Abstract: A pulse transponder countermeasure device, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); an optical receiver adapted to receive detection signals from a speed measuring device; at least one optical transmitter adapted to transmit jamming signals to the speed measuring device; at least one software controlled driver configured to drive the optical transmitter and memory storing a database of measuring devices signature signals and reflective signals, the CPU configured to identify the speed measuring device in its database according to the received detection signal's signature and calculate a response time for sending a jamming signal to the speed measuring device so as to change the speed perceived by the speed measurement device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of verifying a scan speed in a laser scanning system. The method includes modulating the laser of the system to form a periodically modulated feature from which the actual scan speed can be read or deduced.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter uses self-mixing amplification of backreflections from scatterers below the surface of a flow. A time domain signal is divided into segments that are roughly equal to a transit time of particles through a focus of a laser beam. The segments are connected to a frequency domain through the use of an FFT algorithm to produce frequency domain data segments. Signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced through signal processing techniques using the segments to produce a final enhanced signal spectrum.

Abstract: A security system is described, comprising a sensor module (15) which accommodates a laser sensor (10) working with self-mixing interference. The laser sensor (10) generates measurement data which are related to the velocity of an object such as the body of a human being and, optionally, the distance between the laser sensor (10) and the object. Dependent on the measurement data assembled by the laser sensor (10) and supplied to a control circuit (30) such as an airbag computer, the airbag computer activate security means such as an airbag (35)in order to prevent injuries of the human body. Furthermore, a method of driving such a security system is described.

Abstract: A displacement measuring apparatus 100 which measures a displacement amount of a moving object 102 includes a light source that irradiates the moving object 102 using luminous flux emitted from a light emitting area 101, a photo diode array 104, 105 that includes a plurality of light receiving areas in a movement direction of the moving object 102 and that forms an image of the luminous flux reflected on a plurality of indentations 103 of the moving object 102 to receive light, and a measurement unit that measures the displacement amount of the moving object 102 based on a movement amount of a light emitting area image 106 that is formed on the photo diode array 104, 105 by forming the image of the luminous flux.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating measurement parameters for a particle sample in a particle analyzer. The method includes, interrogating the particle sample with a triggering interrogator and one or more secondary interrogators respectively positioned along a length of an interrogation area, generating respective pulses based upon the interrogation of a first particle from the particle sample, determining a primary pulse detection window based upon a triggering pulse, determining a search interval to find a secondary pulse based upon factors including the primary pulse detection window and a laser delay, adjusting the search interval for laser delay variation dynamically based on the interrogation of the first particle, identifying the secondary pulse in the adjusted search interval, and processing the secondary pulse to determine a peak value of the secondary pulse. Corresponding apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A sporting device may include a proximity detector, and a housing for carrying the proximity detector. The proximity detector may comprise a single photon avalanche diode for measuring the speed of an object struck by the housing. For example, the housing may define a tennis racket.

Abstract: An optical fluid flow sensor and methods are presented. An optical fiber bends in response to a fluid flow, and a light source coupled to the optical fiber transmits light to the optical fiber. Optical sensors surrounding a portion of the optical fiber receive a received light from the optical fiber, and a signal processor module estimates a fluid flow velocity of the fluid flow based on the received light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for characterizing a two-phase flow in a channel (11), and to a related method.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter uses self-mixing amplification of backreflections from scatterers below the surface of a flow. A time domain signal is divided into segments that are roughly equal to a transit time of particles through a focus of a laser beam. The segments are connected to a frequency domain through the use of an FFT algorithm to produce frequency domain data segments. Signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced through signal processing techniques using the segments to produce a final enhanced signal spectrum.

