Abstract: A user-heading determining system (10) for pedestrian use includes a multiple-axis accelerometer (110) having acceleration sensors; a device-heading sensor circuit (115) physically situated in a fixed relationship to the accelerometer (110); an electronic circuit (100) operable to generate signals representing components of acceleration sensed by the accelerometer (110) sensors, and to electronically process at least some part of the signals to produce an estimation of attitude of a user motion with respect to the accelerometer, and further to combine the attitude estimation (750, ?) with a device heading estimation (770, ?) responsive to the device-heading sensor circuit, to produce a user heading estimation (780); and an electronic display (190) responsive to the electronic circuit (100) to display information at least in part based on the user heading estimation. Other systems, circuits and processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for generating a sketch map in a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a sketch map generating unit. The sketch map generating unit collects information about route points of the portable terminal by using location information, generates a sketch map message including the route information, and shares the generated sketch map message with another user.

Abstract: A turning progress display apparatus is provided. The turning progress display apparatus includes an azimuth information acquiring module configured to acquire azimuth information that is at least one of information of an orientation of a movable body, information of a traveling direction of the movable body, and information that changes cooperating with a change of the orientation of the movable body, a progress calculating module configured to calculate a progress of the turn based on the azimuth information acquired by the azimuth information acquiring module and a target value of the azimuth information, and a display unit configured to display the turning progress calculated by the progress calculating module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for recognizing driving environment for an autonomous vehicle. The apparatus includes a controller configured to receive navigation information from a satellite navigation receiver. The controller is further configured to receive map data from a map storage and image data from an image sensor regarding captured images from around a vehicle and distance information from a distance sensor regarding sensed objects positioned around the vehicle. The controller is also configured to determine a fusion method for information measured by the image sensor and the distance sensor based on a receiving state of the satellite navigation receiver and precision of the map data to recognize the driving environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a navigation device which includes an obtaining unit that, when updating contents introduction data which introduces the latest updating contents of an arbitrary home page is sent from the outside, obtains the updating contents introduction data, a position information generation unit that generates position information according to the latitude and longitude information included in the updating contents introduction data, and a position registration unit that registers the position information in a predetermined storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing system for a vehicle that calculates a recommended position of a driving operation in a predetermined area in which the driving operation is supported. The information processing system for a vehicle includes storage means for storing driving operation information of a driver and position information of the vehicle in each predetermined area so as to be associated with each other. The information processing system for a vehicle specifies a driving operation pattern of the predetermined area considering the state of the driving operation over the inside and outside of the predetermined area and determines the recommended position of the driving operation in the predetermined area according to the specified driving operation pattern, on the basis of the information stored in the storage means.

Abstract: A method for transferring data from an image-data-based map service for use in an assistance system of a vehicle includes the following: ascertaining the position and/or orientation of the vehicle, retrieving image data of the vehicle surroundings from the image-data-based map service, extracting items of information from the image data of the map service, and transferring the items of information into the assistance system.

Abstract: In a method for determining a course of a traffic lane for a vehicle (10), structures that demarcate a trafficable space are detected in image data from an image acquisition unit (2), and these structures are plotted on a surroundings map (20) that subdivides the surroundings of the vehicle into a two-dimensional grid (20a) of cells (21). The position of the vehicle in the grid of the surroundings map is determined and updated by odometric data. The distance and the direction of the vehicle (10) relative to those cells (21b) of the grid (20a) having structures that demarcate the pavement and/or the traffic lane are determined. Brightness transitions in the image data are detected and are plotted on the cells (21) of the grid (20a). The course of the traffic lane (22) is determined from the cells with the detected brightness transitions.

Abstract: An approach is provided for calculating a final estimated time of arrival to at least one destination location based, at least in part, on multiple estimated time of arrival provided by one or more devices and/or services for one or more routing segments. The approach involves determining at least one route, wherein the at least one route includes a plurality of segments navigated using a plurality of devices or services. The approach also involves receiving at least one individual estimated time of arrival from at least one of the plurality of devices or services, wherein the at least one individual estimated time of arrival is for at least one of the plurality of segments associated with the at least one of the plurality of devices or services, and wherein the at least one individual estimated time of arrival is calculated independently by the at least one of the plurality of devices or services.

