Abstract: A surveying instrument (11) comprises a telescope unit having imaging optics and an array of optical detector elements, orientation sensors detecting an orientation of the telescope unit, rotation drives for rotating the telescope unit about a horizontal and a vertical axis, a controllable distance-measuring unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit comprises a memory storing instructions and calibration data for relating the location of each optical detector element to a sighting direction and a processor for: obtaining target region data; obtaining projection surface data (133) representing a projection surface (135), acquiring a set of pixel data representing a two-dimensional image of a target region, transforming the set of pixel data to a set of projected image data representing a projection of the image to the projection surface using the calibration data, and storing the projected image data as surveying data.

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 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, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating distance in an assembly operation. The method comprises the steps of providing an assembly comprising a first part, a second part and driver means coupled to the first part. The driver means are arranged to selectively move the first part relative to the second part. The method also includes actuating the driver means to selectively move the first part between a first known position and a second position and registering speed and/or acceleration data of the driver means between the first known position and the second position. The time interval for the first part to move between the first known position and the second position is measured. The distance moved by the first part between the first known position and the second position using the measured time interval and the data registered from the driver means can then be calculated.

Abstract: A cable length detection apparatus is provided to detect the length of a cable having at least three pairs of wires for transmitting video signals. The cable length detection apparatus has a signal compressing circuit, a signal converting circuit and a length calculating circuit. The signal compressing circuit compresses an electrical signal into one pair of wires. The signal converting circuit converts the electrical signal transmitted by the pair of wires into a value. The length calculating circuit then calculates the length of the cable according to the value.

Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion, a transceiver spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave. The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.

Abstract: In a positional information detecting device, a tone-burst signal propagating unit causes a tone-burst signal to propagate through a path. The tone-burst signal is composed of a continuous wave train, the continuous wave train including a plurality of cycles of a constant frequency. A detecting unit detects, at a predetermined position in the path, the tone-burst signal propagating through the path every one cycle of the tone-burst signal to measure a propagation delay time based on the detected signal. The propagation delay time represents a period for which the tone-burst signal has propagated through the path. A phase obtaining unit obtains a phase of the detected signal. A positional information obtaining unit obtains positional information associated with the predetermined position based on the measured propagation delay time and the obtained phase of the detected signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a critical dimension (CD) are provided. Image data of a measurement pattern are generated. The measurement pattern may include a first surface and a second surface facing each other. The image data may include a first side and a second side corresponding to the first surface and the second surface of the measurement pattern, respectively. The image data may be edited to increase an overlap length of the first and second sides. A measurement window crossing the first and second sides in the edited image data is set. A distance between the first and second sides in the measurement window is measured.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for determining a descriptor, comprising calculating a maximum distance for a plurality of points in a sector between each of said plurality of points and an origin; calculating a minimal distance from one of said plurality of points and a target line, wherein said maximum distance is an initial value; computing a plurality of Fourier coefficients from said minimal distances; and defining an invariant descriptor from said Fourier coefficients, and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: As an embodiment of the present invention, in a navigation system using an acceleration sensor, when position information cannot be obtained from a GPS processing section, a velocity detecting unit performs an operation using detected acceleration ?G, a measurement time mt, a velocity V0 at a time t0, gravity acceleration g and an amount of height change Dh, according to Expression (11). By using the relationship among a gravity acceleration component gf, the gravity acceleration g, the amount of height change Dh and distance Dm shown in Expression (4), the gravity acceleration component gf can be offset by the amount of height change Dh. Therefore, velocity V can be calculated with high accuracy without receiving the effect of the gravity acceleration component gf.

Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance value d in a scene from an output of a four-tap 3D imager sensor is disclosed wherein said distance value d is determined based on the charge accumulated in a pixel of said imager sensor during a predetermined integration time Tintg. According to the invention said 5 predetermined integration time Tintg is subdivided into a number of partial integration intervals (T1, T2, T3, T4) and said distance value d is calculated based on the individual tap responses of the four taps at the end of each of said partial integration intervals (T1, T2, T3, T4).

Abstract: A system and method for readily generating radial clearance data for a radial clearance between locations on at least two parts in a rotating machine includes rendering an image of a cross section view of at least a portion of the machine on a display. The locations on the two parts are identified on the rendered cross section, and a radial stack path between the identified locations is automatically determined. The radial clearance between the identified locations when the machine is not operating is determined, based at least in part on the determined radial stack path. Data generated by a deflection analysis model of the machine are used to determine radial deflections of the identified locations during machine operation at one or more machine operating conditions. Data representative of the radial clearance between the identified locations during the machine operation at the one or more machine operating conditions are generated.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising: in a sensor node network comprising a plurality of sensor nodes, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having location coordinates that are initially unknown, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having neighbors, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes capable of determining distances only to that sensor node's neighbors: for each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes, communicating with that sensor node's neighbors; and based only on communications between neighbors, in a fully distributed manner, generating a sensor node network layout that indicates the location coordinates of each sensor node.

