Abstract: A cursor maneuvering device comprises a cavity containing a plurality of colored lights and an image sensor and covered with a light mixing plate. The colored lights are located in the cavity in an as largely departed as possible manner and illuminate a pointing device contacting the surface of the light mixing plate. The image sensor detects a hue of light illuminating the pointing device and controls a cursor depending upon the hue. Changes in the hue of a moving pointing device are translated into movement of the cursor on the display of an electronic device. The pointing device may be anything touching the light mixing plate, for instance a finger.

Abstract: In an absolute position encoder, a multi-spectral light source illuminates a position on a topographic surface at an angle of incidence determined from a vector normal to the surface. A target on, and positionally-registered to, the topographic surface comprises a variable grating that diffracts the incident light to form a multi-spectral diffraction pattern in which the angular dispersion of the diffraction pattern varies with the absolute position of the incident light along the grating. A chromatically responsive sensor detects a narrow band of the diffraction pattern through an entrance aperture positioned at an angle of detection determined from the vector normal to the topographic surface and outputs a signal responsive to the change in the angular dispersion of the detected narrow band of the diffraction pattern. The source/sensor unit maintains (within an acceptable noise tolerance) its geometric relationship to the vector normal to the topographic surface at the position of illumination.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided. The AACMM includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The arm includes a plurality of connected arm segments, each of the arm segments including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. A measurement device is attached to a first end of the AACMM. An electronic circuit is provided for receiving the position signals from the transducers and for providing data corresponding to a position of the measurement device. A light source is coupled to the arm and disposed to emit light adjacent the measurement device.

Abstract: A batteryless absolute encoder determines the accuracy of absolute position information to be output when electric power is turned on and outputs an alarm signal in the case of abnormality. The batteryless absolute encoder includes an absolute position computing section, an absolute position storing section, and a determining section. The absolute position computing section computes the absolute position of a spindle to be detected, including the number of revolutions of the spindle, based upon detection signals output from four reluctance resolvers. The absolute position storing section stores the absolute position output from the absolute position computing section when electric power is turned off. The determining section compares an absolute position output from the absolute position computing section when electric power is turned on and the stored absolute position and outputs an alarm signal if a difference between the two absolute positions is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for defining a following path for a following vehicle to autonomously follow a leader, the method including acquiring waypoints associated with a path that the leader traverses; filtering the acquired waypoints, wherein the filtering removes waypoints located outside an area of interest; generating intermediate waypoints by interpolating between adjacent pairs of the filtered waypoints if the adjacent pairs of the filtered waypoints are separated by a distance that exceeds a threshold distance; and defining a following path through the filtered waypoints and the intermediate waypoints using a least-squares spline fit to calculate the following path.

Abstract: Optical sensor system on a device for the treatment of liquids with at least one device for the projecting of light in the direction of an optical axis onto at least one illumination area in the space, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and a boundary surface in a direction diagonal to the optical axis, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface in the direction of the optical axis, a control device for controlling the adjustment devices, such that they simultaneously adjust the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface diagonal to the at least one device for the imaging of the at least one illumination area during the adjustment of the relative position onto at least one photodetector and an evaluation device connected with the at least one photodetector for the evaluation of the at least one measurement signal.

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: A position measuring device includes a plurality of concave marks, a light source portion, a light receiving portion, and a concave portion measuring portion. The concave marks are formed on an external wall of an object to be a measuring target. Each of the plurality of the concave marks includes a plurality of concave portions disposed on a concentric circle with a preset concave mark central position to be a center of the concentric circle. The concave portions are provided so that densities of the concave portions become lower as distances from the concave mark central position become longer in each of the concave marks. The light source portion irradiates the object with an irradiating light. The light receiving portion receives a reflected light from the object, the refracted light being originated from the irradiating light. The concave portion measuring portion measures each three-dimensional position of the concave marks.

