Abstract: The technology relates to generating a representation of an object detected by a perception system of a vehicle. For instance, a set of data points corresponding to an object is received from the perception system. Map information identifying shapes and locations of lanes as well as locations of center points for the lanes is retrieved. A representative point of the center points is selected based on the set of data points. A first position is determined based on the location of the representative point. A second position is determined based on the set of data points. The first and second positions are used to determine a third position for a representation of the object based on a distance the first position and the second position. The he representation of the object is generated using the third position. The representation of the object is displayed on a display of the vehicle.

Abstract: A beam deflection device including an aluminum disc containing a plurality of lasers, each laser projecting a laser beam substantially along one of the ‘X’, ‘Y’, and ‘Z’ axes of a structural beam to which the device is attached. Wiring is attached to each of the plurality of lasers to provide power and transmit data. Passageways are provided in the solid disc to route the wiring to the exterior. A suction cup on a surface of the device allows it to be attached to the beam by pressing the device against a flat surface area of the beam.

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: A method of operating a laser reference system orients a reference plane of laser light generated by a transmitter so compensation is made for rake angles between the first and second axes of the transmitter and first and second non-orthogonal alignment axes. The transmitter includes an optical system arranged to generate a laser beam, the optical system projecting said laser beam radially along a rotational arc defined about a central rotational axis, thereby substantially defining a reference plane of laser light, and a positioning arrangement, coupled to said optical system, for adjusting the angular orientation of the optical system with respect to a first transmitter axis and with respect to a second transmitter axis. Detectors are arranged to detect reception of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of operating a laser reference system orients a reference plane of laser light generated by a transmitter so compensation is made for rake angles between the first and second axes of the transmitter and first and second non-orthogonal alignment axes. The transmitter includes an optical system arranged to generate a laser beam, the optical system projecting said laser beam radially along a rotational arc defined about a central rotational axis, thereby substantially defining a reference plane of laser light, and a positioning arrangement, coupled to said optical system, for adjusting the angular orientation of the optical system with respect to a first transmitter axis and with respect to a second transmitter axis. Detectors are arranged to detect reception of the laser beam. The detectors and the transmitter define the alignment directions. The detector further includes a transmitter for transmitting information regarding the location of the laser beam, as detected by the detectors.

Abstract: According to the invention, the system comprises an infrared detector (7) for alternately generating images (5?) of sources of light (5) in the near infrared emitted by a missile flying towards a target and thermal images of the observed scene, said thermal images being visible on the display means (11).

Abstract: The present invention includes an artificial horizon device including a sensor unit with a movable platform, at least one actuator linked to the platform, and one or more sensors located on the platform for sensing the position orientation of the platform relative to an external mass or the motion of the platform. The horizon device also includes a processing unit signally connected to the sensors and the at least one actuator. The processing unit is adapted to receive signals from the sensors and send signals to the actuators to move the platform to a horizontal orientation. The horizon device also includes either a display unit comprising an indicator of a horizon line which substantially corresponds to the horizontal orientation of the platform or a secondary device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes using a set of telescopes to calibrate a three dimensional optical scanner. Three separate calibrations are disclosed for a survey grade calibration: (1) angular calibration, implemented using at least one anti-podal pair of telescopes, (2) range calibration, implemented using at least one telescope mounted fiber recirculator, and (3) tilt calibration, implemented using at least one pair of telescopes not mounted in anti-podal configuration and an integral tilt table. Methods for aligning or measuring the mis-alignment between anti-podal telescope pairs are also described.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to determine the actual position and/or actual orientation of a measuring appliance (4b). To this end, at least two reference points (2b?) lying in a spatial segment (5?) scanned by a laser beam are detected and measured in terms of the distance thereinbetween and the inclination angle thereof. The actual position of the measuring appliance (4b) can be deduced from the known positions of said reference points (2b?) arranged in a detectable manner and the associated distances and inclination angle thereof. The detection, monitoring and measuring of the reference points is carried out by the measuring appliance (4b) in an automated manner, the measuring appliance (4b) and specifically embodied elements associated with the reference points (2b?) forming a local positioning and/or orientation measuring system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes using a set of telescopes to calibrate a three dimensional optical scanner. Three separate calibrations are disclosed for a survey grade calibration: (1) angular calibration, implemented using at least one anti-podal pair of telescopes, (2) range calibration, implemented using at least one telescope mounted fiber recirculator, and (3) tilt calibration, implemented using at least one pair of telescopes not mounted in anti-podal configuration and an integral tilt table. Methods for aligning or measuring the mis-alignment between anti-podal telescope pairs are also described.

