Abstract: In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media for human-computer interaction are described. In embodiments, an apparatus may include one or more light sources and a camera. Through capture of images by the camera, the computing device may detect positions of objects of a user, within a three-dimensional (3-D) interaction region within which to track positions of the objects of the user. The apparatus may utilize multiple light sources, which may be disposed at different distances to the display and may illuminate the objects in a direction other than the image capture direction. The apparatus may selectively illuminate individual light sources to facilitate detection of the objects in the direction toward the display. The camera may also capture images in synchronization with the selective illumination. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for sensing one or more selected parameters related to a structure of interest, for example, the shape of an isolated structure. A cable is attached to the structure of interest at one or more attachment points. The cable contains one or more optical fibers. One or more light signals are transmitted into the one or more optical fibers and then detected to form a data set. The data set is compared with information known about the one or more attachment points to determine error values. The error values are then combined with the data set to determine the selected parameters associated with the structure.

Abstract: A method for determining a shape correction value F for a laboratory liquid-analysis cuvette comprising a cuvette body with a circular cross-section for a photometric liquid analysis includes optically measuring an inside diameter d1 or an outside diameter d0 of the cuvette body to obtain a measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. A shape correction value F is calculated from the measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. The shape correction value F for the cuvette body is stored.

Abstract: A 3D dental camera for recording surface structures of an object by means of triangulation. The camera includes a light source for producing an illumination beam, means for focusing the illumination beam onto the surface of the object, an image sensor for recording a monitoring beam that is the illumination beam reflected by the surface of the object, and means for focusing the monitoring beam onto the image sensor. The light source is subdivided into a plurality of regions that can be independently regulated in terms of light intensity, such that a light center of the illumination beam changes in at least two switching modes of the light source.

Abstract: A direction sensor (200) includes sensor cells (215) that respectively correspond to different directions. Each of the sensor cells (215) includes a light sensor (130, 140) and a grating (120) that couples incident light into the light sensor (130, 140) when the incident light has a specific wavelength and is incident on the grating (120) along the direction corresponding to the sensor cell (215).

Abstract: An optical alignment device using pulse UV irradiates an alignment film with pulse UV to perform optical alignment of liquid crystal. The optical alignment device using pulse UV may include a chamber, a lamp which is installed at an upper portion of the chamber and emits pulse UV light, a stage which is provided at a lower portion of the chamber and on which a substrate having an alignment film formed on a surface thereof is placed, and a polarizer which is installed detachably between the stage and the lamp.

Abstract: A procedure for measuring and adjusting an alignment of each axle of a trailer or semi-trailer while the trailer or semi-trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle by a hitch, tow bar, kingpin, or fifth wheel hitch. Measurements of the alignment of each axle of the trailer or semi-trailer are acquired from wheel-mounted sensor means utilizing either directly or indirectly a reference line of the trailer and an established reference point on the tow vehicle. A thrust angle of a first trailer or semi-trailer axle is referenced directly to the established reference line, while scrub angles associated with additional trailer or semi-trailer axles are referenced either directly or indirectly to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle, and indirectly to the established reference point. Any necessary adjustments are made to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle to bring the axle thrust angle to within a specification tolerance, and then to the scrub angle of each additional axle.

