Abstract: The present invention is a new multifunctional low-cost solution for performing measurements and positioning in construction sites and automatically extracting a three-dimensional virtual model, plans, elevations and sections drawings based on these measurements. The preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a field beacon or a set of field beacons, spread around the measured area, communicating by omnidirectional signals with at least one central signal collector, which communicates with a computer. Dedicated computer software performs the spatial calculations and other applicable functions. The disclosed system is used for laying out axes and columns at the beginning stage of construction while ensuring the exact match of each mark to its planned position, and for quality and exactitude control of constructions or assembling. In addition the system may be used for locating and tracking objects in a predefined area and automatic directing of machinery to target points.

Abstract: A laser beam projecting device, comprising a laser light source for emitting a laser beam, a wavelength selecting film for allowing the laser beam from the laser light source to. pass, and a birefringent optical member arranged on an optical axis closer to an exit side than the wavelength selecting film, wherein the wavelength selecting film is tilted so that an incident angle of the laser beam is in a range of 45° to 80°.

Abstract: A measurement system with a minimum of 2 sensors that identifies precise locations of remote objects. The sensors measure the elevation and azimuth angles to the target using the electro-magnetic radiation that is either intentionally or incidentally reflected off of the object. Given the known distance between the sensors, the system are able to calculate the exact X-Y-Z coordinates of the object using a modified type of triangulation. In the case of moving targets, this data is used to determine target origin and destination. In the case of stationary targets, the data is used to determine exact location of target and for navigation to or around the stationary target.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.

Abstract: A multiple ranging apparatus has a light emitting section constituted by a plurality of aligned LEDs which emit light rays of wavelengths different from one another, and a light receiving section constituted by a plurality of aligned PSD parts which have wavelength sensitivities corresponding to the different wavelengths of the light rays emitted from the LEDs. Thus, even when ranging of respective points is simultaneously measured in multiple ranging measurement, it is possible to identify which LED the light is emitted from, and therefore, to simultaneously measure the distances of two or more points.

Abstract: A video sensor device is provided which incorporates a rangefinder function. The device includes a single video camera and a fixed laser spaced a predetermined distance from the camera for, when activated, producing a laser beam. A diffractive optic element divides the beam so that multiple light spots are produced on a target object. A processor calculates the range to the object based on the known spacing and angles determined from the light spots on the video images produced by the camera.

Abstract: An electro-optical distance measuring method for measuring a distance to an object to be measured by receiving a reflected light from the object to be measured, comprising a step of projecting a pulsed laser beam with a predetermined spreading angle from each of two or more known positions so that two or more objects to be measured are commonly included, a step of detecting reflected lights from the two or more objects to be measured for each pulsed laser beam by discriminating the reflected lights for each emitted pulse, a step of measuring distances to the two or more objects to be measured from each of the known points based on the results of detection of the discriminated reflected lights, and a step of measuring coordinate positions of the two or more objects to be measured based on the measured distances.

Abstract: A system for measuring the distance from a first point spaced away from a surface of an object to a second point on a surface of the object along an axis extending through the first and second points includes one or more light projection assemblies for projecting light stripes onto the surface of the object so that the light stripes pass though the second point. An imaging device detects the position of the second point by sensing the light stripes at the second point. A distance calculator may then calculate the distance between the first point and the second point using the position of the second point detected by the imaging device. The system is calibrated using the cross-ratio of points detected along the axis by the imaging device.

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: An atmospheric refraction profile is determined using an imaging system positioned at a location that is simultaneously within line-of-sight of two celestial light sources. A variety of active or passive methods can be employed to cause the line-of-sight to vertically traverse through a refractive portion of an atmosphere. Images of the two celestial light sources are captured as the line-of-sight vertically traverses through the refractive portion of the atmosphere. Each such image indicates an apparent distance between the two celestial light sources. The apparent distances are used to determine refraction angles.

Abstract: The invention provides a range finder capable of carrying out three-dimensional measurement stably for a long period of time. A light pattern is projected on a subject by using a light source array unit in which a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, are arranged. Even when each LED has a small light quantity, a sufficiently large quantity of light can be projected on the subject by the entire light source array unit, and hence, the three-dimensional measurement can be stably carried out. Also, a plurality of light patterns can be generated by electrically controlling a light emitting state of each LED of the light source array unit.

