Patents Issued in June 4, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150153170
    Abstract: A system and method for determining orientation of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a vehicle having a hinge joint such that sections of the chassis are capable of rotation with respect to each other. A first and second wheel is mounted to one and the other of the chassis sections, respectively. Vehicle geometric data defining a distance between the hinge joint and the centers of the first and second wheels, respectively, and the diameter of the wheels is provided. Surface geometric data defining the curvature of the surface can be provided. The angle of rotation about the hinge joint is measured. An orientation of the vehicle relative to the surface based on the vehicle geometric date, the surface geometric data, and the measured angle of rotation can be determined. A system and method for determining the orientation of an object is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Pablo Eduardo Carrasco Zanini Gonzalez, Ali Outa, Fadl Abdel Latif
  • Publication number: 20150153171
    Abstract: Disclosed here are methods and systems that relate to determining an orientation of an object. The orientation of the object may be represented by an Euler angle which identifies a rotation of the object from a reference frame. The methods and systems may rely on readings collected from two or more barometric pressure sensors to estimate an altitude difference between the pressure sensors. The methods and systems may calculate the Euler angle based on the altitude difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Google Inc.
  • Publication number: 20150153172
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer storage mediums are provided for positioning image markers on a virtual canvas. An exemplary method includes positioning one or more virtual objects on the virtual canvas. Each virtual object corresponds to a physical object located within the physical space. The position of each virtual object on the virtual canvas approximates the location of its corresponding physical object within the physical space. A plurality of image markers are also positioned on the virtual canvas. Each image marker's position on the virtual canvas corresponds to a physical location within the physical space where a photographic image's photo capture device was located when the photographic image was captured. A link between a first image marker and a second image marker is also created. The link indicates a path, traversable by a user, within the physical space between the physical locations represented by the first and second image markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Thomas STARNS, Jichao Li, Mark Christopher Colbert
  • Publication number: 20150153173
    Abstract: A wearable directional indicator that communicates to a user wearing the indicator a particular orientation by sending a signal to the indicator that alerts the user5 to a particular orientation. The indicator includes an integrated circuit compass and a microprocessor plus a series of indicators where each indicator is associated with a unique orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ken Baych, Danney Winkelman
  • Publication number: 20150153174
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a gyro sensor includes a gyro sensor, an analog circuit, a signal converter, and a digital automatic gain controller. The gyro sensor includes at least one driving mass. The analog circuit detects an amplitude value or a phase value of resonance of the driving mass from first and second driving displacement signals output from the gyro sensor. The signal converter converts the amplitude value or the phase value into a digital value. The digital automatic gain controller outputs a control gain for controlling a signal driving resonance of the driving mass based on a selected one of a phase or amplitude of resonance of the driving mass, so that a selected one of the amplitude value and the phase value input from the signal converter is converged to a preset targeted value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Sung Tae KIM, Young Kil CHOI, Jun Kyung NA, Seung Chul PYO, Chang Hyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20150153175
    Abstract: Methods, media, and node-enabled autonomous transport vehicles are described for navigating to a shipping location using a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A node associated with the autonomous transport vehicle, such as a mobile master node, detects a signal broadcast from an ID node associated with the shipping location, and instructs the ID node to lower a power level of the broadcast signal. The mobile master node identifies the signal broadcast from the ID node with the lowered power level, and determines a direction of the ID node relative to the mobile master node based upon the detected signal with the lowered power level. The mobile master node then navigates to the ID node associated with the shipping location based upon the determined direction, which may involve providing the determined direction to an input for the vehicle's control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud
  • Publication number: 20150153176
    Abstract: Disclosed is a data dissemination system for vehicles. The data dissemination system includes a vehicle, a vehicle cloud system, and access points connecting with and transferring data to the vehicle and the vehicle cloud system and being stationary near a road, wherein the vehicle comprises a navigator for determining location information, the vehicle cloud system comprises a dissemination setting unit for determining which data to disseminate to which access point based on the location information and vehicle route information, and the data disseminated to the access point is disseminated to the vehicle. According to the present invention, data transfer between vehicles and an infrastructure can be easily achieved such that a large amount of data can be exchanged therebetween, data transfer efficiency can be enhanced, and network resources can be fully utilized. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages of contributing to dissemination and utilization of the vehicle cloud system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Hyuk LIM, In Shick KIM, Ryangsoo KIM
