Patents Issued in October 20, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160305999
    Abstract: A flicker noise measurement circuit includes a first section. The first section includes a plurality of first stages connected in series. The first section includes a first feedback switching element configured to selectively feedback an output of the plurality of first stages to an input of the plurality of first stages. The first section includes a first section connection switching element. The flicker noise measurement circuit includes a second section connected to the first section. The second section includes a plurality of second stages connected in series, wherein the first section connection switching element is configured to selectively connect the plurality of second stages to the plurality of first stages. The second section includes a second feedback switching element configured to selectively feedback an output of the plurality of second stages to the input of the plurality of first stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Chao Chieh LI, Ruey-Bin SHEEN
  • Publication number: 20160306000
    Abstract: An electrical monitoring system is configured to monitor one or more systems of a vehicle. The electrical monitoring system may include a housing, a loop resistance test (LRT) unit contained within the housing, a network analyzer unit contained with the housing, and a time domain reflectometer (TDR) unit contained within the housing. The LRT unit is configured to conduct loop resistance tests with respect to the system(s) of the vehicle. The network analyzer unit is configured to conduct network analysis with respect to the system(s) of the vehicle. The TDR unit is configured to conduct time domain reflectometry with respect to the system(s) of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Neal D. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20160306001
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing integrity of an electrical conductor-carrying system is described herein. The system can include an electrical conductor-carrying network having a number of electrical conductor-carrying devices mechanically coupled to each other, wherein at least a portion of the electrical conductor-carrying network is made of electrically conductive material. The system can also include a number of sensor modules coupled to the electrical conductor-carrying network. The system can further include a control unit communicably coupled to the sensor modules. The sensor modules can measure at least one impedance in the electrical conductor-carrying devices of the electrical conductor-carrying network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jesse Wade Taylor, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20160306002
    Abstract: Method and system for implementing multiple user-initiated self-test sequences in a multifunction circuit breaker device uses a single test input to initiate both arc fault and ground fault testing while at the same time allowing the multifunction circuit breaker device to continue detecting actual arc faults and ground faults in near real time. Having one test input for multiple self-test sequences significantly reduces the number of mechanical and electrical components required by the circuit breaker device. The multifunction circuit breaker device also distinguishes between a simulated ground fault and an actual ground fault and avoids automatically tripping upon successful completion of the ground fault self-test sequence unless and until all self-test sequences have passed. In this way, users are not given a potentially incorrect indication that the multifunction circuit breaker device is working properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Randall J. GASS, Issa V. DRAME
  • Publication number: 20160306003
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, measure a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, to operate the error indicator to provide a first indicator status indicative of a bad ground state if the voltage is between a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold, and to operate the error indicator to provide a second indicator status of a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold. The HVAC control may include at least four different indicator statuses. The HVAC control may include a comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: John J. Heller, John F. Broker
  • Publication number: 20160306004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting the contents of voids and/or pores present in a semiconductor device to obtain information indicative of the nature of the voids and/or pores, e.g. to assist with metrology measurements. The method includes heating the semiconductor wafer to expel the contents of the voids and/or pores, collecting the expelled material in a collector, and measuring a consequential change in mass of the semiconductor wafer and/or the collector, to extract information indicative of the nature of the voids. This information may include information relating to the distribution of the voids and/or pores, and/or the sizes of the voids and/or pores, and/or the chemical contents of the voids and/or pores. The collector may include a condenser having a temperature-controlled surface (e.g. in thermal communication with a refrigeration unit) for condensing the expelled material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Adrian KIERMASZ
  • Publication number: 20160306005
    Abstract: A semiconductor device testing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first terminal and a second terminal that apply voltage to a semiconductor device; and a light source that irradiates the semiconductor device with ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Teruyuki OHASHI, Ryosuke llJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160306006
