Abstract: A communication system transmits and receives communications within a sectorized cell between at least one primary station and at least one secondary station. The communication system includes a unit for generating and shaping a beam; an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals within said beam; and a unit for directing the beam. The shaped beam is directed at a plurality of predetermined directions; either continuously or discretely.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses a method and system for providing a novel wireless centrex service that untethers subscribers from the immobility associated with traditional desktop telephones. Essentially, the present invention extends the benefits of wireless voice and data services to subscribers having a need to move within a plurality of localities such as business and hospital campuses. In accordance with the invention, a wireless telephone subscriber can use a standard cellular/PCS telephone as a wireless extension of their desktop phone, while in the proximity of a miniature radio base station capable of communicating with the PCS/cellular telephone. The advantage of such a system is that a subscriber can use the same cellular/PCS telephone that provides service in the public network in the wireless centrex environment. Additionally, the wireless centrex system provides services and features which are similar to those offered to regular centrex telephone subscribers.

Abstract: A method of implementing a network game function using a portable telephone that enables a plurality of users having portable telephones to enjoy a game simultaneously. The portable telephones are first designated to perform the network game. If the network game starts, the portable telephone performs the network game program in accordance with key signals for the network game inputted by a user, and transmits game data corresponding to the inputted key signals to the opposite portable telephone. The portable terminal receives the game data from the opposite portable telephone, and performs the network game program corresponding to the changed data. The same game picture is displayed on a display section of the respective portable telephone which performs the network game in accordance with the game data changed in real time.

Abstract: The cellular phone of the present invention includes a display device provided on the front surface of a main body, and a cover movable relative to and preferably, rotatably mounted on, the main body and having keypads provided on the front and rear surfaces thereof, respectively. A plurality of number keys for a mobile communication are preferably arranged on the keypad provided on the front surface of the cover, and a plurality of character keys for the Internet are preferably arranged on the keypad provided on the rear surface of the cover. Also, another keypad wherein keys for the mobile communication and the Internet are arranged may be provided on the main body. The cover may be in the form of a flip or folder. The cover may have an area smaller than the main body or a window so that a portion of the display device is exposed even when the cover is closed.

Abstract: In a mobile telephone terminal, a vibrator is provided for producing tactile sensation. In response to an input signal from a manual input device during a speech mode of communication, a vibrator-on signal is transmitted from the mobile telephone terminal to a mobile network. In response to the vibrator-on signal from the network, the vibrator is activated to produce tactile sensation. Preferably, a table memory is provided for mapping a number of signaling codes to a number of corresponding items of information. One of the signaling codes is selected in response to an input signal from the manual input device and the vibrator-on signal is transmitted to the network for indicating the selected signal code.

Abstract: A two way communication system is adapted to reduce latency while the communications system is operating in a low power mode. The two way communication system includes a local host having a first primary communication channel and a secondary out of band transmitter; and customer premise equipment having a primary communication channel for communicating with the first primary communication channel of the local host and a secondary low power out of band receiver that receives out of band control signals from the out of band transmitter during low power operation of the customer premise equipment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a communications device having an improved spring mechanism for forcing open a sliding keypad cover. The spring mechanism comprises at least one guide rod, an end of each guide rod attached to the backside mechanics of the sliding keypad cover, each guide rod having a travel limit. The improved spring mechanism further comprising a guide frame having at least one guide hole, the at least one guide hole for receiving the at least one guide rod. The improved spring mechanism further comprises a spring positioned around the guide rod and between the at least one guide hole and the travel limit. The spring having a compressed state when the sliding keypad cover is closed. The spring mechanism further comprising a release mechanism coupled with the at least one guide rod when the sliding keypad cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A cellular telephone casing, for enclosing and protecting a cellular telephone without interfering with the normal functionality of the cellular telephone, the casing having walls made of vinyl covered foam which define an interior volume for fully enclosing the cellular telephone in a substantially waterproof protective covering. The casing has speaker wells and microphone wells which allow uninhibited communication with the telephone through the casing, but are selectively filled with a speaker plug and microphone plug when the telephone is not in use to maintain waterproofing of the casing. At least one transparent window is provided to allow buttons of the telephone to be operated and displays to be visualized. A top split and side splits allow the cellular telephone to be inserted into the casing, and an overhead strap and side straps selectively maintain the top split and side splits closed to maintain waterproofing of the case.