  • Publication number: 20150153177
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system and method for suggesting significant environmental waypoints along a trajectory to improve the efficiency of a flight plan. Desired information is identified, wherein the desired information is information needed to perform at least one of completing a flight plan and updating a flight plan. It is determined whether to identify environmental information points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Louis J. Bailey, Ryan D. Hale
  • Publication number: 20150153178
    Abstract: Disclosed is a car navigation system and method. The present invention includes a sensor unit including a plurality of sensors, each, configured to measure a state of a vehicle using a predetermined scheme and to obtain sensor data; a vehicle to everything (V2X) unit configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor unit, and including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module to thereby receive a satellite signal and to generate GNSS data; and a position estimator configured to receive the sensor data and the GNSS data from the V2X unit, to evaluate an accuracy of each of the sensor data and the GNSS data using a predetermined scheme, and to obtain position coordinates of the vehicle by merging GNSS position coordinates obtained from the GNSS data and dead reckoning (DR) position coordinates obtained from the sensor data based on the evaluation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bon Wook Koo, Sang Sun Lee, Joon Seong Gim, Dong Keon Lee
  • Publication number: 20150153179
    Abstract: This touch-sensitive navigation aid device (10) intended to be worn by a user, comprises: a touch-sensitive interface (12) having a touch-sensitive contact surface (20), a plurality of actuators (30) integrated in the touch-sensitive interface (12) and suitable for moving inside the touch-sensitive contact surface (20) so as to render same deformable, and means (14) for holding the touch-sensitive interface (12) in contact with the user's body designed so that, in the position for holding the touch-sensitive interface (12) in contact with a part of the user's body, the deformable touch-sensitive contact surface (20) is in contact with at least one portion of this part of the body for touch-sensitive stimulation of this portion using the actuators (30), Furthermore, the movable actuators (30) are arranged according to a two-dimensional arrangement in the deformable touch-sensitive contact surface (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Commissariat a I'energie atomique et aux ene alt
    Inventors: Christian Bolzmacher, Margarita Anastassova, Moustapha Hafez, Saranya Sivacoumarane
  • Publication number: 20150153180
    Abstract: Directions are provided to a location in an indoor space in response to receiving a request from a mobile device. First, a map of the indoor space is processed to identify navigable areas in the indoor space. A distance transform is then executed on the map as part of a process to generate a directed graph. The directed graph includes nodes that correspond to points in the indoor space and paths that correspond to routes between the nodes. Next, a navigation table is generated based on the directed graph to identify a shortest route from each node to at least one other node. In response to a request for directions to a location in the indoor space, the navigation table is accessed to identify a route to the requested location. The identified route is then provided to a mobile device such that an end user may navigate to the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott Ettinger, Ehud Rivlin
  • Publication number: 20150153181
    Abstract: Aspects of a system and method for providing indoor navigation services are described herein. Aspects of the disclosure provide an efficient method for identifying a location of a client device using accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, and/or position markers. Elements of the system relate to the determination of particular user locations by receiving location information pertaining to position markers from a remote server. A client device may identify a position marker using a camera, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, or other method. An identifier describing the position marker may be sent to a remote server, and the remote server may provide a precise location to the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gildfind, Simon Rowe, John Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20150153182
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a navigation heading are provided. A client device may display navigation information to a user. The client device may display a floor plan of a building with a navigation route superimposed on the floor plan. The client device may also display a video as received from a camera with the navigation route superimposed on the video. By displaying the route on the captured imagery, the client device may direct the user along the route without the user having knowledge of the direction in which they are facing when beginning the route. As the user travels along the route, the heading by which the client device directs the user may grow increasingly inaccurate. Therefore, the client device may include an interface to allow the user to recalibrate the heading (e.g., by straightening a displayed path) to ensure that an accurate navigation path is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Google Inc.