Abstract: A wafer-scale nano-metrology system (10) for sensing position of a nanofabrication element (16) when illuminated by a patterned optical projection defining a grid or position measuring gauge includes a frequency stabilized laser emitter (12) configured to generate a laser emission at a selected frequency, where the laser emission forms a diverging beam configured to illuminate a selected area occupied by a target fabrication object (18) having a proximal surface. An optical pattern generator (14) is illuminated by laser (12) and generates a patterned optical projection grid or gauge for projection upon the target fabrication object (18). A movable tool or nanofabrication element (16) carries an optical sensor array (50), and the sensor array detect at least a portion of the optical projection grid, and, in response to that detection, generates grid position data for use in controlling the position of the tool (16).

Abstract: A safety system for detecting the presence of an undesired object in a safety area may include a first pair of distance measuring sensors disposed on opposed sides of the conveying path, the pair of distance measuring sensors defining a sensor field between said pair of distance measuring sensors, and an electronic control device operatively coupled to the sensors. The electronic control device may be configured to initiate a machine-stopping sequence based at least in part on signals received from the distance measuring sensors.

Abstract: In an optical tracking system for determining the pose of a moving object in a reference coordinate system, the system including at least one light emitter, at least one optical detector for detecting the light emitted by the at least one light emitter and a pose processor, coupled with the at least one optical detector, and with the at least one light emitter, for determining the pose of the moving object according to the light detected by the at least one optical detector.

Abstract: Measurement of the deviation of a laser beam from a straight line, where the laser beam is of a type which causes thermal blooming, is used to determine the integrated effect which wind will have on an article traveling through airspace, for example, to enable an adjustment in the aim point of the article. The invention includes correcting the aim point of a gun firing a projectile, correcting the flight path of an aircraft, and correcting the path of a watercraft. The invention includes a method and means for measuring the flow of fluid in a conduit or as a free mass, for purposes other than adjusting the path of a projectile or the like.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide devices and methods of an optical coupled-cavity photo-acoustic spectroscopy (CC-PAS). The exemplary CC-PAS can include three mirrors configured in parallel to couple a Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity with a sample cavity. The sample cavity can be a resonant cavity for containing a sample. The FP cavity can be used as a tunable input coupler for the sample cavity to improve spectroscopic sensitivities when measuring an absorber in the sample.

Abstract: A web edge sensor is disclosed. The web edge sensor has a light source directing light incident to an edge of a web. The edge of the web scatters the light and a sensor array that detects a first portion of the light scattered from the edge of the web and rejects a second portion to determine a position of the web edge.

Abstract: A reference sphere detecting device used for a reference sphere position detecting device comprises an optical unit having a laser light source, a collective lens for collecting light from the laser light source and irradiating the light to a reference sphere positioned at or near a front focal position, a first image pickup device for receiving and detecting reflected light from the reference sphere, the first image pickup device being disposed at a rear focal position of the collective lens; driving units for rotationally moving the optical unit about a reference point; and a control unit for controlling the driving units on the basis of the position at which the reflected light is received and rotationally moving the optical unit so that the reflected light reaches a predetermined reference position of the first image pickup device.

Abstract: In a measurement device for measuring a peripheral position in a Cartesian coordinate system, a rotating laser source is configured to emit a laser beam along a radius of a rotator. A reflector is configured to reflect the laser beam in a direction orthogonal to a path of the laser beam, and a scale having a pattern of transparent and reflective areas is positioned at a peripheral position of the measurement device. A detector is configured to provide a sequence of pulses by detecting a reflex or transmission of the rotating laser beam while the laser scans over the scale. The sequence of pulses correspond to Cartesian coordinates of the system.

