2906results about "Optical detection" patented technology

A monitoring system and method for monitoring a predetermined set of physical characteristics associated with a structure using the monitoring system. The system is distributed in the structure and comprises a distributed optical sensing device (30), further comprising a fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light source (18a) operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light detection device (18b), operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22), for measuring the light received at the light detection device (18b) from the fiber optic cable (20, 22); and a data processor (18) capable of using the light measured to calculate a predetermined set of physical parameters describing the predetermined set of physical characteristics.

A system for automatically inspecting matter for varying composition comprises one or more detection stations through which one or more streams of matter are advanced and particular materials therein are detected through their diffusely reflected IR spectra, if any, and/or through their variation of an electromagnetic field by their metallic portions, if any. A row of light sources distributed across the overall width of one or more belt conveyors may cause desired portions of the stream to reflect light diffusely onto a part-toroidal mirror extending over that overall width, whence the light is reflected, by a rotating, polygonal mirror through optical filters dedicated to differing IR wavelengths, onto detectors the data output of which is utilized in controlling solenoid valves operating air jet nozzles which separate-out the desired portions. Alternatively or additionally, an oscillator and an antenna which extends over that overall width generate an electromagnetic field through the belt and sensing coils sense variations therein produced by metallic portions of the stream passing through the detection station and the detection data produced by the sensing coils is used to control the solenoid valves operating the nozzles to separate-out the metallic portions.

A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.

A method of detecting an object using a structured light and a robot using the same are disclosed. The method of detecting a floor object using a structured light includes measuring a height difference of a position onto which a specified structured light is projected with a reference position, and detecting the floor object using the measured height difference.

A security sensor 1 having a disturbance detecting capability capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle 8 purposefully applied to the sensor 1 in an attempt to fool or tamper the sensor 1 includes a carrier body A having an infrared sensor element 4, an incident side enclosure 5, such as a lens defining a detection area B, mounted on the carrier body A, a light projecting element 11 for projecting a disturbance detecting beam L1 from inside of the incident side enclosure 5 towards the incident side enclosure 5, a light receiving element 12 for receiving the disturbance detecting beam L1 reflected from the incident side enclosure 5, and a detecting circuit 15 for detecting a presence or absence of the obstacle 8 on the incident side enclosure 5, based on an amount of light received by the light receiving element 12. A multiplicity of projections 7 are formed on an outer surface of the incident side enclosure 5 so as to define a multiplicity of gaps between the obstacle 8 and the outer surface of the incident side enclosure 5, when the obstacle 8 is applied to the outer surface of the incident side enclosure 5.

An automated counting and tracking system for counting the number of individuals, objects or animals having certain common demographics or attributes, located within a defined physical location, which includes a means of determining the composition of persons, items or animals located in such physical location. A method for counting and tracking the number of individuals, objects or animals having certain common demographics or attributes, located within a defined physical location, which includes a method of determining the composition of persons, items or animals located in such physical location.

Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using thermal imaging to intelligently monitor thoroughfares. For example, an intelligent monitoring system may include an infrared imaging module, a processor, a communication module, a memory, and an adjustable component. The system may be mounted, installed, or otherwise disposed at various locations along thoroughfares, and capture thermal images of a scene that includes at least a portion of the thoroughfares. Various thermal image processing and analysis operations may be performed on the thermal images to generate comprehensive monitoring information including an indication of detected objects in the scene and at least one attribute associated with the objects. Various actions may be taken, such as generating various alarms and intelligently adjusting operation of various adjustable devices on thoroughfares, based on the monitoring information. The monitoring information may be shared among multiple instances of the system, and may be communicated to external devices.

A presence detector includes an optical emitter for emitting optical radiation, an optical detector for detecting a presence of an object based on receiving the optical radiation, and a microcontroller for controlling the optical emitter and processing the optical detector output, such that a range adjustment and range hysteresis based on the object are provided by software in the microcontroller.

