Abstract: An implantable apparatus for the detection and monitoring of spontaneous cardiac electrogram features in a comprises a cardiac monitoring device and a plurality of subcutaneous cardiac sensing electrodes electrically connected to the monitoring device. The sensing electrodes are configured for sensing cardiac electrogram features when implanted in spatially separate locations in a patient. A storage device contained within the monitoring device is operably associated with the subcutaneous electrodes and stores the cardiac electrogram features. Preferably, the plurality of subcutaneous electrodes are carried by a single elongate lead. A downloading device such as telemetry apparatus or transcutaneous electrical connectors may be provided so that the stored information can be downloaded to a separate apparatus external to the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the apparataus is a defibrillator. Methods of using such apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system for providing a plurality of therapy modalities. For example, the system may include a cardiac resynchronization therapy module for providing cardiac resynchronization therapy and a pacemaker module for providing bradycardia therapy, as well as a selector module coupled to the cardiac resynchronization therapy module and the bradycardia module. The selector module may select an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes including the cardiac resynchronization therapy module and the pacemaker module. Various manual and automatic methods may be used to select the operating mode. In addition, a reversion management system may be included to assist the cardiac rhythm management system to recover in case of a disruption to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reversing ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. A ventricle is paced by delivering one or more stimulatory pulses in a manner such that a stressed region of the myocardium is pre-excited relative to other regions in order to subject the stressed region to a lessened preload and afterload during systole. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system (30) for controlling the movement of a portion of a body of a subject (12), such as the subject's legs. The system (30) comprises a sensor (60) that in one arrangement is mountable to a portion of the subjects' body other than the legs, for example the torso (14). In another arrangement, the sensor (60) can be mountable to a walking aid, such as a crutch (20). The sensor (60) outputs signals representative of the position and/or movement of the torso (14) or walking aid (20). The system (30) also comprises a control means (32) that receives and processes the signals output by the sensor (60) and outputs control signals to a stimulator (35) adapted to provide electrical stimulation to the legs via electrodes (53) in response to the position and/or movement of the torso (14) or walking aid (20) as determined by the sensor (60).

Abstract: A totally implantable cochlear implant system forming a single implantable unit (40). The unit (40) has an implantable power source (43) that provides the power requirements of the implantable unit (40). The unit (40) also has an on-board microphone (42) that detects external sounds, such as speech, and outputs acoustic signals representative of the detected sounds. The unit further includes speech processor circuitry (44) that directly receives the acoustic signals from the microphone (42) and converts the signals into stimulation signals representative of the detected sounds. An electrode array (20) suitable for insertion of the cochlea (12) of an implantee receives the stimulation signals and transmits electrical stimulations to the implantee'auditory nerve (9).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying current to a nerve. A cathode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a cathodic longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a cathodic current to the nerve. A primary inhibiting anode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a primary anodal longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a primary anodal current to the nerve. A secondary inhibiting anode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a secondary anodal longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a secondary anodal current to the nerve, the secondary anodal longitudinal site being closer to the primary anodal longitudinal site than to the cathodic longitudinal site.

Abstract: An ablation catheter apparatus with a monopole antenna that is arranged to provide a relatively uniform electric field and a method for using such an ablation catheter apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablation catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular member that is adapted to be inserted into the body of a patient, and a transmission line that is disposed within the tubular member. The transmission line has a distal end and a proximal end which is arranged to be connected to an electromagnetic energy source. The catheter also includes a monopole antenna with tip section and a body section that includes a distal end and a proximal end. The tip section and the body section are arranged to produce a relatively uniform electric field around the monopole antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The proximal end of the body section of the monopole antenna is arranged to be electrically coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: An optical scope with a position-based on/off switch preserves power by automatically deactivating one or more electrical components when the scope is not in use. The scope includes an orientation sensor that determines when the scope is in an inactive position by sensing when the scope is rolled left or right to a predetermined angle of inclination from an upright position. A power switch receives an indicia of orientation from the orientation sensor and deactivates the one or more electrical components when the scope is in the inactive position, thus preserving power and extending the life of a battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the performance and/or allocation of constrained resources in a dynamic computing environment using adaptive regulatory control methods. For example, systems and methods for providing constrained optimization in a dynamic computing system implement model-based adaptive (self-tuning) regulatory control schemes that are designed to handle the system dynamics and which take into consideration control costs (such as the overheads of changing resource allocations and performance degradation due to transient load imbalances) to find an optimal solution. To facilitate practical application, a dual control architecture is disclosed which combines a heuristic fixed step control process that is implemented when there is no valid system model for model-based control. A system model is continually obtained and validated during run-time to adapt control parameters to variations in system dynamics.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for performing integrated model generation and controller tuning is presented. The method, apparatus, and computer program product acquires data regarding the system. The data is then analyzed and preprocessed to provide modified data, and a model is generating from this modified data. A controller design is determined from the modified data and the model, and controller parameters are calculated from the modified data and the model.

