Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and long ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turn The first stop surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage turret.

Abstract: An optical instrument, such as a riflescope, is disclosed having variable magnification. The reticle can include a stationary display element, such as a magnification scale displayed on a perimeter of the field of view. A moving display element, such as a scale indicator, may be coupled to an actuator that is used to change the magnification power. Both the moving display element and stationary display element may be visible in a field of view through the ocular and together can be used to indicate the magnification power, or a related parameter, such as the range or distance to a target. As the actuator is used to change the magnification power, the user can see the magnification adjustment in the field of view. Thus, the user does not need to look away from the field of view of the instrument to know the magnification setting.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for determining an aiming adjustment amount, in terms of both vertical and horizontal aiming adjustments, to shoot a target at a target range by iteratively solving for the projectile trajectory (e.g., projectile drop or path and deflection) such that the iteratively calculated projectile trajectory is determined to pass through the target location within a predetermined threshold amount (e.g., at a projectile path calculation of about zero). Also disclosed are techniques for indicating whether a projectile has supersonic, transonic, or subsonic speed at a given range.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor may be configured to generate a video signal based on a targeted view from a vehicle. The processor may be configured to perform video analysis on video frames of the video signal to detect an object, perform a classification of the object, provide a confidence level of the classification and generate a control signal in response to the classification of the object. The control signal may be used to reshape a beam of one or more headlights of the vehicle. The reshaping of the beams of the headlights may be determined based on a location of the object in the video frames and the confidence level of the classification. The confidence level of the classification of the object may be adjusted in response to a second classification of a second object detected in the video frame.

Abstract: A binocular telescope with digital laser ranging function, comprising an objective component, a beam splitter and coincidence prism system and an ocular component, and the beam splitter and coincidence prism system is arranged between the objective component and the ocular component; the beam splitter and coincidence prism system comprises a roof prism and a composite prism, the composite prism is composed of an isosceles prism, a right-angle prism A and a right-angle prism B, wherein the right-angle prism A and the right-angle prism B have the same shape and symmetrically abut on the two isosceles planes of the isosceles prism. The binocular telescope of the invention not only has observation function, but also has laser ranging function, and can display the target characters such as optical virtual sight and measured distance in the form of character in the field of view.

Abstract: A telescopic gun sight whose viewing axis is tilted with respect to the sight's main optical axis is disclosed. A refracting wedge prism is added to the optical layout of a telescopic sight after the eyepiece to tilt the viewing axis and provide an offset eyepoint. The tilted viewing axis provides better ergonomics when the telescopic sight is used in combination with other type of sights such as a reflex sight.

Abstract: In an adjusting knob mechanism, a base includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion. A first clicking gear includes a plurality of first indentations and disposed on the first supporting portion. A second clicking gear includes a plurality of second indentations and disposed on the second supporting portion. A limiting element is disposed on the base. A movable element is disposed within the limiting element and configured to move in an axial direction of the base relative to the limiting element. A connecting mechanism extends into the limiting element. An adjusting cover is connected to the movable element by the connecting mechanism, so as to move the movable element in the axial direction of the base relative to the limiting element and the second clicking gear. The adjusting cover is configured to rotate the limiting element and the movable element through the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sensor, an interface and a processor. The sensor may be configured to generate a video signal based on a targeted view from a vehicle of a perspective of a driver. The interface may be configured to receive status information about one or more components of the vehicle. The processor may be configured to generate a control signal in response to (i) a classification of objects in the video signal and (ii) the status information. The control signal may be used to adjust one or more headlights of the vehicle. The adjustment of the headlights may be based on a location of the objects in the video signal.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a system, device and method for calculating comprehensive ballistic solutions, or portions thereof, via a varying magnification optical range determining and ballistic trajectory calculating apparatus referred to as a ballistic solutions device. Advantageously, embodiments of a ballistic solutions device may drastically reduce marksman error in milling targets by employing a measurement component configured to measure angular movement of a projectile launching device, such as a rifle, thus delivering consistently accurate distance to target estimations. Additionally, embodiments of a ballistic solutions device may also comprise features and aspects that enable a user to leverage available real-time field data such that error associated with the measurement of those variables is minimized prior to calculating and rendering a comprehensive ballistic solution derived from stored DOPE.

