Height Or Depth Patents (Class 702/166)
  • Patent number: 11874265
    Abstract: A multi-sensor device includes a housing having multiple cavities and one or more sensor modules. Each sensor module is configured to occupy one of the cavities, and each sensor module is configured to sense at least one plant-related parameter when the multi-sensor device is positioned proximate to a plant. The multi-sensor device also includes a control unit configured to control operation of the one or more sensor modules and a location tracking system configured to track a location of the multi-sensor device. The multi-sensor device further includes a communications interface configured to transmit information including data from the one or more sensor modules. In addition, the multi-sensor device includes an electrical power connector configured to connect the multi-sensor device to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Saber Miresmailli, Murray B. Isman, Maryam Antikchi
  • Patent number: 11733177
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating twin defect density in a single-crystal sample, including: (A) etching the observed surface of a single crystal to form etch pits; (B) selecting bar-shaped etch pits caused by twin defect; (C) from the long-axis direction lengths of the etch pits caused by twin defect, estimating the twin defect density by using the following equation: twin defect density=?kx?i/area of sample, wherein 2?k?3, and x?i is the long-axis direction length of an etch pit caused by the i-th twin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC)
    Inventors: Soon-ku Hong, Si Trong Ngo, Duy Duc Le, Jungkuk Lee
  • Patent number: 11536629
    Abstract: A mechanical gauge includes a stock panel with a first measurement scale, and a slide movably arranged relative to the stock panel. The first measurement scale has a series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest. The slide includes a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest. The second measurement scale has a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale. An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ITIRE, LLC
    Inventors: Alan C. Lesesky, Samuel Duke Drinkard, Ryan D. Parks, Roy Stephens Osborne, Jr., Steven A. Osborne
  • Patent number: 11288410
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for marking a dental aligner. A method for marking a dental aligner includes receiving a digital model corresponding to a dental aligner. The digital model includes a dental arch comprising a plurality of teeth. The method further includes determining whether a section of teeth on a right side or a left side of the dental arch includes flatter occlusal surfaces and selecting the section with the flatter occlusal surfaces, identifying surfaces on the teeth of the selected section that are flat relative to other surfaces on the teeth of the selected section, determining a line of best fit between the flat surfaces, and marking the dental aligner with a marking based on the line of best fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Tony Solarek, Clete Culp
  • Patent number: 11255875
    Abstract: A sensor includes a MEMS element responsive to acceleration, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to an output of the MEMS element, and a free fall detector coupled to an output of the analog-to-digital converter. The free fall detector is configured to determine whether the sensor is in free fall based on acceleration information received from the analog-to-digital converter. A digital interface is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and to an output of the free fall detector and is configured to issue an output related to free fall information determined by the free fall detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Heejun Kwak
  • Patent number: 11150381
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling precipitation collection vessels to accurately and efficiently collect, measure, and aggregate precipitation accumulation data are disclosed. In one embodiment according to aspects of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes collecting snow in a plurality of collection vessels by orienting an open end of each of the plurality of collection vessels perpendicularly to a direction of the wind based at least in part on a wind model. The computer-implemented method further includes measuring a snow level of the snow in each of the plurality of collection vessels to generate snow level data for each of the plurality of collection vessels. The computer-implemented method further includes aggregating the snow level data for each of the plurality of snow collection by assembling the snow accumulation data from each of the plurality of collection vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levente Klein, Siyuan Lu, Fernando J. Marianno, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 11150382
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling precipitation collection vessels to accurately and efficiently collect, measure, and aggregate precipitation accumulation data are disclosed. In one embodiment according to aspects of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes collecting snow in a plurality of collection vessels by orienting an open end of each of the plurality of collection vessels perpendicularly to a direction of the wind based at least in part on a wind model. The computer-implemented method further includes measuring a snow level of the snow in each of the plurality of collection vessels to generate snow level data for each of the plurality of collection vessels. The computer-implemented method further includes aggregating the snow level data for each of the plurality of snow collection by assembling the snow accumulation data from each of the plurality of collection vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levente Klein, Siyuan Lu, Fernando J. Marianno, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 11092716
    Abstract: This method calculates snowpack parameters such as: snow water equivalent, snow liquid water content, snow depth and snow density, using Earth orbiting satellites from a GNSS constellation transmitting radio wave frequency carrier signals. An under-snow receiver system and an out-of-snow receiver system are employed are capable of decoding the encoded GNSS data into data products such as a carrier to noise ratios and carrier phases. A computer system receives data products. The Snowpack software programs derive a measured carrier to noise ration reduction from the carrier signals and the carrier to noise ratios. A physical model calculates a modeled excess phase and a modeled carrier noise ratio reduction, calculating measured snowpack parameters, such as: a snow water equivalent, a snow liquid water content, a snow depth, and a snow density, of the at least one snow layer. A non-linear mathematical solver adjusts the plurality of snow parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NWB Sensors, Inc
    Inventors: Nathan Joel Pust, Austin William Beard, Paul Winston Nugent, Cooper P. McCann
  • Patent number: 11052532
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to powered hand tools and, in particular, their combination with a laser measuring system to measure a distance between a tool and a reference surface such as a wall, floor, or ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: ROBBOX INC.