Abstract: A laser straight ruler having a main body and a beam scanner installed on the main body. A laser beam is scanned to form a beam spot on an object. A position sensing device receives a laser beam reflected by the object and senses a position of the beam spot. A signal processing unit drives the beam scanner and processes a signal of the position sensing device. A display displays a change in a distance between the main body and the object and data including a measured distance value from the signal processing unit. An input portion inputs data including adjustment of a scanning width of the beam spot and sets start and end positions of the measured distance. A straight distance of the object is measured or the beam spot having a scanning width corresponding to a measured distance or a predetermined distance is projected to the object.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to aisle width sensor for a mobile storage system for determining the width between adjacent movable storage units, particularly when creating an aisle therebetween. The sensor includes a first bracket which is slidable with respect to a second bracket. The first and second brackets are attached to respective first and second arms of a scissor arm arrangement between the adjacent storage units. The sensor provides an output, particularly an analog output, which is proportional to the distance between the adjacent storage units and therefore simple to calculate and process for the central controller of the mobile storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating direction of arrival of signal is provided that has excellent performance in terms of angular resolution and the number of signals that can be identified. In an array sensor comprising a plurality of sensor elements, the two outermost sensor elements are alternately selected by a switch for use as a transmitting sensor, and the other sensor elements are selected in time division fashion as receiving sensors. With this arrangement, the effective aperture is increased to about twice the physical aperture, to improve angular resolution in a direction-of-arrival estimator.

Abstract: An airborne search and rescue scanner is provided to locate a missing person wearing a reflector for reflecting laser energy emitted from a scanner in a high speed aircraft. The scanner and reflector combination enable scanning of a large search area in a relatively short time period. The system is designed to prevent false readings, as for example, sun glint reflected by the reflector, or false alarms resulting from reflections from the terrain being searched and not the reflector worn by the missing person. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the active laser scanning system is replaced by a passive infrared scanner by replacing the laser scanner with an infrared detector. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for the missing person to wear a reflector.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for use in a semiconductor processing system is provided. The optical alignment system includes a wafer chuck that has an alignment feature integrated into the top surface of the wafer chuck. In addition, a beam-forming system, which is capable of emitting an optical signal onto the alignment feature, is disposed above the wafer chuck. Also, a detector is included that can detect an amplitude of the optical signal emitted onto the alignment feature. In one aspect, the alignment feature can be a reflective alignment feature that reflects a portion of the optical signal back to the beam detector. In additional aspect, the alignment feature can be a transmittance alignment feature capable of allowing a portion of the optical signal to pass through the wafer chuck to the detector. In this aspect, the detector can be disposed below the wafer chuck.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the low spatial reflectivity uniformity of a DMD spatial light modulator. These methods are unique since they compensate for the non-uniformities introduced by the tilt angle of the DMD mirrors in addition to the normal system non-uniformities introduced by the illumination source and optics. These methods flatten the image and remove all but the low spatial non-uniformities from the DMD mirrors.

