Abstract: In an optical position detection device, when light source sections emit detection light, a light detecting section detects detection light reflected from a object to detect the coordinates of the object. When seen from the detection space, the light detecting section is located inward from a plurality of light source sections, and each of the plurality of light source sections includes first and second light emitting elements. Therefore, the position of the object can be detected on the basis of a comparison result of the received light intensity in the light detecting section when the first light emitting element is turned on and the received light intensity in the light detecting section when the second light emitting element is turned on in both the case where the object is located outside a region between the light source sections and the case where the object is located inside the region.

Abstract: Ranging apparatus capable of projecting patterns of structured light tailored for use at particular ranges or depth regimes. Detected light points in a scene can be compared to pre-determined pattern templates to provide a simple and low cost gesture recognition system, for example as an interface to a smartphone or PDA. A structured light generator can be adapted to switch back and forth between said first and second structured patterns, either automatically according to a timing control, or adaptively in response to sensed information from the illuminated scene. Alternatively the structured light generator can be adapted to project the first and second patterns simultaneously. Separate light generators may be employed for the different patterns, or alternatively components can be shared.

Abstract: High-resolution optical position sensing is disclosed using sparse, low-resolution detectors. Precise location of two-dimensional position or angular orientation of an optical beam at the focal plane of a sensor system is made possible using sparse low-resolution detectors. The beam may be emitted directly from a source, or scattered from a remote target. The high precision in determining the beam or focal spot location is the result of a novel data processing and analysis method for the signals from the low-resolution detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus (AS) measures positions of marks (202) on a lithographic substrate (W). A measurement optical system comprises illumination subsystem (504) for illuminating the mark with a spot of radiation (206) and as detecting subsystem (580) for detecting radiation diffracted by the mark. The substrate and measurement optical system move relative to one another at a first velocity (vW) so as to scan the mark while synchronously moving the spot of radiation relative to the reference frame (RF) of the measurement optical system at a second velocity (vSPOT). The spot scans the mark at a third velocity (vEFF) which is lower than the first velocity to allow more time for accurate position measurements to be acquired. In one embodiment, an objective lens (524) remains fixed in relation to the reference frame while a moving optical element (562) imparts the movement of the radiation spot relative to the reference frame.

Abstract: A light barrier detects an object which interrupts a beam of light of the light barrier. A light transmitter transmits a light beam in the direction of a reflector and a light receiver receives a reflected portion of the light beam. The improved light barrier has a reflector which is made as a cylindrical reflector column having a plurality of retroreflecting elements aligned toward the outer surface. The diameter of the reflector column is considerably smaller than the extent of the light beam perpendicular to the cylinder axis so that an optically effective detection beam of light is formed between the sensor and the reflector column whose cross-section at the sensor is determined by the light transmitter and, in direct proximity to the reflector column. The cross-section is determined by the areal overlap of the light beam with the reflector column.

Abstract: A detector (110) for optically detecting at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114). The optical sensor (114) has at least one sensor region (116). The optical sensor (114) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region (116). The sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a geometry of the illumination, in particular on a beam cross section of the illumination on the sensor area (118). The detector (110) furthermore has at least one evaluation device (122). The evaluation device (122) is designed to generate at least one item of geometrical information from the sensor signal, in particular at least one item of geometrical information about the illumination and/or the object (112).

Abstract: An imaging system (10) and method (200) for reading residential and/or commercial meters. The system and method comprise a transmission element (12) that attaches to an external location of a meter (24). The transmission element (12) selectively communicates a reading signal (40) corresponding to a meter value. The system and method further comprise an imaging unit (14) located within the transmission element (12) that images the meter value at a prescribed frequency. The system and method also comprise a transceiving arrangement (16) that receives the reading signal (40) communication from the transmission element. The transceiving arrangement (16) also comprises a converter (44) that analyzes and converts the reading signal (40) communication to a use signal (46).

Abstract: A method for resolving blind spots associated with a proximity sensor provides an optical guide in cooperation with an isolator wall that separates a transmitting section and a receiving section of the proximity sensor. Additionally, a specific guide angle of the optical guide directs, towards a receiver, more light rays reflected off an external object than light rays transmitted from a light source in the transmitting section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a transparent element (1), consisting in forming an image of a peripheral edge (B1) of the transparent element, using the light diffused by said peripheral edge. In this way, movements by the transparent element relative to reference marks can be followed on a screen or carried out automatically based on an analysis of the image. The method can be used to apply a piece of film (2) to a spectacle lens, adjusting the distance between the respective peripheral edges (B1, B2) of the spectacle lens and the piece of film.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.

