Triangulation Ranging To A Point With Two Or More Projected Beams Patents (Class 356/3.1)
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Patent number: 8619238Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept are directed to a rangefinder that can be aligned to a fixed sight on a shooting device so that a range can be accurately taken that corresponds to a fixed sight that is used to align the shooting device to a target. Other embodiments of this concept provide methods of aligning the rangefinder to the fixed sight of the shooting device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Overstreet
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Patent number: 8605261Abstract: Methods and devices for the determination of distance by means of light pulses are disclosed. A light source emits light pulses with specified frequency. A detector receives reflected light pulses. A controller controls the light source and detector by means of signals. At least two timers are connected to the controller and the detector. When a light pulse is emitted by the light source, the controller generates a start signal triggering a time measurement by each of the at least two timers, in order, and beginning again from the start. Upon receiving a reflected light pulse, the detector generates a stop signal which stops the time measurement by the timer of the at least two timers, to which at that instant a measuring window is assigned by the controller. The device can be designed as a fiber-optic scanner.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Trimble Germany GmbHInventor: Peter Rindle
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Patent number: 8599363Abstract: An object detection tracking system for a vehicle includes a first modulated light source for transmitting a first light signal with a first propagation pattern into a target region and a second modulated light source for transmitting a second light signal with a second propagation pattern into the target region. A sensor measures light reflected off objects in the target region. A controller demodulates the measured light to detect when the first or second light signals are received. The controller determines respective ranges for generating a first set of range data for the first light signal and a second set of range data for the second light signal. The controller maintains an object tracking list that includes a position of detected objects relative to the vehicle. The position of each object is determined using trilateration of the first and second sets of range data.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Shuqing Zeng
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Patent number: 8599366Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a deformation of a disc-shaped workpiece, in particular a mold wafer. The device comprises a rotatable, height and laterally adjustable mounting unit for mounting an inner region of the disc-shaped workpiece; a determination unit for determining eccentricity of a center axis of the disc-shaped workpiece from a center axis of the mounting unit and for generating a suitable adjustment signal for the mounting unit; a deposit unit for depositing the disc-shaped workpiece during a process of lateral adjustment of the mounting unit; and a fixed-height detector unit for measuring a deviation of a plurality of measuring points, respectively, in a non-mounted outer region of the disc-shaped workpiece from a predetermined height position corresponding to the deformation by rotating the mounting unit or the detector unit at a predetermined height position of the mounting unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: ERS Electronic GmbHInventor: Rudger Schindler
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Publication number: 20130314688Abstract: An indoor surveying apparatus comprises a 2D range finder, means for automatically aligning 2D range finder data and computing a 2D map of the environment, a calibrated optical imaging system for capturing images of environment, and means for establishing positions and extents of walls, doors, and windows and for drawing floor plans using the computed 2D map and calibrated images where 2D range finder data is missing. It is further contemplated that the imaging system can also be part of the range finder, that the range finder can be a scanning laser range finder, that the imaging system can include a panoramic lens with 180 degree field of view, that the apparatus can further include an IMU, an electronic compass, a panoramic rotator, and means for measuring positions of points on the floor using the image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Alexander Likholyot
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Patent number: 8587772Abstract: A chromatic point sensor system configured to compensate for potential errors due to workpiece material effects comprises a first confocal optical path including a longitudinally dispersive element configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances proximate to a workpiece; a second optical path configured to focus different wavelengths at substantially the same distance proximate to the workpiece; a light source connected to the first confocal optical path; a light source connected to the second optical path; a first confocal optical path disabling element; a second optical path disabling element; and a CPS electronics comprising a CPS wavelength detector which provides output spectral profile data. The output spectral profile data from the second optical path is usable to compensate output spectral profile data from the first confocal optical path for a distance-independent profile component that includes errors due to workpiece material effects.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: David William Sesko, Michael Nahum
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Patent number: 8570494Abstract: [Problem] To provide an electro-optical distance meter in which the measurement time is reduced, and a temperature phase drift of electrical components is reduced. [Solution Means] An electro-optical distance meter includes a first light-emitting element (13) which emits light modulated with a plurality of main modulation frequencies (F1 and F2), a second light-emitting element (14) which emits light modulated with a plurality of adjacent modulation frequencies (F1??f1 and F2??f2) close to the main modulation frequencies, respectively, first and second light receiving elements (40 and 48) which receive light emitted from both light-emitting elements, a first frequency converter group (42, 44) connected to the first light receiving element, and a second frequency converter group (50, 52) connected to the second light receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Sokkia Topcon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasutoshi Aoki