Abstract: A fiber measurement system for precision measurement of individual fiber properties, including length and fiber length distribution is provided. The fiber measurement system includes a fiber introduction system configured to introduce a plurality of individualized fibers. A fiber guidance enclosure is configured to receive the fibers from the fiber introduction system. The fiber guidance enclosure has an enclosed pathway and a viewing area. The viewing area has a height that limits mobility of the fibers in a Z-direction and the viewing area has a width that is wider than the enclosed pathway. A sensing system is provided for detecting the presence of the fibers within the fiber guidance enclosure. An imaging system is positioned proximal the viewing area of the fiber guidance enclosure to capture an image of the individualized fiber as the fibers pass through the viewing area. A controller is provided for analyzing the image data to determine at least one property of the fibers.

Abstract: A mechanism detects cable length in a storage subsystem with wide ports. The mechanism uses in-situ bidirectional cable wrapping for determining different cable lengths. The mechanism under-margins transmitter output to failure for each external port and even for each PHY within a wide port. Based on the transition point from “good” wrap to “bad” wrap, the cable length may be determined. The transition point identifies if the cable is long or short, at which point the optimum tuning parameters can accordingly be set. A calibration mechanism calibrates the high speed transmitter/receiver pair characteristics, and, thus, optimizes the transmission performance between subsystems. The calibration mechanism mitigates the need for frequent error correction and does not incur the performance degradation associated with error correction techniques.

Abstract: A method of increasing control precision of a path of a product in a leveling machine including: a fixed support cage; two leveling assemblies with parallel rollers, which are placed above and below the strip respectively; devices necessary to adjust the interlocking of the rollers; a mechanism for measuring leveling forces at least of two sides of the machine; and a theoretical pre-setting model. The method directly measures at least one value for the spacing of the leveling rollers, which is compared to reference values, and uses the members for adjusting the position of the leveling rollers to maintain the measured values equal to the reference values. The method is particularly suitable for machines used to level flat metal products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more targets in measuring surfaces. Each of the one or more targets may comprise a first portion adapted to reflect a laser beam towards a laser tracking device, and a second portion adapted to reflect a light beam towards a photogrammetry device. Simultaneous photogrammetry and laser tracking measurements may be taken utilizing the one or more targets.

Abstract: A scrolling electronic whiteboard is provided, including a thin-film antenna board, at least an electromagnetic signal transmitter, a main control board, and a scrolling mechanism cassette. The scrolling mechanism cassette is for providing the housing of the thin-film antenna board to scroll and extend by pulling. The thin-film antenna board can be entirely scrolled and housed inside the scrolling mechanism cassette. The electromagnetic signal transmitter includes a resonant circuit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal of specific frequency to determine the length of the thin-film antenna board being pulled outside of the scrolling mechanism cassette. The main control board is for receiving the antenna loop signals of thin-film antenna board, and the electromagnetic signals of each electromagnetic signal transmitters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optical measurement of an OPC structure (306), having a pre-determined structure (302) on a photo-mask, in order to determine a measurement of the structure in at least one direction, whereby, firstly, a region (300) is determined on the photo-mask, which comprises the OPC structure (306) to be measured. The intensity of the determined region (300) is then scanned in a first direction and the region in which the intensity passes a threshold is determined for each scan. The maximum separation between an edge (308) of the structure (302) and an edge (312) of the corresponding OPC structure (306) is determined, based on the difference of the determined regions.

Abstract: Without using an interferometer, small displacement and/or three-dimensional shape of an object is detected in a noncontact way with high accuracy using pseudo-phase information calculated from e.g., a speckle pattern having a spatially random structure. A speckle image of the test object of the before displacement is obtained, and a spatial frequency spectrum is calculated by executing an N-dimensional Fourier transform for this. The complex analytic signal is obtained by setting the amplitude of frequency spectrum in the half plane including zero frequency in this amplitude distribution to zero, and executing the frequency spectrum amplitude in the half plane of the remainder in the inverse Fourier transform. And then, the amplitude value of this complex analytic signal is replaced with the constant value, a part of the obtained analytic signal domain is clipped, the phase information is calculated by the phase-only correlation function, and the cross-correlation peak in N-dimension is obtained.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a feature of a part is provided. The method includes obtaining a profile corresponding to the feature using a sensor and projecting the profile onto a compensation plane normal to the feature for generating an updated profile. The method also includes using the updated profile for reducing a measurement error caused by an orientation of the sensor. An inspection system is also provided. The inspection system includes a sensor configured to capture a fringe image of a feature on a part. The inspection system further includes a processor configured to process the fringe image to obtain an initial profile of the feature and to project the initial profile onto a compensation plane normal to the feature.

