Abstract: Disclosed are targets devices and method of using the target devices for electronically determining the location of projectile impacts on the surface of a target. The impact location is determined in a number of ways, including by use of a plurality of accelerometers or piezo-vibration sensors to determine the impact area and transmit data relating to the impact to a remote receiver for real-time presentation to the shooter. The method enables the shooting position to be determined by means of relatively economical electronic systems and the shooting target is portable such that the shooter may bring the target to a plurality of firing ranges and locations to convey the same real-time reporting and benefits to the shooter. The shooting target may be set-up on a standard target stand to wirelessly relay shot impact information to a portable personal computing device to present real-time virtual impact data to the shooter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Abstract: An optical initiator of a pyrotechnic charge, including: a body including a cavity, which contains the pyrotechnic charge and a mechanism for igniting the charge by absorption of a laser radiation, the ignition mechanism being placed in contact with the charge; a laser radiation source; an optical fiber for transporting laser radiation from the source to the ignition mechanism. The ignition mechanism includes a metal plate and the metal plate and the laser radiation source are configured for a laser radiation issuing from the laser radiation source to be absorbed by the metal plate and converted into thermal energy, so that thermal conduction of the thermal energy from the metal plate to the pyrotechnic charge causes the ignition of the pyrotechnic charge. The metal plate can include perforations arranged periodically.

Abstract: A cartridge with a composite cartridge case includes a projectile with an ogee-shaped tip and a bottom end ending in a base, a flangeless tubular case delimiting a chamber accommodating a propulsive powder, closed at a first longitudinal end by a base with a primer and at the second end opposite to the first, by the base of the projectile, a part of the flangeless tubular case fitting snugly around part of the projectile and having itself, at least in part, a frustoconical external shape, the cartridge being characterized in that: the chamber accommodating the propulsive powder includes, at the projectile end, a reduction in its diameter over all or part of the periphery thereof down to the diameter of the base of the projectile, the ratio between the length of the tip of the projectile and the maximum diameter thereof is greater than or equal to 2.9.

Abstract: A bullet assembly comprising a bullet and a cup assembly, the cup assembly may have a ring portion for scraping the barrel of a muzzleloader. The cup assembly may be slidable on the bullet with an extended position and a contracted position, the contracted position having a greater diameter than the extended position. A contraction inhibiting member that requires shearing off of the member for contraction may be disposed on one of the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to sintered iron bullets having increased frangibility (or which can be easily fragmented) and to the materials and processes for the manufacture of such bullets. The bullets of the present invention are typically made from iron powder (including powdered iron from scrap iron) which are pressed to form a briquette and then sintered under conditions so as to obtain bullets with the desired level of frangibility. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the bullets are resin or plastic impregnated and then coated to facilitate lubricity and prevent corrosion.

Abstract: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the dimensions of a cuboid package or other package having edges, faces and corners via a portable inertial motion-sensing device entails placing the inertial motion-sensing device sequentially on a plurality of points of interest on the package while collecting inertial data. The positions of the plurality of points of interest relative to one another are then calculated based on the collected inertial data, and the dimensions of the package are determined based on the calculated positions.

Abstract: A modular system (1) for checking a valve seat and its associated valve guide in cylinder heads of internal combustion engines comprises a guide and support assembly (10), movable in three directions, which carries one or more electronic gauges (11) and a precentering pin (14) to guide the insertion of the gauge in the valve seat and its associated valve guide, and a tilting table (3) for loading and locating a cylinder head (4). Thanks to the particular structure of a support mechanism (12) connected to the guide and support assembly, the gauge is able to self-position on the valve seat to be checked and to disengage in a checking condition from the guide and support assembly at least in one of the three directions. The tilting table can be adjusted depending on the dimensions and layout of the cylinder head to be checked and includes a swing system (6) to set the tilt of the table as a function of the inclination of the valve seat and its associated valve guide to be checked.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a pair of aligned holes is provided. The method comprises determining a diameter of a cleanup hole associated with a plurality of misaligned holes, in which the cleanup hole diameter may also correspond to a fastener diameter. Additionally, the tapered reamer is at least partially inserted into a gap defined by the plurality of misaligned holes. The tapered reamer has a longitudinal axis and may be configured such that the longitudinal axis aligns with a center of the cleanup hole when the tapered reamer is inserted into the gap defined by the plurality of misaligned holes. The plurality of misaligned holes may then be reamed with the tapered reamer to form the cleanup hole defined by the plurality of aligned holes having a same center and a same diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calculation method of calculating a shape of a surface to be measured, including a step of, based on an inclination angle of the surface in a scan direction of a probe, determining a first correction parameter used to correct a measurement error caused by scanning the probe in the first direction and a second correction parameter used to correct a measurement error caused by scanning the probe in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for detecting a spacing defect between two adjacent strands of a layer of a fiber fabric includes displacement of an inductive sensor relative to the fiber fabric, and identification of a defect based on a signal generated by the inductive sensor. The invention also relates to a device for its implementation.