    Inventor: Andrei Matei
  • Patent number: 11040266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the precise location of a target on a surface by utilizing a plurality of objects that are fixed in their position proximate to the location, thereby constituting a plurality of fixed reference points, upon which the target(s) resides or is otherwise located. The plurality of fixed references points are used either in conjunction with images of the target or certain distance measurements between the target and the fixed reference points to determine the precise location of the target(s) on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. O'Connor, Kyle Snow, Xiankun Wang
  • Patent number: 10726535
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to image processing and artificial intelligence. Given a small number of defect images, a multitude of other defect images can be generated to serve as training data sets for training artificially intelligent systems to recognize and detect similar defects. Given original images showing defects, a clean image of the background of the original images is created. The defect image is then isolated from each of the original images. The characteristics of each defect image are determined and characteristics of similar defects are also determined, either from other images or from subject matter experts. Based on these characteristics of similar defects, multiple other defect images are then generated. The generated defect images are combined with the clean image to result in defect images with a suitable background. Each of the resulting images can be used in training systems in recognizing and detecting defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Wonchang Chung, Mathieu Marquis Bolduc, Francis A. Duplessis, Jeffrey Rainy
  • Patent number: 10471741
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of obtaining good photocured-ink adhesion to low surface energy materials. The methods have greatly improved adhesion of photocured ink on low surface energy materials, including those that are subjected to high humidity or wet environments. The methods take into account the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the materials and the onset for the glass transition temperature, including ink applied to an exposed surface of the material at an elevated temperature that is close to the Tg of the material. The ink is allowed to sit briefly or soak, such as for more than 1 second, before the ink is cured. The ink may be photocured. Furthermore, the methods do not require solvents or surface treatment, including plasma or corona treatments, to obtain good ink adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Christopher Cole
  • Patent number: 10300852
    Abstract: A land-based automotive vehicle comprising an apparatus for estimating the depth of water about the vehicle. The apparatus comprising at least one light source, at least one imaging means such as a camera mounted to the vehicle and a control unit, the apparatus being structured and arranged such that a first light signal is emitted toward a water surface about the vehicle, the at least one camera is configured for imaging the first light signal and the control unit is configured and arranged to compute from the imagery obtained by the at least one camera an estimation of a depth of water about the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Cund, Paul Widdowson, Jim O'Donoghue
  • Patent number: 10281268
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an image of a surface of a slider bar from an interferometer, where the slider bar includes at least two sliders, and where the image includes image data according to at least two image data channels for a slider bar surface and the at least two sliders. The method also includes generating a slider bar map of the surface of the slider bar based upon the image data of the image, where the slider bar map includes at least two data channels and ascertaining a plurality of individual slider surface maps based on a number of sliders included on the slider bar, where the ascertaining is also based upon the slider bar map having the at least two data channels. The method also includes segmenting the slider bar map according to the plurality of individual slider surface maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Zhiyu Chen, Andrew D. Habermas, Kurtis Dean Loken, Gary J. Kunkel
  • Patent number: 10279681
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Popham, Jonathan Woodley, Sebastian Paszkowicz, Ian Barlow, Zhou Xu, Edward Hoare
  • Patent number: 10241097
    Abstract: A multi-sensor device comprises a housing containing multiple sensor modules for capturing and transmitting sensor data for plants in a crop. A control unit within the housing is operable to control the sensor modules, and a communications interface is connected to the control unit for transmitting data from said plurality of sensor modules. The sensor modules can include a physiological sensor, a surface analysis sensor, and chemical sensor. The multi-sensor device can be used as a hand-held device or mounted to a mobile platform for use in an automated crop monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Saber Miresmailli, Murray B. Isman, Maryam Antikchi
  • Patent number: 9875421
    Abstract: Methods and systems described herein are useful for determining a thickness of a substance on a surface of a body of water, in particular through the use of a thickness detection apparatus that includes a body and at least one camera. The body has a plurality of sides with at least a portion of one of the sides comprising a light transmitting material. At least one camera is disposed within the body and configured to generate at least one image through the light transmitting material of the substances extending a depth below an air-substance interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: David A. Palandro, Timothy J. Nedwed, Timothy A. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9504414
