Rapid and precise distance measurement with hybrid comb lasers

Dual-comb ranging allows rapid and precise distance measurement and can be universally implemented on different comb platforms,e.g.,fiber combs and microcombs.To date,dual-fiber-comb ranging has become a mature and powerful tool for metrology and industry,but the measurement speed is often at a kilohertz level due to the lower repetition rates.Recently,dual-microcomb ranging has given rise to a new opportunity for distance measurement,in consequence of its small footprint and high repetition rates,but full-comb stabilization is challenging.Here,we report a dual-hybrid-comb distance meter capable of ultrarapid and submicrometer precision distance measurement,which can not only leverage the advantage of easy locking inherited from the fiber comb but also sustain ultrarapid measurement speed due to the microcomb.The experimental results show that the measurement precision can reach 3.572μm at 4.136μs and 432 nm at 827.2μs averaging time.Benefiting from the large difference between the repetition rates of the hybrid combs,the measurement speed can be enhanced by 196 folds,in contrast to the dual-fiber-comb system with about a 250 MHz repetition rate.Our work can offer a solution for the fields of rapid dimensional measurement and spectroscopy.

A novel algorithm for distance measurement using stereo camera

Distance estimation can be achieved by using active sensors or with the help of passive sensors such as cameras.The stereo vision system is generally composed of two cameras to mimic the human binocular vision.In this paper,a Python-based algorithm is pro-posed to find the parameters of each camera,rectify the images,create the disparity maps and finally use these maps for distance measurements.Experiments using real-time im-ages,which were captured from our stereo vision system,of different obstacles posi-tioned at multiple distances(60-200 cm)prove the effectiveness of the proposed program and show that the calculated distance to the obstacle is relatively accurate.The accuracy of distance measurement is up to 99.83%.The processing time needed to calculate the distance between the obstacle and the cameras is less than 0.355 s.

Information fusion of train speed and distance measurements based on fuzzy adaptive Kalman filter algorithm

The measurement accuracy of speed and distance in high speed train directly affects the control precision and driving efficiency of train control system. To improve the capability of train self control, a combined speed measurement and positioning method based on speed sensor and radar which is assisted by global positioning system（GPS） is proposed to improve the accuracy of measurement and reduce the dependence on the ground equipment. In consideration of the fact that the filtering precision of Kalman filter will decrease when the statistical characteristics are changing, this paper uses fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the sub filter, and information distribution coefficients are dynamically adjusted according to filtering reliability, which can improve the fusion accuracy and fault tolerance of the system. The sub filter is required to carry on the covariance shaping adaptive filtering when it is in the suboptimal state. The adjustment factor of error covariance is obtained according to the minimized cost function, which can improve the matching degree between the measured residual variance and the system recursive residual. The simulation results show that the improved filter algorithm can track the changes of the system effectively, enhance the filtering accuracy significantly, and improve the measurement accuracies of train speed and distance.

Feature Selection Based on Distance Measurement

Every day we receive a large amount of information through different social media and software,and this data and information can be realized with the advent of data mining methods.In the process of data mining,to solve some high-dimensional problems,feature selection is carried out in limited training samples,and effective features are selected.This paper focuses on two Relief feature selection algorithms:Relief and ReliefF algorithm.The differences between them and their respective applicable scopes are analyzed.Based on Relief algorithm,the high weight feature subset is obtained,and the correlation between features is calculated according to the mutual information distance measure,and the high redundant features are removed to obtain the feature subset with higher quality.Experimental results on six datasets show the effectiveness of our method.

Target Detection Improvement in Distance Measurement System Using Two Rotatable Cameras for FPSO

This paper describes target detection improvement in a distance measurement system using two rotatable cameras for floating production, storage and offloading （FPSO） facilities. The authors have developed a distance measurement system that consists of two rotatable cameras on a ship and a target on a wharf for the automatic berthing of ships. This system measures a distance by detecting and tracking the target on the wharf using the two rotatable cameras on the ship. Our goal is to apply this distance measurement system to an automatic relative positioning system for a ship at an FPSO facility. In this application, the shape of the target in the images captured by the cameras is deformed by their relative positions and attitudes, which increases the measurement errors. To solve this problem, we propose a target detection method that improves the target deformations. The proposed target detection method is able to detect the deformed targets using a target database that is created by image conversion with the perspective projection of a reference target. By using the proposed target detection method, the distance measurement error is decreased. Experimental results on a miniature scale and in an indoor environment confirmed that the measurement error of the relative distance is decreased by using the proposed target detection method.

