Abstract: A light detection device includes a first photodiode, a second photodiode connected in series to the first photodiode, a first light source configured to output first pulsed light to which the first photodiode is sensitive, and a signal output unit configured to output a current as a detection signal, the current that flow through the second photodiode.

Abstract: A range sensor and a method thereof. The range sensor includes a light source configured to project a sheet of light at an angle within a field of view (FOV); an image sensor offset from the light source; collection optics; and a controller connected to the light source, the image sensor, and the collection optics, and configured to determine a range of a distant object based on direct time-of-flight and determine a range of a near object based on triangulation. The method includes projecting, by a light source, a sheet of light at an angle within an FOV; offsetting an image sensor from the light source; collecting, by collection optics, the sheet of light reflected off objects; and determining, by a controller connected to the light source, the image sensor, and the collection optics, a range of a distant object based on direct time-of-flight and a range of a near object based on triangulation simultaneously.

Abstract: A handheld large-scale three-dimensional measurement scanner system simultaneously having photogrammetric and three-dimensional scanning functions includes: two cameras at fixed positions; at least one pattern projector; a photogrammetric module; and a three-dimensional scanning module, wherein at least one of the two cameras is a multipurpose camera that performs photogrammetry and three-dimensional scanning, wherein the photogrammetric module is configured to perform, by operating the multipurpose camera, global photogrammetry on a measured object and obtain three-dimensional coordinates of markers on a surface of the object, and wherein the three-dimensional scanning module is configured to perform, by operating the two cameras and the one pattern projector, three-dimensional scanning on the measured object by using the obtained markers as global positioning information of the measured object, and obtain three-dimensional contour data of the surface of the object.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes a first acquirer configured to acquire a first distance as a distance between a pair of object images in the first direction based on the pair of phase difference image signals, a second acquirer configured to acquire a correction value corresponding to a second distance as the distance in the second direction, and a calculator configured to calculate the phase difference using the first distance and the correction value.

Abstract: An image depth sensing method adapted to obtain depth information within a field of view by an image depth sensing apparatus is provided. The method includes the following steps: determining whether the field of view includes a distant object with a depth greater than a distance threshold; in response to determining that the field of view does not include the distant object, obtaining the depth information within the field of view according to a general mode; and in response to determining that the field of view includes the distant object, obtaining the depth information within the field of view according to an enhanced mode. A maximum depth which can be detected in the general mode is not greater than the distance threshold, and a maximum depth which can be detected in the enhanced mode is greater than the distance threshold. In addition, an image depth sensing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scanner including a light-source module, a screen, a rotary platform, an image capturing unit and a process unit is provided. The light source module is configured to emit a beam. The screen disposed on a transmission path of the beam has a projection surface facing the light source module. The rotary platform carrying a 3D object is disposed between the light source module and the screen. The 3D object is rotated to a plurality of object orientations about a rotating axis to form a plurality of object shadows on the projection surface. The image capturing unit is configured to capture the object shadows from the projection surface to obtain a plurality of object contour images. The process unit is configured to read and process the object contour images to build the digital 3D model related to the 3D object according to the object contour images.

Abstract: A structured-light measuring method, includes: matching process, in which the number and the low-precision depth of a laser point are achieved by using the imaging position of the laser point on a first camera (21) according to a first corresponding relationship in a calibration database, and the imaging position of the laser point on a second camera (22) is searched according to the number and the low-precision depth of the laser point so as to acquire the candidate matching points, then the matching process is completed according to the imaging position of the first camera (21) and the candidate matching points of the imaging position of the first camera (21) on the second camera (22) so that a matching result is achieved; and computing process, in which the imaging position of the second camera (22) matching with the imaging position of the first camera (21) is achieved according to the matching result, and then the precision position of the laser point is determined by a second corresponding relationship

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention comprises a focus detection section using phase difference detection based on output of the focus detection pixels, a pixel adding section, for creating respective first addition outputs by adding outputs of a first number of focus detection pixels, and creating respective second addition outputs by dividing the first number of arrays into a plurality, and adding outputs of focus detection pixels of the divided array, and a determination section for determining whether or not to correct an angle error, wherein the focus detection section executes a focus detection operation on the basis of the first addition outputs, the determination section determines whether or not to correct angle error on the basis of the plurality of second addition outputs, and in the event that the determination section has determined to correct angle error, the focus detection section corrects angle error based on a result of a focus detection operation.

