2763results about "Height/levelling measurement" patented technology

Arrangement (10) for measuring the distance to an object, comprising: a photonic source for illuminating said object using a continuous modulated photonic wave, a solid-state image sensor, comprising an array of avalanche photodiodes and a plurality of circuits for processing signals output by said avalanche photodiodes to yield data depending on the photonic wave reflected by said object onto said photodiodes. The circuit may comprise a multiplexer at the pixel level arranged so as to accumulate the signal output by the avalanche photodiode during different sub-periods in different storage devices.

A system and method for acquiring spatial mapping information of surface data points defining a region unable to receive effective GPS signals, such as the interior of a building, includes an IMU for dynamically determining geographical positions relative to at least one fixed reference point, a LIDAR or camera for determining range of the IMU to each surface data point, and a processor to determine position data for each surface data point relative to the at least one reference point. A digital camera obtains characteristic image data, including color data, of the surface data points, and the processor correlates the position data and image data for the surface data points to create an image of the region.

A method and system analyzes data acquired by image systems to more rapidly identify objects of interest in the data. In one embodiment, z-depth data are segmented such that neighboring image pixels having similar z-depths are given a common label. Blobs, or groups of pixels with a same label, may be defined to correspond to different objects. Blobs preferably are modeled as primitives to more rapidly identify objects in the acquired image. In some embodiments, a modified connected component analysis is carried out where image pixels are pre-grouped into regions of different depth values preferably using a depth value histogram. The histogram is divided into regions and image cluster centers are determined. A depth group value image containing blobs is obtained, with each pixel being assigned to one of the depth groups.

A microprocessor circuit that is used to monitor and control a firearm. The microprocessor circuit accomplishes this by monitoring various sensor & control inputs, and acting on these inputs to execute user defined functions. The microprocessor circuit can use the sensory input to determine firearm statistics. These statistics can include the number of times the firearm has been shot, the efficiency of the firearm automatic action, range-to-target, and et cetera. The firearm system can also use a combination of sensors to fabricate a bullet chronograph whereby the muzzle velocity of a cartridge can be determined. These statistics can be date-stamped and recorded into memory. Statistics from Law Enforcement firearms can be used for courtroom evidence and police reporting. These statistics can also be used for firearm maintenance and warranty repair. The microprocessor circuit can display the statistical data to the user via simple light emitting diodes, or sophisticated liquid crystal displays. Data can also be downloaded to a computer docking station as well. The microprocessor circuit can also display the information within the optics of a riflescope. When used in conjunction with a laser range finder sensor, the microprocessor circuit can adjust the electronic cross-hairs (reticle) to compensate for the bullet trajectory.

Methods and apparatuses for estimating a user's altitude with respect to the mean sea level are provided. According to some aspects, the present invention is able to estimate altitude in both open sky as well as in degraded GPS signal environments such as dense urban canyon environments where GPS performance is affected by fewer available satellites and/or multipath error. According to other aspects, the present invention uses data from a pressure sensor to estimate altitude, either with or without the use of GPS aiding data. According to further aspects, estimated altitude is integrated with other types of dead reckoning data to provide user context detection pertaining to changes of altitude.

The invention relates to remote control of an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, (100) from a control station (110) by means of a wireless command link (115). The UAV (100) may be controlled in an autonomous mode wherein it flies according to a primary route (R1, R1') defined by a first set of predefined waypoints (WP1-WP8, IP). The UAV (100) may also be controlled in a manual mode wherein it flies according to an alternative primary route (R1') defined in real-time by control commands received via the wireless command link (115). Flight control parameters are monitored in both modes, and in case a major alarm condition occurs, the UAV (100) is controlled to follow an emergency route (R2') defined by a second set of predefined waypoints (HP1-HP7, TP1-TP9, IP). Particularly, a major alarm condition is activated if an engine failure is detected. Then, the emergency route (R2') involves flying the UAV (100) to an air space above a termination waypoint (TP9) on the ground at which it is estimated that the vehicle's (100) flight may be ended without injuring any personnel or causing uncontrolled material damages.