Abstract: A method of laser scanning a perimeter zone of a target site for the detection of potential threats comprises: scanning a pulsed laser beam across the perimeter zone; receiving echoes from the pulsed laser beam during the perimeter zone scan; deriving range data corresponding to the received echoes; determining position data of the received echoes in the perimeter zone; forming a scene image of a scan of the perimeter zone based on the range and position data of the received echoes thereof, repeating the steps of scanning, receiving, deriving, determining and forming for a plurality of perimeter zone scans to form scene images of each scan of the plurality; and comparing scene images of the plurality to detect a potential threat in the perimeter zone.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a reflector rod provided with a reflector, using a sighting beam emitted from a base station is disclosed. The reflector and a first position sensor define a first coordinate system. The direction of the sighting beam to the reflector is measured from the base station in a second coordinate system, using horizontal and vertical angles. A second position sensor arranged in the direction of the sighting axis of the base station determines the location and orientation of the reflector rod. Measurement data in the first coordinate system is generated to determine the spatial orientation of the reflector relative to the light beam. Imaging optics are used to image the reflector on the second position sensor. The position of the reflector in the second coordinate system and the distance from the base station to the reflector are determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the angle of elevation of the beam axis (90) of a front-looking radar antenna (68). A first fixture (140) has an indicator (120) for indicating angle of elevation and a first laser (148) aimed in a direction that, as viewed normal to a horizontal surface (192) on which the vehicle is disposed, is parallel to the beam axis for shining on a target (144). A second fixture (142) has a second laser (174) aimed in a direction that, as viewed normal to the horizontal surface, is parallel to the direction of forward vehicle travel for shining on the target. The angle of elevation indicated on the indicator is used as a measure of the angle of elevation of the beam axis of the antenna and the azimuth of the beam axis is verified by the two laser beams shining in a predetermined relationship to each other on the target.

Abstract: The invention is a device for measuring angle of slant surface of an optical component and a method used therein. The slant surface of the optical component faces exactly toward the slant surface of a standard GRIN Lens and the optical component is spaced from the standard GRIN Lens by a fixed distance. Laser beams are irradiated into the vertical surface of the standard GRIN Lens and then generate two oval projections on a screen by reflection off the slant surface of the standard GRIN Lens and the slant surface of the optical component, respectively. Therefore, the angle of the slant surface of the optical component can be obtained according to the specification of the standard GRIN Lens and the dimensions of the two oval projections.

Abstract: On a circuit-board intended for constant-wire-length (CWL) bonding, one or more special “test” pairs of bonding pads are provided along with, in each case, a series of markings adjacent the pads. In use, the board is populated with CWL bonds (this includes the normal circuit-related RF bond-pads as well as the test bond-pads) and the test bonds are distorted so that the bond-wires in question lie aligned against the markings. The alignment position relative to the markings indicates whether the bond-wires for the whole board are of correct or incorrect length. Measurement may be either absolute, in which case the markings are associated with a scale indication, or relative, in which case one of the markings will usually be visibly distinguished from the rest in some way. Depending on the length determination, the bond-forming device (e.g.

Abstract: A system for visually pointing out locations on a three-dimensional structure such as an airframe of an aircraft includes a laser head that traverses an elongate track erected to pass through or adjacent to the structure. The laser head is traversed and stopped at various positions along the track, and from each position the laser head is calibrated by directing the laser beam onto three or more reference locations on the structure whose nominal coordinates are known in a reference coordinate system such as used in a CAD-CAM definition of the structure. The laser head is operable to determine in its own internal coordinate system the direction of the laser bean to each reference location and the distance to the reference location, and from this information a calibration is determined for relating measurements made by the laser head to the reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A system for uninterrupted deflection of a light beam exiting from a radiation source can be offset via a laterally movable lever mechanism. A preferred radiation source is an optical guide in the form of an optical fiber (1), through which a laser light is emitted at a free end (10). The end of the lever or linkage mechanism facing away from the free end of the optical guide is connected to a controllable tilt mechanism including a piezo tilt table (8), a hinge (6), and a pivot (5). The tilt table motion is amplified at the free end radiation source (10) to rapidly change the beam angle (.alpha.).

