With Light Detector (e.g., Photocell) Patents (Class 356/28)
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Publication number: 20110170087Abstract: A method for transitioning a target from a missile warning system to a fine tracking system in a directional countermeasures system includes capturing at least one image within a field of view of the missile warning system. The method further includes identifying a threat from the captured image or images and identifying features surrounding the threat. These features are registered with the threat and image within a field of view of the fine tracking system is captured. The registered features are used to identify a location of a threat within this captured image.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Gidseg, John A. Carattini, Phong V. Ha
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Publication number: 20110161090Abstract: A system and method for automating the processing and handling of speeding tickets and similar citations. The system acquires, stores, processes and resolves data associated with the speed detection and video capture of an incident of a vehicle breaking the speed limit. The system includes provisions for data capture, data transfer to an online database, and online plea and payment processing, including online access and electronic notification of the citizen, police and justice department. The invention thereby provides for faster processing, higher efficiency in processing, lower cost to the police and justice departments for processing tickets, and improved accuracy since less human involvement is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: Scott K. Tilton, William Clifford Robinson, JR., Mark Darty
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Publication number: 20110149269Abstract: A method and device for measuring relative speed of two members such as an automobile door and adjacent body structure with two laser sources spaced apart at a known spacing to successively illuminate a series of spots extending across an adjacent surface of the other member with the distance to each spot determined by sensors using laser triangulation. The time elapsed in generating the respective sets of signals is determined and the relative speed computed therefrom and displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: Tom Van Esch
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Patent number: 7961302Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a semiconductor laser, a laser driver for providing, to the semiconductor laser, a driving electric current that is a waveform wherein the maximum portions and minimum portions of a triangle wave have been rounded; detecting means (a photodiode and a current-voltage converting amplifier) for detecting an electric signal that includes an interference waveform that is produced by the self-coupling effect between a laser beam that is emitted from the semiconductor laser and a return beam from a measurement object; and measuring means (a filter circuit, a counting device, and a calculating device) for calculating a physical quantity for the measurement object from interference waveform information.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Yamatake CorporationInventor: Tatsuya Ueno
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Patent number: 7948613Abstract: The invention relates to sensors of the speed of movement of a vehicle over the ground. The sensor comprises illumination means for illuminating the surface and at least one optical sensor able to detect the radiation returned by the surface. The illumination means and the optical sensor have one and the same optical axis, oblique in relation to the surface. This arrangement eliminates the risks of specular reflection dazzling the sensor while avoiding disturbance of the measurement by variations in the height of the sensor relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: William Fourcault, Viviane Cattin, Bernard Guilhamat
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Publication number: 20110116073Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a relative velocity between an object surface (O) and a sensor (1) having at least one light-sensitive element (2) according to the spatial frequency filtering method, wherein the light-sensitive element (2) is read out at time intervals, and wherein the spatial frequency filter is designed as at least one masking grating having a variable grating constant. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the relative velocity is firstly measured with a first grating constant k1 having a large period length and/or over a short observation time period t1 (rough measurement) and then the measurement of the relative velocity is repeated for an exact determination using a second grating constant k2 having a small period length and/or over a long observation time period t2 (fine measurement). The invention further relates to a sensor for velocity measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: Arno Bergmann
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Publication number: 20110118943Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Meng Han, Albrecht Kraus, Holger Monch
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Patent number: 7944549Abstract: There is provided a system for forming an optical screen, including a continuous wave or pulsed laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength and forming a planar or curved surface to be traversed by a moving object, at least one receiver including an array of detectors for receiving reflected or scattered beam radiation from the object and directing it towards the detectors for producing a signal, and a detection logic receiving the signal and determining parameters selected from the group of spatial position, velocity and direction of propulsion of them moving object. A method for detecting a moving object is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Ram Oron, Doron Nevo, Moshe Oron, Sharon Goldstein