Abstract: Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stop surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage turret.

Abstract: This invention teaches a telescopic gun sight wherein the sight's magnification and point of aim can be adjusted simultaneously using the zoom knob. Once the sight is zeroed-in at a set distance, say 100 yards, it will automatically compensate for bullet drop at longer distances as magnification is increased.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically calculating a trajectory of a projectile launched from a weapon includes receiving environmental conditions and determining a distance to a potential target. Determining the distance to the potential target may include calculating distance via optics of the weapon in conjunction with a self correcting reticle module or a video target tracking module. Alternatively, the distance to the potential target may be determined using a laser range finder. A point of impact for the projectile on the potential target may automatically be calculated based on the distance and environmental conditions. A graphical indicator may then be projected on a display device which corresponds to the potential target and indicates the point of impact for the projectile on the potential target. The video target tracking or self correcting reticle module moves the projectile impact point (crosshairs) as the weapon is translated in space by the marksmen.

Abstract: This invention teaches an optical method for adjusting the point of aim in telescopic gun sights. In one embodiment, a pair of prisms are placed behind the objective lens of a telescopic gun sight such that they can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The sight's point of aim is adjusted by rotating the two prisms in opposite direction.

Abstract: A relative navigation system projects a grid into space from a grid generator and an object, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may use the projected grid to aid in the landing of the object. Methods of adjusting the projected grid including stabilizing the projected grid and orienting the grid generator relative to the earth.

Abstract: A range finder adapted for finding the object distance of a subject having a specific height includes a shell unit, an objective lens assembly, a magnifying unit having multiple selectable magnification ratios, and a range finding unit. The range finding unit includes a scale, a pointer, and a mark. The object distance of the subject is known by comparing the scale and the pointer in an imaging plane when an end of an image of the specific height of the subject formed on the imaging plane is aligned with the mark.

Abstract: A portable distance measuring device that works by spanning separately targeted endpoints is described. The device contains a laser distance measuring component and sensing components that track changes in position and orientation of the device, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Distance is measured by pointing the laser at an endpoint and measuring the distance to it. Once this measurement is confirmed, the device can be moved to a different vantage location to measure a second endpoint with the laser. The orientation and position of the device for the second distance measurement relative to the first measurement are calculated by the position and orientation sensors. Together these values are sufficient to calculate the distance spanning the endpoints. This calculation is performed by a computer contained in the device and the distance displayed to the user.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product provides for estimating the range of a target. An acquisition window of an imaging device is adjusted to fit a target at an unknown range in response to a user input. An angle subtended by the largest dimension of the target viewed from the acquisition window is determined. The range of the target is estimated from a largest dimension of the target and the angle subtended by the largest dimension of the target. The device may be a man-portable aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) system trainer (MAST), or any simulator simulating a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS).

Abstract: A portable distance measuring device that works by spanning separately targeted endpoints is described. The device contains a laser distance measuring component and sensing components that track changes in position and orientation of the device, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Distance is measured by pointing the laser at an endpoint and measuring the distance to it. Once this measurement is confirmed, the device can be moved to a different vantage location to measure a second endpoint with the laser. The orientation and position of the device for the second distance measurement relative to the first measurement are calculated by the position and orientation sensors. Together these values are sufficient to calculate the distance spanning the endpoints. This calculation is performed by a computer contained in the device and the distance displayed to the user.

Abstract: A signaling light source facilitates locating personnel under adverse conditions such as in a smoky environment and resists damage from exposure to a harsh user environment A lighting unit includes at least one, and preferably two, of the signaling light sources also includes at least one personnel identifying red-green-blue (“RGB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) Disclosed methods for operating the signaling light source include energizing operation of a LED light source by supplying a sequence of electrical current pulses which repeat at a rate which causes emitted light to pulse visually, supplying electrical current to a pair of LEDs alternatively connected either in series or in parallel depending upon battery operating condition, and monitoring smoke density in environment around the signaling light source and modulating the intensity of emitted light responsive to smoke density.

