Abstract: An electrode-pad storage package includes an interior for storing one or more electrode pads and a window that provides a view into the interior. Because it has a window, the package often reduces the time it takes for an operator to attach the electrode pad or pads to a patient. For example, such a see-through package often saves precious seconds by allowing the operator to view the instructions on a defibrillator electrode pad or pads, and thus determine which electrode pad goes where, before opening the package. Such a package may also save time by allowing the operator to determine the pad type, and thus determine whether the electrode pad or pads are appropriate for the patient, before opening the package. In this latter case, the package may also prevent the operator from unnecessarily opening, and thus wasting, a package containing an inappropriate electrode pad or pads.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating penile tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce excitation and orgasm in males, particularly where impotence is a problem. Four embodiments of an electrode apparatus include a flexible ring (22) and an electrically conductive section (24) having a first end (26) coupled to and extending from the flexible ring (22), and an intermediate portion (30) extending through a hole (32) in the flexible ring (22). An electrical contact (34), in electrical communication with a second end (28) of the electrically conductive section (24), allows the section (24) to be connected to an electrical source. Auxiliary members such as conductive spheres (72, 78, 90, and 92) and additional conductive sections (86, 100) are added to the electrode apparatuses to impart specific stimuli in specific regions of the user's anatomy.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a multi-layer integrated circuit, a reference target is etched into a test wafer along with circuit features of a reference layer. As successive dependent layers are printed, successive dependent targets overlaying the same reference target are formed in photoresist. As each successive dependent target is printed, the degree to which it is registered with the reference target is used to determine the overlay error. After determination of overlay error for a layer, the layer's dependent target is removed, allowing the reference target to be matched with the dependent target of another layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of supporting an audio protocol in a network environment. Audio processing and hardware requirements associated with a receiver are minimized by specifying a single audio protocol for transmission of audio data between transmitters on a network and the receiver. The protocol specifies a sampling rate, bit resolution and quantization scheme which allow for high sound quality and further minimize the complexity of the receiver. Transmitters are equipped with drivers to provide for conversion of audio data into the designated protocol as needed. Aspects of the designated protocol are provided to compensate for problems associated with transmitting audio streams over a network. The designated protocol specifies a format for interleaving audio samples within data packets to minimize errors which are the result of consecutive missing audio data samples due to packet loss. The receiver may further compensate for missing audio data samples through interpolation.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention includes a computer implemented injection molding configuring subsystem which enables a customer to interactively specify and design a system using a mix of parameters that the customer specifies and are manufacturing process determined. The configuring subsystem is connected to a computer network such as the Internet. The method and apparatus of the present invention further includes a computerized business and processing subsystem in communication with the configuring subsystem. The computerized business subsystem automatically provides a cost and schedule for a system configured by the configuring subsystem and additionally processes an order for the system. The processing subsystem automatically processes the customer's inputs and generates drawings for the configured system.

Abstract: An intelligent component feeder includes a lever-powered mechanical component feed system and a memory device mounted on the mechanical feed system. The memory device has a two-terminal electrical interface, the two terminals are associated with data and data ground, respectively. The memory device, which is preferably of a non-volatile, rewritable type, contains information indicating a component ID, component Lot Number, feeder serial number, feeder type, number of feeder actuations, and a Quantity value for a reel of components mounted on the component feeder. The intelligent component feeder further includes a data connector for coupling data from the memory device to a data adapter of a placement device. The data connector comes into contact with the data adapter when the intelligent component feeder is installed on the placement device. The terminal associated with data ground is coupled with a body of said intelligent component feeder.

Abstract: Improved methods for performing thermal annealing of objects, such as wafers of integrated circuits (ICs), employ a scanning continuous wave laser beam. The annealing time is dependent upon the beam intensity, the beam spot size, the beam shape, and the beam dwell time, which can be effectively controlled by varying the scanning speed. A variety of different scan patterns can be used. Because the entire wafer is thermally processed by a continuously moving laser beam, annealing throughput is significantly improved over methods utilizing a stepping laser beam.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of wafers through a process flow includes monitoring operating states of a plurality of processing tools adapted to process wafers; measuring a characteristic of a particular incoming wafer; identifying a particular processing tool having an operating state complimentary to the measured characteristic; and routing the particular incoming wafer to the particular processing tool for processing. A manufacturing system includes a plurality of processing tools adapted to process wafers and a process control server. The process control server is adapted to access metrology data related to a characteristic of a particular incoming wafer, identify a particular processing tool having an operating state complimentary to the characteristic, and route the particular incoming wafer to the particular processing tool for processing.

