Abstract: A system and method for improving a position accuracy of a mobile robot is disclosed. A retroreflective device is mounted to the mobile robot and used by an absolute positioning device to use a laser beam to track a position of the mobile robot. The mobile robot receives position measurements. Various optimizations may be performed to support operating the mobile robot over a 360 degree range of azimuthal headings.

Abstract: A device for mixed reality includes a base, a curved mirror, a first holder, and a second holder. The curved mirror has a concave surface, a convex surface opposite to the concave surface, and a light transmissive medium between the concave surface and the convex surface. The first holder is disposed on the base, disposed in front of the concave surface and within a focal length of the curved mirror, and configured to support a portable apparatus to be oriented at an angle. The second holder is disposed on the base and supports the curved mirror to face the portable apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle dual traffic reflector device for detecting a second vehicle by a first vehicle includes an outer array having a plurality of colored light receiving-light transmitting lens, positioned in an arcuate arrangement having at least one focal point and the outer array having at least two caution-colored lenses; and an inner array positioned inside the outer array and between it and a focal point of the at least one focal point of side outer array, the inner array positioned to receive light passing into the device through at least one lens and reflecting the light out of the device through at least one different lens. Information and communication symbols are included on one or more lenses and may be reflected to a receiving vehicle to add site-specific information.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle dual traffic reflector device for detecting a second vehicle by a first vehicle, includes an outer array, the outer array having a plurality of colored light receiving-light transmitting lens, the outer array positioned in an arcuate arrangement having at least one focal point and the outer array having at least two caution-colored lenses; and an inner array positioned inside the outer array and between the outer array and a focal point of the at least one focal point of side outer array, the inner array positioned to receive light passing into the device through at least one lens and reflecting the light out of the device through at least one different lens. Information and communication symbols are included on one or more lenses and may be reflected to a receiving vehicle to add site-specific information. A system to guide such vehicles is also included.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle dual traffic reflector device for detecting a second vehicle by a first vehicle, includes an outer array, said outer array having a plurality of colored light receiving-light transmitting lens, said outer array positioned in an arcuate arrangement having at least one focal point and said outer array having at least two caution-colored lenses; and an inner array positioned inside said outer array and between said outer array and a focal point of said at least one focal point of side outer array, said inner array positioned to receive light passing into said device through at least one lens and reflecting said light out of said device through at least one different lens. A system to guide such vehicles is also included.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to prepare a substrate for photolithography. The method includes forming an underlayer over a surface of the substrate; depositing an interface hardmask layer on the underlayer using one of a vapor phase deposition process or an atomic layer deposition process; and forming a layer of extreme UV (EUV) resist on the interface hardmask layer, where the interface hardmask layer is comprised of material having a composition and properties tuned to achieve a certain secondary electron yield from the interface hardmask layer. Also disclosed is a structure configured for photolithography. The structure includes a substrate; an underlayer over a surface of the substrate; an interface hardmask layer disposed on the underlayer; and a layer of EUV resist disposed on the interface hardmask layer. The interface hardmask layer contains material having a composition and properties tuned to achieve a certain secondary electron yield from the interface hardmask layer.

Abstract: A scanner camera is presented with a controller that selectively illuminates white and/or colored light sources, during each particular color illumination of an object being imaged, the camera captures a monochrome image of that particular color illuminated object. One or more of the images are processed by the controller to obtain information about the object being imaged.

Abstract: A two-sided reflector for the reflection of a diffraction-limited optical beam bundle is embodied such that a planar first and second reflection element such as, for example, a reflection film and a cat's eye reflector are arranged with respect to a reference axis of the reflector in such a way that an absolute addition constant of zero results from the targeted choice of the properties of the first and second reflection element and the arrangement thereof with respect to the reference axis for a distance measurement. The distance measurement therefore essentially corresponds to a distance measurement on a natural surface. The distance measurement can therefore be referred directly to the reference axis without additional correction.

Abstract: A driver vision field extender uses flexible vinyl Fresnel-type prism lens material with substantially parallel horizontal straight linearly extending prism lines. The parallel lines permit wide side by side views without substantial distortion. As the driver vision field extender is intended to be positioned contiguously along the windshield, the driver vision field extender after installation preferably exhibits a concave shape acting to focus the light defining and delineating overhead objects towards front-seated passengers such as the driver.

Abstract: A system may include a spherical retroreflector that reflects incident light back in substantially the same direction as a light source; and a surface of the spherical retroreflector including a light modulator that modulates incident light from the light source in response to a stimulus and reflects a modulated light, wherein the light modulator is a variably reflecting backing of the spherical retroreflector.

Abstract: Presented is a low-power retro-reflective communication system that reflects modulated light back in substantially the same direction as the light source using a retro-reflector. The light modulator in the retro-reflector modulates the light in response to a stimulus, such as an electrical communications stimulus or an environmental stimulus. In embodiments, the retro-reflector is a corner-cube retro-reflector and the modulator is one of the reflecting surfaces, or a spherical retro-reflector and the light modulator is a variably reflecting backing.