Abstract: A method of effecting a purchasing transaction includes providing a printed form having printed thereon coded data distributed over an area; capturing an image of the form using a sensing device, the captured image showing a portion of the coded data; decoding at least some of the coded data within the captured image; determining from the coded data an identity of the form, a position of the coded data on the form, and a parameter of the purchasing transaction; determining a position of the sensing device relative to the form from a distortion of the captured image and the determined position of the coded data; compiling the identify of the form, the position of the sensing device, and the parameter of the purchasing transaction as indicating data; receiving in a computer system the indicating data; and identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to a purchasing transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online purchasing via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting purchasing transactions over a network.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for determining stereo disparity based on two-path dynamic programming and GGCP. The apparatus includes a pre-processing unit for analyzing texture distribution of an input image by using a Laplacian of Gaussian (LOG) filter and dividing the input image into a homogeneous region and a non-homogeneous region; a local matching unit for determining candidate disparities to be included in an each pixel of all pixels; a local post-processing unit for removing candidate disparities in a pixel of low reliability by performing a visibility test betweens candidate disparities in each pixel to improve the reliability of the candidate disparity; and a global optimizing unit for determining a final disparity for candidate disparities in an each pixel by performing a dynamic programming.

Abstract: A transmission wave is applied to a predetermined range in a width-wise direction of a subject vehicle. Objects located ahead of the subject vehicle are recognized on the basis of reflected waves which result from reflections of the transmission wave. The reflected waves are converted into a received signal. Detection is made regarding a variation in an intensity of the received signal along a direction corresponding to the width-wise direction of the subject vehicle. The received signal is separated into a first signal portion and a second signal portion on the basis of the detected signal intensity variation. The first signal portion corresponds to a scattered portion of the transmission wave. The second signal portion corresponds to an unscattered portion of the transmission wave. Objects are recognized on the basis of the second signal portion.

Abstract: A low-cost-of-manufacture, portable, capable-of-adjustment range finder for estimating distances between the user and one or more objects with a known width, height or other linear dimension (such as a cup on a putting green, a target for target shooting, a military vehicle, etc.) is disclosed. In each of its embodiments, the invention relates to, and relies on, the fact that the image of an object appears to decrease in size as distance increases. In the preferred embodiment, an opening is formed through which to view the object, and recorded information is expressed on, in or included with the device so that the user can correlate the position of the object image to predetermined distance information. The shape and size of the opening are reasonably variable, but, once the size and shape are determined, the position of the distance information is fixed at the position on the opening where the image size corresponds to the indicated distance.

Abstract: A range finder including a transparent member having a reference line and a plurality of range indicating lines. The reference line and range indicating lines are spaced apart a predetermined distance corresponding to the distance to the target, and further corresponding to a predetermined dimension of the target. The predetermined distance is in one embodiment the distance between the belly and back of an animal such as a deer.

Abstract: A range finder includes a light source for emitting a light beam to an object to be measured, a detector for detecting a reflected light from the object, a measuring part for calculating the distance to the object on the basis of the reflected light detected by the detector, a display capable of displaying two objects to be measured as well as the distance to the object measured by the measuring part, a finder for observing the two objects shown on the display, at least one index set on the display for indicating the positions regarding the two objects shown on the display, a field angle setting portion, equipped with a moving part for moving the index to the position of the object, for setting a field angle between the two objects on the basis of the positions indicated by the index, and a calculating part for calculating the separation between the two objects on the basis of the distance to the object measured by the measuring part and the field angle set by the field angle setting portion.

Abstract: Power density profile of a laser beam is characterized by scanning a thin thread across the beam and registering the intensity of radiation scattered from the thread. The diameter of the beam along the scan direction is determined by measuring the width of the signal received from the scattered power for the given speed of the thread across the beam.

