Abstract: An apparatus to measure micro-forces includes a cantilever palette with a set of cantilever array blocks. Each cantilever array block includes a set of cantilevers, with each cantilever including a set of cantilever fingers surrounded by a frame with frame fingers. The cantilever fingers and the frame fingers form a diffraction grating. Each cantilever array block is configured to be responsive to a predetermined micro-force, such that cantilevers of the cantilever array block deflect in the presence of the predetermined micro-force, which causes the diffraction grating to diffract light and thereby provide a visual indication of the presence of the predetermined micro-force.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for selectively removing objects from a surface utilizing a probe. The probe is scanned over the surface utilizing a greater and greater relative amount of force so that a certain number of the objects are removed from the surface. The force required to remove the objects from the surface can be calculated utilizing Hook's law and the spring constant of the probe. After removal of the objects that have a relatively weaker binding affinity with the surface, the remaining objects can be harvested, characterized, and subjected to further study.

Abstract: A polarization transformer can be constructed using a continuously adjustable polarization transforming device and a limited-range adjustable polarization transforming device. In general, the response time of the limited-range adjustable polarization transforming device is faster than that of the continuously adjustable polarization transforming device. When the two devices are properly controlled using error signals derived from a transformed optical signal, the polarization state of the optical signal can be adjusted with sufficient speed and without the loss of control associated with reset cycles.

Abstract: A scanning force microscope is provided with a force-feedback sensor to increase sensitivity and stability in determining interfacial forces between a probe and a sample. The sensor utilizes an interferometry technique that uses a collimated light beam directed onto a deflecting member, comprising a common plate suspended above capacitor electrodes situated on a substrate forming an interference cavity with a probe on the side of the common plate opposite the side suspended above capacitor electrodes. The probe interacts with the surface of the sample and the intensity of the reflected beam is measured and used to determine the change in displacement of the probe to the sample and to control the probe distance relative to the surface of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to actively stabilize a probe, such as a microelectrode, relative to movement of the subject, utilizing laser interferometry. In the preferred embodiments, a probe is mounted on a manipulator such that the probe moveable in response to a control voltage. A laser interferometer is utilized to transmit a first light beam to the subject and to receive a reflected light beam, to modulate a second light beam with a radio frequency signal to form a reference light beam, and to combine the reflected light beam and the reference beam to form an interference pattern. A demodulator is utilized to quadrature demodulate a phase shift of a radio frequency component of the interference pattern to determine a displacement signal representative of an amount and direction of subject movement, and to convert the displacement signal to the control voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of motion of the surface of a microscopic object includes a light source, an optical fiber for transmitting the light, and a collection objective. The optical fiber emits the light output through an aperture tapered to a diameter in the range of from 20 nm to 200 nm. The collection objective is positioned to receive both the direct component of the fiber light output and the Doppler-shifted reflected light of the fiber light output from the surface of the object. The direct component and the Doppler-shifted reflected light combine in the collection objective to form an interfered light signal that is output to a photo-receiver. The intensity of the interfered light signal is modulated by the relative phase shift between the two interfering beams and is proportional to the out-of-plane displacement caused by the surface motion of the object surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of motion of the surface of a microscopic object includes a light source, an optical fiber for transmitting the light, and a collection objective. The optical fiber emits the light output through an aperture tapered to a diameter in the range of from 20 nm to 200 nm. The collection objective is positioned to receive both the direct component of the fiber light output and the Doppler-shifted reflected light of the fiber light output from the surface of the object. The direct component and the Doppler-shifted reflected light combine in the collection objective to form an interfered light signal that is output to a photo-receiver. The intensity of the interfered light signal is modulated by the relative phase shift between the two interfering beams and is proportional to the out-of-plane displacement caused by the surface motion of the object surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the microforce acting between a micro particle fixed on the probe and the observation plane are described. The probe is feedback-controlled to be held motionless by canceling probe displacements caused by movements of the micro particle fixed on the probe, using irradiation pressure provided by a laser that applies photon pressure. The microforce acting between the micro particle fixed on the probe and the observation plane is measured by recording the time-varying laser output power. This allows probe fluctuations to be reduced to a few angstroms, and permits control of the distance to the target object to within a few nm, enabling measurement of microforces on the order of 0.1 pN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determines the position P of a structural element that is non-orthogonal relative to the coordinate axes (x, y) of a substrate. The structural element is imaged on a detector array of a CCD camera that has a reference point. With the aid of a measuring window that is rotated at an angle &thgr; to the substrate coordinate system, the position PIPC of one edge of the structural element is determined relative to the reference point. The position L of the reference point relative to the origin of the substrate coordinate system is determined from the angle &THgr; and the current measuring stage coordinates, so that for a particular position P, P=PIPC+L, where L=x·cos &thgr;y·sin &thgr;.