Abstract: An optical detection device includes: an irradiation unit that emits irradiation light onto an area formed along a planar area; first and second light receiving units that receive reflection light of the irradiation light reflected by a target object; and a calculation unit that calculates positional information of the target object based on a light reception result of at least one of the first and second light receiving units. A distance between the second light receiving unit and the planar area is shorter than a distance between the first light receiving unit and the planar area, and the first and second light receiving units receive the reflection light that is incident in a direction along the planar area.

Abstract: A single laser beam measurement system employing retro-reflective striped targets is disclosed having an error correction mechanism which compensates for errors arising from the target not being square to a laser scanning beam.

Abstract: An optical position-measuring device includes a light source, a measuring reflector movable in space, a detection unit and a light-beam deflection unit that can align at least one beam of rays, emitted by the light source, in the direction of the measuring reflector. The light-beam deflection unit includes a cardan system having two cardan frames. A first cardan frame is adjustable by motor about a first axis of rotation, and a second cardan frame within the first cardan frame is adjustable by motor about a second axis of rotation oriented in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The two axes of rotation intersect in a fixed reference point, at which a reference reflector is disposed. A plurality of mirrors are disposed rigidly on the cardan frames, so that the beam of rays can be pivoted about the fixed reference point via the mirrors during alignment.

Abstract: A method for making a sample for evaluation of laser irradiation position and evaluating the sample, and an apparatus which is switchable between a first mode of modification of semiconductor and a second mode of making and evaluating the sample. Specifically, a sample is made by irradiating a semiconductor substrate for evaluation with a pulse laser beam while the semiconductor substrate is moved for evaluation at an evaluation speed higher than a modifying treatment speed, each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions in the sample is extracted, and stability of the each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions is evaluated. The evaluation speed is such a speed that separates the pulse-irradiated regions on the sample from each other in a moving direction.

Abstract: A head tracking system for determining a head position of a user may include a light source configured to emit light onto a rectangular position sensitive device supported by a support structure such as headphones. The light emitted by the light source may generate a light spot on the position sensitive device. A head position determining module may determine the head position using the position of the light spot on the position sensitive device. The support structure may be configured to support the position sensitive device such that a head rotation results in rotation of the position sensitive device and a displacement of the light spot toward a corner of the rectangular position sensitive device.

Abstract: A recording medium lift detection apparatus for detecting a lift of a recording medium that is conveyed on a predetermined conveyance surface along a predetermined conveyance path, includes: a light projection/receiving, a light projection parallel flat plate, a light projection turning device, a control device and a recording medium lift detection control device.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method and apparatus for position judgment, which can include a plurality of light sources and a photo-detector. The plurality of light sources can be configured to emit a plurality of pulsed lights towards an object from different directions, and a photo-detector can be configured to serially detect the light reflected from the object. A determination of whether the object is moving further away or coming closer to the apparatus can be judged by calculating at least one of a position, an area and a brightness of the object from the reflected light and comparing the data with the previous data for the same value(s). Thus, because the method of the disclosed subject matter does not require a measurement of time as in the conventional methods, the method can result in providing a similar apparatus with a simple configuration and at a low cost, and can be used as a sensor for detecting an obstacle and the like in a vehicle, alarm system, etc.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fourth lens, a prism, and a sixth lens. The fourth lens receives a light flux incident along a first optical axis. The prism includes a reflecting surface reflecting the light flux passing through the fourth lens to a direction along a second optical axis intersecting with the first optical axis. The sixth lens receives the light flux reflected by the prism. A second group frame includes an opening portion, a prism retaining frame that is arranged in a more inner position than the opening portion and in which the prism is contained, and a plurality of adhesive pockets arranged on an area around the prism retaining frame and being open to the side of the opening portion. Adhesive agent is filled in the adhesive pockets.

Abstract: A method for making a sample for evaluation of laser irradiation position and evaluating the sample, and an apparatus which is switchable between a first mode of modification of semiconductor and a second mode of making and evaluating the sample. Specifically, a sample is made by irradiating a semiconductor substrate for evaluation with a pulse laser beam while the semiconductor substrate is moved for evaluation at an evaluation speed higher than a modifying treatment speed, each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions in the sample is extracted, and stability of the each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions is evaluated. The evaluation speed is such a speed that separates the pulse-irradiated regions on the sample from each other in a moving direction.

Abstract: An optical position detection apparatus detects the position of a target object in a Z-axis direction and the position of the target object in an X-axis direction based on the result of the light reception in a light receiving unit when light source units that are spaced apart in the X-axis direction are sequentially turned on and the result of the light reception in the light receiving unit when light source units that are spaced apart in the Z-axis direction are sequentially turned on among a first light source unit, a second light source unit, and a third light source unit. The emission directions of the detection lights in the first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit are equal to one another in the Z-axis direction.

