Abstract: A method is disclosed for mitigating the risks associated with operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by using calculated route traversal values to select less risky travel routes and/or modify vehicle operation. Various approaches to achieving this risk mitigation are presented. A computing device is configured to generate a database of route traversal values. This device may receive a variety of historical route traversal information, real-time vehicle information, and/or route information from one of more data sources and calculate a route traversal value for the associated driving route. Subsequently, the computing device may provide the associated route traversal value to other devices, such as a vehicle navigation device associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. An insurance company may use this information to help determine insurance premiums for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles by analyzing and/or mitigating the risk associated with operating those vehicles.

Abstract: Navigation devices, methods, and programs acquire a departure point and a destination, accept a designation of a passing area, and determine a departure-point-side border point on a departure point side and a destination-side border point on a destination side in the designated passing area. The devices, methods, and programs calculate, as a travel route from the departure point to the destination through the passing area: (i) a departure-point-side travel route from the departure point to the departure-point-side border point; (ii) a passing area travel route from the departure-point-side border point to the destination-side border point; and (iii) a destination-side travel route from the destination-side border point to the destination.

Abstract: A vehicle system enabling a processor to calculate the most efficient route to a destination based on estimated energy usage, vehicle data, and other inputs until the final destination is reached. The vehicle system may receive location related data that may include the current vehicle location and one or more destination points. The vehicle system may receive one or more energy usage affecting parameters from a vehicle related system. The system may calculate a most efficient route based on the location related data and the one or more energy usage affecting parameters and present the most efficient route to a device. The vehicle system may repeat the steps of receiving, calculating, presenting until a destination is reached.

Abstract: In a method for providing adaptive audio guidance, determining, by one or more processors, a route of a computing device, wherein the route is from an initial location of the computing device to a destination. Determining, by one or more processors, an estimated time of arrival at which the computing device would arrive at the destination. Prompting, by one or more processors, a user to input a desired arrival time. Determining, by one or more processors, whether to provide audio guidance based on a determination of whether the estimated time of arrival is within a pre-determined time period before the desired arrival time.

Abstract: An approach for a route stabilization scrolling mode is provided. The approach displays a map window, wherein the map window includes a visible region of a map, the map including a plotted route originating at a source location and ending at a destination location. The approach receives one or more swipe gestures within the map window. The approach determines whether the one or more swipe gestures exceeds an escape velocity threshold. Responsive to a determination that the one or more swipe gestures exceeds the level of intensity to progress the map window into an area of the map away from the plotted route, the approach generates one or more custom pegs, wherein the one or more custom pegs is a compressed snapshot of a last position on the plotted route prior to exceeding the escape velocity threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle position display controller performs a branch determination processing of determining whether a vehicle has entered a branch road. In addition, in a case where a connecting road through which a currently traveled road is connected to a road extending in parallel with the currently traveled road lies ahead of a position of the vehicle, the vehicle position display controller performs a road shape conversion processing of subjecting the road extending in parallel to the branch determination processing on the assumption that the road extending in parallel is the branch road by making a correction of an angle between the currently traveled road and the connecting road. However, in a case where the vehicle travels at a speed equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, the vehicle position display controller does not perform the road shape conversion processing.

Abstract: A control system (106) for mounting to a vehicle (100) and for providing information to an occupant of the vehicle from a first source device (116) is provided. The vehicle includes an audio system (130) and/or a display system (100). The control system includes a first interface (120) for communicating with the first source device (116). The control system further includes a second interface for providing a signal to the audio system and/or the display system. The control system yet further includes a processor (122). A memory unit (122) is communicably connected to the processor and includes a first transport (2112) configured to send a control signal to the interface. The memory unit (132) further includes a first manager (2304) configured to receive a command from an application (2104) and to translate the command from the application (2104) into a command for the transport (2112).