Abstract: A web interface allows users to automatically nest equipment parts. Necessary material and data information are generated and input to a CAD/CAM program that places the parts on one or more sheets of material. A laser program is also generated for laser to cut the parts according to the arrangement.

Abstract: A machining region data creation apparatus and a machining region data creation method simplifying provision of machining information concerning multiple boring regions. In the machining region data creation apparatus decoding inputted three-dimensional shape data to create machining data for machining a work piece based on the decoding result, a boring region extraction unit receives three-dimensional finish shape data and extracts shapes of boring regions based on the three-dimensional finish shape data, a boring region analysis unit analyzes the shapes and the features of the boring regions based on three-dimensional shape data of each boring region, and a boring region classification unit classifies the boring regions based on the shapes and the features of the boring regions.

Abstract: Performing NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) interpolation machining is performed by reading cutter location (CL) data consisting of a tool control point vector and a tool axis vector on a workpiece coordinate system, converting the CL data into a position vector of three linear axes and a rotation angle on a machine coordinate system in accordance with the machine configuration of a simultaneous multiple-axis NC machine, calculating knot vectors of a NURBS curve with the most suitable chord length on the basis of a position vector of the three linear axes and a rotation angle, calculating a NURBS curve of the three linear axes and one rotary axis using the knot vectors, converting the NURBS curve into NURBS interpolation NC data, converting the feed rate on a workpiece coordinate system into the feed rate per minute on a machine coordinate system, and transmitting NC data to a NC machine.

Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination. The printed products include either bound or non-bound printed products. A method of utilizing a smart log includes creating a log of printed products, programming an identification associated with the log with information relating to the printed products, coupling the identification to the log, transporting the log to a destination for processing, reading the identification while the identification is coupled to the log, and handling the log in response to the information read from the identification.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library. More particularly, an apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, includes at least one additional sensor to calibrate each gripper. Also described is a method for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, wherein one or more additional grippers are calibrated to reduce the effect of tolerances in the system.

Abstract: With highly heterogeneous groups or streams of minerals, physical segregation using online quality measurements is an economically important first stage of the mineral beneficiation process. Segregation enables high quality fractions of the stream to bypass processing, such as cleaning operations, thereby reducing the associated costs and avoiding the yield losses inherent in any downstream separation process. The present invention includes various methods for reliably segregating a mineral stream into at least one fraction meeting desired quality specifications while at the same time maximizing yield of that fraction.

Abstract: A method for tagging the mail pieces in a mail tray and validating the integrity of the mail pieces in the tray. The method is accomplished by: determining the measurement of an edge of each mail piece that will be placed in a tray; determining the thickness of each mail piece that will be placed in the tray; determining the number of mail pieces that will be placed in the tray; calculating an incremental pattern dab that is going to be placed on the edge of each mail piece; placing a portion of the pattern on the edge of each mail piece that is going to form the mail pieces of the tray; and placing the mail pieces in the tray in an ordered manner so that the edges having dabs will be visible, and the dabs will form a pattern that indicates only the determined number of mail pieces are in the tray.

Abstract: A control system and method for a conveyor line having a conveyor for moving a plurality of hangars configured to carry units through processing areas for processing by equipment in the processing areas includes loading stations for entering process control variables corresponding to units loaded at the loading stations, a pair of conveyor sensors for sensing movement of the hangars and outputting signals indicating the passage of hangars, and a controller. The controller determines, based on the process control variables, the time required for the processing equipment to reach steady state conditions. The controller further determines, based on the signals from the conveyor sensors, the appropriate time for loading units onto hangars such that the unit reaches the processing equipment when the equipment has reached the steady state conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a system for remotely monitoring coin-operated machines. Data from the machines is collected and transmitted by the machine to a remote server. In alternate embodiments, several machines may be interconnected via a LAN to a local CPU which transmits data to the remote server, typically using the internet. The combination of one or more remote machines and the central monitoring site form a Virtual Private Network (VPN). An optional feature allows for e-mail or other type of alert messages to be sent from the remote server in response to the identification of one or more predetermined events for which a customer should immediately be notified. Browse and query tools working against a database of machine information are provided so that authorized customers or other interested parties may view data for individual or groups of coin-operated machines by means of a web page accessed via the internet.