Abstract: A PID parameter adjustment device includes: a model storage section (1) for storing an equation model to be controlled; a PID controller storage section (2) for storing a control algorithm; a constraint condition storage section (3) for storing a constraint condition for the operation; a simulation operation section (5) for executing simulation of a control system according to the constraint condition; an ideal control result storage section (6) for storing an ideal control response characteristic; an evaluation function operation section (7) for calculating the evaluation function value indicating the closeness between the simulation result and the ideal control response characteristic; and a PID parameter search operation section (8) for executing simulation while modifying the PID parameter and searching a PID parameter at which the evaluation function value is optimal.

Abstract: A process plant uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of the process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is stored in a database and is sent to and manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools. This data is also redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: An interface for connecting one of a plurality of industrial machines having different data format and storage configurations to a communications medium for remote monitoring and control, includes a programmable apparatus having a memory for storing data in predetermined locations and in a predetermined format, and for storing configuration information relating to the at least one of the machines; a configurable electrical interface responsive to the configuration information for receiving machine data from the machine and sending data to the machine; a data translator responsive to the configuration information, receiving data from the interface and transforming the data to the predetermined format; a processor responsive to the configuration information for reading data from and writing data to the predetermined locations in the memory; and a communications port connected to the communications medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: By providing a detailed hierarchical structure for an APC algorithm and by dynamically adapting a hierarchical level in this structure, an efficient utilization of controller data is ensured, while at the same time a large number of process conditions may be taken into consideration without requiring a re-design of the hierarchical structure.

Abstract: A method and a carrier medium carrying code to execute a method of designing a carton. The method includes accepting carton structural information, forming a 2D unfolded model of the substrate that when cut and folded forms the carton, and forming a 3D model of the carton. The method further includes displaying a 2D view of the unfolded carton design, and a perspective view of the 3D model. A user has the ability to manipulate the view of the 3D model, and also to select a flap of the carton on perspective view. As a result of the selecting, the method modifies the 2D unfolded view to be of the selected flap shown in an orientation suitable for designing the selected flap. The user designs the flap and the method accepts the design. The method includes modifying the perspective view of the 3D model to include any changes made in the design.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus that allows a user to understand what kinds of causes are accumulated stepwise in what kind of order to cause abnormality and due to what kinds of reasons respective causes occur from direct causes of the respective causes.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an electronic device having a processing unit which includes a timer that processes a plurality of lots each having a plurality of work pieces and measuring in units of lots a processing time of the work pieces constituting the respective lots, an environmental information measurement module that measures environmental information corresponding to the processing time of the work pieces measured in units of lots, and a communication module for transmission and reception, and a work information management unit having a storage module which is provided to correspond to each lot, communicates with the communication module of the processing unit, and receives and stores the processing time and the environmental information of the work pieces of the lot.

Abstract: The present system enables the monitoring and automatic control of the tolerance in splice overlap of textile play , though the identification of the overlap area, identification and counting of textile cords in the overlap area, and the generation of a control signal for the manufacturing equipment based on parameters and criteria defined by a user. The system includes an image acquisition sub-assembly that contains a lighting module, artificial vision module, and respective elements of support, fixation, conditioning and adjustment. The system also includes a quality control computer program that has a module of morphologic image analysis for detection and recognition of the overlap of the ply, detecting and counting of cords in the overlap area, a module of support to the decision of acceptance/rejection of the ply based on parameters defined by the user and a module of an interface with production equipment.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, which can detect an off-specification faulty wafer in real time. An abnormality detection server stores apparatus log data outputted from semiconductor manufacturing apparatus that processes a semiconductor wafer in an apparatus log data memory. Thereafter, in a lot end signal receiver, when a lot end signal outputted from the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is received, an abnormal data detector, after referencing an abnormality detection condition setting file stored in a first detection condition memory, based on the referenced content, judges whether there are abnormal data in the apparatus log data stored in the apparatus log data memory or not. Upon detecting an abnormality, a detection result is outputted to an engineer PC and an operator terminal unit.