  • Publication number: 20150153183
    Abstract: An autocheck module of a map system is configured to automatically identify anomalous conditions within map data that may indicate an error within the data. The identification of the anomalous conditions is accomplished by application of different autocheck types to the map data, each autocheck type representing a class of anomalies and being triggered if particular map data exhibits the anomalous condition associated with the autocheck type. In one embodiment, for at least some of the portions of map data that trigger an autocheck type, an issue entry is created in an issue database, the issue entry referencing the autocheck type that was triggered, the map data that triggered it, and any associated data of relevance for the particular autocheck type in question.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed Waleed Kadous, Joakim Kristian Olle Arfvidsson, Anup Mantri
  • Publication number: 20150153184
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically prioritizing target areas to monitor around a vehicle are provided. The system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a sensor, a global positioning system receiver, and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and the global positioning system receiver. The processor is configured to determine a location of the vehicle and based upon data from the global positioning system receiver, determine a projected path the vehicle is traveling upon, prioritize target areas based upon the determined location, heading and the projected path, and analyze data from the sensor based upon the prioritized target areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: UPALI PRIYANTHA MUDALIGE, SHUQING ZENG, MICHAEL LOSH
  • Publication number: 20150153185
    Abstract: A method for interworking between navigation terminals includes switching a used terminal in such a way that another terminal communication-connected with the used terminal receives information necessary to execute a navigation service to perform a navigation service function when the used terminal, which provides the navigation service mounted in the vehicle, does not search a destination or does not execute the navigation service in a case where the terminals are mounted in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Kwang Hun CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150153186
    Abstract: An end-user can input a correction to a map error, directly on the device. The device is then able to use the correction without external processing of the correction. Hence, it is no longer necessary for an end-user to simply report errors to the map vendor over a web link, then wait for that map vendor to verify the error, update its maps and finally supply the end-user with updates—a cycle that can take months and sometimes years to complete. Instead, the navigation device can use the correction immediately. End-users can also share corrections with other end-users and also with a shared remote server that aggregates, validates and distributes correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Pieter Geelen, Harold Goddjn
  • Publication number: 20150153187
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method, comprising: determining a road segment group set that corresponds to a current time period, and a correspondence relationship between each road segment group in the road segment group set and a computing node of the cluster server, wherein the road segment group is a group of road segments which are grouped according to the number of computing nodes of the cluster server and the dissimilarity between divided road segments in a road network; in response to receiving multiple GPS sampled data from a vehicle, generating a map matching request according to the multiple GPS sampled data; and in response to generating a map matching request and obtaining a road segment to which the latest location of the vehicle belongs, sending the map matching request to a computing node that corresponds to a road segment group to which the obtained road segment belongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Wei Shan Dong, Ning Duan, Peng Gao, Baohua Wang, Xin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150153188
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide approximations of latitude and longitude coordinates of objects, for example a business, in street level images. The images may be collected by a camera. An image of a business is collected along with GPS coordinates and direction of the camera. Depth maps of the images may be generated, for example, based on laser depth detection or displacement of the business between two images caused by a change in the position of the camera. After identifying a business in one or more images, the distance from the camera to a point or area relative to the business in the one or more images may be determined based on the depth maps. Using this distance and the direction of the camera which collected the one or more images and GPS coordinates of the camera, the approximate GPS coordinates of the business may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Abhijit S. Ogale, Stephane Lafon, Andrea Frome
  • Publication number: 20150153189
    Abstract: A route searching method of a navigation system is provided and includes calculating, by a processor, a turning cost from an i-th node to an (i+1)-th node and a turning cost from the (i+1)-th node to an (i+2)-th node. The processor determines whether the turning costs are different between the sets of nodes . In addition, the processor calculates a driving risk degree from the i-th node to the (i+1)-th node when the turning direction from the i-th node to the (i+1)-th node is different from the turning direction from the (i+1)-th node to the (i+2)-th node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Chi Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20150153190
