Length, Distance, Or Thickness Patents (Class 702/97)
  • Patent number: 8825423
    Abstract: This document generally describes technology to verify the calibration of a materials testing system, such as a compact tension testing system. The calibration of a materials testing system can be verified based on the results generated from the materials testing system running one or more tests on a calibration specimen with one or more known characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Testquip, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Brovold
  • Patent number: 8781780
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-optical distance measurement, wherein a light from a light source (6) is projected toward an object to be measured (2), a reflection light reflected by the object to be measured is received at a photodetection unit (8), the light from the light source is received by the photodetection unit as an inner light via an inner optical path (11), and a distance to the object to be measured is measured according to the result of photodetection of the reflection light and the inner light of the photodetection unit, and wherein a correction information is acquired based on the inner light, the acquired correction information is stored, a correction value is obtained from the correction information based on the reflection light and the inner light, and a distance is calculated from the correction value and the result of photodetection of the reflection light and the inner light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kanokogi, Masahiro Ohishi
  • Publication number: 20140195187
    Abstract: A coating thickness measuring instrument has a probe for measuring the thickness of a coating applied to a substrate and producing an output relating to the measured thickness; a memory storing calibration data; and a processor arranged to process the output produced by the probe, together with calibration data stored by the memory, and produce a coating thickness measurement. The memory stores at least two sets of calibration data, each set associated with a different surface profile value and a user may select the set of calibration data to be used by the processor according to the surface profile of the substrate on which a measurement is to be made. This enables a user to make coating thickness measurements on substrates with at least two different, known, surface profiles without having to calibrate the instrument specifically for those surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Elcometer Limited
    Inventors: Michael Carrington Sellars, Joseph J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8761997
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one component of a motor vehicle provided with energy storage means. The method comprises the steps of determination of an energy reserve value of the vehicle; evaluation of at least one critical energy autonomy threshold; and comparison of the energy reserve value with at least one critical autonomy threshold so as to deduce therefrom a setpoint signal for controlling the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Martin Grimm, Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 8738324
    Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jerry G Brown
  • Patent number: 8718962
    Abstract: A calibrating method of calibrating a measured distance of a measured object measured by a distance-measuring device according to an ambient temperature includes providing a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the distance-measuring device, calculating a calibrated imaging location of the measured object according to the ambient temperature and an imaging location of the measured object, and calibrating the measured distance according to the calibrated imaging location. In this way, when the distance-measuring device measures the measured object, the error due to the variation of the ambient temperature is avoided according to the calibrating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: En-Feng Hsu, Chi-Chieh Liao, Ming-Tsan Kao
  • Patent number: 8712723
    Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving, Mark Andrew Christensen, Brian Y. Lee, David Vogel
  • 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: 8712720
    Abstract: A tire measurement system includes a computer with various memory/media elements for storing raw and transformed tire measurement data (e.g., a data set of measured radial or lateral run-out values) as well as software in the form of computer-executable instructions, which are executed by a processor to filter selected run-out values within the obtained data set that spike above adjacent measurements, identify selected ones of the filtered run-out values that lie on a convex hull surrounding the entire set of values, and perform interpolation of the identified selected ones of the run-out values that lie on the convex hull to obtain a final data set of filtered run-out measurements. Similar steps can be performed on an inverted data set to better detect sidewall deformation features such as sidewall depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche at Technigue S.A., Societe de Technologie Michelin
    Inventors: Verner Steve Nicholson, Anton Felipe Thomas
  • Patent number: 8671741
    Abstract: A moisture content sensing system is described comprising a collar mechanically coupled with a clean grain transport system. An extendable support extends through the collar and has an extendable capacitive sensor element disposed at one end. The extendable support is configured to be located at a first position in which the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed adjacent to clean grain conveyed by the clean grain transport system and moved to a second position wherein the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed at least partially within the clean grain of the clean grain transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Cash, D'Anne Beukelaur Hanks, Arthur F. Lange, Brian Jackman, Brian A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8673641