Abstract: A flow sensing apparatus includes a light source, at least one fiber Bragg grating and at least one optical fiber. The apparatus may be inserted into a flowing fluid stream, and the fiber Bragg grating detects the vortices of the Von Karman street in the wake of the apparatus. The fiber Bragg grating reflects light emitted from the light source, and the spectral nature of the reflected light provides information concerning the fluid velocity in the flowing stream.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wind turbine optical wind sensor 10 mounted on the rotor 4 of a wind turbine, either on the blades 5 or on the hub 5. The sensor comprises a plurality of light sources, each generating respective sensor beams made up of at least two individual parallel component sensor beams. Transit times for particulate matter carried in the wind breaking the at least two component sensor beams are used to provide one or more of an indication of wind speed and/or a component of vertical wind speed. The data received from the sensor can be used in control processes for the operation of the wind turbine, particularly for temporarily pitching the rotor blades in adverse wind conditions, such as when vertical wind gusts are detected.

Abstract: A spherical projectile is detected as it passes through an array of planer light beams and associated detectors. The construction of the Apparatus is such that at least 4 planar light beams are obscured by the passing projectile, two parallel beams in one direction and two parallel beams in a second direction. The apparatus records the time at which each affected light beam is obstructed by the passing projectile, The Apparatus than calculates both the spatial position and the 3 dimensional velocity vector of the projectile.

Abstract: The invention is a passive method to measure the translational speed of a visual scene using the distribution of light intensities. The invention combines two principles: perspective distortion matching over a broad field of view, and temporal filtering variation. The perspective distortion of the image is used to sample the visual scene at different linear wavelengths over the visual field. The result is a spatial sensitivity map of the visual scene. The obtained signal is then temporally filtered with cutoff frequencies proportional to the spatial sensitivity. The final result is a wide-spectrum computation of a ratio between temporal and linear spatial frequencies, in other words linear speed. The technique does not require the emission of a reference signal and is independent from external infrastructures.

Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.

Abstract: A Lidar measurement device for vehicular traffic surveillance and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment, video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein. A steerable laser progressively scans the field of view to identify targets. The steerable laser then progressively, repeatedly scans a sub-field of the field of view containing the target. A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with reflected laser range-finding signals from the scans of the sub-field. The processing circuit then integrates the target data into the video such that the video may displayed with an image of the target and target data, such as a speed measurement, associated therewith.

Abstract: A fluid observation apparatus for performing a method for observing a fluid by PIV. The method for observing a fluid includes capturing an image of inorganic particles in a fluid for flow observation by irradiating the fluid for flow observation passing through a flow channel with light, the fluid for flow observation containing inorganic particles to be observed each having a planar surface, a dispersion medium to be observed, and a viscosity modifier. The fluid for flow observation is high-viscosity non-Newtonian slurry containing inorganic particles. The fluid for flow observation may be a simulated fluid for a fluid for flow analysis. The simulated fluid closely resembles the particle size of inorganic particles to be analyzed and the viscosity of the fluid for flow analysis. The fluid for flow analysis contains the inorganic particles to be analyzed and a dispersion medium to be analyzed.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial optical, laser-based measuring systems and method are disclosed. An optical, laser-based, or LIDAR measuring apparatus is comprised of a radiation receiver/transmitter, a beam-forming optical element, a beam steering device comprised of a deviation optical element and at least one actuator used to steer the deviation optical element in response to drive signal(s) from a processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurement of speeds. A laser beam is directed at the medium to be measured, and radiation which is then emitted by the medium is measured by a detector. In order to allow better control of the dynamic range of a direct reception Doppler LIDAR apparatus, a multiplicity of laser pulses can be transmitted per measurement, and a multiplicity of laser pulses can be received by the detector per measurement. A direct reception Doppler LIDAR apparatus can be suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A bottom bracket unit including a bottom bracket axle (1), at least one bearing (2, 3) that receives the bottom bracket axle (1) in a rotatable manner, and an optical detection unit (11), by which a rotational speed of the bottom bracket axle (1) can be detected. The optical detection unit (11) measures at least one signaling device (12) that is rotationally fixed to the bottom bracket axle (1). The aim of the invention is to provide a bottom bracket unit that can also detect the rotational direction of the bottom bracket axle in addition to the rotational speed of the axle. This is achieved in that the optical detection unit (11) has two optical sensors (17), with one of these sensors (17) providing a signal that is phase-shifted with respect to the other sensor (24) having a fixed phase difference, in particular with a phase difference of 90°.

