Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having a simple configuration capable of correctly detecting malfunction of an OCT apparatus by detecting the states of a light source and a sensor. An image pickup apparatus includes a switching unit that switches between a first mode in which a combined light beam of a return light beam from a specimen and a reference light beam is detectable by a detecting unit and a second mode in which the reference light beam is detectable by the detecting unit. The image pickup apparatus is switchable to the first mode on the basis of an intensity of the reference light beam detected by the detecting unit in the second mode.

Abstract: A surface emitting laser according to the present invention includes a lower reflector, a first spacer layer, an active layer, a second spacer layer composed of a semiconductor material, a gap section formed of at least one of vacuum and gas, and an upper reflector in the written order, and also includes a control mechanism that changes a distance between an interface between the second spacer layer and the gap section and an interface between the upper reflector and the gap section. An optical path length neff×d extending from an interface between the lower reflector and the first spacer layer to an interface between the second spacer layer and the gap section satisfies a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An accessory for an articulated head of a tridimensional coordinate measuring machine, machine tool or programmable manipulator. The invention includes a light source that is applicable adjacent to the measure probe in order to light selectively the measure point. The accessory can include an image capture device.

Abstract: A method for receiving user inputs in a system comprising a projector and a camera is provided. The method is based on determining an object's height above a reference surface. A surface map is used for mapping a location on the reference surface and a corresponding location in a camera-captured image having a view of the reference surface. In particular, a camera-observed shadow length, i.e. a length of the object's shadow observable by the camera, estimated by using the surface map, is used to compute the object's height above the reference surface (a Z coordinate). Whether or not the object touches the reference surface is also obtainable. After an XY coordinate is estimated, a 3D coordinate of the object is obtained. By computing a time sequence of 3D coordinates, the motional information, such as velocity and acceleration, is obtainable.

Abstract: A multi view-point image composed of a great number of images according to a shape of an object is generated or an information processing method used for generating a three-dimensional model or performing image processing of arbitrary view-point object recognition is provided, and based on a plurality of captured images obtained by imaging of the object from a plurality of view points by an imaging means, a relative position and orientation with respect to the object relative to the imaging means for each of the plurality of view points is calculated, and based on the calculated plurality of relative positions and orientations, a missing position and orientation of the imaging means in a direction in which imaging by the imaging means is missing is calculated, and an image used for displaying the calculated missing position and orientation on a display means is generated.

Abstract: A system is described for tracking a position of a receiver medium as it travels along a media path. A heat source provides heat to the receiver medium in a localized area sufficient to permanently deform the receiver medium to form a reference mark. A light source illuminates the receiver medium, and a sensor is used to sense light from the light source that is transmitted through the receiver medium or reflected from the receiver medium thereby providing a sensed light level signal. The sensed light level signal is analyzed to determine a position of the receiver medium by detecting a change in the sensed light level signal that is characteristic of the physical deformation associated with the reference mark.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance measurement apparatus. The distance measurement apparatus according to the present invention has, mounted thereon, a light transmitting portion which emits light, and a light receiving portion including a light receiving element where a spot of the light is collimated. The present invention comprises: a tilting base; and a rotating reflector which reflects the light emitted by the light transmitting portion to an object, and reflects the light reflected or scattered by the object to the light receiving portion.

Abstract: This application relates to determining uniformity of a housing for a computing device based on characteristics of a reflected pattern of light incident upon the housing. The reflected pattern of light can include an array of shapes such as dots whose orientation and location can provide indications of uniformity for the housing. The array of shapes are analyzed to determine certain geometric properties such as area for each shape in the array of shapes. The geometric properties can thereafter be compared to a predetermined geometric, threshold, or tolerance value, and each shape can be assigned a rank of uniformity. Once a rank of uniformity is defined for each shape, a compilation of uniformity values can be generated and used to find portions on the housing where the housing is not uniform or flat.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.