Abstract: A protraction device for a measuring microscope comprises a reticle aligned on an optical path of the microscope at an intermediate image plane thereof and adapted for rotation about a central axis, and an angle encoder operably coupled to the reticle such that when the angle encoder is rotated about its rotational axis, a corresponding rotation is produced in the reticle. The angle encoder provides a signal representative of an angular displacement of the reticle which is delivered to a printer, digital display, or the like.

Abstract: A method of spacecraft attitude determination is proposed which calculates the bias between the usual two-cell and four-cell earth sensor measurements. During period of sun or moon interference, when the two-cell mode is selected, this bias is added to or subtracted from the two-cell measurements. This removes the step change in the calculated spacecraft roll and pitch angles when the switch is made between two and four cell modes and allows a substantially more accurate measurement to be obtained from a given sensor for the period of time for which interference would otherwise reduce sensor performance.

Abstract: A spacecraft attitude sensor which determines roll/pitch angles of a spacecraft, is disclosed. Two light ray detectors are provided in a manner to be canted by a predetermined angle with each other. Each of the two light ray detectors defines a "field of view" light beam channel. A scan mirror is arranged to reciprocally rotate, about a pitch axis of the spacecraft, between two predetermined angles. The scan mirror is positioned in front of the two light ray detectors so as to swing the field of view light beam channel. A prism is provided in front of the scan mirror and deviates the field of view light beam channel so as to allow the scan mirror to scan the Earth across limbs thereof. The provision of the prism is able to increase the application of the sensor.

Abstract: A position detection system for a moving body comprising means for rotatively scanning the light beam projected from a light beam generator mounted on the moving body in a substantially horizontal plane, and vibrating to vertically vibrate the rotatively scanned light beam in a cycle two times or more longer than the cycle of the rotative scan. The light beam projected from the moving body and reflected by the retroreflector means provided at at least three positions spaced apart from the moving body is received by a light beam receiver on the moving body, and the position of the moving body is detected on the basis of the directions of the light reception and the known positional information on the retroreflector means.

Abstract: The measuring device for track building machines comprises an optical receiver device having two lenses (1, 2) aligned in one axis (3) and in each case at least one associated sensor strip (4, 5). The projections of light sources (A, B, C) disposed outside the receiver device onto the sensor strips (4, 5) produce signals which are evaluated and determine the size of the angle of the light source in relation to the optical axis. The provision of light-sensitive sensor strips (4, 5) makes it possible to dispense in an advantageous manner with mechanically rotating components in the receiver device.

Abstract: A new method of angle measurement is based on the internal reflection effect at an air/glass boundary. The method uses a differential detection scheme to largely reduce the inherent non-linearity of the reflectance versus the angle of incidence in internal reflection. With non-linearity reduced, the displacement of the angle of incidence can be determined accurately by measuring the reflectance. The resolution and measurement range are determined by the initial angle of incidence, the polarization state of light, and the number of reflections. Compared with interferometers and autocollimators, this method has the advantage of a simple sensor design for applications ranging from very wide measurement range to extremely high resolution. Apparatus for accomplishing the method comprises a beamsplitter, a pair of critical angle prisms and a pair of photodiodes.

Abstract: In laser surveying system has a laser measuring unit which is operable independently of a laser projector, a laser spot pattern is first determined by using the laser measuring unit and projected onto the working face of an object structure by driving the laser projector. While marking the working face with the laser spot pattern formed by the laser projector to execute the desired construction work, the laser measuring unit is turned toward a different measuring object so as to independently make other measurements. Thus, point marking and measurement on different objects can be rationally effected at one time.

Abstract: The invention features an elevation-sensing system comprising an elevation-sensing instrument which includes a sighting device having an optical axis for aiming at an object and an electronic elevation-angle sensor attached to the sighting device and having an electrical characteristic indicative of elevation angle relative to an axis of the electronic elevation-angle sensor and a repeatability of at least 6 arcminutes over an angular range of said electronic elevation-angle sensor, and a processor for deriving an elevation angle from the electrical characteristic.