Review of low timing jitter mode-locked fiber lasers and applications in dual-comb absolute distance measurement

Passively mode-locked fiber lasers emit femtosecond pulse trains with excellent short-term stability. The quantum-limited timing jitter of a free running femtosecond erbium-doped fiber laser working at room temperature is considerably below one femtosecond at high Fourier frequency. The ultrashort pulse train with ultralow timing jitter enables absolute time-of-flight measurements based on a dual-comb implementation, which is typically composed of a pair of optical frequency combs generated by femtosecond lasers. Dead-zone-free absolute distance measurement with sub-micrometer precision and kHz update rate has been routinely achieved with a dual-comb configuration, which is promising for a number of precision manufacturing applications, from large step-structure measurements prevalent in microelectronic profilometry to three coordinate measurements in large-scale aerospace manufacturing and shipbuilding. In this paper, we first review the sub-femtosecond precision timing jitter characterization methods and approaches for ultralow timing jitter mode-locked fiber laser design. Then, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art dual-comb absolute ranging technology in terms of working principles, experimental implementations, and measurement precisions. Finally, we discuss the impact of quantum-limited timing jitter on the dual-comb ranging precision at a high update rate. The route to highprecision dual-comb range finder design based on ultralow jitter femtosecond fiber lasers is proposed.

Distance Measurement Model Based on RSSI in WSN

The relationship between RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) values and distance is the foundation and the key of ranging and positioning technologies in wireless sensor networks. Log-normal shadowing model (LNSM), as a more general signal propagation model, can better describe the relationship between the RSSI value and distance, but the parameter of variance in LNSM is depended on experiences without self-adaptability. In this paper, it is found that the variance of RSSI value changes along with distance regu- larly by analyzing a large number of experimental data. Based on the result of analysis, we proposed the relationship function of the variance of RSSI and distance, and established the log-normal shadowing model with dynamic variance (LNSM-DV). At the same time, the method of least squares(LS) was selected to es- timate the coefficients in that model, thus LNSM-DV might be adjusted dynamically according to the change of environment and be self-adaptable. The experimental results show that LNSM-DV can further reduce er- ror, and have strong self-adaptability to various environments compared with the LNSM.

NON-CONTACT MEASUREMENT SYSTEM OF FREEFORM SURFACE AND NURBS RECONSTRUCTION OF MEASUREMENT POINTS

Based on the development of the non-contact measurement system of free-formsurface, NURBS reconstruction of measurement points of freeform surface is effectively realized bymodifying the objective function and recursive procedure and calculating the optimum number ofcontrol points. The reconstruction precision is evaluated through Ja-cobi's transformation method.The feasibility of the measurement system and effectiveness of the reconstruction algorithm aboveare proved by experiment.

On the Probable Cause of the Discrepancies between Hipparcos and VLBI Pleiades Distance Measurements

It will show, a recent extension of special relativity on the grounds of a novel concept of velocity, which also predicts the speed of transversal motions on the plane of the sky to increase with enduring observation time, to fully explain the differences of the observational results of the former experiments referring to the distance of the Pleiades from Earth.

Non-contact measurement and multi-objective analysis of drilling temperature when drilling B_4C reinforced aluminum composites

Non-contact measurements of machining temperatures were performed with optical pyrometer when drilling particle（B4C） reinforced metal matrix composites（MMCs） with different drills. The effect of particle content, cutting speed, feed rate and tool material on the maximum drilling temperature was investigated. The drilling parameters were optimized based on multiple performance characteristics in terms of the maximum cutting temperature and tool wear. According to the results, the most influential control factors on the cutting temperatures are found to be particle fraction, feed rate and interaction between the cutting speed and particle content, respectively. The influences of the cutting speed and drill material on the drilling temperature are found to be relatively lower for the used range of parameters. Minimum cutting temperatures are obtained with lower particle fraction and cutting speed, with relatively higher feed rates and carbide tools. The results reveal that optimal combination of the drilling parameters can be used to obtain both minimum cutting temperature and tool wear.