Abstract: In order to make it possible for a difference between a defect and a normal part, such as contrast, to appear, a lighting device for inspection is provided with: a surface light source that emits inspection light; a lens that is provided on a light axis of the inspection light emitted from the surface light source, and between an inspection object and the surface light source; and a first diaphragm that is provided between the lens and the surface light source or the inspection object, wherein: the surface light source and the lens are set such that an image plane on which the surface light source is imaged is present near the inspection object; and the first diaphragm is set such that the central axis of an irradiation solid angle determined by a part of the inspection light is parallel to the light axis.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus includes a photosensor portion that receives light and performs a measuring operation for acquiring predetermined photometric data relating to the received light, a tilt sensor portion that detects a tilt angle with respect to a predetermined reference plane, and a measurement control portion that determines a tilt state of the photosensor portion based upon the tilt angle, and executes a measurement control process for specifying the photometric data acquired by the photosensor portion as effective photometric data, when the tilt state satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A laser light reflective target that effectively brightens a laser light line being produced by a laser fan beam emitter. The target is placed on a jobsite floor and when two laser fan beams strike the reflective surface of the target, the laser beams appear much brighter than otherwise. The laser fan beams, when properly aimed at a point of interest, will intersect and produce an “X” shaped pattern of light on the target. The target can be used with a laser plumb beam pointer, which will aim its vertical beam downward directly at the specific point of interest if the target has been properly positioned. The laser plumb line pointer can additionally aim a second vertical beam upward, to produce a plumb line target point on the ceiling of an interior room that is being laid out.

Abstract: A gyroscope having a mechanical resonator, a plurality of electrodes located around the resonator, and a thin gap being located between the resonator and the plurality of electrodes. The resonator is axi-symmetric and may be at least partially toroidal in shape or composed of concentric rings. Piezoelectric electrodes or transduction may be used to drive or detect displacements of the resonator. The resonator may be fabricated using a fused silica flowing process.

Abstract: A vibratory gyroscope is provided comprising a plurality of secondary pickoff transducers which are each sensitive to the secondary response mode, wherein: at least two of the secondary pickoff transducers comprise skew transducers designed to be sensitive to the primary mode which produce an induced quadrature signal in response thereto. A method of using the gyroscope is provided comprising the steps of arranging electrical connections between the secondary pickoff transducers and a pickoff amplifier so that in use the induced quadrature signal is substantially rejected by the amplifier in the absence of a fault condition, and the amplifier outputs an induced quadrature signal when a fault condition disconnects one of the skew transducers from the amplifier, and a comparator compares the quadrature output from the pickoff amplifier with a predetermined threshold value and provides a fault indication when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A system and method for providing directional feedback. A user selection of a directional indicator is received from a first directional interface. The directional indicator is converted to an encoded signal. The encoded signal is communicated from a first directional interface to one or more directional interfaces. The encoded signal is converted to the directional indicator by the one or more directional interfaces. The direction indicator is communicated to one or more users by the one or more directional interfaces.

Abstract: A new method for determining an attitude of a sensor with respect to a moving body is proposed. A movement vector is measured by a sensor mounted in the moving body. In addition, the attitude of the sensor with respect to the moving body is determined using the movement vector measured by the sensor when the moving body starts to move.