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Patent number: 7936450Abstract: The invention relates to an opto-electronic sensor arrangement (10) with an optical transmitter (20) and an optical receiver (30), such that the optical transmitter (20) and the optical receiver (30) are so positioned that they either form an optical scanner designed as an optical scanner with background gating or form a reflecting light barrier in conjunction with a reflector (60), and such that the optical receiver (30) has a detector (32) in which successive images of the light beam (30a) reflected from the object (50) are detected and are compared in an evaluating unit (36), and the outcome of the comparison provides information on the movement of the object (50) relative to the optical receiver (30), so that the detector exercises a movement function.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Sick AGInventors: Ingolf Hoersch, Felix Lang
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Patent number: 7933002Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring air turbulences with a lidar system, particularly on board aircraft during which a pulsed expanded laser beam (12) of a predetermined wavelength is emitted up to a spatial area and light backscattered from this spatial area is received. At a first point in time t1 and at a second point in time t2 after emitting a laser pulse (L), the intensity distribution in the cross-section of the backscattered light is measured, and an air turbulence in a measuring field defined by points in time t1 and t2 is determined from the comparison of both intensity distributions. Images of speckle patterns are recorded with the aid of cameras (21, 22). An evaluation unit (30) conducts a cross correlation in order to render the turbulence visible and to display it on a monitor (35).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Thorsteinn Halldorsson
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Patent number: 7929119Abstract: An image pickup device for detecting a moving speed of a shot object and a method thereof are described. First, a coordinate of the image pickup device and a coordinate of the shot object are obtained at a first time point. Next, a coordinate of the image pickup device and a coordinate of the shot object are obtained at a second time point. Then, a moving distance of the shot object is calculated according to the coordinates of the shot object at the first and second time points. A moving speed of the shot object is calculated according to a time difference and the moving distance. Afterward, the obtained moving speed is displayed on the image pickup device, such that the user knows about the moving speed of the shot object.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Altek CorporationInventor: Chih-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7925056Abstract: A method for investigating and ascertaining pulse or heartbeat includes directing illuminating radiation to illuminate a body part such as a finger. The illuminating radiation is of a wavelength or wavelength band substantially in the blue light region of the light spectrum. Then, an optical speckle pattern of the illuminated body part resulting from the illumination of the body part is obtained and imaged. The optical speckle pattern is representative of the heartbeat and by correlation of frames extracted from the speckle pattern, the pulse or beat extent of the body part may be ascertained.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Cristian Presura, Coen Theodorus Hubertus Fransiscus Liedenbaum, Antonius Hermanus Maria Akkermans
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Patent number: 7920250Abstract: A process for the detection from a vehicle of a visibility interference phenomenon, comprising the following steps: the emission of a beam of light to illuminate the rear of the vehicle, the beam of light being emitted into a field of vision of a camera mounted in the vehicle, and the determination of a presence and the nature of a visibility interference phenomenon on the basis of at least one image captured by the camera.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Caroline Robert, Joël Leleve, David Hue
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Patent number: 7920251Abstract: Devices capable of capturing still and motion imagery are integrated with an accurate distance and speed measuring apparatus. By measuring the changing distance of the target over that time, a target's speed can be determined. At substantially the same time as the target's speed is determined, imagery of the target is captured in both a still and moving format. Using a queuing mechanism for both distance and imagery data along with time stamps associated with each, a target's image, both in motion and still, can be integrated with its speed. In situations in which a still image is unavailable, a target's speed can be associated with a portion of a continuous stream of motion imagery to a point where a positive identification can be captured with a still image.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignees: Laser Technology, Inc., Kama-Tech (HK) LimitedInventor: Jiyoon Chung