Abstract: A radio device holder includes a holder main unit; a tray having a first side holding section and a second side holding section for holding a portable telephone; a device locking mechanism including a device locking member for engaging with and disengaging from a look recess section of a portable telephone; a stopper rib for restricting the device locking member to an immovable state when the tray is situated in an installation position; a spring for impelling the tray constantly in the direction from the installation position towards a halt/detachment position; a tray locking mechanism including a tray locking member for engaging with the tray when situated in the installation position to fix the position of the tray, and releasing the engagement between the tray locking member and the tray; and an opening edge section for causing a tray moving from the installation position towards the halt/detachment position to stop at the halt/detachment position.

Abstract: A cognition spectrophotometer system for transcranial brain examination using electromagnetic radiation of a visible or infrared wavelength includes an optical unit, a stimulation module, a remote communication unit, and a processor. The optical unit includes a light source adapted to introduce transcranially from an input port, placed at a input location on the exterior of the head, electromagnetic radiation of the wavelength into the brain, and a light detector adapted to detect, at a detection port placed at a detection location on the exterior of the head, radiation that has migrated in the brain. The stimulation module is constructed and arranged to cause stimulation of a brain activity while introducing the radiation at the input port. The remote communication unit includes a transmitter and a receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry physiological recording electrode that can be used without skin preparation or the use of electrolytic gels. The dry physiological recording electrode comprising a substrate having an upper and a lower surface, and at least one penetrator(s) protruding from the upper surface of the substrate. The penetrator(s) is capable of piercing through the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin, and transmitting an electric potential from the lower layers of the epidermis through the penetrator(s) which can be measured, or detecting agents from the lower layers of the epidmermis primarily the stratum germinativum layer. At least one epidermis stop may be provided resulting in the formation of detritus troughs interposed between adjacent penetrator(s) and epidermis stops. The present invention also includes a method of sensing biopotentials in the skin.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing a spatial regularity of reflecting members in a tissue. The method comprises irradiating the tissue and detecting waves reflected by the tissue. One or more parameters are then calculated, based upon the reflected waves, indicative of a degree of spatial disorder of reflecting members in the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus having an insertable portion for holding a position sensor is disclosed. The position sensor can transmit a signal indicative of its position with respect to a field generator. The insertable portion of the apparatus has fiducial markings that are detectable by an imaging modality when the insertable portion is inserted into the anatomical body. After the insertable portion has been inserted into the anatomical body, the fiducial markings can be detected to facilitate registration of the position sensor held in the insertable portion to the anatomical body. The apparatus also has a fixing mechanism for releasably fixing the insertable portion to the anatomical body. When the insertable portion is inserted into the anatomical body to a location of interest, the fixing mechanism rigidly fixes the insertable portion of the catheter to a part of the anatomical body near the location of interest. The apparatus may comprise a catheter, needle or endoscope for inserting the insertable portion.

Abstract: A system (10) for conducting an image-guided medical procedure on a subject (20) includes a medical imaging apparatus (100) which intermittently during the procedure obtains, upon demand, real-time medical images of the actual procedure. A robotic arm (200) hold a medical instrument (e.g., a biopsy needle (210)) that is used to perform the procedure. The robotic arm (200) manipulates the medical instrument in response to drive signals from a haptic control (400). A detector (e.g., a strain gauge (230)) measures forces experienced by the medical instrument during the procedure. The haptic control (400) generates the drive signals in response to manipulations of an input device (e.g., a knob (404) or an auxiliary instrument, such as, in the case of a biopsy, a remote needle (500)) by an operator, and the operator receives tactile feedback from the haptic control (400) in accordance with the measured forces experienced by the medical instrument. A display (e.g.