A photoluminescent capsule illuminator for a sighting device. The photoluminescent illuminator includes an elongated phosphor housing having sidewalls and a base. The photoluminescent illuminator includes phosphors in a granular form disposed inside the phosphor housing. The photoluminescent illuminator includes a cap sealing the phosphors in the phosphor housing. The phosphor housing is disposed in relation to a body of the sighting device such that photoluminescent light emitted from the phosphors exits the phosphor housing and identifies a location of a sight on the sighting device.

A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.

The present invention relates to a scanning system optimized for lidar that includes a nodding mirror, a rotary electromagnetic drive, a rotary optical encoder, and control circuitry. The rotary electromagnetic drive includes a yoke incorporating a permanent magnet, and an arm having a coil at one end of the arm. The coil is enclosed within the yoke, and an opposite end of the arm is coupled to the nodding mirror, such that movement of the coil within the yoke in response to a current causes the nodding mirror to rotate. The rotary optical encoder produces an output signal in response to rotation of the nodding mirror, which serves as feedback to the control circuitry. The control circuitry adjusts the current provided to the rotary electromagnetic drive in response to the output signal, such that the nodding mirror rotates in a reference scan pattern.

In order to measure an actual distance from a vehicle to a target, the target is detected from a picture signal generated by a camera mounted on a vehicle, a horizontally estimated distance of the target is calculated, variables including a vertical angle of the target on a circumference and a curvature radius of the circumference are calculated, and then the actual distance is calculated based on the vertical angle and the curvature radius.

An aircraft control system for operations close to the ground includes a camera having a rangefinder for measuring the azimuth, elevation and slant range from a fixed point on the aircraft relative to a selected target point on a surface below the aircraft, a navigation system for measuring the latitude and longitude of the aircraft on the surface, a computer for computing the position of the fixed point on the aircraft relative to the target point from the respective measurements of the camera and the navigation system, and a controller for controlling the movement of the aircraft such that the fixed point is positioned at a selected position above the selected target point on the surface. The controller may also include an automatic tracking mechanism for maintaining the position of the fixed point on the aircraft at the selected position above a moving object.

A localization device display method and apparatus for displaying different views, e.g., of different magnification, based on the proximity of the tip of a pointer tracked by the localization device to a reference location identified by the localization device. The display method and apparatus may be incorporated into a surgical navigation system for use in identifying a location for drilling a femoral tunnel in an ACL repair procedure.

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted altitudes. The altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with an altitude restriction. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a restricted altitude. The altitude measurement of the UAV and/or altitude restriction of the UAV may be modified for improved performance. Different flight-response measures may be taken depending on preference and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

A vertical situation display system for use in a vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft, is provided. A side view of an intended route of flight may be shown with altitude restrictions, airspace and instrument approach information, a projected flight path and range to airspeed symbol. The system may show terrain, weather, and traffic information along the intended route of flight. The system may be used in conjunction with a navigational display to enhance situational awareness. The system includes a computer, an electronic display device, an electronic entry device, a memory and a database. The database may contain terrain, airspace and flight planning data and may be updatable.

A remote pointing apparatus including a remote control that generates an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around the origin and an optical sensor that detects whether the optical signal is received, and a remote pointing method therefor. The remote pointing method includes projecting an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around an origin; detecting whether the optical signal is received using a plurality of optical sensors that are two-dimensionally disposed; and detecting the position of the origin, which exists within a position recognition range including at least a polygon having the optical sensors as vertexes, based on the results of detection of the optical sensors. Since the remote pointing apparatus and method do not need a light receiving panel that is installed to fully cover a display screen or installed in vertical and horizontal directions of the display panel in order to receive a laser beam, a manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced.

