Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to body vibration analysis systems and methods. In an embodiment, a body vibration analysis system is included having a first light source configured to illuminate a surface of the body from a first angle with a first set of lighted features and a second light source configured to illuminate a surface of the body from a second angle with a second set of lighted features, wherein the second set of lighted features are optically distinguishable from the first set of lighted features. The system further includes a camera configured to detect light reflected from the surface of the body and a control circuit configured to receive an input from the camera and assess spatial vibration as a function of location on the surface of the body. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an in-place non-contact detection method for a shaft workpiece. The method includes: establishing a detection system, calibrating the detection system and establishing a detection coordinate system; analyzing a pose of a workpiece in the detection system to establish a coordinate system of a workpiece clamping device; controlling the workpiece clamping device of a shaft workpiece processing machine tool to rotate, continuously acquiring data by a linear laser measuring instrument, and calculating and analyzing the acquired data to obtain an ideal reference axis of the shaft workpiece; continuously acquiring data of a detection part, and calculating and analyzing the acquired data to obtain actual machining precision of runout of a shaft neck of a camshaft; and continuously acquiring data of the detection part, and calculating and analyzing the acquired data to obtain machining precision of coaxiality of the shaft workpiece.

Abstract: A device for determining orientation of an object, including a measurement body, which reflects electromagnetic radiation and can be brought into physical contact with a surface of the object to determine the orientation. The device includes: a measurement carriage movable along the object during the determination of the orientation and which has a sliding surface that can be brought into physical contact with the object; a retaining unit which retains the measurement body and is connected to the measurement carriage so as to be pivotable between a maximal position, in which the measurement body protrudes beyond the sliding surface on the object side, and a minimal position, in which the measurement body does not protrude beyond the sliding surface on the object side; and a restoring device that applies a force to the retaining unit toward the maximal position.

Abstract: Provided are an obstacle sensing system and an obstacle sensing method whereby precision when determining the presence/absence of an obstacle can be enhanced. In sensing of an obstacle by a configuration in which laser light is radiated from a transmission part 9 mounted to a moving body while the irradiation angle ?n is varied, and reflected light of the laser light is received by a reception part 10, a sensing region S is set in advance in a region on the periphery of a reflection position Pn from which the laser light is reflected when there is no obstacle, and a determination mechanism 13 determines whether an obstacle is present or absent in accordance with the reflected light reflected inside the sensing region S.

Abstract: An optical camera lens includes a first camera lens component including at least one first lens and a second camera lens component including a second lens barrel and at least one second lens mounted in the second lens barrel. The first and second lenses together constitute an imageable optical system. At least one of the two camera lens components has a smooth region located on an end surface of the camera lens component, and a connecting medium for fixing the first and second camera lens components together. A corresponding assembly method of the optical camera lens and a corresponding camera module and an assembly method thereof are also provided. The optical camera lens can improve a pre-positioning accuracy by improving a height measurement accuracy, and can use a distance measuring point as a feature point of image recognition so as to perform pre-positioning and active calibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an angle meter cooperatively using two or more non-contact distance meters for measuring distances to a surface along substantially parallel lines. The measured distances are used for estimating or calculating the angle to the surface and the distance to the surface. The distance meters may use optical means, where a visible or non-visible light or laser beam is emitted and received, acoustical means, where an audible or ultrasound sound is emitted and received, or an electro-magnetic scheme, where radar beam is transmitted and received. The distances may be estimated using a Time-of-Flight (TOF), homodyne or heterodyne phase detection schemes. The distance meters may share the same correlator, signal conditioning circuits, or the same sensor. Two or more angle meters may be used defining parallel or perpendicular measurement planes, for measuring angles between surfaces, and for estimating physical dimensions such as length, area or volume.

Abstract: A transmitter for providing energy to a beam-powered aircraft includes an energy source that outputs an energy beam having an elongated cross-section, and a mount. The mount is operable to vary an azimuth and an elevation of the energy beam, and operable to rotate the energy beam about a central axis of the energy beam.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement device and method of operating combines tracker and scanner functionality. The method includes selecting an operating mode on the coordinate measurement device. A first light is emitted from the coordinate measurement device. At least two angles associated with the emitting of the first light are measured. A second light is received with an optical detector, wherein the second light is a reflection of the first light off of the retroreflector or the surface. A distance is determined based at least in part on the selected mode, the emitting of the first light, and the receiving of the second light. Three dimensional coordinates of at least one point in the environment are determined based at least in part on the measuring of the at least two angles and the determination of the distance.

