Instrument Condition Testing Or Indicating Patents (Class 356/6)
  • Patent number: 11933604
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a detection method, apparatus for automatic driving sensor, and electronic device. The method includes: pre-establishing a standard association relationship, the sensor to-be-detected is used for capturing in a fixed scene, and a corresponding capturing result is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: APOLLO INTELLIGENT DRIVING TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuan Huang, Nan Wu, Xun Zhou, Jingjing Xue, Yingnan Liu
  • Patent number: 11934504
    Abstract: A method of host-directed illumination for verifying the validity of biometric data of a user is provided that includes capturing biometric data from a user with an authentication device during authentication and directing illumination of the biometric data from a host authentication system during the capturing operation. Moreover, the method includes comparing illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data against illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation, and determining that the user is a live user when the illumination characteristics of the captured biometric data match the illumination characteristics expected to result from the directing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Daon Technology
    Inventors: Richard Jay Langley, Michael Peirce, Nicolas Jacques Jean Sezille
  • Patent number: 11871132
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an imaging system is provided. The imaging system comprises an image sensor, a light source, control circuitry, and function logic. The image sensor comprises a pixel array that includes a plurality of polarization pixel cells and a plurality of time-of-flight pixel cells. The light source is configured to emit light pulses to an object. The control circuitry is coupled to the light source and the pixel array, and is configured to synchronize a timing of the emission of the light pulses with sensing of photons reflected from the object by the plurality of time-of-flight pixel cells to generate depth information. The function logic is configured to determine a set of ambiguous surface normals using signals generated by the plurality of polarization pixel cells, and to disambiguate the set of ambiguous surface normals using the depth information to generate a three-dimensional shape image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Badrinath Padmanabhan, Boyd Fowler, Alireza Bonakdar, Richard Mann
  • Patent number: 11275176
    Abstract: An example time-of-flight device may include an emitter component configured to emit a plurality of modulated signals toward an object during a transmission window, wherein the plurality of modulated signals emitted during the transmission window are to be used to determine a single distance measurement associated with the object and the time-of-flight device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Markus Dielacher, Martin Flatscher, Stefan Gansinger, Robert Lobnik
  • Patent number: 11226201
    Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for generating a representation of a physical environment, comprising: a mobile sensor platform (MSP) including sensors that output sensor signals relating to parameters such as range, gravity, direction of the Earth's magnetic field, and angular velocity. The MSP is adapted to be moved through the environment. The sensor signals are processed and observations of axes in the environment are generated for a sequence of time steps, the orientation of the MSP is estimated for each of the time steps, observed axes are identified at each orientation, and similar axes are associated. The orientations, the axes in the environment, and the directions of gravity and the Earth's magnetic field are linked such that each observation is predicted based on the estimates of the orientations. An estimate of the orientations is optimized and an output of the representation of the physical environment is generated based on the optimized orientation estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Marc Gallant, Joshua Marshall
  • Patent number: 11140375
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for sharing a single optical sensor between multiple image processors. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, at a control arbiter, a first desired configuration of a first one or more desired configurations for capturing an image frame by the optical sensor, the first one or more desired configurations communicated from a primary image processor. The method may also include receiving, at the control arbiter, a second desired configuration of a second one or more desired configurations for capturing the image frame by the optical sensor, the second one or more desired configurations communicated from a secondary image processor. The method may also include determining, by the control arbiter, an actual configuration for capturing the image frame by the optical sensor, the actual configuration based on the first desired configuration and the second desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wesley James Holland, Satish Goverdhan, Venkata Rajesh Kumar Sastrula, Ramesh Ramaswamy, Songhe Cai, Ling Feng Huang, Chih-Chi Cheng, Huang Huang, Rajakumar Govindaram
  • Patent number: 11047980
    Abstract: A distance measurement device includes an imaging unit, a measurement unit, a change unit that is capable of changing an angle at which the directional light is emitted, a deriving unit that derives an in-image irradiation position corresponding to an irradiation position of the directional light onto the subject which is used in measurement, within a captured image based on the distance measured by the measurement unit and the angle, and a control unit that controls the measurement unit to measure the distance and controls the deriving unit to derive the in-image irradiation position based on the distance measured by the measurement unit and the angle changed by the change unit until the in-image irradiation position falls in a default range within the captured image in a case where the in-image irradiation image is out of the default range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomonori Masuda
  • Patent number: 10120066
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a camera module configured to generate at least one image and a ToF SPAD based range detecting module configured to generate at least one distance determination to an object within a field of view of the camera module. A processor receives the at least one image from the camera module output and receives the at least one distance determination from the ToF SPAD based range detecting module. This data is processed by the processor to determine a depth map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Yang, Neale Dutton, Kevin Channon
  • Patent number: 10072925
    Abstract: A method and device for detection of rotated segments in a continuous multi-segment rod transferred in a machine used in tobacco industry. A signal of an error of the shape of said continuous multi-segment rod is generated, the rod including a plurality of segments arranged one after another in a common wrapping, in which the rod that is transferred in a direction along its axis is simultaneously scanned by optical sensors, the directions of scanning of the optical sensors being oriented at an angle other than 90° to each other. The rod diameter is measured by repeated scans such that the shortest segment of the rod is scanned at least once, the results of the scans being compared with a predetermined reference value, and each difference between the results of the scans and the predetermined value is converted into the signal of the error of shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O.
