Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising: in a sensor node network comprising a plurality of sensor nodes, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having location coordinates that are initially unknown, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes having neighbors, each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes capable of determining distances only to that sensor node's neighbors: for each sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes, communicating with that sensor node's neighbors; and based only on communications between neighbors, in a fully distributed manner, generating a sensor node network layout that indicates the location coordinates of each sensor node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric.

Abstract: In a positional information detecting device, a tone-burst signal propagating unit causes a tone-burst signal to propagate through a path. The tone-burst signal is composed of a continuous wave train, the continuous wave train including a plurality of cycles of a constant frequency. A detecting unit detects, at a predetermined position in the path, the tone-burst signal propagating through the path every one cycle of the tone-burst signal to measure a propagation delay time based on the detected signal. The propagation delay time represents a period for which the tone-burst signal has propagated through the path. A phase obtaining unit obtains a phase of the detected signal. A positional information obtaining unit obtains positional information associated with the predetermined position based on the measured propagation delay time and the obtained phase of the detected signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a linear position from a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) including a primary coil driven by an excitation signal, and two secondary coils coupled to two correlated signals. The method includes converting the correlated signals to a digital estimate, for each of the correlated signals, and evaluating an amplitude of the correlated signals to determine the linear position. The process of converting the correlated signals comprises comparing the correlated signal to an analog feedback signal to generate a comparison result and incrementally adjusting the digital estimate in response to sampling the comparison result at an estimation frequency.

Abstract: Photographic and software technology are employed to derive accurate measurements of objects, areas or locations without requiring actual presence or physical measurement of the objects. Using a digital photograph and a scaling instrument disposed within the digital photograph (or other reference means), the measurements of various objects within a photograph can be derived quickly, easily and inexpensively utilizing computer software.

Abstract: A multimode electronic measuring instrument is provided that includes a ratiometric mode of operation. During the ratiometric mode, a desired dimension is established as a stored reference dimension “Xref”. After the reference dimension is stored in memory, subsequent ratiometric measurement readouts will equal a current measurement distance “Xcurr” divided by the reference dimension Xref. A ratiometric measurement according to this invention indicates the relationship of a current dimension to another readily changed (reference) dimension. The ratiometric mode of operation can be implemented in combination with conventional function caliper functions to provide a multimode caliper having a simple and intuitive user interface. Setting the reference dimension and interpreting the ratiometric measurement display are particularly easy, to facilitate intuitive understanding and operation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a calculator for performing sewing calculations. The calculator includes a processor and an input device connected to the processor. A display is connected to the processor. Software operates on the processor to receive quilt function operands from the input device. The software calculates quilt function results and displays the quilt function results on the display. A method of performing calculations is also disclosed. The method includes receiving data related to quilt calculations. The results related to the quilt calculations are calculated and the results related to the quilt calculations are displayed.

Abstract: A method for generating a surface profile of a microstructure. The profile is processed to determine positions of at least two edges and an approximate center point of the profiled surface. Segments of points on the determined profile are fit to a straight line centered at the approximate center point. A standard deviation of the fitted points is measured. The length and position of the segment are varied until a minimum standard deviation is determined and the process is repeated for segments having different lengths. The point is determined from the longest segment having a standard deviation approximately equal to the minimum standard deviation of all of the segment lengths.

Abstract: Provided is a road surface state estimating system for carrying out measuring along a plurality of measuring lines on a paved road surface, which improves the reliability of texture estimation of the road surface. A road surface state estimating system (1) includes a laser displacement meter (11) for measuring a distance to the road surface, a stepping motor (120A), rails (12A and 12B), a ball screw (121A), and mounting members (13A and 13B) for causing the laser displacement meter (11) to scan along the measuring lines, and a stepping motor (130), a rail (13), a ball screw (131), and a mounting member (11A) for moving the laser displacement meter (11) in a direction orthogonal to the measuring lines, which allows the laser displacement meter (11) to carry out measurement along the plurality of measuring lines while it is translated two-dimensionally.

Abstract: Two scales having unequal pitches are used to measure lengths with a greater resolution than that offered by an image capturing system operating alone. In an embodiment, the different pitches are attained by having bands of unequal width in the two scales. Images representing the overlapping patterns of the two bands are captured in a digital format before and after a move. The bit patterns resulting from such capturing are examined to determine the length of the move with a high resolution according to Vernier principles. The length of the move can in turn be used to measure the length of an object with high resolution.