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for self-testing one or more digital data storage drives. In particular, a drive tester system connects to the one or more digital data storage drives via a standard two-wire interface, such as a system management bus interface or an I2C interface. The drive tester system performs a self-test on the on more digital data storage drives via the standard two-wire interface. The self-test of the digital data storage drive includes a burn-in and endurance test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Gurjit Chadha, Michael Rothberg, George Sneed
  • Publication number: 20160306007
    Abstract: An electric field sensor includes sense and reference cells. The sense cell produces a resistance that varies relative to an intensity of an electric field, and the reference cell produces a resistance that is invariable relative to the intensity of the electric field. An output signal indicative of the intensity of the electric field is determined using the difference between the resistances. A system includes an electric field source that outputs a digital test program as an electric field signal. The system further includes the electric field sensor formed with IC dies on a wafer. The electric field sensor receives the electric field signal. The received electric field signal is converted to the test program, and the test program is stored in memory on the wafer. The electric field source does not physically contact the dies, but can flood an entire surface of the wafer with the electric field signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: LIANJUN LIU, PHILIPPE BERNARD ROLAND LANCE, DAVID JOSEPH MONK, BABAK A. TAHERI
  • Publication number: 20160306008
    Abstract: An integrated testing and handler mechanism includes an input/output module including: an input section, an output section, a turret that includes a plurality of pickup heads, and a shuttle configured to move the carrier from the component loading location to a test module transfer location; and a test module including: a test head comprising an array of a plurality of test sockets, a plunger configured to plunge the components held by the carrier into the test sockets when the carrier is located on the plunger, and a rotary table that includes a plurality of grippers that rotate around the rotary table, the rotary table being configured to (i) transfer a carrier between the test module transfer location and an input/output module transfer location, (ii) rotate the carrier between the input/output module transfer location and a plunger transfer location, and (iii) transfer the carrier between the plunger transfer location and plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Rasco GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wiesböck, Serge Künzli, Max Schaule, Guy Ramel
  • Publication number: 20160306009
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating real DVC via defects from nuisance based on Net Tracing Classification of eBeam VC die comparison inspection results are provided. Embodiments include performing an eBeam VC die comparison inspection on each via of a plurality of dies; determining DVC vias based on the comparison; performing a Net Tracing Classification on the DVC vias; determining S/D DVC vias based on the Net Tracing Classification; and performing a die repeater analysis on the S/D DVC vias to determine systematic design-related DVC via defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Weihong GAO, Xuefeng ZENG, Yan PAN, Peter LIN, Hoang NGUYEN, Ho Young SONG
  • Publication number: 20160306010
    Abstract: A built-in self-test (BIST) circuit is disclosed which integrates the functions of pins for test input data TDI, test output data TDO and an analog input signal VPP into a single digital/analog input/output module, and internally produces a test trigger signal STROBE and a digital-analog conversion signal ANA. In addition, when there is a need to power the test chip with a voltage or current, a data generation circuit of the BIST circuit can generate a digital-analog conversion signal to change an operating mode of the digital/analog input/output module and hence enable the transmission of analog data. According to the present invention, the testing can be performed with only two pins, which leads to an improvement in test efficiency and a reduction in test cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Ming LI
  • Publication number: 20160306011
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for boundary scan testing one or more digital data storage drives. In particular, a drive tester system connects to the one or more digital data storage drives via a standard two-wire interface, such as a system management bus (SMBus) interface. The drive tester system performs a boundary scan test on the on more digital data storage drives via the standard two-wire interface. The boundary scan test may include a vector test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Gobinathan Athimolom, Michael Rothberg
  • Publication number: 20160306012
    Abstract: It is proposed a system for condition monitoring electric machine and the method thereof. The system includes a portable unit, being adapted for free movement around said electric machine; a magnetic field sensor, being adapted for measuring magnetic field intensity at at least one of a plurality points of a path of said free movement; a processing unit, being adapted for receiving at least one corresponding magnetic field intensity signal from said magnetic field sensor, comparing at least one magnetic field intensity value to at least one corresponding expected value, and determining, based on the comparison, if a fault is present in the electric machine; wherein: said magnetic field sensor and said processing unit are integrated into said portable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Cajetan Pinto, Maciej Orman, Prasad Mulay
  • Publication number: 20160306013