An object recognition system comprises a memory for storing a plurality of distance ranges with different distance labels associated with respective distance ranges. The controller converts measured distance values into distance labels according to distance ranges to which the distance values belong. The controller groups the sections or windows of a captured image based on assigned distance labels. Detection area or viewing area of the sensors is divided into a plurality of distance ranges according to tolerance of the measured distance such that broader distance range is defined as the distance from the system is larger. The controller scans the windows with distance labels using a template that defines a joining relationship for the windows and assigns each window with a cluster label that is a combination of the distance label and a occurrence indicia, which is the same for the windows that satisfy the joining relationship. The controller unites the windows having the same cluster labels into a cluster, generates three dimensional data of each of said clusters and combines the clusters that are positioned close to each other based on the three dimensional data to form a candidate of a physical object. The system includes a memory for storing three dimensional data of one or more physical objects that were recognized in previous recognition cycle. The controller infers a physical object which would be recognized in the current cycle based on the stored data and a speed of the vehicle relative to the physical object. The controller compares the inferred physical object with said candidate of a physical object to recognize a physical object.

A method for transmitting environmental conditions information, which includes receiving at least some environmental conditions information, scaling the received information such that a scaled environmental conditions value is determined for a particular vehicle, receiving an environmental conditions threshold value, comparing the scaled value to the received threshold value, determining whether the scaled value is greater than the received threshold value, and transmitting, if the scaled value is greater than the received threshold value, at least some of the information. Additionally, a method for displaying environmental conditions information, which includes receiving at least some scaled environmental conditions information, wherein the scaled information has been scaled to the particular receiving vehicle and exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the vehicle, determining whether the received information represents information that satisfies predetermined display requirements, preparing, if the received information satisfies the predetermined display requirements, the information for display, and displaying the prepared information.

This invention provides an infrared illuminator and camera system for imaging of auto vehicle license plates. The system works in ambient light conditions, ranging from bright sunlight, to dim light, to dark, to zero ambient light. It yields high-contrast imaging of the letters and numbers on retro-reflective license plates. The images of the license letter and number combinations can be read manually by a remote operator. They can be converted to text format with optical character recognition computer hardware and software. The text data can then be compared to data files listing license numbers to provide further data about the owner of a licensed vehicle. A decision can be made quickly about whether to allow a vehicle to proceed through a gate, or whether to take other action. The system uses a mono camera that is enhanced for infrared sensitivity and combined with a high power infrared illuminator to maximize range at night, and with shutter speeds set up to capture clear license plate pictures even with fast moving vehicles and even with their headlights on and interfering with human observation of the license plates. Optical filtering to pass infrared in the range of the illuminator and to reduce light outside this range, combines with a lens set up, to avoid vertical smear and sensor overload caused by headlights at night and by highlight reflected glare from the sun in daytime.

A noncontact optical three-dimensional measuring device that includes a projector, a first camera, and a second camera; a processor electrically coupled to the projector, the first camera and the second camera; and computer readable media which, when executed by the processor, causes the first digital signal to be collected at a first time and the second digital signal to be collected at a second time different than the first time and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a first point on the surface based at least in part on the first digital signal and the first distance and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a second point on the surface based at least in part on the second digital signal and the second distance.

A device for recording a geometry of an environment of a device in a detection field with the aid of laser scanning may include a laser beam controlled by an oscillating micromechanical mirror. The detection field is specifiable in the vertical and horizontal directions by adapting an amplitude of oscillation of the micromechanical mirror. Driver-assistance systems are used for tasks both in the near field, such as a parking function, and in the distant field of the vehicle, such as a distance control or the detection of obstacles on the roadway. If the amplitude of the oscillation of the micro-mirror is then reduced in the horizontal direction and/or vertical direction, the spatial resolution for the reduced detection range is improved. Moreover, the higher intensity of the laser radiation impinging on the smaller detection region improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signal.

Apparatus and methods are provided for the imaging of structures in deep tissue within biological specimens, using spectral imaging to provide highly sensitive detection. By acquiring data that provides a plurality of images of the sample with different spectral weightings, and subsequent spectral analysis, light emission from a target compound is separated from autofluorescence in the sample. With the autofluorescence reduced or eliminated, an improved measurement of the target compound is obtained.

A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

A method to determine the alignment of the transmitter and receiver fields of view of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. This method can be employed to determine the far-field intensity distribution of the transmitter beam, as well as the variations in transmitted laser beam pointing as a function of time, temperature, or other environmental variables that may affect the co-alignment of the LIDAR system components. In order to achieve proper alignment of the transmitter and receiver optical systems when a LIDAR system is being used in the field, this method employs a laser-beam-position-sensing detector as an integral part of the receiver optics of the LIDAR system.

