Abstract: The inventive Device is comprising a laser rangefinder for determining the distance along a laser axis between the device and a target object. The laser rangefinder is comprising a pumping laser and a thulium and/or holmium doped fiber laser with a thulium and/or holmium doped fiber section and two Bragg gratings arranged on both sides of the thulium and/or holmium doped fiber section of the thulium and/or holmium doped fiber laser wherein the thulium and/or holmium doped fiber laser is pumped by the pumping laser and configured to emit laser light with a wavelength in the range of 1900 nm to 2150 nm. The inventive device has an improved applicability.

Abstract: LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems use one or more emitters and a detector array to cover a given field of view where the emitters each emit a single pulse or a multi-pulse packet of light that is sampled by the detector array. On each emitter cycle the detector array will sample the incoming signal intensity at the pre-determined sampling frequency that generates two or more samples per emitted light packet to allow for volumetric analysis of the retroreflected signal portion of each emitted light packet as reflected by one or more objects in the field of view and then received by each detector.

Abstract: A method can be used for controlling pixel scanning within a range detector. A spatially controllable point light source generates a first series of light source pulses associated with a first spatial direction. The first series of light source pulses are generated during a first time period. The spatially controllable point light source generates a second series of light source pulses associated with a second spatial direction. The second series of light source pulses are generated during a second time period that overlaps with the first time period so that the second series of light source pulses are started during the first series of light source pulses.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a system having a light source configured to generate a laser signal, an optical signal splitter circuit configured to split the laser signal into a first laser signal for transmission to a plurality of targets and a second laser signal, an optical signal scanner configured to transmit the first laser signal to the plurality of targets, two or more optical delay lines configured to receive the second laser signal, wherein each of the two or more optical delay lines adds a predetermined time delay to the second laser signal to generate a delayed second laser signal, and a detector configured to receive a reflected laser signal from the plurality of targets, wherein the reflected laser signal includes a reflection of the first laser signal from the plurality of targets, and the delayed second laser signal.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a waveform shaping circuit, a reference circuit, and a counter. The waveform shaping circuit is configured to generate a first pulse signal based on a signal output from an avalanche diode. The reference circuit is configured to generate a second pulse signal without depending on incident light. The counter is connected to the waveform shaping circuit and the reference circuit to count a number of occurrences of a pulse signal. The pulse signal is based on at least one of the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal, and is input to the counter.

Abstract: Provided is a distance measuring device which allows the measurement accuracy to be improved while the memory size is reduced. A distance measuring device includes a light emitting element which emits range-finding light as pulse light, a light receiving element which receives reflected range-finding light obtained as the range-finding light is reflected on a measurement object, an AD converter which converts the light reception signal output from the light receiving element from an analogue signal to a digital signal, multiple memories which have different memory sizes from each other and store sampled data output from the AD converter, and a rough distance calculator which calculates a distance on the basis of the sampled data stored in the multiple memories.

Abstract: A digital counting and display system and methods for use with a laser rangefinder that counts backscattered laser beams and displays a distance between a laser and a target.

Abstract: An electronic distance meter comprises a coupler located between a laser source and a target and adapted to divert a portion of measurement light emitted by the laser source into a calibration portion connected to a photodetector and comprising an attenuator between said coupler and said photodetector for varying the luminance value of the light passing through the calibration portion, said calibration portion having a known length and said processor being configured to perform distance measurements through the calibration portion at a variety of luminance values achieved by said attenuator to derive calibration values from said distance measurements and said known length, said processor being further configured to use said calibration values for determining a target distance based on a return pulse signal.

Abstract: A method for optical distance measurement is proposed which comprises the emission of a plurality of measurement pulses, the reflection of emitted measurement pulses at at least one object and the receipt of reflected measurement pulses. A sequence of measurement pulses is emitted, wherein the sequence comprises temporal pulse spacings between temporally successive measurement pulses, and wherein each measurement pulse of the sequence has a temporal pulse width of T(Pulse). The pulse spacings form a first set, wherein the first set is defined by {T(delay)+i*T(Pulse): i is an element of the natural numbers between 0 and j}, wherein for all values of i it holds that: T(delay)+i*T(Pulse)<(2T(delay)+2T(Pulse)), wherein the first set only comprises one element for all values of i between 0 and j, respectively, and wherein T(delay) defines a pulse spacing base unit.

Abstract: Time-of-flight (ToF) systems which use pulsed laser diodes, are required to measure distances with high level of precision and control. The present disclosure provides a method and a corresponding system for controlling a temporal response of a laser diode, in particular pulsed laser diodes. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method and a related system for driving a laser diode so as to obtain predominantly a peak pulse response while minimising or completely avoiding the post-peak response in a temporal response of the laser diode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical imaging diagnoses are provided. The methods may include detecting an entrance of the scan platform into a scanning room by a signal emission device, moving the scan platform to a joint area according to connection interface of the medical imaging device by a driving device. The method may also include adjusting the scan platform to connect to the medical imaging device by a position adjusting device. The method may also include connecting the scan platform to the medical imaging device by a physical interface. The method may further include moving the scanning object to a scanning area of the medical imaging device by the driving device.