Abstract: A sensing method and device for sensing the position of an object are provided. The sensing device comprises a light source for generating a plane light, and a sensor unit disposed at one side of the light source. The sensing method comprises driving the light source to generate the plane light, forming a reflective light distribution by the object reflecting the plane light; and estimating a relative distance between the object and the light source according to the reflective light distribution.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a linear power transmission member which moves longitudinally, a reflector which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the linear power transmission member and which is longitudinally movable integrally with the linear power transmission member, the reflector including two kinds of reflecting portions different in reflectance are longitudinally arranged, and a light source which radiates light. Further, the optical encoder includes a linear light transmitter which guides the light from the light source to the reflector and to which reflection light reflected from the reflector is guided, and a calculation mechanism configured to calculate a longitudinal displacement of the reflector on the basis of an intensity of the reflection light from the reflector which is guided via the linear light transmitter.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring an opening at least partially defined by a surface. A plurality of target bodies are positioned about a circumference of a target body holder that is sized to fit within the opening. The target bodies are forced radially outward to cause at least one of the target bodies to be positioned against the surface. A geometric property of the opening is determined based at least partially on a location of at least one of the target bodies positioned against the surface.

Abstract: The position of a movable element such as the end of a robot arm (10) which has several degrees of freedom, being mounted on a base (11) and including a wrist mechanism, is determined by installing a multiplicity of base targets (32, 74) around the base of the robot, and a multiplicity of arm targets (42, 74) around the base (14) of the wrist mechanism (15), and an optical means (90) that moves with the movable element to determine the positions of at least some of the base targets and of at least some of the arm targets. The optical means may be a laser tracker or a camera system (90), and it may be mounted on the part (13) of the robot arm to which the base (14) of the wrist mechanism (15) is connected. This enables existing robots (10) to achieve absolute positional accuracy relative to a fixed external frame of reference.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly apparatus for supporting a fuselage section of an aircraft or spacecraft in an adjustable assembly position, with at least one stiffening bow for detachably stiffening the fuselage section and a rotational support, which rotatably supports the at least one stiffening bow. Also provided is a method for the assembly of a fuselage section of an aircraft or spacecraft in which an assembly position of the fuselage section is prescribed. In further steps, the fuselage section is reinforced with a stiffening bow and the stiffening bow is rotatably supported. The stiffening bow is then turned in such a way that the fuselage section rotates into the assembly position.

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: In an embodiment a method for position determination of an object (25) in a spatial area (28) is provided in which the object (25) is illuminated with at least one light beam (22, 27). The light beam (22, 27) does not cover the complete spatial area (28) and is guided into a part of the spatial area in which the object (25) is present depending on the position of the object (25). In another aspect a method for measuring a surface is provided.

Abstract: A method for designing a two-dimensional array overlay target set comprises the steps of: selecting a plurality of two-dimensional array overlay target sets having different overlay errors; calculating a deviation of a simulated diffraction spectra for each two-dimensional array overlay target set; selecting a sensitive overlay target set by taking the deviations of the simulated diffraction spectra into consideration; and designing a two-dimensional array overlay target set based on the structural parameters of the sensitive overlay target set.

Abstract: A novel electro-optical sensor for the wideband and normalized translation of the two-dimensional position of a light beam transverse to its traveling direction into electrical position signals. Incident on the sensor is the light beam 122 which is divided with a beamsplitter 121 into a transmitted beam 123 and a reflected beam 124 which both have similar transverse motion behavior as the incident beam. From each of these divided beams the position is determined one-dimensionally with an one-dimensional optical position sensor, 125, 126. The one-dimensional position determination is done by dissecting each divided beam into two beams using a partitioning element. The outputted dissected beams have a power distribution that depends on the position of the divided beam relative to the partitioning element. Each beam is optically coupled to a photo detector which translates its power into an electric current.

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: In an apparatus for measuring a quasi-static error of a rotation driving shaft, a positional error and an angular error in each of X, Y, and Z axis directions during rotation of a driving shaft is measured by means of a single measurement apparatus. In the apparatus, a first splitter, a second splitter, and a reflector spectrally output or reflect a laser beam, which is output from a laser driving device, to a first position sensor and a second position sensor, so that it is possible to obtain every error information on positional errors and angular errors in X, Y, and Z axis directions of a rotation driving shaft through input position change data of the inputted laser beam.