Abstract: A system uses range and Doppler velocity measurements from a lidar system and images from a video system to estimate a six degree-of-freedom trajectory of a target. The system may determine a skin area or face contour based on the 3D measurements from a lidar subsystem and information regarding the location of various facial features from the 2D video images of a video subsystem.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus of a combination of a single laser wave mixing technology with a diagnostic flow technologies with embodiments describing capillary electrophoresis. The unique combination of these technologies along with minute detection levels not yet been seen in the field.

Abstract: A Doppler lidar sensor system includes a laser generator that produces a highly pure single frequency laser beam, and a frequency modulator that modulates the laser beam with a highly linear frequency waveform. A first portion of the frequency modulated laser beam is amplified, and parts thereof are transmitted through at least three separate transmit/receive lenses. A second portion of the laser beam is used as a local oscillator beam for optical heterodyne detection. Radiation from the parts of the laser beam transmitted via the transmit/receive lenses is received by the respective transmit/receive lenses that transmitted the respective part of the laser beam. The received reflected radiation is compared with the local oscillator beam to calculate the frequency difference therebetween to determine various navigational data.

Abstract: Three-Dimensional Defocusing Particle Image Velocimetry (3DDPIV) allows for measurement of three-dimensional velocities within a volume. In the disclosed embodiment, a mask with a plurality of apertures is disposed with a lens between the test section and a color camera. The field-of-view is backlit and the test section is seeded with black particles. This configuration allows for a lower power light source as compared to conventional 3DDPIV. Color-coded particle images are formed on a white background, wherein each of the color images is generated from light that travels through the filters not blocked by the imaged particle, thereby producing a color image that is of a color different from the color of any of the filters. A color space linear transformation is used to allow for accurate identification of each pinhole exposure when the color filters' spectrum does not match those of the 3-CCD color camera.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring particles within a flow are provided. An aircraft transports a high volume sample rate holographic measurement instrument through a particle-containing volume of interest along a reference axis X (time). As the instrument moves relative to the volume of interest, the holographic measurement instrument transmits a collimated light beam across the volume of interest along an optical axis Z. The light beam interacts with particles contained within the volume of interest, and a high-speed, one-dimensional detector array detects incident light reflecting patterns of light intensity levels that are associated with the interaction between the light beam and the particles.

Abstract: Methods for tracking the relative velocity between a vehicle and a target that uses both a measured velocity as well as an estimate of the velocity that is based on tracking the peaks in a laser vibrometer return signal.

Abstract: Three-dimensional surface illumination using curved laser sheets is described for optical flow measurements over conformal curved surfaces. The illumination method is applicable to many different optical-based flow visualization and measurement techniques, particularly for particle image velocimetry. An alignment sheet increases the accuracy of determining the position and movement of particles used in optical-base fluid flow techniques.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: A combination speed-detection, video-recording, and timing device that can be hand-held. The device contains one or more speed detection means, including, but not limited to, a radar detection or laser detection device. The device includes a camera able to capture video in digital form, and a timing device, similar in function to a stopwatch. The device is pointed at the object whose speed is to be measured, or the events to be recorded, and can be operated by means of a trigger on a handle. The device may further include a display, along with display controls. Storage means is used to store the speed, video and timer data. The device may contain its own power-supply, or may be externally powered.