Abstract: One example includes an ultrasonic ranging system. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal and to receive reflected ultrasonic signal paths having been reflected from a plurality of target objects during a ranging operation. The system also includes a ranging processor configured to detect a location associated with the plurality of target objects based on monitoring phase information associated with the reflected ultrasonic signal paths.

Abstract: An active illumination three-dimensional sensor device is configured with a number of diagnostic functions that can satisfy the requirements of industrial safety within the context of a single-channel safety sensor architecture. The sensor diagnostic functions provide sufficient diagnostic coverage for an optical safety sensor (e.g., a time-of-flight safety sensor) to achieve a desired safety integrity level without the need for multiple channels. The diagnostic features can be applied to one or more components along the single-channel path (e.g., the sequencer, the illumination source, input and/or output optics, image sensor pixel, etc.) to provide a level of diagnostic coverage that renders the optical safety sensor suitable for use within industrial safety applications requiring high safety integrity levels.

Abstract: In described examples, an integrated circuit includes a modulator configured to modulate a driving signal for an optical transmitter with a narrow band modulation signal in which the driving signal with a fixed duration is transmitted to the optical transmitter periodically. The integrated circuit also includes a demodulator configured to receive a signal from an optical receiver that is configured to receive a reflection of light transmitted by the optical transmitter off an object, the demodulator configured to discriminate the narrow band modulation signal and estimate a distance of the object using the narrow band modulation signal.

Abstract: A lidar device includes a light source configured to emit a laser pulse to an object, a light receiver configured to receive the laser pulse reflected by the object, a first periodic wave generator configured to generate a first periodic wave when the light source emits the laser pulse and generate a second periodic wave when the light source receives the laser pulse, and a first comparator configured to compare a phase of the first periodic wave and a phase of the second periodic wave to each other. The lidar device calculates a distance between the lidar device and the object based on a phase difference determined by the first comparator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic input includes two or more ultrasonic transceiver units having transducers separated from each other by a predetermined spacing and a processor coupled to the transceiver units. In some implementations one unit transmits while two receive and in other implementations one unit transmits and receives while the other just receives. The transmitter sends an ultrasonic pulse and first and second receivers receive echoes of the ultrasonic pulse from an object. The processor and/or transceiver units use first and second receive signals to determine first and second time-of-flight (ToF) measurements corresponding to times between transmitting an ultrasonic pulse and receiving an echo of the ultrasonic pulse.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus, a diagnostic unit diagnoses whether there is vertical misalignment. The vertical misalignment is misalignment of the probing beam with respect to a designed beam axis position in a vertical direction, i.e. a height direction, of the vehicle. Based on detection performance information representing whether target detection performance by the beam sensor is likely to be lower than a predetermined detection performance, a determining unit causes the diagnostic unit to execute diagnosis of the vertical misalignment upon the detection performance information representing, as a first detection state, that the detection performance is not likely to be lower than the predetermined detection performance. The determining unit disables the diagnostic unit from executing diagnosis of the vertical misalignment upon the detection performance information representing, as a second detection state, that the detection performance is likely to be lower than the predetermined detection performance.

Abstract: Optical apparatus includes a scanning line projector, which is configured to scan a line of radiation across a scene. A receiver includes an array of sensing elements, which are configured to output signals in response to the radiation that is incident thereon, and collection optics configured to image the scene onto the array, such that each sensing element receives the radiation reflected from a corresponding point in the scene. A processor is coupled to receive the signals output by the sensing elements, to identify respective times of passage of the scanned line across the points in the scene by comparing a time-dependent waveform of the signals from the corresponding sensing elements to an expected waveform, and to derive depth coordinates of the points in the scene from the respective times of passage.

Abstract: A LiDAR can include a laser, an avalanche photodiode, a splitter, and a processor. The laser can be configured to emit a narrow electromagnetic pulse. The avalanche photodiode can be configured to receive one or more electromagnetic pulses and output a response signal in response to said pulses. The photodiode can also be positioned to receive at least one reflected pulse, reflected by an object external from the LiDAR sensor and caused by the laser. The avalanche photodiode can also have a bias voltage applied to it affecting the response signal. The splitter can be positioned to receive the narrow electromagnetic pulse and split it into at least one external pulse directed toward the object external from the LiDAR sensor and at least one calibration pulse directed toward the photodiode. The calibration pulse directed toward the photodiode can be received by the photodiode before the pulse reflected by the object. The processor can be configured to receive response signals from the photodiode.