Abstract: A parallel seismic tester utilizing a cone penetrometer to test the depth of a foundation or the like comprises three important elements: the cone penetrometer which houses a receiver, an impactor to impact the structure, and data gathering and analyzing equipment. The receiver may comprise a hydrophone, a geophone, or accelerometers. In the case where the receiver is a hydrophone, the hydrophone is embedded in a plastic, water filled container within the cone penetrometer head, and the head retracts prior to running tests.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (1) has an arm (4) having a detector at a distal end thereof, and an arm guide (53) supporting the arm (4) in a manner movable in the axial direction thereof, the measuring instrument measuring a dimension of a workpiece based on the position of the detector. The arm (4) includes a main arm (41) and a sub-arm (42) that are sequentially arranged in the arm guide (53) and are supported in a manner movable relative to a former component thereof. The measuring instrument (1) has a synchronous driver (54) for moving the main arm (41) on the base side and the sub-arm (42) located next to the main arm (41) in the axial direction of the main arm (41).

Abstract: A first stage and a second stage are disposed to face each other. A first object is fixed on the first stage. A first displacement sensor attached on the first stage is used to measure a distance extending from the first displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the first displacement sensor. A second object is fixed on the second stage. A second displacement sensor attached on the second stage is used to measure a distance extending from the second displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the second displacement sensor. A moving mechanism is provided to move one of the first stage and the second stage, with the movement of one stage being relative to the other stage.

Abstract: A carriage moves back and forth under a vehicle and three cameras or laser fixed along one axis pivot in a common plane, utilizing two cameras at time to locate a target fixed to a reference point on the undercarriage of the vehicle. Triangulation calculations, combined with the location of the cameras provide the location of the reference point in space in a three-dimensional coordinate system and compare that location with a stored designed location of the reference point prior to the crash, allowing the vehicle structure to be returned to its designed shape by other equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar level gauge (1) comprising an antenna (2), a tank sealing (3), an electronics unit (4) and a waveguide feed (5) between the electronics unit (4) and the antenna (2). The waveguide (5) is essentially straight and has a 90°-symmetric cross section and is further arranged to accommodate two essentially orthogonal waveguide modes. The waveguide (5) further has a length (I) below two times the range resolution of said radar level gauge (1). The present invention further relates to a method for improved radar level gauging using a radar level gauge (1) as above.

Abstract: Pulse transit time-based method for distance measurement employs a complex multi-parametric modulation of emitted pulses with adaptive control of the parameters of modulation. An evaluation of the pulse transit time-variable's observability in a measuring cycle is used as an input of the adaptive control loop. The achieved special pattern of received pulses provides for obtaining a vector of characteristic elements on the pattern with low sensibility to active and passive disturbances present during measurement. These characteristic elements are used by the method for the accurate measurement of the pulse transit time, and consequently, for the calculation of the distance between the emitter of pulses and the target.

Abstract: An offline phase of a cable length measuring method involves a determination of a plurality of preset frequency test signals for facilitating the length measurement of the cable based on a maximum measurable length of the cable. An online phase minimally involves a measurement of the length of the cable based on a first reflected phase shift between a first preset frequency test signal as transmitted at a transmission end of the cable and a first preset frequency reflection signal representative of a reflection of the first preset frequency test signal at a reflection end of the cable, and based on a second reflected phase shift between the second preset frequency test signal as transmitted at the transmission end of the cable and a second preset frequency reflection signal representative of a reflection of the second preset frequency test signal at the reflection end of the cable.

Abstract: A displacement estimation system including a data acquisition system and a processing system is provided. The data acquisition system is configured to capture a first frame from a first substrate including a first pattern and a second substrate including a second pattern at a first time and capture a second frame from a third substrate including a third pattern and a fourth substrate including a fourth pattern at a second time subsequent to the first time. The first pattern and the third pattern are substantially identical, and the second pattern and the fourth pattern are substantially identical. The processing system is configured to calculate a first displacement between the first pattern and the third pattern using the first frame and the second frame and calculate a second displacement between the second pattern and the fourth pattern using the first frame and the second frame.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an object is provided. The method includes emitting a light pulse. The method further includes receiving a reflection of the light pulse. The method further includes indicating a presence of the object from the received light pulse. Finally, the method includes adjusting sensitivity of the indicating step based on an elapsed time from the emission.

Abstract: Fiducial calibration systems and methods for precisely and accurately manufacturing a part from a workpiece, inspecting or measuring a part, and/or assembling a plurality of manufactured parts including providing a workpiece, wherein the workpiece and the associated processes are subject to environmental and structural variations, and disposing a plurality of datums on a surface of or within the workpiece. The systems and methods also including calibrating the separation distance between each of the plurality of datums to workpiece distance units and disposing the workpiece in a machine, wherein the machine is subject to environmental and structural variations.