    Abstract: A method of setting a transit point of navigation includes inputting a plurality of destinations including a destination of a driver and a destination of a passenger. A route for a starting point, a transit point, and the destination of the driver are sought when the transit point is set as the destination of the passenger. An optimal transit point for giving consideration to the passenger is calculated on a driving route from the starting point to the destination of the driver by inputting various traffic information about the passenger when the transit point is not set as the destination of the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Dae Ro PARK
  • Publication number: 20150153191
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a location service are disclosed. The method is performed at a mobile device having one or more processors and memory for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors. The method includes storing respective geographic positions for a set of points of interest (POIs). The method includes determining a current location and a current viewing direction of a user while storing the respective geographic positions of the set of POIs. The method also includes identifying, based on the stored geographic positions and the current location and viewing direction of the user, a subset of POIs within a current field of view associated with the user from the set of POIs. The method further includes mapping the current location of the user and the respective geographic positions of the subset of POIs onto a user interface displayed on the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Huafeng MA, Juan Li, Shaobo Yang, Nanjiang Liu, Man Liu, Jin Lin, Xiaodong Ma, Fangjian Zhan
  • Publication number: 20150153192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning and displaying timetable information in a transport network that has a plurality of stops for scheduled means of transport. The approach of a portable appliance to a stop is sensed on the basis of position-dependent data from the portable appliance. At least one future departure time of a scheduled means of transport at the stop is ascertained. The departure time is output on the portable appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Reich
  • Publication number: 20150153193
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically finding a path between two selected road segments. A map editor displays road segments in a visual map to a user. The user selects a beginning segment and an ending segment from the displayed segments. The map editor then identifies the best path between these two segments by applying a path-finding algorithm. The path finding algorithm identifies the best path based on the total length of the path and the changes in attributes between adjacent road segments in the path. The path identified by the map editor is then displayed to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Mark D. Pilloff
  • Publication number: 20150153194
    Abstract: A computing system is described that can provide a user with alerts based on traffic information related to the user's expected travel route. In some embodiments, a user can be alerted if a traffic delay exists on the user's expected travel route. In other embodiments, a user can be alerted when their usual bus or train is delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Tushar Udeshi, Tom Carl Stamm, Dale Hawkins, Pablo Bellver
  • Publication number: 20150153195
    Abstract: A computer program product including computer readable program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer readable program code for obtaining a fuel tank size, amount of fuel in the tank, and a fuel efficiency for an automobile; accepting user entry of a destination for traveling in the automobile; and automatically identifying a current location and determining a route to the destination. Additional computer readable program code acquires, for each of a plurality of refueling stations along the route, a location and a current fuel price being offered at the refueling station. Computer readable program code also provides output recommending one or more refueling stations at which to stop and a quantity of fuel to purchase at each of the one or more refueling stations in order to reach the destination without running out of fuel and minimizing the price of fuel purchased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Burlingham, Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Christine M. Stamm-Nettleship, LaLecha J. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20150153196
    Abstract: A method of reporting an event is provided. The method includes selecting, by a device, an icon for an event. The method also includes selecting, by a device, a pin attribute for the event, wherein the pin attribute identifies the side of the road which the event is present. The method also includes presenting, by a device, the selected icon and a pin having the pin attribute at the appropriate location on a dynamic map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Elad Tayar, Omer Ben Ziv
  • Publication number: 20150153197
    Abstract: A feature for a motor vehicle that takes precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network in the vicinity ahead of the vehicle. The feature uses a data representation of the road network extending from the current vehicle position out to an extent. The data representation of the road network is used to identify conditions, if any, that warrant taking a precautionary action. The type of conditions about which actions are to be taken may be identified in a data file. A precautionary action is taken as the vehicle approaches the location of the condition. The precautionary action may be a message provided to the vehicle driver to alert the driver about the condition. Alternatively, the action may be a modification of the vehicle operation, such as slowing down or stopping the vehicle, speeding up the vehicle, changing direction, and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Denaro
  • Publication number: 20150153198