Abstract: A step-counter device detects and counts user steps. The device includes a transducer configured to generate an electrical transduction signal in response to user stepping. An energy-scavenging system is coupled to the transducer to generate a power supply voltage in response to the electrical transduction signal. A processing unit is powered by the power supply voltage. The processing unit is further configured to sense the electrical transduction signal and determine whether a user step has occurred and in response to that determination increment a step counter.

Abstract: A system for piloting an aircraft during an autonomous approach for the purpose of landing. The piloting system has a flight guidance computer that directly computes, with the aid of a position indication and of information characterizing a virtual approach axis, linear deviations. Another computer computes aircraft piloting instructions using the linear deviations.

Abstract: A display management system is provided for displaying a graphical representation of flight envelope information of an aircraft. Included in the display management system is a control module being coupled to the display management system and programmed to control the graphical representation including at least one flight envelope protection attribute. A signal detection module receives signals from a plurality of sensors of the aircraft, and the received signals include associated parameter values for the at least one flight envelope protection attribute. A protection selection module selects the at least one flight envelope protection attribute based on the received signals and parameter values. A display module displays the at least one flight envelope protection attribute on a display screen in relation to a flight control law state stored in a database using a display model of the aircraft from an elevational view based on the received signals and parameter values.

Abstract: A position sensor for ascertaining the fine position value z of a movable body includes an exciter unit moving therewith and a stationary sensor unit (7) which simultaneously delivers a plurality of output signals jointly describing the fine position value. In a calibration mode there is established a defined relationship between the exciter unit and a calibration unit (31) such that groups of amplitude values can be taken off from said output signals and groups of average values are formed therefrom, which are fed to the calibration unit (31) which converts them into reference values using the calibration fine position values ?(z) and stores same with the associated fine position as an associated values multiplet in a comparative value memory (14).

Abstract: A brushless linear rotary transformer apparatus for determining angular position and velocity of a rotor includes a rotor, a stator, a primary coil winding, pairs of secondary coil windings, bearings, an excitation power supply, and a signal receiving and processing system. The primary coil winding is wrapped around a hollow cylinder body on one end of the stator. One end of the rotor shaft is arranged in the hollow cylinder body. Another ends of the rotor shaft and the stator are connected by a bearing. Pairs of secondary coil windings are embedded in the stator and on the inner side of the stator. An alternating magnetic field is generated by the excitation power supply through the primary coil winding. The amplitudes of the induced electromotive force at the ends of the secondary coil windings are linearly proportional to the angular position of the rotor.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity detection is provided by combining a delta-sigma modulator and a capacitive voltage divider circuit to create a high resolution capacitive-to-digital converter. Period and duty cycle counters provide duty cycle ratios from the delta-sigma modulator for comparison of changes in capacitance values of a capacitive sensor when an object is in proximity thereto.

Abstract: First and second output signals are generated based on amounts of light received by first and second light-receiving elements, respectively, when a detection head is moved along a scale; a first amplitude adjustment is performed to adjust an amplitude of the first or second output signal such that levels of first and second output signals become equal at a first reference phase; a second amplitude adjustment is performed to adjust an amplitude of the first or second output signal such that levels of the first and second output signals become equal at a second reference phase; and a reference signal that starts at a timing when levels of the second output signal and the first output signal subjected to the first amplitude adjustment become equal and ends at a timing when levels of the second output signal and the first output signal subjected to the second amplitude adjustment become equal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining if a flexible joint means is out of alignment, i.e., if excess torque or pressure has caused malformation or malpositioning of the joint means. This is accomplished by incorporating a flexible leveling means onto a visible surface of the joint means. The leveling means has horizontal and vertical markings which permit simple visible inspection of the joint and a simple determination of the position and condition of the joint.