Abstract: A relative position detection device is used for a traveling system that allows a first and second vehicles to travel such that the first vehicle precedes and the second vehicle follows the first vehicle. The detecting device includes a sensor pair of a first and second sensors and an arithmetic unit. The first and second sensors are located at the same height on the right and left end portions of the front surface of the second vehicle. The first and second sensors emits transmission waves from their located positions in their front directions and receives their reflected waves. The arithmetic unit detects a direction of deviation between the first and second vehicles in the right and left direction on the basis of a difference between a first intensity of the reflected wave received by the first sensor and a second intensity of the reflected waves received by the second sensor.

Abstract: A mobile base designed to receive an X-ray machine is provided. An X-ray machine capable of being mounted on the mobile base is also provided. The X-ray machine of the invention is configured to move using a motor-driven system associated with a navigation system. The navigation system of the invention enables the X-ray machine to be moved automatically and with precision from one position to another within an examination, hybrid or operation room. The X-ray machine is also configured for the automatic positioning of the moving parts around the patient, while at the same time keeping the region to be subjected to radiography within an X-ray beam.

Abstract: An object is to enable a change in a frequency for which an electric signal based on an optical signal is measured by a spectrum analyzer. An optical measurement device includes a first photoconductive switch that receives predetermined pulse light from a first laser light source, and outputs terahertz light having the same repetition frequency as the repetition frequency of the predetermined pulse light. The optical measurement device also includes a second photoconductive switch that receives the terahertz light and a sampling light pulse, and outputs a signal corresponding to a power of the terahertz light at a time point when the sampling light pulse is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the acquisition of repetitive signals in a sensing device comprising a transmitter, a receiver and an object. The transmitter repetitively emits a modulated electro-magnetic signal into a transmission medium, with the emitted signal interacting with the object producing a counter propagating return signal. The return signal may contain properties that reflect all, or a portion, of the initial signal or may be correlated with said signal through a process of absorption and reemission, in which reflected signal characteristics are governed by the object's physical material characteristic. The return signal is detected and converted into digital signals by a receiver via a reception channel through the use of edge transitions rather than logic levels from one or more comparator outputs to reconstruct the return signal waveform. A several waveform acquisition and reconstruction methods are disclosed for use with an edge sampling detection apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distance to a surface is disclosed. The apparatus transmits at least one subsequent pulse of light prior to receiving a reflection of a previously sent pulse of light. Thus, multiple pulses of light are in-flight at a given time. The embodiments are applicable to terrain mapping, bathymetry, seismology, detecting faults, biomass measurement, wind speed measurement, temperature calculation, traffic speed measurement, military target identification, surface to air rangefinding, high definition survey, close range photogrammetry, atmospheric composition, meteorology, distance measurement, as well as many other applications. Examples of such apparatuses include laser ranging systems, such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, and laser scanners. Data received from the apparatus by a data processing unit can be used to create a data model, such as a point cloud, digital surface model or digital terrain model describing the surface, terrain, and/or objects.

Abstract: A distance measurement method, medium, and apparatus for measuring a distance between the distance measurement apparatus and a target object are provided. The distance measurement method comprises counting pulses of a clock pulse signal having a low frequency during a period from when an optical pulse signal is applied to a target object by a distance measurement apparatus to when the optical pulse signal reflected from the target object is received by the distance measurement apparatus, counting pulses of the clock pulse signal during a period from when the optical pulse signal is received by the distance measurement apparatus to when the received optical pulse signal and the clock pulse signal correspond to each other, and calculating a distance between the distance measurement apparatus and the target object using the counting results. Accordingly, the distance can be measured with high accuracy using the optical pulse signal and the clock pulse signal, thereby reducing costs and power consumption.

Abstract: In an apparatus using an intensity-modulated light for detection of spatial information based upon light intensity of light reflected from a target space, a timing synchronization circuit is provided to synchronize a phase of the intensity-modulated light from a light-emitting element with a timing of operating a light-receiving element receiving the intensity-modulated light. The light-receiving element is caused to operate for enabling the detection of intensity of the received light for each of a plurality of phase regions within one cycle of the intensity-modulated light. The timing synchronization circuit functions to compare a cyclic variation determining the operation of the light-receiving element with a cyclic variation associated with an output from a light-emitting element driving circuit in order to keep a constant phase difference between these two cyclic variations.