Abstract: A system for setting an end location of a path of operation of a machine at a work site includes a position sensor configured to determine a position of a path at the work site and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a position of a first path and a position of a second path, the first path and the second path defining a pair of paths on opposite sides of the path of operation and determine a physical characteristic of the pair of paths based upon the position of the first path and the position of the second path. The controller is further configured to determine whether the physical characteristic of the pair of paths is less than a threshold characteristic and set the end location of the path of operation if the physical characteristic of the pair of paths is less than the threshold characteristic.

Abstract: Initial navigation directions are generated to guide a vehicle along an initial route between an origin and a destination. When the vehicle is a certain location disposed along the initial route, an alternate route to the destination is determined, such that the alternate route and the initial route diverge at a point of divergence between the current location of the vehicle and the destination. Boundaries of an announcement window within which the alternate route can be suggested are determined in view of a current speed of the vehicle. When the point of divergence is within the announcement window, generating, by the one or more processors, an interactive prompt to suggest that the alternate route be selected, such that the interactive prompt is not generated when the point of divergence is outside the announcement window.

Abstract: A navigation device has an evaluation unit for determining a maximal range, which can be traveled in the current driving operation mode with an amount of energy stored in an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, and a display unit for displaying a road map, on which a border of an action field delimited by the determined at least one maximum range is presented. A range indicator can be adapted with low expenditure to different types of road maps. On the basis of the graphic data of the road map to be indicated, a graphic processing unit produces a representation of the road map with a region that is offset in terms of height in relation to a map plane. An extension of a border of the region that is offset in terms of height corresponds to the extension of the border of the action field.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for improved navigation using the global positioning system (GPS). A method of improved navigation includes transmitting a destination to a navigation server through a wireless communication channel. The method further includes transmitting position information from a GPS-enabled device to the navigation server through the wireless communication channel automatically at a time interval. The method further includes generating navigation information by the navigation server. The navigation information is based on the position information and the destination. The method further includes receiving navigation information on the GPS-enabled device from the navigation server through the wireless communication channel.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for presenting the viewability of a point of interest (POI) on a map are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A set of viewing coverage information is located. A subset of the viewing coverage information is associated with a point of observation on the map. A viewing coverage information corresponds to a view of the POI from the point of observation. The viewing coverage information comprises a viewing coverage fraction that represents a portion of the POI visible in the view. The point of observation is plotted corresponding to the subset of the viewing coverage information such that the point of observation is represented on the map as a visually distinct area on the map and has a corresponding combined viewing coverage value. A plot of the point of observation resulting from the plotting is presented on the map as an overlay.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for rendering maps using canvasses. One method includes: presenting a portion of a first map in a first canvas of a user interface; receiving a user input to perform a function associated with changing a display presentation of the first map; populating a second canvas with a second map associated with the first map; exposing at least a portion of the second canvas; and hiding at least a portion of the first canvas.

Abstract: Presentation of navigation directions in mapping applications is customized by obtaining navigation instructions that direct a user from a starting point to a destination. The navigation instructions are displayed via a user interface. For each of the navigation instructions, an individually operable user control for specifying an instruction-specific presentation rule is provided. Instruction-specific presentation rules are received prior to the user departing from the starting point toward the destination. The navigation instructions are presented during navigation in accordance with the received instruction-specific presentation rules.

Abstract: A map preparation apparatus includes a position information acquisition section, an input information acquisition section, and a selection section. The position information acquisition section acquires position information of a user who is moving. The input information acquisition section acquires input information including a date and time when the user starts moving and a date and time when the user finishes moving. The selection section selects map information from preregistered map information on the basis of the position information acquired by the position information acquisition section and on the basis of the input information acquired by the input information acquisition section. The selected map information includes a route in a ratio equal to or larger than a predetermined ratio. The route is taken from the date and time when the user starts moving to the date and time when the user finishes moving.

Abstract: A system for navigation along a desired route on a desired future date may include a map interface operable to display a traffic condition and a travel time received via a communication network, and an automobile navigation network communicatively coupled to the communication network. The automobile navigation network may estimate the traffic condition and the travel time for travel along the desired route on the desired future date based on historical travel information, current traffic information and current weather information. Information regarding the estimated travel conditions may be automatically communicated to the map interface. The traffic condition may include geographic location information and/or route information. The historical travel information may include historical traffic information.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for monitoring single arm walking aid use of a user including providing a sensor on at least one of a left shoe, a right shoe and a single arm walking aid, using the sensor, determining a relative position of a set of footsteps by a left foot, a set of footsteps by a right foot, and a set of placements of the single arm walking aid, and using the relative position data, determining whether the user is practicing correct single arm walking aid use.

