Instrument Condition Testing Or Indicating Patents (Class 356/6)
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Patent number: 12111425Abstract: Provided is a simulator device allowing simplification and cost minimization. A simulator device that generates and emits, to a LiDAR shining a laser light at a plurality of scanning locations, a false light corresponding to said laser light, and comprises: a light focusing unit that focuses the laser light shined at the plurality of scanning locations; and a simulator that, in accordance with the laser light focused by the light focusing unit, generates the false light resembling scattered light that is produced in a prescribed location, and emits the false light to the LiDAR via the light focusing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kento Aono, Shoji Matsuda
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Patent number: 12064269Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system and a method for generating a photoplethysmographic image carrying vital sign information of a subject.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2021Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Gerard De Haan, Moco Andreia
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Patent number: 11934504Abstract: A method of host-directed illumination for verifying the validity of biometric data of a user is provided that includes capturing biometric data from a user with an authentication device during authentication and directing illumination of the biometric data from a host authentication system during the capturing operation. Moreover, the method includes comparing illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data against illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation, and determining that the user is a live user when the illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data match the illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Daon TechnologyInventors: Richard Jay Langley, Michael Peirce, Nicolas Jacques Jean Sezille
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Patent number: 11933604Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a detection method, apparatus for automatic driving sensor, and electronic device. The method includes: pre-establishing a standard association relationship, the sensor to-be-detected is used for capturing in a fixed scene, and a corresponding capturing result is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: APOLLO INTELLIGENT DRIVING TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.Inventors: Xuan Huang, Nan Wu, Xun Zhou, Jingjing Xue, Yingnan Liu
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Patent number: 11871132Abstract: In some embodiments, an imaging system is provided. The imaging system comprises an image sensor, a light source, control circuitry, and function logic. The image sensor comprises a pixel array that includes a plurality of polarization pixel cells and a plurality of time-of-flight pixel cells. The light source is configured to emit light pulses to an object. The control circuitry is coupled to the light source and the pixel array, and is configured to synchronize a timing of the emission of the light pulses with sensing of photons reflected from the object by the plurality of time-of-flight pixel cells to generate depth information. The function logic is configured to determine a set of ambiguous surface normals using signals generated by the plurality of polarization pixel cells, and to disambiguate the set of ambiguous surface normals using the depth information to generate a three-dimensional shape image.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Badrinath Padmanabhan, Boyd Fowler, Alireza Bonakdar, Richard Mann
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Patent number: 11275176Abstract: An example time-of-flight device may include an emitter component configured to emit a plurality of modulated signals toward an object during a transmission window, wherein the plurality of modulated signals emitted during the transmission window are to be used to determine a single distance measurement associated with the object and the time-of-flight device.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Markus Dielacher, Martin Flatscher, Stefan Gansinger, Robert Lobnik
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Patent number: 11226201Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for generating a representation of a physical environment, comprising: a mobile sensor platform (MSP) including sensors that output sensor signals relating to parameters such as range, gravity, direction of the Earth's magnetic field, and angular velocity. The MSP is adapted to be moved through the environment. The sensor signals are processed and observations of axes in the environment are generated for a sequence of time steps, the orientation of the MSP is estimated for each of the time steps, observed axes are identified at each orientation, and similar axes are associated. The orientations, the axes in the environment, and the directions of gravity and the Earth's magnetic field are linked such that each observation is predicted based on the estimates of the orientations. An estimate of the orientations is optimized and an output of the representation of the physical environment is generated based on the optimized orientation estimates.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Queen's University at KingstonInventors: Marc Gallant, Joshua Marshall
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Patent number: 11140375Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for sharing a single optical sensor between multiple image processors. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, at a control arbiter, a first desired configuration of a first one or more desired configurations for capturing an image frame by the optical sensor, the first one or more desired configurations communicated from a primary image processor. The method may also include receiving, at the control arbiter, a second desired configuration of a second one or more desired configurations for capturing the image frame by the optical sensor, the second one or more desired configurations communicated from a secondary image processor. The method may also include determining, by the control arbiter, an actual configuration for capturing the image frame by the optical sensor, the actual configuration based on the first desired configuration and the second desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Wesley James Holland, Satish Goverdhan, Venkata Rajesh Kumar Sastrula, Ramesh Ramaswamy, Songhe Cai, Ling Feng Huang, Chih-Chi Cheng, Huang Huang, Rajakumar Govindaram