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Patent number: 8570493Abstract: A measurement device is configured to send a first light beam to a target which returns a reflected portion. The device includes a switch configured to receive a first signal, and to send the second portion out of the switch measure port if the first signal is in the first state or out of the switch reference port if the first signal is in the second state. The device also includes a first electrical circuit configured to provide the first signal, to convert the third portion into a first reference value, to convert the fifth portion into a first measure value if the first signal is in the first state, and to convert the seventh portion into a second reference value if the first signal is in the second state; and a processor configured to determine a first distance from the device to the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. Mertz, Robert E. Bridges
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Patent number: 8547529Abstract: An electronic countermeasures product includes flexible packaging of diodes that operate in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to replace flares, lamps and directed lasers with an inexpensive easily deployed countermeasure systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Karl D. Brommer
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Patent number: 8547532Abstract: A system and method of imaging an object. An array of detectors is mounted in an image plane. Each detector in the array of detectors is connected to a timing circuit having an interpolator, wherein the interpolator includes a first circuit which charges a first capacitor at a different rate than it discharges. An optical pulse is transmitted toward an object so that a portion of the optical pulse is reflected from the object as a reflected pulse and a first value representative of when the optical pulse was transmitted toward the object is recorded. The reflected pulse is detected at one or more detectors and a pulse characteristic of the pulse and a second value representative of when the reflected pulse arrived at the detector are recorded. Range to the object is then calculated as a function of the first and second values and the reflected pulse characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jerry Dimsdale
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Patent number: 8510029Abstract: A method for defining a following path for a following vehicle to autonomously follow a leader, the method including acquiring waypoints associated with a path that the leader traverses; filtering the acquired waypoints, wherein the filtering removes waypoints located outside an area of interest; generating intermediate waypoints by interpolating between adjacent pairs of the filtered waypoints if the adjacent pairs of the filtered waypoints are separated by a distance that exceeds a threshold distance; and defining a following path through the filtered waypoints and the intermediate waypoints using a least-squares spline fit to calculate the following path.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Joshua J. Curtis, George T. McWilliams, Kristopher C. Kozak
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Patent number: 8497981Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote object or a size of the remote object.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Manish Mahajan
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Patent number: 8491135Abstract: An apparatus determines a cursor position in an illumination field of a projector. An obstruction is detected in the illumination field. The cursor position is determined as the point on the obstruction furthest from where the obstruction crosses a border of the illumination field. A distance to the point on the obstruction is determined and compared to a distance to a point not on the obstruction. Gestures are recognized as a function of movement of the obstruction and the determined distances.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, George Thomas Valliath, David R. Nash
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Patent number: 8482721Abstract: A laser light receiver used to detect pulsed laser light that is produced by a rotating laser light source on a construction jobsite is disclosed. In this manner, the laser receiver acts as an elevation detector and provides an equipment operator, or a construction worker, with the current elevation status with respect to the plane of laser light. The laser receiver is a unitary device that can detect multiple light frequencies/wavelengths, including laser beams that are in the green, red, and infrared spectra. The laser receiver also is capable of discriminating between such laser beams and other interference light sources, particularly fluorescent light sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Chris W. Snyder
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Publication number: 20130169947Abstract: A technique includes using at least one emitter to generate a first optical signal to propagate along a first optical path to interact with a target, to generate a second optical signal and generate a third optical signal to propagate along a second optical path other than the first optical path to generate a fourth optical signal. The technique includes using at least one receiver to acquire a first measurement of the second optical signal and acquire a second measurement of the fourth optical signal. The technique includes generating an indication of a parameter that is associated with a target, which includes scaling a ratio of the first and second measurements based at least in part on optical communication between the emitter(s) and the receiver(s) that does not involve interaction with the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Christophe Jean Erez Hakim, Geoffrey Byron Noakes, JR.