Abstract: A low pass filter especially adapted for use with ECG equipment designed to negate any noise energy that may be superimposed upon the ECG signal itself. A plurality of low-pass FIR filter stages are connected in tandem between a signal input point and a signal output point where each of the stages has a distinct cut-off frequency characteristic. Means are provided for selectively turning ones of the plurality of stages on or off.

Abstract: A feature-pattern extraction apparatus uses a logarithmic transformation processing to extract a feature pattern from a myoelectric pattern that is a muscle action potential. The extracted feature patterns are classified, and an output control signal is generated. By using the logarithmic transformation processing to extract feature patterns, distribution bias is reduced, improving classification accuracy.

Abstract: A temporary backup mechanism for electrical conduction within an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. In an IMD such as lead or catheter having a cable conductor for conducting an electrical signal is provided with a safety cable for conducting an electrical signal if the primary cable conductor fails. In one embodiment, the conductor is a cable positioned adjacent to the safety cable so that the cable is in electrical contact with the conductor along various points on the conductor. In another embodiment, the conductor and cable are electrically isolated from one another except at proximal and distal ends where the two are mechanically coupled. In the latter embodiment, a change in impedance signals a potential conductor failure.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus (20) includes an electrode (22), an electrical contact (24), and a non-conductive sheath (26) surrounding a portion (44) of the electrical contact (24). The electrode (22) includes an interior passage (36) configured for the placement of electrolytic gel (88). Openings (38) are disposed along a length (28) of the electrode (22) and extend from the interior passage (36) to an exterior surface (34). The openings (38) facilitate the leakage of the electrolytic gel (88) from the interior passage (36) to the exterior surface (34) of the electrode (22) when the electrode apparatus (20) is in use. A rigid conducting dowel (62) and a conductive tubular member (60) are located in the non-conductive sheath (26). The portion (44) of the electrical contact (24) fits in an inner passage (68) of the member (60). Thus, the dowel (62) and the member (60) ensure electrical continuity between the electrical contact (24) and the electrode (22).

Abstract: A system including a user input device for controlling a position of medical equipment is described. In an example embodiment, the user input device is configured to be coupled to the medical equipment and is responsive to an operator input representation of a desired movement of the equipment. A processor determines a direction in which the operator desires the equipment to move based on a device output.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises a control unit, a portable computer, a receiving module and a controller. The control unit includes a connector, a laser-pointer transmission circuit, a control circuit, a transmission module and a chargeable battery. A power switch button and a set of operating buttons are provided on the control unit and respectively connect the control circuit. In the portable computer, a connection socket is internally mounted to engage with the connector of the control unit when the control unit is inserted in the portable computer. The connection socket is connected to a circuit control unit of the portable computer that controls the execution of a user's command. When the control unit is detached from the portable computer, the portable computer can be remotely controlled directly by means of the control unit.

Abstract: A method for fabricating at least one component using a server system is provided. The server system is coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes receiving fabrication data for at least one component from a client system, receiving a component order from a client system, storing fabrication data and component order data in the centralized database, creating routing operations for fabricating each ordered component, creating Numerical Control (NC) code for fabricating each ordered component, and fabricating each ordered component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated tracking system and method for providing a company and its customers with information about part and repair status. The tracking system broadly comprises a central processing unit for receiving data about a plurality of parts to be tracked. The central processing unit includes a staging table module for receiving and gathering the inputted data, a master table module for receiving the inputted data from the staging table module and for analyzing, organizing, and standardizing the inputted parts data, and a temporary table module for aggregating transactional records about the parts, which transactional records contain performance metrics on the parts.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus management system includes a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus which operates in accordance with a parameter, an obtaining device for obtaining evaluation values of an operation result of the semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus corresponding to a plurality of parameter values of the parameter, a holding device for holding the evaluation values obtained by the obtaining device for each object to be processed by the semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus, and an optimization device for analyzing the evaluation values held by the holding device. The optimization device optimizes the parameter on the basis of at least one of a sensitivity representing a change degree of the evaluation values upon the change in the parameter, and a variation amount of the evaluation values for each object to be processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader control device 20 for controlling a loader 5 which delivers a work W to a chuck 2 of an outer device 1. The work W is delivered by the loader chuck 14 placed at a work delivering position. The displacement of a center position of the loader chuck 14 and the center position of the outer device chuck 2 at the time being is detected by the displaced amount detecting device 31 from the torque of the motors 11 and 12 of the loader 5. The adjusting device 32 adjusts the work delivering position of the loader chuck 14 by an amount corresponding to the detected displaced amount, when delivering the next work.