    Inventor: Hans-Reiner Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9683841
    Abstract: Fabrication of an imaging range finder is disclosed. The range finder can be formed of an imaging lens and an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with the lens. The emitters in the array can be formed to emit light that is directed by the lens toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can be formed to detect light received from the object through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The lens, the array, or both can be movable to adjust the light emitted by the range finder. The range finder can be formed to find the object's range based on characteristics of the emitted light and/or the detected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Emanuel Last
  • Patent number: 9646657
    Abstract: These present disclosure provides techniques to determine the capacitance of a power loss capacitor based on voltage ripple. The power loss capacitor may be a power loss capacitor for a power loss shutdown system of a solid state drive. The capacitance may be determined as a function of the voltage ripple and a period of the voltage ripple during a natural discharge and a controlled discharge of the power loss capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai-Uwe Schmidt, Andrew Morning-Smith, Adrian Mocanu, Mike M. Ngo
  • Publication number: 20150103331
    Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for a beam angle of a multi-layer LiDAR includes: a beam angle calculation unit configured to calculate a distance d calculated by using ground data detected by a ground data detection unit and a beam angle of the multi-layer LiDAR by using a mounting height of the multi-layer LiDAR stored in a storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Young Chul Oh, Myung Seon Heo, Kyung Ho Yoo
  • Patent number: 8953152
    Abstract: According to at least one example embodiment, a depth information error compensation method includes outputting modulated light to a target object, detecting a plurality of first pixel signals at different detection time points in a first time interval, the first pixel signals representing light reflected from the target object during the first time interval, detecting a plurality of second pixel signals at different detection time points in a second time interval, the second pixel signals representing light reflected from the target object during the second time interval, comparing each of the plurality of first pixel signals with each of the plurality of second pixel signals and calculating depth information to the target object according to the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Ki Min, Young Gu Jin
  • Patent number: 8947651
    Abstract: A tester for measuring a pitch static attitude of a head stack assembly including a laser transmitter configured to transmit laser beams, and a laser receiver configured to receive the laser beams from the laser transmitter, wherein the laser transmitter and the laser receiver are configured to receive a head stack assembly between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver. The tester also includes a laser guide located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, and configured to block the laser beams from entering a gap in the head stack assembly and reaching the laser receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chaiya Thongrattana, Angkhan Thongsuksai, Prasertsak Naksakul, Teeraporn Srikwanjai, Chainat Krudpuek
  • Patent number: 8891068
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a target object is described. The measuring apparatus has a transmitting device for emitting periodically modulated optical measuring radiation towards the target object, a receiving device for detecting optical measuring radiation which returns from the target object, and an evaluation device for receiving and evaluating detection signals from the receiving device. The measuring apparatus also has a calibration device for calibrating the measuring apparatus, wherein the calibration device is designed to calibrate the measuring apparatus on the basis of detection of uncorrelated radiation which does not correlate with the modulated measuring radiation emitted by the transmitting device. In this case, the uncorrelated radiation may be in the form of background radiation. Alternatively, uncorrelated measuring radiation can be emitted by the transmitting device and can be detected by the receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Eisele, Oliver Wolst, Bernd Schmidtke
  • Patent number: 8818124
    Abstract: Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) imaging systems, method, and computer readable media for generating super-resolved images are described. Super-resolved images are generated by obtaining data sets of cloud points representing multiple views of an object where the views have a view shift, enhancing the views by duplicating cloud points within each of the data sets, compensating for the view shift using the enhanced views, identifying valid cloud points, and generating a super-resolved image of the object by integrating valid cloud points within the compensated, enhanced views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Omid E. Kia
  • Publication number: 20120236290
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a target object is described. The measuring apparatus has a transmitting device for emitting periodically modulated optical measuring radiation towards the target object, a receiving device for detecting optical measuring radiation which returns from the target object, and an evaluation device for receiving and evaluating detection signals from the receiving device. The measuring apparatus also has a calibration device for calibrating the measuring apparatus, wherein the calibration device is designed to calibrate the measuring apparatus on the basis of detection of uncorrelated radiation which does not correlate with the modulated measuring radiation emitted by the transmitting device. In this case, the uncorrelated radiation may be in the form of background radiation. Alternatively, uncorrelated measuring radiation can be emitted by the transmitting device and can be detected by the receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Eisele, Oliver Wolst, Bernd Schmidtke