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Patent number: 8467036Abstract: A laser instrument for electro-optical measurement of the distance of a target object to a reference mark is disclosed. The instrument includes a housing, a measuring device which emits a laser beam and determines a distance value from the receiving beam coming from the target object, an outlet opening to couple out the laser beam from the housing, a display device to display the distance value and an operating device to operate the laser instrument and to start a distance measurement. The display and operating devices are arranged on an upper side of the housing. The outlet opening is arranged in the upper side, in the lower side opposite from the upper side or in a side surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Torsten Gogolla, Andreas Winter, Helmut Seifert, Gero Schusser
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Publication number: 20130151040Abstract: A low-altitude altimeter (10) and a method of determining low altitudes for unmanned aerial vehicles (24). The altimeter includes at least two illuminators (12,14), at least one sensor (16), and a computing device (18). The illuminators (12,14) emit signals which are received by the sensor (16) in such a way that an angle at which they are received is determinable by the computing device (18). The computing device (18) processes each signal received by the sensor (16), determines the angle at which the sensor (16) received the signal, and, based thereon, determines the altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle (24). When a first pair of illuminators are arranged along a fuselage axis, and a second pair of illuminators are arranged orthogonally to that axis, the computing device can combine first and second altitude, pitch angle, and roll angle measurements to provide a more refined altitude determination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Christopher T. ALLEN, Trenton Shuey, Rongqing Hui
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Patent number: 8427632Abstract: A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with a focused-radiation source and a processor; the image-capturing device further comprises an image sensor; (B) capturing an image of an object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (C) directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source to the object located in the (FOV) of the image-capturing device; (D) detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object located in FOV of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (E) characterizing the object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using each return signal; and (F) processing each return signal in order to determine a distance from the object located in the FOV to the image-capturing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Trimble Navigation Ltd.Inventors: Phillip T. Nash, Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 8390795Abstract: An optical system including a plurality of selectably directable mirrors (38) each arranged to direct a laser beam (41) to a selectable location within a field, a plurality of mirror orientation sensors (45) operative to sense the orientation of the plurality of selectably directable mirrors and to provide mirror orientation outputs and an automatic calibration subsystem (47) for automatically calibrating the plurality of selectably directable mirrors, the automatic calibration subsystem including a target (40) being operative to provide an optically visible indication of impingement of a laser beam thereon; the target being rewritable and having optically visible fiducial markings (54, 56), a target positioner (42) for selectably positioning the target, an optical sensor (44) operative to view the target following impingement of the laser beam thereon and to provide laser beam impingement outputs and a correlator (36) operative to provide a calibration output.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Orbotech Ltd.Inventors: Zvi Kotler, Boris Greenberg, Peter Grobgeld
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Patent number: 8390793Abstract: An optical ranging sensor includes a light emitting unit for projecting a light beam on an object to be measured, a light receiving unit on which a light spot of reflected light of the light beam from the object is formed, and a processing circuit unit for processing output signals from the light receiving unit and detecting a distance to the object. The light receiving unit includes an effective light receiving part having light receiving cells arranged in matrix form in a first direction in which a position of the light spot moves as the object moves along a direction of an optical axis of the light emitting unit, and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A size of the effective light receiving part in the second direction is not smaller than a radius of the light spot but not larger than a diameter thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Pixart Imaging Inc.Inventors: Akifumi Yamaguchi, Hideo Wada, Masaru Kubo, (Jason) Chih-Hung Lu
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Patent number: 8390794Abstract: An optical instrument and a method for obtaining distance and image information of an object is disclosed to improve the speed and accuracy of data acquisition. The instrument comprises a camera, positioning unit, distance measuring unit, lens arrangement and control unit. The camera acquires images of an object and the control unit defines an area to be scanned and measurement pixels of an object in the image, wherein the measurement pixels are converted into an approximation of coordinates of positions to be measured assuming a default distance to the positions, and the optical axis of the lens arrangement is adjusted sequentially onto the positions to be measured. After measuring the distances to the positions, the coordinates are recalculated increasing the accuracy of the coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbHInventors: Torsten Kludas, Michael Vogel, Christian Grasser, Set Svanholm