Abstract: To at least one of mark and drill holes in a workpiece spectacle lens, a position of bores of a lens template is scanned, in which the template includes one of a template spectacle lens, a pattern disk and a support disk. The scanning is performed by a scanning arrangement situated in one of a device for coquilles, a device to cut support disks for spectacle frames, and a spectacle lens edging machine. Data is acquired concerning the position of the bores in accordance with the scanning, and is then fed to a computer. The data includes at least one of rectangular and polar coordinates of the position of the bores. At least one of marking and drilling the holes in the workpiece spectacle lens is performed using a Computer-Numeric-Controlled device in accordance with the data concerning the position of the bores.

Abstract: A method for adaptively scheduling tool maintenance includes controlling an operating recipe of a tool using a plurality of control actions, monitoring the control actions to identify a degraded tool condition, and automatically initiating a tool maintenance recommendation in response to identifying the degraded tool condition. A manufacturing system includes a tool, a process controller, and a tool health monitor. The tool is adapted to process a workpiece in accordance with an operating recipe. The process controller is adapted to control the operating recipe of the tool using a plurality of control actions. The tool health monitor is adapted to monitor the control actions to identify a degraded tool condition and automatically initiate a tool maintenance recommendation in response to identifying the degraded tool condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and a control device for the operation of rotationally or linearly driven axes with a position control. This involves determining the difference between the setpoint position value (LS) and actual position value (WI) caused by an additional movement component during the time period of the occurrence of at least one superposed movement by subtraction of one value from the other. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate movement components which are known, periodic and can be mathematically determined as desired from all the required control data paths during the time period of the superposed movement.

Abstract: An accessor moveably disposed in a data storage and retrieval system, where that accessor includes an accessor controller, a work queue stored in the accessor controller, and an inventory stored in the accessor controller. Applicants' work queue comprises each work request provided to the data storage and retrieval system, and each work entry created by the accessor controller to perform a work request. Work requests may be received from attached host computer systems, from an operator input station, and/or from an import/export controller. A data storage and retrieval system which includes at least two of Applicant's accessors. A method to provide failover protection to Applicant's data storage and retrieval system in the event of a failure of one or more of Applicant's accessors.

Abstract: A drawer for use in a dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tray movable between an open position and a closed position. An insert, approximately the length of the tray, is carried by the tray and defines the volume of the drawer. A lockable or sealable lid is carried by the insert. A release mechanism is provided to connect the insert to the tray in a manner that allows the insert to be easily disconnected from the tray. Removal of the insert enables inserts to be swapped so that inserts from which inventory has been depleted can be replaced with stocked inserts. A dispensing cabinet and a method of restocking the cabinet are also disclosed.

Abstract: Robot-related information held at a robot user and data held at a robot manufacturer are used to enhance the user's sense of attachment to the robot. Each terminal device is operable to send information about the robot to a telecommunication line and to receive answer information sent from a server to the robot user via the telecommunication line. The server generates answer information on the basis of robot-related information sent from the personal terminal device and previously stored reference information corresponding to the robot-related information; and sends the answer information to the personal terminal device—via the telecommunication line. The answer information is for example a diagnostic report on the robot.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the optimum control parameter values for a screw joint tightening process carried out by a power wrench which is controlled by a programmable control system utilizing the determined parameter values. The control system is provided with screw joint tightening characteristic parameter values and operation parameter values characteristic of the actually used power wrench. The tightening process is mathematically simulated by using the screw joint and power wrench characteristic parameter values as well as pre-chosen operation control parameter values. And the result of the simulated tightening process is evaluated in view of predetermined evaluation criteria, thereby determining the suitable operation control parameter values to be used during production tightening of the actual type of screw joint.