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Patent number: 11047980Abstract: A distance measurement device includes an imaging unit, a measurement unit, a change unit that is capable of changing an angle at which the directional light is emitted, a deriving unit that derives an in-image irradiation position corresponding to an irradiation position of the directional light onto the subject which is used in measurement, within a captured image based on the distance measured by the measurement unit and the angle, and a control unit that controls the measurement unit to measure the distance and controls the deriving unit to derive the in-image irradiation position based on the distance measured by the measurement unit and the angle changed by the change unit until the in-image irradiation position falls in a default range within the captured image in a case where the in-image irradiation image is out of the default range.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Tomonori Masuda
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Patent number: 10120066Abstract: An apparatus includes a camera module configured to generate at least one image and a ToF SPAD based range detecting module configured to generate at least one distance determination to an object within a field of view of the camera module. A processor receives the at least one image from the camera module output and receives the at least one distance determination from the ToF SPAD based range detecting module. This data is processed by the processor to determine a depth map.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) LimitedInventors: Xiaoyong Yang, Neale Dutton, Kevin Channon
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Patent number: 10072925Abstract: A method and device for detection of rotated segments in a continuous multi-segment rod transferred in a machine used in tobacco industry. A signal of an error of the shape of said continuous multi-segment rod is generated, the rod including a plurality of segments arranged one after another in a common wrapping, in which the rod that is transferred in a direction along its axis is simultaneously scanned by optical sensors, the directions of scanning of the optical sensors being oriented at an angle other than 90° to each other. The rod diameter is measured by repeated scans such that the shortest segment of the rod is scanned at least once, the results of the scans being compared with a predetermined reference value, and each difference between the results of the scans and the predetermined value is converted into the signal of the error of shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O.Inventor: Hans-Reiner Hoffmann
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Patent number: 9683841Abstract: Fabrication of an imaging range finder is disclosed. The range finder can be formed of an imaging lens and an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with the lens. The emitters in the array can be formed to emit light that is directed by the lens toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can be formed to detect light received from the object through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The lens, the array, or both can be movable to adjust the light emitted by the range finder. The range finder can be formed to find the object's range based on characteristics of the emitted light and/or the detected light.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Matthew Emanuel Last
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Patent number: 9646657Abstract: These present disclosure provides techniques to determine the capacitance of a power loss capacitor based on voltage ripple. The power loss capacitor may be a power loss capacitor for a power loss shutdown system of a solid state drive. The capacitance may be determined as a function of the voltage ripple and a period of the voltage ripple during a natural discharge and a controlled discharge of the power loss capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Kai-Uwe Schmidt, Andrew Morning-Smith, Adrian Mocanu, Mike M. Ngo
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Publication number: 20150103331Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for a beam angle of a multi-layer LiDAR includes: a beam angle calculation unit configured to calculate a distance d calculated by using ground data detected by a ground data detection unit and a beam angle of the multi-layer LiDAR by using a mounting height of the multi-layer LiDAR stored in a storage unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Young Chul Oh, Myung Seon Heo, Kyung Ho Yoo
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Patent number: 8953152Abstract: According to at least one example embodiment, a depth information error compensation method includes outputting modulated light to a target object, detecting a plurality of first pixel signals at different detection time points in a first time interval, the first pixel signals representing light reflected from the target object during the first time interval, detecting a plurality of second pixel signals at different detection time points in a second time interval, the second pixel signals representing light reflected from the target object during the second time interval, comparing each of the plurality of first pixel signals with each of the plurality of second pixel signals and calculating depth information to the target object according to the comparing.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Ki Min, Young Gu Jin
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Patent number: 8947651Abstract: A tester for measuring a pitch static attitude of a head stack assembly including a laser transmitter configured to transmit laser beams, and a laser receiver configured to receive the laser beams from the laser transmitter, wherein the laser transmitter and the laser receiver are configured to receive a head stack assembly between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver. The tester also includes a laser guide located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, and configured to block the laser beams from entering a gap in the head stack assembly and reaching the laser receiver.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chaiya Thongrattana, Angkhan Thongsuksai, Prasertsak Naksakul, Teeraporn Srikwanjai, Chainat Krudpuek