Abstract: A ranging apparatus includes a body, a substrate on which a sensor unit is mounted and fitted to a surface of the body, a sensor holder attached to the surface of the body and configured to hold the substrate, a lens unit attached to another surface of the body, and a positioning mechanism to position and connect the body, the surface and the sensor holder. The positioning mechanism includes first and second engaging parts which are provided between the body and the substrate and configured to engage the body and the substrate, and third and fourth engaging parts which are provided between the substrate and the sensor holder and configured to engage the substrate and the sensor holder. The first and second engaging parts are different in shape, and the third and fourth engaging parts are different in shape.

Abstract: A right angle square includes a right isosceles triangle shaped right angle square with three sides. The three sides comprise a pitch edge, a hypotenuse, and another side. The right angle square also has a closed and arced angular measurement tube extending along a portion of a circumferential arc between the non-hypotenuse sides and the tube contains a fluid and a bubble that moved through the fluid. The right angle square also has a measurement scale. When the pitch edge is aligned against a slope to be measured, the bubble rises to the highest point in the tube, and the bubble is aligned on the measurement scale at a point along the measurement scale corresponding to the slope being measured.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an aerial collection system includes an image collection field vehicle that travels at street level and an image collection aerial vehicle that travels in the air above the street. The aerial vehicle collects image data including at least a portion of the field vehicle. The field vehicle includes a marker, which is identified from the collected image data. The marker is analyzed to determine an operating characteristic of the aerial vehicle. In one example, the operating characteristic in the marker includes information for a flight instruction for the aerial vehicle. In another example, the operating characteristic in the marker includes information for the three dimensional relationship between the vehicles. The three dimensional relationship is used to combine images collected from the air and images collected from the street level.

Abstract: A control system includes a processor that operates one or more control loops that enable gyroscopic angular measurement for an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Each of the one or more control loops operates over a range of set points defined for each of the respective control loops. A dynamic loop adjuster receives environmental input data to determine environmental conditions for the IMU. The dynamic loop adjuster alters at least one of the set points for at least one of the one or more control loops operated by the processor based on the determined environmental conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to inductive inertial sensors employing a magnetic drive and/or sense architecture. In embodiments, translational gyroscopes utilize a conductive coil made to vibrate in a first dimension as a function of a time varying current driven through the coil in the presence of a magnetic field. Sense coils register an inductance that varies as a function of an angular velocity in a second dimension. In embodiments, the vibrating coil causes first and second mutual inductances in the sense coils to deviate from each other as a function of the angular velocity. In embodiments, self-inductances associated with a pair of meandering coils vary as a function of an angular velocity in a second dimension. In embodiments, package build-up layers are utilized to fabricate the inductive inertial sensors, enabling package-level integrated inertial sensing advantageous in small form factor computing platforms, such as mobile devices.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an environmentally robust micro-wineglass gyroscope includes the steps of stacking and bonding of at least an inner glass layer and an outer glass layer to a substrate wafer; plastically deforming the inner glass layer into a mushroom-shaped structure and deforming the outer glass layer into a shield capable of extending over the inner glass layer, while leaving the inner and outer glass layers connectable at a central post location; removing the substrate layer and a portion of the inner glass layer so that a perimeter of the inner glass layer is free; and bonding the deformed inner and outer glass layers to a handle wafer. The resulting structure is an environmentally robust micro-wineglass gyroscope which has a double ended supported central post location for the mushroom-shaped structure of the inner glass layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a route-planning device (200;302) comprising a storage section (230;308) storing map information, the map information including information identifying a plurality of potential positions, each potential position corresponding to a position at which a location of a predetermined type might potentially be found; and a search route module (490) arranged to determine a search route visiting at least one of the potential positions, the determination of the search route using a predetermined efficiency measure based on likelihood of finding a location of the predetermined type.