    Abstract: A device, system and method for controlling speed of a vehicle are provided. The device includes a locational information module for determining location information and speed; a storage module for storing at least one geographic map including at least one route and a speed limit for the at least one route; a processing module configured to receive the location information, retrieve at least one geographic map based on the location information, determine a speed limit based on the location information, and compare the speed of the device to the determined speed limit; and a display module for alerting a user if the speed of the device exceeds the determined speed limit. The system and method can be for communicating a subject vehicle's speed to a central server where it can be utilized to analyze traffic congestion patterns or notify selected companies or individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20150153199
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a pedometer includes an acceleration detecting circuit configured to detect acceleration from an output of an acceleration sensor and output an acceleration signal, a band-pass filter configured to remove, from the acceleration signal, a frequency component generated by arm swinging during walking and included in the acceleration signal, and a step counter configured to count a number of steps based on the acceleration signal outputted from the band-pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Kumiko Yamato, Kazunori Hashimoto, Akira Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20150153200
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating a geodetic instrument, an instrument and a computer program product thereof. In the method and geodetic instrument of the present invention, a value of at least one parameter affecting the measurements made by the instrument is detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. On the basis of the comparison between the detected value and the predetermined threshold, the instrument aims at a reference target and a calibration is performed using the reference target. The present invention is advantageous in that the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed by the instrument are increased. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that the requirements on mechanical stability are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Christian GRÄSSER
  • Publication number: 20150153201
    Abstract: Device (100) for reporting meter indication (160) for a movable machine or vehicle (150), comprising means for reading of one or more meter indications (210) for the movable machine or vehicle (150) via optical imaging with a camera, means for determination of an identity (220) of the movable machine or vehicle (150), means for determination of an identity (230) of a reporter (120), means for determination of a time (250) for the reading of one or more meter indications (210), means for determination of a position (240) of the movable machine or vehicle (150) at this time (250), means for checking of the identity (220) of the movable machine or vehicle (150) and the identity (230) of the reporter (120) against a list of approved identities and means for transfer of one or more meter indications (210), the identity (220) of the movable machine or vehicle (150), the identity (230) of the reporter (120), the time (250) and the position (240) to a central server (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: MOVELO AB
    Inventors: Peter Händel, Martin Ohlsson, Jens Ohlsson, Isaac Skog
  • Publication number: 20150153202
    Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an angular sensor where deterioration in detection accuracy or occurrence of erroneous detection due to influence of an external magnetic field is reduced. An angular sensor 1 which detects a rotation angle of an object includes a magnet 12 which is rotated according to the object and a magnetic sensor 11 which detects the rotation angle of the magnet based on a change in magnetic field generated by from magnet, wherein a direction of an external magnetic field which is a magnetic field other than the magnetic field of the magnet and a direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet in a rotation range where the magnet is rotated are set to have an angle of less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fujitani
  • Publication number: 20150153203
    Abstract: System for ascertaining the number of revolutions of a rotationally mounted shaft, and method for ascertaining the number of revolutions of a rotationally mounted shaft, a permanent magnet being connected to the shaft in a torsionally fixed manner, the signal voltage generated by a microgenerator situated in an operative connection with the permanent magnet being supplied to an energy buffer, especially via a rectifier to a capacitor, a memory device for storing the number of revolutions being supplied from the energy buffer, the signal voltage of the microgenerator in particular being supplied to a counting logic device, which is supplied from the energy buffer and is connected to the memory device for reading out the respective old numerical value of the revolutions and for storing the respective newly ascertained numerical value of the revolutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Olaf Simon, Gunnar Meyrowitz
  • Publication number: 20150153204
    Abstract: Provided is a position transducer which can be manufactured at low cost, improve the signal-to-noise ratio of an output obtained from a detector, and obtain a stable output even if the temperature changes. A position transducer 100 includes a butterfly-shaped reflector 7 attached to a rotating shaft 2 of a rotation restriction motor 1, an LED die 4 disposed to face a central portion of the reflection surface of the reflector 7, a diffused-light absorbing member disposed on the surfaces of a diffused light absorber 3 and a case 5, installed on the fixed side of the motor 1 so as to surround the reflector 7 with a distance from the reflector 7 at the rear of the reflector 7 as viewed from the LED die 4 and absorbing illumination light from the LED die 4 which has not illuminated the reflection surface, and detectors 11 mounted on the same printed circuit board 6 as the LED die 4 to detect an image reflected by the reflector 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Hideaki Sato, Kazunari Ogata, Naoki Ohta, Asuka Moritaku, Tomonori Takeda
  • Publication number: 20150153205