Abstract: A working robot is used in space for inspecting the state of a structure of a house module in space or for replacing M/D shields. A robot body is provided with four multifunctional arms (or two moving arms and two multifunctional arms), which are equipped with manipulation tools at their leading ends. The robot is moved by the manipulation tools of each of the multifunctional arms gripping a working socket or the head of a bolt of an M/D shield and by the arms extending/contracting themselves. The M/D shield is fixed and lifted by the multifunctional arms 10 by inserting the manipulation tool into a T-handle socket. The bolts are removed by the manipulation tool of the multifunctional arms.

Abstract: An arm operation mechanism for an industrial robot includes a support, a first arm, a second arm, a link base, a parallel link and a conversion mechanism. The first arm has a base end pivotally connected to the support for rotation relative to the support. The second arm has a base end pivotally connected to a tip end of the first arm for rotation relative to the first arm. The link base is pivotally connected to the first arm for rotation relative to the first arm. The parallel link keeps a constant posture of the link base upon the rotation of the first arm. The conversion mechanism converts the rotation of the link base relative to the first arm into the rotation of the second arm relative to the link base.

Abstract: A automation equipment control system comprises a general purpose computer with a general purpose operating system in electronic communication with a real-time computer subsystem. The general purpose computer includes a program execution module to selectively start and stop processing of a program of equipment instructions and to generate a plurality of move commands. The real-time computer subsystem includes a move command data buffer for storing the plurality of move commands, a move module linked to the data buffer for sequentially processing the moves and calculating a required position for a mechanical joint. The real-time computer subsystem also includes a dynamic control algorithm in software communication with the move module to repeatedly calculate a required actuator activation signal from a joint position feedback signal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring variations is carried out within an electrical energy meter containing means therein for metering a quantity of electrical energy generated by a supplier and transferred via a power supply line to a load. The method includes a first step of sensing a line voltage transferred via the power supply line to the load during the energy measurement time interval. The method also includes the step of detecting a variation in a magnitude of the sensed line voltage relative to an acceptable voltage level, wherein the variation exceeds a first variation threshold. The method then includes the step of capturing a first waveform of the sensed line voltage corresponding to the time when the variation is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transmission systems, components, and assemblies including a thermoelectric assembly. The thermo-electric assembly may include a chamber and a thermo-electric device in thermal communication with the chamber, wherein the thermo-electric device forms part of a static H-bridge configuration. The assembly may also include a first temperature sensor in thermal communication with the chamber and a second temperature sensor in thermal communication with an ambient environment. A variable power supply having a power output connected to the thermo-electric device and having a control input is included, in addition to a linear driver having an output connected to the thermo-electric device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for fine tuning the process of controlling the weight of a flow of material, such as a rod of material in a production facility. A control actuator in communication with a PID controller and PID control loop is used to change the unit volume of the flow so as to maintain a target unit weight. A measurement device captures unit weight measurements of the flow at intervals over the length of the flow. A change is introduced to a control actuator while the PID controller and PID control loop are disabled, and appropriate weight measurements of the flow are continually captured along with the control actuator's “feed back” position; a process that may be repeated several times. Once sufficient weight measurement data has been captured, the data is loaded into an optimization program that outputs optimized controlled parameters that may be used by the PID controller and control loop to better control the weight of the flow of material.

Abstract: In a method and system for estimating a trajectory of a vehicle having an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), sensor data pertaining to dynamics of the vehicle is obtained, and an estimate of the trajectory of the vehicle is calculated using the sensor data and vehicle dynamics parameters estimated by the ESP. The acquisition of the sensor data and the calculation of vehicle trajectory estimates occur independently of any external signal communication infrastructure-based trajectory estimation tools.

Abstract: A device for presenting data in a vehicle as a function of the direction of view of the driver. The device includes a computing device, arrangements for the optical and/or acoustical presentation, an arrangement for the recognition of the driver's direction of view and various data sources. The arrangement for the recognition of the driver's direction of view transmits to computing device the measured direction of view of the driver, so that computing device transmits this direction of view to arrangements for the optical and/or acoustical presentation, so that the presentation of data from the various data sources is made visible in the driver's field of view. This may lead to increased safety in street traffic, since distraction of the driver by the various data of the data sources is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A system is provided for increasing autopilot control authority in a vehicle, such as aircraft including mechanical control systems. The system includes an autopilot system, a control element and an autopilot supplement assembly. The autopilot system can automatically control the vehicle by applying a variable autopilot force to control surfaces. The control element can control the vehicle by applying a variable control force to control surfaces, where the control force acts counter to the autopilot force. The autopilot supplement assembly can measure the control force and, in turn, determine a variable supplemental force. Thereafter, the autopilot supplement assembly can apply the supplemental force to the control surfaces such that the sum of the supplemental force and the autopilot force is greater than the control force. Thus, the system may provide the benefits of systems that require full control authority to vehicles such as aircraft that include mechanical control systems.