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Patent number: 7911591Abstract: An L2F velocimeter comprises a probe for insertion into a fluid, the probe having an open area therein to allow the fluid to pass through. The probe comprises an illumination system to direct a pair of light beams, separated by a distance, through the open area, and a collection system to collect forward scattered light scattered from particles in the fluid. The collection system has an optical axis in common with the illumination system. The velocimeter further comprises an electro optical assembly connected to the probe to provide light to the illumination system, to receive light collected from the collection system, to measure a lapse time in fluctuations of the forward scattered light created by particles passing through the pair of light beams and to calculate the velocity of the fluid based on the lapse time and the separation distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Photon Control Inc.Inventors: Derek Montgomery, Daryl G. James, David Yue Yan, Ivan Melnyk, Ondrej Mecl
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Patent number: 7911590Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the speed of a particle such as a red blood cell moving inside a flow such as a flow of the blood, using a light scanning microscope. The inventive method comprises the following steps: acquisition of an image by x and y light scanning on a plane containing the object; detection on the plane (x, y) of a mark on the plane (x, y); estimation of the speed vg of the object from the gradient thus determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Mauna Kea TechnologiesInventors: Francois Lacombe, Georges Le Goualher, Aymeric Perchant, Nicholas Ayache
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Patent number: 7911592Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying a moving object, comprising: a driving-in step of moving a moving object into a passage, a velocity measuring step of measuring a moving velocity of the moving object, a light beam emitting step of emitting light beams from one side of the passage, a light beam receiving step of receiving the light beams not shielded by the moving object at other side of the passage, a profile determining step of determining a profile of at least one portion of the moving object based on the received light beams and the measured moving velocity of the moving object, and an identifying step of determining type of the moving object by comprising the profile of the at least one portion of the moving object with information of moving objects stored previously.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu, Junli Li, Hua Peng, Yaohong Liu, Shangmin Sun, Jinyu Zhang, Qingjun Zhang, Li Zhang, Yali Xie, Yanli Deng, Ming Ruan, Siyuan Liang, Guang Yang, Wei Jia
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Patent number: 7911593Abstract: A laser driver (4) causes a semiconductor laser (1) to operate such that a first oscillation period of monotonically increasing the oscillation wavelength and a second oscillation period of monotonically decreasing the oscillation wavelength alternately exist. A photodiode (2) converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser (1) and return light from a measurement target (12) into electrical signals. A counting unit (13) counts the number of interference waveform components obtained from an output signal from the photodiode (2) in each of the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period. A computing device (9) calculates the distance to the measurement target (12) and the velocity of the measurement target (12) from a shortest Lasing wavelength and a longest Lasing wavelength in a period during which the counting unit (13) counts the number of interference waveform components and the counting result obtained by the counting unit (13).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Yamatake CorporationInventor: Tatsuya Ueno
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Publication number: 20110063602Abstract: A method of analyzing pulses from a flow cytometer in which particles in a fluid pass through an excitation volume of an electromagnetic radiation and interact with the electromagnetic radiation to generate signals in the form of pulses includes generating a time-dependent pulse indicative of the characteristics of one or more particles passing through the excitation volume of the electromagnetic radiation, determining a measurement window by selecting a portion of the pulse with a starting point and an ending point above a predetermined value, and calculating a first derivative of the pulse with respect to time over the measurement window.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Millipore CorporationInventors: Richard Pittaro, Bruce Goldman, Ray Lefebvre, David A. King
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Publication number: 20110043785Abstract: A multifunction light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system for aircraft or other applications may use autodyne techniques. An autodyne system can use a single laser source and a single detector. The autodyne technique can mix two signal beams to produce a “beat note” at the frequency difference between the beams. Autodyne detection can leverage photon counting to support significantly reduced system complexity. Reduced complexity may provide solutions with significantly reduced power consumption, lighter weight, smaller volume, and lower cost. The multifunction LIDAR system can detect and identify regions of weather hazards such as lightning storms, aircraft wake vortex, clear air turbulence, and wind shear. The multifunction LIDAR system may also be configured to measure aircraft air and ground speed in multiple dimensions as well as aircraft altitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Michael C. Cates, Joseph Nolan Paranto, Ty Aaby Larsen