Abstract: An arrangement for reading a sensor element in a vehicle includes a sensor element. The sensor element has at least one analog signal output. The arrangement further includes a first control unit. The first control unit has at least one first signal input. The arrangement further includes a second control unit. The second control unit has at least one second signal input. The signal output is connected to the at least one first signal input. The signal output is further connected to the at least one second signal input using a voltage divider.

Abstract: A system having a sensor using one or more magnetic field detectors to determine its position on a path of travel relative to one or more magnets situated on the path. The magnets may be electromagnets arranged in regions along the path with a region between two electromagnets. One or more electromagnets may be selectively activated so as to define a region where the sensor is present. An indication from the system may provide a position of the sensor within a region and identify the region where the sensor is situated.

Abstract: A system of monitoring a black cell environment using sensors is presented, in which the sensors can be easily replaced during a sealed period of the black cell environment. The black-cell monitoring system includes at least one sealed vessel that is disposed within the black cell environment. The vessel is configured to store a hazardous mixed substance and is sealed from the external environment for a pre-determined amount of time. The black-cell monitoring system also includes at least one tubing that extends from the outside of the vessel to the inside of the vessel. The black-cell monitoring system also includes a fiber optic cable that is disposed within the lumen of the tubing. At least a portion of the fiber optic cable is disposed within a portion of the tubing located inside the sealed vessel.

Abstract: Two dimensional encoder system and method designed to improve accuracy, compactness, stability, resolution, and/or light efficiency of metrology carried out with such system and method. Embodiments employ a novel retroreflector which while particularly useful in present invention, is believed to have more general utility in optical imaging systems and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (10), in particular for use in a motor vehicle, having a housing (11) for accommodating a sensor element (1), wherein the sensor element (1) has electrical contact areas (2, 3) which are connected to electrical plug connections (18, 19) arranged in the housing (11) in an electrically conductive manner in the region of contacts (23, 24) of the plug connections (18, 19), wherein a force is applied to the sensor element (1) for the purpose of making electrical contact with a housing element in the direction of the plug connections (18, 19). The invention provides for the electrical plug connections (18, 19) to be arranged in a stationary manner in the housing (11) in the region of the contacts (23, 24) with the electrical contact areas (2, 3) of the sensor element (1), and for a support to be formed between the sensor element (1) and the housing (11) in such a manner that the sensor element (1) has three-point contact in the housing (11).

Abstract: A capsule including two shells secured to each other so to be joined by a common closed surface and together defining, on both sides of the surface, a closed space delimited by the shells. At least one of the two shells is a flexible membrane configured to deform under effect of a physical magnitude. At least the membrane is made of at least partially amorphous metal alloy to optimize dimensions of the capsule.

Abstract: An example instrument cluster includes a light guide having a first end portion and a display located adjacent the first end portion of the light guide for emitting light into the light guide.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to bed monitoring device for monitoring bodily activity of a person and in particular vital signs such as respiration, cardiac activity and body's physical movement, including the presence, absence, step out or even falling out of a person using a sleeping environment such as a bed; mattress; top-mattress, bedding such as mattress covers, and pillow covers; a pad; a futon and the like. Based on the monitoring of bodily activity, the bed-monitoring device further allows determining sleep comfort and sleeping position of the user. It accordingly provides a valuable R&D tool to manufacturers of sleeping articles like beds, mattresses, top-mattresses, futons and the like; but also in counselling consumers when buying sleeping articles under professional guidance. The bed monitoring device of the present invention is characterized in comprising an optical fiber fixed to or mixed into a flat body positioned within said sleeping environment.

Abstract: A method for determining a lightning hazard distribution of a power network, includes: deriving a shielding failure lightning hazard distribution of the power network and a back flashover lightning hazard distribution of the power network from the number of ground lightning in each grid and ranges of hazardous currents, and deriving a historical lightning hazard distribution of the power network from a lightning faults database of the power network and the grids; and determining the lightning hazard distribution of the power network by integrating the shielding failure lightning hazard distribution of the power network, the back flashover lightning hazard distribution of the power network and the historical lightning hazard distribution of the power network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device (12) for determining a fluid fill level (14) in a fuel tank (10) for a vehicle. The position of a float (18) in relation to a signal generating unit (22) which can be attached on the fuel tank (10) can hereby be converted into a signal that is correlated with the fill level (14) of the undeformed fuel tank (10). A correction device (48, 54, 56) is designed for measuring a deformation of the fuel tank (10) and is used for correcting the signal. The invention also relates to a method for determining a fluid fill level (14) in a fuel tank (10) for a vehicle.

