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

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining a distance to a desired target via correlating a pulse modulated signal with its corresponding reflected signal, while compensating for noise error in the reflected signal to allow for a more precise distance determination. Further details and features are described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating the distance between a start point and a true endpoint in which at least two functions of differing resolutions are used. The method includes measuring a coarse distance between the start point and an intermediate point using the lower resolution function, the intermediate point comprising a point which is substantially within one unit of the higher resolution function away from the true endpoint. Next, a vernier distance is measured from the intermediate point to a vernier endpoint using the higher resolution function, the vernier endpoint being within a narrow, vernier error window of the true endpoint. Subsequently, the coarse and vernier distances are summed to obtain the estimated distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a distance between a reference surface and a surface to be measured, including a wavelength reference element configured to include a gas cell in which a plurality of types of gases having absorption lines different from each other are sealed, and a processing unit configured to set a wavelength of light emitted by a light source to a plurality of different wavelengths corresponding to a plurality of different absorption lines by using the wavelength reference element, control a phase detection unit to detect a phase corresponding to an optical path length between the reference surface and the surface to be measured for each of the plurality of different wavelengths, and perform processing of obtaining the distance.

Abstract: A method for controlling an illumination system comprises determining first drive settings for each of a plurality of colored light sources, the first drive settings generating an ON and an OFF time of the light sources; for each of the light sources of a first color and the light sources of a second color changing the first drive settings so that the ON time of the light sources of a selected one of the first and second color does not coincide with the ON time of the light sources of the other colors for at least a period of time, and during that period, measuring the peak luminance of the light sources; and for each of the light sources of the first and second color recalculating the drive settings, based on the measured peak luminance for the light sources of that color, so as to maintain a pre-determined color point.

Abstract: An integrated distance measuring device for golf comprises a satellite navigation receiver operable to determine a current location of the device; a laser rangefinder operable to determine a distance from the current location of the device to an object on a golf course; a compass operable to determine a bearing of the device when it is aimed at the object; a display; and a computing device. The computing device is programmed to determine a location of the object as a function of the current location of the device, the distance to the object, and the bearing of the device. The computing device may also be programmed to calculate a distance between the object and a second object on the golf course as a function of the location of the object and pre-mapped location information for the second object.

Abstract: A pulse-echo ranging system and method wherein transmit burst pulses are transmitted to a target at a first repetition frequency, an intermediate frequency signal is generated by sampling the received echo pulses from the target at a second repetition frequency slightly lower than the first repetition frequency, and the intermediate frequency signal is evaluated to determine the target distance. In order to compensate for phase error and thermal drift which may occur when the transmit and sampling instants are generated, the transmit burst pulses are periodically and alternately transmitted at the first and second repetition frequencies while the received echo pulses are simultaneously sampled at the second and first repetition frequencies, and the target distance is determined as half of the distance between echoes appearing in the intermediate frequency signal and resulting from the different clocks.

Abstract: A device for determining the dimensions of a parcel includes a platform and two adjacent walls. Each of the platform and walls are provided with a respective antenna for transmitting and receiving RF energy. The parcel to be measured is placed on the platform and registered against the walls. A responding device, having RFID tags attached thereto, is placed on a corner of the parcel. Each of the antennae are energized, and response signals from the RFID tags are measured. Based on the response signals from the RFID tags, the dimensions of the parcel can be determined, and the parcel can be rated for delivery based on the determined dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system which efficiently and accurately identifies an acoustic wedge by as simple as pressing a button to execute a command for a phased array inspection system, once the wedge is engaged with the system. It is based on the approach to use the time of flight that ultrasonic signals travel in the wedge to measure and calculate critical parameters, such as the wedge acoustic velocity, the wedge or incident angle and the height of the first element of the associated phased array probe above the base of the wedge.

Abstract: A depth sensing apparatus is provided. The depth sensing apparatus may reset, to a reference voltage value, a voltage of each of a first floating diffusion node and a second floating diffusion node of a sensor pixel for a first time period. For a second time period, the depth sensing apparatus may control the first floating diffusion node to store a voltage of a photodiode in a first phase interval, and may control the second floating diffusion node to store the voltage of the photodiode in a second phase interval. The depth sensing apparatus may calculate a difference between the voltage of the first floating diffusion node and the voltage of the second floating diffusion node for a third time period.

Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of suppressing the deterioration in azimuth resolution and distance resolution in even a modulated and transmitted or received signal or a signal reflected by an object and varied in intensity when acquiring waveform information. A measurement device comprise: a plurality of sensors which receive waves propagating through a space; and a sampling timing calculation means which obtains, on the basis of the relative positions of the sensors and the velocities of the waves, the difference between the arrival times of the waves received by the respective sensors and calculates, for each sensor, sampling timing for acquiring the waveform information relating to the waves, on the basis of the difference between the arrival times.

Abstract: An apparatus, medium, and method for measuring body fat. The apparatus may include a current generating unit generating a current having a predetermined range of variable frequency and applying the current to a desired area in a human body to be measured, a detector unit detecting a voltage generated from the desired area in response to the current having a variable frequency and detecting a frequency value at which impedance of the desired area is changed based on relation between the detected voltage and the variable frequency, and a body fat calculating unit calculating body fat thickness based on the detected frequency value. It is possible to measure body fat thickness in any part of a human body by applying a variable frequency current to a desired area. Therefore, health and fatness management can be accomplished for each part of a human body.

Abstract: A method is presented for selecting the order in which parameters are evaluated for inclusion in a model of a film stack, which is by ranking them according to measurement precision. Further, a method is presented for determining which parameters are to be floated, set, or discarded from the model, which is by determining whether average chi-square and chi-square uniformity decreases or increases when the parameter is added to the model. In this manner, a model for the film stack can be quickly assembles with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement method, including: receiving a plurality of ultrasonic waves that have been spectrum-spread with different codes by first and second wave-receivers; de-spreading the first and second receive signals respectively with a selected code and a non-selected code; obtaining an amplitude ratio between the produced selected de-spread signal and the non-selected de-spread signal; determining a threshold value based on the amplitude ratio; extracting a signal having an amplitude greater than or equal to the threshold value from the non-selected de-spread signal to thereby produce an interfering signal; spreading the interfering signal with a corresponding non-selected code and then removing the interfering signal from the first and second receive signals to thereby produce first and second receive signals from which the interfering signal has been removed; de-spreading the first and second receive signals from which the interfering signal has been removed each with the selected code to thereby

Abstract: A LIDAR optical remote sensing system and method analyzes the falling edge profile of a return LIDAR signal that may be indicative of an object or an aerosol cloud, which is generally more diffuse. Using the falling edge profile permits burnthrough to an object that may be obscured by the aerosol cloud. The profile is compared against at least one threshold that may correspond, in various embodiments, to a negative slope of the falling edge, an integrated power under the falling edge, or a range estimate error for varying transmitted power values, varying transmitted pulse lengths and/or varying receiver detector field of view values.

Abstract: A method and hand-held scanning apparatus for three-dimensional scanning of an object is described. The hand-held self-referenced scanning apparatus has a light source for illuminating retro-reflective markers, the retro-reflective markers being provided at fixed positions on or around the object, a photogrammetric high-resolution camera, a pattern projector for providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object; at least a pair of basic cameras, the basic camera cooperating with light sources, the projected pattern and at least a portion of the retro-reflective markers being apparent on the 2D images, a frame for holding all components in position within the hand-held apparatus, the frame having a handle, the frame allowing support and free movement of the scanning apparatus by a user.

Abstract: A distance detection system and method for use in a hand-held electronic device is described. The distance detection system comprises an input unit used to input at least one instruction; at least one processing device having a timing element and a calculating element; at least one signal device; and an air inspecting unit. The signal device is used to transmit a signal to a detecting object in response to the instruction, and to receive a response signal from the detecting object. The timing element is used to measure an interval between transmitting the signal and receiving the response signal. The air inspecting unit is used to detect a condition of air between the hand-held electronic device and the detecting object. The data of the detected air condition can be converted into a parameter to calculate distance data corresponding to a distance from both the parameter and the measured interval.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining a distance to a desired target via correlating a pulse modulated signal with its corresponding reflected signal, while compensating for noise error in the reflected signal to allow for a more precise distance determination. Further details and features are described herein.