Abstract: A noncontact optical three-dimensional measuring device that includes a projector, a first camera, and a second camera; a processor electrically coupled to the projector, the first camera and the second camera; and computer readable media which, when executed by the processor, causes the first digital signal to be collected at a first time and the second digital signal to be collected at a second time different than the first time and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a first point on the surface based at least in part on the first digital signal and the first distance and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a second point on the surface based at least in part on the second digital signal and the second distance.

Abstract: A noncontact optical three-dimensional measuring device that includes a projector, a first camera, and a second camera; a processor electrically coupled to the projector, the first camera and the second camera; and computer readable media which, when executed by the processor, causes the first digital signal to be collected at a first time and the second digital signal to be collected at a second time different than the first time and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a first point on the surface based at least in part on the first digital signal and the first distance and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a second point on the surface based at least in part on the second digital signal and the second distance.

Abstract: A distance-detecting sensor may include a housing, a focusing lens, and a circuit board. Infrared light may be transmitted by a transmitter and received by a receiver. The housing may include a main body having two apertures. A transmitting lens and a receiving lens may each be positioned within one of the apertures. The circuit board may be positioned above the transmitter and the receiver and below the transmitting lens and the receiving lens. The transmitter may be an infrared light emitting diode and the receiver may be a distance-detecting sensing module. A shielding case may be provided around the transmitter and the receiver to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: An infrared sensor module includes a first infrared sensor that includes a first light emitting unit configured to emit infrared light to an object and a first light receiving unit configured to detect an amount of infrared light reflected from the object, a second infrared sensor that includes a second light emitting unit configured to emit infrared light to the object and a second light receiving unit configured to detect an amount of the infrared light reflected from the object, and a controller to measure reflectivity of the object using a peak output voltage of the first light receiving unit, and to measure a distance to the object using not only the measured object reflectivity but also an output voltage of the second light receiving unit. As a result, the distance from the infrared sensor to the object can be correctly measured irrespective of the reflectivity of the object.

Abstract: A system for optical navigation includes a light source and an imaging system. The light source illuminates a navigation surface. The navigation surface reflects light from the light source. The imaging system is located approximately within a path of the reflected light. The imaging system includes a lens, a mask, and an image sensor. The lens receives reflected light from the navigation surface. The lens focuses a specular portion of the reflected light to a focus region. The mask is located at approximately the focus region. The mask filters out substantially all of the specular portion of the reflected light and passes at least some of a scatter portion of the reflected light outside of the focus region. The image sensor generates a navigation signal based on the scattered portion of the light that passes outside the focus region and is incident on the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical body height measurement instrument is provided comprising: a lens configured to be movable along a direction parallel to the height of an object to be measured and form an image of the object; a photosensitive sensor arranged at an image side of the lens to sense the image; and a driving device configured to drive the lens along a direction parallel to the height of the object, wherein when the lens is moved across the height at which the head of the object is located, a hop occurs to an output of the photosensitive sensor; and wherein the height of the object is determined based on the height of the lens measured at the time of the occurrence of the hop. The optical body height measurement instrument can rapidly, conveniently and accurately measure the height based on the infrared rays emitted from the measured object or the light with a predetermined wavelength emitted from an auxiliary light source so long as the person to be measured stands within a certain region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying instrument provided with a tracking function, said surveying instrument comprising a first image pickup means 40 with a first solid image pickup element 33, a second image pickup means 37 with a second solid image pickup element 19, an image pickup control instrument for controlling image pickup conditions of said first image pickup means and said second image pickup means, and a control unit for controlling the tracking operation of a target 36 based on a target image signal obtained at the first solid image pickup element or based on a target image signal obtained at the second solid image pickup element, wherein the first image pickup means can acquire an image in wider range by said second image pickup means, and wherein the image pickup control instrument controls so that a target image is acquired by the first image pickup means when the target image is out of a photodetection range of the target of the second solid image pickup element and controls so that the

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device for measuring the parameters of a blade rotor and a measurement process for measuring with said device, consisting of an element (1) in which at least one high speed camera (2) and a light beam emitter (3) are arranged in opposition, said element (1) being incorporated on a mobile support (5) which allows adjusting the distance with respect to the rotor (4) object of the measurement, and the assembly being connected to a processor (8) for controlling the measurement process and for processing the data which is obtained.