Abstract: A sensor streamer drag body system. At least some of the example embodiments include a system having a sensor streamer towable behind a vessel in a body of water, the sensor streamer defining a defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end nearest the vessel. The system further includes a drag body coupled to the distal end of the sensor streamer, wherein the drag body remains submerged while the sensor streamer is deployed. The drag body includes an inertial navigation system. The inertial navigation system is configured to determine a position of the drag body, the drag body lacking an internal GPS.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a mobile machine is disclosed. The system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a pose of the mobile machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a parameter of the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to generate a measured pose of the mobile machine based on the first signal, to generate an estimated pose of the mobile machine based on the second signal, and to determine uncertainty values associated with each of the measured and estimated poses. The controller may be further configured to determine overlap of the uncertainty values, to selectively adjust the measured pose based on the overlap, and to determine a pose solution based on the estimated pose and adjustment of the measured pose.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing update information for a route from a terminal to a destination to the terminal, wherein the destination is designated as location of the third party being moving, which is performed by a server and comprising: receiving location information of the terminal from the terminal; determining whether the location of the third party has been changed; generating update information for the route based on the received location information and the changed location of the third party upon determining that the location of the third party has been changed; and notifying the terminal of the update information according to types of the update information, wherein the location information of the terminal is received when the terminal deviates from or detours around the route, when the terminal enters a specific segment on the route set by the server, or when the terminal moves by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented to perform and/or otherwise support collaborative navigation between a plurality of mobile devices. In one example, a first mobile device, in response to a determination that at least a second mobile device is located within a threshold distance of the first mobile device, may obtain a navigation parameter indicative of an initial position and/or movement of the second mobile device which was determined based, at least in part, on a measurement from a sensor at the second mobile device. The first mobile device then affect a determined position and/or movement of the first mobile device based, at least in part, on the navigation parameter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for representing road lanes as data in a database that can be used by a system in a vehicle to provide a safety-related function. Each data representation of a physical road lane includes data indicating start and end points of the represented lane and other data attributes pertaining to the represented lane, including data indicating what physical features are adjacent to the represented lane on right and left sides thereof and data indicating a geometry of the represented lane. Further, at least some of the data representations of lanes are associated with data representations of sublanes. Each data representation of a sublane includes data indicating start and end points thereof, defined relative to the lane of which the sublane is a part. A data representation of a sublane includes at least one data attribute associated therewith that pertains to the represented sublane and that is different than the same attribute of the lane of which the sublane is a part.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating driver performance is provided. The system includes a GPS navigation module for locating a running vehicle; a running vehicle data collection module for collecting data of the vehicle; a vehicle specifications memory for storing specifications of the vehicle; a road maps memory for storing maps of an area so as to identify the location of the vehicle by cooperating with the GPS navigation module; a road evaluation parameters memory for storing road evaluation parameters of the vehicle, and outputting evaluation parameters of the vehicle by cooperating with the road maps memory; and an evaluation module for combining the data of the vehicle from the running vehicle data collection module, the road evaluation parameters of the vehicle from the road evaluation parameters memory, and the specifications of the vehicle from the vehicle specifications memory, evaluating the combination, and outputting an evaluation report.

Abstract: A portable navigation prompt device comprises a processor; a wireless communication module; a discrete light source arrangement; and a memory having stored therein executable instructions configured to cause the portable navigation prompt device to establish wireless communication with a master navigation device configured to generate route navigation events based on progress along a navigable route; receive information representing a route navigation event from the master navigation device, wherein the route navigation event is selected from a plurality of available route navigation events; and output a route navigation prompt that corresponds to the first route navigation event, wherein the route navigation prompt comprises a first illumination of the discrete light source arrangement that distinguishes the route navigation event from other available route navigation events. The discrete light source arrangement may comprise, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Abstract: A system and method of the subject technology automatically generates an electronic journal of a series of events based on input from data sources already used to record the series of events, and then displays those events in an electronic publication representative of the series of events. A GPS track may be used in connection with the series of events to generate the electronic journal in connection with an interactive map.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying map data for a vehicle that include receiving locational coordinate data related to a roadway from a navigation system and image data pertaining to the roadway from a vehicle camera system. The method and system also include determining map data and determining a lane coordinate measurement between a center point of a traveling lane and a lane on the roadway adjacent to the traveling lane based on the map data. The method and system further include determining a lane image measurement that includes a measurement between a center portion of the vehicle and a right lane boundary of the traveling lane and the center portion of the vehicle and a left lane boundary of the traveling lane based on the image data. The method and system also include verifying the map data based on the lane coordinate measurement and the lane image measurement.

Abstract: Examples described herein include an autonomous vehicle that receives guide assistance from a human driven vehicle in response to a determination that the autonomous vehicle cannot progress safely on its route.

Abstract: A computer system identifies data representing interest of users in a plurality of geographic sites, such as images of geographic sites submitted by people to public photo sharing sites. The system generates a “heat map” representing densities of the interest data. The system generates a route from a starting location to an ending location. The route includes at least one of the plurality of geographic sites, even if the route is not the maximally efficient route from the starting location to the ending location (measured, e.g., in terms of the total time required to travel the route or the total distance of the route). The system favors high-temperature sites for inclusion in the route, but ensures that the route does not deviate too far from the route having the shortest possible distance between the starting location and the ending location at the expense of including high-temperature sites.