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 index detection unit (110) detects the image coordinates of indices from a captured image. An index allocation information updating unit (160) calculates the position and orientation of an image capturing apparatus using the image coordinates of the indices and allocation information of each of these indices. Furthermore, the index allocation information updating unit (160) re-calibrates allocation information of an unreliable index having a reliability indicating that the allocation information is unreliable. The index allocation information updating unit (160) updates allocation information held by an allocation information holding unit (140) in association with the unreliable index to the re-calibrated allocation information and a reliability indicating that the allocation information is reliable.

Abstract: This invention provides a position measuring method for measuring a surface level of melt in a crucible arranged in the inside of a Czochralski furnace based on a principle of triangulation, in which a light source and a photo detector are provided; light emitted from the light source is applied to the surface of the melt; and the light reflected by the surface of the melt is received by the photo detector, the method comprising: providing a member in the vicinity of the surface of the melt; and causing the emitted light to be reflected by the member, applying the reflected light to the surface of the melt, and causing the light reflected by the surface of the melt to be received by the photo detector.

Abstract: A surface position detecting apparatus which detects position information of a predetermined surface in an object, comprising a first optical system which projects light from an oblique direction to the predetermined surface; a second optical system which receive the light from the object; a detecting system which receives the light from the second optical system and which detects the position information of the predetermined surface in a direction intersecting the predetermined surface based on the light; and a phase difference imparting system which is arranged in an optical path of at least one of the first and second optical systems and which imparts a phase difference between different portions from each other of light traveling via a surface other than the predetermined surface in the object, in the light from the second optical system.

Abstract: A surveying system comprises a plurality of rotary laser devices (1a, 1b), being installed at known points, for projecting laser beams (3a, 3b) in rotary irradiation and for forming laser reference planes (RPa, RPb) respectively, a photodetecting device (5), being installed on a movable support member (4), for receiving the laser beam and for detecting a height of each of the laser reference planes at their photodetecting position, a coordinate position measuring device (6) for detecting coordinate position of the support member, and a control device (7), wherein the rotary laser devices form the laser reference planes in such manner that at least a part of each effective range of the laser reference planes is overlapped on each other, the control device sets up a smoothing area within a range where the effective ranges are overlapped on each other, and in case the support member is judged to be within the smoothing area, based on a result of measurement by the coordinate position measuring device, the contro

Abstract: A light receiving unit of a coordinate input apparatus includes a light receiving element, a light receiving lens, an adjusting unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the light receiving element and light receiving lens, and a light transmissive plate which is arranged between the light receiving element and light receiving lens, and defines the focal length of the light receiving lens. The light transmissive plate is arranged between the light receiving element and light receiving lens in a state in which the optical axis between the light receiving element and light receiving lens is adjusted by the adjusting unit with the light transmissive plate being removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensor based on the transit time principle, comprising a light source for the emission of emergent light pulses into an observed region, comprising a rotating device for rotating a beam direction of the emergent light pulses about a rotation axis orientated transverse to the beam direction, and comprising a detector for the detection of light pulses reflected by objects in the observed region, comprising a housing for keeping the sensor interior separate from the environment and including a partitioning screen that is transparent to the emergent light pulses and to the reflected light pulses, comprising a test device for testing the translucence of the partitioning screen, and comprising a control and evaluation unit for controlling the light source, for evaluating the light pulses detected by the detector, and for determining the distance away of an object on the basis of the measured transit time of the light pulses, which control and evaluation unit cooperates wi

Abstract: An alignment device includes an incoherent light source, a first convex lens, a mirror rod, and a second convex lens. The incoherent light source emits incoherent light that is received by the first convex lens that produces a low divergence light beam. The low divergence light beam is directed to the mirror rod that reflects the light beam to the second convex lens that focuses the light beam to a convergent light beam.