Abstract: A surveying system is provided that comprises a position relation calculating processor and a correspondence obtaining processor. The position relation calculating processor calculates a position relation between a coordinate system to which three-dimensional coordinates of a measurement point refer and a schematic image of a surveying field. Here, the schematic image includes the measurement point. The correspondence obtaining processor obtains a correspondence between the three-dimensional coordinates of the measurement point and the two-dimensional coordinates on the schematic image, corresponding to the measurement point.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for optically determining a distance r to a feature from an origin or a center. The apparatus uses a beam generation unit for launching a reference beam on a reference path and a first beam on a first path. The center from which distance r is determined is selected such that it is along a line of the reference path and not along a line of the first path. Alternatively, the center can be chosen not to lie along a line of the reference path. A rotation mechanism rotates the reference path and the first path about the center such that the reference beam moves over the feature at a reference time tr and the first beam moves over the feature at a first time t1. A determination unit determines distance r between the center and the feature from an angular velocity ? of the reference beam over the feature and from times tr, t1.

Abstract: In a rangefinder, if sensor data initially received by a sensor data storage part from an A/D converter includes data with low contrast, the sensor data storage part receives the sensor data at least one additional time, adds additionally received sensor data to the initially received sensor data, and stores their sum. In accordance with the sum of sensor data stored in the sensor data storage part, a correlation calculation and a rangefinding calculation are carried out, which enables rangefinding with respect to an object having low contrast; Also, the time required for A/D-converting the sensor data again and adding the resulting data to those initially obtained is much shorter than the integration time required for integrating output signals of a pair of line sensors a second time for a region with low luminance and low contrast.

Abstract: A measurement sensor comprising a PSD (30) as an optoelectronic receiver, a transmitter (10, 12) for generating spots (22, 26), optics (14, 32) for reproducing the spots (22?, 26?) on the PSD (30) and means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) for processing output signals (I1, I2) generated by said PSD (30) and for controlling the transmitter (10, 12) depending on the processed output signals (I1, I2) in order to measure the distance between the target (24) and the sensor by a triangulation technique is disclose closed. The transmitter comprises at least two optoelectronic signal sources (10, 12) for projecting at least two spots (22, 26) independent from each other on a target (24), the means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) comprising a digitally controlled potentiometer (48) for balancing the output signals (I1, I2) and a digital processor (52) adapted for controlling the potentiometer (48).

Abstract: A method and device for measuring a distance to an object with light determines the distance by measuring the relative intensity of light reflected from the object and traveling over two or more paths of differing optical length or reflected from the object and traveling over two or more paths through the use of the offset angle effect. Light is emitted by one or more light sources; reflected from a surface of the object; and the reflected light is detected by one or more light detectors. The light detector(s) generate signals based on the intensity of reflected light detected and the signals are utilized to calculate the distance from the device to the object.

Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, a measuring system configured to measure the position of the projection system relative to a reference frame includes sensors rigidly mounted in relation to counterpart sensors of a measuring system measuring the substrate table position. An angular encoder which sends light from a target down two optical paths having opposite sensitivities to tilt is used to measure rotation of the projection system about its optical axis.

Abstract: An optical distance measuring sensor has a plurality of light-emitting elements, a light-emitting lens, a photodetector having a light-receiving surface, a light emission driving part to sequentially drive the light-emitting elements, and a distance signal outputting part. Light emitted from each light-emitting element passes through the light-emitting lens, then is reflected by an object to be detected, and then gets incident on the light-receiving surface of the photodetector, which outputs a signal corresponding to a position of the incident light in the light-receiving surface. Upon receipt of the signal, the distance signal outputting part outputs a distance signal representing a distance to the object.

Abstract: A readout system for receiving return signals originating from one or more energy pulses fired toward a scene. The system includes a first mechanism for detecting energy received from the scene and providing a first signal in response thereto. A second mechanism times a rising edge and a falling edge of a pulse contained in the first signal and provides a second signal in response thereto. In a specific embodiment, a third mechanism determines characteristics of the pulse based on the second signal, which include characteristics, such as pulse width, pulse intensity, and/or pulse centroid, sufficient to generate an image of the scene.

Abstract: A surveying system that comprises a position relation calculating processor, a correspondence establishing processor, and an image processor is provided. The position relation calculating processor calculates a positional relation between a coordinate system to which measurement information of a measurement point refers and an image of a surveying field, where a staking point is included. The correspondence establishing processor establishes correspondence between three-dimensional position information of the staking point and two-dimensional position information of a point corresponding to the staking point on the schematic image. The image processor superimposes a symbol that indicates the position of the staking point on the schematic image in accordance with the above correspondence.

Abstract: A surveying instrument, comprising a collimation optical system and a visible laser projecting device with a visible laser light source unit for emitting a point light, wherein the surveying instrument comprises a photodetector for detecting a reflection light entering from the collimation optical system, and a control means for controlling light emission of the visible laser light source unit based on a detection result of the photodetector.

