Sensor Or Transducer Patents (Class 702/104)
  • Patent number: 8664616
    Abstract: In a method of count correction for pixels of a pixilated photon counting detector, the average count value output by each of a plurality of pixels during a period of time is determined. A product is determined of the actual average count value and a multiplying correction factor. A corrected count value is then determined for the pixel equal to a sum of the product and an additive correction factor. The multiplying correction factor equals a square root of a quotient of a desired average count value to be output by each of the plurality of pixels during the period of time divided by the actual average count value. The additive correction factor equals a product of the multiplying correction factor and the actual average count value subtracted from the desired average count value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EV Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Rundle
  • Publication number: 20140058695
    Abstract: Geometric calibration of an imaging system is performed by recording visible control points in a calibration image whose geometric properties are known and calibration coefficients can be derived utilizing an image processing system for transforming the recorded image into a geometric distortion-free image. Described are methods and systems for vicarious geometric calibration of a remote sensor that include a processor configured to receive image data collected at a remote sensor, the image data including a plurality of image elements each associated with a respective reflective mirror from a plurality of reflective mirrors located at respective know positions, determine, for each of the plurality of reflective mirrors, an image location in the image data and determine one or more figures of merit based on the image locations and the known positions for each of the plurality of reflective mirrors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: John F. Silny, Stephen J. Schiller
  • Publication number: 20140058696
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for controlling a gain automatically in an inertia sensor. The apparatus for controlling a gain automatically in an inertia sensor includes: an inertia sensor detecting an acceleration and angular velocity of a corresponding shaft by vibration and Coriolis force of a driving mass for each shaft; a driving unit vibrating the driving mass toward the corresponding shaft by applied driving voltage; a detection unit detecting driving displacement of the driving mass which vibrates by the driving unit; and a control unit comparing the detected driving displacement with a predetermined target value to judge a state of the driving mass and when a state of the driving mass is abnormal, and controlling the driving displacement of the driving mass to be compensated, and as a result, accuracy can be improved, and damage of the driving mass and driving noise can be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Won Hwang, Kyung Rin Kim, Chang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8659286
    Abstract: A system for accurate measurement and monitoring of AC or DC electrical current flowing through electrical conductors includes one or more current sensors, a receiver, and one or more calibration signal generators (“CSG's”) that can be plugged into outlets or otherwise coupled to the conductors so as to add automated, time-varying calibration signals to the conductors, such as current pulses or pulse patterns. The sensors are placed on a circuit breaker panel, around a cable, or otherwise near the conductors. The receiver distinguishes the calibration signals by their timing, pulse patterns, frequencies, or other time-varying features, uses their known amplitudes to calibrate the sensitivity of each sensor to each conductor, and determines the current flowing in each conductor. Among other applications, the invention can monitor building current usage, CO and data center power usage and distribution, and power line current leakage, and can calibrate invasive and/or non-invasive current sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Brett S Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20140052402
    Abstract: In a method for spectroscopic measurement, a spectroscopic measurement equipment, and a generating method for a transformation matrix, a measured spectrum is converted into a spectrum by making a transformation matrix act on the measured spectrum. The transformation matrix is determined as follows. A known light measured spectrum is linearly projected to a linear space constituted by principal component vectors of the measured spectrum obtained by a reference measurement equipment to thereby convert the known light measured spectrum into a reference known light measured spectrum. The transformation matrix is determined so that an evaluation function, which is defined by a linear combination of a difference between an estimated spectrum obtained by making the transformation matrix act on the reference known light measured spectrum and a known light spectrum, and dispersions of respective components of the transformation matrix, takes an extreme value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Arai
  • Publication number: 20140052401
    Abstract: Techniques for compensating for inertial and/or magnetic interference in a mobile device are provided. The mobile device can include a vibration motor to vibrate the device, a processor, and can include an inertial sensor and/or a magnetometer. The processor can be configured to actuate the vibration motor to induce vibration of the mobile device, to measure motion of the mobile device with the inertial sensor of the device to produce sensor output data and/or to measure a magnetic field generated by the vibration motor to produce magnetometer output data, and to compensate for the vibration of the inertial sensor induced by the vibration motor to produce compensated sensor output data and/or to compensate for a magnetic field generated by the vibration motor when the vibration motor is actuated to produce compensated magnetometer output data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wyatt Thomas Riley, Carlos Manuel Puig, Joseph Czompo
  • Patent number: 8648704