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes detecting movement of the individual at a first time, using a sensor module coupled to the individual, determining that the movement of the individual corresponds to a predetermined activation movement, entering an active state of the sensor module in response to the determination that the movement of the individual corresponds to the predetermined activation movement, and detecting movement of the individual at a second time, using the sensor module in the active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Aurel Coza, Christian Dibenedetto, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 9207157
    Abstract: A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a roller having a vibration system. A controller is configured to determine the speed of the machine, determine an inclination of the machine, and determine an inclination power change based upon the inclination and the speed of the machine. The controller is also configured to determine the gross power loss resulting from the compaction operation, determine a vibration compensation factor based upon vibration characteristics of the vibration system, and determine the state of compaction of the work material based upon the inclination power change, the power loss, and the vibration compensation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Frelich, Kyle Hendricks, Robert K. Iverson, Craig R. Fausch
  • Publication number: 20150149115
    Abstract: A multi-purpose athletic garment including a pair of pants composed of an athletic performance material, the athletic garment possesses two knee pockets of durable textile material and including removably attached shock absorbing pads which may be inserted and removed. The pads allow for a user to sustain repeated impacts to the knee region like the ones often taken in a game of mini hockey or knee hockey. The pads can be removed so the pants can be worn outside of gameplay or machine washed. The multi-purpose athletic garment is utilized for knee hockey, other similar athletic events and general wear purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Belt
  • Publication number: 20150142381
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention include new measures of hip—torso posture and strength of the legs. These new measures are made using new tools. Measurement of hip-torso posture can be made using simple tools. One such tool can be applied to the hips, and indicates relative angle of the spine. Photographic tools can be used to analyze posture relative to vertical references. Measurement of leg strength can be made using a device incorporating accelerometers and computer implemented instructions to quantify forward/backward, left/right, or rotational acceleration when the legs are challenged. Other aspects include devices with computer implemented instructions to quantify leg strength. Using the new devices and methods, one can objectively determine postures that are ergonomically appropriate for persons sitting and working at workstations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John Fitzsimmons, Alexander Kouznetsov
  • Publication number: 20150120241
    Abstract: In illustrative implementations, a time-of-flight camera robustly measures scene depths, despite multipath interference. The camera emits amplitude modulated light. An FPGA sends at least two electrical signals, the first being to control modulation of radiant power of a light source and the second being a reference signal to control modulation of pixel gain in a light sensor. These signals are identical, except for time delays. These signals comprise binary codes that are m-sequences or other broadband codes. The correlation waveform is not sinusoidal. During measurements, only one fundamental modulation frequency is used. One or more computer processors solve a linear system by deconvolution, in order to recover an environmental function. Sparse deconvolution is used if the scene has only a few objects at a finite depth. Another algorithm, such as Wiener deconvolution, is used is the scene has global illumination or a scattering media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Achuta Kadambi, Refael Whyte, Ayush Bhandari, Lee Streeter, Christopher Barsi, Adrian Dorrington, Ramesh Raskar
  • Patent number: 9002648
    Abstract: A system and method for use in a downhole tool having distance measurement, feature detection, and primary measurement devices positioned therein are provided. In one example, the method includes recording a first plurality of features and corresponding positions in a first log using the feature detection device and the distance measurement device, respectively. A first feature of the first plurality of features is selected and the position corresponding to the first feature is identified. The feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature based on the identified position. A first primary measurement is taken using the primary measurement device while the feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature. The steps of recording, selecting, moving, and taking are repeated to obtain a second primary measurement while the feature detection device is aligned relative to a second feature of a second plurality of features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Harold G. Pfutzner
  • Publication number: 20150094981
    Abstract: A method for determining a ride height of a body of a motor vehicle and includes the steps of determining wheel heights at at least four different wheels of the motor vehicle, forming different selections of in each case three of the determined wheel heights, determining a ride height of the body for each selection, comparing the determined ride heights, and determining that at least one measurement value for a wheel height is implausible if the determined ride heights differ from one another by more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Igor ILLG, Thomas MIRWALDT
  • Patent number: 8990030
    Abstract: A submersion detection circuit includes a power source unit, a reference resistor connected between the power source unit and a voltage measurement node, a submersion unit configured to include a plurality of submersion measurement resistors connected in parallel to the voltage measurement node. Submersion contact terminals are formed at respective ends of the submersion measurement resistors, and a voltage measurement unit connected to the voltage measurement node and configured to measure voltage divided by the reference resistor and the submersion unit when the submersion contact terminals submerge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seongmun Baek
