Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring a workpiece and includes a coordinate measuring apparatus or a machine tool. The invention further relates to a method for measuring the workpiece using such an apparatus. The apparatus includes a control and evaluation unit (26) and at least one measuring sensor (6) which functions independently of the control and evaluation unit and which can be displaced by a mechanism (27) of the coordinate measuring device in the three coordinate directions (x, y, z) in relation to the workpiece. The apparatus includes timers which are provided both in the measuring sensor (6) and in the control and evaluation unit (28) in order to synchronize the measuring sensor (6) and the control and evaluation unit (28). The timers function independently from each other and are adjusted to a common starting time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for accurately measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measuring subject independent of the surface shape of the measuring subject, and another object thereof is to shorten the time from the measurements of the measuring subject until three-dimensional shape data is obtained so as to carry out efficient measuring operations. In a three-dimensional measuring system 1 that measures a three-dimensional shape of a measuring subject, two three-dimensional measuring devices 10, 20 are placed. The three-dimensional measuring device 10 measures a measuring subject placed in a measuring space 3 by allowing a laser slit light L1 in a longitudinal direction to scan in a lateral direction. Moreover, the three-dimensional measuring device 20 measures the measuring subject placed in a measuring space 3 by allowing the laser slit light L1 in a lateral direction to scan in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the object distance between an opto-electronic sensor working according to the principle of triangulation and an object, wherein the sensor has at least one measuring channel between a transmission unit for the emission of electromagnetic sensing rays into the measuring region and a reception unit for the detection of sensing rays reflected and/or remitted from the measuring region; wherein the sensor has at least one additional channel which has a further transmission unit and/or a further reception unit in addition to the transmission unit and the reception unit; and wherein the received signals of the measuring channel and of the additional channel are jointly evaluated for the determination of the object distance. The invention further relates to an apparatus for the carrying out of this method.

Abstract: A system is provided for locating a target, such as a person, relative to a projection screen, the system including two infrared light sources for casting separate shadows of the target on a translucent screen, such as those commonly used for back-projection displays. A sensitive video camera with an infrared filter over the lens that blocks all visible light is located behind the screen. This video camera captures a crisp silhouette for each of the shadows of the target. Image processing techniques detect the person's location as well as typical gestures, such as indicating or pointing to an area of the screen. This allows natural interaction with the display, for example, controlling a pointer or cursor on the screen by pointing at the desired area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimensioning system for determining the minimum size box necessary to enclose an object traveling on a moving conveyor. The dimensioning system is comprised of a light source which generates a scan beam that is moved by a mirrored wheel. A line scan camera whose field of view tracks the moving scan beam receives images of the scan beam and outputs a signal which is processed to compute a three dimensional box structure of the scanned object.

Abstract: A system for tracking the motion of an object relative to a moving reference frame includes a first inertial sensor mounted on the tracked object; a second inertial sensor mounted on the moving reference frame; a third inertial sensor mounted on the moving reference frame and spaced apart from the second inertial sensor; and an element coupled to said first and second and third inertial sensors and configured to determine a position of the object relative to the moving reference frame based on the signals from the first and second and third inertial sensor.

Abstract: A device for the medical treatment of the eye with laser radiation uses auxiliary radiation for determining the eye position. With the aid of the auxiliary radiation, pictures are taken by means of a solid state image camera for determining eye movements and for causing the laser treatment radiation to follow accordingly. Infrared radiation sources, which are arranged in a triangle above the eye to be treated, are used for the auxiliary radiation.

Abstract: A process for edge-machining an optical (spectacle) lens including preliminary machining of an edge of the lens rotatable in controlled manner about a rotational axis of a workpiece by a first edge-machining tool adjustable radially relative to the rotational axis of the workpiece, whereby the lens is given a circumferential contour which corresponds to the circumferential contour of a lens holder apart from a slight degree of oversizing, contactless measurement of the preliminarily machined lens edge, and finish-machining of the lens edge, taking account of the detected edge data of the preliminarily machined lens, by means of a second edge-machining tool adjustable radially relative to the rotational axis of the workpiece, whereby the lens is provided with a circumferential contour substantially complementary to the circumferential contour of the lens holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining relative positioning of first and second objects being relatively movable may include a laser source carried by the first object for generating a source laser beam toward the second object, and a target optical element carried by the second object for generating a first reflected beam and a second diverging reflected beam from the source laser beam. Furthermore, a detector may be carried by the first object for detecting the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam. A controller may also be connected to the detector for determining a range between the detector and target optical element based upon a size of the second diverging reflected beam. The controller may also determine at least one other positional degree of freedom quantity (e.g., lateral/vertical displacement, pitch angle, yaw angle, and/or roll angle) based upon the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam.