Abstract: A position at which evaluation of a defect was performed is easily identified. Relative positional relationships between three-dimensional coordinates of feature points of a photographed object and positions of a panoramic camera 111 are calculated based on a moving image, which is photographed by the panoramic camera 111 while a vehicle 100 travels. The position of the object photographed by a hyperspectral camera 114 is calculated based on the relative positional relationships and exterior orientation parameters of the hyperspectral camera 114 with respect to the panoramic camera 111.

Abstract: A sun positioning sensor and method of accurately tracking the sun are disclosed. The sensor includes a position sensing diode and a disk having a body defining an aperture for accepting solar light. An extension tube having a body that defines a duct spaces the position sensing diode from the disk such that the solar light enters the aperture in the disk, travels through the duct in the extension tube and strikes the position sensing diode. The extension tube has a known length that is fixed. Voltage signals indicative of the location and intensity of the sun are generated by the position sensing diode. If it is determined that the intensity values are unreliable, then historical position values are used from a table. If the intensity values are deemed reliable, then actual position values are used from the position sensing diode.

Abstract: A non-contact optical probe utilizes an optical reference surface that projects a curved test wavefront toward the test surface and detects it by creating curved interferometric fringes localized in space in front of the reference surface. When a point to be measured on the test surface intersects the location of the fringes, the condition is detected by the probe. Because the fringes are localized at a known position in space with respect to a reference system, the precise coordinate of the surface point can be established. Such localized fringes are preferably produced by a spectrally controllable light source. The curvature of the fringes ensures a sufficiently large angle of acceptance for the probe to capture light reflected from points of high surface slope. The probe is particularly suitable for coordinate measurement machines.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing a mask having a structure, comprising the steps of: illuminating said mask under at least one illumination angle with monochromatic illuminating radiation, so as to produce a diffraction pattern of said structure that includes at least two maxima of adjacent diffraction orders, capturing said diffraction pattern, determining the intensities of the maxima of the adjacent diffraction orders, determining an intensity quotient of the intensities. A mask inspection microscope for characterizing a mask in conjunction with the performance of the inventive method is also provided.

Abstract: Method and device for detection of rotated segments in a continuous multi-segment rod transferred in a machine used in tobacco industry, the method including generating a signal of an error of the shape of said continuous multi-segment rod (CR1, CR1?), the rod (CR1, CR1?) comprising a plurality of segments (2, 3, 4) arranged one after another in a common wrapping, in which the rod (CR1, CR1?) that is transferred in a direction along its axis is simultaneously scanned by means of at least two optical sensors (5), the directions of scanning of the two optical sensors (5) being oriented at an angle other than 90° to each other. The diameter of the rod (CR1, CR1?) is measured by repeated scannings at such a frequency that the shortest segment of the rod (CR1, CR1?) is scanned at least once, the results of the scannings being compared with a predetermined reference value, and each difference between any of the results of the scannings and the predetermined value is converted into the signal of the error of shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved horizontal beam optical comparator that includes a probe to follow the surface of a work-piece, moreover, providing a method for gathering changes in height and depth to measure, plot and delineate surface contours of work-pieces relative to a movable “X” axis stage, and depth along a moveable “Y” axis stage without presence in the objective lenses depth of field.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.

Abstract: To provide a technique that can measure a surface profile of any test object in a nondestructive manner and noncontact manner, highly accurately, and in a wide tilt angle dynamic range. In white light interference method using a dual beam interferometer, the technique is configured to be capable of changing a surface orientation of a standard plane with respect to an incident optical axis on the standard plane, acquires, while relatively changing the surface orientation of the standard plane with respect to a local surface orientation in any position on a test surface, a plurality of interferograms generated by interference of reflected light from the test surface and reflected light from the standard plane, and calculates the local surface orientation on the test surface from the interferograms to thereby measure a surface profile of the test surface.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes at least two or more radiation devices, at least two or more image capturing devices, and a measurement device. Each of the radiation devices radiates light such that a part of a radiation pattern overlaps a part of a radiation pattern from another one of the radiation devices on a measurement target. Each of the image capturing devices captures an image of a radiation region of the measurement target on which the radiation pattern of a specific wavelength light radiated by one of the radiation devices that is paired with the image capturing device is projected, through a specific wavelength pass filter that allows passage of light of a specific wavelength of the paired radiation device and blocks light of a wavelength except the specific wavelength.