Abstract: An engine compartment illumination system is provided that includes a first container including a first cap including a light source operable to emit an excitation emission, a window, and an optics system configured to direct a portion of the excitation emission through the window. A second container is positioned proximate the first container and includes a second cap and an indicia positioned proximate the second cap. The excitation emission is configured to excite the indicia.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor element configured to detect a measurement value based at least in part upon a physical variable, and a support element configured to support the sensor element. The support element has at least one connection region which is located in a section of the support element, and which is configured to connect the section of the support element to a section of the sensor element such that the sensor element is mounted so as to be movable with respect to the support element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mapping network identifiers to a set of sensor modules that measure a three-dimensional action vector and that are sensitive to orientation in three-dimensional space. Each sensor module is mounted at a different position on a machine such that the orientation of each sensor module is different. The method includes one or two stages. In the first stage, the machine is placed in a stationary state, and measurements of a static action vector from a sensor module identified by a network identifier are correlated with expected measurements from a sensor module having a corresponding orientation and corresponding position. In the second stage, the machine is placed in a dynamic state, and measurements of a dynamic action vector from a sensor module identified by a network identifier are correlated with expected measurements from a sensor module having a corresponding orientation and corresponding position.

Abstract: An airflow measuring apparatus includes a sub-passage that takes in part of flow of fluid flowing through an intake pipe, a sensor element disposed in the sub-passage to measure the flow of fluid, a circuit part converting the flow of fluid detected by the sensor element into an electric signal, a connector part connected to the circuit part to output a signal externally, and a casing supporting the sensor element and the circuit part. The sensor element is disposed in the intake pipe, and includes a cavity disposed at a semiconductor substrate and a diaphragm including a thin film part that covers the cavity. The sensor element on a lead frame has surfaces that are mold-packaged with resin so that the diaphragm and part of the lead frame are exposed. One hole is disposed at the lead frame for communication between the cavity and exterior.

Abstract: An exciter associated with a mass flow primary comprises a rigid plate comprising a base, two outer struts, and an inner strut; at least one electromagnet formed over the inner strut; a protection circuit associated with the electromagnet; and an exciter circuit configured to induce a current in said electromagnet in order to cause vibration of said exciter.

Abstract: There is provided a dry food dispensing apparatus for connecting to a storage receptacle, for the purpose of controlling the portion size and accuracy of the dispensed food, the apparatus having a base providing a housing defining a hollow circumferential interior with a centrally disposed hub, an extraction element disposed in the housing for extracting a first pre-determined portion of the dry food, a rotatable cell holder having a centrally disposed socket for engaging the hub of the base from above, having at least one open-bottomed cell for receiving and temporarily storing the extracted first pre-determined portion; and a dispensing aperture formed in a bottom of the base for releasing the first temporarily stored portion when the extraction element is operated to extract a second pre-determined portion, and the extraction element is operated in a cyclical fashion to obtain from the extracted portions a desired quantity of the dry food.

Abstract: A fluid level detection device comprising an elongated shaft having a plurality of sensors and associated switches on a distal end thereof. The distal end of the shaft extends into a liquid reservoir with the switches configured to detect multiple predetermined fluid levels. The first fluid level detected is a warning level indicating that the level of fluid in the reservoir is low and results in a warning indication. The second fluid level detected is for a shutoff threshold that results in shutdown of the device using the fluid in the reservoir and a shutdown indicator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to weighing scale diagnostic methods employing a comparison of like component operating parameters. In certain embodiments, the difference between any two current operating parameter values may be compared against a maximum allowable difference, and/or the deviation of current operating parameters from a calculated measure of central tendency may be determined and compared against a maximum allowable deviation. Alternatively or additionally, a standard statistical test for outliers may be employed. An outlying difference or deviation may be indicative of a problem with the associated component. In other embodiments, the current operating parameters of like components may be compared against calibrated parameters and any deviation of the current parameter for a given component may be compared against the total deviation to determine the percentage of deviation attributable to that component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a deployable system. An apparatus comprises a sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one of first vibrations from a deployable system in a first position or second vibrations from the deployable system in a second position in which the first vibrations are different from the second vibrations. The sensor is further configured to generate information from detecting at least one of the first vibrations or the second vibrations.