Abstract: The Signal Device for Positioning a Vehicle, according to the present invention relates to utilizing the peripheral vision of a driver of a vehicle in assessing the proper position of a vehicle relative to a confined parking space. The device is comprised of at least two surfaces, the first obscuring the second until the vehicle has attained the desired position within the parking space. Upon attaining this position, the second surface will come within the operator's field of vision thus notifying the operator to stop the vehicle. Alternately, the operator will stop the vehicle when the second surface obscures the first surface. Additionally, this invention includes a method for parking a vehicle in a confined parking space. Finally, this invention describes a method of distributing advertising and/or solicitation through mass mailing techniques, such advertising accompanying the signal device.

Abstract: An optical reflector, in particular for construction or geodetic surveying, has a reflective body (1) and a receptacle housing (3) for holding the reflective body (1). The reflective body (1) comprising transparent material has a transmission surface (5) and at least one unmetallized reflection surface (2). The receptacle housing (3) and the reflective body (1) held therein form a cavity. This is sealed water-tight from the environment of the reflector, for protecting the reflection surface (2). A means for exchanging gas (4) is provided in the receptacle housing (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for supplying information to pilots, especially in poor visibility, about, for instance, the borders of a runway (1). Along the long sides of the runway and at its beginning and end, signal means (2, 5) are arranged, which are translucent to e.g. UV radiation and which comprise a fluorescent material which converts the radiation penetrated by illumination into visible light. In the daytime, the UV radiation originates from sunlight. The converted light will then reinforce the usual light from the signal means, which originates from the sun's illumination thereof with visible light. As a result, It will be much easier to observe the signal means especially against the light. It is further suggested according to the invention that at night the signal means are illuminated by UV searchlights (34, 35).

Abstract: A retroreflector is provided with a substrate over which a moveable micromirror is formed. The moveable micromirror is adapted to be tilted into at least two distinct positions. A multimirror stack is also positioned on the substrate. The multimirror stack includes multiple fixed structures bonded together. Each of the fixed structures has a reflective surface, and the multimirror stack is configured with respect to the moveable micromirror to provide retroreflection paths. An optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate is subjected to retroreflection for at least two distinct positions of the moveable micromirror. Each retroreflection includes a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off one of the fixed structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to an aircraft approach and landing system using passive retroreflective panels strategically placed along both sides of a landing strip or runway. The retroreflective panels comprise pairs of color-coded orange panel markers indicating the touchdown zone and singly, the remainder of the landing strip. The array of reflective elements are placed adjacent to the runway path so that the array produces a left/right reflected beam envelope within which an aircraft may be centered in order to maintain a desired landing vector. Upon installation of the reflector panel elements, each panel can be tilted with respect to the runway surface at an angle corresponding to the glide slope to produce a visual reflective beam aligned to the desired glide slope angle.

Abstract: An improved, “fail-safe” safety device comprising, in combination, a backlighted fluorescent film and a retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: A self-contained lighted marking device that is a directionally dependent line light source has a substantially transparent housing. The housing has a narrow cross-section, preferably rectangular in shape. A thin, flexible film having a smooth surface on one side and a plurality of linear substantially right angled isosceles prisms on the other side is located along the periphery of the interior of the housing. A light source, preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes, are located at at least one end of the housing.

Abstract: Dual axis retroreflective articles and methods of using them are disclosed. The retroreflective articles may combine dual axis retroreflection with three axis retroreflection to provide a steady glow due to the three axis retroreflective portions of the article and also provide intermittent or flashing retroreflection as the plane of retroreflection from the dual axis retroreflector passes through or near the light source. The retroreflective articles may also include dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with sparkling reflective structures, as well as dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with both three axis retroreflective structures and sparkling reflective structures. Methods of use include moving the dual axis retroreflective structures to obtain intermittent or flashing retroreflection.

Abstract: An added light display for alerting traffic passing left and right of a moving or parked van consisting of a light-reflecting strip advantageously positioned in a gap about the window which serves as a weather barrier compartment protecting the strip against deterioration due to weather elements and ultraviolet light impingement and permits it to provide a rectangular light display.

Abstract: This relates to a system for and method of illuminating a sign, so that drivers and observers may easily recognize and read the sign and billboard. The apparatus employs an external illumination source that is easy to inspect and maintain. The illumination source and the sign or billboard are separately installed from each other. Light emitted from the illumination source forms an incident angle (.theta.) in the range of 0.degree. to about 30.degree. at any point on the road sign. A road sign area of the sign is made of a retroreflective sheet having a wide observation angle.

Abstract: A mounting equipment for mounting an object on a mount base component having a hollow portion of approximately circular cross section, which is less susceptible to damage and requires smaller number of parts, includes a expandable nut, a shaft portion to be engaged with the object, and a nut and a screw for drawing the expandable nut and shaft portion close to each other. When the screw is turned with the equipment inserted to the inside of the cylindrical component, the expandable nut and the shaft portion are drawn close to each other, and the shaft portion is inserted to expandable nut so that expandable nut is expanded outward. Thus, part of the expandable nut is brought into pressure contact with an inner wall of the cylindrical component, and hence object is mounted onto the cylindrical component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for producing a signaling device which uses sunlight or moonlight to signal a target by retroreflecting light through a window provided on the light reflective material of a mirror. A specular light reflective material with an opening coincident with the first opening is provided on the light reflective side of the mirror to aid in alignment of the mirror with the target.