    Abstract: A measuring method of chromium-free coating film thickness on surface of strip steel comprising selecting two water-soluble chemical substances containing elements P, Ca, Ti, Ba or Sr and not reacting with a chromium-free coating liquid; adding the chemical substances into the chromium-free coating liquid and agitating them to be homogeneous, thereafter, fabricating a reference sample of coating film; using a ray emitted by an off-line film thickness instrument to excite the two water-soluble chemical substances so as to obtain characteristic spectrums to obtain a correction function expression between the measured film thickness and the thickness correction value by fitting; adding the water-soluble chemical substance which has a weak characteristic spectrum into a chromium-free coating liquid, and using the expression to obtain the actual coating film thickness. The method is capable to monitor film thickness with no adverse effect on adhesiveness and corrosion-proof of the coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongqiang Lu, Chunguo Lv, Zhicheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20140074419
    Abstract: A method includes irradiating a surface of a sample, which is made-up of multiple types of materials, with a beam of primary electrons. Emitted electrons emitted from the irradiated sample are detected using multiple detectors that are positioned at respective different positions relative to the sample, so as to produce respective detector outputs. Calibration factors are computed to compensate for variations in emitted electron yield among the types of the materials, by identifying, for each material type, one or more horizontal regions on the surface that are made-up of the material type, and computing a calibration factor for the material type based on at least one of the detector outputs at the identified horizontal regions. The calibration factors are applied to the detector outputs. A three-dimensional topographical model of the surface is calculated based on the detector outputs to which the calibration factors are applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ishai Schwarzband, Yakov Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20140058694
    Abstract: There is disclosed a computer program product for carrying out a method of calibrating a thickness of an embossing die, the embossing die being formed from a plurality of ink layers printed by an apparatus. According to the method, an average thickness of an ink layer printed by the apparatus may be calculated, and a target die thickness may be calculated as a function of the average ink layer thickness. A system for implementing a method of calibrating a thickness of an embossing die and a method of measuring a thickness of an embossing die are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Shahar Stein, Eyal Peleg, George Trendafilov, Itzik Shaul
  • Publication number: 20130325387
    Abstract: A medical instrument, system and method for calibration are provided. The instrument includes a body (202) and a shape sensing system (204) coupled to the body to permit determination of a shape of the body. A memory element (205, 206) is coupled to the body and configured to store data associated with calibration of the body, the data being readable through a cable (210) connectable to the body so that the data permits calibration of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Manzke, Raymond Chan, Christopher Stephen Hall, Bharat Ramachandran
  • Publication number: 20130289918
    Abstract: A method includes measuring a caliper of a sheet of material using a caliper sensor having first and second sensor modules. The method also includes adjusting the caliper measurement based on a transverse displacement between a first sensor component in the first sensor module and a second sensor component in the second sensor module to generate a corrected caliper measurement. Adjusting the caliper measurement can include applying a corrector function that adjusts the caliper measurement based on the measured transverse displacement. The corrector function can be identified by repeatedly creating misalignment between the first and second sensor components, measuring a known distance using the caliper sensor, and identifying an error between the measurement of the known distance and the known distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier, Michael K. Y. Hughes, Graham Duck, John F. Shakespeare
  • Patent number: 8554503
    Abstract: A method for calibration of a thickness gauge is provided in which the thickness gauge measures the thickness of a measured object in a stipulated measurement direction with at least one displacement sensor, operating contactless or by scanning, a reference object with known thickness and shape being brought into at least one partial area of the measurement field of the at least one displacement sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: GĂ¼nter Schallmoser, Karl Wisspeintner, Robert Wagner
  • Patent number: 8554504
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning apparatus including: an autonomous navigation sensor which is held by a pedestrian and which outputs periodic oscillation and direction information; a step length data storage section which stores step length data; a movement distance calculating section which calculates movement distance; a traveling direction calculating section which calculates a traveling direction; and a movement direction calculating section which calculates a movement direction for each step, wherein the movement distance calculating section includes a taken step angle calculating section which calculates a taken step angle from the movement direction for each step with respect to the traveling direction; and the movement distance calculating section corrects a value of the step length data so that the step length is larger as the taken step angle becomes larger to calculate a movement distance for each step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Sambongi
  • Patent number: 8552739