Abstract: Method, system and program product are disclosed for determining productivity for a tool including a plurality of processing modules. The invention provides an understanding of a relationship between measured variables and overall tool speed by calculating computational components for any empty module, any module speed diversity and any idle tool event, i.e., the potential productivity detractors for the tool. An overall productivity based on each of the computational components may also be determined.

Abstract: A moving mechanism includes a first structural member having a first guide surface, a moving member being movable along the first guide surface, a second structural member having a second guide surface, and an actuator having a movable element provided on the moving member and a stator which is movable along the second guide surface. The first structural member is supported by the second structural member at three positions.

Abstract: The intensity of light of a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the type of a protective tape joined to the surface of a semiconductor wafer is adjusted by a controller, and a holding stage for holding the semiconductor wafer is scanned rotationally. At this time, at a V notch portion for positioning formed in the semiconductor wafer, light is transmitted through the protective sheet covering the surface, which is received by a photoreception sensor. Based on the change in the reception amount of light in the photoreception sensor, the position of a detection site is specified.

Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of contact lenses in a manufacturing line comprising the steps of: a) molding a plurality of contact lenses, b) providing a plurality of carriers each having a carrier indicator, c) inspecting each contact lens to determine information relating to its prescription, d) transferring each lens to a carrier, e) reading the carrier indicator of the carrier of step d) and f) storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier of step (e) and the information relating to the lens for step (c).

Abstract: Method and system, for which can be used in the fields of medicine and dentistry as well as for the most varied types of material working in different areas of application and model working, provides that an exact removal of material or a highly precise, reproducible material working can be realized by acquiring, storing and processing data pertaining to position and/or orientation of an effector and their changes relative to the position of at least one reference body. The effector is controlled and/or regulated with regard to its power and/or parameterization based on a predetermined working volume, material volume removed and remaining material volume. A first marking support with markings is arranged on a handpiece with the effector, where the handpiece is connected to a control unit, and a second marking support with markings is attached to the material object or tissue object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating validation of component feeder exchanges in pick and place machines are provided. A pre-exchange image of a component from a feeder is acquired and compared with an image a component from the exchanged feeder placed after the feeder exchange. A comparison of the pre-exchange image with the post-exchange image facilitates simple and quick feeder exchange validation. Aspects of the present invention are practicable with different types of pick and place machines, and are able to advantageously use sensors and/or technician supplied information to generate automatic indications of feeder exchange validity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating validation of component feeder exchanges in pick and place machines are provided. A pre-exchange image of a component from a feeder is acquired and compared with an image a component from the exchanged feeder placed after the feeder exchange. A comparison of the pre-exchange image with the post-exchange image facilitates simple and quick feeder exchange validation. Aspects of the present invention are practicable with different types of pick and place machines, and are able to advantageously use sensors and/or technician supplied information to generate automatic indications of feeder exchange validity.

Abstract: An arrangement for the production of made to order clothing (18), comprising a controller (14) operatively connected (12) to an input means (10), said input means (10) being adapted to provide to said controller (14) input variables A, W, H, C personal to a particular customer and said controller (14) being adapted to process said input variables A, W, H, C to predict a set of at least estimated body measurements, each of which body measurements is derived from one or more of said input variables A, W, H, C and is used to derive clothing pattern data, one said input variable being representative of the age A of said customer.

Abstract: It is determined whether a power tool is suitable for a work description for which the power tool is used or not, and when it is not suitable for the work description, a suitable power tool is selected and presented to a user. The power tool has a memory, and data concerning a work record is stored in the memory. When the power tool is connected to an assist apparatus installed in a shop or the like, the data concerning the work record is read out from the memory, and the work description is estimated according to a program run in the assist apparatus. Then, it is judged whether the power tool is suitable for the estimated work description or not. When the power tool is not suitable for the work description, a power tool suitable for the work is selected from a previously stored database and presented to the user.

Abstract: In a method for the adaptive feed rate regulation on a numerically controlled machine tool, which is used for the metal-removing processing of workpieces using a tool rotating on a spindle according to the specification of an NC program, the input power of the spindle is held as constant as possible by the influence of a tool feed rate established in the NC program for the motion between the tool and the workpiece. The method for the adaptive feed rate regulation is activated by a command of the NC program that initiates the processing of the workpiece, and is deactivated by a command of the NC program that terminates the processing of the workpiece.