    Abstract: A system to accurately determine a battery state of charge (SOC) in an electronic device, in some embodiments, comprises: a battery to provide power to said electronic device; and a fuel gauge coupled to the battery and capable of determining an open circuit voltage (OCV) associated with the battery, wherein the fuel gauge determines said OCV after the battery is installed in the electronic device and before the electronic device enters an operation stage, wherein the fuel gauge determines a state of charge associated with the battery based on said OCV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Hideo KONDO
  • Publication number: 20160306014
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining connections status of a busbar includes a voltage measurer configured to measure a voltage across two ends of the busbar used to connect a first battery module and a second battery module in series, and a status determiner configured to determine connection status of the busbar according to the voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Yong JEON
  • Publication number: 20160306015
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an electronic compass. The electronic compass may include magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensors may include thin-film magnetic sensor elements such as giant magnetoresistance sensor elements. Magnetic flux concentrators may be used to guide magnetic fields through the sensor elements. The magnetic flux concentrators may be configured to reduce the angular sensitivity of the magnetic sensors. A magnetic flux concentrator may be formed from multiple stacked layers of soft magnetic material separated by non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic material may have a thickness allows the magnetic layers to magnetically couple through the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Henry H. Yang, Hyuk J. Choi
  • Publication number: 20160306016
    Abstract: Magnetoresistive devices can include a first and second sensor. Each of the first and second sensors can be configured to sense a first magnetic field component and a second magnetic field component. The first and second magnetic field components may be orthogonal to each other. Signals generated by the first and/or the second sensors can be used to determine local or global differentials of the magnetic field components. The first and/or the second sensors can each include four magnetoresistive sensors that can be connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. Further, the magnetoresistive devices can include magnets having a cavity formed therein, where the dimensions of the cavity are configured to reduce magnetic field conditions of a magnetic field in proximity to and/or within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Tobias Werth
  • Publication number: 20160306017
    Abstract: A circuit for sensing an external magnetic field includes first voltage source, first magnetic sensor, second magnetic sensor, bias voltage unit, clamp voltage current mirror unit, signal transfer amplifying unit. The first voltage source provides a power voltage. The first magnetic sensor provides a reference current. The second magnetic sensor senses an external magnetic field and the conductivity of the second magnetic sensor varies in response to the external magnetic field. The bias voltage unit connected to the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor provides a bias voltage to the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor. The clamp voltage current mirror unit generates a reference current for the first magnetic sensor and mirrors the reference current to the second magnetic sensor. The signal transfer amplifying unit generates an output voltage and an additional current to compensate the change in the conductivity of the second magnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Young-Shying Chen, Cheng-Tyng Yen
  • Publication number: 20160306018
    Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance coil configuration having at least one flat or cylindrical coil (18), through which current flows in operation, which coil generates a high-frequency magnetic B1 field at the location of a sample (16) which is oriented parallel to an x-axis, and which for the purpose of connection to a tuning network is connected to at least two electrical feed lines (11), through which in-phase currents flow in operation, and which generate a high-frequency magnetic B2 field in the sample (16), the orientation of which encloses an angle ? with the direction of the B1 field, is characterized in that the following applies for the angle ?: ?=180°±??, where ??<90°. In this way, a B1 field profile, which is as rectangular as possible and is particularly steep on both sides, can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Nicolas Freytag
  • Publication number: 20160306019
    Abstract: A method for performing a magnetic resonance image reconstruction with spatially varying coil compression includes using a non-Cartesian acquisition scheme to acquire a multi-coil k-space dataset fully sampled along a fully sampled direction and decoupling the multi-coil k-space dataset along the fully sampled direction to yield a plurality of uncompressed coil data matrices. The plurality of uncompressed coil data matrices are compressed to yield a plurality of virtual coil data matrices which are aligned along the fully sampled direction to yield a plurality of aligned virtual coil data matrices. The aligned virtual coil data matrices are coupled along the fully sampled direction to yield a compressed multi-coil k-space dataset. Intensity values in the plurality of aligned virtual coil data matrices are normalized based on the plurality of uncompressed coil data matrices and an image is reconstructed using the compressed multi-coil k-space dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Qiu Wang, Marcel Dominik Nickel, Boris Mailhe, Mariappan S. Nadar
  • Publication number: 20160306020