Abstract: An overlay mark is described, including N sets of parallel x-directional linear patterns respectively defined by N (?2) exposure steps and N sets of parallel y-directional linear patterns respectively defined by the N exposure steps, and a set of parallel x-directional photoresist bars and a set of parallel y-directional photoresist bars both formed in a lithography process. The N sets of x-directional linear patterns and the set of x-directional photoresist bars are arranged in parallel. The N sets of y-directional linear patterns and the set of y-directional photoresist bars are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a work edge detection mechanism that enables an edge of a work to be viewed clearly through an aligning camera without adding an illumination device, and to a work transfer mechanism that uses the work edge detection mechanism. The work edge detection mechanism formed from a tubular body provided with an opening at one end thereof, the tubular body having a blocking member provided at the other end thereof, includes light-reflecting means on a lower surface side of the blocking member in order to reflect any light entering from the opening, is constructed so that the tubular body has an inside diameter (?1) at the opening of the tubular body and an inside diameter (?2) at a side of the blocking member, the inside diameter (?2) being greater than the inside diameter (?1), and enables vacuum suction transfer of the work.

Abstract: A power tool, particularly a hand-held power tool, is provided with a sensor unit for sensing an observation area on the workpiece side with varying resolution and having arranged in front of it a lens system with lenses of varying focal length.

Abstract: A movable body system includes a movable body to which an image pickup apparatus is attached; an image analyzer that performs image matching between the image captured by the image pickup apparatus and an image, which is previously captured on the travel path of the movable body; a wall-surface detector that detects directions of the movable body with respect to wall surfaces, which are arranged along the travel path, and distances between the wall surfaces and the movable body; and a traveling-direction calculator that detects a shift of the movable body with respect to the travel path from an output of the image analyzer or the wall-surface detector, and calculates a traveling direction to cause the movable body to travel on the travel path.

Abstract: Relative movement in X, Y and Z axis directions is made between a main spindle and a table 6 for application in a machine tool in which a work is machined. An emitting element 12 for irradiating laser beam 11 and a photosensitive element 13 are disposed on the table 6. A measuring tool 8 with its top end being shaped as a cone form is attached to the main spindle 4. The laser beam 11 is interrupted with the cone form portion 15 of the measuring tool 8 through relative movement between the table 6 and measuring tool 8 before and after machining a work. Detection signal of interruption is generated at the moment of interruption, position is detected, operation processing is performed so that difference in X, Y and Z axes before and after machining is obtained along with values for correction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for capturing the rotary position (D) of at least one rotary device (4) provided for receiving a container (3) by means of at least one sensor unit (5), wherein the rotary device (4) is provided for driving the container (3) about a rotary axis (DA), and the at least one sensor unit (5) is advantageously designed for non-contact capturing of the rotary position (D) of the rotary device (4) relative to the rotary axis (DA).

Abstract: A location detection apparatus is disclosed that includes: a light source; a light output side reflector having a reflecting surface for reflecting light from the light source to a space; a rotation mechanism for rotating the light output side reflector; a first light receiving element for receiving the light reflected from an object existing in the space; a light reception side reflector for reflecting the light from the object to the first light receiving element; a second light receiving element for receiving the light from the light output side reflector; a light conductor for conducting the light reflected from or transmitted through the reflecting surface toward the second light receiving element when the light output side reflector is in a predetermined position; and a rotational position detector that detects rotational position of the light output side reflector based on a detection result of the second light receiving element.

Abstract: A method for determining at least the position of a moving part of the drive assembly, in which the part is illuminated or exposed to light and thereby the passage of light between the moving part and a part which corresponds thereto is determined. The passage of light changes or can even be briefly interrupted during the movement of the part. As a result, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the instantaneous position of the respective part. The method can be used more widely than the known capacitive determination of the position of a moving part and is, in particular, independent of the material of the part.

Abstract: A method for making a sample for evaluation of laser irradiation position and evaluating the sample, and an apparatus which is switchable between a first mode of modification of semiconductor and a second mode of making and evaluating the sample. Specifically, a sample is made by irradiating a semiconductor substrate for evaluation with a pulse laser beam while the semiconductor substrate is moved for evaluation at an evaluation speed higher than a modifying treatment speed, each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions in the sample is extracted, and stability of the each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions is evaluated. The evaluation speed is such a speed that separates the pulse-irradiated regions on the sample from each other in a moving direction.