Abstract: An installation hole, in which a detector is accommodated, is formed in a substantially central portion of a body of a vortex flowmeter. A first ring is formed on an annular wall that forms a boundary between a first aperture portion and a second aperture portion of the installation hole. In the detector, a detecting element made up from a piezoelectric element is accommodated in a holder. A pair of second rings is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the holder. By inserting the detector in the installation hole, the second rings are placed in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the installation hole, and the first ring comes into abutment with a boundary region of the holder. Consequently, a seal is formed between the detector and the body by the first and second rings.

Abstract: A flow meter comprising a magnet, a substantially non-magnetic conduit adapted to convey conductive fluid flowing in said conduit, said conduit arranged proximate to said magnet, and a sensor for sensing distortion of lines of force created by said magnet when said fluid flows in said conduit. Neither the magnet nor the sensor need be in physical contact with the conduit that carries the conductive fluid.

Abstract: A magneto inductive flow measuring device comprising a measuring tube and coil systems arranged thereon, wherein each coil system includes a coil and a coil core so led through the coil that the coil core protrudes from the coil, wherein two coil systems are so arranged on the measuring tube on a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tube that a pole shoe is arranged between the measuring tube and the coil cores protruding from the coil systems.

Abstract: The design and manufacture method of a silicon mass flow sensor made with silicon micromachining (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) process for applications of gas flow measurement with highly humidified or liquid vapors is disclosed in the present invention. The said silicon mass flow sensor operates with an embedded heater and an adjacent control temperature sensor beneath the integrated calorimetric and thermal dissipative sensing thermistors. When the condensation takes place at the surface of the said silicon mass flow sensor, the embedded heater shall be turned on to elevate the temperature of the supporting membrane or substrate for the sensing thermistors. The elevated temperature shall be adjusted to above the vaporization temperature with the feedback data of the adjacent temperature sensor such that the surface condensation due to the presence of the liquid vapors in a gas flow can be effectively eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Coriolis mass flow meter, a vibrating tube density meter and a vibrating sheet used therein, and more particularly, to a vibrating sheet for use in a Coriolis mass flow meter or a vibrating tube density meter, the vibrating sheet having at least one welded connecting portion that is fixedly welded to the flow tube of the Coriolis mass flow meter or the vibrating tube density meter, the flow tube being excited to vibrate around a revolving axis at the welded junction of the vibrating sheet and the flow tube. The welded connecting portions of the vibrating sheet are only formed in the stress insensitive region of the vibrating sheet, wherein the stress insensitive region is the region of the vibrating sheet which has an angle of not more than 45 degrees with respect to the revolving axis. In addition, the present invention also provides a Coriolis mass flow meter and a vibrating tube density meter using the vibrating sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).

Abstract: A system for measuring a level of dry bulk material within a container has a columnar device supported vertically within the container. The columnar device has a closed lower end and openings through a sidewall thereof for allowing dry bulk material within the container to flow into and out of the columnar device. A load cell is used to measure a weight of the dry bulk material within the columnar device, which is then correlated to the level of dry bulk solids within the container. The columnar device and the sidewall openings therein can be provided in various shapes and configurations.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of measuring and profiling a process liquid in a process vessel. The process liquid includes an emulsion layer between two media of differing dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is generated and transmitted along a probe, defining a transmission line, extending into the vessel. The transmission line comprises a conductor in contact with the process liquid with an insulating coating on the conductor to maximize signal penetration in the process liquid. A reflected signal is received from the transmission line and a programmed controller is operatively connected to the probe for measuring characteristics of reflected signal energy along the transmission line for profiling the emulsion layer.

Abstract: A force-measuring device (1) for a gravimetric measuring instrument has a stationary part (11) and a load-receiving part (12). Parallel guide members (14, 15) connect the receiving parts. The device also has at least one balance beam (19) connected to the load-receiving part through a coupling element (17) acting on a first lever arm (18) thereof, and which, at a second lever arm (20) thereof, is connected to a measurement transducer (22) which is arranged on the stationary part. Further levers (29, 30) can be arranged, respectively, between the first lever arm and the load-receiving part, and between the second lever arm and the measurement transducer. At least one sliding weight (23, 23A, 23B) is arranged on the at least one balance beam, wherein the position of each of the sliding weights present can be varied in a controlled way by means of at least one drive mechanism.

