Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing water device run time, transmitting this data via a network to a database which analyzes, records and reports the individual run times and the aggregate use over any given timeframe. Sensors used to measure device use time do not directly measure flow rate, and may sense device run time by sensing water flow, through electronic signals, vibration, etc. The sensors may be battery powered and transmit discrete data packets via radio frequency to powered node units. A system of node units communicates with a central internet gateway which uploads the data packets to a cloud-based database which organizes, analyzes, stores and reports the information. The system allocates the cost of water flowing through a common water meter to a plurality of individual units within a collection of geographically proximate units. The systems are useful in multi-unit buildings or complexes having stacked plumbing.

Abstract: A method of navigating an autonomous vehicle includes receiving pulsed illumination from an object in the vehicle environment and decoding the pulsed illumination. The object is identified using the decoded pulsed illumination of the pulsed illumination, and the autonomous vehicle navigated through the vehicle environment based on the identification of the object. Obstacle avoidance methods and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles are also described.

Abstract: An approach for controlling light exposure of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects of this approach involve using a first set of radiation sources to irradiate the object with visible radiation and infrared radiation. A second set of radiation sources spot irradiate the object in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths. Radiation sensors detect radiation reflected from the object and environment condition sensors detect conditions of the environment in which the object is located during irradiation. A controller controls irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first and second set of radiation sources according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for various environmental conditions. In addition, the controller adjusts irradiation settings of the first and second set of radiation sources as a function of measurements obtained by the various sensors.

Abstract: A multi-turn measurement system includes a plurality of gears, a plurality of pinions engaging the plurality of gears, a plurality of magnets each disposed on one of the plurality of gears, and a plurality of magnetic field sensors. Rotation of the pinions about a center axis drives rotation of the plurality of gears. The magnets each have a magnetic field that changes based on an angular position of the one of the plurality of gears. The magnetic field sensors are each positioned to sense the magnetic field of one of the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced velocity resolution and signal to noise ratio in optical phase-encoded range detection includes receiving an electrical signal generated by mixing a first optical signal and a second optical signal, wherein the first optical signal is generated by modulating an optical signal, wherein and the second optical signal is received in response to transmitting the first optical signal toward an object, and determining a Doppler frequency shift of the second optical signal, and generating a corrected electrical signal by adjusting the electrical signal based on the Doppler frequency shift, and determining a range to the object based on a cross correlation of the corrected electrical signal with a radio frequency (RF) signal that is associated with the first optical signal.

Abstract: Implementations a method using a collision detection device associated with a user to detect a moving object in an environment and provide an alert to the user are provided. In some implementations the environment comprises at least one transmitter of opportunity. In some implementations, the collision detection device comprises a receiver and a processor. In some implementations, the method comprises receiving at the collision detection device Wi-Fi signals reflected from the moving object where the Wi-Fi signals originate from a Wi-Fi source not associated with the moving object. The method further comprises detecting, measuring, and tracking the Doppler effect of the Wi-Fi signals at the collision detection device to track velocity vector relative to the collision detection device. The method further comprises calculating the time of arrival of the moving object based on the velocity vector relative to the location of the collision detection device.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor for measuring at least one measured variable, especially a density, a flow and/or a viscosity, a flowing fluid, is described, comprising: at least one microfluidic channel having a channel section excitable to execute oscillations; and an exciter system for exciting a desired oscillation mode, causing the channel section to execute oscillations in a predetermined plane of oscillation. The MEMS sensor has improved oscillation characteristics at least in part because the channel section is composed of an anisotropic material, having directionally dependent elasticity and which is spatially oriented such that a modulus of elasticity determinative for a stiffness of the channel section relative to deflections of the channel section perpendicular to the plane of oscillation is greater than a modulus of elasticity determinative for a stiffness of the channel section relative to deflections of the channel section in the plane of oscillation.

Abstract: Eddy current sensing is governed by the diffusion equation of magnetoquasistatic fields. As such the eddy current sensor's proximity to the object to be inspected (i.e., “liftoff”) significantly affects the sensor's response signal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving performance for an eddy current sensor, though they may also be used for other sensor types. These solutions are beneficial for both single channel eddy current sensors and arrays, and are particularly beneficial for measuring parts with complex surfaces. In some aspects improved performance is achieved by varying the stiffness of the mechanical support for the sensor. Some mechanical supports may exhibit anisotropic stiffness. After performing a scan with an eddy current array, a multi-channel shape filtering module is applied to improve defect detection. The module reduces the variability of defect response measured due to the unpredictability of the defect location transverse to the scan direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery (100) comprising an electrode material (102a), an electrolyte material (104), a battery charge sensor (106, 206, 306) comprising a plasmonic sensing element (108, 208, 308) having a sensing volume (110, 210, 310) within the battery (100, 200, 401) and which upon illumination with electromagnetic radiation exhibits a localized surface plasmon resonance condition being dependent on a charge state of the battery (100, 200, 401). A system and a method for determining a charge state of a battery are further provided.

Abstract: Structured light projection system includes an array of light emitting devices, which is configured to emit a pattern of light. A projection lens is configured to receive and project the pattern of light from the array to a first optical element. The first optical element alters the pattern of light to generate a first emitted pattern of light that is irregular. The first emitted pattern of light is transmitted to a second optical element that is configured to receive the first pattern of light and reproduce the first emitted pattern along a second emitted pattern, which comprises multiple instances of the first emitted pattern arranged in a tiled pattern.