Abstract: A business methodology for optimizing energy procurement energy demand (usage) and energy supply for a facility or complex. After ascertaining a baseline model, energy consumption is monitored and adjusted to reflect dynamic economic factors of operations. With the accumulation of data, contract negotiations with energy suppliers may provide further energy savings. Over time and patterns of usage determined further savings and optimization in energy, equipment, staffing and other operational areas are obtained. Remote access provides efficient monitoring of established systems.

Abstract: A medical system that allows a medical device to be controlled by one of two input devices. The input devices may be consoles that contain handles and a screen. The medical devices may include robotic arms and instruments used to perform a medical procedure. The system may include an arbitrator that determines which console has priority to control one or more of the robotic arms/instruments.

Abstract: The ground proximity warning system and method provide a number of alerts based upon a substantially reduced list of input parameters relative to a conventional ground proximity warning system and method. The ground proximity warning system and method generally constructs alert envelopes and generates alerts if the upcoming terrain or other obstacles pierce the alert envelopes. The ground proximity warning system and method can also generate alerts if the aircraft has an excessive descent rate at a relatively low altitude and if the aircraft descends immediately following takeoff in a similar fashion to Mode 1 and Mode 3 alerts. Further, the ground proximity warning system and method can provide altitude call outs at predefined altitudes above a target runway and can provide alerts if the aircraft appears to be landing short of a runway.

Abstract: A system and method for managing user preference settings in a vehicle includes an electronic control unit having a microcontroller and memory. The electronic control unit controls vehicle accessory devices. A data controller is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving the user preference data to control the accessory devices. The keyless receiver is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving a control signal from a key fob. A PDA including a processor, memory, and transceiver in electrical communication can be used to transmit the user preference data to the data controller. The preference data is transmitted to the memory of the electronic control unit, which executes an algorithm to control the accessory devices according to the user preference data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine.

Abstract: A process for monitoring load conditions on a lifting machine having a rated load moment includes determining an actual load moment of the lifting machine due a weighted load. The actual load moment may be determined by measuring a tilt pressure within a hydraulic tilt cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the actual load moment from the tilt pressure within the hydraulic tilt cylinder. The location of a center of gravity of the weighted load is also determined by measuring a lift pressure within a hydraulic lift cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the weight of the weighted load from the lift pressure. Once the weight is determined, the location of the center of gravity of the weighted load may be found using the actual load moment and the calculated weight.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission comprising a torque converter or a hydrodynamic clutch in a motor vehicle, at least one torque-conducting clutch or brake in the starting operation of the motor vehicle. It is proposed to regulate the starting power of the motor vehicle as function of a driver's wish, via a slip clutch or brake mounted in the transmission, taking into account parameters of the torque converter and/or hydrodynamic clutch.

Abstract: Specific shift positions of an electrically actuated vehicle transmission, such as first to fifth, neutral and reverse gears, are detected by monitoring one or more characteristic electrical variables, e.g., actuator currents, during a shift movement of the transmission and by correlating increased or decreased levels of current with the arrival at or passage through the specific shift positions.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, is described. The internal combustion engine is provided with a control unit for determining a setpoint fuel mass and/or a setpoint air mass as a function of a setpoint torque. The control unit is also provided for transitioning from a first operating mode to a second operating mode of the internal combustion engine. An actual torque is determined by the control unit during the transition to the second operating mode of the internal combustion engine. A torque difference between the setpoint torque and the actual torque is also calculated by the control unit. Finally, the setpoint fuel mass and/or the setpoint air mass is controlled by the control unit as a function of the torque difference.

Abstract: The present invention is constituted so that an actual air-fuel ratio is detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor, a plant model representing a plant between a fuel injection valve and the air-fuel ratio sensor is sequentially identified to calculate parameters of the plant model, a control gain for calculating a feedback control amount is calculated using the calculated parameters, and the feedback control amount is calculated using the calculated control gain, wherein an absolute value of an input side parameter set on an input side of the plant model is limited to be a predetermined limit value or above, among the calculated parameters.