Abstract: A laser-based measurement device includes a laser transmitter; a laser receiver; an optical device configured to guide a laser beam emitted by the laser transmitter out of the laser-based measurement device and guide the laser beam reflected by an external environment in the laser receiver; and a driving device including a first magnetic member connected to the optical device and a second magnetic member. The driving device is configured to drive the optical device to vibrate through interaction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, to change a guiding direction of the laser beam passing through the optical device.

Abstract: A housing includes a first opening and a second opening, and encloses a light-emitting element and a first light receiving unit. The first opening is provided in a first light guide path, and is arranged so that light output from the light-emitting element travels toward a target surface. The second opening is provided in a second light guide path arranged between the target surface and the first light receiving unit. The first opening is an exit opening of a through-hole provided penetrating through the housing, and a shape of the through-hole is a shape in which diffracted light of the +1st order and higher orders and diffracted light of the ?1st order and higher orders produced at the target surface to be irradiated are not incident on the first light receiving unit.

Abstract: A reflector arrangement for determining the position or marking of target points, having at least one retroreflector, and a beam detection unit, by means of which the orientation measurement radiation passing through the retroreflector is acquirable. The beam detection unit comprises a first sensor for generating a signal in dependence on an acquisition of orientation measurement radiation and a first beam guiding unit. The first sensor and the first beam guiding unit are arranged such that a detection field of view for acquiring the orientation measurement radiation is defined, an alignment of the detection field of view around the yaw axis is variable and orientation measurement radiation passing through the retroreflector is acquirable in dependence on the alignment of the detection field of view with the first sensor.

Abstract: An automatic working system comprises a self-moving device moving and working in a working region, a handheld device and a control module. The handheld device is configured to move along a perimeter of the working region with a user and comprises a detecting module, detecting the perimeter information of the working region; and an input module, receiving a command of the user for detecting the perimeter information. The control module comprises a perimeter setting unit, generating virtual data of the perimeter, an area calculation unit calculating the area of the working region and a scheduling unit generating a working schedule. The self-moving device comprises a working module, a driving module and a controller. The controller controls the self-moving device to work according to the working schedule.

Abstract: A portable laser emitter, laser target, and method for measuring the toe angle of a commercial truck steer axle are disclosed. The laser emitter is mounted to the wheel of a truck steer axle while the laser target is placed in front of the truck. Measurements are taken of the laser dot position on the target with the emitter mounted at either end of the steer axle. The process is then repeated with the target positioned behind the truck. The measurements taken from either end of the steer axle with both front and rear target positions are compared to determine the toe angle of the steer axle.

Abstract: Systems and methods thermal management of a directed energy weapon are provided. The system may include a controller module executable by a processor to determine a planned energy emission from a light-emitting diode (LED) of the directed energy weapon. The controller module may generate a cooling instruction to influence a temperature of the LED with a cooling fluid in response to the planned energy emission. The controller module may cause the cooling fluid to be applied to the LED in accordance with the cooling instruction prior to a start of the planned energy emission of the LED.

Abstract: A device for determining existence of a gas component inside a space of a glass unit includes detecting unit and calibration units. The detecting unit includes laser beam emitting elements emitting laser beam towards the space and detecting elements for detecting reflections of emitted laser beams. The calibration unit includes a calibration chamber having the same gas component as inside the space, and a reflector. The laser beam emitting and detecting elements are arranged to emit and receive beams at an angle so that the focus of the laser spot locates between the laser emitting and detecting elements and outside the line connecting them at the same position in relation to the detecting unit during the measuring process. The detecting and calibration units are movable in relation to each other for calibration purpose so that the laser beam travels through the chamber and the focus spot hits the reflector.

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.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.

