction is derived from the at least one partial detection direction. The location of the detector (1) relative to the laser source (6) and the reference system is then determined using the emission direction and the incidence direction (10).

Abstract: The Field Testing Instrument (FTI) is designed for use in the regular maintenance and installation of airport Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The FTI is a self-contained and portable instrument that accurately measures the most important PAPI parameters, such as vertical aiming angle, transition angle, and light intensity. In addition to working with the current incandescent PAPIs, the FTI also measures parameters specific to the next generation LED PAPI. The FTI uses modern, efficient technology to reduce the life-cycle cost of approach lighting systems. The FTI improves on traditional PAPI testing methods by directly measuring the PAPI light beam focused to a target plate, as if seen from the pilot perspective. Due to significantly improvements in measurement accuracy and reliability, the FTI may supplement and even replace costly flight checks for PAPI maintenance with ground based operation.

Abstract: A system and method for stereo photography is provided. The system comprises a first light source, a second light source and a photodetector. The first light source is configured to illuminate one or more first non-white colors on an object. The second light source is configured to illuminate one or more second non-white colors that are different from the first non-white colors on the object. The photodetector is configured to detect a three dimensional representation of the object at a single moment in time in response to the first light source illuminating the first non-white colors and the second light source illuminating the second non-white colors on the object.

Abstract: An optical sensing device includes a shell, at least one light emitting member, a rotating type shading assembly and at least one optical sensing member. The shell is formed with a black-body condition space having a light emitting chamber, a shading chamber and at least one optical sensing chamber. The light emitting member projects a light beam. The rotating type shading assembly includes a pivot and a shading member. The shading member is pivotally connected to the pivot in the shading chamber, and has a weight center offset from the pivot center. When the optical sensing device is tilted, the shading member is rotated to make the weight center located in a lowering azimuth with respect to the pivot. The optical sensing member is arranged in the optical sensing chamber, and senses the light beam to accordingly send out a sensing signal.

Abstract: A laser device, including a cradle with a laser unit exiting from this, the cradle being connected to a base element, relative to which the cradle can be adjusted in terms of inclination by at least one actuating drive. In order to achieve a secure mounting of the cradle for the laser unit with simple structural means, while at the same time eliminating any play between the mutually tilting parts, it is proposed that the cradle be connected to the base element, first, by a solid joint, and secondly by two adjusting drives, wherein the adjusting drives are arranged with respect to the solid joint so that the lines of connection between lengthwise axis of the solid joint and the adjusting drives subtend a right angle.

Abstract: A tilt sensor for a cleaning device makes use of an optical sensor to interrupt operation of the device. In one implementation, the tilt sensor shuts off a UV light included in the cleaning device's operations. The tilt sensor includes a housing with at least one chamber defined therein. A sliding or moving element is located in the chamber. The optical sensor is operatively associated with the chamber so that, in response to certain movement of the element within the chamber, the optical sensor signals the tilt sensor to turn off the UV light.

Abstract: A system and method of use thereof that enables determining and setting sample alignment based on the location of, and geometric attributes of a monitored image formed by reflection of an electromagnetic beam from a sample and into an image monitor, which beam is directed to be incident onto the sample along a locus which is substantially normal to the surface of the sample.

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 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.

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 system and method of use thereof that enables determining and setting sample alignment based on the location of, and geometric attributes of a monitored image formed by reflection of an electromagnetic beam from a sample and into an image monitor, which beam is directed to be incident onto the sample along a locus which is substantially normal to the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A method and system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3 dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.