Abstract: A machining configuration drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit for drawing a machining configuration and a present machining position, a setting unit for setting a display area in an overall drawing area, a division unit for dividing the overall drawing area into a plurality of display areas based on the set display area, and a selection unit for selecting a drawing region drawn by the drawing unit from a plurality of drawing regions. The selection unit selects a drawing region in which the present machining position exists. Further, the drawing unit draws a machining configuration and a present machining position of the selected drawing region.

Abstract: A control device of an injection molding machine which injects a molten resin from an injection nozzle is provided with a display section in which a touch panel is disposed, and a human-machine interface section equipped with a general-purpose operating system, and the human-machine interface section is provided with at least a storage section to store set values which are various molding conditions for each mold article and a control section which controls the display of the display section. The interface section displays, on the display section, a main screen to change settings for the molding conditions stored in the storage section and a subscreen to display indications such as monitors, and also constantly displays a change switch for a change of the screen in a fixed region of the display section.

Abstract: An automatic dotting machine (100) includes a feeding device (10) for unloading workpieces (200) one by one with the same interval, a conveying device (40) for conveying the workpieces to a predetermined dotting region, a sensor unit (70, 251) for detecting whether the workpieces reach the predetermined dotting region, a programmed control unit (30) for controlling the whole process of the dotting and receiving signal detected by the sensor unit and then sending out a command, a sliding device for moving the workpieces to a predetermined dotting position after receiving the command of the programmed control unit, a positioning device for clamping and positioning the wokpieces to the predetermined position to be dotted, and a punching device (24) for punching dents on the workpieces after the workpieces are positioned at the predetermined position.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser. The dispenser can include first and second totalizers that receive signals from a pulser that identifies the flow rate of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a data acquisition unit communicating with at least the second totalizer, the data acquisition unit receives data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser from the second totalizer. The method can include receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer and a second totalizer within the dispenser. Upon receiving the pulses, the method includes generating data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser. Following generating the data, the method can include sending the data corresponding to the second totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system.

Abstract: An autonomously movable home cleaning robot that incorporates a sweeper and dust bin as well as a dusting assembly in tandem in the direction of movement of the robot.

Abstract: A mobile robot communication system includes a remote unit, a repeater module and a control station. A cable connects the repeater module to the control station. The remote unit has a wireless receiver/transmitter for sending and receiving commands. The repeater module has a wireless receiver/transmitter for sending and receiving commands from the mobile unit. The control station is operable in communication with the repeater module for remotely sending and receiving signals. The cable is attached between the repeater module and control station for transmitting signals therebetween.

Abstract: An image transmission device and method, a transmitting device and method, a receiving device and method, and robot apparatus are capable of effectively transmitting the image data of multiple channels by using the existing systems which are formed on the premise of transmitting and receiving of the image data through single transmission line. At a transmitting side, the image data of multiple channels to be input is multiplexed with switching the channels by frame, and prescribed image information is added to each of the multiplexed image data of each frame. At a receiving side, the image information added to each of the image data for each frame respectively transmitted from the transmitting device are analyzed, and dividing device for dividing for each frame and outputting the multiplexed image data transmitted from the transmitting device to the corresponding channels is provided based on the analysis result.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a substrate loading station is served by a conveyor which continuously transports substrate carriers. A substrate carrier handler that is part of the substrate loading station operates to exchange substrate carriers with the conveyor while the conveyor is in motion. A carrier exchange procedure may include moving an end effector of the substrate carrier handler at a velocity that substantially matches a velocity of the conveyor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An earthquake disaster prevention system having: an estimation section to estimate a size of an earthquake from a P-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a stopping control section to control to stop the motion of the operation device when the size of the earthquake estimated by the estimation section exceeds a stopping reference value; a calculation section to calculate at any time the size of the earthquake from the S-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a convergence judgment section to judge convergence of the earthquake by judging whether a predetermined earthquake convergence condition is satisfied from the size of the earthquake calculated by the calculation section; and a resumption control section to resume a predetermined motion of the operation device stopped by the stopping control section when the earthquake is judged to have converged by the convergence judgment section.