Abstract: A measurement system that includes an industrial machine and an interferometer can detect when abnormality has occurred in measurement targeted at a reflector attached to a movable body, for example, in a case where the movable body has moved too close to the interferometer. A judging section of the interferometer judges that there is abnormality in measurement targeted at the reflector on the basis of a received-light signal. Upon such an abnormality judgment, a stop command outputting section of the interferometer outputs a stop command to the industrial machine. A stopping section of the industrial machine stops the driving operation of a moving mechanism upon receiving an input of the stop command, thereby stopping the movement of the movable body. The measurement system makes it possible to prevent the industrial machine, which includes the movable body and the moving mechanism, from colliding with the interferometer.

Abstract: Improvements to the art of orientation measurement are disclosed whereby the phase angle of each of the plurality of orientation dependent radiation patterns is measured at a single common and unique point of measurement on the observation surface and correspondingly in the image of the observation surface, and whereby a central landmark is located at the point of measurement without loss of accuracy in the determination of the plurality of phase angles of orientation dependent radiation so that the precise point of measurement can be determined in the image without errors introduced by an offset between the positions of landmarks and the position of phase angle measurement.

Abstract: Methods and devices for angle determination, and retroreflecting foils are presented. A retroreflecting foil (1) is arranged at a surface, an angle of which is going to be determined. The retroreflecting foil has a lens surface with a plurality of spherical microlenses (4) and a reflecting surface with a plurality of spherical mirrors (5) of a second main radius of curvature. The lens surface of the retroreflecting foil is illuminated, and transitions between darkness and light in radiation reflected from the retroreflecting foil, either upon changing a relative angle between the retroreflecting foil and the illuminating light or spatial transitions over the surface of the retroreflecting foil, are observed. An angle measure associated with the transitions is determined. The spherical mirrors present preferably at least one inner point (22) of a spherical mirror surface at which reflection according to the second main radius of curvature is prohibited.

Abstract: A marker-tracking system includes an object, a marker illuminating device, a marker sensing device, and a computing device. The object includes a first retroreflective marker having a shape that is substantially defined by two spherical caps of different radii that are disposed substantially concentric in relation to one another. The marker illuminating device substantially illuminates the first retroreflective marker, the marker sensing device detects the illuminated first retroreflective marker and generates first data indicative of the location of the illuminated first retroreflective marker in space, and the computing device processes the first data generated by the marker sensing device to determine a position and/or orientation of the object in space.

Abstract: A laser based coordinate measuring device measures a position of a remote target. The laser based coordinate measuring device includes a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and at least a first optical fiber. The stationary portion has at least a first laser radiation source and at least a first optical detector, and the rotatable portion is rotatable with respect to the stationary portion. The first optical fiber system, which optically interconnects the first laser radiation source and the first optical detector with an emission end of the first optical fiber system, has the emission end disposed on the rotatable portion. The emission end emits laser radiation to the remote target and receives laser radiation reflected from the remote target with the emission direction of the laser radiation being controlled according to the rotation of the rotatable portion.

Abstract: According to the invention, two simultaneous images with different wavelengths (?1, ?2) are formed in synchronism with each illuminance laser pulse, one of the Images corresponding to the wavelength (?1) of the laser pulses, and the difference between the two images is generated.

Abstract: A device for exchanging data, such as a position or an identification, between a tool and a tool receiving structure. The device includes: an elongated track of sensors arranged in the receiving structure; and at least one sensor activating element arranged on the tool. The invention further relates to a method for exchanging data between a tool and a tool receiving structure, including: providing a device for exchanging data; activating at least one sensor activating element; and checking the track of sensors for activation of a sensor.

Abstract: Utilizing frequency-dependent diffraction (also referred to as dispersion) to determine the angular position of a retro-reflective object within a scanning space. The technique involves dispersing an electromagnetic beam into a scanning space by frequency. If a retro-reflective object is located within the scanning space, the object will retro-reflect a portion of the dispersed beam having a frequency that is associated with the angular position of the retro-reflective object within the scanning space. The frequency of the retro-reflected beam is used to determine the angular position of the retro-reflective object within the scanning space. When a second beam is dispersed into the scanning space and a portion of the second beam is retro-reflected in the manner just described, a second angular position of the retro-reflective object can be found. Coordinates of the retro-reflective object are determinable by triangulation using the two angular positions.