    Abstract: An absolute encoder includes a scale in which a plurality of marks including a plurality of types of marks are arranged with a space and a period, a detector including a plurality of elements arranged along a direction corresponding to the arrangement, and configured to detect a partial plurality of marks, and a signal processor configured to perform quantization of an amplitude with respect to each period of periodic signals with a plurality of periods output from the detector to generate a data string, and generate, based on the data string, first position data having a resolution of the period. The signal processor is configured to obtain a plurality of thresholds for the quantization respectively corresponding to a plurality of periodic signals of the periodic signals with the plurality of periods based on a plurality of representative values respectively obtained from the periodic signals with the plurality of periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Takayuki Uozumi
  • Publication number: 20150153206
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter having a measuring tube through which a medium can flow, a bluff body in the measuring tube and a pressure sensor in the effective range of the bluff body. The pressure sensor has a deflectable measuring diaphragm for determining the pressure in the medium neighboring the measuring diaphragm, at least one optical fiber being arranged on and/or in the measuring diaphragm for detecting the deflection of the measuring diaphragm. The optical fiber is at least partially effectively connected to the measuring diaphragm along its length so that a deflection of the measuring diaphragm caused by the medium pressure leads to an extension and/or compression of the optical fiber. The pressure sensor has a pocket that can be deflected by the pressure of the medium and which surrounds the measuring diaphragm and optical fiber to protect them from the medium. The measuring diaphragm is deflected with the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Neville C. Fernandes, Henrik Krisch, Markus Lau, Sylvain Tournillon
  • Publication number: 20150153207
    Abstract: A venturi flow meter for an EGR apparatus includes an inner wall defining an interior space including a converging inlet section, a throat section, and a diverging outlet section and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and attached to the inner wall, the outer wall being spaced from the inner wall to define an insulating space between the inner wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: MACK TRUCKS, INC.
    Inventor: Lance C. Woodsend
  • Publication number: 20150153208
    Abstract: A thermal, flow measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, including a first sleeve, especially a first metal sleeve, and at least a second sleeve, especially a second metal sleeve, a first temperature sensor element and at least a second temperature sensor element. At least the first temperature sensor element is heatable and arranged in the first sleeve and the second temperature sensor element is arranged in the second sleeve. The thermal, flow measuring device has a piezoelectric transducer unit, which causes at least one of the sleeves to vibrate, as well as a method for operating a thermal, flow measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Arnold, Jan Schirrecker, Axel Pfau
  • Publication number: 20150153209
    Abstract: Thermal flow sensors are disclosed. An example thermal flow sensor includes a chip substrate; a heater mounted to a first membrane on the chip substrate; and a temperature sensor mounted to a second membrane on the chip substrate, the second membrane being isolated from the first membrane by material of the chip substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Ibne Soreefan
  • Publication number: 20150153210
    Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter having a first end structure, a second end structure, and a flow path extending therebetween. The first and second end structures are connectable with a conduit such that fluid flowing in the conduit enters at one of the first and second end structures, travels along the flow path, and exits at the other of the first and second end structures. The flow path has a measurement tube having first and second ends and a damper assembly. The damper assembly has at least one damper element disposed between the first end structure and the measurement tube first end. The measurement tube is not fixed with respect to the first end structure. At least one transducer is coupled with the measurement tube and is operative to sense vibration of the measurement tube and output electrical signals representative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Francis Bartlett, Brent K. Price, Andrew R. Krochmal
  • Publication number: 20150153211
    Abstract: A gas meter device of the present invention comprises plural measurement fluid passages provided in parallel between an inlet into which a fluid flows, and an outlet from which the fluid flows out; flow value measuring sections provided in the measurement fluid passages, respectively, and configured to obtain flow values of fluids flowing through the measurement fluid passages, respectively; memories configured to store coefficient data which are values corresponding to the measurement fluid passages, respectively and indicating a relation between the flow values of the fluids flowing through the measurement fluid passages, respectively, and a total flow value of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet; and total flow value estimation sections configured to estimate total flow values of the fluids based on the flow values obtained by the flow value measuring sections, respectively, and the coefficient data stored in the memories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Gotou, Akihisa Adachi, Yuji Fujii, Yuji Nakabayashi, Yukio Sakaguchi, Yasuharu Kawano, Aoi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150153212