Abstract: An energy control system for managing utility operation parameters, including a plurality of utility devices, at least one control module connected to at least one of the utility devices; a data processing module connected to the at least one control module via a wireless communications link; and a wireless internet control center connected to the at least one control module via the data processing module and arranged to operate a plurality of utility operation applications. The control system may further include a plurality of repeaters connected to the data processing module.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and method for operating the apparatus are disclosed. The flow control apparatus comprises a main supply line, a first valve, a first pressure transducer, a rotary meter, a control line, an intermediate valve, a second pressure transducer, a second valve, and a digital controller. The digital controller executes the program for operating the flow control apparatus. The program permits monitoring and regulating the amount of fluid passing through the flow control apparatus. Additionally, leaks in the flow control apparatus can be detected by the program, prompting automatic shut down of the apparatus if desired. Further, the apparatus may terminate flow through predetermined set points, such as volume and time maximums.

Abstract: In a method for loading software into a target appliance in a vehicle control system having a plurality of appliance, the loading process for one or more software modules is subdivided into task elements (at least one monitoring appliance task, one update appliance task and one receiving appliance task), and performance of the respective task elements is assigned to the target appliance, other appliances and/or to a control appliance outside the vehicle control system. The monitoring appliance task includes processing and passing on the control commands for the loading of the software module from outside the vehicle control system; the update appliance task includes controlling the loading of the software module between the target appliance, the appliances and/or the control appliance; and the receiving appliance task includes provision of an interface for the software module which is to be loaded from outside the vehicle control system.

Abstract: A modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle is provided, that is easily and flexibly adapted to the particular needs and requires no additional wiring for added modules. The modular switch and control system comprises a main switch module and optional satellite modules of different types. The main and satellite modules have separate housings with matching engagement structures permitting each satellite module to be fitted to one side of the main module. Each satellite module is electrically connected with the main module through matching male and female connectors. Each satellite module is provided with electrical coding device accessible through the connectors and permitting each satellite to be provided with a code indicative of the module type.

Abstract: A safe interactive navigation apparatus and method allows the crew of an aircraft to prepare and follow a safe flight plan without relying on instrument flying infrastructure. An aircraft navigation assistance method calculates a continuous, three-dimensional projected path on board the aircraft as a function of data related to the route and characteristics of the aircraft.

Abstract: Method for improved automatic control of a function in a terrestrial vehicle that includes an automatic control of the function, determination of the position of the vehicle on the ground (x, y) and comparison of the position of the vehicle with one or several previously stored positions. The previously stored positions are positions in which it has been determined that the control automation has carried out a control that was outside a predetermined permitted range on previous occasions, and if the determined position of the vehicle conforms with one of the previously stored positions, special previously stored control information is used to reduce the risk of the control being outside the predetermined permitted range yet again.

Abstract: An in-vehicle monitor detects the occurrence of a meta-event related to the operation of a vehicle, such as the vehicle's operation over a maximum allowable speed, operation in a prohibited geographic area, operation during a specific time frame, or combinations thereof. The monitor signals a server via a wireless data link, and the server determines an appropriate deferred action to be taken by an in-vehicle controller, such as disabling the engine, limiting vehicle speed, and locking vehicle doors, upon occurrence of a second meta-event including conditions such as time delays, vehicle speed and direction, and vehicle location. The system can thereby allow orderly and safe control of vehicle functions for purposes such as terminating a pursuit, enforcing legal sentences and operator restrictions, and controlling fleet vehicle operations.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an operating unit operated by a passenger for setting an air conditioning state in a passenger compartment, and a control unit for automatically controlling the air conditioning state in accordance with a detection value of an environment condition. The control unit performs a learning correction of a control characteristic in accordance with manual operations of the operating unit, and a number of the manual operations is indicated by using an indicator. Further, a number of the manual operations performed in an initial period and a number of the manual operations performed in an immediately recent period are comparably indicated on the indicator. Therefore, a passenger can realize the effect of the learning correction, even when the number of the manual operation is decreased after the learning correction is performed.

Abstract: A loading system for a vehicle passenger protection device performs collision determination without using inaccurate signals included among acceleration signals input to a collision determination unit. First and second normal/abnormal judgment units judge whether output signals from a main G sensor and a satellite G sensor are normal signals or abnormal signals. If abnormal, then abnormal signal processing is performed to replace the abnormal signal value with the output value of an immediately preceding normal signal, to thereby produce an abnormal signal processing signal. Segment integration is then performed on the normal signals and the abnormal signal processing signal(s) to determine whether the vehicle has collided.