Abstract: A course creation support apparatus includes an acquisition module configured to acquire at least one of area information indicative of an area and landmark information indicative of a landmark, an identification module configured to identify a component of a circuit course based on the information acquired by the acquisition module, and a creation module configured to create a circuit course includes the component identified by the identification module.

Abstract: An electronic device can provide an interactive map with non-visual output, thereby making the map accessible to visually impaired users. The map can be based on a starting location defined based on a current location of the electronic device or on a location entered by the user. Nearby paths, nearby points of interest, or directions from the starting location to an ending location can be identified via audio output. Users can touch a screen of the electronic device in order to virtually explore a neighborhood. A user can be alerted when he is moving along or straying from a path, approaching an intersection or point of interest, or changing terrains. Thus, the user can familiarize himself with city-level spatial relationships without needing to physically explore unfamiliar surroundings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computing a geographic position of an object or event based on a geographic position of a computing device and a user gesture are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a geographic position of a computing device. The method also includes receiving a user gesture on the computing device to indicate a direction towards a location from the computing device. Further, the method includes defining a geographic position of the location based on the geographic position of the computing device and the user gesture.

Abstract: The present application discloses a personal navigation system for providing route guidance and description information to visually impaired users. The system includes a terminal located near an entrance of an area to be traversed. The terminal stores data related to the physical layout of the area. A plurality of location transmitters are distributed about the area and broadcast a signal. A portable electronic device is configured to receive data from the terminal upon entry and determine the location of the user by processing the broadcasted signal of the transmitters. Route guidance is provided to the user via audible or sensory methods. Information may also be provided to the user describing the surrounding area.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping an indoor environment. A client device may receive an indication of a starting point on a floor plan. The client device may prompt the user to travel in a particular direction and indicate when the user can no longer travel in that direction. As the user travels from the starting point in the designated direction, the client device may gather information about the indoor environment. For example, the client device may gather wireless signal strength data, cellular tower strength data, or video image data while the user travels in the designated direction. The client device may associate the gathered information with the path the user traveled from the starting point to the ending point. The client device may indicate the area for which valid location information is available based on the path the user traveled and the information the user collected.

Abstract: An interactive capability enables a user to dynamically adjust the content of an electronic map. Different modes can be chosen to emphasize features relevant to a particular interest, e.g. commuting, tourism, weather, etc. Combinations of modes can be selected to create a customized map. When a search is conducted, the chosen mode functions as a filter for the retrieved results. The map responds to user input directed to a given feature, to display information relevant to that feature. Tapping or clicking on a highway displays the locations of services along the highway. Touching two points on the map causes available routes between them to be computed and displayed to the user, along with relevant data for each route. Geospatial applications can be integrated with the map to provide information pertaining to the area displayed on the map, and to refine search results to those that are relevant to the area.

Abstract: Arrangements related to determining an estimated time of arrival for vehicle navigation are described. A travel route between an origin and a destination is determined. The travel route includes a toll road. It can be determined whether one or more toll payment areas are located along the toll road. A toll payment delay for the one or more toll payment areas can be determined. Responsive to receiving an indication of automatic toll payment, the toll payment delay for the one or more toll payment areas can be adjusted. An estimated time of arrival to the destination can be determined using the adjusted toll payment delay for the one or more toll payment areas. The determined estimated time of arrival can be presented to a user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for determining the location and direction of travel of a mobile device using map vector constraints is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of updating map data entails capturing an image using a camera, determining a location of an object in the image, creating new map data to represent the object in the image, and updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image. This method may be implemented on a GPS-enabled wireless communications device having an onboard camera which can transmit the new map data to a map server for updating its map database. Determining the position of the object in the image relative to the wireless device may be accomplished using a rangefinder and compass, triangulation of multiple images of the object, or a stereoscopic camera. The accuracy of the GPS position fix may be improved by capturing images of recognizable objects for which location coordinates are available.