Abstract: Fabry-Perot and Bragg grating optical measuring principles are combined with a torsional stress sensing mechanism that converts torque applied in one fluid environment to force exerted in a second environment to measure extreme environmental parameters such as pressure in a petroleum producing borehole.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a scale, and a detecting head which is disposed facing the scale. The scale is provided with a grating which has a predetermined optical pattern with respect to a direction of relative movement, and the detecting head is provided with a light emitting section which irradiates predetermined light to the scale, and a light detecting section which detects a movement of a pattern of light distribution formed on a light receiving surface of a photodetector, by light reflected by the grating upon being irradiated to the scale from the light emitting section. A light transmitting member is disposed on a surface of the light emitting section and the photodetector of the detecting head, toward the scale, and a light propagation controlling pattern for controlling propagation of light is disposed on a surface of the light transmitting member, facing the scale.

Abstract: An optical position detecting device includes a plurality of light source sections which emits detection light, a light detection section which receives the detection light reflected by a target object located in an emitting space of the detection light, a light source driving section which turns on some light source sections among the plurality of light source sections in a first period and turns on, in a second period, light source sections different from the light source sections turned on in the first period, and a position detecting section which detects the position of the target object on the basis of a light-receiving result of the light detection section in the first period and the second period. Each of the light source sections includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arrayed in a direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis of the detection light.

Abstract: According to the invention, the system comprises an infrared detector (7) for alternately generating images (5?) of sources of light (5) in the near infrared emitted by a missile flying towards a target and thermal images of the observed scene, said thermal images being visible on the display means (11).

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a support configured to hold an object, the support being moveable relative to a reference structure in a direction; a first position measurement system configured to provide a first measurement signal in a first frequency range, the first measurement signal representative of a position of the support relative to the reference structure in the direction; a second position measurement system configured to provide a second measurement signal in a second frequency range, the second measurement signal representative of the position of the support relative to the reference structure in the direction; and a processor configured to (a) filter the first measurement signal so as to attenuate a signal component having a frequency in the second frequency range, (b) filter the second measurement signal so as to attenuate a signal component having a frequency in the first frequency range, and (c) combine the filtered first measurement signal and the filtered second measurement signal into

Abstract: A refined coordinate detection method for a touch panel, which more finely measures coordinates of an object without increasing the number of infrared emitting/receiving elements, and an error correction method, which minimizes position detection errors caused by received optical level errors due to external environment or their inherent characteristics, are provided. In the detection method, received levels of infrared emitting/receiving elements corresponding to left and right ends of object are measured and stored and the levels and a maximum received level are compared to calculate the refined coordinates. In the correction method, a lower limit level at a position where infrared reception is most significantly impeded by object is calculated through a comparison calculation of maximum and minimum received levels and it is detected that an object is present at a position only when a lower limit level at that position is not greater than the calculated one.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object located in an environment and a multi-channel LED object detection system for detecting an object located in an environment are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for determining the clearance between a member and a casing surface over and relative to which the member moves, e.g. in a gas turbine engine. The apparatus includes a main waveguide and a reference element that is provided at a position intermediate the proximal and distal ends, or at the distal end, of the waveguide. The transmitter/receiver is arranged to transmit an electromagnetic signal through the main waveguide and receive (i) a first portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected from the reference element, (ii) a second portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected from the casing surface, and (iii) a third portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected from the member, allowing the relative positioning of the reference element, the casing surface and the member to be simultaneously determined.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method to track the movement of a target. One embodiment tracks the movement of the patient during medical imaging scanning using optical technology. Optical systems record the position and movement of the target and provide inputs to a processor. The processor is capable of performing mathematical analysis of the movement of the target to determine the positional shift of the patient. Weighted averages, phase correlation, Fourier-Mellin algorithms, and cross-correlation of data related to X-Y translation are used to calculate movement of the target subject. Feedback related to the movement is provided to the medical imaging scanning machine which allows for adjustments in focusing coils for real time tracking of the patient's movements during the procedure. As a result, the medical image scanning procedure becomes more accurate as it is adjusted for the patient's movements.

Abstract: A laser imaging system and method of projecting a laser template on a surface, including independently determining a position and orientation of the surface using an external metrology device, independently determining a position and orientation of a laser projector using the metrology device, generating a signal from the metrology device to a computer and orienting the laser projector relative to the surface to project a laser template. The apparatus includes a plurality of metrology transmitters at fixed locations, a plurality of metrology receivers at fixed locations relative to the surface and a plurality of metrology receivers at fixed locations relative to either the laser projector or laser targets within a field of view of the laser projector. A laser projector and frame assembly is also disclosed, wherein the metrology receivers are located on the frame and the frame includes laser targets for correcting laser drift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection system for detecting movements of a movable object (6).