Abstract: A first wafer is fabricated using a first value for a process parameter specifying a process condition in fabricating the structure. A first value of a dispersion is measured from the first wafer. A second wafer is fabricated using a second value for the process parameter. A second value of the dispersion is measured from the second wafer. A third wafer is fabricated using a third value for the process parameter. The first, second, and third values for the process parameter are different from each other. A third value of the dispersion is measured from the third wafer. A dispersion function is defined to relate the process parameter to the dispersion using the first, second, and third values for the process parameter and the measured first, second, and third values of the dispersion. The simulated diffraction signal is generated using the defined dispersion function. The simulated diffraction signal is stored.

Abstract: This invention provides a light scanning photoelectric switch with which various settings of the light scanning photoelectric switch such as setting of a protection area can be easily set. The light scanning photoelectric switch includes: a display unit having a display screen that displays information including at least one of a status of a safety function of the light scanning photoelectric switch, and information of a failure status; and an operating unit provided in vicinity of the display unit, and for switching the information displayed in the display screen to different one of the safety signal, the result of the determination, setting contents of the light scanning photoelectric switch, the status of the safety function of the light scanning photoelectric switch, and the information of the failure status.

Abstract: A non-contacting, out-of-plane measurement apparatus for measuring distances, angles and related geometric quantities, and for computing other quantities based on the measurements, is provided. The measurement apparatus can measure distances to target points of interest and can also measure angles therebetween, including angles with respect to at least one or two degrees of freedom so as to compute information determining vector segments between a reference point and the points of interest, then, to compute lengths and areas and volumes of objects of interest defined by the points of interest. In some cases, areas of polygons can be measured as sums of cross-products of the computed vectors to the points of interest located at the vertices of the polygons. Also, computing constituent triangular projections onto a polygon of interest using said apparatus then summing said constituent triangular projections so as to arrive at an area of said polygon.

Abstract: An non-contacting measurement apparatus for measuring distances, angles and related geometric quantities, and for computing other quantities based on the measurements, is provided. A visible light beam or ultrasonic beam allows a user to point the device at one or more points to which the distance is measured, and angular rotation between the various points of interest can be measured and recorded. Then, geometric and trigonometric relationships are used to compute and display lengths, areas, volumes or other facts derived from the measurements. Various input and output features are provided in the present embodiments.

Abstract: An non-contacting measurement apparatus for measuring distances, angles and related geometric quantities, and for computing other quantities based on the measurements, is provided. A visible light beam allows a user to point the device at one or more points to which the distance is measured, and angular rotation between the various points of interest can be recorded. Then, geometric and trigonometric relationships are used to compute and display lengths, areas, volumes or other facts derived from the measurements. Various input and output features are provided in the present embodiments.

Abstract: A compact high average power mid infrared range laser for ultrasound inspection. The laser comprises one of a Nd:YAG or Yb:YAG laser pumped by a diode at 808 nm to produce a 1 micron output beam. The 1 micron output beam is directed to an optical parametric oscillator where the beam wavelength is converted to 1.94 microns and conveyed to a mid infrared emission head. The emission head comprises one of a Ho:YAG or Ho:YLG laser optically coupled with a second optical parametric oscillator. The second optical parametric oscillator forms a generation output beam for creating ultrasonic displacements on a target. The generation output beam wavelength ranges from about 3 to about 4 microns, and can be 3.2 microns.

Abstract: A detection method and apparatus is provided. The detection apparatus includes at least two angular mounted lasers, a surface for receiving laser lines emitted by the angular mounted lasers, a camera for detecting a laser pattern formed by the laser lines on the surface, and a processor for analyzing the laser pattern. The lasers emit orthogonal laser lines on a surface of the device. The camera detects a laser pattern on the surface of the device and the processor analyzes the laser pattern to determine whether the position of the device is in pocket based on the analysis and position algorithms.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes a differential processing unit to differentiate a reflection signal corresponding to a pulse measurement beam that is periodically scanned in a polarized manner; an arithmetic unit to obtain, with a rising time of a first-order-differential reflection signal as a reference, a barycentric position of the first order differential reflection signal as a detection time of a reflected beam, and to calculate a distance to a measured object based on a time difference between an output time of the measurement beam and the detection time of the reflected beam; and a waveform determining unit to determine whether the reflected beam includes a plurality of overlapping reflected beams from a plurality of measured objects, based on rising and falling characteristics of the first-order-differential reflection signal and based on a rising characteristic of a second-order-differential reflection signal obtained by the second order differential of the reflection signal.