Abstract: A method of producing aerial photograph data is provided which is capable of positively utilizing stored photograph data and an image of a desired object included in a photographed image. The method includes a step of determining a distance between a position of a virtual photographic principal point (virtual photographic principal point position) obtained by the use of spatial position information of a target point and spatial direction of a view vector and a position of an actual photographic principal point (actual photographic principal point position) of each of a plurality of aerial photographs to automatically select a specific aerial photograph, and a step of extracting, from the specific aerial photograph, a selected image having the target point arranged at a predetermined position therein.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance between a first piece and a second piece includes measuring, at the first or second piece, a first signal at a first frequency, and measuring, at the first or second piece, a second signal at a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. The distance is determined based on the measured first and second signals.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing capturing and rendering geometric details for mesostructure surfaces is described herein. A mesostructure distance function is defined as a function of a given reference point and a given viewing direction. A distance from a reference point to a mesostructure surface point along a viewing direction is measured using the mesostructure distance function. This distance is used to determine the visibility of mesostructure surface for rendering silhouettes. The lighting visibility of the mesostructure surface point may also be determined and used for determining whether the mesostructure surface point is in shadow. This determination may then be used for rendering shadow silhouettes.

Abstract: A system obtains a plurality of locations respectively associated with a plurality of mobile devices that are in communication with the stationary access device. For each of the plurality of mobile devices, the system obtains a relative distance metric associated with that mobile device. Based on the plurality of locations and the relative distance metric, the computes a relative location of the stationary access device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating measurement of the distance between edges graphically shown on a display device according to graphic data. The method includes setting a ruler including a first end point and a second end point on the edges, calculating the distance between the first end point and the second end point, moving the ruler on the display device in response to an input of a coordinate, and calculating the distance between the first end point and the second end point for the moved ruler.

Abstract: A combined range and tag finder for determining distances to objects in an environment is described. Such a combined range and tag finder includes a system for determining distances to objects on a golf course and for finding golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls. In the case of one exemplary integrated device, the device has at least two receivers, one to receive an RFID signal from the golf ball, another to receive a signal for positioning of the device location. At least one processor is coupled to both the receivers and can determine at least a direction and/or distance of the device from an object on the golf course. Other embodiments of a combined range and tag finder are also described.

Abstract: A micropattern measuring method disclosed herein includes acquiring an image of a micropattern including plural layers; extracting a rough outline of the micropattern in the image as a sequence of points including plural points; dividing the plural points composing the sequence of points into groups; making each of the groups as each of patterns belong to any of the plural layers; and acquiring edge coordinates of a pattern to be measured from the patterns which are made to belong to the respective layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improving of ski jump safety comprises a first detector for detecting a skier entering a jump site, wherein the first detector produces a first signal, a second detector for detecting the skier exiting the jump site, wherein the second detector produces a second signal, a processor for processing the first signal and the second signal, wherein the processor produces a message signal, and a communicator for communicating the message signal to a next skier. Also, an apparatus and method for the improving of ski jump safety comprises an exit detector for detecting a skier exiting a jump site, wherein said exit detector produces an exit signal, and a signaller for signalling said exit signal to a next skier.

Abstract: A rotational positioning system is disclosed. The rotational position system includes a housing, a body rotatable with respect to the housing, and a target eccentrically mounted on the body. A first sensor is mounted on the housing. The first sensor is adapted to transmit a first signal based on a distance of the target relative to the first sensor. The first signal varies according to a rotational position of the body with respect to the housing. A processor is electrically coupled to the first sensor and is adapted to read the first signal from the first sensor. A method of determining a rotational position of a body relative to a fixed point is also disclosed.