Abstract: In a method of surveying a track (9), a first or mobile measuring vehicle (1) and a second or stationary measuring vehicle (2) are placed at a distance apart from one another on a track section to be measured. A reference line (14) is formed by a laser beam emitted from the stationary measuring vehicle (2). At the start of each measuring cycle, by using a GPS receiver (19), the relative position of the stationary measuring vehicle (2) with reference to a fixedly installed GPS reference station (29) located adjacent to the track section is determined, the said GPS reference station being known within a terrestrial coordinate system. The reference line (14) is aligned with the mobile measuring vehicle (1) on the basis of the determined position data, and the track surveying operation is carried out by advancing the mobile measuring vehicle (1) while changes of the actual track position relative to the reference line (14) are registered.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. Sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals from a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining distances is provided. A predefining unit controls an amplifier unit and/or a sensor unit as a function of selectable predefined values for a detection cycle. Contrary to known sensor systems, different detection cycles are implementable in a simple manner using this procedure.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a system and a method which surmounts the problems of prior art. According to the inventive system and method for measuring horizontal deviation of a load receiving element in relation to a position of a hoist traveling trolley, the load receiving element is suspendedly arranged on a plurality of supporting cables on the hoist traveling trolley and least two cable length sensors are provided, the sensors being operatively connected to a data processing device, preferably a processor. The cables of the at least two cable length sensors are disposed between the hoist traveling trolley and the load receiving element in such a way that a computer unit which is connected to the data processing device determines the horizontal deviation of the load receiving element in relation to the position of the hoist traveling trolley for the length of the respective cables of the cable length sensors.

Abstract: A method for determining the distance moved by a component (such as a printer paper-feed roller) operatively coupled to an analog encoder having analog first and second output signals. At least one of a first inverse signal which is the inverse of the first output signal and a second inverse signal which is the inverse of the second output signal is calculated. The distance moved by the component from a previous position is calculated using one of an ascending or descending region of the first or second output signal, wherein the previous position is the position of the component corresponding to a crossover level of two signals chosen from the group consisting of the first output signal, the second output signal, and the at-least-one inverse signal.

Abstract: A system for preventing tampering with recorded accumulated running distance data is provided which comprises a first memory, a tampering prevention control unit, and a third memory. The tampering prevention control unit is configured to output an error message if the vehicle serial number data stored in the second memory unit is not equal to the vehicle serial number data stored in the first memory unit and in the third memory unit. The tampering prevention control unit is configured to determine whether the accumulated running distance data stored in the second memory unit is equal to the accumulated running distance data stored in the first memory unit, and if not, the tampering prevention control unit stores the accumulated running distance data stored in the second memory unit to the first memory unit.

Abstract: A method for measuring the distance of a gap separating an eddy current transducer and a target is provided. The method includes determining a normalized impedance curve for the transducer, determining a time rate of change of the normalized impedance of the transducer along a line of constant gap, and correcting an apparent gap magnitude using the determined time rate of change.

Abstract: A method locates a mobile node in a partially synchronized wireless network comprised of nodes with heterogeneous communication ranges. The time intervals it takes for messages to travel from stationary nodes at known location to a mobile node at an unknown location are measured and used to determine a set of possible coordinates of the mobile node. This time-based set of coordinates is in the form of a hyperbolic function. The received signal strengths of a message received from the mobile node is measured in two additional stationary nodes at known location. These RSS-based measurements provide two more sets of possible coordinates of the mobile node. The three sets are then intersected to estimate the location of the mobile node.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method that computes an estimated distance between an external point and a set of points in a region. This method initially identifies a non-Manhattan polygon that encloses the set of points. It then identifies a distance between the external point and a point on the boundary or within the first non-Manhattan polygon. Finally, it uses the distance to identify the estimated distance.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining radial clearances in a rotating machine are provided. The rotating machine includes at least one shell, at least one rotor, and at least one stationary component. The method includes creating a finite element model for at least one component within the rotating machine, creating a cycle deck data file for the rotating machine, determining an initial clearance versus time, and determining an initial clearance versus location.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power-saving sensor system such as a distance measurement sensor making use of light projection type triangulation. The sensor system has a sensor means and a CPU for controlling the supply of electrical power to the sensor means, accepting the output from the sensor means, and performing desired processing. The CPU turns on signals P1, P2, P3 in response to a trigger signal Tp from a timer circuit, thus supplying electrical power to a distance measurement module. A distance measurement IC within the module produces an emission signal when the operating signal P3 is turned on. This activates the sensor means to perform a measurement of a distance. The presence or absence of an object is determined from the detected distance value. According to the presence or absence, a transistor Tr2 is turned on or off. A signal indicating the distance or the presence or absence of an object is produced from a terminal T8.