Abstract: A system and method for removing cross-talk in measured forces between a railway wheel set and the railhead of underlying track such as found in angle of attack measurements for shallow curvature track. The angle of attack for the leading and trailing sets of wheels in trucks of rail vehicles is measured traveling over track in a wayside system. At a first point on the outside rail of a track vertical force is measured with a first vertical strain gage, lateral force is measured with a first lateral strain gage and an outside angle of attack timing signal is measured with a first angle of attack strain gage. This process is repeated on the inside track so that a raw angle of attack for each set of wheels can be determined based upon speed and time difference. Position signals obtained from position strain gages are used to remove cross-talk thereby improving accuracy. The sensed position signals are calibrated to known forces on the railhead.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling a motor vehicle having an integrated electric machine which generates electric as well as mechanical power. In the context of a hierarchal control structure having several logic components, the electric machine is allocated as a component “electric drive” to the component “drive” with respect to its function for generating mechanical power and as a component “generator” to the component “vehicle electric drive” with respect to its function for generating electric power.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis method is provided in which it is possible to determine whether the input shaft speed sensor of the automatic transmission is faulty by using the signals of the output shaft speed sensor, the brake switch, the engine speed sensor and so on, without making use of the signal of the vehicle speed sensor. Moreover, even if there are faults in the output shaft speed sensor or if the shift lever is positioned in the parking P range or the neutral N range, or if the engine speed is lower than the stall speed, the fault diagnosis method for the input shaft speed sensor can be performed, and additionally, a possibility of a misjudgment caused by a bad N-D hydraulic pressure response at an extremely low temperature can be removed.

Abstract: Sensors are mounted within a seat structure for measuring seat occupant weight. The sensors can be mounted in any one of various sensor configurations. So that common hardware can be used for each different sensor configuration, a virtual matrix is created and output from the sensors is mapped into the virtual matrix. The virtual matrix includes virtual cell locations that do not have a corresponding sensor output; i.e., there are fewer physical cells (sensors) than virtual cell locations in the virtual matrix. A weight output signal from each sensor is mapped into the corresponding position in the virtual matrix and the remaining virtual cell locations have values assigned to them based on data supplied by the surrounding physical cells. Seat occupant weight is determined based on output from the virtual matrix and the occupant is placed into one of the various occupant classifications. Deployment force of a restraint system is controlled based on the classification of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A computing architecture for a motorized land-based vehicle is disclosed. The computing architecture includes a data network comprised of a plurality of interconnected processors, a first group of sensors responsive to environmental conditions around the vehicle, a second group of sensors responsive to the vehicle's hardware systems, and a map database containing data that represent geographic features in the geographic area around the vehicle. A vehicle-environment modeling program, executed on the data network, uses the outputs from the first and second groups of sensors and the map database to provide and continuously update a data model that represents the vehicle and the environmental around the vehicle, including geographic features, conditions, structures, objects and obstacles around the vehicle. Vehicle operations programming applications, executed on the data network, use the data model to determine desired vehicle operation in the context of the vehicle's environment.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining vehicle-specific settings for a user of a vehicle. Normalized positions settings in a reference vehicle, or alternatively, normalized user measurements of a reference user are stored to a storage media, such as a smart card. In this manner, a user profile is created on the storage media. The normalized position settings and normalized user measurements provide references that may be used in determining the most suitable settings for a specific user of a specific vehicle. A vehicle user thus may carry a user profile on a storage media for use across all different models and brands of vehicles. The user profile may be used to automatically adjust the settings in other vehicles than the user's primary vehicle which allows a user to change vehicles without having to take the time to re-adjust the vehicle settings.

Abstract: Method for restoration of the drive torque during a change of gear, wherein the clutch is closed in order to adjust the angular speed of the drive shaft to match the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox; when the angular speed of the drive shaft is close to the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox, a reference profile is generated for the angular speed of the drive shaft, and the drive torque generated by the engine is controlled in order to make the angular speed of the drive shaft follow the reference profile, which has a final portion which is substantially tangent to the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox.