Abstract: The personalized route planning system modifies a time or distance efficient route to a destination in response to a multiple of datasets to determine one or more personalized routes to the destination.

Abstract: A device includes a touch sensitive surface for receiving touch input or gestures associated with two or more markers representing two or more locations defining a route on a map display. Based on the touch input or gesture, information associated with the route is provided to the user including, for example, the travel distance between the two or more locations and an estimated travel time. In some implementations, a gesture associated with two or more markers representing locations on a map display opens a user interface for providing travel directions for a route associated with the two or more locations.

Abstract: Methods for dynamically varying label density and label placement on a map display used in mapping and/or navigation solutions. Label density and label placement on a map display are adjusted dynamically based on: a function class of a road being navigated, a function class of a road to be navigated following an upcoming maneuver, a distance to an upcoming maneuver, and/or a speed a device receiving mapping/navigation services is travelling.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus includes a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit and an output unit. The processing resource is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module is provided and supported by the execution environment. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a communications unit operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module is arranged to generate a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit, the enquiry module also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for planning fueling during a travel. The method comprises receiving information identifying a starting point and a destination for the travel; determining a route between the starting point and the destination; identifying one or more candidate fuel stations that are accessible from the route; determining scores for the one or more candidate fuel stations; and outputting information identifying the one or more candidate fuel stations along with their scores. Identifying one or more candidate fuel stations may include determining a search corridor; and identifying the one or more candidate fuel stations within the search corridor. Determining the search corridor may comprise selecting a search point located on the route; selecting a search radius; drawing a search circle with a radius equal to the search radius and centered at the search point; and including the search circle in the search corridor.

Abstract: A treadmill is capable of performing a gait analysis and comprises a conveyor belt, a supporting plate, a driving mechanism, and at least two sensing assemblies. The conveyor belt is used for a user to walk or run in place. The driving mechanism drives the conveyor belt to run. The supporting plate supports the conveyor belt. The two sensing assemblies are fixed with the supporting plate, for respectively sensing the user's left and right heel strike. A left and right pulse diagram thus can be obtained from the sensing assemblies, and the gait analysis is performed according to the left and right pulse diagram.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying information on a flight deck display onboard an aircraft. An exemplary method comprises obtaining image data for an imaging region and displaying, on the display device, a graphical representation of a first portion of the image data using a first visually distinguishable characteristic and a graphical representation of a second portion of the image data using a second visually distinguishable characteristic. The first portion corresponds to a portion of the image data above an attitude reference and the second portion corresponds to a portion of the image data below the attitude reference, and the first visually distinguishable characteristic and the second visually distinguishable characteristic are different.

Abstract: A smart meter ID acquiring unit in an electronic apparatus acquires a smart meter ID from a smart meter when the electronic apparatus starts. A registered location information acquiring unit acquires registered location information from an external server if the smart meter ID acquired at this time is different from the smart meter ID acquired at a previous time. A relocation determining unit (a1) determines that the electronic apparatus has been relocated if the registered location information acquired at this time is different from the registered location information acquired at a previous time and (a2) determines that the electronic apparatus has not been relocated if the registered location information acquired at this time is equal to the registered location information acquired at the previous time.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for a sensor unit having at least one sensor located within a housing. The coupling device includes at least one supporting portion, wherein the supporting portion is configured for maintaining the sensor unit in a stable position, with the coupling device either resting on or being buried into the ground, and at least one rod, arranged in a plane which is essentially perpendicular to a peripheral surface of the supporting portion and linked to the supporting portion. The coupling device further includes a fastener for connecting the sensor unit to the coupling device. The supporting portion maintains the sensor unit in a stable position when resting on the ground, while the rod provides an additional stiffness to the housing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a trigger unit which is connected via a trigger line to at least two sensors configured to be triggered. Each sensor is connected between two successive line portions of the trigger line. Each sensor has an input and an output, a controllable interrupter between the input and output; and a control circuit, which controls the interrupter. The interrupters of all sensors are initially open. The method comprises the following: transmitting a trigger pulse; in the sensor: receiving the trigger pulse and returning a response; in the trigger unit: receiving the response and calibrating the trigger unit; repeating the aforementioned steps, wherein each sensor reflects the trigger pulse, and the trigger unit measures the propagation times and is calibrated thereto.