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a hyperpolarized solution of molecules comprises the steps: 1) suspending or coating of a micro-particulate matrix, which is comprising or consisting of the molecules, with a glass-forming solution or suspension comprising a DNP-suitable polarizing agent at a first temperature at which the micro-particulate matrix is not dissolving; 2) lowering the temperature leading to a frozen glassy DNP sample; 3) transferring the electron spin polarization of the polarizing agent in the glassy sample in a magnetic field to abundant nuclear spins of the glass-forming solution or suspension and/or the polarizing agent as well as to abundant nuclear spins of the molecules and cross-polarization from the abundant nuclear spins in the molecules to one different nuclear spin type in the molecules; and 4) increasing the temperature and dissolving the molecules which are hyperpolarized with respect of the different nuclear spins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Sami Antoine Adrien JANNIN, Geoffrey BODENHAUSEN, Lyndon EMSLEY
  • Publication number: 20160306021
    Abstract: A method for providing at least one measurement by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system of a tissue property or underlying tissue property in a region sufficiently close to a metal object, so that the metal object induces artifacts is provided. At least one magnetic resonance imaging signal from the region is acquired through the MRI system. The acquired at least one MRI signal is processed to correct for artifacts induced by the metal object. At least one tissue property or underlying tissue property measurement is extracted from the processed at least one MRI signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Hans WEBER, Daehyun YOON, Valentina TAVIANI, Brian A. HARGREAVES
  • Publication number: 20160306022
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for generating time-resolved images of an examination object, which executes a cyclical movement, and to a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product herefor. According to a first aspect, at least one spatial magnetization pattern with spatial magnetization differences is generated during a magnetization of the examination object. Furthermore, magnetic resonance signals of the examination object are acquired after generating the spatial magnetization pattern throughout at least one cycle of the cyclical movement. At least one k-space is undersampled here during the acquisition of the magnetic resonance signals. Time-resolved images are generated based on the acquired magnetic resonance signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph Forman, Andreas Greiser
  • Publication number: 20160306023
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus (800) to measure cortical thickness, the measurement apparatus may include at least one controller (810) which may be configured to: obtain magnetic resonance (MR) scan information of a region-of-interest of at least a portion of a cerebral cortex of a subject; form first, second and third meshes each comprising a plurality of points situated apart from each other, the first and third meshes being situated at inner and outer cortical boundary layers, respectively, of the cerebral cortex and the second mesh being situated between the first and third meshes; and/or for each of a plurality of points of the second mesh: determine a closest point of the first mesh and a closest point of the third mesh, determine a distance between the corresponding closest point of the first mesh and the corresponding closest point of the third mesh, said distance being corresponding with a cortical thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: LYUBOMIR GEORGIEV ZAGORCHEV, CARSTEN MEYER, ASTRID RUTH FRANZ, THOMAS HEIKO STEHLE, JUERGEN WEESE, FABIAN WENZEL, MARCEL BREEUWER, VELJKO POPOV, SEBASTIAN FLACKE
  • Publication number: 20160306024
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present inventions provide systems and method for correlating monitor information with sound event information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: James J. Buck, JR., Joseph P. Newell, Cady Lyn Brooks
  • Publication number: 20160306025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the indoor position of a mobile computing device using the signal strength measurements of a plurality of electromagnetic signals which are emitted from fixed locations. By using a heuristic which takes the observed behavior of signal strength measuring devices into account, the method allows to increase the accuracy and robustness of similar known methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Damien Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20160306026
    Abstract: Object tracking anti-jitter filtering systems and methods. A plurality of raw location points for a tracking tag attached to a tracked object is received. The raw location points are stored within a raw location points buffer. Raw location points within an averaging window are averaged to generate an averaged location point. The averaged location point is stored within an averaged location points buffer for use within the object tracking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas J. DeAngelis, Gerard M. Reilly, Kirk M. Sigel, Edward G. Evansen
  • Publication number: 20160306027
    Abstract: A technique is provided for estimating time of arrival of a signal transmitted as a pulse and received as a sum of pulses. The received signal is filtered with a novel filter that lowers the early side lobes of the received signal to noise level. A first energy rise point is identified at a point of the main lobe of the filtered received signal, at which the energy is higher than the noise by a predetermined level. Starting from the identification of the first energy rise points, the time of arrival is estimated via curve matching, in which the shape of the filtered received signal is matched to the shape of composed by a sum of one or more reference curves that are shifted both in time and in energy. The reference curves are found by applying to the transmitted signal the same filter applied to the received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Rabih Chrabieh, Bogdan Franovici, Dirk Slock