    Abstract: In an electronic device and a method of correcting time-domain reflectometers, two channels of a time-domain reflectometer are connected to a corrector using cables, and the two channels are enabled to transmit pulses. Parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew of the two channels are zeroed. Resistance values of the two channels are measured simultaneously, and the value of the parameter Step Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the Resistance values of the two channels. Times of achieving the same resistance value of the two channels are measured after the cables and the connector have been disconnected, and the value of the parameter Channel Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the times of achieving the same resistance value. The adjusted values of the parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew are displayed through a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Chuan Liang, Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8548760
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting a nonlinearity in a cable plant and for determining cable length to a source of the nonlinearity are disclosed. Upstream signal peaks are detected by averaging upstream signal waveforms. The upstream signal peaks are generated at the source of the nonlinearity from naturally occurring downstream signal peaks propagating in the cable plant. The downstream signal peaks occur due to constructive superposition of the downstream channel signals. Acquisition of the upstream signal waveforms is triggered by the downstream signal peaks. The cable length to the source of nonlinearity is determined from a time delay between the downstream signal peaks and the upstream signal peaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel K. Chappell
  • Publication number: 20130231884
    Abstract: A method comprises a calibration curve creation step in which a calibration curve is created on the basis of hardened surface layer depth. A destructive test is performed on one of two samples in pairs, and propagation time of a first peak of a first wave of waveform of a signal outputted with the other in pairs in a non-destructive test is determined, the samples in pairs being prepared such that carburization depth varies gradually from pair to pair. A waveform of a signal outputted with a to-be-inspected piece is obtained. The propagation time of a first peak of a first wave of the waveform of the signal output with the to-be-inspected piece is obtained, and the hardened surface layer depth of the to-be-inspected piece is obtained using the calibration curve, on the basis of the propagation time obtained with the to-be-inspected sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arisa Yanagihara, Minoru Tagami, Kenichiro Watanabe, Yoshinori Ishida
  • Patent number: 8515703
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a wheel speed detection system, comprising at least one wheel speed sensor and at least one electronic control unit. The at least one wheel speed sensor output signal is evaluated in the electronic control unit and the evaluation is adapted to a distance information item which is acquired from a traveled reference distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Andreas Kircher
  • Publication number: 20130211765
    Abstract: A method for measuring a film thickness of a film on an edge of a wafer, comprising: off-line detecting a film at a detection point on the wafer by a four-point probe method to obtain a real film thickness of the film at the detection point, and detecting a distance from the detection point to a center of the wafer using a length measurement, in which the detection point is located between the center of the wafer and a edge point of the wafer; detecting the film at the detection point using an eddy current transducer to obtain a detected film thickness of the film at the detection point; determining a film thickness measuring correction factor according to the real film thickness, the detected film thickness at the detection point and the distance from the detection point to the center of the wafer; and measuring the film on an edge of the wafer using the eddy current transducer to obtain a measured film thickness of the film on the edge of the wafer and correcting the measured film thickness of the film on a
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xinchun Lu, Pan Shen, Yongyong He
  • Publication number: 20130211766
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable a robotic system to detect and determine the location, orientation, surface contours, and features of an object that are not otherwise accurately known in order to allow the robotic system to accurately place a pulse/echo layer thickness-gauge ultrasonic transducer gauge onto the surface of the object. The robotic system uses one or more distance measurement sensors to determine the position, orientation, local contour, and other features of the surface in relation to the robot. Another method calibrates an inaccurate distance sensor. Yet another method maintains overall system functionality in a system with multiple distance sensors in the event that one or more of the distance sensors fails. The robotic system may also determine when maintenance is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ASCENT VENTURES, LLC
    Inventor: Ascent Ventures, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130197846
    Abstract: A thickness measurement apparatus and method thereof being possible to measure an object to be inspected with required sensitivity stability and accuracy is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kuroda, Yoshihiro Yamashita, Akio Sumita
  • Patent number: 8496613
    Abstract: An infusion pump having a tubing clamping section including a movable and a stationary portion. The infusion pump includes at least one sensor for detecting a contact length of tubing within the movable and/or the stationary portion. The infusion pump includes a shuttle having a shuttle stationary and a shuttle moveable portion, and is configured to squeeze a length of the tubing between the shuttle portions. The infusion pump includes a motor connected to the shuttle moveable portion via a shaft. The motor moves the shuttle moveable portion towards and away from the shuttle stationary portion. The infusion pump includes a controller and an encoder that detects a position of the shaft. The controller converts the detected position into a travel distance of the shuttle moveable portion, and calculates a diameter and a thickness of the tubing based on the travel distance and the contact length of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Yu Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130166240