A method for obtaining information about a subsurface formation from acoustic signals that contain information about to the subsurface formation, comprises: providing a fiber optic having a proximal end and a remote end, with the proximal end being coupled to a light source and a proximal photodetector, wherein said fiber optic cable includes randomly spaced impurities and selectively placed Bragg gratings and wherein the fiber optic cable is acoustically coupled to the subsurface formation so as to allow the acoustic signals to affect the physical status of at least one grating: transmitting at least one light pulse into the cable; receiving at the photodetector a first light signal indicative of the physical status of at least one first section of the cable, and outputting at least one item of information to a display.

A method and apparatus for detecting a target or targets in a surrounding background locale based on target signatures obtained by a hyperspectral imaging sensor used the hyperspectral imaging sensor to collect raw target signature data and background locale data during a first data collection mission. The data is processed to generate a database including a plurality of target signatures and background data relating to the background locale. The hyperspectral imaging sensor is later used to collect further background data during a further, current data collecting mission so as to provide continuously updated background data, in real time. A covariance equalization algorithm is implemented with respect to the background data contained in the database and the updated background data collected during the current mission to effect transformation of each target signature of the database into a transformed target signature. A detection algorithm which employs the resultant transformed target signature is used to produce detection information related to the target or targets.

A method of monitoring fluid flow uses an optical fibre having a heatable coating. The fibre is disposed within flowing fluid, and the heatable coating heated so that heat is transferred from the coating to the fluid. Optical measurements of the temperature of the heatable coating are made, where the temperature of the heatable coating depends on the flow velocity of the flowing fluid, and the temperature measurement is used to derive information about the flow. The coating may be an electrically resistive layer on the outer surface of the fibre, that is heated by passing electric current through it. This allows distributed flow measurements to be made. Alternatively, discrete measurements can be made if the coating is provided as a thin film layer on an end facet of the fibre. The coating is heated by directing light at a wavelength absorbed by the thin film material along the fibre.

In one embodiment, a touch detection system and method is achieved having high resolution by forming an integrated array of alternating emitters and detectors. Using integration techniques, the detectors can be made much larger than the emitters while the gaps between the emitters and detectors are maintained relatively small. Thus, high resolution is achieved without dramatically increasing the number of emitter/detector pairs. In one embodiment each array is positioned on an edge of a display such that the emitter of one array is lined up (on axis with) a detector of an opposing display. In one embodiment, the touch detection system and method operates to detect the amplitude of signals arriving from opposing arrays so as to precisely determine the location of a touched position. Off-axis scanning can be employed to increase sensitivity.

The invention relates to an automatic obstacle avoiding method of a substation inspection robot. Obstacle information around the inspection robot is scanned with laser radar, and the types of obstacles are judged through an infrared temperature sensor; if the obstacles are humans or animals, the inspection robot notify the humans to leave or to dispel the animals, and there is no need to avoid the obstacles; if the obstacles remain on a set path of the inspection robot, the inspection robot executes avoiding; obstacle priorities are divided according to 'time distance' that is time that the inspection robot takes to arrive at the obstacles; the inspection robot keeps to the right according to set driving rules; upon contact with an obstacle, the inspection robot moves along the obstacle clockwise from the left of the obstacle and ends avoiding after arriving at the front of the obstacle; if unable to bypass the obstacle from the left, the inspection robot tries to bypass the obstacle anticlockwise from the right of the obstacle. The method is insusceptible to temperature and visible light, and distance and direction information detection precision is higher.

There is provided an optical scanning type photoelectric switch capable of preventing interference with another photoelectric switch by use of its own capability, wherein, as for light projection pulse periods of the first and second optical scanning type photoelectric switches, the period is set to 30 μs in the first optical scanning type photoelectric switch while the period is set to 33 μs in the second optical scanning type photoelectric switch 1B, the light projection pulses have the same pulse width, and by setting the light projection periods different between the first and second optical scanning type photoelectric switches, even if mutual interference occurs between any optical axes, a phase difference of 36 degrees in rotation period is generated therebetween in a next scan, thereby preventing occurrence of the interference in succession in a plurality of times of scanning.

Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater. Improvements are also disclosed in the application of negative pressure during a drain phase in peritoneal dialysis therapy, and to control the amount of intraperitoneal fluid accumulation during a therapy. Improvements in efficiency are also disclosed in the movement of fluid into and out of a two-pump cassette and heater bag of a peritoneal dialysis cycler, and in the synchronization of the operation of two or more pumps in a peritoneal dialysis cycler or other fluid handling devices using a multi-pump arrangement.

Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.

Ear buds are provided that communicate wirelessly with an electronic device. To determine the current status of the ear buds and thereby take suitable action in controlling the operation of the electronic device and ear buds, the ear buds may be provided with sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry may include proximity sensors. The ear buds may each have a housing with a main body portion that is configured to be inserted into the ear of the user and an elongated stem portion that extends from the main body portion. The proximity sensors may include sensors on the main body and sensors on the stem. The proximity sensors may be light-based sensors that emit light that passes through the housing.

Systems and elements are disclosed for creating a continuous, collimated detection zone for an automatically-actuated device or container, such as an automatic waste container, wherein the detection zone can be made to match the periphery of a defined area, such as the opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable and immune from ambient light fluctuations.

An aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle surroundings monitoring device that includes an object extracting unit configured to extract objects that emit infrared rays from a photographed infrared image, a pedestrian candidate extracting unit configured to extract pedestrian candidates based on the shape of the images of objects extracted by the object extracting unit, and a structure exclusion processing unit configured to exclude structures from the pedestrian candidates based on the gray levels of the images of the pedestrian candidates.

A particle detection system including; at least one light source adapted to illuminate a volume being monitored at least two wavelengths; a receiver) having a field of view and being adapted to receive light from at least one light source after said light has traversed the volume being monitored and being adapted to generate signals indicative of the intensity of light received at regions within the field of view of the receiver; a processor associated with the receiver adapted to process the signals generated by the receiver to correlate light received at least two wavelengths in corresponding regions within the field of view of the receiver and generate an output indicative of the relative level of light received at the two wavelengths.

The invention relates to a self-walking underground cable failure detection intelligent instrument which comprises an underground cable hot failure infrared detector 1. an underground cable partial discharge ultraviolet detector 2. an underground cable insulation aging electric field distribution detector 3. an underground cable self-walking patrolling robot 4 and an underground cable failure predication system 5. The self-walking underground cable failure detection intelligent instrument realizes the comprehensive detection and prediction on the underground cable failure based on the multi-sensor detection, multi-information amalgamation, and movable intelligent patrolling mode, has high degree of automation as well as full-size, intuitive and reliable information, and greatly lightens the working load and working intensity of personnel.

An access control system for a passageway having a passageway barrier including an active infrared sensor device and a locking mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking the passageway barrier. The active infrared sensor device includes an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver having one or more position-sensing photodetectors operative for receiving infrared light and generating a signal corresponding to a position and/or intensity of the reflected infrared light, and a processing unit operative for detecting a change between a first signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving reflected infrared light at a first location on one or more position-sensing photodetectors and a second signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving infrared light reflected in response to the object moving into the surveillance area and for controlling an operation of a locking mechanism based on the change.