Abstract: A method is provided for the optical detection of a contrast line in which the area or spatial coordinates of the contrast line are detected, with the detection being performed by a scanner, preferably a laser scanner, which scans the contrast line in a linear manner. An apparatus is also provided for the optical detection of a contrast line having a laser diode, a deflection apparatus for the deflection of the laser beam emitted from the laser diode and having a detector for the detection of the reflected beams, with the deflection apparatus being designed movably such that the laser beam emitted from the laser diode can be shifted in parallel by an amount depending upon position of the deflection apparatus and where the spatial coordinates of the contrast line can be detected by analyzing the beams detected by the detector.

Abstract: A sensing head for providing bi-dimensional and tri-dimensional data determinative of a position and an orientation of a target object is provided. The sensing head combines both a bi-dimensional and a tri-dimensional sensors. General illumination is associated to the bi-dimensional sensor to allow the acquisition of bi-dimensional data representative of the target object. A stripe-shaped laser light output is projected and diffused on the target object and is sensed by the tri-dimensional sensor. Tri-dimensional data is thus acquired. By proper processing of the bi-dimensional and tri-dimensional data, the position and orientation of the target object may be determined without moving the sensor head and without knowing its position and orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the Z-axis position of a transfer blade on a wafer transfer robot which transfers wafers among multiple chambers in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a CCD laser displacement sensor which measures the height or Z-axis position of the transfer blade and generates an analog voltage the value of which depends on the height of the transfer blade. An analog controller connected to the CCD laser displacement sensor converts the analog voltage signal to physical distance, which may be displayed on an LCD display on the analog controller. The analog controller may further be connected to a robot controller through an interface PCB, in which case a voltage signal corresponding to an abnormal position of the transfer blade is transmitted to the robot controller and the wafer transfer operation is terminated.

Abstract: Provided is a visual displacement sensor which comprises a laser diode (112) for impinging a line beam onto an object to be measured at a prescribed angle, a two-dimensional CCD (122) for monitoring the object to be measured, on which the line beam is impinged, from a different angle, measurement object range defining means for defining one or more than one measurement object range (K11, K12) within a field of view of the two-dimensional CCD, measurement point coordinate determining means for determining one or more than one measurement point coordinate (A7) contained in the defined measurement object range according to an image captured by the two-dimensional CCD, and displacement measuring means for measuring a desired displacement according to the determined one or more than one measurement point coordinate.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam that mainly contains a first wavelength and has a first intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the first illumination light beam and a second illumination light beam mainly containing a second wavelength and a third wavelength and having a second intensity distribution on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the second illumination light beam onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength, the second intensity distribution being different from the first intensity distribution; and a depth calculation unit operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: Optical displacement sensor 10 may possess light-emitting element(s) 11 for projecting light onto distance measurement target(s) 17, and light-receiving element(s) 12 capable of receiving light reflected from distance measurement target(s) 17 and disposed such that light-receiving surface(s) 12a thereof is or are substantially perpendicular to optical axis or axes R1 of projected light. Furthermore, such optical displacement sensor(s) 10 may be equipped with slit(s) 13 capable of narrowing light beam(s) projected toward distance measurement target(s) 17, and slit(s) 14 capable of narrowing light reflected from distance measurement target(s) 17.

Abstract: A position detection device comprising a position pointer having a light reflector for reflecting light, an emitter for emitting light toward the light reflector, a light receiver for receiving light from the light reflector of the position pointer, a coordinate calculator for calculating a position coordinate of the position detecting device based on information from the light receiver. The position pointer is in the form of a pen and has a movable pen-core portion subject to displacement by the pressure on a surface of a board, a light modulator for changing characteristics of the reflection light, and a transmitter for transmitting the displacement of the pen-core portion to the light modulator. The light receiver has an up/down state detector for detecting characteristics of light changed by the light modulator and obtaining a pen-up and a pen-down information of the position pointer.

Abstract: A target assembly is provided for use with a laser alignment system. The target assembly includes three light-sensitive target cells arranged to define corners of a triangle. The light-sensitive target cells are mounted to a support plate such that the three light-sensitive target cells face substantially in the same direction, and such that one axis of each light-sensitive target cell is substantially parallel to the plane of the support plate. The support plate may further include mounting structures for mounting the target assembly to an object that must be checked or aligned. Differences between readings can be used to check misalignment about two perpendicular axes, and averages of the respective readings can be used to check position or displacement. The laser alignment system can be employed to align the parallel rotational axes of a driven and driving sheave of an industrial machine.