Abstract: A photoacoustic transducer, such as a photoacoustic probe includes an optical fiber, diaphragm, at the optical fiber, whereby the optical fiber and diaphragm define a cavity, and an energy absorption film at the optical fiber, whereby an activating laser directed through the optical fiber can excite the energy absorption film to thereby generate an acoustic wave that, upon reflection upon a remote surface, can deflect the diaphragm and modify reflection of a detecting laser also directed through the optical fiber. A method of detecting an acoustic wave includes directing an activating laser through an optical fiber to an energy absorption film at the optical fiber, directing a detecting laser through the optical fiber and cavity to the diaphragm at the optical fiber, and measuring an interference pattern generated at least in part by reflection of the detecting laser from a surface of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Boresight and other pointing errors are detected based on a monitor beam formed by diverting a portion of a probe beam. The monitor beam is directed to a position sensitive photodetector, and the optical power received at the position sensitive photodetector is used to estimate or correct such pointing errors.

Abstract: An infrared sensor includes: an infrared detecting device; a lens disposed above the infrared detecting device; an member that is disposed at a side of an upper surface of the lens and includes an opening; and a gap that intervenes between the member and the lens and has a wider range than the opening.

Abstract: An electronic device uses one or more infrared sensors to detect infrared light from a person's body (e.g., a user's finger) to initiate a function of the electronic device. According to an implementation, the housing of the electronic device includes a flexible portion that opens an aperture in response to external pressure (e.g., a user pressing down on the flexible portion) to allow infrared light from the person's body to reach an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared light, it generates a signal in response. A processor of the electronic device receives the signal and, in response, initiates a function of the electronic device. The function may be any function that the electronic device is capable of performing, such as a power-on function, a camera function, changing the speaker volume, and launching an application.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises an interference filter unit 20, having a cavity layer 21 and mirror layers 22, 23 opposing each other through the layer 21, for selectively transmitting therethrough light in a predetermined wavelength range according to an incident position thereof; a light-transmitting substrate 3, arranged on the layer 22 side, for transmitting therethrough light incident on the unit 20; and a light-detecting substrate 4, arranged on the layer 23 side, for detecting the light transmitted through the unit 20. The layer 21 has a filter region 24 held between the layers 22, 23; an annular surrounding region 25 surrounding the region 24 with a predetermined distance therefrom; and an annular connecting region 26 connecting an end part 24e on the substrate 4 side of the region 24 and an end part 25e on the substrate 4 side of the region 25 to each other.

Abstract: A spectrometer may include: an input configured to receive optical radiation; a dispersion element configured to disperse by wavelength the optical radiation passing from the input; an output; and/or a spatial light modulator (SLM) configured to receive a wavelength region of the optical radiation dispersed by the dispersion element, and configured to selectively direct wavelength portions of the received wavelength region to the output. The input may be configured to provide a plurality of entrance field stops by which the dispersion element is, in use, illuminated. Each of the plurality of entrance field stops may cooperate with the dispersion element to generate a different dispersed wavelength region at the SLM.

Abstract: A compact spectrometer is disclosed that is suitable for use in mobile devices such as cellular telephones. In preferred embodiments, the spectrometer comprises a filter, at least one Fourier transform focusing element, a micro-lens array, and a detector, but does not use any dispersive elements. Methods for using the spectrometer as an end-user device for performing on site determinations of food quality, in particular, by comparison with an updatable database accessible by all users of the device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein. An exemplary system may include a laser source, the laser source having a laser center wavelength; at least one narrowband optical element receiving light emitted by the laser, the narrowband optical element having a filter center wavelength, the narrowband optical element being arranged such that the filter center wavelength is initially spectrally aligned with the laser center wavelength, the filter center wavelength changing in response to a temperature change such that the filter center wavelength is not substantially aligned with the laser center wavelength; and a passive adjustment mechanism coupled to the narrowband optical element, the passive adjustment mechanism including an actuator, the actuator moving in response to the temperature change, the actuator motion rotating the narrowband optical element, the rotation compensating for the temperature change such that the filter center wavelength and laser center wavelength remain spectrally aligned.