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Patent number: 8891068Abstract: A measuring apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a target object is described. The measuring apparatus has a transmitting device for emitting periodically modulated optical measuring radiation towards the target object, a receiving device for detecting optical measuring radiation which returns from the target object, and an evaluation device for receiving and evaluating detection signals from the receiving device. The measuring apparatus also has a calibration device for calibrating the measuring apparatus, wherein the calibration device is designed to calibrate the measuring apparatus on the basis of detection of uncorrelated radiation which does not correlate with the modulated measuring radiation emitted by the transmitting device. In this case, the uncorrelated radiation may be in the form of background radiation. Alternatively, uncorrelated measuring radiation can be emitted by the transmitting device and can be detected by the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Eisele, Oliver Wolst, Bernd Schmidtke
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Patent number: 8818124Abstract: Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) imaging systems, method, and computer readable media for generating super-resolved images are described. Super-resolved images are generated by obtaining data sets of cloud points representing multiple views of an object where the views have a view shift, enhancing the views by duplicating cloud points within each of the data sets, compensating for the view shift using the enhanced views, identifying valid cloud points, and generating a super-resolved image of the object by integrating valid cloud points within the compensated, enhanced views.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Exelis, Inc.Inventor: Omid E. Kia
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Publication number: 20120236290Abstract: A measuring apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a target object is described. The measuring apparatus has a transmitting device for emitting periodically modulated optical measuring radiation towards the target object, a receiving device for detecting optical measuring radiation which returns from the target object, and an evaluation device for receiving and evaluating detection signals from the receiving device. The measuring apparatus also has a calibration device for calibrating the measuring apparatus, wherein the calibration device is designed to calibrate the measuring apparatus on the basis of detection of uncorrelated radiation which does not correlate with the modulated measuring radiation emitted by the transmitting device. In this case, the uncorrelated radiation may be in the form of background radiation. Alternatively, uncorrelated measuring radiation can be emitted by the transmitting device and can be detected by the receiving device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Eisele, Oliver Wolst, Bernd Schmidtke
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Publication number: 20120218540Abstract: An image processing method including: measuring a distance between a medium where an image is to be recorded and an image processing apparatus which stores a relation between irradiation energy and distance previously measured; calculating an irradiation energy from the distance measured in the measuring based on the relation stored in the image processing apparatus; and irradiating and heating the medium with laser beams having the irradiation energy obtained in the calculating to record an image in the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tomomi Ishimi, Yoshihiko Hotta, Shinya Kawahara, Toshiaki Asai
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Publication number: 20120127455Abstract: A method of stationing an unleveled optical total station includes placing the unleveled optical total station at a first station. At the first station, positions of at least three non-collinear measurement points in an instrument coordinate system are determined using the unleveled optical total station. The method also includes obtaining positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in a local coordinate system. A transformation is computed between the instrument coordinate system and the local coordinate system using the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the instrument coordinate system and the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the local coordinate system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Kevin Sharp
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Publication number: 20120105823Abstract: A system for calibrating a color sensing pixel based upon the distance between the color sensing pixel and an object. The distance is determined by measuring the phase shift of electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the surface of the object compared with the wave profile of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the object surface. The color sensing pixel is associated with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) pixel which is employed to determine the distance of the color sensing pixel. The electromagnetic radiation can be from any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, in particular the infrared and visible light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The color sensing pixel and the ToF pixel can reside on the same semiconductor or on disparate semiconductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: CEDES SAFETY & AUTOMATION AG, ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Martin Hardegger, Reto Berner, Richard Galera, Suresh Nair, Carl Meinherz, Craig Martin Brockman, Elik I. Fooks, Manfred Norbert Stein, Robert M. Black
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Patent number: 8159676Abstract: The present invention includes methods for ratiometric detection of analytes by surface plasmon coupled emission detection that includes disposing a target on the metal layer of a surface plasmon resonance detection system; coupling a first analyte to a first fluorescent dye and a second analyte to a second fluorescent dye; contacting the first and second analytes to the target on the surface plasmon resonance detection system; and measuring the intensity of a first and a second surface plasmon resonance enhanced fluorescence emission ring, wherein the first and second rings, respectively, quantitatively represents the amount of first and second analyte within 50 nanometers of the metal surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: University of North Texas, Health Science Center at Fort WorthInventors: Zygmunt Gryczynski, Ignacy Gryczynski, Evgenia Matveeva, Julian Borejdo
