Abstract: A data structure includes a main data storage area in which main data is stored, and an odor data storage area in which odor data is stored. The odor data is based on a measurement result of an odor in air measured by an odor sensor. The odor data storage area stores a plurality of pieces of the odor data. The main data storage area includes a main data ID area for storing a main data ID indicating that the stored data is the main data. The odor data storage area includes an odor data ID area for storing an odor data ID indicating that the stored data is the odor data.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a touch screen display. The touch screen display may have an array of display pixels that are used to display images for a user. Touch input to the touch screen display may be provided by a user's finger or other external object. A touch sensor in the display may have vertical and horizontal position sensors that are based on distinct touch sensor technologies. The position sensors may be based on strain gauge sensors or other force sensors, capacitive sensors having multiple elongated transparent capacitive electrodes that span the display, acoustic sensors, light-based sensors, and other types of sensors. An opaque masking layer in an inactive area of the display may hide some of the position sensor structures from view such as vertical position sensor structures. The horizontal position sensor structures may have minimal inactive regions along their edges.

Abstract: An electrode pattern structure of a capacitive touch panel is provided. The electrode pattern structure of a capacitive touch panel of the present invention, in one embodiment, comprises a substrate, at least one first electrode disposed on said substrate, an insulator disposed on said at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode disposed on said insulator and overlapped with said at least one first electrode at least one intersection, and at least one protective block located on said at least one second electrode and positioned at said at least one intersection.

Abstract: A displacement measuring cell may be used to measure linear and/or angular displacement. The displacement measuring cell may include movable and stationary electrodes in a conductive fluid. Electrical property measurements may be used to determine how far the movable electrode has moved relative to the stationary electrode. The displacement measuring cell may include pistons and/or flexible walls. The displacement measuring cell may be used in a touch-sensitive robotic gripper. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may include a plurality of displacement measuring cells mechanically in series and/or parallel. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may be include a processor and/or memory configured to identify objects based on displacement measurements and/or other measurements. The processor may determine how to manipulate the object based on its identity.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for sensing pressure using an optical waveguide sensor. The apparatus for sensing pressure using an optical waveguide sensor, includes: a light source radiating light; an optical waveguide panel emitting some of the radiated light outside through a plurality of light transmitting regions previously formed, and changing an amount of totally reflected light according to pressure applied to at least one of the plurality of light transmitting regions; a detector detecting the amount of light; and an analyzer determining intensity and a location of the pressure according to the detected amount of light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and indicating the presence of undesirable substances in ingestible substance such as food or beverages. More specifically, systems and methods for nonvisually and concealably indicating and detecting the presence of unwanted or undesired drugs in beverages and/or food.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding T2R76 polypeptides, recombinantly expressed T2R76 polypeptides, heterologous expression systems for recombinant expression of T2R76 polypeptides, assay methods employing the same, and methods for altering taste perception via administration of a T2R76 modulator. These T22R76 polypeptides can be expressed alone or co-expressed with another T2R polypeptide, preferably a different human T2R polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hybrid tomatoes that produce better-tasting fruit, methods of producing and identifying the hybrid tomatoes and methods of identifying the chemical composition of a tomato that leads to a better-tasting fruit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds, i.e., chlorogenic lactone compounds that contribute at least partially to the bitter taste of many coffee beverages. The present invention further relates to the use of these receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by chlorogenic lactones and related compounds and which may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in coffee and coffee-flavored foods, beverages and medicinals.

Abstract: In a skin of a robot, it is configured to have a plurality of tactile sensors discretely installed on a base, a first member disposed on the tactile sensors, the first member being continuously formed, at its surface facing the tactile sensors, with projections which are tapered toward the respective tactile sensors as viewed in cross-section to be capable of pressing each of the tactile sensors, and a second member that is disposed on the first member and is made of a material being lower in rigidity than a material of the first member. With this, the skin is equipped with the second member as a soft skin surface and it becomes possible to reliably detect a point of action or distribution of a load applied through the skin surface, thereby enabling to reliably estimate a point in contact with an external object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds, i.e., chlorogenic lactone compounds that contribute at least partially to the bitter taste of many coffee beverages. The present invention further relates to the use of these receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by chlorogenic lactones and related compounds and which may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in coffee and coffee-flavored foods, beverages and medicinals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and indicating the presence of undesirable substances in ingestible substance such as food or beverages. More specifically, systems and methods for nonvisually and concealably indicating and detecting the presence of unwanted or undesired drugs in beverages and/or food.