Abstract: Pattern projection apparatuses are placed on each other in a stack manner in a stripe pattern direction for projecting the same patterns. An image pickup apparatus (camera 1) is placed between the pattern projection apparatuses. The optical axes of the pattern projection apparatuses and the image pickup apparatus are aligned on the same plane parallel with the stripe pattern direction. On the plane, the principal points also become the same. An image of a stripe pattern is picked up directly by the image pickup apparatus without the intervention of a half mirror, etc., and is recoded. An image of the recoded stripe pattern is picked up by an image pickup apparatus (camera 2) and is decoded and the range of an object is measured by triangulation based on image correspondence points.

Abstract: An optical distance sensor includes a first substrate provided with a light emitting element and a light detecting element, a one-piece optical structure body on a second substrate, the optical structure body having optical elements for converging incident light in a direction parallel to a surface of the second substrate and for converging an outgoing light beam from the light emitting element and a light beam reflected by an object in the direction parallel to the surface of the second substrate, and lenses for converging incident light in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the second substrate and for converging the outgoing light beam from the light emitting element and the light beam reflected by the object in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the second substrate, respectively.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of measurements made in non-contact gauging an object utilizing a detector to observe a laser line projected onto a surface of the object. A combination of detector lens f-number adjustments, surface scatter statistics, and laser coherence control are utilized to reduce speckle noise in the structured light gauge measurement system without the use of moving mechanical parts. This eliminates added mechanical motion errors and maximizes detectable laser light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recognizing a curved lane, the method comprising: dividing an image processing range into an upper range and a lower range if photographs of lane images are supplied; and modeling straight lines in the two divided image processing ranges respectively, and obtaining a curvature of the lane using the modeled straight lines.

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: A method for determining optical properties of a target, using a plurality of transmitters for transmitting signals at the target, and a plurality of receivers for detecting reflected signals from the target, comprises the steps of: a) transmitting radiation signals with a plurality of wavelengths at the target; b) detecting trace reflected radiation signals from the target; c) modulating the plurality of transmitters with a waveform for generating transmitter modulation codes; d) mixing the transmitter modulation codes with the trace reflected radiation signals to generate total signals; e) transmitting the total signals at the target; f) detecting reflected total signals from the target; g) digitizing the reflected total signals with an analog-digital converter to generate digitized signals; h) integrating the digitized signals with decoding functions to extract individual signals from the total signals; and i) determining the optical properties of the target from the individual signals.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam that mainly contains a first wavelength and has a first intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the first illumination light beam and a second illumination light beam mainly containing a second wavelength and a third wavelength and having a second intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the second illumination light beam onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength, the second intensity distribution being different from the first intensity distribution; and a depth calculation unit operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: A device for the medical treatment of the eye with laser radiation uses auxiliary radiation for determining the eye position. With the aid of the auxiliary radiation, pictures are taken by means of a solid state image camera for determining eye movements and for causing the laser treatment radiation to follow accordingly. Infrared radiation sources, which are arranged in a triangle above the eye to be treated, are used for the auxiliary radiation.

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the Z-axis position of a transfer blade on a wafer transfer robot which transfers wafers among multiple chambers in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a CCD laser displacement sensor which measures the height or Z-axis position of the transfer blade and generates an analog voltage the value of which depends on the height of the transfer blade. An analog controller connected to the CCD laser displacement sensor converts the analog voltage signal to physical distance, which may be displayed on an LCD display on the analog controller. The analog controller may further be connected to a robot controller through an interface PCB, in which case a voltage signal corresponding to an abnormal position of the transfer blade is transmitted to the robot controller and the wafer transfer operation is terminated.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam that mainly contains a first wavelength and has a first intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the first illumination light beam and a second illumination light beam mainly containing a second wavelength and a third wavelength and having a second intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the second illumination light beam onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength, the second intensity distribution being different from the first intensity distribution; and a depth calculation unit operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: In order to judge range with the laser range estimation aid the lasers (1, 2 and 3) should be activated via the switch (8) and directed at the target of range desired. The lasers (1, 2 and 3) should produce a triangle pattern of dots. If there is an upright triangle (10, 11), then the target is below or closer that the zero range. If there is a single dot, then target is substantially at the zero range (12). If there is an inverted triangle (13, 14), then the target is above or further away from the zero range. Also, the size of the pattern produced can be found relative to the terrain which allows for further range calculation.