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Patent number: 8107812Abstract: An optical keyless entry sensor system and method includes an optical sensor in association with a mirror that reflects light transmitted from the optical sensor, wherein reflected light is detectable by the optical sensor. An attenuation filter can be located between the mirror and the optical sensor, wherein the attenuation filter is configured to simulate a contamination of the optical sensor in order to determine an exact level of attenuation representative of contamination that causes a performance failure of the optical sensor, thereby providing data which is indicative of a dynamic range of the optical sensor, such that the dynamic range is utilized to enhance the performance of the optical keyless entry sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Wenwei Zhang
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Patent number: 8102516Abstract: Provided is a test method for accurately testing all regions within a field of view and evaluating, by one-time capturing, accuracy of a distance measured by a compound-eye distance measuring apparatus having two baseline directions.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Norihiro Imamura
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Patent number: 8098897Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a distance measurement section for measuring a distance from the section to a subject for each pixel on the basis of a plurality of images photographed at different visual point positions. A setting section sets a range of the distance in which an obstacle is present. An image formation section executes image processing of replacing a first image signal relating to an obstructed region included in the range of the distance with a second image signal different from the first image signal on the basis of an output from the distance measurement section.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Toru Matsuzawa
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Patent number: 8049780Abstract: A calibration error correction device for an optical instrument includes a detector operable to detect a position of a focusing lens of an optical instrument along a mechanical path of the focusing lens. A line of sight through an image plane of the optical instrument and the focusing lens at a present position defines an actual viewing direction. The device also includes a memory configured to store viewing direction errors specifying a deviation between a known theoretical viewing direction and the actual viewing direction associated with a plurality of different positions of the focusing lens along the mechanical path and an indicator of at least one value indicative of the actual viewing direction based on the theoretical viewing direction and the viewing direction errors at each of the different positions of the focusing lens along the mechanical path.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbHInventors: Volkmar Hofmann, Thomas Marold, Matthias Menzel
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Patent number: 8035515Abstract: A security system using a laser range finder that can precisely determine an existence and a location of an intruder, and a method of detecting the intruder using the laser range finder are provided. The security system using a laser range finder, the security system includes: the laser range finder emitting laser beam, receiving the reflected laser beam, measuring a distance between the laser range finder and a target object, and detecting an existence and a location of an intruder; and at least one reflective means reflecting the emitted laser beam toward the laser beam finder, wherein at least one reflective means is spaced by a predetermined distance of the laser range finder and is installed a predetermined distance from the laser range finder.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jae-Hyung Jang, Hyuk Lim
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Patent number: 7990415Abstract: Provided is an image input device which includes a laser range finder and a camera, and is capable of automatically calibrating the laser range finder and the camera at an appropriate timing without using special equipment. The image input device includes the laser range finder which measures distance information of an object by using invisible light and the camera which measures color information of the object. In order to detect a calibration error between the laser range finder and the camera, an invisible light filter which blocks visible light and transmits invisible light is automatically attached to a lens of the camera by a switching operation between two kinds of lenses. By the camera to which the invisible light filter is being attached, a pattern of the invisible light projected onto the object from the laser range finder is photographed as a visible image.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kosei Matsumoto, Toshio Moriya, Tsuyoshi Minakawa
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Publication number: 20100245800Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Jerry G. Brown
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Publication number: 20100251148Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Jerry G Brown
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Publication number: 20100128249Abstract: Provided is a test method for accurately testing all regions within a field of view and evaluating, by one-time capturing, accuracy of a distance measured by a compound-eye distance measuring apparatus having two baseline directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Norihiro Imamura
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Publication number: 20100076709Abstract: A sensor calibration system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The sensor calibration system may have a first calibration object positioned at a first worksite location, a second calibration object positioned at a second worksite location, and a plurality of sensors located onboard the mobile machine to detect the first and second calibration objects. The sensor calibration system may also have a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to calibrate at least one of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the first worksite location, and to calibrate at least one other of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the second worksite location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Ramadev Burigsay Hukkeri, Thandava Krishna Edara
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Publication number: 20080204703Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line having an optical cable. An optical signal is transmitted into the optical cable, and a travel time of the optical signal in the optical cable is determined. A profile of a characteristic along the optical cable is determined, and a length of the carrier line deployed into the well is determined based on the determined profile and the travel time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Vladimir Hernandezs-Solis, Rogerio T. Ramos, Joseph Varkey