Abstract: A support and alignment apparatus for a traversing pitot tube is provided. The apparatus includes a support strut, an insertion fitting and a termination fitting. The support strut spans within the duct, with each end of the strut being attached to one of the fittings. The pitot tube is routed through the insertion fitting and into the support strut. The strut supports the pitot tube as it traverses the duct. A slot cut along the length of the strut allows the pitot tube to extend away from the strut, into and parallel to the flow. The slot aligns the end of the pitot tube with the flow and prevents unwanted rotation, vibration, and flexing of the pitot tube to increase measurement accuracy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic sensor which includes a piezoelectric vibrator made of a lithium niobate (LN) single crystal and may be used in a high temperature region by generating a high ultrasonic wave output, and prevents cracks from being generated in the crystal. A piezoelectric vibrator 1 of the present invention has a surface (Y-axis 36° cut surface) obtained by rotating a surface orthogonal to a Y-axis of the LN crystal about an X-axis by 36°±2° as an output surface. The ultrasonic sensor further includes a retarder 3 made of titanium and a bonding layer 2 for bonding one surface of the retarder 3 to the output surface. The bonding layer 2 is made of silver and frit glass, and the frit glass has a coefficient of linear expansion ranging from 5×10?6 K?1 to 15×10?6 K?1.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes: a plurality of segment electrodes located on a surface of a single piezoelectric element; a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal having pulses of a certain frequency; and a control circuit that sequentially activates the segment electrodes using the pulse signal to cause the element to emit a sonic signal, where a controlled delay time between activation of each segment electrode varies the emission angle of the sonic signal so as to compensate for angle changes caused by either changes in Beam refraction or due to Beam Blowing caused by high flow velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering a metered dose of a granular material. The apparatus holds the granular material captive at any angle until use. In use, the apparatus is typically inverted and the plunger rod is plunged on a surface and released. During the release the metered dose of material is transferred to a holding area. While still inverted, the apparatus is shaken/agitated/oscillated to release the metered dose of material from the holding area out the exit holes while the bulk of granular material is once again sealed at any angle. The granular material is evenly spread to the desired surface through perforations in the cap portion of the apparatus. It should also be noted that the apparatus can also have its rod plunged in an upright position then inverted and shaken/agitated/oscillated to release the metered dose of material. The apparatus is normally sealed; it can be carried on ones' person or in a pocket or purse.

Abstract: A container with an internal partition within its cavity has multiple compartments for dispensing multiple dry products. The partition comprises a first elongated portion, which forms a product-dispensing chute in the cavity, and an inclined portion slanting away from the chute. The inclined portion has a surrounding perimeter edge that meets with adjacent inner walls of the container except at a bottom perimeter edge, along which dry products pass from the top of the inclined portion. A second elongated portion extends from the top of the inclined portion and across its bottom perimeter edge, dividing the remaining cavity into first and second product storage areas. Additional elongated portions may form additional product storage areas. Flipping of the dispenser from its upright position dispenses products below the inclined portion through the chute. An adjustable bottom can be used to vary doses of the products.