Abstract: A vision system that forms a map of a scene proximate a platform, e.g., a vehicle, that determines the actual ground plane form the map, and that corrects the map for differences between the actual ground plane and an assumed ground plane. The vision system may remove the actual ground plane from the map to prevent false positives. The vision system can further identify and classify objects and, if appropriate, take evasive action.

Abstract: Dual mode depth imaging system and method is provided, the system comprising a first and second image sensors and a processor able to switch between a first mode of depth imaging and a second mode of depth imaging according to at least one predefined threshold. The method comprising providing depth sensing by Time of Flight if the distance of the sensed object from the camera is not below a first threshold and/or if a depth resolution above a second threshold is not required, and providing depth sensing by triangulation, if the distance of the sensed object from the camera is below the first threshold and/or if a depth resolution above the second threshold is required.

Abstract: A sensor device including a source for electromagnetic radiation, a plurality of receivers for the electromagnetic radiation, and an electronics unit designed to transmit electromagnetic radiation by means of the source and to determine a distance which the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source travels from the reflection surface of an object to respective receivers by evaluation of the delay time of the electromagnetic radiation and/or the phase of an oscillation modulated on to the electromagnetic radiation. The electronics unit for the detection of reflective objects, which are like floating parts and are distributed in three dimensions in a medium, is able to determine from the measured distances a first group of distances which fit a predetermined distribution, and, if there is more than one group member, to emit a signal which is associated with the detection of reflective objects which are like floating parts.

Abstract: Optical tracking systems, method, and devices are described in which optical components detect light within a substantially planar region adjacent to a user device. Tracking logic may receive signals output by the optical components and determine coordinates associated with a movement of a pointing object through the substantially planar region. The tracking logic may then provide for translation of the coordinates into an action on a display, such as, for example, a movement of a cursor or other icon on the display.

Abstract: A Sensor Chip Assembly (SCA) contains a focal plane array constructed as a semiconductor chip sandwich. One slice contains an array of PSDs made from IR sensitive semiconductor material, and the other slice contains Trans Impedance Amplifiers (TIAs)—and associated on-chip signal processing elements from an electronic semiconductor material. The SCA resembles those made for pixelized imaging IR SCA focal planes, but the configuration and implementation of which is for a PSD focal plane array. The use of these techniques assures that the PSD focal plane array possesses the required attributes. Interconnect technology is widely available from most IR fabrication houses to connect the IR array with the TIA circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the range in a single time sample from a platform to a target are disclosed. The method includes receiving radiation emanating from the target at two points on the platform in a common time sample; detecting the received radiation and generating a signal representative thereof; and processing the signal. The signal is processed to determine a respective angle to target from two points on the platform by using a correlation between received signal amplitude and respective angle; and determine the range from the platform to the target from the respective angles and the separation distance between said two points in a single signal-to-noise sufficient sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical channels through which the apparatus can receive radiation emanating from the target, the optical channels and a plurality of electronics.

Abstract: Two photodetectors output electric signals based on the detection of light at light receiving sections mutually spaced apart. The output signal of one of the photodetectors is delayed and a first pulse signal is generated, and second pulse signal having no delay is generated according to based on the detection signal of the other of the two photodetectors. A detection signal is output when the pulse signals overlap. According to whether the detection signal is output, a movement direction and speed of a moving body that moves between the light receiving sections are detected.

Abstract: The optical distance detecting or measuring device comprises a light source with an emitting optic for projecting a light beam according to the axis of the emitting optic onto a target to be measured and a first detector defining the receiving axis contained in the same reference plane as the emitting axis. The device comprises at least a second detector that is aligned with the first detector on an axis contained in a plane that is inclined at an angle ? with respect to the reference plane, said angle being comprised between 10° and 170°. Alternatively, two emitters may be arranged in an inclined plane and one receiver in the reference plane. This arrangement allows a significant improvement of the performance of such a device.

Abstract: A range finder includes a package, a semiconductor chip, an optical casing, a lens holder, a first lens, and a second lens. The first and second lenses are attached to the lens holder. The lens holder is formed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient equal or close to that of the semiconductor chip. The range finder is constructed such that a distance between the two lenses and a distance between two light detecting sections on the semiconductor chip do not change significantly relative to each other due to the thermal expansion or contraction.