Abstract: There has been conventionally a problem that when the searcher uses, for example, “dry wine” selected according to the searcher's preference as a search key, the searcher cannot be satisfied with the search result because wine entries stored in a database as “dry wines” depend on objective evaluation by another person. A sense database is created by using, as a subjective search index, sense parameter information such as potential variation caused by pungency obtained by a pseudo sensor irrespective of one's ability. Specifically the database comprises a sense information obtaining section for obtaining sense information by associating the sense parameter information acquired by the sensor with representative information, a sense information storage section, a search key obtaining section, and a searching section for searching the sense information storage section using a search key.

Abstract: A taste recognizing device has a sensor body and a touch panel. The sensor body includes a sensor part with a sensor probe for measuring taste by means of a molecular film which outputs an electrical signal presenting taste information representing at least one kind of taste, a solution insertion part having insertion sections which are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals and in which a solution whose taste is to be measured, a reference taste measurement solution and a cleaning solution are selectively inserted, and an arm drive part for moving the sensor part relative to a predetermined insertion section of the solution insertion part. On the basis of the electric signal outputted from the sensor probe and presenting the taste information, at least measurement for taste recognition of the solution whose taste is to be measured is made possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for reducing an ethanol content of a liquid preparation, to the use of the device for producing a liquid flavouring substance concentrate and to processes for sensory assessment thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for determining the age of an object such as a product containing volatile components, comprising: measuring a first strength of a first scent with a first electronic sensor, the decay rate constant of the first scent being known; measuring simultaneously a second strength of a second scent with a second electronic sensor, the decay rate constant of the second scent being known; calculating a current scent ratio (?) of the two scent strengths; and determining the age of the object from a reference time for which a reference scent ratio (?0) of the scent strengths has been registered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: In a skin of a robot, it is configured to have a plurality of tactile sensors discretely installed on a base, a first member disposed on the tactile sensors, the first member being continuously formed, at its surface facing the tactile sensors, with projections which are tapered toward the respective tactile sensors as viewed in cross-section to be capable of pressing each of the tactile sensors, and a second member that is disposed on the first member and is made of a material being lower in rigidity than a material of the first member. With this, the skin is equipped with the second member as a soft skin surface and it becomes possible to reliably detect a point of action or distribution of a load applied through the skin surface, thereby enabling to reliably estimate a point in contact with an external object.

Abstract: A method for predicting (a) the seriousness of side effects to be expected in humans after consumption of foods or nutritional supplements containing oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or (b) the acceptance of such foods or nutritional supplements by consumers, characterized by analyzing the foods or nutritional supplements with automated solid phase micro extraction (SPME) followed by ammonia negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection.

Abstract: A vibration assembly includes a container, a vibration member containing a hollow portion with a bottom, at least two support members, a magnetic body, a coil having a spool axis, and a diaphragm that is attached to the container. Each of the support members has a flat and corrugated configuration. An end of the one of the support members is bonded to a portion of an edge portion of the hollow portion of the vibration member. The other end of the one of the support members is fixed to a portion of an upper edge of the container. An end of the other support member is bonded to the other portion of the edge portion of the hollow portion of the vibration member. The other end of the other support member is fixed to the other portion of the upper edge of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the non precise placement of measuring sites on measuring sensors and for reducing measuring errors, which result from the movement between the measuring sites and the measuring sensors when measuring the most diverse quantities to be measured, with the aim of creating robust measuring systems for recording measured values under real or challenging conditions. The invention is characterized by: detecting whether and which sensor elements are covered and thus in contact with the site to be measured; tracking and/or adapting the sensor elements so that the contact is not interrupted even during movements, and; the resilient arrangement of the contacts for constantly maintaining the mechanical bearing pressure when measuring the electrical skin resistance.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damage skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, particularly, though by no means exclusively, useful in touch-screen computer CRT display systems and the like, and more generally in other force and/or torque measurement systems, as in weighing and the like, in which (1) lineal and/or rotational acceleration of the system is sensed in response to inertial interference effects such as tilt or movement that introduce errors into the force and/or torque measurements, and/or (2) inertial error correction from the force data itself is obtained, such as derivative order corrections; and such data is used to correct the force and/or torque measurements. A novel calibration technique for deriving appropriately descriptive coefficients to the particular system for the correcting data, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damaged skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for calibrating and teaching a robot to accurately work within a work environment. The present invention preferably provides one or more tactile sensor devices that may be operatively coupled with a robot or positioned at one or more desired locations within a work environment of the robot. In one aspect of the present invention a method comprises the steps of providing a touch sensitive surface in the work environment, causing the touch sensitive surface to contact an object, generating a signal indicative of the position of the contact with respect to the touch sensitive surface, and using information comprising the generated signal to teach the robot the location of the contact in the work environment.