Abstract: A method of assembling arrays of small particles or molecules using an atomic force microscope to define ferroelectric domains includes depositing a ferroelectric thin film upon a substrate forming workpiece, then using an atomic force microscope having a conductive, tip for generating a pattern on this thin film to define desired nano-circuit patterns. Next, exposure of this thin film to a solution containing chemical species which selectively adsorb or accumulate under the influence of electrophoretic forces in selected regions of this thin film.

Abstract: A fiber optic wall shear stress sensor is presented. The sensor comprises a floating head supported by a physical arrangement. At least one optical fiber is positioned in an operable relationship to the floating head wherein an interferometric region is formed between the floating head and each optical fiber. The interferometric region changes in response to a shear force on the floating head.

Abstract: A system for re-starting an air separation plant after an interruption in operation wherein descending liquid is collected in a non-operating distillation column and passed back to the separation section of that column before or upon re-start. The invention may employ a collection device situated in the column above the sump. Upon interruption in operation, the collection device accumulates descending liquid. From the collection device, liquid may be passed outside of the column and transferred to a holding vessel to re-inventory internal material of the column upon resumption in operation.

Abstract: A light transmitting lens includes in a portion thereof a diffusion element constituted by a number of small prisms. The small prisms have the same height and different pitches depending on distances from an optical axis. Accordingly, the small prisms have different apical angles depending on the distances from the optical axis. The light transmitting lens has a function for collimating lights incident on the small prisms with the same apical angle. Light beams passed through the region of the diffusion element of the light transmitting lens are deflected at predetermined angles depending on the positions, however, the light beams passed through the other region of the light transmitting lens are collimated without deflection.

Abstract: An equivalent time pulse-echo radar or other pulse-echo system employs a transmit reference sampler collocated with the transmitter to provide a transmit reference pulse, which initiates a pulse width modulated (PWM) pulse. A receive sampler connected to a receive antenna provides an echo-detection pulse that terminates the PWM pulse, such that the width of the PWM pulse indicates target range. The transmit reference sampler and the receive sampler are driven from a common clock such that transmit-receive timing offset drift precisely cancels on a picosecond scale, thereby enabling sub-mm range accuracy with common, low-cost circuit elements. The radar further includes automatically referenced pulse detectors that are responsive to either the magnitude or the phase of the sampler outputs. The radar can be used for precision tank level measurements, robotics, or automotive ranging applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving signals from a photodetector in a photodetector array. The apparatus has a number of comparators (e.g. 5) connected to the photodetector. each photodetector in the array has a similar circuit connected. Each comparator compares the output of the photodetector with an adjustable threshold level. Each threshold level is controlled by a threshold controller. Each threshold level corresponds with a light intensity value. Outputs of the comparators are each connected to a shift register. Each shift register is triggered to sample the output of its associated comparator at a certain speed (e.g. 800 Mhz). In operation, the shift registers each store a bit sequence representative of the comparator output. The data acquired is used to adjust the threshold levels applied to the comparators. In this way, adjustable intensity resolution is provided at desired ranges of intensity.