Abstract: A cube-corner retroreflector for laser telemetry corrects speed aberration .delta. and has three substantially orthogonal mirror surfaces defining three substantially orthogonal edges converging at an apex. Each edge is associated with the surface substantially orthogonal to it. The shape of each surface is at least approximately that of a portion of a cone whose axis is coincident with the associated edge. The generatrices of this portion of a cone have a non-null average generatrix slope relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the portion. The average .alpha..sub.0 of the average slopes of the surfaces at least approximately satisfies the equation:.alpha..sub.0 .about.0.2.delta./kwhere k is a predetermined parameter dependent on the number, the geometry and the refractive index or indices or the media constituting the interior volume of the retroreflector.

Abstract: A signal mirror includes an irradiation device for reflecting incident light by a same reflection function as a plane mirror and irradiating reflected light to an irradiation target; and an optical axis finding device including a sheet having at least a surface on an irradiation device side as a retroreflection face, for reflecting incident light incident on the sheet from the irradiation device side in an opposite direction to the irradiation target using retroreflection and reflection by the irradiation device, thereby ensuring finding of an optical axis of reflected light irradiated on the irradiation target by the irradiation device. The reflected light can be irradiated on the irradiation target by the irradiation device while the optical axis of the reflected light is found by the optical axis finding device.

Abstract: An optical device having a transparent body and including two prism surfaces formed thereon. The composite structure exhibits two axis stability in that the angular relationship between the input beam and the output beam remains fixed for slight movement of the device about two orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is provided having a front face member attached to a back member. The face member has a plurality of cube corners disposed along its back surface. The sign can be of any shape or color and provides superior light reflection at night as compared to conventional signs. Thus, the sign can be easily seen while driving at night. In an alternative embodiment, the cube corners are disposed along the inner surface of the back member. The front face member or the entire sign can be coated with a silicone material to provide added protection to the sign from scratching and vandalism.

Abstract: A remote area landing system combines retro reflective markers with a lighting system. The markers reflect light from a landing aircraft or helicopter. The preferred marker is aluminum with a polycarbonate cover layer. The lights are solar powered and are radio controlled from the aircraft.

Abstract: An optical device for aligning an instrument so that active zones in the instrument are the same distance from the plane of a remote object comprising a lens attached to the instrument, the lens having a curved outer surface and a mirrored back surface. When the active zones in the instrument are aligned parallel to the plane of the remote object and the remote object is illuminated, the proper alignment is indicated by light emanating from the object being focused on a preselected spot.

Abstract: A highway sign includes a reflective back surface and a biased lenticular lens front surface for reflecting light back in the direction of the original light source. The reflective back surface preferably comprises a plurality of corner cubic reflectors arranged in a regular matrix. The biased lenticular lens front surface comprises arcuate surfaces, or flat surfaces having arcuate indentations, separated by relatively flat surfaces which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the reflective surface and which form a saw-toothed pattern when seen in profile. Printing can be applied to the lens surface to form traffic control messages or indicia. The biased lenticular front surface diffuses the oncoming light, thus providing a uniform reflective surface. The reflective surface and biased lenticular lens system can be formed from a single integrated sheet of polycarbonate plastic or similar material.

Abstract: A retroreflective material providing a visual coloration includes a body member with microprisms on its rear surface. Some of the microprisms have a retroreflective interface and the remainder have a colored non-reflective coating thereon. As a result, light rays entering the front face which impinge upon the prisms with the retroreflective interface are redirected so that they exit the material in a parallel path. Light rays which travel to the color coated prisms are refracted from those prisms and impart a visual coloration to the material in daylight and ambient light.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for traffic signal devices. The optical system includes an illuminating source for emitting light; a prismatic reflector for receiving and reflecting the emitted light; and a lens for receiving and for redirecting the reflected emitted light. The illuminating source and the reflector are aligned along a first axis that is vertically inclined relative to a central horizontal axis of the traffic signal device in a range between approximately 2 degrees and 4 degrees. The reflector has a substantially parabolic contour and has a plurality of substantially vertical critical angle prisms formed on an outside surface of the reflector. The prism have included angles of greater than 90 degrees but less than or equal to 95 degrees, or included angles of greater than or equal to 85 degrees but less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A base adapted to be mounted on a vehicle supports a light source for generating a rotating light beam. A dome-shaped lens is positioned on the base over the light source to form an enclosure for the light source. A coating may be located on the top of the lens to prevent light passing therethrough and into the passenger compartment. Multiple flashes are created by a reflector positioned adjacent the rear portion of the lens to reflect the rotating beam as a plurality of discrete flashes within a sector relative to the base. A filter generally having a contour of the front portion of the lens may be mounted thereon. The multiple flashes may be of different colors depending on the range of wavelength of light transmitted by the lens and filter and reflected by the reflector. A person viewing the light sees at least four discrete flashes of light which may be of varying colors.