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Patent number: 8390791Abstract: A method of light detection includes emitting a pulsed light beam from a pulsed light source; splitting the pulsed light beam with a beam splitting device into at least two light beam ray sets, wherein at least one of the ray sets collide with airborne particulates, resulting in backscattered light; which is received through an aperture(s); and detecting the received backscattered light at a detector. A light detection and ranging system is also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexey Vasily Vert, Sergei Ivanovich Dolinsky
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Patent number: 8368873Abstract: There is provided a proximity to a target, detection system, including a laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength temporal and spatial shape, towards a target from which the proximity is to be determined, a small dimensions body having an opening for admitting radiation reflected from the target, the body housing a receiver for receiving the reflected beam radiation from the target and directing it towards a detector in the body for producing a signal. The detector includes a detection logic circuit allowing detection of reflected radiation for producing an output signal when the body is at a predetermined range from the target and in consideration of the temporal or spatial relative strength of the signal produced by the detected radiation of the reflected beam. A method for detecting the proximity of a body to a radiation-reflecting surface of a target, is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Moshe Oron, Vladislav Palatnik
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Patent number: 8368875Abstract: An optical instrument and a method for obtaining distance and image information of an object is disclosed to improve the speed and accuracy of data acquisition. The instrument comprises a camera, positioning unit, distance measuring unit, lens arrangement and control unit. The camera acquires images of an object and the control unit defines an area to be scanned as well as an object feature of the object, wherein measurement pixels corresponding to positions on the object may be defined in the area with an increased density of measurement pixels at the object feature. Subsequently, the distances to the object at the selected positions of interest are measured.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbHInventors: Torsten Kludas, Michael Vogel, Christian Grasser, Set Svanholm
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Patent number: 8368876Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a LIDAR unit. In one embodiment, a system includes a light pulse detection unit, a delay unit and a two-dimensional target. The light pulse detection unit receives a light pulse from the LIDAR unit. The delay unit produces one or more delayed light pulses which are delayed by a known interval from the light pulse received from the LIDAR unit. The delayed light pulses are used to illuminate the target. Target illumination from each of the delayed light pulses returns to the LIDAR unit with a corresponding known delay. The delay of each delayed light pulse simulates a range that is greater than the actual physical distance from the LIDAR unit to the target. The delay of the light pulses from different parts of the target may be different to simulate different ranges for the different parts of the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Odyssey Space Research, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Johnson, Dwight E. Andrews
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Patent number: 8355117Abstract: Arrangement (10) for measuring the distance to an object, comprising: a photonic source for illuminating said object using a continuous modulated photonic wave, a solid-state image sensor, comprising an array of avalanche photodiodes and a plurality of circuits for processing signals output by said avalanche photodiodes to yield data depending on the photonic wave reflected by said object onto said photodiodes. The circuit may comprise a multiplexer at the pixel level arranged so as to accumulate the signal output by the avalanche photodiode during different sub-periods in different storage devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de LausanneInventor: Cristiano Niclass
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Patent number: 8351025Abstract: A target set in a to-be-measured object and used for acquiring a reference value of point-cloud data, the target includes a small circle surrounded by a frame and having the center of the target, a large circle surrounded by the frame and disposed concentrically with the small circle so as to surround the small circle, a low-luminance reflective region located between the frame and the large circle and having the lowest reflectivity, a high-luminance reflective region located between the large circle and the small circle and having the highest reflectivity, and an intermediate-luminance reflective region located inside the small circle and having an intermediate reflectivity which is higher than the reflectivity of the low-luminance reflective region and which is lower than the reflectivity of the high-luminance reflective region.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Hitoshi Ootani, Tadayuki Ito
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Publication number: 20130003038Abstract: Disclosed is a distance measuring device using an optical comb. In order for the absolute distance to an object to be measured which has a surface with low reflection ratio or a scattering surface and is approximately 10 m apart, to be easily measured with accuracy of 0.1 mm or more using an optical and contactless method, the distance measuring device which measures the distance to the object to be measured is configured such that the distance to the object to be measured is measured by comparing the phase of the beat signal between a light source and a plurality of CW lasers which are reflected or scattered by the object with the phase of the beat signal between the light source and a plurality of CW lasers prior to being irradiated onto the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takehiro Tachizaki, Masahiro Watanabe, Tatsuo Hariyama, Yasuhiro Yoshitake, Tetsuya Matsui, Hirokazu Matsumoto, Kiyoshi Takamasu