Abstract: A method and process for the determination of presence and distribution of clouds is presented. The method involves the use of a sensor, such as laser ranger, for the collection of echo location measurement data from a three dimensional volume of the sky. The process involved in this invention utilizes the measurement data to evaluate and test for the presence of cloud banks. The process also utilizes the measurement data to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the cloud coverage amount and distribution. The preferred embodiment includes a laser ranger that samples the three dimensional volume at several azimuth-elevation angles through the application of a device capable of selecting azimuth-elevation angle values.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of detection data of a preceding vehicle, which have been collected in a straight line running state in which a self-vehicle and a preceding vehicle are running straight on the same straight line, are extracted as effective detection data. Setting of an inside parameter is automatically changed so that a center of the detection area can coincide with an average center of the preceding vehicle obtained by a statistical treatment of the plurality of pieces of detection data. The above automatic adjusting function is provided in a control circuit 7 of the range finder, and while the self-vehicle is stably running straight on the same straight line while chasing the preceding vehicle, and optical axis adjustment is conducted by operating the automatic adjusting function of the control circuit 7.

Abstract: For electromagnetic wave distance measurement by the pulse transit time method, short electromagnetic transmission pulses are emitted at periodic transmission instants. The signals received in selected transmission cycles after the respective transmission instants are sampled for obtaining in each of these transmission cycles a sample at a sampling instant in a respective sampling time interval, each sampling instant having a delay dictated by a sampling function relative to the respective transmission instant. The sampling instants exhibit differing delays relative to the respective transmission instant so that the samples in sequence produce an image of the sampled received signal extended in time. The sampling function dictating the delays is generated by a computing circuit, preferably a microcomputer, thus making it possible to make use of any sampling function and to modify sampling of the received signals in any way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting a pulse in a signal. In one aspect of the invention, a method comprises digitizing the signal into a plurality of samples; repeatedly convolving each one of at least a portion of the buffered samples R times, wherein R>1; and detecting the received signal's center of energy from the convolution results. In a second aspect, an apparatus comprises a analog-to-digital converter capable of digitizing the received signal to produce a plurality of samples; a convolution circuit, including a matched filter for convolving the digitized signal at a second sampling rate; a buffer capable of storing the samples and serially outputting each of the samples R times, where R>1, to the convolution circuit; and a detector for detecting the digitized signal's center of energy from the output of the convolution circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for measuring distances through the atmosphere against a target through propagation time measuring. Measuring light signals are transmitted towards a target and light pulses reflected by the target are received. The distance measuring includes a coarse measuring procedure and a fine measuring procedure. During the coarse measuring procedure at least one time point is fixed after which the measuring signal from the target can be expected to appear. During the fine measuring procedure a number of measurements are performed. The signal information collection during the fine measuring procedure takes place in a matching time space after the time point fixed during the coarse measuring. Preferably, the measuring during the coarse measuring procedure takes place with one or a few measuring pulses and measuring during the fine measuring procedure with a number of measuring light pulses.

Abstract: A speed and/or position determining device for determining the speed or position of a target object includes a head-up display for simultaneously viewing both the target object and an image of information regarding the target object. An optical projection system for projecting the information image from a light emitting display to a combining sight of the head-up display passes along a short straight optical axis between the light emitting display and the combining sight. The device may also incorporate a novel method for determining the length of a time period that elapses between the time that a radiation emitter emits a pulse of radiation and the time a reflected portion of the emitted pulse of radiation is received back at the device. The novel method makes use of one or more electronic delay modules having a plurality of tap lines. An electronic state of each of the tap lines changes as a signal input to the delay module propagates through the delay module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light sensor comprising a light transmitter for transmitting a light signal (T.sub.x, T.sub.xd) into a region to be monitored, a light receiver for receiving a reflected light signal (R.sub.x) from an object present in the monitored region, at least one signal generator for producing a first signal (T.sub.x) to energize the light transmitter and also for producing a second signal (L.sub.0) standing in a defined phase relationship to the first signal (T.sub.x), but with a different signal shape in comparison to the first signal (T.sub.x), and also a correlation stage for producing the correlation function (KKF) between the received light signal (R.sub.x) and the second signal (L.sub.0, L.sub.0d) as well as an evaluation stage following the correlation stage for determining information related to the distance between the light sensor and the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an image indicating distances to points in objects in a scene, comprising:a modulated source of radiation, having a first modulation function, which directs radiation toward a scene such that a portion of the modulated radiation is reflected from the points and reaches the apparatus;an array detector which detects radiation from the scene, modulated by a second modulation function, each element of the array detector being associated with a point in the scene, each element of the array detector generating a signal, responsive to a part of the reflected radiation reaching the apparatus, the magnitude of particular element's signal being dependent on the distance of a point in the scene, associated with that element's signal; anda processor which forms an image, having an intensity value distribution indicative of the distance of each of the points in the scene from the apparatus, based on the magnitude of the signal associated with the point;wherein the first and second modulation functio