  • Publication number: 20120218540
    Abstract: An image processing method including: measuring a distance between a medium where an image is to be recorded and an image processing apparatus which stores a relation between irradiation energy and distance previously measured; calculating an irradiation energy from the distance measured in the measuring based on the relation stored in the image processing apparatus; and irradiating and heating the medium with laser beams having the irradiation energy obtained in the calculating to record an image in the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomomi Ishimi, Yoshihiko Hotta, Shinya Kawahara, Toshiaki Asai
  • Publication number: 20120127455
    Abstract: A method of stationing an unleveled optical total station includes placing the unleveled optical total station at a first station. At the first station, positions of at least three non-collinear measurement points in an instrument coordinate system are determined using the unleveled optical total station. The method also includes obtaining positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in a local coordinate system. A transformation is computed between the instrument coordinate system and the local coordinate system using the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the instrument coordinate system and the positions of the at least three non-collinear measurement points in the local coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Sharp
  • Publication number: 20120105823
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a color sensing pixel based upon the distance between the color sensing pixel and an object. The distance is determined by measuring the phase shift of electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the surface of the object compared with the wave profile of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the object surface. The color sensing pixel is associated with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) pixel which is employed to determine the distance of the color sensing pixel. The electromagnetic radiation can be from any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, in particular the infrared and visible light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The color sensing pixel and the ToF pixel can reside on the same semiconductor or on disparate semiconductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicants: CEDES SAFETY & AUTOMATION AG, ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Hardegger, Reto Berner, Richard Galera, Suresh Nair, Carl Meinherz, Craig Martin Brockman, Elik I. Fooks, Manfred Norbert Stein, Robert M. Black
  • Patent number: 8159676
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods for ratiometric detection of analytes by surface plasmon coupled emission detection that includes disposing a target on the metal layer of a surface plasmon resonance detection system; coupling a first analyte to a first fluorescent dye and a second analyte to a second fluorescent dye; contacting the first and second analytes to the target on the surface plasmon resonance detection system; and measuring the intensity of a first and a second surface plasmon resonance enhanced fluorescence emission ring, wherein the first and second rings, respectively, quantitatively represents the amount of first and second analyte within 50 nanometers of the metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: University of North Texas, Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: Zygmunt Gryczynski, Ignacy Gryczynski, Evgenia Matveeva, Julian Borejdo
  • Patent number: 8107812
    Abstract: An optical keyless entry sensor system and method includes an optical sensor in association with a mirror that reflects light transmitted from the optical sensor, wherein reflected light is detectable by the optical sensor. An attenuation filter can be located between the mirror and the optical sensor, wherein the attenuation filter is configured to simulate a contamination of the optical sensor in order to determine an exact level of attenuation representative of contamination that causes a performance failure of the optical sensor, thereby providing data which is indicative of a dynamic range of the optical sensor, such that the dynamic range is utilized to enhance the performance of the optical keyless entry sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Wenwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8102516
    Abstract: Provided is a test method for accurately testing all regions within a field of view and evaluating, by one-time capturing, accuracy of a distance measured by a compound-eye distance measuring apparatus having two baseline directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 8098897
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a distance measurement section for measuring a distance from the section to a subject for each pixel on the basis of a plurality of images photographed at different visual point positions. A setting section sets a range of the distance in which an obstacle is present. An image formation section executes image processing of replacing a first image signal relating to an obstructed region included in the range of the distance with a second image signal different from the first image signal on the basis of an output from the distance measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8049780
    Abstract: A calibration error correction device for an optical instrument includes a detector operable to detect a position of a focusing lens of an optical instrument along a mechanical path of the focusing lens. A line of sight through an image plane of the optical instrument and the focusing lens at a present position defines an actual viewing direction. The device also includes a memory configured to store viewing direction errors specifying a deviation between a known theoretical viewing direction and the actual viewing direction associated with a plurality of different positions of the focusing lens along the mechanical path and an indicator of at least one value indicative of the actual viewing direction based on the theoretical viewing direction and the viewing direction errors at each of the different positions of the focusing lens along the mechanical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Volkmar Hofmann, Thomas Marold, Matthias Menzel