Abstract: A tracking type laser interferometer including: a retro-reflector 20 for reflecting incident measurement light and returning the same in the incident direction and a main body 10 having means for emitting measurement light, means 30 for receiving return light reflected by the recursive reflector and returned therefrom, and means 40 for controlling the emission direction of measurement light so that the distance between both optical axes of measurement light and return light becomes constant at all times, and the tracking type laser interferometer outputs a measurement value in response to an increase or a decrease in distance between the reference point in the main body and the recursive reflector, wherein at least one light reflecting means 80 is disposed in an optical path between the main body 10 and the retro-reflector 20, and the directions of the optical axes of the measurement light and return light are changed, whereby without moving the tracking type laser interferometer, the measurement range can be

Abstract: A laser target reflector assembly for mounting upon spacecraft having a long-range reflector array formed from a plurality of unfiltered light reflectors embedded in an array pattern upon a hemispherical reflector disposed upon a mounting plate. The reflector assembly also includes a short-range reflector array positioned upon the mounting body proximate to the long-range reflector array. The short-range reflector array includes three filtered light reflectors positioned upon extensions from the mounting body. The three filtered light reflectors retro-reflect substantially all incident light rays that are transmissive by their monochromatic filters and received by the three filtered light reflectors. In one embodiment the short-range reflector array is embedded within the hemispherical reflector.

Abstract: An object is placed at a particular distance away from the nonreflecting side of a mirror, such that the gravitational force of the object affects the mirror. A laser is then pointed at the opposite, reflecting side of the mirror, thereby itself reflecting off the mirror and going back in to the cavity of the laser, creating a mode-hopping effect. The mirror will be affected by three forces, the force of a spring (FS), the force of a modulating signal (FMS), created by an electro mechanical device attached to the mirror, and the gravitational force of objects as they approach and recede away from the mirror.

Abstract: An object is placed at a particular distance away from the nonreflecting side of a mirror, such that the gravitational force of the object affects the mirror. A laser is then pointed at the opposite, reflecting side of the mirror, thereby itself reflecting off the mirror and going back in to the cavity of the laser, creating a mode-hopping effect. The mirror will be affected by three forces, the force of a spring (FS), the force of a modulating signal (FMS), created by an electro mechanical device attached to the mirror, and the gravitational force of objects as they approach and recede away from the mirror.

Abstract: A laser beam may be used to provide a virtual reference axis of travel for the in-axis direction of motion of lenses in a zoom assembly to be positioned during a zoom operation. The virtual reference axis is projected along the optical axis, parallel to existing mechanical lens slides. The virtual reference axis passes through an aperture on each of the lens assemblies, and is sampled by a set of optics and detectors on each of the lens assemblies. The optics and detectors are arranged such that any change in the position of a lens cell within a lens assembly relative to the virtual reference axis is sensed and corrected using a feedback signal to a positioning motor. Since the same virtual reference axis is used for each lens in the zoom assembly, each lens can be independently corrected for off-axis position errors to very high precision.

Abstract: A deformable reflector includes a plurality of MEMS devices, each having an electrode membrane having a reflective surface thereon, a flat surface, and a pulldown electrode formed in the flat substrate. The electrode membrane has substantially a same flatness of the flat substrate when the electrode membrane comes into contact with the flat substrate across a majority of its surface area in response to a voltage being applied to the pulldown electrode. The electrode membrane has a two-dimensional curvature when no voltage is applied to the pulldown electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of optical systems in a terrain area, has at least: a laser arrangement with a laser light source, a moving mirror for scanning the terrain area and a photoelement for detection of retroreflected laser radiation from the laser light source, a scan position sensor for detection of a scanning direction, and a controller for determination of the position of an optical system to be detected, from a measurement which is carried out by means of the laser arrangement by evaluation of the intensity of retroreflected laser radiation from an optical surface of the optical system, and evaluation of the associated scanning direction detected by the scan position sensor, with the controller having an electronic interface via which information relating at least to the intensity and the elevation of the detected retroreflected laser radiation can be transmitted to at least one display apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments may comprise methods, apparatuses, systems, and one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions thereon for adjusting a laser retroreflector to compensate for passing laser light through a window of the retroreflector comprising: determining an adjustment factor to compensate for propagation errors due to passing laser light through the window of the retroreflector; and adjusting a location of a reflection point of the retroreflector to minimize the propagation errors based on the adjustment factor.