Abstract: A myocardial revascularization device has a catheter suitable for use in a myocardial revascularization procedure, the catheter including an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and tissue-ablating means housed at least partially within the catheter and capable of effectuating tissue ablation adjacent the distal end of the catheter. The device further has an optical reflectance fiber housed within the catheter and coupled to an optical reflectance system. The device is operative to transmit a reflectance signal in the optical reflectance fiber, the reflectance signal including either short optical pulses or low-coherence light. The optical reflectance system is operative to gauge tissue ablation, measure a thickness of tissue adjacent the catheter, and/or determine a position of the distal end relative to adjacent tissue using either of optical time-domain reflectance or optical coherence interferometry.

Abstract: A lateral distance hand-held measuring device having a computer unit (2), an input/output unit (3) and a first laser distance measuring module (4a, 4b) transmitting a visible measurement laser beam (I, II). A second laser distance measuring module (4a, 4b) is provided, which transmits a second visible measurement laser beam (I, II) and is mechanically and data-technically coupled with the first laser distance measuring module (4a, 4b). The two measurement laser beams (I, II) have a defined pivot angle (&agr;) relative to each other and known to the computer unit (2).

Abstract: Spatial filtering of beams in interferometry systems is used to reduce a displacement of the beams from an optical path corresponding to the path of the beams in an optimally-aligned system. By reducing beam displacement from the optical path, the system reduces the magnitude of beam shears and associated non-cyclic errors in linear and angular displacements measured by the interferometry systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the geometry of a rail for a railroad track which includes mounting first and second cameras in back to back relationship to create a single camera axis passing through the camera lenses and to define a coordinate system with an origin centered between the cameras on the camera axis. First and second targets are placed on the rail to be measured and spaced an equal distance from the origin between first and second cameras respectively. The first and second cameras record the position of the first and second targets and provide position signals from which the mid-chord value of a chord extending between the first and second targets is computed.

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: The invention provides a range finder capable of carrying out three-dimensional measurement stably for a long period of time. A light pattern is projected on a subject by using a light source array unit in which a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, are arranged. Even when each LED has a small light quantity, a sufficiently large quantity of light can be projected on the subject by the entire light source array unit, and hence, the three-dimensional measurement can be stably carried out. Also, a plurality of light patterns can be generated by electrically controlling a light emitting state of each LED of the light source array unit.

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam mainly having a first wavelength and a second illumination light beam mainly having a second wavelength and a third wavelength from optically different emission positions onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength; and a depth calculator operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: A 3D modeling system employing a commercially available structured light source is disclosed. The light source projecting a light stripe is swung manually across an object or a particular area of interest on the surface of the object. Under the illumination of the swinging light stripe, the object is imaged to produce a sequence of images. For each of the images, the position and orientation of the structured light source are independently and dynamically derived. From each of the images, a set of curvilinear points from the (deformed) projected line falling on the object or the area of interest are calculated in conjunction with a calibration model of the imager. The curvilinear points from all the images are merged to provide accurate and complete 3D data about the object or the area of interest.

Abstract: The invention is based on a distance measuring device with a divergently spreading measuring signal, in particular ultrasound and/or radar, and a light pointer (12, 14) comprising at least one light source (10).

Abstract: In a method, the light beams of two separated optical radar units (each of which are capable of emitting light pulses in a direction and receiving light pulses from the same direction) are directed to a point. The first optical radar unit emits a light pulse to the point and the second optical radar unit detects the light pulse reflected from the object at the point. After a time interval, the second optical radar unit emits a light pulse to the point and the first optical radar unit detects the light pulse reflected from the object at the point. If there is an object at the point, the time difference of the two detected signals from the two optical radar units is the switching time interval. By comparing the two detected signals from the two optical radar units, one can determine whether an object is at the point.

Abstract: A rangefinder device and a camera are provided, which, in measuring a distance by the active method, are capable of properly measuring the distance even if the object to be measured is located at a short distance, while in measuring a distance by the passive method, are capable of measuring the distance without causing the conflict between far and near objects. A projecting section projects spot-shaped light on a range-finding object. A light receiving section comprises a plurality of photoelectric converting elements. A first calculating section calculates distance measurement information based on an output from the light receiving section receiving reflected light from the range-finding object, by driving the projecting section to project the light, and a second calculating section calculates distance measurement information based on an output from the light receiving section receiving extraneous light reflected from the range-finding object, without driving the projecting section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a target illuminating and sighting apparatus for a bow. A frame for attachment to the bow supports two vertically spaced pivoting mounts, each of mounts supports a laser oriented to illuminate a target when the bow is aimed. Cams abut the pivotal mounts and allow for setting an angle of vertical convergence between the light beams so that the lasers intersect at ranges of between about 10 and 50 yards. An inclination cam, working synchronously with the convergence cam controls the inclination of the beams relative to the initial path of an arrow to be shot from the bow. The inclination cam may be calibrated to adjust for the particular bow and arrow combination.