  • Patent number: 8035515
    Abstract: A security system using a laser range finder that can precisely determine an existence and a location of an intruder, and a method of detecting the intruder using the laser range finder are provided. The security system using a laser range finder, the security system includes: the laser range finder emitting laser beam, receiving the reflected laser beam, measuring a distance between the laser range finder and a target object, and detecting an existence and a location of an intruder; and at least one reflective means reflecting the emitted laser beam toward the laser beam finder, wherein at least one reflective means is spaced by a predetermined distance of the laser range finder and is installed a predetermined distance from the laser range finder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae-Hyung Jang, Hyuk Lim
  • Patent number: 7990415
    Abstract: Provided is an image input device which includes a laser range finder and a camera, and is capable of automatically calibrating the laser range finder and the camera at an appropriate timing without using special equipment. The image input device includes the laser range finder which measures distance information of an object by using invisible light and the camera which measures color information of the object. In order to detect a calibration error between the laser range finder and the camera, an invisible light filter which blocks visible light and transmits invisible light is automatically attached to a lens of the camera by a switching operation between two kinds of lenses. By the camera to which the invisible light filter is being attached, a pattern of the invisible light projected onto the object from the laser range finder is photographed as a visible image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosei Matsumoto, Toshio Moriya, Tsuyoshi Minakawa
  • Publication number: 20100251148
    Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry G Brown
  • Publication number: 20100245800
    Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry G. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100128249
    Abstract: Provided is a test method for accurately testing all regions within a field of view and evaluating, by one-time capturing, accuracy of a distance measured by a compound-eye distance measuring apparatus having two baseline directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Norihiro Imamura
  • Publication number: 20100076709
    Abstract: A sensor calibration system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The sensor calibration system may have a first calibration object positioned at a first worksite location, a second calibration object positioned at a second worksite location, and a plurality of sensors located onboard the mobile machine to detect the first and second calibration objects. The sensor calibration system may also have a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to calibrate at least one of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the first worksite location, and to calibrate at least one other of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the second worksite location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ramadev Burigsay Hukkeri, Thandava Krishna Edara
  • Publication number: 20080204703
    Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line having an optical cable. An optical signal is transmitted into the optical cable, and a travel time of the optical signal in the optical cable is determined. A profile of a characteristic along the optical cable is determined, and a length of the carrier line deployed into the well is determined based on the determined profile and the travel time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Vladimir Hernandezs-Solis, Rogerio T. Ramos, Joseph Varkey
  • Patent number: 7414707
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Meade Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
  • Patent number: 7053992
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Meade Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
  • Patent number: 7042555
    Abstract: A portable laser system includes a laser unit and a target unit for measuring the length of a series of pipe assemblies. Either the laser unit or the target unit engages a threaded coupling at one end of the pipe assembly and the other unit engages external pipe threads at an opposite end of the pipe assembly. The laser unit includes a resident memory (i.e., the memory moves with the laser unit), so that the laser system can read the length of more than one pipe assembly before downloading the readings to a computer. The computer then compiles the readings in groups of twenty and calculates an anticipated overall length if the pipe assemblies were interconnected as a string of pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Phillip L. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20030074150
    Abstract: A closed-loop focusing system and method positions a focusing assembly to a desired positioned. A feedback positioning device, such as a linear encoder, provides an actual or “read” value for the linear movement of the focusing assembly. The desired position is compared to the actual position of the focusing assembly. If the two values are outside of a predetermined tolerance or valid range, then an audible or visual warning will be given. Furthermore, when a laser source is utilized with the focusing system, then laser operation will be prevented where the two values are outside of tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Goldstein, Carlos G. Suarez, Scott Alan DeLong, R. Kyle Webb, Tibor Juhasz