    Abstract: A method and a control device for triggering passenger protection devices are provided, the passenger protection devices being triggered as a function of a first acceleration signal and/or a driving dynamics signal. The acceleration signal is corrected by an offset by a comparison with the driving dynamics signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Melchert, Gunther Lang
  • Patent number: 8649992
    Abstract: A method for reducing effect of motion on electromagnetic signals detected while moving an electromagnetic receiver through a body of water includes measuring a parameter related to an amount of current passed through an electromagnetic transmitter to induce an electromagnetic field in subsurface formations. A magnetic field proximate the electromagnetic receiver is measured. A transmitter portion of the measured magnetic field is estimated from the measured parameter. A motion portion of the measured magnetic field is estimated from the measured magnetic field and the estimated transmitter portion. A voltage induced in the receiver is estimated from the estimated motion portion. Signals detected by the receiver are corrected using the estimated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Antoni Marjan Ziolkowski, Richard Graeme Carson
  • Patent number: 8649999
    Abstract: A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using a ZRO-tracking filter which is a combination of a moving-average filter and a Kalman filter having at least one constraint enforced against at least one operating parameter of the Kalman filter. It achieves faster convergence on an estimated bias value and produces less estimate error after convergence. A resultant bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Hua Sheng, Bryan A. Cook, Matthew G. Liberty
  • Patent number: 8645093
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional sensor, a magnetometer or accelerometer, is calibrated based on the raw data provided by the sensor. Raw data is collected and may be used to generate ellipse or ellipsoid parameters, for a two-dimensional or three-dimensional sensor, respectively. An offset calibration factor is calculated based on the raw data, e.g., the determined ellipse or ellipsoid parameters. A sensitivity calibration factor is then calculated based on the offset calibration factor and the raw data. A non-orthogonality calibration factor can then be calculated based on the calculated offset and sensitivity calibration factors. Using the offset, sensitivity and non-orthogonality calibration factors, the raw data can be corrected to produce calibrated data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Brunner
  • Publication number: 20140032155
    Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Cory J. Stephanson
  • Publication number: 20140032153
    Abstract: In a method for operating a portable electronic device comprising a chemical sensor, at least one reference reading is taken by the chemical sensor at least one predetermined point in time. At least one compensation value is determined based on at least one reference value wherein each reference value is derived from a result of a corresponding reference reading. A result of an operational reading of the chemical sensor is modified by the at least one compensation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Lukas Bürgi, Dominic Böni
  • Publication number: 20140032154
    Abstract: A method for correcting an orientation of a magnetometer includes obtaining current position information through a global positioning system. A geomagnetic inclination angle list is queried according to the current position information to acquire a geomagnetic inclination angle ? corresponding to a current position. A deviation ?? of an orientation is calculated according to the geomagnetic inclination angle ? and correcting the orientation is corrected based on the deviation ?? of the orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Xu Peng, Tian Liu
  • Patent number: 8635043
    Abstract: A framework encloses a stepper motor, mounting structure, and circuitry for use in calibrating the responses of utility locators or the precise frequency outputs of locating transmitters, and associated tilt, directional, angle, and gradient sensors. The framework contains two Helmholtz or similar field windings embedded in its sides to achieve maximum accuracy in calibration of locating instruments, such that a locator may be precisely situated within the uniform field of the windings for calibration measurement or testing. Calibration and testing may be done manually or by automated means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: SeeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Anthony L. Coduti
  • Publication number: 20140019079
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method for aligning measurements taken by a plurality of color measurement instruments with measurements taken by an industry standard color measurement instrument includes receiving a first set of spectral data from the plurality of instruments, receiving a second set of spectral data from the industry standard instrument, generating initial profiles for the plurality of instruments (by producing, for each given instrument, a first correction that aligns the spectral data taken by the given instrument with the second set of spectral data), mathematically correcting the first set of spectral data using the initial profiles to produce a third set of spectral data, and generating new profiles for the plurality of instruments (by calculating a mean of the third set of spectral data, and producing, for each given instrument, a second correction that aligns the spectral data taken by the given instrument with the mean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Zhiling Xu, Michael H. Brill
  • Publication number: 20140015687
    Abstract: A method and system for activity monitoring of a user are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises calibrating posture by the user to determine a calibration vector. The method includes validating the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector. In a second aspect, a wireless sensor device comprises a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a posture calibration request from the user and to determine a calibration vector based on the received request. The application, when executed by the processor, further causes the processor to validate the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Vital Connect, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi NARASIMHAN, Nima FERDOSI
  • Publication number: 20140019014