Abstract: A frictional pivot 100 for use in a device measuring gravitational alignment is provided. The frictional pivot 100 comprises a gravity-responsive directional means 200 for indicating a datum direction of alignment with gravity; frictional pivoting means 300, 400 for allowing the gravity-responsive means coarsely to align with gravity; vibration means 303, 403 for vibrating one or more elements of the pivoting means; and portable power means 303a for powering the vibration means 303, 403.

Abstract: A hand-held device (10, 10?) for contactless distance measurement measures a distance (d) between a target object (18) and at least one reference point (20) of the device (10) using an emitted modulated measurement signal (16). The device includes a housing (12, 13, 56) with a first end (34) that faces the object (18) to be measured, and a second end (35) facing away from the object (18) to be measured. The housing includes an output unit (22, 28, 29, 31) for depicting measured results. Several measured distance values are to be assigned to at least one subsection of the path between the object (18) to be measured and the opposite end (35) of the housing (12, 13, 56) via a length-measurement scale (36, 38, 54) that is displayable in the output unit (22, 28, 29, 31).

Abstract: A method and system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3 dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.

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 device for detecting the edges of a workpiece held on the chuck table of a processing machine, having a beam oscillation means for oscillating a detection beam, an objective lens for focusing the detection beam oscillated from the beam oscillation means, and a reflected light detection means for detecting the reflected light of the detection beam applied through the objective lens, wherein the beam oscillation means oscillates the detection beam in such a manner that the optical axis of the detection beam becomes parallel to the center axis of the objective lens at a position offset from the center axis; and the reflected light detection means detects the edge of the workpiece based on a positional difference between reflected light obtained when the detection beam applied through the objective lens is reflected on an area where the workpiece is not existent and refracted by the objective lens and reflected light obtained when the detection beam is reflected on the workpiece and refracted by the objective l

Abstract: A focused image is taken around the focal point by a confocal displacement meter. In a measurement apparatus, a confocal displacement meter system OPT-A includes a laser diode 1, a collimator lens 4, an objective lens 6, a half mirror 3, a diaphragm plate 31, and a photodiode 2. An observation image imaging system OPT-B is a telecentric light receiving optical system, and the observation image imaging system OPT-B includes a white light source 94, an objective lens 6, a dichroic mirror 5, a diaphragm plate 81, an image formation lens 82, and an image sensor 9. The collimator lens 4 is swept by an oscillator 7 in a two-headed arrow direction. A diameter of a diaphragm hole of the diaphragm plate 81 is set such that a depth of field of the objective lens 6 is not lower than sweep amplitude of the collimator lens 4.

Abstract: A wafer-scale nano-metrology system (10) for sensing position of a nanofabrication element (16) when illuminated by a patterned optical projection defining a grid or position measuring gauge includes a frequency stabilized laser emitter (12) configured to generate a laser emission at a selected frequency, where the laser emission forms a diverging beam configured to illuminate a selected area occupied by a target fabrication object (18) having a proximal surface. An optical pattern generator (14) is illuminated by laser (12) and generates a patterned optical projection grid or gauge for projection upon the target fabrication object (18). A movable tool or nanofabrication element (16) carries an optical sensor array (50), and the sensor array detect at least a portion of the optical projection grid, and, in response to that detection, generates grid position data for use in controlling the position of the tool (16).

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring deflection of a shaft in a wind turbine and adjusting a pitch angle of a rotor blade in the wind turbine based on the determined deflection are described. The system includes an emitter, a receiver, and a controller. The emitter is positioned adjacent a first portion of the shaft and is configured to emit photons. The receiver is positioned adjacent a second portion of the shaft and is configured to receive photons emitted from the emitter and determine a location on the receiver where the photons strike the receiver. The controller is communicatively coupled to the receiver and is configured to determine deflection of the shaft based on the location on the receiver where the photons strike the receiver. The controller is also configured to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blade based on the determined deflection of the shaft to reduce deflection of the shaft.