Abstract: In a state of mapping sensors having been advanced into a carrier by a sensor advance/withdraw mover, a sensor lifting and lowering device moves the mapping sensors up and down. With this movement, the mapping sensors detect presence or absence of substrates in a horizontal direction crossing a fore-and-aft direction in which the substrates are moved into and out of the carrier, and a height sensor detects heights of the mapping sensors. Consequently, substrate heights are detected in two different locations in the fore-and-aft direction. Based on the substrate heights, a substrate condition acquiring unit acquires a tilt of each substrate relative to the horizontal in the fore-and-aft direction. The tilt of each substrate inside the carrier is acquired in advance, thereby to be able to prevent substrate damage due to contact between a hand of a substrate transport mechanism and the substrates.

Abstract: An ultrasonic positioning device for a five-axis machine includes an ultrasonic device and a positioning plate. The ultrasonic device is adapted to fix a material and generates ultrasonic vibrations to the material. The positioning plate is adapted to fix the ultrasonic device and pivotally connected the five-axis machine for the material to be controlled by the five-axis movement on the five-axis machine. By cooperating with the ultrasonic vibrations, a processing portion of the five-axis machine can process the material.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) acoustic sensor-based gesture recognition associated with detecting gestures is described. Provided implementations can comprise MEMS acoustic sensor elements that receive signals reflected off an object. A time sequence associated with each of the MEMS acoustic sensor elements detecting proximity of the object is determined. A gesture is identified based on the time sequence. Functions of a device are controlled according to the gesture.

Abstract: An identifying device includes a vertical direction speed calculation unit configured to calculate a speed in a vertical direction of an air pressure measurement unit from an air pressure value measured by the air pressure measurement unit, the vertical direction speed determination unit configured to determine a magnitude of the speed in the vertical direction, a vertical direction continuous distance calculation unit configured to calculate a continuous distance of movement in the vertical direction based on the speed in the vertical direction calculated by the vertical direction speed calculation unit and the determination result of the vertical direction speed determination unit, and a vertical direction movement determination unit configured to determining whether the air pressure measurement unit is moving in the vertical direction or not in accordance with whether or not the vertical direction continuous distance is more than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and marking level and plumb is providently disclosed herein. The multi-function level includes: modular ends that allow attachment of mating levels for linear extension in one direction. The modular, or jointed, end includes a structure to hold a connector or to selectively receive a connector from another level such that only applies a load to the jointed end and not the body of the level.

Abstract: A laser projection system for projecting an image on a workpiece includes a photogrammetry assembly and a laser projector, each communicating with a computer. The photogrammetry assembly includes a first camera for scanning the workpiece, and the laser projector projects a laser image to arbitrary locations. Light is conveyed from the direction of the workpiece to the photogrammetry assembly. The photogrammetry assembly signals the coordinates light conveyed toward the photogrammetry assembly to the computer with the computer being programmable for determining a geometric location of the laser image. The computer establishes a geometric correlation between the photogrammetry assembly, the laser projector, and the workpiece for realigning the laser image to a corrected geometric location relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An electronic rod reader and field notebook is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic rod reader and field notebook comprises an image capture device for capturing an image through the eyepiece of an auto-level. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises logic implemented by a processor of the electronic rod reader for automatically recognizing a crosshair viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, for automatically comparing the crosshair against a scale of a standard grade rod viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, and for automatically determining an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises a non-transitory computer readable data storage medium coupled with the processor for storing the elevation as a first reading.

Abstract: In one example a magnetometer unit comprises logic to receive first magnetic response data from a first magnetic sensor and second magnetic response data from a second magnetic sensor displaced from the first magnetic sensor, generate a composite response surface representation from the first magnetic response data and the second magnetic response data, and store the composite response surface representation in a non-transitory memory. Other examples may be described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sequentially updating a Kalman filter in a navigation system. Respective signals from a plurality of transmitters containing range-finding data are received at a plurality of antennas. For each of the plurality of transmitters, a single differenced observable is calculated between a given pair of the plurality of antennas. A common bias, stored as a state in a Kalman filter, is subtracted from the calculated single differenced observable for each of the plurality of transmitters to provide respective double differenced residual values. A plurality of states stored in the Kalman filter are updated using the double differenced residual values.