Abstract: The invention relates to a range measurement apparatus, in particular a single beam pulsed laser range finder, comprising a light transmitter, a light receiver, an optical attenuator disposed in the transmission or reception branch and a time measuring unit for determining the light transit time between the transmission and the receipt of a light signal. The light transmitter is formed as a unitary and compact module into which a laser diode, connection elements for the laser diodes, an apparatus for coupling out the reference pulse, and also a fiber plug connector for the coupling of the transmitted light into a light conducting fiber are integrated. The light receiver is likewise formed as a unitary and compact module into which a photodiode, connection elements for the photodiode, an apparatus for coupling in the reference pulse and also a fiber plug connector for the coupling in of the received light which takes place via a light conducting fiber are integrated.

Abstract: The CCD device is suitable for use in a lidar. It has an image zone constituted by a matrix of M lines and N columns of photosensitive sites for receiving a light signal and generating charges, a first memory zone constituted by a matrix of P lines and N columns of non-photosensitive sites, a read-out register having a single line of N sites, and a second memory zone having P lines of N sites, apt to receive in parallel charges contained in the N sites of the read-out register. The first memory zone has a first line of sites apt to receive and to sum charges generated in a respective column of the image zone at the end of each of successive acquisition periods. The second memory zone stores and transfers charges to N sites of a same line of the image zone or the first memory zone whereby accumulating, in each line of the first memory zone, charges accumulated during an observation period and resulting from a plurality of successive summations.

Abstract: A highly precise range measurement instrument is made possible through the use of a novel and efficient precision timing circuit which makes use of the instrument's internal central processing unit crystal oscillator. A multi-point calibration function includes the determination of a "zero" value and a "cal" value through the addition of a known calibrated pulse width thereby providing the origin and scale for determining distance with the constant linear discharge of capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring coefficients of retroreflectance of retroreflective surfaces such as road signs involves use of a modified light based range finder. The apparatus includes a power attenuation factor data base which relates pulse width of received pulses to power attenuation of the transmitted pulses. The range finder calculates target range based on time of flight of light pulses. The apparatus automatically calculates the absolute coefficient of retroreflectance for an unknown reflective surface being measured by comparison of the measurement to a reading with the same instrument of a known reflectance standard.

Abstract: An interceptor fitted with a target tracker unit, that includes passive infrared tracker capable of sensing infrared radiation (IR) emitted from a flying target and being responsive to the sensed IR radiation, for generating a succession of Line of Sight (LOS) and/or LOS rates signals that are stored in a database. Self state means capable of providing a succession of interceptor's self state data. Electro-magnetic range finder that includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting pulsed radiations and receiver assembly for receiving reflections that surpasses adjustable detection threshold. The electro-magnetic finder is configured to operate at first detection threshold for receiving reflections of relatively low magnitude, and storing the reflections in the database. A target reflection detection module communicating with the database, for detecting target reflections from among those stored in the reflection database.

Abstract: A circuit and apparatus for generating a light pulse from an inexpensive light-emitting diode (LED) for an accurate distance measurement and ranging instrument comprises an LED and a firing circuit. An optional pre-biasing circuit provides a reverse-bias signal to the LED to ensure the LED does not begin to emit light before a firing circuit can provide a sufficiently high current pulse of short duration as a forward current through the LED. The LED is driven by the firing circuit with a pulse of high peak power and short duration. The resulting light pulse from the LED can be inexpensively used to derive distance and ranging information for use in a distance measurement and ranging device.