Abstract: A transmission control system for controlling a transmission is provided with a shift lever whose position is changeable through a lever-shifting action by a driver selecting a transmission stage to be changed into, a transmission stage detection unit for detecting a new position of the shift lever due to the lever-shifting action, and outputting corresponding signals, and a transmission control unit receiving the signals from the transmission stage detection unit and performing a gear-shifting operation of the transmission, the transmission control unit having therein a time map being of a number of values of permissible time intervals that respectively correspond to all kinds of gear-shifting operations of the transmission, the transmission control unit allowing the currently performed gear-shifting operation to be held only during a corresponding permissible time interval set in the time map in a case that it receives another transmission shift request while the gear-shifting operation is currently being p

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing, accessing, generating and using information about speed limits and speed traps are described. The system includes a positional sensor such as a GPS device. Position information is used to access a database of speed limit and/or speed trap information. The database may be local or remote. Access to a remote database may be achieved using a wireless communications device such as a wireless (cellular) modem. Encountered speed traps are logged in response to the activation of a speed trap alert button by a user of the device or the output of a radar/laser detector. Speed trap position, date and time information is transmitted to the remote database system. Speed limit information is used to control the speed of the automobile as part of a cruise control operation and/or is used to provide the motor vehicle operator with warnings, e.g., that the applicable speed limit is being exceeded.

Abstract: A method for interrupting a speed control or vehicle to vehicle ranging of a motor vehicle's control system, in which the system passes over into the standby mode with the aid of a predefined algorithm after the switching-off of the active control. A linear function for the acceleration in the case of propulsion as well as the braking case is provided as the algorithm. In an alternative embodiment using a step function having appropriately designed steps is provided. This achieves in an advantageous manner a soft transition from active control operation to the standby mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a variable compression internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining a driveline surge based at least in part on operating parameters of the motor vehicle, determining a driveline surge tolerance based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle operating parameters, and selecting one of the compression ratio operating modes based at least in part on a comparison of the driveline surge to the driveline surge tolerance. With a variable compression engine operating in a high compression ratio mode or a low compression ratio mode, the low compression ratio mode is selected if the driveline surge exceeds the driveline surge tolerance. Otherwise, if the driveline surge is less than or equal to the driveline surge, then the high compression ratio mode is selected.

Abstract: As a vehicle runs, current load q(t) is calculated every given time. The current load q(t) can be calculated by multiplying the amount of air taken into an engine of the vehicle by the engine speed. Added-up load Q(t) can be found by adding up the current load q(t) according to expression of Q(t)=Q(t−1)+((q(t)−Q(t−1))/a). If the added-up load Q(t) exceeds an inhibition determination value Z, idling stop is inhibited, so that overheating of the engine can be prevented appropriately.

Abstract: In order to make better use of personal information manager data and to improve the convenience for the user, in cases where such personal information manager data is used in a vehicle V, the personal information manager data including position data and time data and traffic information are input from outside the vehicle V so as to guide the user using the vehicle V along a travel route based on the personal information manager data and in association with the position data, whereby it is possible to appropriately guide the user using the vehicle V along the travel route according to the position data of the personal information manager data.

Abstract: When a curve exists in the direction of travel of a vehicle and information for this curve is inputted from a navigation system and the shape of the actual curve in the road changes gently with respect to the curve shape of the navigation system, the change in the curvature of the actual curve actually becomes smaller based on an integral value of the yaw rate, vehicle speed, and the yaw rate. It is then detected that the navigation system and the actual vehicle behavior of the system do not coincide, and the output of unnecessary control commands such as alarms, deceleration and steering and the like is halted. Namely, it is judged that curve information from the navigation system is erroneous, and outputting of unnecessary control commands can be avoided before something happens.

Abstract: This invention relates to positional tracking, locating, and guiding individuals and robotic devices within buildings. An embodiment of the invention includes a method for tracking, locating, and guiding an entity within a building, that has the steps of emergency personnel arriving at the location, determining if digital floor plans are available, downloading digital floor plan data of a building, entering the digital floor plan data of the building into a server, displaying placeholder locations within the building, activating the tracking devices by affixing the tracking devices to the placeholders, determining if the server placeholder locations were used, inputting placeholder locations that were used, and displaying a combination of said location data and said building floor plans to a user.

