Other

Hughes Danbury Optical Systems, Inc.

H Eugene Waldenmaier

P J DeGroot

G H Hayes

Michael W Green

A Single optical element that also provides the structural support between optical elements, the alignment stability between optical elements, the weatherized window (environmental enclosure), and minimizes, or eliminates, central obscuration for a distortion free, wide field of view (a panoramic .+-.80.degree.) optical surveillance system is disclosed. Simultaneously, the logic for a learn mode eliminates the need for programming 'the location of detection zones' in the data processing system e.g. for a traffic surveillance and control systems, during or after installation of the system or for the off-line data processing. The synergism of these features enables complete real-time, e.g. within seconds after learn mode adaptation, traffic analysis and reporting of an entire multi-lane, omni-directional, non-orthogonal, traffic intersection, traffic circle or roadway from a single video surveillance system with no or minimal, programming knowledge on the part of the system installer or operator.

Surveillance system

Optical metrology method and apparatus wherein three optical wavelengths of a fixed polarization are generated and separated into a reference beam (RB) and a measurement or object beam (OB) having, ideally, equal optical path lengths. After reflecting from surfaces being measured OB is combined with RB and provided to sensors which measure the intensity associated with each of the wavelengths. Any difference between the intensities is indicative of a difference in the optical path lengths of OB and RB and is a function of the polarization state of each of the three returned wavelengths. Differences in optical path length may be indicative of a difference between a reference surface and a test surface, or a difference in thickness or index of refraction across an object. Two multi-mode laser diodes (12, 14) are provided for generating the three optical wavelengths. Two synthetic wavelenths are derived from the three optical wavelengths and are employed to improve the precision of measurement while retaining a large dynamic range made possible by the use of a large synthetic wavelength.

Growing community of inventors

White Plains, NY, United States of America

H Eugene Waldenmaier