Optical Frequency Comb Frequency-division Multiplexing Dispersive Interference Multichannel Distance Measurement

An optical frequency comb(OFC)frequency-division multiplexing dispersive interference multichannel distance measurement method is proposed.Based on the OFC dispersive interference,the wide OFC spectrum is divided into multiple channels using a wavelength-division multiplexer.Under the existing light source and spectrometer,a single interference system can realize six channels of the high-precision parallel absolute distance measurement.The influence of the spectrum width and shape on the performance of the distance measurement channel is analyzed.The ranging accuracy of six channels is higher than±4μm under the optimization of a nonuniform discrete Fourier transform and Hanning window.

Large-scale absolute distance measurement with dual free-running all-polarization-maintaining femtosecond fiber lasers

We demonstrate a robust femtosecond LIDAR setup by using two free-running environmentally stable allpolarization-maintaining nonlinear amplified loop mirror mode-locked fiber lasers. Based on the asynchronous optical sampling method, a ranging accuracy of ±2 μm within 65 m has been achieved, as tested in an 80-m-long underground optical tunnel. Through the Kalman filter in real-time data processing, the measurement accuracy can be maintained at a 200 Hz update rate. This setup provides a practical tool for various large-scale industrial and astronomical ranging applications.

Fluorescence lifetime based distance measurement illustrates conformation changes of PYL10-CL2 upon ABA binding in solution state

Forster resonance energy transfer(FRET)is a widely used distance measurement method to illustrate protein conformational dynamics.The FRET method relies on the distance between donor and acceptor,as well as the labelling efficiency,the size and the properties of the fluorophores.Here,we labelled a pair of small fluorophores and calculated the energy transferred efficiency through fluorescence lifetime analysis,which can provide more reliable distance measurement than intensity attenuation.The donor fluorophore,7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl-ethylglycine(HC),was genetically incorporated into specific sites of PYL10,obtaining complete labelling efficiency.The acceptor fluorophore,Alexa488,was labelled through the disulfide bond,whose labelling efficiency was estimated through both absorption peaks and lifetime populations.Fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy analysis showed ABA-induced local conformation changes and dynamics of several HC incorporation sites of PYL10.The lifetime-based FRET distance measurement illustrated the conformation changes of PYL10 with or without ABA application,which is consistent with the previously reported crystal structures.

Optimization of measurement distance of (109)~Cd K XRF system for obese subjects

The precision of results obtained from the ^109Cd K XRF in vivo measurement system of bone lead for obses subjects with high BMI( body mass index)was poor.The main factor affecting the precision was the distance between tibia and detector.Compared with the standard phantom,a large phantom was used to simulate the obese subject in the measurements at different distances to the detector.The counts of Compton scattering increased highly because of the tissue overlying and surrounding tibia of the obese subject.When the distance between leg and detector was too small,the instrument would produce the distorted X-ray spectra,so that the obtained data were inaccurate,In order to ensure good measuremtn precision and accuracy,the distance between leg and detector should be maintained at 25mm during the counting period.Meanwhile,the dead time displayed instantly on the instrument should be controlled to around 30%.

Non-Contact Measurements of Water Jet Spreading Width with a Laser Instrument

Jet spreading width is one of the important characteristics of water jets discharging into the air.Many researchers have dealt with measuring this width,and contact measuring methods on the water jet surface were employed in a lot of the cases.In order to avoid undesirable effects caused by the contact on the jet surface,we introduce non-contact measuring methods with a laser instrument to the measurements of jet spreading width.In measurements,a transmitter emits sheet-like laser beam to a receiver.The water jet between the transmitter and the receiver interrupts the laser beam and makes a shadow.The minimum and maximum values of the shadow width are measured.In addition,pictures of the water jet are taken with a scale,and the shadow width is measured from the pictures.The experiments on various needle strokes were performed.Three kinds of width consistent with the jet structure were obtained.In the results,it can be concluded that our non-contact measuring methods are feasible.The data of jet spreading widths and jet taper were obtained and are useful for future applications.