Abstract: A tank liquid depth measurement method includes the steps of: a) providing a sensor capable of detecting a liquid pressure, b) providing a main unit for receiving data from the sensor, c) mounting the sensor under the liquid level in a water tank and mounting the main unit in the car, d) initiating the sensor and the main unit so as to cause the sensor to measure the internal liquid pressure and to enable the main unit to store the identification code and communication code of the sensor, and e) enabling the main unit to receive data from the sensor for matching and recording. By means of the operation of the sensor to transmit the detected data to the main unit for warning or informing the driver, the expected effects and objectives of the present invention are achieved.

Abstract: A probe operable to measure a fluid level including a tip movably mounted to a housing, the tip including a multiple of steps and a sensor mounted within the housing, the sensor selectively activated in response to movement of the tip toward the housing. A method of measuring a fluid within a chamber of a vehicle includes locating a probe with a tip including a multiple of steps into a fill port of a chamber, only one of the multiple of steps associated with the fill port; and pressing the probe toward the fill port such that a sensor within the probe is selectively activated in response to movement of the tip toward the housing, the sensor determining a distance to a fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A weighing scale for measuring the weight of an object is disclosed. The weighing scale includes a base portion, a platform extending along a plane above the base portion to support the object, and at least one peg extending below the platform along an axis that is adjustable from a first position perpendicular to the plane to a second position not perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.

Abstract: A distributed fiber optic acoustic sensing system comprises an elongate body having an outer surface, an optical fiber disposed on the outer surface at a first predetermined wrap angle, and light transmitting and receiving means optically connected to the fiber for. The elongate body may include at least one substantially flat face, and/or a layer of swellable elastomer surrounding the body, and/or an outer elastomeric tube surrounding the elastomer layer. There may be at least one sensor pad disposed in the outer layer, the sensor pad comprising a stiffener and at least one longitudinal fiber affixed thereto or embedded therein. There may be a body of protective material surrounding the tube, which may have an outer surface that includes at least one substantially flat face and at least one sensor pad disposed in the body.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first photo detector and a second photo detector to receive a first and second light input signal, respectfully, to generate a first current output signal and second current output signal respectively in response to the respective light input signals. A current multiplier stage receives the second current output signal from the second photo detector to generate a multiplied current output signal that is greater than the magnitude of the second current output signal. A differential multiplier having a first current path receives a portion of the multiplied current output signal and a second current path that receives another portion of the multiplied current output signal. The first current path is in series with the first current output signal to facilitate balancing of currents between the first current output signal of the first photo detector and the second current output signal of the second photo detector.

Abstract: An optical emission spectroscopic (OES) instrument includes a spectrometer, a processor and an adjustable mask controlled by the processor. The adjustable mask defines a portion of an analytical gap imaged by the spectrometer. The instrument automatically adjusts the size and position of an opening in the mask, so the spectrometer images an optimal portion of plasma formed in the analytical gap, thereby improving signal and noise characteristics of the instrument, without requiring tedious and time-consuming manual adjustment of the mask during manufacture or use.

Abstract: Terahertz imaging devices may comprise a focal plane array including a substrate and a plurality of resonance elements. The plurality of resonance elements may comprise a conductive material coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element of the plurality of resonance elements may be configured to resonate and produce an output signal responsive to incident radiation having a frequency between about a 0.1 THz and 4 THz range. A method of detecting a hazardous material may comprise receiving incident radiation by a focal plane array having a plurality of discrete pixels including a resonance element configured to absorb the incident radiation at a resonant frequency in the THz, generating an output signal from each of the discrete pixels, and determining a presence of a hazardous material by interpreting spectral information from the output signal.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopic apparatus analyzes a substance under analysis and includes a light source that emits light of a first wavelength, an optical device that adsorbs the substance under analysis and is irradiated with the light of the first wavelength, and an optical detector that receives light radiated from the optical device. The optical device includes a first structural member that generates charge transfer resonance in response to the light of the first wavelength and a second structural member that is less than or equal to 5 nm from the first structural member and generates surface plasmon resonance in response to the light of the first wavelength. The first structural member is made of a metal or a semiconductor, and the second structural member is made of a metal different from the material of the first structural member.