Abstract: A Lidar measurement device for vehicular traffic surveillance and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment, video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein. A steerable laser progressively transmits laser range-finding signals to the field of view in a horizontal and vertical step-wise manner and receives reflected laser range-finding signals from the target. A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with the reflected laser range-finding signals. The processing circuit then integrates the target data into the video such that the video may displayed with an image of the target and speed measurement associated therewith.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus using a design and evaluation method for a device or an apparatus concerning microscopic particles in conformity with dual mechanics is provided, and this apparatus may be utilized as an evaluation apparatus for evaluating whether or not quantum computers can be realized; wherein the dual mechanics is universal mechanics constructed by combining classical mechanics and novel wave mechanics and may be applicable to all particles ranging from microscopic to macroscopic particles. As a result, it is possible to prevent making useless efforts for realizing quantum computers that are judged to be impossible to realize and to pitch those efforts that might be wasted on the above realization into developing other effective technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking and/or scanning (m/s) an object comprising a m/s head (20) having a plurality of receiving spaces (24) for m/s devices (40), a driving mechanism for moving the object, a measuring device (50) for measuring the object speed comprising a transmitter having a transmitting fibre (56) for transmitting light to the object, a receiver having first and second light receiving fibres (57, 58) for receiving light reflected from the object forming light signals, and processor means (70) for determining a time shift between the light signals to provide a speed value of the object, all the fibres are arranged in a common first ferrule (52), the m/s devices include second ferrules, the first and second ferrules have corresponding connector sections and are variably connected to the receiving spaces of the scanning head, and the speed measuring device is arranged in one of the receiving spaces. The invention further relates to a method for measuring the object speed with the m/s apparatus.

Abstract: A Lidar measurement device for vehicular traffic surveillance and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment, video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein. A steerable laser progressively scans the field of view to identify targets. The steerable laser then progressively, repeatedly scans a sub-field of the field of view containing the target. A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with reflected laser range-finding signals from the scans of the sub-field. The processing circuit then integrates the target data into the video such that the video may displayed with an image of the target and target data, such as a speed measurement, associated therewith.

Abstract: A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.

Abstract: The range image sensor is a range image sensor which is provided on a semiconductor substrate with an imaging region composed of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged units (pixel P), thereby obtaining a range image on the basis of charge quantities QL, QR output from the units. One of the units is provided with a charge generating region (region outside a transfer electrode 5) where charges are generated in response to incident light, at least two semiconductor regions 3 which are arranged spatially apart to collect charges from the charge generating region, and a transfer electrode 5 which is installed at each periphery of the semiconductor region 3, given a charge transfer signal different in phase, and surrounding the semiconductor region 3.

Abstract: A method of laser-based speed determination includes determining, via a digital scan of a field of view, a location of a target, directing, via a laser-aiming device, a laser from a laser device to the determined location, and determining a speed of the target via light reflected from the target to the laser device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes.

Abstract: A velocity detecting device includes an image-pattern acquiring unit that includes a laser light source and an area sensor that acquires a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional image. The image-pattern acquiring unit includes a lens between a moving member and the area sensor, irradiates a beam emitted from the laser light source to the moving member to make a scattering light of the moving member scattered from the moving member on the area sensor by using the lens, and acquires an image pattern at a predetermined time interval in association with movement of the moving member. A velocity calculating unit calculates the velocity of the moving member by computing the image pattern acquired by the image-pattern acquiring unit. The lens is a reduced optical system that projects a reduced object onto the area sensor.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements.

Abstract: An optical shift fluid flow velocity measurement mechanism is shown and described. A fluid flows over a bluff body to produce a vortex street. Downstream of the bluff body a light beam emission source directs a beam of light towards a lenslet including a light transmission gradient. Light transmitted through the lenslet is perceived by a photovoltaic cell which generates an electrical signal. Vortices in the vortex stream disrupt the light beam, affecting the amount of light transmitted through the lenslet and perceived by the photovoltaic cell, thereby changing the electrical signal. The frequency of the changes in the electrical signal can then be correlated to the velocity of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A pair of laser distance sensors are arranged to impinge a respective laser beam on a respective one of a pair of surfaces on a reference target installed on a car door to determine the extent of misalignment of a door latch and striker by determining the extent of any vertical door movement induced by such misalignment. The use of oppositely inclined surfaces eliminates the effect of small mispositioning of the reference target surfaces and the laser distance sensors. A side by side arrangement of the laser distance sensors can also be used to determine the door closing speed.