  • Patent number: 8977501
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Brian Eugene Stokeld, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20150046033
    Abstract: The height of a vehicle can be estimated inexpensively by: detecting a wheel speed, which is a speed of each wheel; performing frequency analysis of the detected wheel speed of a pair of left and right wheels and calculating respective wheel speed characteristics of the left and right wheels at a gain-specific frequency; calculating a left-right wheel speed gain difference on the basis of the calculated wheel speed characteristics of the left and right wheels; and estimating the vehicle height on the basis of a corresponding relationship between a wheel height of the wheel with respect to a vehicle body and a value (wheel speed/road surface input gain) that is based on wheel speed and a road surface input that is inputted from the road surface to the wheels, and on the basis of the left-right wheel speed gain difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yoshimi, Shingo Koumura
  • Publication number: 20150039263
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a display unit, an altitude measurement unit that measures an altitude, key input means for receiving an operation input, and a CPU that starts recording of altitude information regarding an altitude measured by the altitude measurement unit at a predetermined time interval if the key input means receives an input for instructing starting of recording of an altitude, stops the recording of the altitude information if the key input means receives an input for instructing stopping of recording of an altitude, and displays the altitude information when the recording starts on the display unit if the key input means receives an input for instructing display of the altitude information in a state in which the altitude information is currently recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takanori HASEGAWA, Akira TAKAKURA, Keisuke TSUBATA, Kazuo KATO, Hisao NAKAMURA, Tomohiro IHASHI, Katsuya MUGISHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140373774
    Abstract: A method for calculating a height position of a silicon melt surface at the time of pulling a CZ silicon single crystal is disclosed, including: obtaining a first crystal diameter measured from a fusion ring on a boundary of the silicon melt and the silicon single crystal by using a CCD camera installed at an arbitrary angle relative to the silicon single crystal, and a second crystal diameter measured by using two CCD cameras installed parallel to both ends of a crystal diameter of the silicon single crystal; and calculating the height position of the silicon melt surface in the crucible during pulling of the silicon single crystal from a difference between the first crystal diameter and the second crystal diameter. As a result, a method for enabling further accurately calculating a height position of a silicon melt surface at the time of pulling a silicon single crystal is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU HANDOTAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Masuda, Takahiro Yanagimachi
  • Patent number: 8906710
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a height of an epitaxially grown semiconductor material in other semiconductor devices. The method includes epitaxially growing first, second, and third portions of semiconductor material on a first semiconductor device, measuring a height of the third portion of semiconductor material and a height of the first or second portion of semiconductor material, measuring a first saturation current through the first and second portions of semiconductor material, measuring a second saturation current through the first and third portions of semiconductor material, and preparing a model of the first saturation current relative to the height of the first or second portion of semiconductor material and the second saturation current relative to an average of the height of the first and third portions of semiconductor material. The model is used to estimate the height of an epitaxially grown semiconductor material in the other semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Chang, Chia-Cheng Ho, Yi-Tang Lin
  • Patent number: 8845332
    Abstract: An educational and interactive system for teaching children the importance of maintaining proper nutrition in order to induce healthy growth utilizing an interactive audio system that updates a child regarding the child's height and outputs pre-recorded messages. A system having an elongate member adapted to determine accurate height measurements of a child, the elongate member having a measurement indicator extending from the top of the face of the elongate member to the bottom of the face of the elongate member, the elongate member with a series of food decals disposed at predetermined locations on the face of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Donald J. Reid
  • Publication number: 20140257741
    Abstract: A weightless scale system provides a selectable display of actual or differential measurements of body composition factors and has a scrollable calendar whereby a user can select any reference date back to the initial use of the weightless scale system for the one or more differential measurements selectable by the user. Body composition factors include body weight, body mass, body muscle, % water, height and a photographic capability for recording a selectable picture range of the user. The weightless scale system can be used with a single or dual display screens. Certain body composition factors can selectably be measured for a user's whole body or for a specific body part. Methods are described for setup and use of the weightless scale system. Wireless network weightless scale systems are also described for use of the weightless scale system in local and wide area networks and with the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Chupp
  • Patent number: 8831910