The invention relates to a detection device used in a fused deposition type three-dimensional printer. The detection device comprises a mounting seat and a first detection unit, wherein the first detection unit comprises a first detection wheel, a spring, a first photoelectric sensor as well as a positioning roller and an extrusion roller rotatably mounted on the mounting seat; an axis of the extrusion roller is parallel to that of the positioning roller, and the distance between the axes is adjustable; restoring force of the spring enables the distance between the axis of the extrusion roller and the axis of the positioning roller to be reduced; a channel for wire forming is formed between a working surface of the extrusion roller and a working surface of the positioning roller wheel; the first detection wheel is coaxially connected with the extrusion roller or the positioning roller in an equal-angular-speed manner; the first detection wheel comprises a base part and a covering part circumferentially arranged along the base part; a light path of the first photoelectric sensor penetrates through a plane formed by rotating the covering part around an axis of the first detection wheel. The detection device can be used for detecting whether the three-dimensional printer has the problems of empty printing and the like or not. In addition, the invention further provides the three-dimensional printer employing the detection device and a printing method of the printer.

A programmable photoelectric sensor and a system for programming/controlling the photoelectric sensor and for monitoring the performance of the photoelectric sensor. The system includes a processor coupled to the photoelectric sensor, which is operative for generating at least one graphical user interface and for programming/adjusting the operation of the photoelectric sensor; and a display device coupled to the processor for displaying the graphical user interface. The processor programs/adjusts the operation of the photoelectric sensor in accordance with selections of an operator utilizing icons displayed on the graphical user interface.

A method for detecting an object using light comprises providing a light source having a function of illuminating an environment. The light source is driven to emit light in a predetermined mode, with light in the predetermined mode being emitted such that the light source maintains said function of illuminating an environment. A reflection/backscatter of the emitted light is received from an object. The reflection/backscatter is filtered over a selected wavelength range as a function of a desired range of detection from the light source to obtain a light input. The presence or position of the object is identified with the desired range of detection as a function of the light input and of the predetermined mode.

Described is a device which enables toolsetting on a machine tool. The device includes a light emitting unit (10) and a light detecting unit (14). A light source (30) causes a light beam (12) to propagate from the emitting unit (10) to the detecting unit (14). A light detector (40) detects the presence or absence of the beam. A trigger signal is produced when occlusion occurs and so the position of an object can be determined by reference to the machine's coordinate readings. The beam (12) may be uncollimated and thus provide a device with an easier set-up and a greater resistance to vibration in use. The light detector (40) and/or light source may be protected from contamination by windows (34,44) or a protector having an aperture therein. The light emitting and detecting units each have an aperture for the light beam. The apertures may be oblique conduits (104) for pressurised air flow, thereby keeping the conduits free from contamination, while minimising turbulence in the path of the beam which could cause noise in the resulting signal.

Wafers in a cassette are mapped without having to open the cassette. The cassette is at least partially transparent to a particular type of radiation. A source of the radiation is directed into the cassette, through a transparent or translucent part of the cassette, and an imaging sensor sensitive to the radiation detects radiation that is reflected off the wafers inside the cassette. A second source of radiation and a second camera preferably provide additional images of the wafers from a different angle. By processing these images, the spatial orientation of the wafers and loading status of the cassette can be determined.

A sensor for optical detection of foreign bodies, in particular raindrops, on a window, in particular on the windshield of a motor vehicle, having a sensor element that is coupled to the inside of the window and having a fastening device, which is glued to the window, wherein the housing part has a fastening part pivotably attached to it, which can be brought into engagement with the fastening device by the clamping tension.

The present invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, a computer program and computer for automated detection of pipe (2) in a drilling operation, where the method comprising: using one or a plurality of sensors (41) to obtain one ore a plurality of data sets and/or images representing the pipe area, the data sets and/or images representing 3D and/or 2D images of the drilling operation; and processing the data sets and/or images to identify the pipe in the data sets and/or images.

A presence detection system is equipped with a transmitter that transmits a multipath wireless signal and a receiver that detects the presence of a person by receiving the transmitted wireless signal, within a prescribed space. On the basis of the reception level for a wireless signal received intermittently at the beginning of a first interval, the receiver determines whether there has been a change in the present/absent state of a person. When it is determined that there has been a change in the present/absent state of a person, the receiver determines whether a person is present/absent on the basis of variation in the reception level for a wireless signal received at the beginning of a second interval, which is shorter than the first interval.