Abstract: The determining circuitry defines as, calculation positional information, positional information calculated based on a speed of a vehicle obtained by a speed obtaining circuitry and a period of time corresponding to an obtainment interval of positional information. The determining circuitry determines whether the positional information of the vehicle obtained from a positional information obtaining circuitry is abnormal based on a comparison between the calculation positional information and the positional information.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for receiving a plurality of signals generated by a plurality of sensors adapted to detect physical movement of a mobile device with respect to a plurality of coordinate axes. A time at which at least one of the received signals is digitized is delayed to provide an output of digitized versions of the received plurality of signals synchronized with respect to a common point in time.

Abstract: A method of determining a heading of a machine having an implement is provided. The method includes determining a first heading data of the machine using an inertial sensor. The method includes determining a second heading data of the machine using a magnetometer. The method includes determining a position of the implement in a stationary state. The method also includes calculating a corrected second heading data based on a predefined relation between the position of the implement in the stationary state and the second heading data. The method further includes determining the heading of the machine based on the first heading data and the corrected second heading data.

Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed that provides navigational guidance to boats needing to cross a boundary line at a milestone event time. Port and starboard laylines and guidelines may be displayed with the boundary line using wind direction data. The port and starboard layline angles may change with the wind direction, while their lengths may represent a distance traversed by the boat tacking at the port and starboard layline angles for a target time period at a target speed. A predictor line may be displayed extending from the boat in the direction in which the boat is traveling and may have a length indicating a distance traversed by the boat at its current speed until the milestone event time. The predictor line length and color may provide feedback regarding whether the boat will cross the boundary too early or too late given its current speed and direction.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to obtain, with one or more processors, a speed profile of a vehicle system for a designated route traveled by the vehicle system. The designated route includes a plurality of segments, and the speed profile includes a planned segment speed for each segment. One or more planned segment speeds are identified that correspond to a point of interest, and respective priorities are assigned to the identified segment speeds based on the point of interest forming prioritized segment speeds. First discrete numeral values are displayed on a display, representing the planned segment speeds of the prioritized segments that are within a predetermined distance forward of a motion of the vehicle system. Second discrete numeral values are displayed on the display, corresponding to remaining segment speeds that are within the predetermined distance, until a predetermined threshold of discrete numeral values is reached.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for transmitting map data images in a limited bandwidth environment. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining or predicting, using a processor, a traffic condition or a weather condition for a location. The method further comprises developing at least one map image depicting the traffic condition or weather condition. The method further comprises encoding the map image in at least one payload. The method further comprises transmitting the at least one payload over-the-air to a navigation device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a device that automatically orients and displays a map of a region according to the natural viewing orientation of the map. In some embodiments, the device examines data associated with the map to determine whether it can identify a natural viewing orientation of the map that differs from the geographic orientation of the map. When the device is able to identify such a natural viewing orientation, it displays the map according to this natural viewing orientation instead of the geographic orientation of the map. On the other hand, when the device is not able to identify a natural viewing orientation that differs from the geographic orientation, the device displays the map according to its geographic orientation. In some embodiments, the geographic orientation of the map is north-up orientation (where north is up (e.g., top center of the page), south is down, west is left, and east is right).

Abstract: A navigation application that provides a dynamic set of warnings based on a set of collected and calculated data. The navigation application collects a series of data and identifies a set of critical points along the route. The navigation application analyzes the collected data to determine whether to provide a navigation warning to the user. The navigation application uses the collected data to determine whether a navigation instruction for the critical point should be modified to account for different driving conditions. Finally, the navigation application of some embodiments determines a timing for when a navigation instruction should be provided to the user, ensuring that the instruction is presented to the user with sufficient time to safely adjust their behavior.

Abstract: A server acquires location information data and direction information data. The location information data indicates a travel path of vehicles with discrete locations. The direction information data indicates a traveling direction at each location indicated by the location information data. The server generates information about a new travel route that does not exist in the map data, based on off-route location information data indicative of a travel path deviated from travel routes existing in map data. The server estimates partial travel routes indicative of parts of the new travel route, based on the off-route location information data and the direction information data indicative of associated traveling directions of vehicles. The server then estimates the shape of the new travel route, based on the estimated partial travel routes.

Abstract: A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle includes identifying a road to be driven by the driver using a position determination unit. A parameter is selected to assist a driver of the vehicle in driving a segment of the road. The parameter includes information on the location of a boundary along the road and a preferred trajectory to be driven along the road. The parameter has a series of values corresponding to a plurality of locations along the road. A controller determines whether a current trajectory of the vehicle while travelling the road is deviating from the preferred trajectory of the vehicle along the road. A feedback operation is provided to assist the driver in guiding the vehicle nearer to the preferred trajectory based on the selected parameter.