Abstract: An electronic distance meter comprises an integrated circuit from a GPS navigation receiver having a local pseudo-random number code generator for code demodulation that is connected to modulate either a polychromatic or a monochromatic light source. An optical system focuses the light on a distant target with an unknown range. Reflections from the distant target are focused on a light detector that produces a phase-delayed copy of the original pseudo-random number code. The time-of-flight to and back from the distant target is a function of the distance. The GPS receiver integrated circuit computes the range based on the code-phase delay to a precision better than one centimeter. The position of a remote target can be triangulated from several electronic distance meters each having known positions, e.g., determined by included GPS navigation receivers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microlaser cavity (10) having:a solid active medium (2) emitting at least in a wavelength range between 1.5 and 1.6 .mu.m, anda saturable absorber (4) of formula CaF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or MgF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or SrF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or BaF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or La.sub.0.9 Mg.sub.0.5-x Co.sub.x Al.sub.11.433 O.sub.19 or YAlO.sub.3 :Co.sup.2+ (or YAl.sub.5-2x Co.sub.x Si.sub.x O.sub.3) or Y.sub.3 Al.sub.5-x-y Ga.sub.x Sc.sub.y O.sub.12 :Co.sup.2+ (or .sub.-3 Al.sub.5-x-y2z Ga.sub.x Sc.sub.y Co.sub.z Si.sub.z O.sub.12) or Y.sub.3-x Lu.sub.x Al.sub.5 O.sub.12 Co.sup.2+ (or Y.sub.3-x Lu.sub.x Al.sub.5-2y Co.sub.y Si.sub.y O.sub.3) or Sr.sub.1-x Mg.sub.x La.sub.y Al.sub.12-y O.sub.12 :Co.sup.2+ (or Sr.sub.1-x Mg.sub.x-y Co.sub.y La.sub.z Al.sub.12-z O.sub.12, with o<y<x).

Abstract: A laser range finder includes a circular in-sight field of view which incorporates within it a magnified "TV view" of the target area with the TV view roughly approximating the rectangular shape of a standard television picture. Also within the circular field, over and under the TV view, are a target quality indicator, a range distance display, and other indicators. Within the TV view is a targeting reticle which indicates roughly the footprint of ranging laser pulses such that a target can be selected. The target quality indicator is a bar graph which displays the number of identifiable received reflected laser pulses from a series of such pulses emitted by the range finder. By aiming the range finder at various targets via the footprint reticle, repeatedly firing the range finder and monitoring the target quality graph for each firing, a user can move the range finder to find a surface proximate the target with a reflective quality sufficient to yield an accurate target range reading.

Abstract: Interferoceivers are apparatus which use optical fiber loop based radio frequency (RF) signal train generators to store transient pulses and regenerate their identical replicas for analysis. The present invention further advances the art of RF signal train generators and interferoceivers in investigating acoustical, electromagnetic, and optical transient phenomena. The disclosure includes mechanisms for tuning the interferoceivers, and means for forming synthetic images with chaotic pulses or pulses of opportunity.

Abstract: A laser range finding apparatus 10 comprises a pulsed laser 12, a light deflecting device 14, photo-receiver arrangement 16 and a reference object 18 arranged at a defined spacing from the light deflecting device 14. In this respect the reference object 18 has at least one triple element consisting of three mirror surfaces arranged at an angle of 90.degree. to one another.

Abstract: An eyesafe laser (10) transmitter having a single resonator cavity (16) for both the pump laser and the optical parametric oscillator (22). A Nd:YAG rod (24) provides gain for light at a first wavelength. A combined Q-switch/Brewster plate (26) Q-switches the light to increase its intensity and polarizes the light so that its polarization plane is perpendicular to the Z-axis of a KTP crystal functioning as the optical parametric oscillator, thereby providing type II phase matching conditions. The optical parametric oscillator transforms the light at the first wavelength to light at a second wavelength which is output thorough a partially reflective outcoupler at a wavelength which will not harm the eyes.