Abstract: The system for surface inspection is arranged to detect relative displacement and/or vibration features of a plurality of points of a plurality of elements (51) forming part of a mechanical structure (5), such as a micro- or nanomechanical structure. A light beam is displaced along the mechanical structure along a first trajectory (A), so as to detect a plurality of subsequent reference positions (C) along said first trajectory (A), and the light beam is further displaced along the mechanical structure along a plurality of second trajectories (B), each of said second trajectories (B) being associated with one of said reference positions (C). The invention further relates to a corresponding method and to a program for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A measuring instrument has a first section for rolling a wheelset under lateral guidance of the wheelset into a measurement section with an auxiliary rail for supporting the wheelset on the outer edges of its wheels and a third section for rolling out the wheelset into the railway track, with the first and third section of the measuring instrument also designed as track panels and for which the optical beam devices under the measurement section are intended. The first and third section of the measuring instrument are flexibly embedded in the ballast of the superstructure of the railway track, while at least one of the optical beam devices is mounted vibration-free on the formation of the railway track in a pre-determined position in relation to the measurement section of the measuring instrument with no contact to the other parts of the measuring instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device. The hydro dynamic bearing is constructed of an axial member housed in a housing, a radial bearing part for supporting the axial member in a non-contact manner in a radial direction by a hydro dynamic pressure action of the lubricating oil generated in a radial bearing clearance, and a sealing part arranged in an opening part of the housing, and the apparatus has a laser for measuring an oil-level height of the lubricating oil in the housing.

Abstract: A beam irradiation device includes a photodetector which receives servo light and outputs a detection signal depending on a light receiving position of the servo light, and a signal processing section which obtains the light receiving position based on the detection signal. In the above arrangement, the signal processing section has an A/D conversion circuit which converts the detection signal into a digital signal, and an error signal adjusting circuit which converts an error component signal to be outputted from the photodetector when the photodetector is not irradiated by the servo light, into a signal within a processable range of the A/D conversion circuit, and supplies the converted signal to the A/D conversion circuit. A first digital signal derived from the detection signal is corrected with a second digital signal derived from the error component signal.

Abstract: A first driving section and a second driving section apply a drive farce in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, a Z-axis direction, and a ?x direction, respectively, with respect to one end and the other end of a fine movement stage whose one end and the other end in the Y-axis direction are each supported, so that the fine movement stage is relatively movable with respect to a coarse movement stage within an XY plane. Accordingly, by the first and the second driving sections making drive forces in directions opposite to each other in a ?x direction apply simultaneously to one end and the other end of the fine movement stage (refer to the black arrow in the drawing), the fine movement stage (and the wafer held by the stage) can be deformed to a concave shape or a convex shape within a YZ plane.

Abstract: A chassis measuring system comprises an illumination device for producing a structured illumination (38, 58, 78, 98), which is developed in such a way that it produces a structured image on a measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) situated opposite in the transverse vehicle direction, a reference surface (40, 60, 80, 100) facing in the same direction as the illumination device (38, 58, 78, 98), on which a structured image produced by an illumination device (38, 58; 78, 98) of the measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) situated opposite in the transverse vehicle direction may be projected, and at least one measuring camera (34, 36; 54, 56; 74, 76; 94, 96) facing in the same direction as the illumination device (38, 58, 78, 98), which is developed in such a way that it detects the structured image on the reference surface (40, 60; 80, 100) of the opposite measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) in order to determine the position parameters of the measuring head (32, 52, 72, 92).

Abstract: A crash sensor is provided on a vehicle having first and second vehicle structures. The crash sensor includes a light transmitter for emitting a light signal within an opening between the first vehicle structure and the second vehicle structure, and a photo receiver for sensing irradiance in the opening between the first vehicle structure and the second vehicle structure. A change in irradiance or illuminance is indicative of a change in displacement of the first structure relative to the second structure indicative of deformity of the vehicle. The sensor further includes processing circuitry for processing the sensed irradiance and detecting a vehicle crash based on the change in sensed irradiance.

Abstract: A pointing device for use with a laser tracker or laser scanner may include a tracker or scanner control system and a tracker or scanner plant. The tracker plant may include a plurality of motors configured to apply a torque to a mechanism that steers the laser and a plurality of angular encoders configured to send feedback information on the angular position of the mechanism to the tracker control system. The tracker or scanner control system may be configured such that, when the pointing device is operating in a manual adjustment mode, the tracker or scanner control system controls the plurality of motors to provide a torque to the mechanism opposite to a direction of movement caused by the user.

Abstract: Aerosol and hydrosol particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.