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Patent number: 7414707Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
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Patent number: 7053992Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
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Patent number: 7042555Abstract: A portable laser system includes a laser unit and a target unit for measuring the length of a series of pipe assemblies. Either the laser unit or the target unit engages a threaded coupling at one end of the pipe assembly and the other unit engages external pipe threads at an opposite end of the pipe assembly. The laser unit includes a resident memory (i.e., the memory moves with the laser unit), so that the laser system can read the length of more than one pipe assembly before downloading the readings to a computer. The computer then compiles the readings in groups of twenty and calculates an anticipated overall length if the pipe assemblies were interconnected as a string of pipes.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Phillip L. Lawson
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Publication number: 20030074150Abstract: A closed-loop focusing system and method positions a focusing assembly to a desired positioned. A feedback positioning device, such as a linear encoder, provides an actual or “read” value for the linear movement of the focusing assembly. The desired position is compared to the actual position of the focusing assembly. If the two values are outside of a predetermined tolerance or valid range, then an audible or visual warning will be given. Furthermore, when a laser source is utilized with the focusing system, then laser operation will be prevented where the two values are outside of tolerance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Peter Goldstein, Carlos G. Suarez, Scott Alan DeLong, R. Kyle Webb, Tibor Juhasz
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Publication number: 20030011757Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for precise measurement of optical characteristics, and has an object to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus comprising a position change unit for changing the positions of beams transformed by a first transforming member, wherein a first light source emits a luminous flux of a first wavelength, a first illumination optical system illuminates a minute area on the retina of the eye under examination with the luminous flux from the first light source, a first light receiving optical system leads light to a first light receiving unit through a transforming member for transforming the luminous flux having undergone at least one of transmission and reflection at at least one surface of the object of measurement into at least nine beams, a position change unit changes the positions of the beams transformed by the first transforming member, and an arithmetic unit can determine optical characteristics of the object of measurement based on a first signalType: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Yoko Hirohara, Naoki Nakazawa, Toshifumi Mihashi
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Publication number: 20020060784Abstract: A 3D MultiSpectral Lidar. The system comprises a laser transmitter light source, a laser detection assembly, optics that couple the outgoing and incoming laser signals, a digital camera assembly for collecting passive light, a position and orientation system, and processing hardware. The system provides real-time georectified three dimensional images and topography using an airborne platform. The system collects time-synchronous lidar range and image data in an optical receiver. The individual images are then mosaiced and orthorectified in real-time. The lidar range data and image data are then coupled to a position and orientation system to transform the three dimensional range images to a single geographically referenced multispectral three dimensional image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: May 23, 2002Applicant: Utah State UniversityInventors: Robert Taylor Pack, Frederick Brent Pack
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Patent number: 6087719Abstract: A plurality of chips each having two or more alignment holes for transmitting a laser beam are stacked. The laser beam is irradiated onto the uppermost or lowermost one of the stacked chips. A photodetector detects the laser beam output from the stacked chips through the alignment holes in these chips. The positions of the chips are so controlled that the amount of the light detected by this photodetector is a maximum.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Yoshitaka Tsunashima
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Patent number: 5991015Abstract: A beam monitoring assembly (10) that provides near-field imaging, far-field imaging and power measurements of a laser beam (12) in real-time for alignment and performance verification purposes. The monitoring assembly (10) includes a holographic beam splitter (24) that splits the laser beam (12) from the laser resonator cavity into a series of separate split beams (28, 30, 32) having varying beam powers. One of the split beams (28) is directed to a power meter (36) to measure the power of the beam (12). One of the split beams (28) is directed to a near-field camera (42) that provides a near-field image of the beam (12). Another one of the split beams (30) is directed to a heat dump (52) that absorbs and removes the beam's energy from the assembly. Another one of the split beams (32) is directed to a far-field lens (46) that focuses the split beam (32) onto a far-field camera (50) that provides a far-field image of the beam (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: James M. Zamel, John A. Szot, Richard H. Moyer
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Patent number: 5930734Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the thickness of non-circular elongated workpieces in which the thickness of the workpiece is measured along three measuring axis, the measurements are fed into a computer to determine minimum and maximum values and associated angular positions of the measuring axis, the measuring systems are rotated to a zero measuring position and the measured thicknesses are correlated by an algorithm, and the computer computes the degree for which angular position of the mimimum and maximum changes when the workpiece is advanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Lap GmbH Laser ApplikationenInventors: Karsten Hofmann, Henning Steinfadt