Abstract: A reticle adapter (100) for judging distance from an object (12) is used with a viewing apparatus (A) to detect relative positions of signals from at least two spaced apart marker devices (10) formed on a first object (12). An image of the relative positions of the markers is created within a field of view (16). A reticle projecting member (110) is removably mounted on the viewer (A). The reticle projector (110) forms a reticle signal (112) superimposed on the field of view at the scene input end (118) of the viewer (A). The reticle is selected to form a control area within which simultaneous appearance of at least two images of the spaced apart markers indicates that the first object (12) is at a distance at least as great as a desired distance from the viewer.

Abstract: A distance judging system (S) includes at least two spaced apart marker devices (10) formed on a first object (12) and providing a signal (14). A viewer (A) is adapted to detect relative position of the signals (14) from the markers (10), and create an image (22) of the relative positions of the markers (10) within a field of view (16). A reticle (18) is superimposed on the field of view (16) of the viewer (A). The reticle (18) is selected to form a control area (20) within which simultaneous appearance of at least two images (22) of the markers (10) indicates that the first object (12) is at a distance (24) at least as great as a desired distance from the viewing apparatus (A); whereas, simultaneous appearance of less than two images (22) of the markers (10) within the control area (20) indicates that the first object (12) is at a distance (24) less than the desired distance.

Abstract: Featured is a method and device that minimize the effects of reflections from a transparent surface while viewing an object or target area through such reflective surface and which accomplishes this without affecting the crucially important accuracy of showing where a projectile from a weapon should impact a target. A method for viewing an object from a first side of a transparent medium, the first side being a reflective surface, when the object is located on an opposite side of the transparent medium, includes the steps of providing a telescopic viewing mechanism, mounting a filter at an exit aperture of the viewing mechanism and passing light from the object through the viewing mechanism and through the filter. The filter is configured to significantly attenuate light being reflected from the first side and in a particular embodiment is a polarizing filter.

Abstract: A standard scale used in a photogrammetric measurement system has a polygonal plate having three apexes which are arranged to define a reference plane, where each of the apexes defines a reference point. Another standard scale has a light-guide plate member which has three light-emitting spots for defining reference points. Yet another standard scale has a frame member, and reference-point-forming elements, for defining reference points, arranged on the frame to define a reference plane. A marker used in a photogrammetric measurement system for defining a standard scale has a light-guide plate having a light emitting spot for defining a reference point. Another marker has a polygonal-pyramidal-shaped optical assembly formed from light-guide plates, including a core layer containing fluorescent substances, such that an apex of the optical assembly is defined by an emission of fluorescent radiation therefrom.

Abstract: A range finder for a cap for determining the distance to a golf flag. The range finder has a cap coupling portion having a thin shell portion adapted to conform with the cap and a pair of "u" shaped portions for hooking around an edge of the cap. A base is carried by the cap coupling portion. A first support is pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot point. A lens is carried by the first support. A second support is pivotally mounted to the base at a second pivot point. An index for viewing through the lens is pivotally carried by the second support. The range finder has a linkage bar pivotally mounted at a third pivot point to the first support and pivotally mounted at a four pivot point to the second support. Moving the lens from a retracted position to a flipped down, in use position moves the index in unison.

Abstract: A range finder for a cap for determining the distance to a golf flag. The range finder has a cap coupling portion having a thin shell portion adapted to conform with the cap and a pair of "u" shaped portions for hooking around an edge of the cap. A base is carried by the cap coupling portion. A first support is pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot point. A lens is carried by the first support. A second support is pivotally mounted to the base at a second pivot point. An index for viewing through the lens is pivotally carried by the second support. The range finder has a linkage bar pivotally mounted at a third pivot point to the first support and pivotally mounted at a fourth pivot point to the second support. Moving the lens from a retracted position to a flipped down, in use position moves the index in unison.