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus for preventing the accuracy of a distance to be detected from decreasing due to a signal-to-noise ratio of an accumulated electric charge is provided.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining a distance to a desired target via correlating a pulse modulated signal with its corresponding reflected signal, while compensating for noise error in the reflected signal to allow for a more precise distance determination. The system and method determine a phase shift of an echoed signal in response to a transmitted signal incident onto an object to thereby determine a distance, wherein the system analyzes an overlap region between a second signal that is a reflection of a first signal incident on the object. The first signal is modulated by one or more pulses having a defined modulation frequency. Further details and features are described herein.

Abstract: A method for determining position and alignment is provided. The method includes monitoring a first and second sequence of ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device to a second device, estimating a location of the first device from Time of Flight measurements of the ultrasonic signals at respective microphones on the second device, calculating a set of phase differences, weighting a difference of an expected location and estimated location of the first device with the set of phase differences to produce a relative displacement, and reporting a position of the first device based on the relative displacement.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which power-down (reduce power to or deactivate) circuits in an ultrasound system during periods in which an acoustic signal is not being acquired, although image processing and other system functions are continued normally. Such circuits may be powered-down between each of a series of acoustic signal acquire operations, such as between acoustic signal scan lines and/or between acoustic signal scan frames. The circuitry which is powered-down between scan lines and scan frames may not the same, although some circuitry may be common to both. Embodiments may further operate to adjust the acoustic signal dead time circuitry power-down cycle, such as by adjusting acoustic signal frame rates. Power-down techniques may be utilized in addressing power issues and/or in controlling thermal aspects of the operation of an ultrasound diagnostic system.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a portable device that generates position and orientation data to facilitate movement within a building. The device can be, for example, handheld or affixed to a cane. Data for navigation is derived from reflections from interior surfaces and dead reckoning sensors.

Abstract: A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation.

Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for testing a transmission medium used in a full-duplex communication system comprising an endpoint that comprises a transmitting end (TX) and a receiving end (RX); the method comprises the steps of: first, transmitting a transmitted signal which comprises a test signal sequence with a high auto-correlation characteristic; then, receiving a received signal, and performing a correlation operation on the test signal and the received signal; finally, according to the result of the correlation operation, determining the impedance matching condition of the transmission medium.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle which are capable of precisely detecting the stopped state of the vehicle in order to automate an operation which is externally provided to the stopped vehicle such as an alignment adjusting operation; and an alignment adjusting device to which the device and the method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle are applied. An arithmetic unit detects, with respect to the left-front tire, for example, an evaluation point of the left-front tire on the basis of the gravity point of a triangle comprising, as vertexes, a point A, a point B, and a point C which are detected by a group of distance sensors; detects an evaluation point of the left-front fender on the basis of a point detected by the group of distance sensors; and detects the stopped state of the vehicle on the basis of the respective evaluation points of the respective tires and the respective evaluation points of the respective fenders.

Abstract: A compensation table for compensating interference signal obtained by OCT measurement is generated easily. When a reflection body interference signal is obtained by OCT measurement, the reflection body interference signal is compensated by a compensation table (Formula (1)) to obtain an evaluation output signal. Then, a spectrum of the evaluation output signal is calculated to obtain an evaluation value of the spectrum. Thereafter, a model coefficient is updated such that the evaluation value becomes small.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, generating images according to intersection points includes obtaining samples of signals from transmitter-receiver pairs. A transmitter-receiver pair is configured to transmit a signal and receive the signal reflected by an object. Intersection points are determined, where an intersection point indicates an intersection for integer multiples of a sample-time distance. A subset of samples corresponding to the intersection points is selected. Image data is generated from the selected subset of samples, where the image data is used to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: A method of controlling statuses of a plurality of wafers is described. A status of a wafer among the wafers is determined. An action related to the status is taken, according to the status determined, to the wafer and/or other wafers to improve a yield or yields thereof.

Abstract: A light condensing lens includes a plurality of lenses disposed side by side in a splitting direction of a view angle to condense incident light over a range corresponding to respective split portions of the view angle. The view angle is split in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the incident light.

Abstract: A sensor (200, 300, 400) for the measurement of distances or of distance changes in accordance with the signal transit time principle having a transmitter (12) for the transmission of an electromagnetic signal as well as having a transmission controller (18, 20) by means of which the signals can be transmitted by the transmitter (12) at presettable transmission times and having a receiver (16) for the reception of the signal remitted in a monitored zone, wherein an evaluation unit (18, 22) of the sensor (200, 300, 400) is made to trigger the transmission of the signal at a transmission time in a respective measurement period (100) and to sample the received signal as well as to accumulate a histogram (110, 114) of such received signals over a plurality of measurement periods (100) to determine the reception time from the histogram (100, 114) and the transit time from said reception time.