    Abstract: Beforehand, the device characteristic patterns of each critical dimension SEM are measured, a sectional shape of an object to undergo dimension measurement is presumed by a model base library (MBL) matching system, dimension measurements are carried out by generating signal waveforms through SEM simulation by inputting the presumed sectional shapes and the device characteristic parameters, and differences in the dimension measurement results are registered as machine differences. In actual measurements, from the dimension measurement results in each critical dimension SEM, machine differences are corrected by subtracting the registered machine differences. Furthermore, changes in critical dimension SEM's over time are monitored by periodically measuring the above-mentioned device characteristic parameters and predicting the above-mentioned dimension measurement results. According to the present invention, actual measurements of machine differences, which require considerable time and effort, are unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chie Shishido, Maki Tanaka, Katsuhiro Sasada
  • Patent number: 8452569
    Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jerry G. Brown
  • Patent number: 8447563
    Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jerry G. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130096863
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for calibrating user-mounted devices are provided. An external device capable of providing calibration data to a user-mounted device worn by a user is identified. An identification acknowledgement is received from the external device. A device calibration mode is entered in which calibration data describing the user-mounted device is received by the user-mounted device. The calibration data is based at least in part on sensor data acquired and normalized by the external device. The calibration data is then received. The calibration data includes at least one determined pose or body measurement of the user and a calculated alignment of the user-mounted device relative to the user. The user-mounted device is calibrated using the received calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, PAOLO MALABUYO
  • Publication number: 20130090879
    Abstract: Improved and more easily implemented methods for predicting high speed radial force variation and uneven mass distribution utilize other measurements such as radial nm out and other parameters. The prediction model for high speed radial force variation uses a speed-dependent calibration term for predicting higher harmonic components, while the same or other models can be used for the first harmonic. The uneven mass distribution prediction model accounts for deformation of the tire along multiple tracks, thus employing a more realistic model of crown deformation that accounts for changing tire stiffness levels across different harmonic components of the measured and predicted parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Patrice R. Estor, Julien Matthieu Flament, Verner Steve Nicholson, Anton Felipe Thomas
  • Patent number: 8374818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a number of components that have been assembled onto a substrate. In general, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for inspecting components on the substrate. In particular, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for detecting the accuracy of the array pegs positions on an assembled HTA plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Meijles
  • Patent number: 8370124
    Abstract: An emulation system includes a central time source generating a time reference and an emulated spacecraft control processor which contains an embedded processor that provides an emulated input/output interface to communicate simulated spacecraft data. The embedded processor processes the simulated spacecraft data and contains a real time clock engine having a real-time clock period. The system further has a first simulation that processes attitude control system data from the emulated spacecraft control processor to simulate an attitude control system of the spacecraft in real-time. The first simulation engine operative to produce sensor data for input to the emulated spacecraft control processor based on the simulated system dynamics and adjusts the real time clock period in response to the time reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Gold, John D. Haskell, David L. Koza, Michael J. Surace, Steven R. Zammit
  • Publication number: 20120323515
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for calibrating user-mounted devices are provided. An external device capable of providing calibration data to a user-mounted device worn by a user is identified. An identification acknowledgement is received from the external device. A device calibration mode is entered in which calibration data describing the user-mounted device is received by the user-mounted device. The calibration data is based at least in part on sensor data acquired and normalized by the external device. The calibration data is then received. The calibration data includes at least one determined pose or body measurement of the user and a calculated alignment of the user-mounted device relative to the user. The user-mounted device is calibrated using the received calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, PAOLO MALABUYO
  • Patent number: 8326572
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pipe length in an air conditioning system includes a detector to detect a signal traveled through a pipe and a first impedance coupler that couples to one end of the pipe, where the detector detects the signal traveled through the pipe at the first impedance coupler. A processor determines a pipe length based on the detected signal and a signal generator generates the signal to be sent through the pipe. A second impedance coupler couples to another end of the pipe, where the signal generator sends the signal to the pipe through the second impedance coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Tae Kim, Chi-Sun Ahn, Seung-Hwan Jung, Sang-Chul Youn, Duck-Gu Jeon