Abstract: A system to overcome the visual aberration of spherical automotive rear view mirrors, related to the distance between vehicles, requires no measurement or mathematical skills. The system includes means for visually determining the curvature of a mirror, and templates for the proper placement of etched film strips which frame a safe return target area on the mirror. This target area is an indicator of when a vehicle seen in the mirror is at a safe distance behind the vehicle with the marked mirror.

Abstract: A rangefinder for scopes and binoculars in which a transparent display has a scale or other height-determining member to determine the height of the object viewed through the display and compare with a known object height selectively displayed on the same display, the actual height and known height being recorded and processed through a programmable logic circuit which calculates the range or distance of the object from the display based on actual height and known height. The programmable control circuit may also include a list of known object heights which can be selected and displayed on the display.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror having an image reflecting surface and a distance indicating light reflective indicia of contrasting reflectivity to the image reflecting surface, the indicia being located in such a position on the mirror that when a just passed vehicle appears on the mirror at a certain location with respect to the indicia, it is safe to pull over into the lane in front of the just passed vehicle. One embodiment of the distance indicating indicia is a reflective horizontal line located below the center of the mirror.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking the location of a person in conditions of darkness, including a base configured for mounting in association with the person; and apparatus, mounted onto the base, for displaying an image which when viewed at up to a first predetermined distance has a first appearance, and which when viewed from a distance between the first predetermined distance and a second predetermined distance, has a second appearance different to the first appearance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing range finding and a unique heads-up display for use in such apparatus are provided. Range finding is performed by viewing an object of known height at the location to which a range determination is being made through a transparent digital display on which a reticle is provided. The reticle is preferably in segments with the user adding or substracting segments from the reticle until its height matches that of the sighted image. A processor is provided to which the known height of the object is inputted, either by the user or from storage, with the processor determining range from this known height and the number of segments in the reticle. The range is displayed on the transparent display, permitting a user to simultaneously view both the object and the range indication.

Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled optical instrument comprises an objective lens, an ocular lens, and an erector lens assembly mounted to pivot between the objective lens and the ocular lens. A first image plane is defined by the objective lens, and a second plane of focus is located between the ocular lens and the erector lens assembly. A microcontroller is carried on the instrument, and a spanning reference is in focus on the first image plane. The erector lens assembly pivots by appropriate adjustments so the image of the spanning reference can be viewed on the first image plane in relation to a reference indicator focused on the second image plane, to thereby adjust the apparent spacing between the spanning reference and the reference indicator in response to the user's viewing the target through the instrument spanning the size of the target. A first control signal is produced and sent to the microcontroller to represent the pre-set size of the target.

Abstract: A range dispersion sensor operative to detect objects of a preselected height "h" operates on quarterwave interference principles. Electromagnetic energy is modulated at a first frequency f.sub.1 such that objects of the preselected height h disposed upon a background create a quarter-wave length reflector. A beam of electromagnetic energy reflected from an object of height h and its proximate background interferes destructively to create a null signal. Effects of non-uniform reflectivity are normalized by modulating the beam at a second frequency f.sub.2 selected to not create constructive or destructive interference effects with objects of the preselected height. The ratio of the two signals is taken thereby normalizing the effects of non-uniform reflectivity, and the resultant ratio is indicative of the height of the objects.

Abstract: In the measurement system for the measurement of an object (2), the object 2) is provided with two retro-reflectors (3, 4) disposed at a known spacing. A measuring device (1) exhibits a light source (5), a video camera (7, 8) and an arrangement (9) which carries out the measurement with reference to the two image points which are formed by the light reflected by the retroreflectors (3, 4). The light source (5) is preferably a flash light source, the flashes of which are synchronized by an arrangement (6) with the imaging sequence of the video camera (7, 8).