Abstract: In a method and a device for carrying frequency synthesis, in particular in a distance measuring device based on the principle of evaluating the change over time in the phase of an electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source and remitted by an object aimed at, a frequency, which is preferably furnished by a quartz oscillator, is regulated in a ring oscillator with N delay elements (V1, V2, V3, . . . , VN) to a desired first high frequency (F), which is used as a mixer frequency or as a modulation frequency. The signals at the N delay elements (V1, V2, V3, . . . , VN) are delivered to a multiplexer, which is switched over with a cadence that is equivalent to 2*N times the frequency of the low-frequency measurement signal to be evaluated to produce a modulation frequency or mixer frequency.

Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle includes at least one laser sensor. The laser sensor includes a device configured to sweep a scanning area with at least one laser beam emitted by the laser sensor and a power supply device for the laser sensor. In a method for operating a laser sensor in a scanning area with at least one laser beam, the power of the laser beam emitted by the laser sensor is varied in accordance with its direction of radiation.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for an imaging apparatus including a controller, a first imaging engine and a second imaging engine, each coupled with the controller and configured to form images on sheet media, and a nip assembly configured to pass a sheet media. The imaging apparatus including a circuit electrically coupled to the nip assembly and coupled with the controller, the circuit configured to provide a length signal to the controller corresponding to a length of a sheet media passed through the nip assembly, and wherein the controller is configured to control normal operation of the second imaging engine in correspondence to the length signal. Also provided is a method, including imaging a first side of a sheet media, passing the sheet media through a nip assembly, determining a length of the sheet media, and selectively imaging a second side of the sheet media in correspondence to the length.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for outputting measurement data on an object to a graphic file thereof. The system comprises a data obtaining module (510) for gathering the measurement data and the graphic file of the object, a data processing module (520) for outputting the measurement data to the graphic file, and a graphic file management module (530) for storing the graphic file incorporating the measurement data. The data processing module further comprises an information gathering sub-module (521), a program invoking sub-module (522), a port capturing sub-module (523), an attribute changing sub-module (524), an attribute retrieving sub-module (525), an analyzing and calculating sub-module (526), and a dimension data outputting sub-module (527). A method for outputting measurement data on an object to a graphic file thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: When a vehicle travels on an approximately straight lane, a distance data diagnosing section determines a distance measuring capability in a survey area in which the field of view of a laser radar overlaps that of an image as to a three-dimensional object. Then, the distance data diagnosing section determines whether or not the image-measured (laser-measured) distance data of the three-dimensional object exists, and when the image-measured (laser-measured) distance data thereof does not exist, the three-dimensional object is counted to the number of three-dimensional objects without image (without laser radar) and calculates three-dimensional object non-detecting ratios of image (laser radar) from the total number of three-dimensional objects to be determined and the number of three-dimensional objects without image (without laser radar).

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus cancels signal delay times of transmission and reception circuits (13, 15, 22, 25), which are causes of the errors of distance detection, by receiving a transmission signal turned back directly to measure the difference between the transmission timing and the reception timing at that time, and by setting the value obtained by the measurement as a correction value at the time of obtaining the measurement distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and method for printing, utilizing a computer and computer printer, a scale instrument and conversion tool to be used in preparing and interpreting scaled drawings, maps, aerial photographs, graphs and similar documents. The instrument can be printed on paper, plastic film, or any flexible media capable of being processed by a computer printer. The invention includes a sub-process to not only print a scale denominated in the various scales typically used in preparing scaled drawings, etc., but also to print a scale denominated in any other scale to be used in interpreting a drawing, etc., which is not longer presented in the original scale due to reproduction, shrinkage, enlargement, or reduction.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining length, area, and/or volume using a distance measuring device 10 includes a transmit unit 18 and a receive unit 20 in one housing, a keypad 28 for operating the measuring device 10, and an integrated computer 22 for evaluating measured data, and a display panel 26 for displaying the measurement results. The display panel 26 of the measuring device 10—after the operator selects a desired measurement mode by pressing just one button 32 on the keypad 28—uses an icon-based graphic display to indicate which of the individual measurements required to determine the desired measurement variable has yet to be carried out.