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Patent number: 7894046Abstract: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution, non-invasive technique to image subsurface tissue and tissue functions. A broadband light source illuminates an object and the reflected photons are processed using an interferometer, demodulated into inphase and quadrature components and then digitized. The captured data contains information about the velocity of the moving scatterers but current Doppler estimation algorithms have a limited velocity detection range. Using a two dimensional velocity estimation, Doppler OCT (DOCT) can be used for the detection of in vivo aortic blood flow rates of over 1 m/s peak velocity through an esophageal DOCT probe. Previous methods have used a transverse Kasai (TK) autocorrelation estimation to estimate the velocity which is good for slow velocities, such as in the microvasculature. By calculating the Kasai autocorrelation with a lag in the depth or axial direction, backscattered frequency information is obtained which yields high velocity rate information.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Darren Ross Morofke, Victor Xiao Dong Tang, Michael Kolios
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Publication number: 20110037970Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Optical Air Data Systems, LLCInventors: Phillip L. Rogers, Chia Chen Chang, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Lance Leclair, Peter Gatchell, Daniel Dakin, Elizabeth Dakin
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Patent number: 7889327Abstract: A method for non-contact measurement of the velocity and/or the length of an extrudate moved forward in the longitudinal direction, in particular of a cable during the production.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Sikora AGInventor: Harald Sikora
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Patent number: 7889328Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting turbulent air located between a light source and an observer based upon the scintillation of light produced by the light source. An optical sensor associated with the observer is configured to receive the light and to produce an indication of the light. A processor is configured to quantify scintillation in the light and to identify turbulent air between the light source and the optical sensor based upon the scintillation. A feedback device provides a notification when turbulent air is identified. Light sources and optical sensors may be located on airborne platforms or on the ground, and information may be transferred between multiple observers.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Brian Tillotson
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Publication number: 20110026007Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Robert S. Gammenthaler
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Publication number: 20110026008Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Robert S. Gammenthaler
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Patent number: 7869008Abstract: A device of detecting light reflecting speed and directions includes a light source, a light-guided pulley, a reflector, photo detectors, barriers, a processor and a display unit. The light source generates incident light, the light-guided pulley is located at one side of the light source, and includes a support moving along the pulley track. The reflector is installed on the support to reflect the incident light. The photo detectors detect the incident light reflected by the reflector. The barriers are located at two sides of the light source and make the incident light to be a light beam and travel in straight line direction. The barriers are respectively installed between said photo detectors to isolate the incident light. The processor receives the light signals transmitted from photo detectors and processes the light reflecting speed and directions according to the light signals. The processed result is displayed on the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Mitac International Corp.Inventor: Chih-Yung Shao
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Patent number: 7864305Abstract: A velocimetry apparatus and method for the collection of target-specific images of fluid motions are disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera and a light source. The camera collects and provides images of the fluid showing instantaneous positions of particles in the fluid. The light source provides a light sheet (two-dimensional) or volume (three-dimensional) to illuminate the particles. The camera and the light source are powered by portable energy sources and measure instantaenous velocity of the fluid in a field of view. Shape and distance between first camera, the light source and the portable energy sources are so configured that the apparatus is a self-contained apparatus portable by a diver during operation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignees: California Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University, Providence CollegeInventors: John Oluseun Dabiri, Kakani Katija Young, John H. Costello, Sean P. Colin
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Publication number: 20100319463Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Stephen Richardson
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Patent number: 7852462Abstract: Method for controlling a vehicular system based on the presence of an object in an environment around a vehicle with one goals being to prevent collisions between the vehicle and any objects. Infrared light is emitted from the vehicle into a portion of the environment around the vehicle and received by a sensor on the vehicle. Distance between the vehicle and an object from which the infrared light is reflected is determined based on the emission of the infrared light and reception of the infrared light. The presence of and an identification of the object from which light is reflected is/are determined based at least in part on the received infrared light. The vehicular system is controlled or adjusted based on the determination of the presence of an object in the environment around the vehicle and the identification of the object and the distance between the object and the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