Abstract: Distance measuring device comprising a first light emitting unit for projecting a pulsed laser beam, a second light emitting unit for emitting a correction pulsed laser beam, a distance measuring light optical path to guide the pulsed laser beam for distance measurement toward a first photodetection unit, an internal reference light optical path for splitting an internal reference pulsed light from the pulsed laser beam for distance measurement and for guiding to a second photodetection unit, a correction light optical path for splitting the correction pulsed laser beam and for guiding to the first photodetection unit and the second photodetection unit, light amount adjusting means for changing light intensity of the correction pulsed laser beam and the internal reference pulsed light, and control arithmetic unit for calculating a distance based on difference of photodetection time of the pulsed light from the first photodetection unit and the second photodetection unit.

Abstract: A rangefinder and method are provided for measuring a distance between the rangefinder and a target by measuring the flight time of a beam reflected from the target. In an embodiment, a receiver having reduced noise detects weak reflections from the targets or targets with poor reflectivity. The receiver generates a voltage signal proportional to a reflected beam, clamps the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom, and compares the voltage signal to a threshold. In some embodiments, the receiver also filters the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom. In an embodiment, the sensitivity of the receiver is increased as a function of time to reduce the likelihood of detecting stray reflections from objects other than the intended target. In some embodiments, the rangefinder collects calibration data with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements.

Abstract: A camera includes a light transmitter configured to transmit light pulses at a first rate, a light receiver configured to receive return signals corresponding to the light pulses transmitted by the light transmitter, and a sampler configured to sample electrical signals corresponding to the return signals received by the light receiver, wherein the sampler is configured to sample the electrical signals at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle. The method comprises the steps of making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target, selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination, and using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target includes: (a) receiving energy from the target at a plurality of spatial orientations; (b) processing the received energy; (c) evaluating a penalty function at each of the plurality of spatial orientations; (d) selecting a new spatial orientation based on the evaluation; and (e) orienting a receiver to receive energy from the target at the new spatial orientation.

Abstract: A laser range finder, including a transmitter, a receiver, a timing-counting module, and a processor is provided. The transmitter transmits a laser signal toward a target, and a reflected signal is reflected from the target, whereby a real fly time is defined. The time-counting module generates a plurality of timing units to measures the real fly time to obtain a measured fly time. The processor generates a distance value based on the measured fly time.

Abstract: A laser-radar receiver comprising an array of optical fibers, wherein the opposite ends of the optical fibers are connected to at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, each of the optical fibers having differing physical characteristics which result in known delays in the transmission time of pulsed electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A laser-radar receiver comprising an array of optical fibers, wherein the opposite ends of the optical fibers are connected to at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, each of the optical fibers having differing physical characteristics which result in known delays in the transmission time of pulsed electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for measuring distances. A measurement device emits a beam that reflects on the surface of an object. The measurement device determines the distance to the object, based on the time of flight of the beam from transmission to capture by the measurement device. The measurement device derives feedback reference pulses from pulses in the emitted beam and injects them into the device's receive path—creating a receive waveform that includes one or more feedback reference pulses and corresponding pulses in the return beam. The device uses the pulses in the waveform to measure time of flight. The measurement device can attenuate the feedback reference pulses to intensities similar or equal to the intensities of the return pulses. The measurement device can include a histogram processor that collects waveform samples at varying comparison thresholds.

Abstract: The laser range finding apparatus includes an optical relaxation oscillator assembly, outcoupling optics, a photodetector and a controller. The optical relaxation oscillator assembly produces relaxation oscillations. The relaxation oscillations are a series of optical pulses having a controllable repetition rate. The outcoupling optics receives the series of optical pulses and redirects a minor portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses. A major portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses is adjusted in accordance with first desired beam propagation parameters. A photodetector receives the minor portion and converts the minor portion to an electrical signal representative of the series of optical pulses. A controller receives the electrical signal and determines the repetition period between the optical pulses.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for measuring water current direction and magnitude. A plurality of beams of radiation are transmitted radially outward from a location above a body of water. Each beam is incident on the water's surface at an angle with respect thereto. Each beam experiences a Doppler shift as a result of being incident on the water's surface such that a plurality of Doppler shifts are generated. Each Doppler shift is measured with the largest one thereof being indicative of water current direction and magnitude.

Abstract: A lightwave distance measuring apparatus having a coaxial light-transmitting/receiving type optical system is provided with light-transmitting means for transmitting pulsed light toward an object, light-receiving means for receiving reflected pulsed light reflected by the object, a time measuring section for measuring a period of time from when the pulsed light is transmitted until the light is received, a distance measuring section for determining a distance to the object from the measured period of time, and a pulse number detecting section for detecting whether the number of received pulses of reflected light in response to one transmitting pulsed light is one or more; while the value measured when only one pulse of the reflected light is detected by the pulse number detecting section in response to the transmission of pulsed light is made effective.

Abstract: A multiple-field-of-view scannerless optical rangefinder operating in pulsed Time-Of-Flight operation for use in high ambient background light is described.