  • Publication number: 20030011757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for precise measurement of optical characteristics, and has an object to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus comprising a position change unit for changing the positions of beams transformed by a first transforming member, wherein a first light source emits a luminous flux of a first wavelength, a first illumination optical system illuminates a minute area on the retina of the eye under examination with the luminous flux from the first light source, a first light receiving optical system leads light to a first light receiving unit through a transforming member for transforming the luminous flux having undergone at least one of transmission and reflection at at least one surface of the object of measurement into at least nine beams, a position change unit changes the positions of the beams transformed by the first transforming member, and an arithmetic unit can determine optical characteristics of the object of measurement based on a first signal
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yoko Hirohara, Naoki Nakazawa, Toshifumi Mihashi
  • Publication number: 20020060784
    Abstract: A 3D MultiSpectral Lidar. The system comprises a laser transmitter light source, a laser detection assembly, optics that couple the outgoing and incoming laser signals, a digital camera assembly for collecting passive light, a position and orientation system, and processing hardware. The system provides real-time georectified three dimensional images and topography using an airborne platform. The system collects time-synchronous lidar range and image data in an optical receiver. The individual images are then mosaiced and orthorectified in real-time. The lidar range data and image data are then coupled to a position and orientation system to transform the three dimensional range images to a single geographically referenced multispectral three dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Utah State University
    Inventors: Robert Taylor Pack, Frederick Brent Pack
  • Patent number: 6087719
    Abstract: A plurality of chips each having two or more alignment holes for transmitting a laser beam are stacked. The laser beam is irradiated onto the uppermost or lowermost one of the stacked chips. A photodetector detects the laser beam output from the stacked chips through the alignment holes in these chips. The positions of the chips are so controlled that the amount of the light detected by this photodetector is a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Tsunashima
  • Patent number: 5991015
    Abstract: A beam monitoring assembly (10) that provides near-field imaging, far-field imaging and power measurements of a laser beam (12) in real-time for alignment and performance verification purposes. The monitoring assembly (10) includes a holographic beam splitter (24) that splits the laser beam (12) from the laser resonator cavity into a series of separate split beams (28, 30, 32) having varying beam powers. One of the split beams (28) is directed to a power meter (36) to measure the power of the beam (12). One of the split beams (28) is directed to a near-field camera (42) that provides a near-field image of the beam (12). Another one of the split beams (30) is directed to a heat dump (52) that absorbs and removes the beam's energy from the assembly. Another one of the split beams (32) is directed to a far-field lens (46) that focuses the split beam (32) onto a far-field camera (50) that provides a far-field image of the beam (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Zamel, John A. Szot, Richard H. Moyer
  • Patent number: 5930734
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the thickness of non-circular elongated workpieces in which the thickness of the workpiece is measured along three measuring axis, the measurements are fed into a computer to determine minimum and maximum values and associated angular positions of the measuring axis, the measuring systems are rotated to a zero measuring position and the measured thicknesses are correlated by an algorithm, and the computer computes the degree for which angular position of the mimimum and maximum changes when the workpiece is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lap GmbH Laser Applikationen
    Inventors: Karsten Hofmann, Henning Steinfadt
  • Patent number: 5872626
    Abstract: A consolidated laser alignment and test station. In exemplary embodiments, equipment sufficient to perform complete dynamic testing and alignment of a laser transceiver unit is provided in one compact arrangement. As a result, cavity-box efficiency testing, dynamic open-interferometer alignment, dynamic open-case alignment, closed-case laser boresighting, and complete laser functionality and diagnostic testing can be carried out efficiently at a single location. Real-time diagnostic feedback relating to beam quality, radiometry, and temporal behavior is provided so that high-precision laser alignments and repairs can be made quickly and cost effectively. Customized test fixtures provide easy access to every level of the transceiver unit under test, and two cameras provide far-field, near-field, wide-field and receiver-field beam viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Derrell Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 5825464
    Abstract: A calibration system and method include isotropically diffusing high-intensity light emitted from a detection apparatus, with the diffused light being coupled to at least one optical line, typically an optical fiber. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus to be calibrated is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus and the isotropic diffusion is achieved by means of an integrating sphere. For calibrating distance calculations, the optical fiber includes a reflecting mechanism, such as Bragg gratings, at a fixed and known distance from the input end of the optical fiber. The reflecting mechanisms simulates the presence of a remote object at the known distance. For a velocity calculation, a frequency offset may be introduced to the light propagating through the optical fiber, thereby simulating a Doppler shift induced by a moving object. The simulations of the presence and movement of remote objects are used to calibrate the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: John D. Feichtner