Abstract: An assembly includes a permanent magnet generating a magnetic field. The permanent magnet is arranged on the rotary member and generates a magnetic field perpendicular to an axis of rotation. A first channel has a first magnetic sensing element centered on the axis of rotation, the first channel providing a first angular data. A second channel has a second magnetic sensing element centered on the axis of rotation, the second channel providing a second angular data. The second magnetic sensing element is spaced from the first magnetic sensing element. Each of the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element have three voltage dividers. A processor computes a magnetic stray field component orthogonal to the magnetic field by comparing a first field strength based on the first angular data with the second field strength based on the second angular data.

Abstract: A semiconductor heterostructure for an optoelectronic device is disclosed. The semiconductor heterostructure includes at least one stress control layer within a plurality of semiconductor layers used in the optoelectronic device. Each stress control layer includes stress control regions separated from adjacent stress control regions by a predetermined spacing. The stress control layer induces one of a tensile stress and a compressive stress in an adjacent semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A device comprising a semiconductor layer including a plurality of compositional inhomogeneous regions is provided. The difference between an average band gap for the plurality of compositional inhomogeneous regions and an average band gap for a remaining portion of the semiconductor layer can be at least thermal energy. Additionally, a characteristic size of the plurality of compositional inhomogeneous regions can be smaller than an inverse of a dislocation density for the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method monitors the motion, breathing, heart rate and sleep state of subjects, e.g., humans, in a convenient, non-invasive/non-contact, and low-cost fashion. More particularly, the motion, breathing, and heart rate signals are obtained through processing applied to a raw signal obtained in a non-contact fashion, typically using a radio-frequency sensor. Periods of sleep disturbed respiration, or central apnea can be detected through analysis of the respiratory signal. The mean heart rate, and derived information, such as the presence of cardiac arrhythmias can be determined from the cardiac signal. Motion estimates can be used to recognize disturbed sleep and periodic limb movements. The sleep state may be determined by applying a classifier model to the resulting streams of respiratory, cardiac and motion data. A means for display of the sleep state, respiratory, cardiac, and movement status may also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optoelectronic component mounted to a PCB substrate. A transmissive adhesive is disposed directly on the optoelectronic component and is transmissive to light of a wavelength sensed by, or emitted by, the optoelectronic component. The apparatus includes an optical filter disposed directly on the transmissive adhesive. An epoxy laterally surrounds and is in contact with side surfaces of the transmissive adhesive and the optical filter. The epoxy is non-transmissive to light of a wavelength sensed by, or emitted by, the optoelectronic component. In some cases, the epoxy defines a recess directly over the optical filter to accommodate an optical component, such as an optical diffuser. Methods of fabricating the modules are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Testing apparatus operable to collect optical performance data of optoelectronic devices at different temperatures includes thermal-adjustment devices in thermal and mechanical contact with the optoelectronic devices via optoelectronic device stages. The thermal-adjustment devices can direct thermal energy to the optoelectronic devices under test without heating test targets in close proximity. Consequently, in some instances, spurious results can be avoided and rapid measurement of the optoelectronic devices different temperatures can be achieved.

Abstract: An approach for curing ultraviolet sensitive polymer materials (e.g., polymer inks, coatings, and adhesives) using ultraviolet radiation is disclosed. The ultraviolet sensitive polymer materials curing can utilize ultraviolet light at different wavelength emissions arranged in a random, mixed or sequential arrangement. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet light C (UV-C) radiation emitter having a set of UV-C sources that emit UV-C radiation at a predetermined UV-C duration and intensity operate in conjunction with an ultraviolet light B (UV-B) radiation emitter having a set of UV-B sources configured to emit UV-B radiation at a predetermined UV-B duration and intensity and/or an ultraviolet light A (UV-A) radiation emitter having a set of UV-A sources configured to emit UV-A radiation at a predetermined UV-A duration and intensity, to cure the ultraviolet sensitive polymer materials.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising: a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to said first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to said reflected ultrasound signal, said first and second electrical signals being analog; and at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of said sensors are connectable, said DSI being configured to transmit said first electrical signal and receive said second electrical signal, and to generate at least an A-scan signal based on said first and second electrical signals for each sensor, said DSI having a cellular transceiver for transmitting a cellular signal based directly or indirectly on at least said A-scan signal, said cellular signal including an address corresponding to said at least one DSI

Abstract: A device for preventing mobile phone loss for reducing the times of erroneous occurrences of an alarm, and to a method for providing an alarm for mobile phone loss prevention are disclosed. A device for preventing mobile phone loss according to an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a receiving unit that receives a predetermined signal from a pre-registered tag, a calculating unit that calculates a distance between a mobile phone and the tag based on the received signal, a controller that determines whether the mobile phone is in a predetermined safe place, and an alarm providing unit that provides an alarm for preventing the mobile phone loss based on whether the mobile phone is in the safe place and whether the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference distance.

Abstract: An improved heterostructure for an optoelectronic device is provided. The heterostructure includes an active region, an electron blocking layer, and a p-type contact layer. The heterostructure can include a p-type interlayer located between the electron blocking layer and the p-type contact layer. In an embodiment, the electron blocking layer can have a region of graded transition. The p-type interlayer can also include a region of graded transition.