Machine Vision for Non-Contact Automated Countersink Measurement

The slug rivet is widely used in wing assembly due to its longer fatigue life and better sealing performance compared with other connection technologies.As a countersink with dual-angle is widely adopted for this type of connection,the countersink diameter and depth are key factors that affect assembly quality.Therefore,it is of great importance to efficiently inspect the countersink quality to ensure high accuracy.However,contact measurements are susceptible to the loss of accuracy due to cutting debris and lube build-up,while the hole-scanning method using laser profilometry is time consuming and complex.In this paper,a non-contact method for countersink diameter and depth measurement based on a machine vision system is proposed.The countersink diameter can be directly measured by the machine vision system,while the countersink depth is determined through the countersink diameter indirectly.First,by means of image processing technology together with an improved edge detection algorithm,the countersink diameter can be obtained.Then,a 3D microscope is employed to measure the countersink depth,which helps to model the countersink.As a result,once the countersink diameter is measured,so is the depth.The experimentation demonstrated that this method has strong feasibility and enables time saving,which is conducive to improve the riveting efficiency.

Accurate Measurement Method for Tube's Endpoints Based on Machine Vision

Tubes are used widely in aerospace vehicles, and their accurate assembly can directly affect the assembling reliability and the quality of products. It is important to measure the processed tube＇s endpoints and then fix any geometric errors correspondingly. However, the traditional tube inspection method is time-consuming and complex operations. Therefore, a new measurement method for a tube＇s endpoints based on machine vision is proposed. First, reflected light on tube＇s surface can be removed by using photometric linearization. Then, based on the optimization model for the tube＇s endpoint measurements and the principle of stereo matching, the global coordinates and the relative distance of the tube＇s endpoint are obtained. To confirm the feasibility, ll tubes are processed to remove the reflected light and then the endpoint＇s positions of tubes are measured. The experiment results show that the measurement repeatability accuracy is 0.167 mm, and the absolute accuracy is 0.328 ram. The measurement takes less than 1 min. The proposed method based on machine vision can measure the tube＇s endpoints without any surface treatment or any tools and can realize on line measurement.

Study on Coaxiality Measurement System of Compound Gear Shaft Based on Non⁃contact Optic

Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional contact measurement methods such as low measurement efficiency,high cost and low accuracy,a non-contact optical measurement method based on the laser displacement sensor is proposed.According to the relevant regulations of the coaxiality error evaluation standard and the structural characteristics of the compound gear shaft,we have designed and built a set of supporting software system as well as a hardware test platform.In this paper,the distance difference threshold and scale threshold methods are used to eliminate outlier data.The least squares circle is selected to calculate the center of the circle and the minimum containment cylinder axis method is used as the reference axis of the composite gear shaft.Compensated by the standard step shaft calibration,the coaxiality error of the composite gear shaft can be measured to be within 0.01 mm in less than two minutes.The range value of the multi-section measurement test is 0.065 mm.The average coaxiality error is∅0.476 mm.

Three-Dimensional Measurement and Reconstruction of Fabric Drape Shape

This paper introduces a new method of measuring the three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics with structural light. First, we apply parallel annular structural light to form light and shade alternating contour stripes on the surface of fabrics. We then collect the images of contour stripes using Charge Coupled Device (CCD). Subsequently, we process the images to identify the contour stripes and edges of fabrics, and obtain the fabric contour lines of curved surfaces. Finally, we apply three-dimensional curved surface modeling method based on a network of polar coordinates, and reconstruct the three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics. Experiments show that our method is effective in testing and reconstructing three-dimensional drape shape of fabrics.

A Novel Approach for Warhead Fragments Velocity Measurement Based on Laser Screen

The velocity of warhead fragment is key criteria to determine its mutilation efficiency.We have designed an optoelectronic system to accurately measure the average velocity of warhead fragments.The apparatus including two parallel laser screens spaced apart at a known fixed distance for providing time measurement start and stop signals.The large effective screen area is formed by laser source,retro-reflector and large area photo-diode with a central hole.Whenever a moving fragment interrupts two optical screen,the corresponding photometers senses the event,due to partial obscuration of the incident energy.Experiments have been performed to measure velocity of the different kinds of projectiles and fragments within various size and velocity ranges,including 7.62 mm bullet shooting experiments,prefabricated steel-ball exploding experiments.They were proved that the system is adequate to measure the velocity of larger than 5 mm,less than 1 000 m/s in the range,when fixed trajectory,test the velocity of the projectile average relative deviation is less than 4.21%.The system can perform satisfactorily with a lot of advantages such as larger effective light screen area,quick response speed,low uncertainty,strong repetition and reliability,etc.