Abstract: To provide a map information display system for a moving body that can extract and display map information as required without updating set way points or routes. A limited region map information generating device for extracting map information for only a limited region based on a route being traveled and on a scheduled route, and for generating limited region map information includes a route generating device for generating a moving body route based on the route point coordinate information and road information, an extracting device for setting map information of a strip-shaped region extending along the moving body route as the limited region map information, and a strip-shaped region adjusting device for adjusting a size of the strip-shaped region so as to include the moving body route when it is determined that the information amount of the limited region map information is larger than a specified storage capacity but less than a storage capacity of the storage device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, functional data and methods are provided for an improved route generation in navigational enabled devices. In generating the route, the available locations are inspected repetitively and locations adjacent to a last selected location are inserted into a first data structure such that the first location of the first data structure is always a least cost location associated with all adjacent locations comprising the first data structure. The first location is then optionally inserted into a second data structure. The generated route includes the current location, one or more first locations, and the destination.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method for detecting objects in a predicted path of a host vehicle moving on a highway lane. The method is for use in a system including a forward looking sensor, preferably a radar system, for providing range, angle and velocity data for objects within a field of view in front of the host vehicle, measuring systems for providing velocity and yaw rate data for the host vehicle, and a processing system responsive to the forward looking sensor and the measuring systems. The method includes the unordered steps of (a) calculating an estimated path of the host vehicle based on its velocity and yaw rate; (b) calculating estimated paths for each of the objects; (c) determining the lateral distance of each object from the predicted path of the host vehicle; and (d) classifying each object as either in or out of the highway lane of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant apparatus located on board of an aircraft for avoiding a restricted air space (RAS) comprising: (a) a tamper-resistant restricted air space (TAP-RAS) database configured to include a set of coordinates that determines the RAS; and (b) a navigational processor configured to navigate the aircraft around the RAS, if a valid overriding command is not generated. The navigational processor includes: a Satellite Positioning System (SATPS) configured to substantially continuously obtain a set of real time position coordinates of the aircraft; a restricted airspace controller configured to receive a set of real time data including the set of coordinates that determines the RAS, the set of real time position coordinates; and configured to analyze the set of real time data in order to substantially continuously generate a set of real time commands; and an aircraft controller configured to navigate the aircraft utilizing the real time set of commands around the RAS.

Abstract: An obstacle existing ahead of a vehicle is recognized to detect information on the obstacle. Information on travelling conditions of the vehicle is detected. The steering performance of the vehicle is changed for controlling behaviors of the vehicle. It is determined whether the vehicle can avoid collision with the obstacle only by a driver's braking operation based on at least the information on the obstacle and the vehicle. The vehicle enters into an evasive driving mode in accordance with a driver's steering operation when it is determined that the vehicle cannot avoid collision with the obstacle only by the driver's braking operation. The steering performance of the vehicle is changed for controlling behaviors of the vehicle. It is determined whether the vehicle has been maneuvered for avoiding collision with the obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining a parameter of interest of a region of interest of the earth using tensor data. At least one component of potential fields data is measured at a plurality of locations over a region of interest including a subterranean formation of interest. The potential fields data are selected from magnetic data and gravity data. An initial geophysical model is determined for the region including the subterranean formation of interest. For the model, geophysical tensor data is updated using a forward model at a plurality of locations using an interior method for constrained optimization. A difference between the estimated model value and the measured value of the potential field measurements are determined at the plurality of locations. Based on the this difference the geophysical model is updated. The model is iteratively updated and compared to the measured data until the differences reach an acceptable level and the parameter of interest has been determined.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing and displaying weather information are shown. A weather station (102) collects weather information data from sensors (108-114) using a collection program and assembles the data as a data string in a memory. A station access system (140) is used to call the weather station through the Internet (150) and a wireless cellular digital packet data system (154). The weather station downloads the weather data string to a data base (164). A user contacts the access computer through the Internet using his personal computer (170) to ask for the weather information. The information is compiled from the data base and transmitted to the user's display (172) over the Internet. A user such as a farmer can also supply the system with his particular field and crop conditions and the system will apply the conditions to the weather information and return customized crop production and control information to the farmer over the Internet.

Abstract: Here are provided rainfall intensity output means adapted to output rainfall intensity R as a value equivalent to a linear function of altitude H: R(H)=aH+b, and processing means adapted to identify parameters a and b in the above estimate equation by regression analysis using a measurement value obtained by rainfall vertical distribution. This invention provides thereby method and system for estimation of rainfall distribution based on rainfall spatial distribution in mountainous area.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.