Abstract: A multichannel laser radar has a laser array transmitter for generating a multiple laser beam array and a multichannel laser beam receiver for receiving reflected multiple laser beam array signals transmitted by said laser array transmitter. The multichannel laser beam receiver has a plurality of optical fibers coupled to a plurality of multichannel optical receiver photonic hybrid circuit boards for receiving reflected signals and processing the received signal range information and forming an image therefrom. Each circuit board has at least one detector assembly mounted thereon and each detector assembly has a plurality of photodetectors mounted to receive one end of each optical fiber so that a multichannel laser radar generates and receives multiple laser beams and parallel processes the received multiple laser beams to generate an image therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of laser ranging finding. The time difference obtained from laser range finding is converted into a voltage signal by a linear charge circuit with constant current and then digitized into a digital value by an analog to digital converter. A self calibration method is used to compensate for the thermal effect in a user's environment and improve the precision of the distance measurement obtained from the laser range finder. The self calibration method includes measuring two voltage values by using two correction pulses with known width after the laser range finder is initialized. The standard values in response to the two correction pulses are used to calibrate the measured data for obtaining a correction gain and a correction level. An instant distance value measured from a target can be calibrated by the correction gain and level to achieve higher precision of range finding.

Abstract: A device for measuring distance with a visible measuring beam (11) generated by a semiconductor laser (10), has a collimator object lens (12) to collimate the measuring beam towards the optical axis (13) of the collimator object lens (12), an arrangement to modulate the measuring radiation, a reception object lens (15) to receive and image the measuring beam reflected from a distant object (16) on a receiver, a switchable beam deflection device (28) to generate an internal reference path between the semiconductor laser (10) and the receiver and an electronic evaluation device (25) to find and display the distance measured from the object. According to the invention, the receiver contains a light guide (17') with a downstream opto-electronic transducer (24), in which the light guide inlet surface (17) is arranged in the imaging plane of the reception object lens (15) for long distances from the object and can be controllably moved (18') from this position (18) transversely to the optical axis (14).

Abstract: A laser range finding apparatus comprises a pulse laser (11), a light deflecting device, a photodetector arrangement (22) having an opto-electronic photodetector (23) and also an electronic control and evaluation system (10) in which a sensing signal representative for the range of an object is determined in accordance with the pulse transit time method from the time between the transmission and reception of a light pulse taking account of the speed of light. The electronic control and evaluation system (10) includes means for measuring the total electrical charge which has flowed via the photodetector (23) during the reception of a light pulse and/or for the measurement of the pulse width of the received light pulse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the noise of a laser range finder. The laser range finder includes a high voltage silent circuit, a logarithmic amplifier and a sun noise averaging amplifier. The high voltage silent circuit shuts down the switched power supply controller of the high voltage power supply to reduce the noise coupled from the high voltage power supply when the receiver of the laser range finder is in a receiving mode. The logarithmic amplifier provides dynamic gain control for the receiver to avoid signal saturation and improve the signal to noise ratio of the received signal. The sun noise averaging amplifier provides an amplified average sun noise which automatically adjusts the threshold voltage of detecting the distance signal from a target.

Abstract: Vehicular optical radar apparatus adapted to enhance actual operating efficiency in causing emitted light to continuously scan in a horizontal direction with a diffusing-angle setting device (44) for setting a diffusion angle (.alpha.) to be used for diffusing the emitted light in a vertical direction. This vehicular optical radar apparatus further comprises light receiving devices (60 to 90) that is held in such a manner as to be placed at a horizontally predetermined relative position and that is used to receive reflected light (L2) from an object, a distance computing device for computing a distance from the vehicle to the object according to a delay time between a moment, at which the emitted light is generated, and a moment at which the reflected light is received, and a direction detecting device for detecting a direction of the object according to a direction in which the emitted light is outputted when the reflected light is obtained.

Abstract: A laser range finder includes a circular in-sight field of view which incorporates within it a magnified "TV view" of the target area with the TV view roughly approximating the rectangular shape of a standard television picture. Also within the circular field, over and under the TV view, are a target quality indicator, a range distance display, and other indicators. Within the TV view is a targeting reticle which indicates roughly the footprint of ranging laser pulses such that a target can be selected. The target quality indicator is a bar graph which displays the number of identifiable received reflected laser pulses from a series of such pulses emitted by the range finder. By aiming the range finder at various targets via the footprint reticle, repeatedly firing the range finder and monitoring the target quality graph for each firing, a user can move the range finder to find a surface proximate the target with a reflective quality sufficient to yield an accurate target range reading.