Abstract: A support mount for a receiver in an ice resurfacing machine, an ice resurfacing machine, a system for making an ice surface level with a desired horizontal plane and its kits of each of them. A receiver is mounted on a support mount for maintaining an ice resurfacing machine level with a desired horizontal plane comprising a mast post that retracts within a structure mounted on the conditioner. The receiver detects a light beam being transmitted along a plane parallel to a desired horizontal plane. The position of the mast post relative to the structure is constrained such that the height of the receiver in a transport position is vertically retracted to permit the ice resurfacing machine to pass under obstacles while entering or leaving an ice surface and in an operative position is extended to a height whereby a light beam emitted by a transmitter along a plane parallel to the desired horizontal plane may be detected. At all times the mast post remains away from contact with the ice surface.

Abstract: A fiberoptic system for clearance detection between rotating and stationary turbomachinery components is presented. The system comprises an optical fiber probe comprising a plurality of optical fibers, at least one of the optical fibers comprising a transmission fiber and at least one of the optical fibers comprising a signal fiber; a light source for providing light through the transmission fiber towards a target; filters for receiving light from the signal fibers, at least two of the filters for filtering different wavelengths; and at least one photodetector for receiving filtered light from the filters.

Abstract: A displacement measuring apparatus 100 which measures a displacement amount of a moving object 102 includes a light source that irradiates the moving object 102 using luminous flux emitted from a light emitting area 101, a photo diode array 104, 105 that includes a plurality of light receiving areas in a movement direction of the moving object 102 and that forms an image of the luminous flux reflected on a plurality of indentations 103 of the moving object 102 to receive light, and a measurement unit that measures the displacement amount of the moving object 102 based on a movement amount of a light emitting area image 106 that is formed on the photo diode array 104, 105 by forming the image of the luminous flux.

Abstract: An autofocus system (222C) for measuring the position of a work piece (200) along an axis includes a slit light source assembly (236), a slit detector assembly (238), and a control system (224). The slit light source assembly (236) directs a first slit of light (342A) at a first slit area (344A) of the work piece (200). The slit detector assembly (238) detects light reflected off of the first slit area (344A) and generates a first slit signal relating to the amount of light reflected off of the first slit area (344A) at the slit detector assembly (238). The control system (224) uses the first slit signal from the slit detector assembly (238), and first reflectance information of the first slit area (344A) to determine the position of the work piece (200) along the axis. With this design, the autofocus system (222C) can compensate for the changes in reflectivity of the work piece (200).

Abstract: An orientation measurement value acquisition unit (145) acquires an orientation measurement value measured by an orientation sensor (110) mounted on an image capturing apparatus (120), and an orientation measurement value measured by a sensor (115) mounted on a physical object (125). An image processing unit (135) acquires the image coordinates, on a captured image, of indices allocated on the physical object (125). A calibration unit (160) calculates at least one of allocation information of the sensor (110) with respect to the image capturing apparatus (120) and allocation information of the sensor (115) with respect to the physical object (125) using the two orientation measurement values and image coordinates.

Abstract: An information-inputting device is provided, which includes a plurality of photographing units photographing an area on a plane. An object located on the plane is then extracted from an image that includes the plane and the object, and it is determined whether the object is a specific object. If the object is the specific object, a position of a contact point between the specific object and the plane is calculated.

Abstract: An optical position measuring system (e.g., an interferometer) includes a superluminescent device (SLD) (e.g., a laser diode having at least one anti-reflective coated surface) and a detector. The SLD generates a light beam having a short coherence length (e.g., about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, less than the optical path length of an optical element, and/or less than a spacing between optical elements). Through use of the short coherence length light beam, interference effects from spurious or ghost reflections that exist in conventional position measuring systems are substantially reduced or eliminated.