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Patent number: 7847923Abstract: A method of analyzing pulses from a flow cytometer in which particles in a fluid pass through an excitation volume of an electromagnetic radiation and interact with the electromagnetic radiation to generate signals in the form of pulses includes generating a time-dependent pulse indicative of the characteristics of one or more particles passing through the excitation volume of the electromagnetic radiation, determining a measurement window by selecting a portion of the pulse with a starting point and an ending point above a predetermined value, and calculating a first derivative of the pulse with respect to time over the measurement window.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Richard Pittaro, Bruce Goldman, Ray Lefebvre, David A. King
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Patent number: 7834984Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically measuring distance, in particular a hand-held device, comprising an transmitter unit (12) which is provided with a light source (17, 18) for transmitting optical measuring radiation (13, 20, 22) to a target object (15), and a capturing unit (14) which is arranged at a distance on the optical axis (38) of the transmitter unit (14). Said capturing unit (14) comprises at least one optical detector (54) comprising a detection surface (66) for capturing optical radiation (16, 49, 50) reflected by the target object (15). According to the invention, the detection surface (66) of the detector (54) comprises an optical near range element (68), whose optically active surface (72, 74) is elongated in the direction (61) of the radiation shift for receding target object separations (48) and expands or has at least one essentially constant extension.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Peter Wolf, Uwe Skultety-Betz, Joerg Stierle, Bjoern Haase, Kai Renz
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Patent number: 7834986Abstract: A velocimeter is disclosed that includes a plurality of photodetectors detecting scattered light in different directions, the light being emitted from a laser source and reflected on a moving object. The velocimeter includes an analog-to-digital conversion unit converting detection signals of the photodetectors, a velocity calculator calculating velocities of the moving object, an amplitude calculator calculating the amplitudes of the detection signals, a dropout detector detecting dropouts of the detection signals, a time keeper keeping detection times of the dropouts, a switching-time calculator calculating signal switching times, a storage memory storing the velocities, the amplitudes, and the signal switching times, and an output selector selecting one of the velocities stored in the storage memory based on the amplitudes and the signal switching times and outputting the selected velocity.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noriyuki Yoshida, Noboru Hirabayashi, Koji Nishida
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Patent number: 7830499Abstract: A method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, wherein the improvement comprises the step of using a split or shared path.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventors: Armando Corella, John A. Carattini
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Publication number: 20100277714Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact, reliable and low-cost coherent LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) system for remote wind-speed determination, determination of particle concentration, and/or temperature based on an all semiconductor light source and related methods. The present invention provides a coherent LIDAR system comprising a semiconductor laser for emission of a measurement beam of electromagnetic radiation directed towards a measurement volume for illumination of particles in the measurement volume, a reference beam generator for generation of a reference beam, a detector for generation of a detector signal by mixing of the reference beam with light emitted from the particles in the measurement volume illuminated by the measurement beam, and a signal processor for generating a velocity signal corresponding to the velocity of the particles based on the detector signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITETInventors: Christian Pedersen, Rene Skov Hansen
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Publication number: 20100277716Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for non-contact optical flow measurement in a pipe, the apparatus having one or more modules configured to sense light that is scattered off several points longitudinally along a wall of a pipe having a medium flowing therein and to provide a signal containing information about a deflection of the wall of the pipe that can be used to determine a parameter related to the medium flowing in the pipe, including a flow rate of the medium. The deflection in the pipe wall is caused by a turbulence induced pressure fluctuation which in turn induces a localized pipe wall deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: CiDRA Corporated Services Inc.Inventor: Michael Davis