Abstract: A method for determining a vehicle position of a vehicle to be located within a defined cruising range in a mapped environment is disclosed, wherein the vehicle position is determined by evaluating the position data of at least one predetermined component of the vehicle, and the position data are made available particularly by way of a plurality of position detecting sensors, which are fixedly arranged within the mapped environment.

Abstract: Arrangements relate to determining a driving action for an autonomous vehicle. An exit event along a current road of a travel route of the autonomous vehicle can be identified. At least one forward vehicle between the autonomous vehicle and the exit event can be detected. A driving action to take relative to the at least one forward vehicle can be determined based on one or more inputs. Such inputs can include a determined availability or unavailability of passing the at least one forward vehicle and/or a determined sufficiency or insufficiency of distance between the at least one forward vehicle and the exit event. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving action. The driving action can be, for example, remaining behind the at least one forward vehicle, passing the at least one forward vehicle or prompting an occupant of the autonomous vehicle to select a driving action.

Abstract: A device for installation in a utility vehicle for warning or consideration of a utility-vehicle-relevant driving restriction. The device includes a receiving unit for receiving at least one item of utility-vehicle-relevant information, which is transmitted from an apparatus arranged on a traffic infrastructure or at least adjacent thereto and which relates to the traffic infrastructure, and a provision unit for providing the item of utility-vehicle-relevant information or an item of information based thereon to the driver of the utility vehicle. The apparatus for placement on or at least adjacent to a traffic infrastructure comprises a functional unit for storing or processing at least one item of utility-vehicle-relevant information relating to the traffic infrastructure and a transmitting unit for transmitting the item of utility-vehicle-relevant information to one or more utility vehicles.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation apparatus including an estimation section which estimates first environmental information in a movement route candidate of an object based on observation information observed in real time in the movement route candidate, an acquisition section which acquires second environmental information of a surrounding of the movement route candidate, and a guidance section which guides a movement direction for the object based on the first environmental information estimated by the estimation section and the second environmental information acquired by the acquisition section.

Abstract: A method to detect a section of a route of the vehicle using sensors, an actual speed-time profile when driving through the section, and parameters based on the actual speed-time profile. The method includes determining a route of the vehicle, wherein the route runs from a current position of the vehicle to a target position of the route; dividing the route into sections, wherein each of the sections is assigned to a predetermined section type and is assigned a reference speed-time profile which is dependent on the section type of the respective section; determining an expected speed-time profile for each of the sections in that the reference speed-time profile of the respective section is provided with parameters which are dependent on a current driver to determine the expected speed-time profile of the respective section; and determining the longitudinal guidance using the expected speed-time profiles of the sections of the route.

Abstract: An object providing a route determination system that determines a railroad route used by a user, without using a system of a railroad company, includes a distance calculation processing unit, a route identification processing unit, a speed calculation processing unit, and a route determination processing unit. The distance calculation processing unit calculates a distance from each of a plurality of pieces of positional information acquired by a mobile communication terminal that is used by a user. The route identification processing unit identifies a closest route on the basis of the calculated distances. The speed calculation processing unit identifies the pieces of positional information of which the distance to the identified route is shorter than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and calculates a moving speed between positions in the identified route to which the identified pieces of positional information correspond.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: identifying a target location with a communication identification; detecting a current location for locating a device; selecting a candidate location based on the candidate location being closer to the current location than the target location where the candidate location is associated with the communication identification of the target location; and generating a travel route to the candidate location for displaying on the device.

Abstract: A hand-held device for allowing the visually-impaired to navigate an environment includes a housing defining an interior space of the device. The device recognizes the position of objects in the environment external to the device and is programmed to determine a path through the objects. A speaker delivers audio instructions to a user of the device regarding the pathway through the objects. A method of navigating through such objects is provided by the device.