Abstract: A distance measurement apparatus of the present invention outputs image signal from the area sensor to which an optical image is input from a plurality of distance measurement areas two-dimensionally distributed in an area to be shot. A calculation control circuit detects portions changing equally to or more than a predetermined value in positive or negative directions, for the output level of pixel rows arranged on a plurality of straight lines included in the image signal. The distance measurement area is identified, based on the output of this calculation control circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring device whose measuring accuracy is prevented from lowering when a plurality of lenses for guiding light rays to each of a plurality of photoelectric converters are integrated for the purpose of reduction in size. The measuring device is comprised of a composite optical part and a holding member. The composite optical parts is comprised of at least first and second photoelectric converters, and integrated first and second optical functional members that guide light rays to the first and second photoelectric converters. The holding member holds the first and second photoelectric converters and the composite optical part.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining three-dimensional shape data of an object including a controller for controlling a light beam, a scanning system for scanning an object by the controlled light beam, and an image receiving system for receiving the light reflected from the object in a prescribed range. A memory stores data for correction of illumination irregularities corresponding to positions in the prescribed range that the light reflected from the object is received, and the controller refers to the stored data according to the position where the reflected light is received by the image receiving system, in order to control the light beam used by the scanning system.

Abstract: This distance measuring apparatus projects a first distance measurement light ray from an IRED and projects a second distance measurement light ray having an intensity higher than that of the IRED from a flash light emission portion. A distribution of incident light from the subject is converted into an electrical signal by a sensor array. A CPU determines a distance to the subject from an output of the sensor array when the first distance measurement light ray is projected and determines a distance to the subject from an output of the sensor array when the second distance measurement light ray is projected. The CPU selects either the first distance measurement light ray or the second distance measurement light ray to be used for distance measurement based on an output level of the sensor array when the first and second distance measurement light rays are not projected.

Abstract: A laser range finding device is shown which contains a transmitting channel and a receiving channel. The transmitting channel includes a transmitting lens and a laser light, which is positioned at a focal point of the transmitting lens. The receiving channel includes a receiving lens and a photodiode chip array arranged at a focal point of the receiving lens. The photodiode chip array includes a perforated shutter having at least two shutter apertures.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: This application is concerned with laser triangulation sensors for object dimension and position determination, and in particular, more effective measurement of object shapes and/or thickness using laser triangulation sensors having multiple projected laser beams and at least two linear or matrix array cameras to view the images of light reflected from the object due to the beams impinging on the object surface. Besides disclosure of the basic operation of “multi-point” sensors of this type, novel methods and apparatus are also disclosed to assure function of the device even with objects, such as lumber, having pronounced protrusions and depressions in their surface.

Abstract: An autofocusing apparatus of a telescope for automatically focusing on an object viewed within a field of view of the telescope through a distance-measuring zone arranged in the field of view, includes: a multi-point distance measuring device which divides the distance-measuring zone into at least three distance-measuring zones to detect an object distance on each of the distance-measuring zones; a lens driver which drives a focusing lens group of the telescope along an optical axis thereof; and a controller which controls the lens driver wherein the focusing lens group is moved to perform an autofocusing operation in accordance with a result of the each object distance detected by the multi-point distance measuring zones. The controller compares the each object distance detected by the multi-point distance measuring device with each other.

Abstract: A pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors receive the light from subjects and produce a subject image signal. A light projecting section projects light onto the subjects. A steady-state light removing section obtains an image signal by removing the steady-state light component from the subject image signal the pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors produces, while the light projecting section is projecting light onto the subjects. A first distance-measuring section measures a subject distance on the basis of the subject image signal from the pair of integration-type sensors. A subject position estimating section causes the first distance-measuring section to make distance measurements for a specific time and, on the basis of the resulting reflected light image signal, estimates the position of the main subject.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: A multi-point distance measuring apparatus has a plurality of distance measuring points for performing a multi-point distance measurement. Sensor arrays detect an image pattern at each distance measuring point in the picture. A control circuit determines a distance measuring mode for each distance measuring point, based upon the output signal of the sensor arrays.

Abstract: Photoelectric cell with means of configuring the operating mode. The cell has several optosensitive zones 11, 12, D capable of outputting magnitudes that are activated or processed in different manners, by configuration and/or processing means 7, 19. The cell may thus be used in reflex mode, proximity mode or proximity with background elimination mode. Amplifying parts 16a, 16b are provided at the side of the optosensitive zones to amplify electrical magnitudes before routing them to the microcontroller 19 in the processing circuit 6.