Abstract: A light-weight, hand-held range finding apparatus of the present invention includes signal emitting circuitry and lens for emitting signals, and signal receiving circuitry and lens for receiving reflected signals, which are positioned within a chamber of a housing. The housing includes an upper section to which a sighting device is attached, a front end through which the emitted signals are emitted and the reflected signals are received, a back panel having a display device attached to said housing for displaying operational selections and range findings. An actuator is mounted adjacent the upper section and is operably connected to the signal emitting circuitry. The actuator is used to select desired operational selections displayed on the display device and actuating the signal emitting circuitry.

Abstract: A surveying instrument is provided having a sighting telescope and a distance measuring device. The sighting telescope has a focusing lens group which is moveable to focus an object to be measured. The distance measuring device measures a distance between the object and the surveying instrument. A focusing operation of the sighting telescope is carried out to move the focusing lens group to a focal position of the object in accordance with the distance between the object and the surveying instrument measured by the distance measuring device.

Abstract: For automated visual range measurement by a LIDAR system, a distance measuring range is first determined through repeated evaluation of a voltage level U(R) which indicates the intensity of a threshold value. After random initialization of a start value, the start value is then replaced each time with a new mean visual range, resulting in iterative improvements, and the mean visual range in the determined range is then displayed automatically as soon as the visual range lies within the measuring range of the LIDAR system. Using the Klett method, the accuracy can be determined with the aid of a breaking-off criterion in the form of a threshold value with respect to a deviation percentage between a new and a previous calculation. With this method the deviation can be identified to an order of magnitude of about 10%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for measuring the duration of a time interval between a start signal (D) and an end signal (F) comprising: a clock (H) supplying pulses with a period T, a digital circuit (2, 3, 4) to carry out a coarse measurement of the number of clock pulses between D and F, an analog circuit (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) to carry out a fine measurement of the time respectively between D and the first (respectively between F and the last) clock pulse which begins after D (respectively before F), this circuit comprising: means (8, 10) of generating N ramps with the same direction, means of sampling at least one the ramps at the instants that D and F occur. Application to a microlaser telemeter.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held distance-measurement apparatus comprising a laser range finder which is aimed by an active viewfinder. The active viewfinder improves the accuracy of the range finder by giving the user more visual feedback and thus allowing the user better control over the ranging operation. Under user command, the viewfinder enters a targeting mode wherein the user is presented with a illuminated targeting indicator inside the viewfinder. The indicator is superimposed upon the field-of-view seen through the viewfinder. In the targeting mode, the user aims the range finder by placing the targeting indicator on the object to be ranged. Once the device is aimed, the user commands the distance-measurement device to execute a distance measurement cycle. In one embodiment, targeting indicator flashes in various ways to indicate the quality of the data being obtained during the distance measurement cycle.

Abstract: The invention is a method for increasing the resolution of LADAR data. In one embodiment of the invention wherein the LADAR data is generated from a split beam laser signal transmitted at a given elevation scan rate and a given azimuth scan rate, the method includes reducing the elevation scan rate by which the laser signal is transmitted by a factor of n; and reducing the azimuth scan rate by which the laser signal is transmitted by a factor of m; wherein n and m are integers greater than 1.

Abstract: An optical radar apparatus, having a structure such that light generated by a laser generating means 1 is emitted to an object 100 while scanning the same, light reflected by the object 100 is reflected by a reflected-light reflecting means 10, and then a parabolic mirror or a concave mirror 19 receives reflected light above, is arranged to have a light receiving device 20 disposed at the position of the focal point of the parabolic mirror or the concave mirror 19 so as to obtain the distance to the object 100 and the direction of the same in accordance with propagation delay time taking from light emission by the light generating means 1 to receipt of reflected light by the light receiving device 20.