  • Publication number: 20160306028
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a parking space includes a modulating module for supplying a sinusoid wave having a modulation frequency, an active antenna module transmits a FMCW signal based on the modulation frequency and for receiving a reflected FMCW signal, a intermediate-frequency filter for extracting a first demodulating signal having the modulation frequency from the reflected FMCW signal generating modulation signal, a second intermediate-frequency filter for extracting a second demodulating signal having a multiplying frequency of the modulation frequency, an integrator for performing integral operation for the second demodulating signal to generate an integral voltage, a triggering circuit for generating a triggering voltage when the integral voltage is greater than a reference voltage, and a controller for performing operations relating to an existence of a vehicle when receiving the triggering voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Chi-Ho CHANG, Chien-Pien HSIEH, Chao-Fu CHIANG, Ping-Chang TSAO
  • Publication number: 20160306029
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for improved range response in lidar systems. In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a laser, and a detector. First optics direct light from the laser on a beam path along a first optical axis of the first optics. Second optics image the light from the beam path onto a second plane that is substantially normal to the first plane. The second optics have a second optical axis that differs from the first optical axis. The first and the second optical axes lie in a same first plane. A first line in the first plane intersects a second line in the second plane at an acute angle. The first line is perpendicular to the first optical axis. A spatial filter configured in or near the second plane filters the light from the second optics onto the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Paul B. Lundquist, Gregory J. Fetzer, Richard Vercillo, Michael Francis Marnon, Thomas Laurence Kraus
  • Publication number: 20160306030
    Abstract: An arrangement structure for a peripheral information detection sensor includes the peripheral information detection sensor, a detection portion of which detects peripheral information of a vehicle, and an interior trim member. The peripheral information detection sensor is disposed at a vehicle cabin interior side of a windshield glass whose exterior surface is wiped by a wiper. The detection portion is disposed at a position opposing a wiping range of the wiper on the windshield glass. The interior trim member covers the peripheral information detection sensor from the vehicle cabin interior side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro HARA, Takahito ENDO, Seiji YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160306031
    Abstract: A time of flight detector includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter configured to emit a beam of radiation. A first optical element receives the beam of radiation and generates a collimated beam of radiation. A second optical element defines a narrow imaging field of view sufficient to capture reflected electromagnetic radiation from the collimated beam. An electromagnetic radiation sensor then senses the captured reflected electromagnetic radiation from the collimated beam in the narrow imaging field of view. Further narrowing of the imaging field of view is accomplished by selective enabling a sub-array of photosensitive elements with the electromagnetic radiation sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Adam Caley, Colin Campbell, Christopher Townsend
  • Publication number: 20160306032
    Abstract: A LiDAR can include a laser, an avalanche photodiode, a splitter, and a processor. The laser can be configured to emit a narrow electromagnetic pulse. The avalanche photodiode can be configured to receive one or more electromagnetic pulses and output a response signal in response to said pulses. The photodiode can also be positioned to receive at least one reflected pulse, reflected by an object external from the LiDAR sensor and caused by the laser. The avalanche photodiode can also have a bias voltage applied to it affecting the response signal. The splitter can be positioned to receive the narrow electromagnetic pulse and split it into at least one external pulse directed toward the object external from the LiDAR sensor and at least one calibration pulse directed toward the photodiode. The calibration pulse directed toward the photodiode can be received by the photodiode before the pulse reflected by the object. The processor can be configured to receive response signals from the photodiode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Brent S. Schwarz, James A. Haslim, Nicholas M. Iturraran, Michael D. Karasoff
  • Publication number: 20160306033
    Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus is provided. The underwater detection apparatus includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a hardware processor. The transmitter transmits a transmission wave. The receiver obtains a receive signal based on a reflection of the transmission wave. The hardware processor is programmed to at least detect an underwater target object based at least in part on the receive signal, estimate a density index value of objects within a given area in a vicinity of the underwater target object, and calculate a size index value of the underwater target object based at least in part on the density index value and a target object signal intensity representing a maximum intensity of the receive signal corresponding to the underwater target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Rika SHIRAKI, Norio MATSUHIRO, Minoru HANDA