Abstract: An imaging device can take an image of a flow field including tracer particles includes a compound-eye lens formed from a large number of monocular lenses, which take images of images taken by an imaging lens. Each of the multiple monocular lenses functions as one imaging device. This can enable measurement precision to be enhanced by suppressing the influence of ghost particles, while reducing the equipment cost by minimizing the number of imaging devices. A space for installing the imaging device can easily ensured. If a large number of imaging devices are used, not only do they require time and manpower for setting up, but there is also a possibility that the measurement precision will be degraded due to displacement of an axis of the imaging devices caused by vibration, etc. When the imaging device having the compound-eye lens is used, setup is simplified, and measurement precision can be ensured.

Abstract: A system and method for registering range images from objects detected by multiple LiDAR sensors on a vehicle. The method includes aligning frames of data from at least two LiDAR sensors having over-lapping field-of-views in a sensor signal fusion operation so as to track objects detected by the sensors. The method defines a transformation value for at least one of the LiDAR sensors that identifies an orientation angle and position of the sensor and provides target scan points from the objects detected by the sensors where the target scan points for each sensor provide a separate target point map. The method projects the target point map from the at least one sensor to another one of the LiDAR sensors using a current transformation value to overlap the target scan points from the sensors.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a relational speed and position of two moving components, preferably an aircraft landing gear drive wheel, a component of the drive wheel, a drive means driving the landing gear drive wheel, or a component of the drive means, using fiber optic technology. Speed and positional information relating to the relative positions of a part of a landing gear drive wheel and a part of a drive means driving the drive wheel can be obtained to ensure their proper engagement or interaction. A single optical fiber preferably provides information relating to drive wheel speed, drive means speed, drive wheel position, and drive means position, therefore enabling efficient autonomous ground travel of an aircraft equipped with this system. The present method can also be employed to monitor aircraft wheel speed in aircraft that use thrust from the engines to move an aircraft on the ground.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicular traffic with a laser rangefinding and speed measurement device utilizing a shaped divergent laser beam pattern. In accordance with the present invention, a traffic monitoring device is disclosed which comprises a light emitting diode having a die element producing an asymmetric beam pattern, an aperture for at least partially precluding some portion of the beam pattern in a first direction while allowing the beam pattern in a second orthogonal direction to pass therethrough and a lens associated with the aperture for causing the laser beam exiting the aperture to diverge providing a cone-like beam of laser energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact, reliable and low-cost vector velocimeter for example for determining velocities of particles suspended in a gas or fluid flow, or for determining velocity, displacement, rotation, or vibration of a solid surface, the vector velocimeter comprising a laser assembly for emission of a measurement beam for illumination of an object in a measurement volume with coherent light whereby a signal beam emanating from the object in the measurement volume is formed in response to illumination of the object by the measurement beam, a reference beam generator for generation of a reference beam, a detector system comprising a first detector arrangement arranged in such a way that the signal beam and the reference beam are incident upon the first detector arrangement with the reference beam propagating at an angle relative to a signal beam, and wherein the first detector array comprises a first detector array of first detector elements, each of the first detector elements convert

Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.

Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using a fiber laser as the lasing medium. Within the velocimeter, all optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The transceivers each include an amplifier to further amplify the radiation received from the laser source. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation simultaneously to the target region, and may be located remotely from the laser source. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by targets at the focal point of the one or more transceivers.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining the speed and acceleration of a motor vehicle in which the speed and acceleration are used in combination with exhaust emissions data obtained from the motor vehicle to analyze information about the pollutants being dispersed into the air by the motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a first radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a first detector and a second radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a second detector. The first and second radiation sources are arranged along the roadway with a known spacing and at a height so that the visible laser beams are interrupted by the front and rear wheels of the motor vehicle as it passes along the roadway. The detectors provide output pulses indicating whether the visible laser beams are interrupted and the time of the occurrence of each of the pulses is measured and recorded. An analyzer then calculates the speed and acceleration from the known spacing distance and the stored time measurements.