    Abstract: A method of optimizing machine performance in a plurality of load cases may involve the steps of: Determining a maximum load case for the machine, the maximum load case involving the application of a maximum force to at least one member of the machine; determining, for each of a plurality of member joints of the machine, a maximum member joint load for the maximum load case for the machine; and operating the machine by applying a force to the at least one member of the machine in each of the plurality of load cases so as not to exceed the maximum member joint load, the applied force exceeding the maximum force during at least one of the plurality of load cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Publication number: 20140019078
    Abstract: Provided is a coke drum analysis apparatus and method, in which a thickness of coke adhering to an inner surface of a sidewall portion of a coke drum is calculated based on change in a temperature of an outer surface of the sidewall portion and a water level ascent velocity of quenching water, and change in a temperature of the inner surface of the sidewall portion is calculated based on the water level ascent velocity and the calculated thickness of the coke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Heavy Industries Process Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya YAMAMOTO, HUHETAOLI, Shinta NIIMOTO, Mitsuru OOHATA, Tetsuya TAGAWA, Fumiyoshi MINAMI
  • Publication number: 20140019080
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a wireless sensor device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises determining a vertical calibration vector and determining a rotation matrix using the vertical calibration vector to line up native axes of the wireless sensor device with body axes. In a second aspect, a wireless sensor device comprises a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine a vertical calibration vector and to determine a rotation matrix using the vertical calibration vector to line up native axes of the wireless sensor device with body axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Vital Connect, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander CHAN, Nima Ferdosi, Ravi Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 8630932
    Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Open Invention Network, LLC
    Inventors: Philip D. Lapsley, Philip J. Gioia, Michael Kleeman
  • Patent number: 8629777
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the suitability of a particular location on a mobile craft for mounting a magnetometer includes positioning a magnetometer in a particular location. The magnetometer including at least one output indicating magnetic measurements made by the magnetometer. A computer is connected to the magnetometer and programmed to monitor the output(s) of the magnetometer. An attempt is made to detect magnetic interference at the mobile craft and a human-perceptible indication is provided if the output(s) of said magnetometer changes by more than a specified amount while attempting to detect magnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Tramper, Andrew L. DeRosia
  • Patent number: 8630933
    Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Open Invention Network, LLC
    Inventors: Philip D. Lapsley, Michael Kleeman, Philip J. Gioia
  • Publication number: 20140012531
    Abstract: A hand-held processor system for processing data from an integrated MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) device disposed within a hand-held computer system and methods therefor. The Single Point Offset Correction (SPOC) process computes offset values to calibrate MEMS sensors using a single set of data measurements at an orientation without dynamic perturbation, and without requiring advance knowledge of orientation of the device. Arbitrary output biases, which are known to be dominant on a single axis, can be corrected to ensure consistent performance. The SPOC process provides a simple method to effectively calibrate a MEMS sensor without requiring extensive system resources. This process can be enhanced by additional estimations of sensor offsets using the set of data measurements or by use of rule-based empirical gain factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MCube, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay BHANDARI, Joe KELLY
  • Publication number: 20140012530
    Abstract: A arrangement for calibrating at least two sensors in parallel, including a data processing unit, especially a measurement transmitter for a multisensor system or a computer, wherein the data processing unit has an interface, via which the at least two sensors are connected via separate transmission lines for transmission of data, and wherein the data processing unit is embodied to perform calibrations of the at least two sensors in parallel and independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Andrea Reinhold, Stefanie Horn
  • Patent number: 8626471
    Abstract: A method and system for testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is a method of testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device, comprising: detecting the electronic device within a nest of a test fixture; calculating an offset value for each sensing axis of the accelerometer in response to detecting the electronic device within the nest; and storing the offset values in a memory of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Marc Adam Kennedy, Arkady Ivannikov, Aleksandar Papo
  • Patent number: 8626451
    Abstract: A method and device allow the determination of the concentrations of a plurality of gas species in a gas mixture based on the output signals from a plurality of gas sensors, each of which is sensitive to a plurality of gas species in the gas mixture. The method includes measuring the response of each sensor at a number of levels of each gas in the mixture, determining a mathematical representation of the response characteristics of each sensor, and using the mathematical representation to determine gas concentrations from sensor readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Da Yu Wang, David M. Racine, David D. Cabush
  • Publication number: 20140005971