Abstract: Foot measurement and footwear manufacture systems and methods. A three-dimensional foot frame of a foot and pressure data corresponding to a bottom of the foot are measured, and a first and a second group of characteristic points are respectively determined accordingly. A preset foot skeleton template model is adjusted according to the second group of characteristic points, and merged into the three-dimensional foot frame according to the first group of characteristic points and protrusion points of the adjusted foot skeleton template model. The protrusion points and/or joint points of the adjusted foot skeleton template model are connected to generate at least one line and at least one plane, intersecting the three-dimensional foot frame at contact points and contact planes, respectively. The foot frame size is determined according to the distance between the contact points and the girth of the contact planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for estimating the touchdown point of the wheels of an aircraft on a landing runway and the distance to be traveled by the aircraft on the runway from the touchdown point to reach a controlled speed below which it can perform any maneuver on the ground. The method comprises an in-flight step of estimating a height and a speed of passage above the threshold of the runway. It also comprises an in-flight step of estimating the touchdown point of the wheels of the aircraft on the landing runway and the distance to be traveled to reach the controlled speed, on the basis of the estimation of the height and the speed of passage above the threshold of the runway. It also comprises a step while going on the runway of estimating the distance to be traveled from the real touchdown point to reach the controlled speed, taking account of the braking forces provided by the brakes, the airbrakes and the thrust reversers.

Abstract: A system for measuring the wheelbase of a railcar that includes a track having a first rail positioned parallel to second rail. An alternating electrical circuit having a feed point is located on the first rail at which an electrical alternating current is introduced to the first rail. A shunt extends from the first rail to the second rail and a receiver positioned on the second rail detects an impedance in the circuit and transmits a signal indicative of the impedance detected. A controller receives a signal from the receiver, and accesses a database having data representative of a plurality of impedance values. Each impedance value is associated with a distance an axle of a railcar is spaced from the receiver or feed point after having passed the shunt, which data is used to calculate a wheelbase of the railcar.

Abstract: It is intended to accurately calculate the distance between a movable body and a subject on the basis of various quantities of state, such as the azimuth angle between the movable body and the subject, velocity, and yaw rate. A calculation device includes a unit for calculating the azimuth angle between movable body and a subject, a unit for calculating the distance traveled by the movable body between two points of time, a unit for calculating a change in angle in the direction of movement, and a unit for calculating the linear distance from the movable body to the subject by using the unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for absolute measurement of a print repeat length and/or at least one package length of a moving packaging web (1) in line with a printing machine. Normally the print repeat length and one package length are measured and analysed simultaneously. The measurements are made by means of a number of CCD-cameras (2, 3, 4) connected to a computer (6) by means of a frame grabber (7).

Abstract: An incremental encoding and decoding apparatus and method are provided. The incremental encoding and decoding apparatus comprises current converters, which respectively receive the pair of analog signals and convert the received analog signals into current signals each having a predetermined magnitude and phase; and frequency multipliers, which respectively convert the current signals into voltage signals each having an increased frequency compared to the frequencies of the current signals.

Abstract: An information classifying device calculates, for a plurality of populations containing pieces of sample information, evaluation distance between a center of gravity of the pieces of sample information belonging to each population and a piece of sample information as an object of classification (object sample), calculates statistical information such as mean, variance and standard deviation of the evaluation distance for each population, evaluates the evaluation distance of the sample information to the population based on the evaluation distance and the statistical information and evaluates degree of assignment relevancy of the object sample to the population, determines to which population the object sample is to be assigned in accordance with the degree of assignment relevancy, and assigns the object sample to the population. Evaluation distance between the center of gravity of each updated population and the object sample belonging to each population is calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the position (x, y) of at least one point of reflection (R1-2) on an obstacle. According to traditional methods of this kind a first distance (r1) between the point of reflection (R1-2) and a first position (x1) of a distance measuring device is calculated by evaluating a time period between the emission of a transmission signal and reception of a reflection signal. In order to state the unsharp position of the point of reflection thereby obtained even more precisely, in addition to the first distance (r1), a second distance (r2) of the point of reflection is calculated with respect to a second position (x2) of the distance measuring device in analogy to the calculation of the first distance (r1) and then a defined position (x, y) is calculated from the pair of variates (x1, r1) (x2, r2) so obtained using the triangulation method.

Abstract: A method of producing aerial photograph data is provided which is capable of positively utilizing stored photograph data and an image of a desired object included in a photographed image. The method includes a step of determining a distance between a position of a virtual photographic principal point (virtual photographic principal point position) obtained by the use of spatial position information of a target point and spatial direction of a view vector and a position of an actual photographic principal point (actual photographic principal point position) of each of a plurality of aerial photographs to automatically select a specific aerial photograph, and a step of extracting, from the specific aerial photograph, a selected image having the target point arranged at a predetermined position therein.