Abstract: An image utilizing method based on location information of an image is provided. The method includes displaying an image, setting a Region Of Interest (ROI) on the image, obtaining location information associated with the ROI, and storing the obtained location information together with an image of the ROI. The location information is stored together when the ROI is designated and thus, it is possible to provide various services based on the location information.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of correcting meter data for enhancement of electricity data management in a remote automatic measuring environment of a photovoltaic module are disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, a meter reads energy usage of a consumer and transmits meter data on the energy usage to an automatic meter reading (AMR) server. A meter data management system monitors an error in the transmitted meter data and a non-reading interval and re-requests collection of an error in meter data and a non-reading interval to the AMR server. When an error and a non-reading interval are found even after meter data is collected on the re-requesting, the error in the meter data and the non-reading interval are corrected using an estimated approximate value based on a history of previous meter data accumulated in a database of the AMR server.

Abstract: A sensor having multiple magnetic blocks of unevenly distributed magnetic fluxes in a housing includes, sequentially connected, a sensing element, a power-assisted model processor (21), a digital-to-analog converter (27), and an operational amplifier (28). The sensing element includes a rotating disk (1) and an annular-groove fixing disk (40) fitted therewith. Multiple permanent magnetic blocks (2) are fixedly arranged on the rotating disk (1) in a circular-annular distribution, and at least two of the permanent magnetic blocks (2) are different in magnetic fluxes. On a certain side of the rotating disk (1), the magnetic polarities of all of the permanent magnetic blocks (2) on the certain side of the rotating disk (1) are distributed in a pattern of pole N, pole S, pole N . . . ; a Hall element (3) on the fixing disk (40) is arranged at a position which is close to the permanent magnetic blocks (2).

Abstract: A method for measuring Brillouin backscattering from an optical fiber, comprising mixing backscattered light received from the optical fiber and having a Brillouin frequency f?(t) with coherent light at a frequency f i in an optical detector to produce an electrical signal with a difference frequency ?F(t)=f?(t)?f15 and directly digitizing the electrical signal using an analog-to-digital converter to generate a sequence of samples representing the electrical signal, the samples then being processed to determine one or more properties of the Brillouin spectral line. The difference frequency may be further reduced by an additional frequency mixing stage to allow digitization at a lower sampling rate.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a sensing module furnished with a sensing function; metal terminals transmitting a sensing signal from the sensing module; an insulating fixing portion holding multiple metal terminals separately; and a resin portion encapsulating the metal terminals and the sensing module and also forming a connector portion from which tip ends of the metal terminals are exposed. Protruding portions of the fixing portion are fit into hole portions of the metal terminals before resin encapsulation in a stage where the metal terminals are bonded to the sensing module, so that rigidity of the metal terminals is enhanced to stabilize the locations thereof.

Abstract: There is described a method for continuous online monitoring of a pulsating pump. A first step involves monitoring discharge pressure patterns caused by each stroke of the pulsating pump. A second step involves using a computer processing unit to analyze each pressure spike in the discharge pressure patterns and arrive at derived calculations for stroke length, stroke frequency and flow rate. A width of the base of the pressure spike is indicative of pump stroke frequency and an area of the pressure spike being indicative of fluid pumped per stroke. The pump's stroke length and the pump flow rate is fluid pumped per stroke multiplied by stroke frequency.

Abstract: A water usage device for sensing, measuring, collecting, and transmitting water usage data to a remote processing device via a cloud-based communication network and a system for and a method of monitoring and managing water usage in commercial and residential settings that include scheduling preventive maintenance based on current and accumulated water usage data and historical data correlating water usage to repairs.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter for measuring flow rate of a process fluid includes: a magnetic coil arranged to apply a magnetic field to the process fluid. A pair of electrodes electrically couple to the process fluid and are arranged to sense a voltage induced in the process fluid related to the applied magnetic field and the flow rate of the process fluid. A flow tube of a non-conductive material is arranged to receive a flow of the process fluid therethrough. The flow tube carries the magnetic coil and the pair of electrodes. Flow meter circuitry applies a current to the magnetic coil and receives the voltage sensed by the pair of electrodes. A magnetic field spreader is positioned proximate the magnetic coil and is arranged to spread the magnetic field emanating from the magnetic coil and direct the magnetic field into the flow tube. An exterior wrapper extends around the assembly and completes a magnetic circuit.