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Patent number: 5872626Abstract: A consolidated laser alignment and test station. In exemplary embodiments, equipment sufficient to perform complete dynamic testing and alignment of a laser transceiver unit is provided in one compact arrangement. As a result, cavity-box efficiency testing, dynamic open-interferometer alignment, dynamic open-case alignment, closed-case laser boresighting, and complete laser functionality and diagnostic testing can be carried out efficiently at a single location. Real-time diagnostic feedback relating to beam quality, radiometry, and temporal behavior is provided so that high-precision laser alignments and repairs can be made quickly and cost effectively. Customized test fixtures provide easy access to every level of the transceiver unit under test, and two cameras provide far-field, near-field, wide-field and receiver-field beam viewing.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Derrell Lipscomb
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Patent number: 5825464Abstract: A calibration system and method include isotropically diffusing high-intensity light emitted from a detection apparatus, with the diffused light being coupled to at least one optical line, typically an optical fiber. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus to be calibrated is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus and the isotropic diffusion is achieved by means of an integrating sphere. For calibrating distance calculations, the optical fiber includes a reflecting mechanism, such as Bragg gratings, at a fixed and known distance from the input end of the optical fiber. The reflecting mechanisms simulates the presence of a remote object at the known distance. For a velocity calculation, a frequency offset may be introduced to the light propagating through the optical fiber, thereby simulating a Doppler shift induced by a moving object. The simulations of the presence and movement of remote objects are used to calibrate the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: John D. Feichtner
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Patent number: 5638163Abstract: A laser range finder including a receiver for detecting a return pulse and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a single integrated circuit digital range counter chip connected to receive the output signal from the receiver, a power supply unit for powering the receiver and range counter chip, and a single-chip microcontroller for selectively sequencing application of power to the receiver and to the range counter chip, for controlling laser firing, and for automatically recalibrating the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Hughes ElectronicsInventor: Charles E. Nourrcier, Jr.
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Patent number: 5515156Abstract: A safety distance measuring device employing an electromagnetic wave is provided. A laser diode 2 is energized to emit laser beams by a laser diode drive circuit 3 in accordance with a clock signal generated by a control circuit 29. The emitted laser beams are sequentially changed to predetermined scanning directions by a scanner 1 associated with control circuit 29. The scanned laser beams from scanner 1 are reflected by an object 19 to be received by a photodiode 5. An output of the photodiode is applied to control circuit 29 through a light receiving circuit 6 where an elapsed time from emission to receipt is computed to obtain a distance from scanner 1 to object 19. Based on data relating to scanning directions by a scanning position detector 4, a begin-and-end detecting circuit 28 can stop the radiation of electromagnetic waves around a scanning start point and a scanning end point which is danger to human bodies.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Masato Yoshida, Yoshiro Tasaka, Wataru Ishio, Hidenori Miyazaki
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Patent number: 5281813Abstract: An inexpensive, broadband technique for testing laser rangefinder systems. The invention includes a mechanism (18) for detecting an emission of a pulse of electromagnetic energy by a laser rangefinder under test (12) and providing a first signal in response thereto. In response to the first signal, a second signal is generated (20) with a predetermined delay on detection of the pulse from the laser rangefinder (12). The second signal is used to trigger a radiation source (16) which generates an output signal. This output signal simulates a return signal, the reflection of the pulse from a hypothetical target back to the laser rangefinding system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1992Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: I-Fu Shih
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Patent number: 5264905Abstract: Primary and secondary mirrors constitute a collimator which permit measurements to be made within a reasonably sized equipment enclosure. An incoming laser beam, from a unit undergoing test, has its light dispersed by an integrating sphere from which radiometric measurements may be made. Further, the output from the sphere passes through an avalanche photo diode for detecting laser beam pulse envelopes. These envelopes may be measured for such parameters as pulse width, and interval. A focal plane array camera is provided to measure boresight deviation from the unit undergoing test.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: Grumman Aerospace CorporationInventors: Paul J. Cavanagh, Jon M. Hoimes, Louis A. Luceri
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Patent number: 4627723Abstract: An optical range simulator device (10) for testing the ranging function of a laser rangefinder (14) receives output pulses from the rangefinder (14) and delivers these to an optical fibre delay line (11,12). The output of the delay line (11,12) and the input of the fibre delay line (11,12) are interconnected by an optical bridging means (15,17,22) which collects at least a portion of each pulse delivered by the output of the delay line (11,12) and recirculates that pulse portion to the input end of the delay line, the remaining portion of each pulse at the output end of the delay line (11,12) being returned to the rangefinder (14) so that for each output pulse received from the rangefinder (14) a simulator device (10) delivers a series of successively delayed return pulses to the rangefinder (14), these delayed return pulses being representative of ranges successively augmented by the range distance represented by the delay line (11,12).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1984Date of Patent: December 9, 1986Assignee: Barr & StroudInventors: Timothy O. French, Derek R. Carless, Reginald A. Ault, Michael B. Darlow