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Publication number: 20100271615Abstract: 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 estimates this trajectory in two stages: a first stage in which the range and Doppler measurements from the lidar system along with various feature measurements obtained from the images from the video system are used to estimate first stage motion aspects of the target (i.e., the trajectory of the target); and a second stage in which the images from the video system and the first stage motion aspects of the target are used to estimate second stage motion aspects of the target. Once the second stage motion aspects of the target are estimated, a three-dimensional image of the target may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Richard Lee Sebastian, Anatoley T. Zheleznyak
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Patent number: 7817254Abstract: Sensing results from moving objects, e.g. from photosensing emanating light or from impedance-based sensing, can indicate sensed time-varying waveforms with information about objects. For example, a sensed time-varying waveform can be compared with another waveform, such as a reference waveform produced by objects of a certain type, to obtain comparison results indicating motion-independent information about the object; time-scaling can adjust for displacement rate such as speed. Also, a modulation periodicity value can be obtained from a sensed time-varying waveform and used in obtaining information about an object; for example, a periodic modulation frequency can be used with a given time's chirp frequency to obtain phase information about an object's position. Or, where periodic modulation frequency indicates displacement rate, time scaling during comparison can use a scaling factor based on the frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Alex Hegyi, Michael Bassler, Peter Kiesel, Noble M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100253932Abstract: A system for computation of wind velocity including a laser adapted to transmit a beam to a target, a collecting lens for receiving a beam returning from the target, and receiver optics comprising a multi-element detector array at a focal plane of the collecting lens, wherein for each element of the multi-element detector array there is a specific optical path in the atmosphere leading from the laser to the target and back from the target to the element; and processor apparatus operative to measure signal fluctuations of an element of the multi-element detector array, and compute therefrom crosswind velocity of wind in the atmosphere, wherein said processor apparatus is operative to calculate turbulence strength changes and wind profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Joseph Shapira
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Patent number: 7800738Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the distance of an object in local resolution mode, using a frequency-shifted feedback radiation source for irradiating the object with radiation that can be used to determine distance and using a position-sensitive object recording sensor. According to the invention, the frequency-shifted feedback laser for irradiating the object is equipped with an element for increasing the beat intensity of the emission frequency component and the position-sensitive object recording sensor is configured to record the beat intensity of the object and not the incoming radiation from the object.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Spheron VR AGInventor: Gerhard Bonnet
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Publication number: 20100235117Abstract: The invention provides an optical gas flow meter for measuring very low gas flow in a pipe. The meter comprises an optical system which transilluminates the pipe with plurality of parallel, collimated optical beams. The beams are deflected due to changes refractive index which is caused by a heater located in the pipe parallel to the beams. Deflected beams then pass through spatial filters and are detected by photodetectors. Stochastic signals from the photodetectors are further processed and gas velocity is calculated from cross-correlation function and known beam spacing. Multiple heaters allow the measurement of gas velocity at multiple points throughout the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Ivan Melnyk, Yuriy Syvenkyy
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Publication number: 20100228517Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a device for detecting the range or the velocity or other state data for a target. According to various embodiments, the device includes a transmitter, a reflective surface, and a receiver. In various embodiments, the transmitter is configured to transmit laser pulses from the device towards a target thereby producing return laser pulses from the target. In particular embodiments, the reflective surface of the device is positioned to receive return laser pulses and is configured to reflect the return laser pulses from the target to a focal point. In various embodiments, the receiver is located at the focal point and is configured to detect the reflected laser pulses to generate a signal used to determine the target's range or velocity. The reflective surface can be used to replace a relatively heavy lens assembly normally mounted in the front of previous devices, thereby improving the balance of the device or reducing its weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Charles K. Wike, JR., Richard M. McEntyre, Donald R. Wyman, Robert P. Burke
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Patent number: 7787106Abstract: An illumination system for a particle image velocimetry system has an illumination source, a hollow tapered optical funnel arranged to receive illumination light from the illumination source, a hollow optical waveguide optically coupled to an output end of the hollow tapered optical funnel, and a beam shaping optical system optically coupled to an output end of the hollow optical waveguide. The illumination system is constructed to provide a light sheet to illuminate particles within a fluid under observation. A particle image velocimetry system has such an illumination system.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Ilko K. Ilev, Ronald A. Robinson, Ronald W. Waynant