Abstract: In a method for setting torque in the operation of a motor vehicle, especially in the case of a small engine torque change in the lower to medium load range, the driver-selected torque is magnified dynamically in time, and the enhancement component is then correspondingly reduced down to an enhancement component of zero as the actual value of the torque approaches the driver-selected torque. An increase in responsiveness and a better response behavior are achieved in response to small accelerator pedal movements.

Abstract: When a control determination is made that an operation of an internal combustion engine should be stopped, a fuel adherence reduction operation for reducing the amount of fuel adhered to a wall surface extending from an intake port to a combustion chamber is executed before stopping fuel supply.

Abstract: A method, system, and machine-readable storage medium for diagnosing operation in a turbocharged engine having an engine control module (ECM) operable to control engine operation in response to data received from a plurality of sensors is disclosed. In operation, the method, system, and machine-readable storage medium store data corresponding to a compressor map defining a region of compressor efficiency and compressor speeds during operation, and a turbine map defining a region of turbine efficiency and turbine speeds during operation. Next, the method, system and apparatus determine a predicted value for an operating parameter using data received from selected ones of the plurality of sensors and the data stored in memory, determine an actual value for the operating parameter using data received from selected ones of the plurality of sensors, and generate an abnormal operation signal if a difference between actual and predicted values is greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An exhaust gas analysis is to be performed, in a manner that is largely automatic, on motor vehicles having an on-board engine control and diagnostic system (OBD 2) and equipped with a diagnostic interface (3). To this end, control commands (15) are generated, preferably in an exhaust gas tester (12), and are transmitted via the diagnostic interface (3) to the engine control and diagnostic system (2). The engine control and diagnostic system (2), in accordance with the control commands (15), adjusts the operating states of the motor vehicle (1) that are prescribed for the exhaust gas analysis.

Abstract: A system for providing traffic information to a plurality of mobile users connected to a network. The system comprises a plurality of traffic monitors, each comprising at least a traffic detector and a transmitter, the traffic detector generating a signal in response to vehicular traffic and the transmitter transmitting the signal. A receiver receives the signals from the traffic monitors. A computer system is connected to the receiver and is further connected to the network. The computer system in response to a request signal received from one of the users transmits in response thereto information representative of the signals transmitted by the traffic monitoring units. Alternative systems for gathering traffic information are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a communication navigation system capable of operating a plurality of communication navigation terminal apparatuses in synchronization and switching among them while maintaining settings related to navigation. A navigation system is comprised of an information server apparatus, a portable terminal apparatus and a vehicle terminal apparatus for performing a navigation process, and when switching a movable body for performing the navigation, it switches a sending destination of navigation data such as map information, that is, a terminal apparatus while maintaining settings such as the destination information before connecting so as to continuously conduct the navigation such as route searching and route guidance.

Abstract: A bounding route is calculated between two physical locations to determine a boundary value for which subsequent route calculations or portions thereof may be compared to. The bounding route may be calculated by selecting segments of roads that satisfy certain criteria. These criteria may be based on weighting factors or parameters such as the “least distance traveled” or the “least travel time.” The bounding route and the value may then provide any route calculation program with criteria used to determine whether a search at a particular location should continue. That is, if a search at a particular location has exceeded the criteria, or equivalently, the search has gone beyond the boundary, the search is stopped because it will most likely result in an un-optimal route. This process may then be an iterative one until an optimal search with a value less than the boundary value is found.

Abstract: A hybrid processing apparatus outputs current position data, indicating a current position of a movable body, on the basis of self-contained positioning data from a self-contained positioning apparatus (10) and GPS measurement data from a GPS receiver (18). In the hybrid apparatus, a judging device (20) judges whether or not an estimated error of the self-contained positioning data is greater than a predetermined threshold value. A first calculation device (20) calculates the current position by combining the GPS measurement data with the self-contained positioning data or a second calculation device (20) calculates the current position without combining the GPS measurement data, depending upon a judgment result of the judging device.