Abstract: A transit includes two identical transit elements oriented at 90.degree. with respect to each other. Each transit element includes an objective end and a viewing end and be focused on a distant point. The transit is mounted on top of an intersection of two elements, and the elements can be moved to be at a right angle with respect to each other. Once the right angle is set, other portions of a polygonaly figure, such as a rectangle or a square, can be set.

Abstract: An optical calibration apparatus is provided for calibrating and reproducing spinning angles in cross-polarization, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An illuminated magnifying apparatus enables optical setting an accurate reproducing of spinning "magic angles" in cross-polarization, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. A reference mark scribed on an edge of a spinning angle test sample holder is illuminated by a light source and viewed through a magnifying scope. When the "magic angle" of a sample material used as a standard is attained by varying the angular position of the sample holder, the coordinate position of the reference mark relative to a graduation or graduations on a reticle in the magnifying scope is noted. Thereafter, the spinning "magic angle" of a test material having similar nuclear properties to the standard is attained by returning the sample holder back to the originally noted coordinate position.

Abstract: A manually-rotatable switch knob is provided on the alhidade of a sextant that is connected to a switching pin of hardened steel arranged eccentrically to the mounting of the knob. The switching pin engages the drum-screw mounting and, under the action of a stop spring, permits the drum screw to be switched back and forth between two stable stop locations when the knob is rotated. In the one stop location, the drum screw engages the limbus toothing. In the other location, the drum screw is completely disengaged from the limbus toothing so that the alhidade can be freely pivoted without risk of the drum screw damaging the limbus toothing during the movement of the alhidade. The stop spring also produces precisely defined contact pressure between the drum screw and the limbus toothing. The previously possible introduction of bending moments into the alhidade during rough adjustment is eliminated.

Abstract: A surveying instrument in which the azimuth angle setting device is incorporated has a collimating telescope which is rotatable around at least a vertical axis. The azimuth angle setting device comprises horizontal angle detection means for producing an electrical signal corresponding to at least a horizontal angle around which the collimating telescope rotates, input means for entering a coordinate, memory means for storing the horizontal angle signal produced by the horizontal angle detection means and the input coordinate entered by the input means, and processing means for calculating a direction of magnetic north based on the coordinate of a measurement point at which the surveying instrument is mounted, entered to the memory means by the input means and a coordinate of a target to be collimated by the collimating telescope.

Abstract: The satellite locator means comprises a dual optical instrument which provides a portable, multiple eyepiece unit containing a plurality of lenses and mirrors. The outer housing has a handle to insure the steadiness and accuracy of the readings when the unit is being used. One eyepiece has a magnifying lens which views a magnetic compass and a bubble level. Another eyepiece contains a lens system which includes a crosshair to aid in the accuracy of the unit. The second eyepiece views an adjustable mirror controlled by an elevational setting system, operated by a cam linkage assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an angle-measuring instrument such as a theodolite, tacheometer or the like having a coarse-fine drive arrangement for presetting a circle part of a graduated circle to a predetermined read-out value. In a preferred embodiment, a coaxial coarse-fine drive arrangement is actuated by a single control knob which is part of an adjustable drive which can be operated in two positions. In the first position, the adjustable drive functions as a coarse drive and includes a spur gear that meshes with a gear on the carrier of the graduated circle to permit adjusting the circle part to obtain a coarse setting thereof. When the control knob and adjustable drive are moved into the second position, the drive becomes completely disengaged from the carrier and functions as a fine drive that operates on a plane-parallel plate pivotally mounted in the read-out optical transmission path of the instrument to finely adjust the light rays passing therealong.

Abstract: Uniquely integrating a search mirror and a deflection mirror with a passive ptical rangefinder and a remote sextant, enhances the operation of both devices. The improved rangefinder/sextant provides day/night 360.degree. azimuthal and at least -5.degree. to about 60.degree. elevational search capability with the additional capability of pointing the search mirror at a navigational star in a direction different from that of an imaging camera. Thus, the imaging camera, can be pointed at the sea horizon that is least obscured by haze and/or sea clutter, thereby allowing altitude readings under adverse conditions.