Abstract: A range finder for optically or electronically measuring distance from an object by comparison of a known curvilinear form or spectrum of points with the object being measured. The range finder, whether optical or electronic, is provided with different size outlines or stored images of the object, the different sizes representing the object as it would appear at different distances from the viewer. In its optical form, a number of different size outlines are provided on a transparency through which the object itself is viewed. The outline of the object as actually viewed is compared or matched with the known outline and the distance to the object is determined by relating the size of the actual outline to the closest size outline. In the electronic form, the comparison is made electronically rather than optically or visually. In both forms, only a portion of the object being measured need be visible for making the comparison.

Abstract: A bow and arrow sighting device for attachment to the bow and comprised of a range finder of the type having a manually rotatable range adjustment wheel which in one embodiment is coupled by gears to a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with a cam follower mechanism which moves a sighting bead element in synchronism with the angular displacement of the range finder range adjustment wheel so that when the range is found with the adjustment wheel the sighting element will be at the proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target. The one embodiment incorporates a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with the cam follower mechanism. A second embodiment incorporates a sighting glass in place of the sighting bead element and a parallelogram type lever structure is incorporated in the cam follower mechanism for maintaining the sighting glass in proper axis orientation as well as proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target.

Abstract: A cosmetic and observer line of sight mirror which includes a mirror having two sets of orthogonal lines with one set substantially horizontal and disposed over the face of the mirror or about the edge thereof to facilitate application of cosmetics to produce a balanced effect and enable movement of the mirror through selected angles about a horizontal axis to afford the user an image corresponding to the user's appearance observed by another at a selected distance and elevation. The mirror may also be provided with supporting means for leveling the mirror and include a scale calibrated in terms of elevation and distance of an observer.

Abstract: An automobile safety mirror is disclosed which is fabricated of laminated safety glass construction. Front and rear glass panels sandwich a layer of colored plastic therebetween and a suitable mirror surface is applied to the rear of the rear glass panel. The plastic layer is divided into red and yellow colored zones by a line of demarcation to delineate safe and non-safe passing conditions. A guide consisting of intersecting horizontal and vertical guide lines is provided in the yellow colored zone in spaced relation from the line of demarcation to facilitate initial aligning or aiming of the safety mirror.

Abstract: A telescopic sight provides means for determining the range of a target of known size and for compensating for predetermined bullet drop over the target range. Reticles are fixed in both the front and rear focal planes of the sight, and first screw means, calibrated to indicate range, are provided for controllably rotating the erector tube to displace the image of the front reticle, formed in the rear focal plane, so as to bracket the target between the rear reticle cross-hairs and the image of the front reticle. Second screw means, also operable to rotate the erector tube, displace the target image so as to compensate for bullet drop.

Abstract: A method of comparing circumferential shapes, particularly the outer circumference of a desired clearance wth the real clearance between obstacles arranged alongside a railway track, for example, signalling posts, overhead structures and quay walls, wherein from a point on the railway track, with the aid of field-glasses, in the viewing field of which is arranged an image of the outer circumference of the desired clearance made from a given distance, the real clearance is observed in the direction of length of the track at said given distance.

Abstract: A closed circuit TV camera with a fixed focus lens, is used to measure the vertical displacement from and longitudinal distance from an industrial robot arm to checkered-row target pattern, i.e., a row of alternate black and white squares. The pattern is located in a fixed spatial relationship with a targeted object and is identified by the appearance of a burst of pulses in the video output during the horizontal scan. The vertical displacement of the target pattern from the optical axis of the camera is obtained by averaging the vertical deflection voltages, when the pattern is first acquired and when the pattern is just lost. The longitudinal distance to the target plane is obtained from the pulse repetition frequency within the burst, which increases linearly with distance.

Abstract: An optical range finder is described which makes use of a variable length reference line juxtaposed on a view of a distant object whose height, width or other dimension is known. The user varies the reference line until it matches the known dimension. At this point he can read the distance to the object from a scale. The reference line is a magnified image of a slit which is covered or uncovered by the user to change its length. The relation between the motion of the adjusting means and the corresponding change in slit length is a hyperbola. This linearizes the scale to make for easier interpolation of all values of distance.