  • Patent number: 5638163
    Abstract: A laser range finder including a receiver for detecting a return pulse and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a single integrated circuit digital range counter chip connected to receive the output signal from the receiver, a power supply unit for powering the receiver and range counter chip, and a single-chip microcontroller for selectively sequencing application of power to the receiver and to the range counter chip, for controlling laser firing, and for automatically recalibrating the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventor: Charles E. Nourrcier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5515156
    Abstract: A safety distance measuring device employing an electromagnetic wave is provided. A laser diode 2 is energized to emit laser beams by a laser diode drive circuit 3 in accordance with a clock signal generated by a control circuit 29. The emitted laser beams are sequentially changed to predetermined scanning directions by a scanner 1 associated with control circuit 29. The scanned laser beams from scanner 1 are reflected by an object 19 to be received by a photodiode 5. An output of the photodiode is applied to control circuit 29 through a light receiving circuit 6 where an elapsed time from emission to receipt is computed to obtain a distance from scanner 1 to object 19. Based on data relating to scanning directions by a scanning position detector 4, a begin-and-end detecting circuit 28 can stop the radiation of electromagnetic waves around a scanning start point and a scanning end point which is danger to human bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yoshida, Yoshiro Tasaka, Wataru Ishio, Hidenori Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5281813
    Abstract: An inexpensive, broadband technique for testing laser rangefinder systems. The invention includes a mechanism (18) for detecting an emission of a pulse of electromagnetic energy by a laser rangefinder under test (12) and providing a first signal in response thereto. In response to the first signal, a second signal is generated (20) with a predetermined delay on detection of the pulse from the laser rangefinder (12). The second signal is used to trigger a radiation source (16) which generates an output signal. This output signal simulates a return signal, the reflection of the pulse from a hypothetical target back to the laser rangefinding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: I-Fu Shih
  • Patent number: 5264905
    Abstract: Primary and secondary mirrors constitute a collimator which permit measurements to be made within a reasonably sized equipment enclosure. An incoming laser beam, from a unit undergoing test, has its light dispersed by an integrating sphere from which radiometric measurements may be made. Further, the output from the sphere passes through an avalanche photo diode for detecting laser beam pulse envelopes. These envelopes may be measured for such parameters as pulse width, and interval. A focal plane array camera is provided to measure boresight deviation from the unit undergoing test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Cavanagh, Jon M. Hoimes, Louis A. Luceri
  • Patent number: 4627723
    Abstract: An optical range simulator device (10) for testing the ranging function of a laser rangefinder (14) receives output pulses from the rangefinder (14) and delivers these to an optical fibre delay line (11,12). The output of the delay line (11,12) and the input of the fibre delay line (11,12) are interconnected by an optical bridging means (15,17,22) which collects at least a portion of each pulse delivered by the output of the delay line (11,12) and recirculates that pulse portion to the input end of the delay line, the remaining portion of each pulse at the output end of the delay line (11,12) being returned to the rangefinder (14) so that for each output pulse received from the rangefinder (14) a simulator device (10) delivers a series of successively delayed return pulses to the rangefinder (14), these delayed return pulses being representative of ranges successively augmented by the range distance represented by the delay line (11,12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Barr & Stroud
    Inventors: Timothy O. French, Derek R. Carless, Reginald A. Ault, Michael B. Darlow
  • Patent number: 4552455
    Abstract: A laser rangefinder, where the laser is of the passive Q-switched type, is functionally tested. In a method and apparatus for functionally testing the laser rangefinder, the excitation voltage for actuating the laser is raised above the normal voltage, so that the laser sends two light pulses where it normally sends a single one. The pulses are respectively interpreted as a pulse sent from the rangefinder and as a received reflected pulse. A high-voltage unit for providing the excitation voltage is coupled with a feedback circuit in which there is included a voltage divider provided with a switch such that during testing the excitation voltage can be increased so that the laser sends the two required light pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Karl H. Johansson, Anders S. Severinsson
  • Patent number: 4552454
    Abstract: A test system (10) for a laser rangefinder (12, 14) having signal transmission and reception paths comprises a thick lens collimator (20) which receives energy (18) from a transmitter (12) for input through an optical fiber (32). The fiber has a partial reflector (34) and a full reflector (38) to simulate sites of targets, and the reflected energy is transmitted back through collimator (20) to a receiver (14). Partial reflection of energy is provided by gold (64) placed on a surface (53) of one of two aligned and spaced termini (32a, 32b) of fiber (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Glaser, James R. Rochester