Abstract: Methods of measuring widths of illumination spots and distances between two points, and predicting detected signal widths are provided. Systems, software, and kits for performing the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method provided for electronic gathering, monitoring, analyzing, managing, and utilizing of grouting information in order to facilitate and control drilling, testing, installation of grouting materials, and other grouting operations. The present invention permits electronic creation of a grouting plan, initiation of grouting operations pursuant to the plan, and monitoring, manipulation, and control of grouting operations, and storage and retrieval of data from said grouting operations. The apparatus and method utilize electronic apparatus and software to provide graphical user interfaces to monitor and control all phases of grouting operations.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the range of a noise-jamming target. The system includes a receiver; a data processor coupled to the receiver; and software adapted for execution by the data processor for computing rage to a target transmitter using first and second assumptions with respect to the output power level thereof and interpolating with respect to an error term calculated with respect thereto. The method includes the steps of: making assumptions with respect to an output power level of a transmitter located at the target; measuring a level of power received form the transmitter by a receiver at first and second distances relative to the transmitter; calculating an error term with respect to the assumptions; interpolating with respect to the error term to make a range calculation; and outputting the range calculation when the error term reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for an imaging apparatus including a controller, a first imaging engine and a second imaging engine, each coupled with the controller and configured to form images on sheet media, and a nip assembly configured to pass a sheet media. The imaging apparatus including a circuit electrically coupled to the nip assembly and coupled with the controller, the circuit configured to provide a length signal to the controller corresponding to a length of a sheet media passed through the nip assembly, and wherein the controller is configured to control normal operation of the second imaging engine in correspondence to the length signal. Also provided is a method, including imaging a first side of a sheet media, passing the sheet media through a nip assembly, determining a length of the sheet media, and selectively imaging a second side of the sheet media in correspondence to the length.

Abstract: A length measuring apparatus is provided that combines upper data with lower data and then outputs the composite data. The apparatus monitors taking down or up a digit of upper data or lower data and synchronization of lower data, thus preventing an occurrence of reading error. When an A/D area showing an area of lower data matches with an upper area quadrant showing an area of upper data (R2, R3), the upper count value outputting the upper data is output without any change. When the quadrant (0, 1, 2, 3) of the A/D area does not match with the quadrant (0, 1, 2, 3) of upper area because of an erroneous timing of a digit-taking-up of upper data (R1, R4), +1 or −1 is added to the upper count value. Thus, the continuity of a measured value can be obtained when the scale is being moved.

Abstract: Angle data ranging from 0° to 360° obtained by performing polar conversion with respect to a periodic signal are input to a low pass filter having: a phase accumulator for outputting smoothed angle data; a phase comparator for obtaining a phase error between the angle data and the smoothed angle data; a first amplifier for amplifying the phase error; a second amplifier for further amplifying the phase error; an integrator for integrating the phase error PE amplified by the second amplifier to obtain a velocity error; and an adder for adding the phase error amplified by the first amplifier and the velocity error to determine a control voltage. The phase accumulator controls the frequency of the smoothed angle data so that the phase error is zero based on the control voltage to remove a high frequency component in the angle data.

Abstract: A position transducer capable of accurately detecting an n-bit code by a small number of ABS detectors when there is provided one ABS track. In an ABS head, the ABS detectors 101 to 10n+m are disposed for a distance &lgr;1 between the first ABS detector 101 and (n+m)th ABS detector 10n+m to satisfy a requirement (n−1)&lgr;+2&dgr;<&lgr;1 and a distance &lgr;2 between two successive ones of the ABS detectors to satisfy a requirement 2&dgr;<&lgr;2<&lgr;−2&dgr;, so that at least one ABS detector is opposite to a stable area T in each of micro-areas at n successive bits.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining radial clearances in a rotating machine are provided. The rotating machine includes at least one shell, at least one rotor, and at least one stationary component. The method includes creating a finite element model for at least one component within the rotating machine, creating a cycle deck data file for the rotating machine, determining an initial clearance versus time, and determining an initial clearance versus location.

Abstract: A distance sensor having a sensor for a motor vehicle in which an arrangement is provided by which gnment angles and trajectory curvatures can be compensated for during travel not only on a straight road but also along curves. In a sensor mounted displaced from the center line of the vehicle, an angle (alpha_sensor) is measured which cuts the projected center line of the motor vehicle at the target object, a vehicle driving ahead. By the additional use of a yaw rate sensor, curve curvatures of the road are also compensated for, so that angle and distance measurement can also be made along curves.

Abstract: A measurement system including a stage having a first piece and a second piece that are movable with respect to one another. A digital scale is integrated in the first piece and a detector is integrated in the second piece at a position suitable to detect movement with respect to the digital scale. The detector creates a signal based upon relative movement between the digital scale and the detector. A display integrated in the second piece receives the signal from the detector and displays a reading of the relative movement thus measured.