Abstract: An automated system includes improved height sensing. In one aspect, a on-head camera performs the dual functions of fiducial imaging and height sensing using an auxiliary off-axis light source and triangulation. In another aspect, an on-head height sensor is positioned to measure height at a location that is not beneath any nozzles. The sensor provides height information at a plurality of locations over the board, and a height map of the board is created. In yet another aspect of the invention, the above features are combined to provide an on-head camera that images fiducials and measures height at a plurality of locations such that a height map is created.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the Z-axis position of a transfer blade on a wafer transfer robot which transfers wafers among multiple chambers in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a CCD laser displacement sensor which measures the height or Z-axis position of the transfer blade and generates an analog voltage the value of which depends on the height of the transfer blade. An analog controller connected to the CCD laser displacement sensor converts the analog voltage signal to physical distance, which may be displayed on an LCD display on the analog controller. The analog controller may further be connected to a robot controller through an interface PCB, in which case a voltage signal corresponding to an abnormal position of the transfer blade is transmitted to the robot controller and the wafer transfer operation is terminated.

Abstract: A position measuring laser apparatus includes first and second laser transmitter-receivers and a position measure. The laser transmitter-receiver includes a laser beam emitter for emitting a laser beam, and a laser beam receiver for receiving a laser beam resulting from the emitted laser beam reflected from a reference reflecting mirror. An optical axis of the laser transmitter-receiver is oriented at a required angle toward a moving body. The position of the moving body with respect to the reference reflecting mirror is measured based on a beam receiving signal of the laser beam obtained by the laser transmitter-receiver. The position measure compares a drive signal for driving the laser beam emitter with a beam receiving signal generated by the laser beam receiver to measure the position of the moving body based on the beam receiving signal when the drive signal and the beam receiving signal coincide with each other.

Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring and controlling the amplitude of an ultrasonic horn comprising an ultrasonic horn, a non-contact measurement device for directly measuring an amplitude of the ultrasonic horn, and a controller for modulating the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in communication with the non-contact measurement device. In accordance with the noncontact optical detection embodiments, the non-contact measurement device is an optical system in which one of a coherent or noncoherent light beam is transmitted from a light source onto a surface of the ultrasonic horn, generating reflected light at a photodetector. The photodetector produces an output signal proportional to at least one of the intensity or the location of the light spot. Detector output is then correlated to the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn and input to a controller for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in real time.

Abstract: The detector elements are larger than an image of the spot on the array would be, but an image is not formed on the array. Instead, the beam shaping element enlarges the size of the area of illumination on the array slightly, and mixes, or homogenizes, the light. This destroys the image and the intensity variations originating at the spot on the surface that would be contained in the image. The enlargement of the area of illumination together with the homogenization allow the position of the beam on the array to be determined to a resolution of about {fraction (1/10)}th of the width of a detector element. This position is then converted to an absolute distance output which may be read by digital or analog means.

Abstract: An ellipsometer, which detects polarization of light successively reflected from a reference sample and an objective sample to study the objective sample, comprises first and second sample holder units for holding first and second samples, a beam projecting portion for projecting a beam of plane-polarized light toward the first sample, a polarizer, a turn-around prism for turning around the light beam reflected from the first sample to direct it to the second sample, an analyzer, a light detector for detecting light transmitted through the analyzer, and a sample positioning mechanism for arranging the first and second samples at appropriate positions and in appropriate orientations. The sample positioning mechanism includes one of the first and second sample holder units, which holds the objective sample, and comprises a height/inclination adjusting section for adjusting height and inclination of the objective sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording medical objects, in particular for recording models of prepared teeth, comprising a position-sensitive sensor (2), which is movable in the projection direction, with a projection unit and a receiving unit (13-15; 18-21), and with a certain triangulation angle (&agr;) located between the projection path of the rays (10) of the projection unit (13-15) and the observation path of the rays (11) of the receiving unit (18-21), and with the projection path of the rays (10) aligned parallel to the direction of movement of the sensor (2), is realized for the accurate recording action of edges and steep surfaces of the type that occur in tooth cavities with a triangulation angle (&agr;) that is smaller than 10°, preferably smaller than 5°.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining three-dimensional shape data of an object including a controller for controlling a light beam, a scanning system for scanning an object by the controlled light beam, and an image receiving system for receiving the light reflected from the object in a prescribed range. A memory stores data for correction of illumination irregularities corresponding to positions in the prescribed range that the light reflected from the object is received, and the controller refers to the stored data according to the position where the reflected light is received by the image receiving system, in order to control the light beam used by the scanning system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring a workpiece and includes a coordinate measuring apparatus or a machine tool. The invention further relates to a method for measuring the workpiece using such an apparatus. The apparatus includes a control and evaluation unit (26) and at least one measuring sensor (6) which functions independently of the control and evaluation unit and which can be displaced by a mechanism (27) of the coordinate measuring device in the three coordinate directions (x, y, z) in relation to the workpiece. The apparatus includes timers which are provided both in the measuring sensor (6) and in the control and evaluation unit (28) in order to synchronize the measuring sensor (6) and the control and evaluation unit (28). The timers function independently from each other and are adjusted to a common starting time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting three-dimensional data are provided, in which operation for obtaining incident angles is not required and accuracy of three-dimensional data can be improved. The method includes steps of irradiating a reference light beam from a first starting point A to an object by a first angle &thgr;A, irradiating a reference light beam from a second starting point B separated from the first starting point A to the object by a second angle &thgr;B, moving the first and the second starting points A, B in one direction so as to perform sub scanning of an imaginary plane VS, detecting time points TA, TB when the reference light beam reflected by the object Q passes each sampling section of the imaginary plane; and calculating the position of the object for each sampling section in accordance with positions of the first and second starting points A, B in each of the detected time points TA, TB and first and second angles &thgr;A, &thgr;B.