  • Publication number: 20160306034
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a packaged radio frequency (RF) circuit includes a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) disposed on a substrate that has plurality of receiver circuits coupled to receive ports at a first edge of the RFIC, and a first transmit circuit coupled to a first transmit port at a second edge of the RFIC. The packaged RF circuit also includes a receive antenna system disposed on the package substrate adjacent to the first edge of the RFIC and a first transmit antenna disposed on the package substrate adjacent to the second edge of the RFIC and electrically coupled to the first transmit port of the RFIC. The receive antenna system includes a plurality of receive antenna elements that are each electrically coupled to a corresponding receive port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Saverio Trotta, Reinhard Wolfgang Jungmaier, Dennis Noppeney, Ashutosh Baheti, Ismail Nasr, Jagjit Singh Bal
  • Publication number: 20160306035
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media are provided for golf ball spin axis measurement. In one example, a method comprises detecting a launched golf ball, receiving reflected Doppler signals from the golf ball by a radar device having an array of multiple receiver pairs, demodulating the spin-induced signals from the received signals, determining a time delay between the demodulated signals for the receiver pairs in the array, calculating an average time delay for the multiple receiver pairs, calculating a spin axis of the golf ball from the time delay values, outputting a spin axis value to an external system, and storing the spin axis value in a database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Henri Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160306036
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media to track a golf ball to and on a green are provided. In an example embodiment, a method comprises arranging golf ball tracking components including a 3-D tracking Doppler radar, and at least one camera adjacent the green, and connecting a processor with signal sampling capability to the tracking components. The positions and orientations of the tracking components relative to a location in the green, for example the pin hole, are entered into the processor. In one example, microphones are provided. The tracking radar detects a golf ball approaching the green and the microphones detect the landing. The processor calculates the landing position of the ball based on signals received from the radar, the microphones, or the at least one camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Henri Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160306037
    Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce parallax errors are provided for an antenna array having a boresight optical system. In an example embodiment, a method comprises constructing an antenna array having antenna elements disposed symmetrically around an antenna axis and providing an optical aperture in the antenna array. An optical instrument having an optical axis is arranged in or adjacent the optical aperture. A first portion of the antenna elements receives reflected signals from a target in flight. A second portion of the antenna elements receives reflected signals from the same target in flight. A direction of travel of the target is calculated based on an average of the respective signals received by the first and second portions of the antenna elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Henri Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160306038
    Abstract: In a method for determining a position of at least two sensors in relation to one another, a moving object is sensed by the at least two sensors, and at least one movement variable for the moving object is determined by one of the sensors, at least said movement variable or variables derived therefrom being used jointly for determining a position of the sensors in relation to one another. The sensor network is designed to carry out a method of said kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Dominik Zoeke
  • Publication number: 20160306039
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to determine an unambiguous radial velocity for weather phenomena using weather radar that is not limited by the Doppler Dilemma. Some embodiments include transmitting a complex waveform and using the returned electromagnetic signal to determine the unambiguous radial velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Selzler, Evan Ruzanski, Sergey Panov, Chandrasekar Venkatchalam
  • Publication number: 20160306040
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are therefore provided for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. An example method for providing an image of an underwater environment includes analyzing sonar returns to identify and display objects, such as fish or debris, in a 3D view. Such an image allows for differentiation between the sea floor and objects in a 3D sonar view. Some example methods provide for real-time tracking of fish. Further, the fish or other objects may be displayed over a continuous surface geometry based on sonar returns from a lake, sea, or river “floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew Hunt, Shahzad F. Kirmani
  • Publication number: 20160306041
    Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes a camera vision module and a Lidar module. The camera vision module includes an imaging device viewing to the exterior of the vehicle and operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior and forward of the vehicle. The Lidar module includes a Lidar device that, with the Lidar module mounted at a front exterior portion of the vehicle, scans a region forward of the vehicle that overlaps with the field of view of the imaging device. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data by an image processor using vision processing algorithms and based at least in part on distance data provided by the Lidar device, 3-dimensional information relative to the vehicle of an object present exterior of the vehicle is algorithmically constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20160306042
    Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement, in particular an optical proximity sensor arrangement comprises a three-dimensional integrated circuit further comprising a first layer comprising a light-emitting device, a second layer comprising a light-detector and a driver circuit. The driver circuit is electrically connected to the light-emitting device and to the light-detector to control the operation of the light-emitting device and the light-detector. A mold layer comprising a first light-barrier between the light-emitting device and the light-detector configured to block light from being transmitted directly from the light-emitting device to the light-detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Franz SCHRANK, Eugene G. DIERSCHKE, Martin SCHREMS
  • Publication number: 20160306043
    Abstract: A laser distance and ranging (LADAR) array is provided. The LADAR array includes a plurality of LADAR modules, each LADAR module configured to scan a laser beam through a field of view (FOV) and output a signal indicative of a distance between each LADAR module and objects in the FOV that the laser beam is incident upon, and a central processing device communicatively coupled to the plurality of LADAR modules, the central processing device configured to generate an output based at least in part on the signals of each LADAR module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Moss, Scott B. Singer, Alexander C. Standridge, Ping Yuan, Rengarajan Sudharsanan
  • Publication number: 20160306044
    Abstract: A three-dimension position tracking system is presented. The system includes transmitters and receivers. A transmitter scans continuous or pulsed coherent light beams across a target. The receiver detects the reflected beams. The system recursively determines the location of the target, as a function of time, via triangulation and observation of the time-of-flight of the incoming and outgoing beams. The transmitter includes ultra-fast scanning optics to scan the receiver's field-of-view. The receiver includes arrays of ultra-fast photosensitive pixels. The system determines the angles of the incoming beams based on the line-of-sight of the triggered pixels. By observing the incoming angles and correlating timestamps associated with the outgoing and incoming beams, the system accurately, and in near real-time, determines the location of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Gerard Dirk Smits
  • Publication number: 20160306045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for driving a Time-of-Flight system for use with an illumination system being adapted to illuminate a scene with a modulated signal, the ToF system having an imaging sensor comprising at least one pixel, said pixel comprising taps driven by driving signals for detecting the modulated signal reflected from the scene, the method comprising, for each pixel, the steps of determining at least a first and a second pair of taps and driving each pair of taps to detect the reflected modulated signal during a predetermined number N of cycles of the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: SOFTKINETIC SENSORS NV
    Inventors: Ward VAN DER TEMPEL, Thomas FINATEU, Kyriaki Korina FOTOPOULOU
  • Publication number: 20160306046
    Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) camera system for a robot milking system includes a housing accommodating a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and electronics; a front part including a light transparent window disposed in front of the light source and the imaging optics; and fasteners. The housing has a front side and a back side, and the front part has a front side and a backside, the surface of the front side being flat and including a front surface of the light transparent window. The fasteners releasably mechanically fasten the front part to the housing with the back side of the front part and the front side of the housing facing each other. The fasteners are maneuverable from the back side of the housing to fasten the front part to, and release the front part from, the housing, thereby enabling the front part to be replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas AXELSSON, Nils-Erik HOLMERTZ, Helmut OBERMULLER
  • Publication number: 20160306047
    Abstract: A Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) includes a plurality of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference receivers configured to receive and process GNSS satellite measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Jakel, James Arthur McDonald
  • Publication number: 20160306048
    Abstract: A device for transmitting synchronized timing including a receiver, a transmitter, one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the programs including instructions for receiving through the receiver a timing signal comprising first time information that is synchronized to a time standard, determining second time information based at least partially on the first time information, composing a message formatted in accordance with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) standard, wherein the message comprises the second time information, and transmitting the message through the transmitter on a radio signal having a frequency in the frequency modulation (FM) radio frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: THE MITRE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey DUNN, Sean McKENNA, Cynthia E. MARTIN, Michael L. COHEN