Abstract: A system for measuring a true vertical depth of a downhole tool is provided. The system includes: a first optical clock located at a first depth and having a first frequency; a second optical clock disposable at a downhole location and having a second frequency at the downhole location; and a processor for receiving the first frequency and the second frequency, and calculating a true vertical depth of the second optical clock based on a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. A system and computer program product for measuring a true vertical depth of a downhole tool are also provided.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote object or a size of the remote object.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating liability and right of way in an accident. In one embodiment, liability estimation in a vehicle accident may be based on a plurality of characteristics that describe the accident. In addition, right of way estimation in a vehicle accident may be based on the plurality of characteristics that describe the accident. These characteristics may include: the configuration of the roadway, the type of accident, the traffic controls at the vehicle accident scene, and impact points of each vehicle. The characteristics from an actual accident may be compared to those in a past or theoretical accident. Liability may be estimated from a preassigned liability associated with a nearest matching past or theoretical accident. Right of way may be estimated from a predetermined right of way associated with the nearest matching past or theoretical accident. The liability estimate may include a base liability and one or more adjustments due to various factors.

Abstract: Methods are provided for analyzing characteristics of fluids in the context of an acoustic ejection system. Such a system has a controller, an acoustic radiation generator, and a coupling medium coupling the radiation to a reservoir holding fluid. The methods can use acoustic radiation to both perturb a surface of the fluid in the reservoir and analyze the effect of the perturbation. The methods may use information about prior fluids. The methods of the invention can determine physical characteristics such as speed of sound and viscosity. The methods also include ways to determine a level of acoustic energy suitable to eject a droplet. Preferably the methods are executed automatically under control of programming of a controller of an acoustic ejection system.

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: The present invention relates to a method to locate a target in regard of a sensor, comprising the steps of collecting the outputs of a capacitive sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes and combining said outputs so as to obtain a signal representative of the distance separating said target from the sensor.

Abstract: A device for determining distance between a rotor blade and a wall of a gas turbine surrounding the rotor blade is provided. A waveguide guides and emits electromagnetic waves in the direction of the rotor blade through a waveguide opening facing the rotor blade. The electromagnetic waves are injected into the waveguide and reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves are received. An evaluation unit compares the phase of the electromagnetic waves to be injected with the phase of the reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves and determines phase comparison values for every frequency and the distance is determined based on the phase comparison values. The waveguide includes two waveguide segments made from different materials having temperature stability and damping capacity increasing in the direction from the segment connected to the unit for injecting the waves to the segment having the waveguide opening.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing method and an ultrasonic sensing device are provided. The ultrasonic sensing device includes a microprocessor, a signal-driving module and a transducer module. The microprocessor generates a first driving signal with a first frequency to the signal-driving module. The signal-driving module drives the transducer module to emit a first sensing signal to a target object in response to the first driving signal. Then, a first echo signal received by the transducer is transmitted to the microprocessor to calculate a first time of flight. In a similar manner, a second time of flight is obtained based on a second driving signal with a second frequency. The microprocessor determines a final time of flight according to the first time of flight or the second time of flight.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine for measuring the position of an object in a selected volume comprises includes an a positionable articulated arm having a plurality of jointed arm segments. The arm includes a measurement probe having an integrated line laser scanner mounted thereon. The laser may be a fiber coupled laser. Wireless data transfer and communication capability for the CMM is also possible.

Abstract: A chromatic point sensor (CPS) calibration object and characterizing data are provided. The calibration object comprises a flat base plane with steps extending from it. Step measurement points provided by the steps and base plane measurement points provided by portions of the base plane are intermingled along a measurement track. The characterizing data characterizes known heights of the measurement points. A calibration method acquires measurement data such that some base plane measurement points should be at nearly the same measurement distance and therefore have the same common mode errors relative to known base plane measurement point heights. If such base plane measurement points exhibit minimal error variations, then measurements for those and proximate measurement points may provide reliable calibration data. In contrast, error variations outside an expected range indicate unreliable measurements that should be screened or replaced by new calibration measurements.