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Patent number: 8339582Abstract: An apparatus and method of correcting an image are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver to receive a depth value and a luminous intensity, the depth value and the luminous intensity being measured by at least one depth sensor, and a correction unit to read a correction depth value of a plurality of correction depth values mapped to different depth values and different luminous intensities from a first storage unit and to correct the measured depth value using the read correction depth value, the correction depth value being mapped to the measured depth value and the measured luminous intensity.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Jung Shim, Jae Young Sim, Do Kyoon Kim, Jeong Hwan Ahn, Alexander Hornung, Markus Gross, Rolf Adelsberger
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Patent number: 8330942Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring instrument and methods for such a measuring instrument for tracking a moving object, measuring a distance to an object. According to the invention, sets of target position data including at least horizontal (Ha) and vertical angle (Va) between the measuring instrument (1) and said at least one target (9) in consecutive measurements during a measurement session are obtained (40; 50; 60; 70); a model describing a path of and/or a distance to the target (9) is calculated; at least a present position of the target is estimated (44; 53; 65; 74) using the model; and, the estimated position of the target (9) is used (45; 56; 67; 79) when searching for the target (9).Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Trimble ABInventors: Mikael Nordenfelt, Thomas Klang
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Patent number: 8319949Abstract: A method for detecting an object using visible light comprises providing a visible-light source having a function of illuminating an environment. The visible-light source is driven to emit visible light in a predetermined mode, with visible light in the predetermined mode being emitted such that the light source maintains said function of illuminating an environment. A reflection/backscatter of the emitted visible light is received from an object. The reflection/backscatter is filtered over a selected wavelength range as a function of a desired range of detection from the light source to obtain a light input. The presence or position of the object is identified with the desired range of detection as a function of the light input and of the predetermined mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Leddartech Inc.Inventors: Daniel Cantin, Pascal Gallant, François Babin
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Patent number: 8310656Abstract: A method for use in controlling a system includes tracking three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, mapping the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller onto a two-dimensional image plane of a screen of a display for the system, and displaying one or more images on the two-dimensional image plane of the screen based on the mapping of the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller. Some embodiments may include one or more sensors configured to track three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, and a processor configured to perform the above mentioned steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLCInventor: Gary M. Zalewski
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Patent number: 8294123Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser processing method and the like having a structure for making it possible to process an object to be processed in various ways while accurately adjusting the installation state of the object. The method irradiates the object with plural adjustment laser light beams that are set in a specific positional relationship against a converging point of processing laser light beam, and adjusts the state of installation of the object while monitoring irradiation areas of the adjustment laser light beams on the surface of the object. Each irradiation directions of adjustment laser light beams is different from that of the processing laser light beam. By reflecting the irradiation condition of the adjustment laser light beam and monitored information of the irradiation areas in positional adjustment of the object, the installation state of the object can be adjusted in accordance with various kinds of processing.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Nakamae, Motoki Kakui, Shinobu Tamaoki
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Publication number: 20120262692Abstract: Coordinate measurement device configured to send a first beam of light to a target includes first and second light sources configured to emit first and second lights having differing first and second wavelengths; fiber-optic coupler that includes three ports, a first port configured to accept a first portion of the first light, a second port configured to accept a second portion of the second light, a third port configured to transmit a third light which includes a portion of the first and second portions; first and second angle measuring devices configured to measure first and second angles of rotation; distance meter configured to measure a first distance from the device to the target based at least in part on a third portion of the second beam received by an optical detector; and a processor configured to provide 3D coordinates of the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Jacob J. Mertz
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Patent number: 8284381Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus includes: a reference object; a plurality of optical systems; imaging sections for converting images of an object for distance measurement and the reference object formed in the respective imaging regions into picture data; and a calculation section. The calculation section generates a plurality of picture data of the reference object by light of a first wavelength band and a plurality of picture data of the object for distance measurement by light of a second wavelength band, the second wavelength band being longer in wavelength than is the first wavelength band. From the plurality of picture data, parallax amounts of the reference object and the object for distance measurement are calculated. A distance to the object for distance measurement is calculated based on a corrected parallax amount of the object for distance measurement.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Norihiro Imamura