    Abstract: A method of measuring a height of a fuel surface of fuel in an aircraft fuel tank. One or more images of the fuel surface are captured, each image including a fuel surface line where the fuel surface meets a structure. Each image is analysed in order to determine a height of the fuel surface line at three or more points in the image. If the fuel surface line is not a straight line, then an average angle of the fuel surface line can be determined from the points in the image by spatial averaging. Preferably a series of images of the fuel surface are captured over a time period, and an average height of the fuel surface is determined from the series of images by time averaging. The height of the fuel surface line(s) at three or more points is used to determine a volume of the fuel, a mass of the fuel, and/or an attitude of the fuel surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Alessio CIPULLO, Franklin TICHBORNE, Joseph K-W LAM, Timothy LEIGH
  • Publication number: 20150153213
    Abstract: A fluid level gauge includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a window disposed in the housing, proximate to the first end. The fluid level gauge further includes an optical sensor disposed in the housing, proximate to the second end. A prism is disposed in the housing, between the optical sensor and the window, such that the prism and the window define a fluid chamber therebetween. The housing further includes a plurality of through holes that provides a fluid path from outside the housing to the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Kopansky, Rolland Tracy James, George Patrick Birch, Michael John Knox
  • Publication number: 20150153214
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid level measuring device which comprises: a tube for accommodating a liquid; a floating member disposed inside the tube, the floating member rising and falling as the level of the liquid varies; at least one magnetic detecting element fastened to the floating member, the magnetic detecting element floating along with the floating member; and a plurality of magnetic sources disposed outside the tube, which are distributed separately along the changing direction of the liquid level so as to establish a specific magnetic field strength distribution, wherein the magnetic detecting element detects the magnetic field strength at the height at which the magnetic detecting element is located and outputs a measuring signal correspondingly, and the liquid level is determined according to the measuring signal. The present invention has many advantages including low cost, efficiency, and it can easily be deployed in considerable amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Chun-Ming HUANG, Wei-Chang TSAI, Chen-Chia CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150153215
    Abstract: A level sensing device is disclosed that provides a lightweight but robust design and incorporates the use of an LVDT to determine the level of a fluid in a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Richard C. Uskert
  • Publication number: 20150153216
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to reduce the computation load for calculating vehicle weight and to allow vehicle weight to be computed with little error. Provided is a vehicle weight calculation device (10) that calculates the weight of a vehicle (1) and is provided with a storage unit (105) for associating and storing position information and angular frequencies of a wavy road, and a control unit (101) for computing the weight of the vehicle (1). The control unit (101) computes the weight of the vehicle (1) on the basis of the vertical acceleration of the vehicle (1) and the angular frequency of the wavy road corresponding to the current position of the vehicle (1) as stored by the storage unit (105).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co.,Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Abe, Makoto Otsuki
  • Publication number: 20150153217
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a storage device for articles and a load state detection device, wherein the load state detection device comprises at least one weighing apparatus and at least one evaluating device, wherein the weighing apparatus is designed and configured to detect measured values representative of a weight of the storage device and the evaluating device is designed and configured to determine the weight of the storage device based on the measured values of the weighing apparatus. The weight of the storage device is determined when the measured values of the weighing apparatus are not affected by devices of the storage device. The present disclosure further relates to a computer network having at least one such storage device and to a method for determining a load state of a storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Red Bull GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Dillon, Philipp Herzog, Werner Wolf
  • Publication number: 20150153218
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bin system for dispensing units, the system having a platform bin and a base member with load cells configured to support the platform bin. The platform bin itself comprises a platform plate, an optional front gate, a rear wall, and a plurality of side walls extending from the front of the platform plate to the rear wall so as to form an open-top bin. The platform plate includes a front flange disposed below the upper surface to define a trough extending across the front of the platform plate. Each of the plurality of side walls includes a rear tab received within a slot in the rear wall and a depending front tab received within the trough. A cap member may be removably secured over the trough to capture the depending front tabs within the trough, thereby securing the plurality of side walls in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin V. Savage, Craig S. Whitaker, Larry D. O'Cull, Kent V. Savage
  • Publication number: 20150153219
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a swing-type sensor assembly, comprising a support and a sensor vibrator. The support is provided with a pin shaft, and the sensor vibrator is connected to the pin shaft and capable of swinging about the pin shaft. The support is further connected to an air pipe, which is capable of blowing air towards the sensor vibrator. The air pipe is provided with a control valve, an inlet of which is connected, via a pipe, to a supply for clean and dry compressed air. The swing-type sensor assembly saves the sensor vibrator from easy adhesion, thus ensuring a restoring force thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Jia Li