  • Patent number: 8279949
    Abstract: A method for estimating a length of a channel in a wired communication system includes receiving a plurality of signals transmitted continuously via the channel, determining relation between a signal and at least one signal in the of the plurality of signals, to generate a decision result, and determining the length of the channel according to the decision result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ralink Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheng Hou, Li-Hua Weng, Guan-Henry Lin
  • Publication number: 20120239302
    Abstract: The distance between a reference point and a target surface in a void, such as a well or tank, is measured accurately without having to identify the ambient condition within the void, the ambient temperature inside the void for example. A signal is generated and transmitted through a medium towards the target surface. The target surface comprising a substance that will reflect the signal. The time the signal was transmitted is known and a reference point relative to a detection device is also known. For example, the detector may be the reference point. The detector detects a calibration signal that is reflection of the generated signal off of a calibrated-constrictive element located at a known position relative to the reference point. A measurement signal that is reflection of the generated signal resulting from the generated signal striking the target surface is also detected. The distance measurement is determined based upon this information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Noam Amir, Tal Pechter
  • Publication number: 20120221275
    Abstract: A radiation inspection apparatus may include a radiation source that irradiates linear radiation, which is parallel to an inspection direction set on an inspection target, to the inspection target, a line type detector that detects the radiation transmitted through the inspection target, a correction detector that is disposed in at least one of a position between the radiation source and the inspection target and a position between the inspection target and the line type detector, the correction detector moving along the inspection direction to detect the radiation, which has been irradiated from the radiation source, at each of a plurality of inspection positions along the inspection direction, and a correction device that corrects the detection result of the line type detector by using the detection result of the correction detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirohiko OBINATA, Kumiko HORIKOSHI
  • Patent number: 8219352
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a system and a method for determining a pose of a probe relative to an object by probing the object with the probe, comprising steps of: determining a probability of the pose using Rao-Blackwellized particle filtering, wherein a probability of a location of the pose is represented by a location of each particle, and a probability of an orientation of the pose is represented by a Gaussian distribution over orientation of each particle conditioned on the location of the particle, wherein the determining is performed for each subsequent probing until the probability of the pose concentrates around a particular pose; and estimating the pose of the probe relative to the object based on the particular pose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Taguchi, Tim Marks
  • Publication number: 20120173184
    Abstract: The defect correction method includes arranging a plurality of neighbor depth pixel information values of respective neighbor depth pixels, comparing a depth pixel information value of a depth pixel with a reference value, which is one of the arranged neighbor depth pixel information values, and correcting the depth pixel information value according to a comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ilia Ovsiannikov, Dong Ki Min
  • Patent number: 8209134
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Sophie Lin
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne, Sophie Lin, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8190389
    Abstract: Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Kim, Eric Goldfarb, Ketan P. Muni, Joshua Makower, Robert K. Deckman
  • Patent number: 8190354
    Abstract: A fuel efficiency measurement system includes a fuel supply tank for supplying hydrogen to be used as a fuel to a fuel cell of the vehicle during measurement of fuel efficiency and a precision electronic balance for detecting a weight of the fuel supply tank so as to perform the measurement of fuel efficiency based on a vehicle driving distance and a change in weight of the fuel supply tank measured by the electronic balance during measurement of fuel efficiency. According to the fuel efficiency measurement system, it is possible to more accurately calculate fuel efficiency without using hydrogen of a hydrogen tank installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Young Woo Jung, Jeong Kyu Park, Hyung Seuk Oh, Chang Hwan Ye
  • Patent number: 8180588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensation method for structural deformation occurring during construction of a super tall building, which includes the steps of: selecting horizontal and vertical members predicted to require compensation for horizontal and vertical deformation amounts; calculating deformation amounts based on the casting time of structural concrete for the selected horizontal or vertical members; determining compensation amounts based on the casting time of structural concrete for the selected horizontal or vertical members; calculating deformation amounts of the selected horizontal or vertical members up to and subsequent to the non-structural construction processes; determining compensation amounts by process of the selected horizontal or vertical members; and constructing the selected horizontal or vertical members by floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taehun Ha, Sungho Lee, Bohwan Oh
  • Patent number: 8172658