Abstract: A simple optical position encoder of detecting the position of a light spot generated by any light source of either light generating or light reflecting type, directly in a binary or other encoded format at very high speed, comprises a diffractive optical element including an array of diffractive cells each being formed by a unique arrangement of diffractive sub-cells and being disposed at a predetermined position with respect to a predetermined reference point on the diffractive optical element. Each cell is capable of generating a unique optical diffraction pattern when illuminated. When an image of the light spot is formed on the diffractive element, at least one cell is positioned to receive the light spot input image, generating its unique optical diffraction pattern accordingly at an output image plane, where one or more optical detectors are disposed.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam mainly having a first wavelength and a second illumination light beam mainly having a second wavelength and a third wavelength from optically different emission positions onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength; and a depth calculator operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (8) for measuring the width (b) of a gap (2) between two structural parts (3), wherein the gap (2) is delimited by edges (17) of the structural parts (3). The device comprises an illumination component (9) for illuminating the structural parts (3), a detection component (10) for detecting reflections caused by the illumination component (9) on the structural parts (3) in the area of the gap (2), and an evaluation component (19) for evaluating the detected reflections and for determining the width (b) of the gap (2). To measure the width (b) of the gap (2) in a simple, reliable, accurate, and reproducible fashion independently of the surface finish of the structural parts (3), the illumination component (9) and the detection component (10) are arranged and oriented relative to one another and relative to the gap (2) such that the detection component (9) detects line-shaped reflections at the edges (17) of the structural parts (3) delimiting the gap (2).

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: An optical reflection sensor emits light and its reflection from a target object is received. A signal processor carries out a measurement on the received reflected light such as the distance to the target object each time the reflected light is received. Repeatability of measured values is calculated and displayed on a display device incorporated into the housing of the sensor. The display device may have two display areas such that the calculated repeatability and the measured value can be displayed simultaneously. The calculated repeatability may be compared with a specified threshold value, with the result of the comparison displayed. The housing may also incorporate an input device through which a required level of accuracy may be set.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the distance to a reflective surface. A first light source transmits a first light onto the reflective surface, the first light source being located on a first side of an axis. The reflective surface reflects at least a portion of the light onto a first light-detecting device having a first region operable to receive the reflected first light from the reflective surface. The first light-detecting device transmits a first and second signals as a function of the location of the received first light within the first region. A second light source transmits a second light onto the reflective surface, the second light source being located on a second side of the axis. The reflective surface reflects at least a portion of the second light onto a second light-detecting device having a second region operable to receive the reflected second light from the reflective surface.

Abstract: Provided is a visual displacement sensor which comprises a laser diode (112) for impinging a line beam onto an object to be measured at a prescribed angle, a two-dimensional CCD (122) for monitoring the object to be measured, on which the line beam is impinged, from a different angle, measurement object range defining means for defining one or more than one measurement object range (K11, K12) within a field of view of the two-dimensional CCD, measurement point coordinate determining means for determining one or more than one measurement point coordinate (A7) contained in the defined measurement object range according to an image captured by the two-dimensional CCD, and displacement measuring means for measuring a desired displacement according to the determined one or more than one measurement point coordinate.