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Patent number: 7782461Abstract: A flow metering device and method for monitoring flow of a liquid, has a body with an inlet port and an outlet port. A flow chamber is formed therein between a pair of laterally placed windows in the flow chamber. A light emitting source placed in one of the windows and a light receiver placed in a second of the windows. The flow chamber has a flow restricting and light stopping element held therein and movable between a rest position and an operating position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Sean J. Massey, Robert P. Baeyens, Donald K. Henderson, Robert D. Moss
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Publication number: 20100201967Abstract: A device of detecting light reflecting speed and directions includes a light source, a light-guided pulley, a reflector, photo detectors, barriers, a processor and a display unit. The light source generates incident light, the light-guided pulley is located at one side of the light source, and includes a support moving along the pulley track. The reflector is installed on the support to reflect the incident light. The photo detectors detect the incident light reflected by the reflector. The barriers are located at two sides of the light source and make the incident light to be a light beam and travel in straight line direction. The barriers are respectively installed between said photo detectors to isolate the incident light. The processor receives the light signals transmitted from photo detectors and processes the light reflecting speed and directions according to the light signals. The processed result is displayed on the display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: MITAC INTERNATIONAL CORP.Inventor: Chih-Yung Shao
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Patent number: 7772968Abstract: An alarm system for a vehicle includes a first diffraction raster, a first light source for emitting light to the first diffraction raster so as to form a first diffraction pattern on an object, an image capturing module for capturing the first diffraction pattern, and a control module electrically connected to the image capturing module for determining a relative position of the vehicle corresponding to the object according the first diffraction pattern captured by the image capturing module.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventor: Yung-Shan Lin
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Patent number: 7772579Abstract: Particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the various portions of the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: William D. Herzog, Antonio Sanchez-Rubio, Gregory G. Cappiello, Ronald H. Hoffeld, Shane M. Tysk, Vincenzo Daneu, Thomas H. Jeys
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Patent number: 7760339Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, each transceiver receives laser energy as it is backscattered from the air. A computer processes signals from the transceivers to distinguish molecular scattered laser radiation from aerosol scattered laser radiation and determines one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Ophir CorporationInventors: Loren M. Caldwell, Shoou-yu Tang, Martin O'Brien
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Patent number: 7760338Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of an object by means of an optoelectronic apparatus, wherein light rays generated by a light source are incident onto an object as a light bead and the light rays scattered back and/or reflected from the object are detected by a receiver arrangement in accordance with the triangulation principle and an object detection signal including information on a scanning distance between the apparatus and the object is output, with the light rays acting via an imaging element on a pixel array consisting of photodetectors in the receiver arrangement. The method is characterized in that the imaging element is only an array of individual imaging elements positioned before the pixel array and generating a received signal pattern on the pixel array corresponding to a plurality of mutually spaced apart images of the light bead; and in that the information on the scanning distance is determined from the received signal pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: SICK AGInventors: Kai Waslowski, Gerhard Merettig
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Patent number: 7746450Abstract: Apparatuses and methods determine positional information from a reflected optical signal for an object on a per pixel basis. A spread spectrum imaging system includes a transmitting module transmitting a transmitted optical signal that illuminates a target space and contains a transmitted pulse that is modulated with a first pseudo-noise (PN) code. The imaging system includes a receiving module that receives a reflected optical signal from an object. The reflected signal is processed by an optical array that detects a detected signal from the reflected optical signal, where the detected signal contains a plurality of pixels spanning a target space. When the determined PN code corresponds to the selected PN code, image information and the positional information is presented for the object. When different positional information is obtained for different pixels in the image, the imaging system may determine that different objects appear in the received image.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Christopher Allen Willner, James McDowell