Abstract: A clearance measurement system is provided. The clearance measurement system includes a reference geometry disposed on a first object having an otherwise continuous surface geometry and a sensor disposed on a second object, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a first signal representative of a first sensed parameter from the first object and a second signal representative of a second sensed parameter from the reference geometry. The clearance measurement system also includes a processing unit configured to process the first and second signals to estimate a clearance between the first and second objects based upon a measurement difference between the first and second sensed parameters.

Abstract: In a method for operating a positional measurement device and a corresponding positional measurement device, the device includes a signal generation unit configured to generate positional data and is connected to sequential or follower electronics by a communication unit. Data is transmitted between the signal generation unit and the communication unit via an internal interface unit, whereas measurement-data request instructions, which are transmitted by the sequential or follower electronics to the positional measurement device, are transmitted to the signal generation unit by bypassing the internal interface unit.

Abstract: At least one self-powered light source is mounted on the tail rod of a BOP to provide an indication of the position of the ram of the BOP. The light source moves back and forth with the ram actuating piston of the BOP. Opposite the light source is a light-receiving lens. The lens is coupled by optical fiber to a optical to electrical converter. As the BOP is actuated, the tail rod moves, thereby moving the light source to a position adjacent a different lens. The lens which is now positioned adjacent the light source sends a light signal to its respective converter, thereby indicating the position of the tail rod and thus to ram of the BOP.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are described which are used to identify a geo-referenced object. In one embodiment, a position determining component is used to determine the geographic position of a handheld electronic device. An azimuth determination component determines an azimuth from the handheld electronic device to an object. An incline measurement device measures the vertical angle between the handheld electronic device and the object. Finally, based upon the based upon the geographic position, azimuth, and vertical angle of the handheld electronic device a database is automatically accessed wherein a description of the object is stored.

Abstract: A method for locating at least one object in a restricted environment is disclosed. The method involves determining a measuring position with a navigation package, measuring a range between the at least one object and the measuring position, and establishing a location of the at least one object based upon the measuring position and the measured range.

Abstract: A feature of a workpiece can be identified. Two-dimensional data of at least a region of a workpiece and three-dimensional data of a portion of the region of the workpiece are acquired, such as by illuminating at least the region with at least a first light source disposed at a first angle of incidence relative to a plane of the region and illuminating the portion with a second light source, such as at least one laser, disposed at a second angle of incidence greater than the first angle of incidence. An estimated location of an attribute of a feature of the workpiece is determined from the three-dimensional data, and the feature is identified by analyzing the two-dimensional data in an area surrounding the estimated location of the attribute. Attributes of features can include without limitation a point along a line of an edge.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for utilizing a portable electronic device to monitor, process, present and manage data captured by a remote sensor are disclosed. The portable electronic device offers a convenient user interface that can be visual and/or audio based customized to a particular application, user-friendly and/or dynamic. The portable electronic device can pertain to a portable media player and thus also provide media playback.

Abstract: This invention allows personnel located on two different structures, such as two ships, to continually monitor the separation distance between the two structures, with all of the necessary equipment being located on only one of the structures. This is accomplished using a laser range finder, or other range sensor, to continually measure separation distance and send it electronically to various displays. The displays are positioned and sized such that all involved personnel can view the continually updating separation distances. The invention incorporates displays large enough to be viewed ship-to-ship in direct sunlight, in addition to smaller displays. The displays are dimmable or backlit for night viewing and include a safety feature that turns them off when communication is lost with any range sensor. A strobe on the display helps personnel find where the display has been positioned, such as on a ships gunwale or hand railing.

Abstract: Counting circuits applied to distance estimation for ultra wideband (UWB) application, in which a first counting unit generates a sequence of pseudo-random number series not including zero, a first recoding unit records a first series and a second series from the sequence according to a first signal and a second signal, and a transfer unit generates a binary counting value according to the first series and second series from the recording unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining properties of a negative sequence component of a space vector quantity in an electrical network. The method according to the invention includes the steps of determining on the basis of the properties of an ellipse formed by a space vector of the space vector quantity in the electrical network the magnitude of the negative sequence component of the space vector quantity in the electrical network and the location of the negative sequence component of the space vector quantity in the electrical network in relation to a positive sequence component.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising: in a sensor node network comprising a plurality of sensor nodes, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having location coordinates that are initially unknown, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having neighbors, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes capable of determining distances only to that sensor node's neighbors: for each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes, communicating with that sensor node's neighbors; and based only on communications between neighbors, in a fully distributed manner, generating a sensor node network layout that indicates the location coordinates of each sensor node.