    Abstract: A method of participating in an athletic event with a remotely-located competitor using first and second wireless competition devices includes establishing a wireless communication connection with the second wireless competition device. The second wireless competition device is associated with the remotely-located competitor for the athletic event. Positioning data for the second wireless competition device is received via the wireless communication connection. The positioning data for the second wireless competition device characterizes a previous or real-time performance of the athletic event by the competitor. The received positioning data for the second wireless competition device is provided for display on the first wireless competition device relative to positioning data for the first wireless competition device, which characterizes a performance of the athletic event by a user thereof. Related methods and devices are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Jan Olof Svensson
  • Patent number: 8173962
    Abstract: An evaluation method and apparatus is provided for evaluating a displacement between patterns of a pattern image by using design data representative of a plurality of patterns superimposed ideally. A first distance is measured for an upper layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image, a second distance is measured for a lower layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image; and an superimposition displacement is detected between the upper layer pattern and lower layer pattern in accordance with the first distance and second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takumichi Sutani, Ryoichi Matsuoka, Hidetoshi Morokuma, Akiyuki Sugiyama, Hiroyuki Shindo
  • Patent number: 8170894
    Abstract: The instant invention involves a method for determining the expected presence of disruptive business process innovations by performing various nonlinear dynamic processes and analysis with both expected data values and referenced data values. After processing the necessary data, the method allows for the prediction of said disruptive business processes innovations (i.e. innovations that have a game changing effect on the market or markets to which the innovation belongs). After determining the presence or non-presence of any disruptive business process innovations, the method comprises steps for providing advice to users of said method. Further, the instant invention encompasses variants of its method that are facilitated by the use of at least one computing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony M. Yitts
  • Patent number: 8170832
    Abstract: A method for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) sample creation. The use of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)—Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) detector in the dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB)/SEM allows a sample to be thinned using the FIB, while the STEM signal is used to monitor sample thickness. A preferred embodiment of the present invention can measure the thickness of or create TEM samples by using a precise endpoint detection method. Preferred embodiments also enable automatic endpointing during TEM lamella creation and provide users with direct feedback on sample thickness during manual thinning. Preferred embodiments of the present invention thus provide methods for endpointing sample thinning and methods to partially or fully automate endpointing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Young, Brennan Peterson, Rudolf Johannes Peter Gerardus Schampers, Michael Moriarty
  • Publication number: 20120101763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning apparatus including: an autonomous navigation sensor which is held by a pedestrian and which outputs periodic oscillation and direction information; a step length data storage section which stores step length data; a movement distance calculating section which calculates movement distance; a traveling direction calculating section which calculates a traveling direction; and a movement direction calculating section which calculates a movement direction for each step, wherein the movement distance calculating section includes a taken step angle calculating section which calculates a taken step angle from the movement direction for each step with respect to the traveling direction; and the movement distance calculating section corrects a value of the step length data so that the step length is larger as the taken step angle becomes larger to calculate a movement distance for each step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao SAMBONGI
  • Publication number: 20120065916
    Abstract: A method for measuring the height of a person is provided. A person is positioned in a room having a floor and a ceiling, and the method comprises the steps of: i) providing a measuring device; ii) calibrating the measuring device to determine a first distance from the floor to the ceiling; iii) placing the measuring device on the person's head; iv) measuring a second distance from the person's head to the ceiling; and v) subtracting the second distance from the first distance to calculate the person's height. An apparatus for performing the measurement is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Zoe Medical, Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Staats, Stephen Staats
  • Patent number: RE43405
    Abstract: A method of displaying a measurement result in an inspection process using network, the method includes a first step that a host, which intensively controls and manages a device for inspecting a lot to be processed in one or a plurality of steps, transmits to the device a condition of measuring a lot determined to be put in, a second step that the device measures the lot based on the measurement condition received via the network and then obtains measured data, a third step that the host determines whether the measured data received via the network is abnormal or normal based on a predetermined assessment standard and then produces a result of assessing a measured value so as to transmit the result to the device and a fourth step that the device provides a display corresponding to the result of assessing the measured value in accordance with the received result of assessing the measured value as well as a previously registered display standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazufumi Kato