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Patent number: 8279414Abstract: The invention refers to a device and a method for monitoring a delimited area in order to detect if an undesired object is present within the area. The invention also refers to a use of the device. A first laser is adapted to emit a laser pulse (B) of a determined wavelength over the area. A first photo sensor is arranged to receive a reflected part of the laser pulse (B). An evaluation unit is connected to the laser and the photo sensor. The evaluation unit is arranged to measure the reflected part of the laser pulse (B) during a predetermined time period after the laser pulse has been emitted from the laser, to generate a signal depending on the measured reflected part and to process the generated signal in order to determine if an undesired object is present within the area.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Avalon Innovation ABInventors: Börje Eklund, Hans Undin, Örjan Altebro
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Patent number: 8259291Abstract: A seeker/receiver system for a moving body, such as for guiding the moving body to a target, includes an optics/receiver portion that tilts as a unit relative to other parts of the moving body. The optics/receiver portion includes a window which may be used to enclose and protect one or both of a pair of receivers or detectors, such as a laser energy detector or receiver, and an infrared energy detector or receiver. By moving the window and the receivers as a unit a set positional relationship is maintained between all of the elements of the optics/receiver portion. This simplifies the optics by obviating the need for all aspects of the window to present the same properties to energy detectors that tilt relative to it. The optics/receiver portion may be tilted using a tilt mechanism such as a gimbal.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Byron B. Taylor, Thomas J. Wetherell, Brian S. Scott, Ronald L. Roncone
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Publication number: 20120206707Abstract: Provided is a distance measuring apparatus and a distance measuring method enabling measurement of, based on an image, a relative distance from an object even during nighttime. Included are imaging means for taking an image in a traveling direction of an own-vehicle as a taken image; specifying means for respectively specifying combinations of positions, in the taken image, of direct light which is imaged in the taken image and of a reflected light which is a reflection of the direct light on a travel path surface; and measuring means for measuring a relative distance from an object based on the combinations of the positions of the direct light and the positions of the reflected light, which are specified by the specifying means.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masayuki Usami
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Patent number: 8233206Abstract: User input is facilitated through gestural inputs with displayed two and three-dimensional objects using a holographic device and film that displays a static, digitally generated, three-dimensional, autostereoscopic, full-parallax, real image and a digital projector that displays dynamic images. A system includes computer-detectable tags mounted on a user-wearable glove, and on a base plate that holds the holographic device. The system determines the locations of the tags, and calculates a location of a feature of the image based on the locations of the tags. The system also determines the location, pose, and gestural motion of the input device based on the location of the tags. The system further calculates a distance and direction between the input device and the feature of the image.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Zebra Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Kwindla H. Kramer, John S. Underkoffler, Michael A. Klug, Mark E. Holzbach
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Patent number: 8212993Abstract: An improved method for surveying actual measurement data of a component, which originate from an optical scan, is characterized in that the actual measurement data (2) of the component (1) are surveyed by means of a measurement program (24) for a tactile coordinate measuring instrument, wherein the measurement program (24) generates a virtual measuring stylus of a virtual coordinate measuring instrument, which surveys the actual measurement data of the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbHInventors: Matthia Prams, Michael Gandyra, Roman Apanovich
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Patent number: 8212994Abstract: The present invention discloses a distance detecting sensor, comprising: a casing, focusing lenses, a circuit board mounted with several electronic elements, and an emitting device emitting infrared light and a receiving device receiving and sensing a reflected infrared light. Wherein, the casing comprises a main body and two round openings on the top surface of the main body. The lenses comprise an emitting lens and a receiving lens arranged at the openings of the casing. The circuit board is mounted in the main body of the casing; the emitting device is an infrared emitting diode (LED), emitting infrared light toward the emitting lens. The receiving device is a distance detecting sensor module, which senses the reflected light focused by the receiving lens. The distance detecting sensor further comprises an emitting light guide unit arranged between the emitting lens and the emitting device, and the emitting light guide unit comprises small round holes at the emitting tube core of the emitting device.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.Inventor: Xingyan Liu