    Abstract: A method for processing projection data in the projection domain includes receiving the projection data. The projection data is generated by a spectral detector and includes two or more independent energy-resolved measurements in which at least one of the two or more measurements has first photon statistics. The method further includes generating a de-noised measurement in electronic format for the at least one of the two or more measurements having the first photon statistics. The de-noised measurement has second photon statistics which are better than the first photon statistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Roland Proksa
  • Publication number: 20140005969
    Abstract: In a trajectory correction method and apparatus for k-space data points in magnetic resonance imaging, a magnetic resonance data acquisition unit is operated to execute a sampling sequence to obtain k-space to be corrected. Empirical points are selected used to divide k-space to be corrected into a central region and a peripheral region. The trajectories of the data points in the central region and the peripheral region are corrected and the sampling sequence is executed again, with the corrected trajectories, to obtain corrected k-space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: De He Weng, Qiong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140005970
    Abstract: A method of improving the fidelity of m/z dependent and/or intensity measurements for a species of interest in an analyte to correct for hardware limitations within a mass spectrometer, which method comprises the steps of acquiring raw data produced by a mass spectrometer, identifying a region within the raw data that relates to the species of interest, forming a mathematical model to calculate the joint probability distribution of the parameters effecting the m/z dependent and/or intensity measurements, analytically obtaining samples from the joint probability distribution to produce corrected or refined m/z dependent and/or intensity measurements with associated uncertainties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Keith Richardson, Richard Denny, Martin Green, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 8615381
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power usage are provided. The system includes a programmable microprocessor, at least one input mechanism, a memory having instructions and/or other information, a display, at least one power consuming power device and a remote server. The systems allows the user of a power consuming device to receive instructions or other information from the server. The method includes using stored program instructions to generate power device related information on a display, collecting power device data representative of the electrical current or power consumed, connecting to a remote computing facility having a server, and providing the data to a computer remotely located from the central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130338956
    Abstract: A governing circuit for a magneto-transistor is disclosed. The magneto-transistor comprising a first and second collector. At least one emitter and at least one base. The governing circuit is configured to measure a first calibration current at the first collector of the magneto-transistor and a second calibration current at the second collector of the magneto-transistor, while a calibration base-emitter voltage is applied to the magneto-transistor. The magneto-transistor is also configured to measure a first measurement current at the first collector of the magneto-transistor and a second measurement current at the second collector of the magneto-transistor, while a measurement base-emitter voltage is applied to the magneto-transistor, wherein the measurement base-emitter voltage is different form the calibration base-emitter voltage and determine an output signal indicative of an applied magnetic field using the measured first and second measurement current and first and second calibration currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Victor Zieren, Robert Hendrikus Margaretha Van Veledhoven, Olaf Wunnicke, Hans Paul Tuinhout
  • Publication number: 20130338474
    Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus is provided for medical or other imaging applications and also a method for calibrating this apparatus. The apparatus employs a sparse array of transducer elements and a reconstruction algorithm. Spatial calibration maps of the sparse array are used to optimize the reconstruction algorithm. The apparatus includes a laser producing a pulsed laser beam to illuminate a subject for imaging and generate photoacoustic waves. The transducers are fixedly mounted on a holder so as to form the sparse array. A photoacoustic (PA) waves are received by each transducer. The resultant analog signals from each transducer are amplified, filtered, and converted to digital signals in parallel by a data acquisition system which is operatively connected to a computer. The computer receives the digital signals and processes the digital signals by the algorithm based on iterative forward projection and back-projection in order to provide the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. L. Carson, Pinhas Ephrat, Lynn Keenliside, Michael Barret Roumeliotis
  • Patent number: 8612163
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hayter, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh, Kenneth J. Doniger
  • Publication number: 20130332099
    Abstract: A current measurement system precisely measures a current generated by a circuit under test. The current measurement system has a sampling unit serially connected to the circuit under test for the acquisition of a first voltage. The first voltage is amplified and transformed to a second voltage by an amplifying unit. A noise suppression unit filters analog voltage noises produced from the second voltage and transforms the second voltage to a third voltage. The third voltage is converted into a voltage signal in a digital format by a conversion unit. The voltage signal undergoes calibrations and turns into a measure signal by using a processing unit and a stored calibration linear equation. The measure signal indicates a precise measurement of the current. A memory unit stores a gradient and a bias voltage level required for the calibration linear equation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: CHIH-SUNG LAI, WEI-YAO CHENG
  • Publication number: 20130325388