Abstract: A transmitter emits high-frequency modulated optical radiation which is reflected by an object and is received by a measurement receiver. Part of the transmitter radiation is decoupled as reference radiation and guided via a calibration path to a reference receiver whose electrical signals are fed to a frequency mixer. The frequency mixer and avalanche photodiodes acting as measurement receivers of the measuring radiation are interconnected directly via an electrical connection line upon which a mixer frequency acts. As a result thereof, optoelectronic calibration which completely compensates for the temperature-dependent phase shifts of the avalanche photodiodes is possible. Additionally, the phase shifts generated in the reference and receiver signals by the temperature drifts of the transmitter compensate one another. The overall accuracy of the distance measurement can be increased, particularly for short measuring times and immediately after the apparatus has been switched on.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: System for sensing at least two points on an object for determining the position and orientation of the object relative to another object. Two light emitters mounted in spaced relation to each other on an external portion of an invasive probe remaining outside an object into which an invasive tip is inserted are sequentially strobed to emit light. Three light sensors or detectors, the positions of which are known with respect to a predetermined coordinate system, detect the positions of the two light emitters positioned on the probe. A computer connected to the probe and to the light sensors receives data from the sensors and determines the position and orientation of the probe relative to the predetermined coordinate system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the object distance between an opto-electronic sensor working according to the principle of triangulation and an object,

Abstract: A three-dimensional input device including a light projecting device for projecting detection light, and an image sensing device for receiving the detection light reflected by an object and converting the received light to electrical signals. The detection light is controlled so as to scan the object periodically while changing the projection direction of the detection light, and to consecutively perform a plurality of scans at mutually different detection light projection angles in accordance with the predefined specifications at the start of operation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional input device including a light projecting device for projecting detection light, and an image sensing device for receiving the detection light reflected by an object and converting the received light to electrical signals. The detection light is controlled so as to scan the object periodically while changing the projection direction of the detection light, and to consecutively perform a plurality of scans at mutually different detection light projection angles in accordance with the predefined specifications at the start of operation.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: A sensor for optically detecting a location of an object within a field of the sensor includes first, second and third photodetectors arranged to receive photons from respective first, second and third sensing zones within the field of the sensor. The first, second and third sensing zones are adjacent to one another and the sensor includes a processing circuit that receives first, second and third signals from the respective first, second and third photodetectors. One of the first, second and third signals is indicative of photons reflected by the object within the field of the sensor and the processing circuit compares the one of the first, second and third signals to another one of the first, second and third signals and a predetermined threshold value to determine the location of the object within the field of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical device for the contactless measurement of the distance of a light source (4) comprising optical detecting means (7) consisting of elementary sensors and further comprising: a set of N imaging means (SP1, SP2, SP3), N≧3, that enable image acquisition of the light source on a plane in the proximity of the detecting means thereby forming with said means a set of hot spots, each spot spreading over at least two elementary sensors; a circuit for computing, on the basis of the relative positions of at least three hot spots, at least one characteristic parameter of the distance from the light source whereof the accuracy depends on N number of hot spots. The measuring device is characterized in that it is designed for industrial measurements (of dimensions, texture, position, vibrations, displacement).

Abstract: A distance information generator comprises an image sensor which senses an object, a distance detector which detects a first distance between a predetermined position and the object, a memory which stores position information expressing a mutual positional relationship of the predetermined position and the position of the image sensor, and a calculator which calculates a second distance between the position of the image sensor and the object based on the first distance and the position information. A display device displays a composite image which consists of a sensed image and a virtual image for an observer, wherein the composite image is created by comparing the second distance and distance information involved in the virtual image.

Abstract: A curved mirrored surface is used to collect radiation scattered by a sample surface and originating from a normal illumination beam and an oblique illumination beam. The collected radiation is focused to a detector. Scattered radiation originating from the normal and oblique illumination beams may be distinguished by employing radiation at two different wavelengths, by intentionally introducing an offset between the spots illuminated by the two beams or by switching the normal and oblique illumination beams on and off alternately. Beam position error caused by change in sample height may be corrected by detecting specular reflection of an oblique illumination beam and changing the direction of illumination in response thereto. Butterfly-shaped spatial filters may be used in conjunction with curved mirror radiation collectors to restrict detection to certain azimuthal angles.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: For providing an optical digitizer without expensive parts and for minimizing the device, a variation timing of an output of a linear image sensor in an optical unit is detected as a time data by using a comparator. A variation timing measuring circuit detects a variation timing of the output of the comparator. A pointed position of a position pointing device is detected from the output of the variation timing measuring circuit by obtaining an incident angle of light or shadow from the position pointing device to the optical unit.