Abstract: A photosensor is provided with a sensor circuit assembly. The sensor circuit assembly includes a light emitter, a light receiver, a light-emitter support, a light-receiver support, and a connecting part. The light emitter and the light receiver face each other. The light-emitter support extends from and supports the light emitter. The light-receiver support extends from and supports the light receiver. The connecting part connects one end of the light-emitter support with one end of the light-receiver support. The connecting part includes a seal and a connection terminal that protrudes from the seal. The connection terminal includes a first press-contact part, and a first pressure part that presses the first press-contact part in a press-contact direction.

Abstract: A method of measuring ultraviolet light includes observing an ultraviolet portion of ambient light with an ultraviolet light sensor, measuring an intensity of a visible portion of the ambient light with a visible light sensor, and estimating an intensity of the ultraviolet portion of the ambient light based on the measured intensity of the visible portion of the ambient light if the observed ultraviolet portion of the ambient light exceeds a threshold intensity.

Abstract: An optical sensor device includes a light emitter for emitting, to a living body, lights having two wavelengths and blinking at a predetermined frequency, and a light receiver for receiving the lights from the living body. The light receiver outputs first and second detection signals corresponding to the respective wavelengths. A filter circuit extracts, from the first and second detection signals, modulation signals that are obtained with amplitude modulation of signals of the predetermined frequency. The modulation signals are amplified by a post-amplifier and are taken into an arithmetic processing unit after being converted to digital signals by an AD converter. The arithmetic processing unit calculates DC components and AC components of the first and second detection signals by employing the modulation signals converted the digital signals.

Abstract: This invention discloses a self-referencing spectrometer that simultaneously auto-calibrate and measure optical spectra of physical object utilizing shared aperture as optical inputs. The concurrent measure and self-calibrate capabilities makes it possible as an attachment spectrometer on a mobile computing device without requiring an off-line calibration with an external reference light source. Through the mobile computing device, the obtained spectral information and imagery captured can be distributed through the wireless communication networks.

Abstract: A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.

Abstract: Measuring the polarimetric response of an optical instrument includes the steps of: emitting light along an optical axis; receiving the light through first and second polarizers; and detecting the light received through the first and second polarizers, using a filter and a detector. A first set of measurements is obtained by measuring the intensity of light received through the first and second polarizers. A second set of measurements is obtained by placing an optical instrument along the optical axis in lieu of the filter and detector; and measuring the intensity of light received through the first polarizer, after the second polarizer has been removed. A third set of measurements is obtained using the optical instrument but having the second polarizer replace the first polarizer. The optical instrument may be characterized using the first, second and third sets of measurements. The characterization is completed without having to know the extinction ratios and the transmittance parameters of the polarizers.

Abstract: A system for easily determining average ellipsometric parameters based on data obtained from two different locations on a planar or non-planar shaped object, along with its method of use.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying hostile fire. A characteristic of a fired projectile is detected using an optical system and the projectile's travel path in relation to a vehicle is determined. If the determined travel path of the projectile is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, it is determined that the projectile is hostile towards the vehicle and a warning is output.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor unit that includes a mounting portion fixed on one side of the sensor unit; an elastic member including a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed on the mounting portion; a transmission portion configured to transmit a detectable signal, the transmission portion disposed on the second end of the elastic member; a reception portion configured to receive a reflection of the detectable signal; and a controller that determines whether the reflected signal indicates an impact, motion, or impending impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for using a portable near (infrared light emitting diode) IR LED light source and photogrammetry for boresight harmonization of aircraft and ground vehicle components. In one embodiment, orientation and positional parameters of two or more fixed points and distances between the two or more fixed points are measured using the portable near IR LED light source with a photogrammetric system. The two or more fixed points are reference points within the aircraft or the land vehicle. Further, the measured orientation and positional parameters of the two or more fixed points and the distances between the two or more fixed points on the aircraft or the land vehicle are compared with specified design parameters of the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle. Furthermore, the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle is harmonized based on an outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A rear-surface-irradiation-type infrared sensor includes a substrate having a through hole passing through between an upper surface and a lower surface; an infrared absorption part on the substrate on a side of the upper surface separate from the substrate by the through hole; and a temperature sensor part detecting a change in a temperature of the infrared absorption part. The through hole includes a first through hole part having an opening on the upper surface and one or more second through hole parts having shapes different from the first through hole constituent part. The first through hole part and the second through hole part(s) communicate with each other. In a cross-sectional shape of the through hole on a plane perpendicular to the upper surface, an inside wall of the first through hole part is outside an inside wall of the of second through hole part(s).