    Abstract: In order to increase sensor manufacturing yield without compromising patient safety, at least one first value is determined respectively for at least one sensor feature parameter indicative of characteristics of a physiological sensor and the determined value(s) is/are stored in a predefined memory location prior to use of a physiological sensor. In response to the physiological sensor being connected to a patient monitor, at least one second value is defined respectively for the at least one sensor feature parameter and the at least one first value of each of the at least one sensor feature parameter is retrieved from the predefined memory location. Each of the at least one second value is compared with respective at least one first value and a decision is made, based on the comparison, on the acceptance of the physiological sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Heikki Joensuu
  • Patent number: 8600568
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant and a main that connects a plurality of pump stations to the wastewater treatment plant. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well and a pump carried by the wet well to pump the wastewater. The system may include a central server and a sensor in communication with the central server to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level. The level of wastewater within the wet well may be systematically manipulated responsive to the central server to control the fluid flow in the wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8599453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure correction in scanners are disclosed. In the method, exposure is corrected for pixels received in an image sensor array. Exposure time is tracked for the incoming pixel data and a calibration factor is determined for correcting the gain, and the calibration factor is adjusted based on the tracked exposure time. In the apparatus, a scanner includes an illumination source and a sensor for receiving pixel data. Using values stored in a memory, circuitry is provided for determining a calibration factor, for tracking exposure time for the pixel data and for adjusting the pixel data based on the calibration factor and exposure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas G Keithley
  • Publication number: 20130317773
    Abstract: A specimen analysis system, a specimen analyzer, and a specimen analysis method are provided by which reexamination of a specimen can be executed more quickly than in conventional technology. A specimen analyzer measures a specimen and obtains an analysis result. The specimen analyzer determines the necessity of remeasurement of the specimen, based on a specimen analysis result. Also, the specimen analyzer determines, based on the specimen analysis result, whether or not determination of the necessity of remeasurement of the specimen based on examination information by the examination information management device is necessary. If it is determined that determination of the necessity of remeasurement of the specimen based on the examination information is necessary, the specimen analyzer makes a request to determine the necessity of remeasurement of the specimen based on the examination information, to the examination information management device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya ODA, Keisuke KUWANO, Daigo FUKUMA, Shunsuke ARIYOSHI
  • Patent number: 8594964
    Abstract: In a method for determining an offset of measured values of a multiaxial directional sensor using a superposed signal, a large number of multiaxial measured values are recorded first. Measured values, which are recorded in different orientations of the directional sensor, form a geometric figure in a coordinate system resulting from the measuring axes of the sensor, the ideal form of the geometric figure being known and the ideal center point of which being located at the origin of the measuring axes. In the case of a biaxial sensor, the geometric figure is a circle; in the case of a triaxial sensor, it is a sphere around the origin. The superposition caused by the interference is reflected in that the center point of the geometric figure is shifted in relation to the origin of the measuring axes. The offset is measured by determining this shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Julian Bartholomeyczik, Sergej Scheiermann
  • Patent number: 8594368
    Abstract: A configuration tool including a memory to store instructions, communication circuitry, and a processor coupled to the memory and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to execute instructions to communicate with a device attached to monitor or control a piece of equipment using the communication circuitry. The processor receives data about a state of the piece of equipment from the device, and transmits configuration data to the device. The configuration data is configured to control how additional data about the state of the piece of equipment is to be acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Envirosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Sim, Steve Y. Kim, Marcus Kramer
  • Publication number: 20130311124
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a battery pack are provided. Measurement circuitry is configured to measure parameters of batteries within the battery pack. The measurement circuitry responsively provides an output indicative of a condition of a battery in the battery pack. The output is based upon a measured parameter of the battery pack and a correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Arnoldus Theodorus van Bremen
  • Publication number: 20130311125
    Abstract: A spectral measurement device includes: an optical band-pass filter section that has first to n-th wavelengths (n is an integer of 2 or more) having a predetermined wavelength width as a spectral band thereof; a correction operation section that corrects a reception signal based on an output optical signal from the optical band-pass filter section; and a signal processing section that executes predetermined signal processing based on the reception signal corrected by the correction operation section that corrects the reception signal based on the change in the spectral distribution of the reception signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuaki FUNAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8589107