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Patent number: 8212996Abstract: A centroiding method is provided for an optical tracking system including a laser used for countermeasuring purposes in which a pencil thin laser beam is accurately positioned onto a target through the use of centroiding techniques for ascertaining the position not only of the target but also the laser beam, with the centroiding techniques resulting in a sub-pixel level resolution. The sub-pixel resolution permits utilization of smaller cost-effective focal plane arrays by giving the small focal plane array a resolution associated with much larger focal plane arrays.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Anuradha Bhargava, Harold T. Wright, Kazimierz T. Grzeslak, Arnold Kravitz
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Patent number: 8208130Abstract: In a sensor-fuzed munition system and method, the munition is provided with an additional laser designator/repeater mode of operation. In the laser designator/repeater mode, the munition has the option of initiating a target strike additionally based on whether a laser appointer energy is detected as being present on the target. The laser appointer energy signal is generated at a wavelength that is consistent with the wavelength of the laser rangefinder of the munition, and is generated based on the detected presence of a designator signal at a designator spot on the target. The laser appointer signal is directed to the designator spot and detected by the munition laser rangefinder receiver. In one embodiment, the repeater system for detecting the designator signal and for generating the appointer signal is provided on the delivery vehicle for the submunition.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Textron Systems CorporationInventors: Richard P. McConville, Ralph Nardone
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Patent number: 8203698Abstract: Control modules for automatically adjusting a laser output based on a range to an object detected within a field of view are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc.Inventors: Brad E. Meyers, David C. Shannon, Scott Straka
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Patent number: 8199316Abstract: A description is given of a device (1) for tracking the movement of a tool of a handling unit (2), having at least one directional radiator (5) that can be aligned with the tool and be tracked, and a signal evaluation unit (4) for determining the movement. The directional radiators (5) have actuators for aligning the directional beam (6) at adjustable angles with reference to a fixed spatial plane, and angle sensors for determining the current directional beam angle with reference to the spatial plane, the angle sensors being connected to the signal evaluation unit (4). Directional beam sensors (7) for detecting the directional beam (6) are arranged with a fixed reference to the tool and movably therewith, the directional beam sensors (7) being connected to the signal evaluation unit (4).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: LKT GmbHInventors: Stefan Boehm, Mark Hellmanns, Klaus Dilger, Karl-Heinz Brakhage
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Patent number: 8169597Abstract: In a method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, the improvement locating a single IR detector in an aperture in an image mirror so that its output can be used for countermeasure effectiveness measurement, missile range measurement, missile characteristic determination and to provide an AGC signal for tracking camera gain control.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Armando Corella, John A. Carattini
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Patent number: 8169596Abstract: A multi-plane scanner support system includes a bracket and a mirror block. The bracket is configured to be secured in a fixed orientation with respect to a scanner. And the mirror block is arranged to receive a scanning signal from the scanner and to reflect the scanning signal into a plurality of directions to create multiple scanning planes. The scanner can be a laser scanner. The scanner and multi-plane scanner support system can be attached to a material transport vehicle, for example, to provide safety functions. The vehicle can be manned or unmanned.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Seegrid CorporationInventors: Mitchell Weiss, William R. Bosworth
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Patent number: 8164742Abstract: An optomechanical switching device, a control system, and a graphical user interface for a photopolarimetric lidar standoff detection that employs differential-absorption Mueller matrix spectroscopy. An output train of alternate continuous-wave CO2 laser beams [ . . . L1:L2 . . . ] is directed onto a suspect chemical-biological (CB) aerosol plume or the land mass it contaminates (S) vis-à-vis the OSD, with L1 [L2] tuned on [detuned off] a resonant molecular absorption moiety of CB analyte. Both incident beams and their backscattered radiances from S are polarization-modulated synchronously so as to produce gated temporal voltage waveforms (scattergrams) recorded on a focus at the receiver end of a sensor (lidar) system. All 16 elements of the Mueller matrix (Mij) of S are measured via digital or analog filtration of constituent frequency components in these running scattergram data streams (phase-sensitive detection).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Arthur H. Carrieri, Erik S. Roese, David J. Owens, Jonathan C. Schultz, Michael V. Talbard, Pascal I. Lim, Kevin C. Hung, Jerold R. Bottiger
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Patent number: 8154711Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to ensure high-quality coatings of medical implants using a new data evaluation and process control approach. Information on spray errors, such as areas with high and low droplet distribution, can be easily and reproducibly obtained by analyzing the axial and/or longitudinal cross-section of the spray using the apparatus and method of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Ingo Werner Scheer
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Patent number: 8149390Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Jerry G. Brown