Abstract:
A method of fabricating a low-cost, flexible and highly efficient photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a layer of thin film, shaping the thin film into a plurality of parabolic shaped concentrators, forming an aperture in the bottom of each of the parabolic shaped concentrators, coating the concentrators with a reflective material, encapsulating the concentrators with a transparent insulating layer, depositing a photovoltaic cell on the bottom parabolic shaped concentrators, and depositing an anti-reflection coating on the top of the parabolic shaped concentrators.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process and a device for detecting or recognizing an object by means of color recognition or brightness evaluation, whereby radiation emitted by a radiation source on the object and radiation reflected from the object is recorded by a photosensitive element such as a color-recognizing sensor. In order to be able to detect objects with a higher measuring exactitude, whereby changes in distance between object and light-sensitive element should not basically lead to a measurement falsification, it is suggested that reflected radiation be guided to the photosensitive element by means of a light-guiding element tapering in the direction of the photosensitive element.
Abstract:
Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics preferably are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe With respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a patient data base. Such methods and implements may be desirably utilized for purposes of detecting and preventing counterfeiting or the like. Low cost and small form factor spectrometers, and methods for manufacturing the same, also are disclosed.
Abstract:
A laser output detector is provided which comprises: a convertor unit having a light sampling port to be located adjacent a projecting portion of a laser beam projector for sampling a fraction of a convergent portion of a laser beam projected from the laser beam projector or a fraction of a non-convergent portion of the laser beam outside the convergent portion of the laser beam, and adapted to convert the sampled laser beam fraction into an electrical signal; and a detection circuit for computing the energy amount of the projected laser beam on the basis of the electrical signal outputted from the convertor unit.
Abstract:
An optical proximity sensor generates information indicative of a distance to an object in a field and in some embodiments also generates information indicative of a spectral reflectance characteristic of the object. The information indicative of the spectral reflectance characteristic can be used to determine whether the object in the field is a living plant or another object such as soil. Light emitted from the optical sensor for reflection off the object is modulated so that reflected light from the optical sensor can be discriminated from reflected ambient sunlight. The optical sensor is scanned over the field to map objects in the field and/or to determine the location of rows of crop plants. A sensor in accordance with the present invention has many uses in agriculture including spraying, cultivation and vehicle guidance.
Abstract:
A readily replaceable light rod assembly for coupling infrared energy to a photoelectric sensor element in a spark detector system used for monitoring a zone through which fine particulate matter is conveyed at high speed by pneumatic action. The light rod assembly comprises an elongate clad glass rod of optical glass, polished at both ends, positioned inside a tubular housing of Teflon material. The glass rod is fastened inside the housing by a set screw and both ends of the housing are threaded, with the input, or high thermal energy end, screwing into an end cap holding a quartz glass window, and the other, or output end, into the threaded receptacle of the sensor element.
Abstract:
A composite type light sensor compriser of a sensor portion molded into a light-transmitting resin together with light receiving elements and a case portion mounted with light receiving means such as a lens for receiving the sensor portion.
Abstract:
A lighting sensor is provided including a sleeve made from a translucent erial having a bottom intended to be exposed to the light whose illumination it is desired to measure, an optoelectronic component positioned inside the sleeve with its sensitive face disposed in line with said bottom and means for securing said component and said sleeve together.The invention overcomes in a simple way the problems due to the non linearity of the signal delivered by the optoelectronic component to the saturation of this component and to the narrowness of its aperture angle.
Abstract:
An illumination device is disclosed which includes a lamp for producing light. Light from the lamp enters the input end of a cuboidal integrating bar formed of material having a refractive index greater than .sqroot.2. The edges of the output end of the bar are rendered imperfect by blunting. Light escaping the bar, other than through the output end of the bar, by virtue of the imperfections, is detected by a photosensitive device in a space within a housing around the bar. The housing has inlet and outlet apertures such that light cannot enter the space in the housing other than through the bar. The imperfections are masked so that light cannot enter the bar through the imperfections. The photosensitive device produces a signal indicative of the useful light output of the bar, which signal is not influenced by light entering the output end of the bar.
Abstract:
A device for providing a substantially flat light field to a light imaging medium includes a transparent disc and an optical system. The surface of the disc is made opaque and light is coupled to the optical system through the edge of the disc by reflection from the internal surface of the disc. The intensity of light passing through the disc to the optical system decreases as the distance from the coupling edge increases. The combined effects of the disc and the optical system result in a substantially flat light field.