Abstract: A touch sensor 10 having a stylus 12 with a tip 12A making contact with a test piece W has an operational control structure including an oscillator 3 which oscillates the stylus 12 in the axial direction; a detecting circuit 4 which detects changes of oscillation of the stylus 12; an adjustor unit 5 which removes noise added to an output signal from the detecting circuit 4; a fine motion mechanism controller 6 which controls the operation of a fine motion mechanism 21 in such a manner that the change of the quantity of state of the detection signal is maintained constant; and a PZT driver 7 which operates the fine motion mechanism 21. The measuring force during surface configuration measurement can be adjusted by adjusting an alternating signal to be applied to the touch sensor or by reducing the noise added to the detection signal without making modifications to a shape or structure of the touch sensor.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damaged skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: A method serves for detecting the touch contact of an operator-controlled element of a machine by a user. In order to be able to continuously and with great safety and meaning carry out the detection, it is suggested that an actual vibration characteristic (FR) of the operator-controlled element is detected during operation, which changes in dependence upon a touch contact of the operator-controlled element by a user, and is compared to at least one desired vibration characteristic (FR0), which is present in a defined state of the operator-controlled element (34, 42), and an announcement (48, 52) takes place in dependence upon the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring the condition of fruit and vegetable is disclosed which comprises an expandable resilient bellows arrangement (10) having a passive sensor (22) mounted therein. In use, the bellows (10) can be expanded so as to bring the passive sensor (22) into contact with, or adjacent to, and item of fruit or vegetable whereby the sensor can react to a property of the fruit or vegetable and produces a signal related to that property. The bellows (10) can the be contracted away from the fruit or vegetable. The sensor (22) can detect the properties of, for example, surface gas detection, chlorophyll fluorescence, visible and Near Infra Red spectrometry and change transfer. An arrangement is also disclosed in which a plurality of bellows (10) are mounted on a rotatable mounting (510) whereby by rotation of the mounting (510), the bellows (10) can be brought sequentially into a position in contact with, or adjacent to, a respective fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: An apparatus detects the approach and touch-down of an object relative to a sensor panel. The apparatus includes a digital filter for determining a first derivative of a current flow in the sensor panel and a controller determines when the first derivative reaches a maximum. In a preferred embodiment, a magnitude for current flow in a plurality of corners of the sensor panel is determined by the controller. These magnitudes are then summed to determine a current flow from which the first derivative is computed. The current flow is analyzed by the controller to determine when an object is approaching the sensor panel, has contacted the sensor panel, and is withdrawn from the sensor panel. Thresholds are used to avoid false detection of approaching objects.

Abstract: A description is given of a passenger detector comprising a flexible support of insulating material, at least two electrode structures placed on said insulating substrate at a certain distance from each other, and a layer of semiconducting material placed above said electrode structures in an active zone of the detector. In conformity with the invention, said layer of semiconducting material has an internal resistance that varies with a deformation of said layer and said layer of semiconducting material is placed in intimate contact with said electrode structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, particularly, though by no means exclusively, useful in touch—screen computer CRT display systems and the like, and more generally in other force and/or torque measurement systems, as in weighing and the like, in which (1) lineal and/or rotational acceleration of the system is sensed in response to inertial interference effects such as tilt or movement that introduce errors into the force and/or torque measurements, and/or (2) inertial error correction from the force data itself is obtained, such as derivative order corrections; and such data is used to correct the force and/or torque measurements. A novel calibration technique for deriving appropriately descriptive coefficients to the particular system for the correcting data, is also disclosed.