    Abstract: A method of measuring the density of a plurality of defects that occur in a single crystal for each type of defect, includes: etching an observation surface, which is a surface of the single crystal, to form an etch pits at each defect; calculating the maximum depth, mean depth and depth curvature of each of etch pits formed at a plurality of defects present within a predetermined area on the observation surface; and comparing the measured maximum depth, mean depth and depth curvature with respective reference values to determine the type of each defect within the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Shintani, Katsuichi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8818729
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Stokeld, Todd W. Benson, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20140222374
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method system for measuring agricultural parameters, for example the quantity of an agricultural product such as grass. The system comprising means for triggering a measurement of data and repeating the measurement at a plurality of locations over an area; means for communicating the measurement data to a processing means; and means for calculating the quantity of agricultural product for the area using the processing means. The invention solves a problem of how to effectively and simply measure an agricultural product, such as grass, and provides a benefit by allowing the farmer to quickly and accurately measure their grass in a particular field or area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Lock, David Guerin, Jake Byrne, Jerrold C. Manock
  • Publication number: 20140172363
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated 3D scanner for scanning a surface of an object, said integrated 3D scanner comprising: a scanning device capable of operating in a first configuration and in a second configuration, where in said first configuration the scanning device is capable of acquiring a first data set relating to the surface of the object; and in said second configuration the scanning device is capable of acquiring a second data set relating to the surface of the object; a data processing unit configured for combining one or more first data sets and one or more second data sets to provide a combined data set; where the first and second configurations of the scanning device are such that the second data set represents data with a higher spatial resolution than the first data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: 3Shape A/S
    Inventors: Nikolaj Deichmann, Mike Van Der Poel, Karl-Josef Hollenbeck, Rune Fisker
  • Patent number: 8712713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining pressure information from pressure sensors, motion information from dead reckoning or other motion sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and geomagnetic sensors, and temperature information from temperature sensors, to separate a change in altitude from a change in environmental pressure or temperature. A change in measured pressure without any motion or change in temperature must be a weather-related barometric pressure change. If there is an associated temperature change, but no motion, and the rate of change is too fast for a normal weather change, the measured change represents a change in sensitivity of the pressure sensor with temperature, and the sensor calibration can be adjusted. A rapid change in pressure, associated with horizontal motion, but no measurable vertical motion represents a movement into a different pressure environment. Only changes in pressure that are associated with measurable vertical motion are true changes in altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas G Wolf
  • Patent number: 8700357
    Abstract: A transit-time fill-level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a filling material in a container is stated, in which transit-time fill-level measuring device information about the topography of the filling material surface is determined on the basis of the shape of a single echo curve of the receiving signal. From this the fill volume can then be derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Thomas Deck, Roland Welle, Karl Griessbaum
  • Publication number: 20140095107
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to automated apparatuses and methods for measuring fastener hole depth, fastener length, countersink depth and/or hole diameters in a workpiece (or other object) in an automated and extremely rapid, efficient and accurate manner. The apparatuses may be operably connected with a power source and with one or a plurality of computers or other data collection devices to transmit fastener hole depth, countersink depth and/or hole diameter measurement data and/or information to them each time that a fastener hole is measured, while the apparatus is continuously measuring fastener holes (i.e., with no interruptions).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Projection Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Stanton Haisty, Roger Curtis Richardson, Bobby Dean McAllister
  • Publication number: 20140067278
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to 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 plurality of sensors (for example, motion sensor and altitude sensor) disposed in the housing. The monitoring device may further include processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensor, to calculate the activity points corresponding to the physical activity of the user using the sensor data, wherein the activity points correlate to an amount and intensity of the physical activity of the user, and output the data which is representative of the activity points. The monitoring device may also include a display, coupled to the processing circuitry, may output the data which is representative of the activity points to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
  • Patent number: 8655596
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring depth, velocity, or both depth and velocity of instrumentation along a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a downhole portion movable within the wellbore in a direction generally parallel to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a first acceleration sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a first acceleration. The apparatus further includes a second acceleration sensor that generates a second signal indicative of a second acceleration. The apparatus further includes a bend sensor generating a third signal indicative of an amount of bend of at least a portion of the downhole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, Stephen Victor Mullin, John Lionel Weston