Abstract: The combination with a sextant embodying an index mirror rotatable about a predetermined axis to bring a sighted object into juxtaposition with the line of sight of the optical system at the center of the horizontal mirror of an arcuate informational grating concentric with the axis of rotation of the index mirror and an index arm rotatable in consonance with the index mirror so that its distal end travels along the informational grating, a reference grating at the distal end of the index arm concentric with the information grating, a light-emitting diode at the proximal end of the index arm arranged to project a beam through the reference grating at the distal end of the arm onto the informational grating and a phase detector arranged at the proximal end of the index arm to receive the beam reflected from the conjuncted gratings.

Abstract: A precision optical square instrument for use in optical tooling to accurately determine lines and planes at right angles to each other, such as horizontal and vertical lines and planes. The instrument employs focusable telescopes mounted at right angles to each other and supported between spaced arms of a standard rotatably mounted on a spindle connected to a base, such as for rotation about a vertical axis. The standard has opposed arms with trunnions therein supporting a first telescope for rotation about an axis, such as horizontal, for creating a first plane of view and positioned perpendicularly of the axis of rotation of the standard about the spindle. The optical axis of a second telescope perpendicularly crosses the optical axis of the first telescope at the juncture of rotative axis of the spindle with the first telescope and is rotatable orthogonally to the optical axis of the first telescope for creating a second plane of view perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: An optical gauging apparatus is provided for determining the deviation of a pipe end from squareness with respect to the pipe axis. A viewing scope is placed centrally in the pipe end to be measured so as to be directed at right angles thereto, and a graduated target is centrally located in the opposite end of the pipe. Sighting through the scope, the distance R of the intersection of the line of sight from the center of the target is determined. The deviation S from squareness may then be calculated from R, D the diameter of the pipe, and L the distance of the target from the end being measured, by the equation: S=RD/L.

Abstract: A device for indicating the direction to a remote object comprises at least one disc-like unit consisting of a plurality of elongated light guides, arranged in parallel, mechanically interconnected but optically insulated from each other. The end surfaces of the light guides located in one end surface of the unit face the object and their opposite end surfaces are facing the observer who sees a light area, or spot, composed by light passing through those guides which are right before his eyes. When the light spot is in level with his line of sight to the object the longitudinal axes of the light guides indicate the direction to the object. In a preferred embodiment two units are used one of which is rigidly mounted in a vehicle whereas the other one is pivotable around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes and to the end surfaces of the light guides. The pivoting movement is controlled by one or more variables representative of the spatial situation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved sextant which provides a very accurate angular measurement of the position of a celestial body relative to the horizon. The sextant is a typical prior art sextant having a horizon glass and an index mirror, and wherein the sextant is sighted by adjusting the angular position of the index mirror to align an image of the celestial body with a sighting of the horizon. An angular position encoder is coupled to the index mirror to provide a digital electrical output signal indicative of the exact angular position of the index mirror. The sextant includes an electrical clock for producing an electrical output signal which indicates the exact time the sighting is taken. The sextant includes electronics for automatically synchronizing the electrical output signal from the encoder with the electrical output signal from the clock.

Abstract: A light reference system for generating .[.a collimated beam of light and converting.]. and projecting .[.the same as.]. a relatively intense fan-shaped or diverging plane of light from an operator manipulatable device on a machine or a vehicle to an object or opening which may be positionally referenced to the device in a selected predetermined relation by operator control of the machine or vehicle and manipulatable device, thus enabling the operator to observably locate a sharply defined resulting line of light so as to establish such selected relation. The light reference system is capable of a number of different embodiments or forms, a few of which are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of the machine or vehicle with which such a system is combined herein is of a fork lift truck vehicle on which the light reference system in various forms is mounted on the elevatable load handling device or fork carrier for generating .[.a collimated beam of light and for converting the same into.].