A method for determining a height (i.e., elevation above ground level) at which a communication device having an electronic processor and a sensor is located may include obtaining a reference height of a first location, the reference height being a known height relative to ground level, the reference height having a corresponding reference pressure; obtaining, with the sensor, a pressure measurement at a second location; and calculating, with the electronic processor, a height at the second location based on the pressure measurement, the reference height, and the reference pressure. The height may also be based on temperature data, location data, motion data, and/or the like.

A scanning optical microscope including: a light source; a lens for altering the cross-sectional shape aspect ratio of a beam of light emitted from the light source; at least one lens for converging beams of light of different cross-sectional shape aspect ratio to create a linear light; a first light modulation member able to impart shade to the converged linear light; a lens that can form the light to which the shade has been imparted as a parallel light; a scanning member that can alter the angle of illumination; a lens for focusing the light to which the shade has been imparted; an objective lens for projecting the light to which the shading has been imparted to a sample body; and a lens for imaging the reflected light from the sample body or the light generated by the sample body on to a sensor.

Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented using one or more fixed electronic devices to generate a reference data report corresponding to a particular environment. Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented using one or more mobile electronic devices to generate an environment report corresponding to a particular environment.

A method of registering reconnaissance image data with map data is disclosed, comprising recording image data at a plurality of positions, together with the role, pitch and height above mean sea level data from an airborne navigation system and imaging system, and recording altitude of a reconnaissance craft from an altimeter; obtaining a difference between said recorded altitude data, and an altitude calculated from said navigation system data and a map data; selecting a difference data having a lowest standard deviation, and at a position of said selected difference data generating a three dimensional surface data using a bi-quadratic equation; generating a bi-quadratic surface of each of a plurality of positions for which data is recorded; generating a difference data between said bi-quadratic surface data, and height data obtained from said map, and minimising an error between bi-quadratic surface data and said height data by translating said position data relative to said map data, until minimum error is achieved; registering said image data with said map data after applying a said translation of said image data.

A biometrics system captures and processes a handprint image using a structured light illumination to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint. The biometrics system includes an enclosure with a scan volume for placement of the hand. A reference plane with a backdrop pattern forms one side of the scan volume. The backdrop pattern is preferably a random noise pattern and the coordinates of the backdrop pattern are predetermined at system provisioning. The biometrics system further includes at least one projection unit for projecting a structured light pattern onto a hand positioned in the scan volume on or in front of the backdrop pattern and at least two cameras for capturing a plurality of images of the hand, wherein each of the plurality of images includes at least a portion of the hand and the backdrop pattern. A processing unit calculates 3D coordinates of the hand from the plurality of images using the predetermined coordinates of the backdrop pattern to align the plurality of images and mapping the 3D coordinates to a 2D flat surface to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint. The processing unit can also adjust calibration parameters for each hand scan from calculating coordinates of the portion of backdrop pattern in the at least one image and comparing with the predetermined coordinates of the backdrop pattern.

Automatic homing systems are disclosed, operable between pairs of objects. One or both of the objects in the pair may be moving and/or unmanned. Examples of a pair of objects between which the inventive automatic homing systems may be operated are ground vehicles in leader-follower configuration, as well as aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft. The automatic homing systems are based on a relatively simple, elegant concept of rightness/leftness and a line-of-sight link between a respective leader vehicle and follower vehicle. Complex EO/IR cameras, LIDAR, RADAR, and/or SONAR-based sensor systems can be avoided. Convoys of vehicles in leader-follower configuration advantageously may be operated without needing human operators in the follower vehicles.

The completion of an electronic checklist is facilitated by the automated display of certain data while completing the checklist. The disclosed program presents an automated display of synoptic, navigational, or flight management data for each task in a checklist. For each task in a checklist, there may be certain data which would aid the pilot or other user to complete the checklist. Such data can be displayed contemporaneously with the checklist. After the completion of each task in the checklist, the contents of the display can be restored to the state the display was in before the checklist was started.