    Abstract: A measurement instrument having a processor, a first sensor and a second sensor. The processor is adapted to output a measurement signal embodying a measurement of a physical quantity. The first sensor and second sensor are connected to the processor and are operable to generate respectively first and second measurements of the physical quantity. The processor defines a first measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the first measurement and not the second measurement. The processor defines a second measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the second measurement and not the first measurement. The first and second ranges meet at a predetermined transition. The first and second measurements are different at the transition and the measurement embodied in the measurement signal crosses the transition without an abrupt change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Borenstein
  • Patent number: 8589104
    Abstract: A color value for an optical fiber of a fiberscope can be generated on the basis of the intensity values of a plurality of sensor elements of a sensor element arrangement that are sensitive to one spectral region each from a set of sensor spectral regions, if calibration values are provided for each of the spectral regions associated with the optical fiber. The intensity values of all sensor elements of the respective spectral region that are illuminated by the light guide can be combined with the provided calibration values, in order to obtain the color value associated with the optical fiber, which reproduces the color of the light transported by the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V., Friedrich-Alexander Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg
    Inventors: Christian Winer, Thorsten Zerfass
  • Patent number: 8584586
    Abstract: The present invention provides three different algorithms, namely, the “divide and conquer” algorithm, the “Hiddensee compensation” algorithm, and the “impulse response” algorithm. Any one of these three inventive algorithms may be made a part of an overall degaussing algorithm for a marine vessel. Each corrective algorithm, by itself, compensates for deviation of the vessel's induced signature from direct, linear proportionality to the ambient magnetic field. This deviation is associated with the dependency of a marine vessel's magnetic signature on the frequency at which the vessel rolls in the water. Practice of inventive compensation tends to be increasingly called for with increasing magnetic character of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald E. Pugsley, John J. Holmes, Robert W. Schuler
  • Patent number: 8589106
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a handheld diabetes managing device based on data generated by a continuous glucose monitor. The method can include sampling a current of the continuous glucose monitor at a sampling interval over a time period to generate a plurality of current samples for the time period. The method can also include determining a mean, median and standard deviation of the plurality of current samples. The blood glucose level of the patient can be measured at a first time and a calibration equation that associates the plurality of current samples with the estimated glucose level of the patient based on the measured blood glucose level and the plurality of current samples can be determined when the standard deviation is less than a first threshold and an absolute value of a difference between the mean and median is less than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Engelhardt, Nikolaus Schmitt, Phillip E. Pash, David Duke, Abhishek Soni
  • Publication number: 20130304409
    Abstract: According to one aspect, methods for validating plastic scintillating detectors (PSD) for photon dosimetry and applications of same. In some embodiments, the method includes using at least one PSD to obtain at least one dose measurement, determining at least one PSD correction factor suitable for compensation for variations in energy response of the at least one PSD over the energy range of interest, and determining at least one corrected dose measurement based on the at least one PSD correction factor. In some embodiments, the PSD may be incorporated into a wearable article, such as gloves, eyewear and the like, or used for skin surface measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicants: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Universite Laval
    Inventors: Luc Beaulieu, Francois Lessard, Sam Beddar
  • Patent number: 8583392
    Abstract: An electronic device can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) operative to monitor the movement of the electronic device. The IMU used in the device can be inaccurate due to the manufacturing process used to construct the IMU and to incorporate the IMU in the electronic device. To correct the IMU output, the electronic device in which the IMU is incorporated can be placed in a testing apparatus that moves the device to known orientations. The IMU output at the known orientations can be compared to an expected true IMU output, and correction factors (e.g., sensitivity and offset matrices) can be calculated. The correction factors can be stored in the device, and applied to the IMU output to provide a true output. The testing apparatus can include a fixture placed in a gimbal movable around three axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Panagas
  • Patent number: 8583402
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to an activity monitoring system including a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the user's motion, and an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the change in the user's altitude. The system further includes a display to output data which is representative of a badge, wherein the badge is representative of an achievement computed using motion and/or altitude sensor data. The monitoring device may also include a physiological sensor to generate data which is representative of a user's physiological condition. Here, the display outputs data which is representative of a badge wherein the badge is representative of a physiological achievement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
  • Patent number: 8578775
    Abstract: A microcontroller-based method and apparatus are described for generating one or more amplitude and frequency selectable low frequency pilot tone signals (PT) that are injected into an embedded MEMS sensor (110) and mixed signal ASIC (120) and then recovered at the microcontroller (140) to compute or measure various gyro parameters during operational use of the device with no down time or interference with normal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hayner, Dejan Mijuskovic