Abstract: Powering a sensor module of a heat trace system used for heating vessels. The sensor module may comprise a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a vessel. A microprocessor-based controller of the heat trace system uses the sensed temperature from the sensor module to control the voltage applied to the heat trace, and thereby control the heat provided by the heat trace to the vessel. The sensor module may comprise an energy storage device that stored energy from the voltage difference across a pair of buss wires in the heat trace cable, and the stored energy is used to power the components of the sensor modules.

Abstract: A magnetization device with a magnetic field which is generated by permanent magnets for variable magnetization of a medium flowing through a tube over a magnetization distance along the longitudinal axis of the tube. The magnetization device improves the quality of the results relative to known nuclear magnetic resonance measurement and analysis methods in that the magnetic field in the medium has a single direction over the magnetization distance.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic flowmeter with a measuring tube through which a multiphase medium can flow and which can be connected to an inlet tube which is located in the flow direction of the medium upstream of the measuring tube and to an outlet tube which is located in the flow direction downstream of the measuring tube. The nuclear magnetic flowmeter is, first of all, characterized essentially in that a medium bypass is assigned to the measuring tube, that the medium bypass includes a bypass tube, an inlet valve and/or an outlet valve and that, for a calibration operation, the bypass tube, on the one hand, can be connected to the inlet tube, and on the other hand, to the outlet tube, specifically via the inlet valve, via the outlet valve or via the inlet valve and via the outlet valve.

Abstract: A flowmeter has a guide structure that can have medium flowing through it and which preferably operates using the Coriolis principle. To provide a flowmeter that allows a high as possible measuring accuracy with a space requirement that is as small as possible, at least one sensor element is applied on an outer surface of the guide structure for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a mass of fuel contained in a variable geometry container. The container comprises a container assembly, formed by a variable geometry container disposed on a rigid support, a three-axis load cell coupled with the rigid support and providing a first set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the force exerted by the container assembly, a three-axis accelerometer coupled with the rigid support and providing a second set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the acceleration to which the container assembly is subjected, and a signal processing device configured to convert the first and the second set of signals into force and acceleration data, for three perpendicular directions of the space, and configured to calculate a measure relative to the mass of fuel contained in the variable geometry container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling at least one liquid into at least one cavity. The method comprises filling a predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid into the at least one cavity and determining if the liquid in the at least one cavity reaches a first liquid level in the at least one cavity. Filling the predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid and the determining if the first level has not been reached, is repeated until enough volume of the at least one liquid has been added to the cavity or if the first level has been reached. The predetermined filling volume is equal to or smaller than a buffer volume above the first liquid level in the at least one cavity.

Abstract: A method for capacitive fill level measurement of liquids and/or bulk materials in a container using at least one measuring sensor that is connected to a measuring electronics, wherein the measuring sensor is constructed from a plurality of, at least three, electrodes which are electrically insulated from one another and which, for measuring the fill level, are inserted into the container, and in the inserted state extend into the container, and wherein these at least three electrodes are connected to the measuring electronics and are operated in at least one first or in at least one second measuring mode. The invention further relates to a device for capacitive fill level measurement of liquids and/or bulk materials in a container.

Abstract: A two-wire process variable indicator includes a housing having a plurality of terminals disposed therein. The terminals are coupleable to a two-wire process control loop. A power module is coupled to the plurality of terminals to receive current flow from the process control loop. Driver circuitry is coupled to the power module and a microencapsulated electrophoretic display is coupled to the driver circuitry.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the vehicle, where one or more of the wheels changes the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the vehicle information therefrom.