  • Patent number: 8645099
    Abstract: A depth estimation apparatus and method are provided. The depth estimation method includes grouping a plurality of frame signals generated by a depth pixel into a plurality of frame signal groups which are used to estimate a depth to an object without a depth estimation error caused by an omission of a frame signal, the grouping of the a plurality of frame signals based on whether an omitted frame signal exists in the plurality of frame signals and based on a continuous pattern of the plurality of frame signals; and estimating the depth to the object using each of the plurality of frame signal groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Ki Min, Young Gu Jin
  • Patent number: 8627243
    Abstract: Methods for optimizing conductor patterns for conductors formed by ECP and CMP processes. A method includes receiving layout data for an IC design where electrochemical plating (ECP) processes form patterned conductors in at least one metal layer over a semiconductor wafer; determining from the received layout data a global effects factor corresponding to a global pattern density; determining layout effects factors for unit grid areas corresponding to the pattern density of the at least one metal layer within the unit grid areas, determining local effects factors for each unit grid area; using a computing device, executing an ECP simulator using at least one of the global effects factor and the local effects factors, and using the layout effects factor; outputting an predicted post-ECP hump data map from the ECP simulator; and if indicated by a threshold comparison, modifying the layout data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Feng Lin, Yu-Wei Chou, Wen-Cheng Huang, Cheng-I Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8612175
    Abstract: A measurement device system and method of using the same for determining the depth of a pile being installed and/or the equipment used to install the pile. The device including an encoder assembly having a support attachable to a structural component of a rig wherein the support has a pivot joint coaxial with a load arm axis. The encoder assembly has a load arm rotatable about the arm axis and with a wheel near its distal end that is rotatable about a wheel axis with an encoder joined to the wheel that moves with the wheel. The encoder assembly further including a biasing assembly to urge the load arm and wheel into an engaged condition relative to the associated pile installation machine such that the wheel frictionally engages a surface of another structural component of the rig. Thus, the displacement of the first structural component relative to the second component rotates the wheel about the wheel axis and the encoder. This information can then be used to determine pile depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Dalton, Tim Raines
  • Patent number: 8600701
    Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: American Underwater Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis, Michael S. Hollis, Jack Calvin Holman
  • Publication number: 20130314696
    Abstract: A method operational on a transmitter device is provided for projecting a composite code mask. A composite code mask on a tangible medium is obtained, where the composite code mask includes a code layer combined with a carrier layer. The code layer may include uniquely identifiable spatially-coded codewords defined by a plurality of symbols. The carrier layer may be independently ascertainable and distinct from the code layer and includes a plurality of reference objects that are robust to distortion upon projection. At least one of the code layer and carrier layer may be pre-shaped by a synthetic point spread function prior to projection. At least a portion of the composite code mask is projected, by the transmitter device, onto a target object to help a receiver ascertain depth information for the target object with a single projection of the composite code mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, James Wilson Nash, Vikas Ramachandra, Sergiu Radu Goma
  • Publication number: 20130289938
    Abstract: A method of generating a tomographic image includes detecting an interference signal containing cross-sectional information of a target object as raw data of the target object, the raw data being phase-modulated in a first direction with respect to a cross section of the target object; demodulating the raw data by adjusting at least one parameter of a filter function defining filtering using a fixed window size; and generating a tomographic image of the target object by performing signal processing on the demodulated raw data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: Korea University Research and Business Foundation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-guyn Lim, Beop-min Kim, Won-zoo Chung, Hyun-woo Jeong, Seong-deok Lee, Woo-young Jang
  • Patent number: 8560268
    Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell Carl Smithson
  • Publication number: 20130268236
    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: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
  • Patent number: 8554508
    Abstract: In order to judge the acceptability of internal pressure of a can accurately based on the displacement of the can, a pair of displacement sensors (2, 3) facing each other coaxially are arranged perpendicularly to the carrying direction of a carton case (C) such that the center of an encased can (K) being carried matches the center of the pair of displacement sensors (2, 3), measurement data of the displacement sensors (2, 3) is taken in at the timing that the center of the can (K) passes through the center of the pair of displacement sensors (2, 3), a total depth (Ds=Dt+Db) of a top depth (Dt) from the upper end of the can (K) to the open tab and a bottom depth (Db) from the lower end of the can (K) to the bottom panel is calculated, and then the calculation result is applied to a criterion for judging the acceptability of the total depth corresponding to the internal pressure of acceptable can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Osafumi Suzuki