Abstract: A head tracking system combines a plurality of sources of radiant energy, a plurality of sensors and at least one reflective element. As the reflective element moves, various radiant energy beams become incident thereon. The incident beams are reflected to respective sensors thereby providing head position signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining wheel assembly alignment comprises a contact assembly, a light source, and a light beam receiving assembly. The contact assembly engages the wheel assembly to define a plane of orientation of the wheel assembly and the light source projects a beam of light with respect to the contact assembly. The light beam receiving assembly receives the light beam and forms an image of the light beam indicating the orientation of the wheel assembly with respect to a predetermined position. The receiving assembly may include a Fresnel lens for directing the received light beam to a target and a camera device for imaging the light beam on the target, with the camera device adapted to provide toe and camber information of the wheel assembly based on the location at which the light beam impinges upon the target. The contact assembly may be pressed against the wheel assembly without being secured thereto.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed that measure the relative angular orientation between two surfaces. Two frames are mounted on the two surfaces to be measured. One frame has a collimated light source and a measuring scale. The other frame has a mirror. The collimated light is projected from the first frame and reflected off the mirror back to the scale on the first frame. The collimated light beam position on the scale is used to calculate the non-parallel angle between the two rolls. The method and measuring scale can be adapted to provide accurate measurement of very small, near parallel orientation angles. The two frames can be adapted to measure the angular orientation of important surfaces such as rolls or odd shapes that are otherwise difficult to measure.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus including an objective lens; an irradiation unit for irradiating illumination light from the objective lens toward a reflector; a ranging unit for irradiating ranging light from the objective lens to measure a distance from the surveying apparatus to the reflector; an image sensor for outputting information on an image in a field of view based on light entering through the objective lens; an image processing circuit connected with the image sensor for processing the image information outputted from the image sensor; and a monitor connected with the image processing circuit for displaying an image, wherein a ranging-possible area and a position at which the reflector is located based on the illumination light reflected from the reflector are displayed in a form of figure on the image displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A method of detecting foreign objects in display manufacturing process, wherein the method comprising steps as flows: First a laser source and a laser detector are provided on a first side of a target to be measured, wherein the laser detector is supported by an adjustable gauge to provide the laser detector both horizontal and vertical movement. Then, a reflector located is provided on a second side of the target, wherein a laser beam coming from the laser source passes through a detecting position over the surface of the target, and is reflected to the laser detector by the reflector. Subsequently the intensity of the reflected laser beam is received and measured of by the laser detector.

Abstract: A fast and accurate non-contacting angle sensor. According to one aspect of the described sensor and method of operation thereof, the angular orientation of an inner payload relative to an outer structure is monitored with a 2 axis optical angle sensor for azimuth and elevation angles. The sensor operates on the same principle as an autocollimator, thus it measures both azimuth and elevation angles simultaneously. The angle sensor measurements are highly accurate in the angles of interest, while having low sensitivity to translation in three axes and low sensitivity to roll angle between the inner payload and the outer structure.

Abstract: An optical feedback technique is utilized for accurately determining the angular orientation of a collimator relative to an electro-optical (EO) system, and for aligning the two. A mirror assembly mounted on the EO system comprises a plurality of mirror elements positioned to receive light from the exit aperture of the collimator and to reflect the light back into the collimator through the aperture, each of the mirror elements having a reflecting surface oriented at a predetermined, unique angle. A beam of light reflected from one of the plurality of mirror elements forms a light spot on a photosensitive surface at the focal plane of the collimator. The relative orientation of the collimator and the EO system is determined by comparing the position of the light spot on the photosensitive surface with a reference position.

Abstract: The apparatus uses retro-reflected light, having a fixed component (41) and a variable component (37) varied by a person, from a retro reflector (31) connected to a person to input data (37A) to an information system (13) and does this for each of several persons in the same time interval.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for establishing actual changes and intended changes of the spatial angle of a main axis (e) of a sensor or effector attached to a receiver (4.1). The receiver (4.1) is directly rotatable around the first axis of rotation (I) and indirectly rotatable around at least one further axis of rotation (b, a). An optical-electronic angular measurement device (5) having at least two measurement axes is attached to the receiver (4.1). For a first axis of rotation (I, b, a), a rotation is performed around this first axis of rotation (I, b, a), while any rotation around further axes of rotation is prevented. After each rotation step, a first actual change of the spatial angle of the main axis (e) is detected and stored by the angular measurement device (5), and a first intended change of the spatial angle of the main axis (e) is provided and stored by a coder device (10). During use of the device, a carrier base (8), onto which the receiver (4.