Abstract: An analysis method includes: acquiring first path information indicating a first movement path, first velocity information of a first moving body on the first movement path, second path information indicating a second movement path, and second velocity information of a second moving body on the second movement path; calculating, based on a specific rule, a similarity between the first velocity information and the second velocity information when the first path information and the second path information are extracted as candidates to be integrated; determining, based on the similarity, whether the first path information and second path information are to be integrated; and generating graph information to draw at least a part of the first path information and at least a part of the second path information as a single path when it is determined that the first path information and the second path information are to be integrated.

Abstract: An electronic device of an accident vehicle obtains position information of vehicles which fall within a predetermined range of the accident vehicle. The electronic device sends accident information of the accident vehicle to the vehicles which joins a temporary group. The electronic device calculates a driving route for each vehicle according to the accident information and releases the temporary group when the accident vehicle has been processed.

Abstract: Technologies for sharing route navigation data in a community cloud include a mobile navigation device of a vehicle and a remote mobile navigation device of a remote vehicle. The mobile navigation device generates sensor data associated with a current route of the vehicle and determines whether a reference traffic event occurs within a segment of the current route of the vehicle. In response to a determination that a reference traffic event occurs, the mobile navigation devices transmits route update data to the remote mobile navigation device. Based on the route update data, the remote mobile navigation device updates a current route of the remote vehicle to avoid the reference traffic event within a corresponding segment of the current route of the remote vehicle. The mobile navigation device may also transmit the sensor data to a community compute device, which may transmit route update data to the remote mobile navigation device.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide turn-by-turn directions to a group of users who wish to meet one another. The systems and methods make use of a client application running on client-side devices such as smart phones in conjunction with a server-side application running on a server. The identity of the final meeting place may not be determined until the users are in close proximity to it, as its location is subject to continuous updating using the geo-coordinates of the users as they travel. Additionally, the meeting place may be determined in part by the users' individual preferences. These preferences, along with the locations of the users, may be kept hidden from other users.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide turn-by-turn directions to a group of users who wish to meet one another. The systems and methods make use of a client application running on client-side devices such as smart phones in conjunction with a server-side application running on a server. The identity of the final meeting place may not be determined until the users are in close proximity to it, as its location is subject to continuous updating using the geo-coordinates of the users as they travel. Additionally, the meeting place may be determined in part by the users' individual preferences. These preferences, along with the locations of the users, may be kept hidden from other users.

Abstract: A method of creating map data including search acceleration data arranged to increase the speed at which a route can be planned across an electronic map comprising a plurality of navigable segments, each navigable segment representing a segment of a navigable route in the area covered by the map, wherein the method comprises: a) reducing the number of navigable segments to be considered in the creation of the search acceleration data by removing navigable segments to form a core network of navigable segments; b) dividing the electronic map into a set of hierarchical regions such that the or each navigable segment is categorized into at least one region in each level of the hierarchy; c) using a time varying function associated with at least some, and generally each, navigable segment of the core network to determine whether that navigable segment is part of minimum cost route to at least one of the regions and recording this determination in the search acceleration data.

Abstract: A set of images that each include a time and a date of image capture, a location of image capture, and a directional bearing of image capture are evaluated. The direction bearing of image capture specifies a direction of image capture relative to the respective location of image capture of each image. Images are correlated among the set of images that include a comparable date, time, and location of image capture. By analysis of image content within the correlated images, a determination is made that the correlated images include different directional representations of a single event, and that the single event is distinct from static fixed-location points of interest. Using the directional bearing of image capture of each correlated image, a location of an intersection region that results from intersecting directional bearings of image capture of the correlated images is identified as a dynamic attraction.

Abstract: Arrangements relate to determining a travel route. An origin and a destination of intended travel can be received. A plurality of first inputs can be received. Each first input can relate to the availability of a respective communication channel between the origin and the destination. Each first input can create at least one data item representing the availability of the respective communication channel. One or more suggested travel routes between the origin and the destination can be determined based on one or more of the received plurality of first inputs. At least a subset of the determined one or more suggested travel routes can be presented to a user.

Abstract: Arrangements relate to determining a travel route. An origin and a destination of intended travel can be received. A plurality of first inputs can be received. Each first input can relate to the availability of a respective communication channel between the origin and the destination. Each first input can create at least one data item representing the availability of the respective communication channel. One or more suggested travel routes between the origin and the destination can be determined based on one or more of the received plurality of first inputs. At least a subset of the determined one or more suggested travel routes can be presented to a user.