Abstract: A primary mirror 22 defines an active concave surface 24, a first planar 40 and a first concave 42 alignment surfaces, each facing an active surface 30 defined by a secondary mirror 28. The secondary mirror also defines a second planar 46 a second concave 48 alignment surfaces, each opposite the active surface 30. Alignment beams 64, 66, 68, 70 are reflected from each of the four alignment surfaces, which all face the same direction, to adjust the mirrors. The first planar alignment surface is used to adjust tip and tilt of the primary mirror; the first concave alignment surface is used to position a retro reflector 50 relative to the primary mirror; the second planar alignment surface is used to adjust tip and tilt of the second mirror, and the second concave alignment surface is used to adjust the second mirror in the x, y and z direction relative to the first mirror. The apparatus and method are described for two and three mirror telescopes.

Abstract: A torque measuring device for a rotating body comprises: a rotary section composed of first and second flanges to be joined respectively to driving and driven shafts, and a hollow cylinder having the first and second flanges formed respectively on both edges thereof; torque detectors provided at an inner circumference of the cylinder; light emitting elements provided at an outer circumference of the rotary section and adapted to emit light according to an output from the torque detectors thereby generating an optical signal; a light receiving fiber disposed outside the rotary section and adapted to receive the optical signal from the light emitting elements; and a rotary transformer composed of a primary coil constituted by an annulus with two-part separable structure disposed outside the rotary section and a secondary coil provided at the outer circumference of the rotary section, and adapted to supply electrical power to the rotary section.

Abstract: An apparatus to align a propeller shaft comprises two main, parts being a first part which is attached to a skeg and which contains a laser emitter, and a second part which is attached to the power outlet of the engine and which contains a prism to deflect the laser beam to a target board, the arrangement allowing alignment between the skeg and the power outlet such that when the propeller shaft is attached the propeller shaft is in perfect alignment.

Abstract: In an angle detecting apparatus and projector using range finder units, range finding calculations are performed in plural directions using line type passive range finders as the range finding units. An average value of inclination angles calculated based on the range finding calculations is selected as the inclination angle. Thus, if one range finding result has an abnormal value, the adverse effects thereof are reduced and the structure is miniaturized.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for laser encoder resolution extension with three-dimensional motion decoupling capability. The optical system includes a first prism mounted on a moving target, and a plurality of prisms, a retroreflector, a laser source, and a detector mounted on a fixed base. The moving target has three-dimensional linear motion freedom. The first prism on the moving target and the plurality of prisms and the retroreflector on the fixed base reflect a laser beam from the laser source to the detector define a three-dimensional optical path. The three-dimensional optical path provides multiple times optical resolution extension power for linear displacement measurement and encoding. This optic system is only sensible to the target motion on X direction and is substantially unaffected by movement in the Y and Z directions.

Abstract: The degree to which a rotating object like a machine tool spindle undesirably wobbles in directions both transverse and parallel to its axis of rotation is measured preferably by providing a laser beam or other beam energy source which directs the beam toward a beam reflecting surface, most advantageously a curved surface, like a spherical or cylindrical surface. The reflecting surface is most advantageously formed by a spherical body mounted for adjustment in a plane perpendicular to the rotating axis involved, so that the center of the curved surface can be positioned as close as possible to the axis involved before error measurements are taken. In such case, the distance the beam traverses between the beam source and the point on the curved surface struck by the beam is a measure of the degree to which the spindle undesirably wobbles in directions both transverse to and parallel to the spindle axis.

Abstract: A reconfigurable optical method and system for rapidly measuring relative angular alignment of flat surfaces are provided. The method and system can be used to rapidly and simultaneously measure the relative angular alignment of machined flat surfaces of a manufactured part. The system can measure parallelism, perpendicularity or angular alignment of multiple flat surfaces. The system can also be used to set up a range of reference angles to which machined surfaces can be compared.