Abstract: A gonio-spectroradiometer and a measuring method thereof. The gonio-spectroradiometer includes a light source rotating on a light source axis, a first integrating sphere revolving around the light source with respect to a revolving axis perpendicular to the light source axis with a fixed radius and including an entrance formed in a direction to see the light source, a light intensity modulator adapted to modulate light intensity of light received through the first integrating sphere according to the rotation amount of the revolving axis, and a detector adapted to measure output light of the light intensity modulator at each wavelength.

Abstract: A jack (10) of the invention includes a holding body (9) having an insertion hole (15) into which an optical plug is able to be inserted, a window material (6) through which infrared radiation passing through the insertion hole (15) is transmitted, and a light reception unit (2) which detects infrared radiation of 6 ?m or more and 15 ?m or less transmitted through the window material (6). The window material (6) is provided in the holding body (9) so as to prevent water from intruding into the light reception unit (2), and arranged at a bottom of the insertion hole (15). Thereby, it is possible to give a waterproof property to an element which receives infrared radiation without limitation to design or aesthetic appearance of an electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a sensor (1) configured to sense electromagnetic radiation (15) wherein the sensor (1) comprises a sensing portion (3) comprising a pyroelectric material (4) configured to be responsive to incident electromagnetic radiation (15) and a transducing portion (7) configured to convert the response of the pyroelectric material (4) into an output signal; and at least one antenna (21) configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation (15) onto the sensor (1).

Abstract: A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 ?m and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 ?m, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system includes a vehicle that has a seat. An alarm is removably attached to the seat and the alarm is in thermal communication with an interior of the vehicle. The alarm issues a visual alert when a temperature of within the vehicle exceeds a trigger temperature. Thus, the alarm alerts an observer that the temperature within the vehicle exceeds the trigger temperature.

Abstract: Biological sample measurement device includes biological sample measuring instrument, and temperature information supply instrument which supplies temperature information regarding a measurement environment to biological sample measuring instrument and has holding portion of biological sample measuring instrument on the upper surface thereof. Biological sample measuring instrument has main body case, measurement unit provided inside main body case, a control unit connected to the measurement unit, and temperature information reception unit connected to the control unit. Holder has temperature sensor, and temperature information transmission unit which is connected to temperature sensor and transmits the temperature information to temperature information reception unit.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing temperature in an electric machine comprises a plate member including a first side, a second side, a perimeter portion, and at least one hole extending through the plate member from the first side to the second side. A mount is coupled to the plate member. The mount includes a retention surface, at least one first arm, and at least one second arm. The retention surface is removed from the first side of the plate member. The at least one first arm extends from the retention surface and engages the perimeter portion of the plate member. The at least one second arm extends from the retention surface and through the at least one hole of the plate member. A temperature sensor is positioned between the first side of the plate member and the retention surface of the mount.

Abstract: A substrate layer structure (100) is adapted to carry electronic device, or components, or electro-mechanical, or electro-chemical sensors, or a combination thereof, and is adapted to be attached to a surface of a human or animal body or biological species. The surface of the flexible substrate layer structure is patterned with a pre-fixed geometry formed by one or more slits (101-701, 502-702). The geometry is selected such that a stretchability of the substrate layer structure becomes adapted to the geometry of the body surface under it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated circuits. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining temperatures of an integrated circuit using an one-point calibration technique, where temperature is determined by a single temperature measurement and calculation using known electrical characteristics of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a probe assembly for a fluid bed reactor are disclosed. The probe assembly includes a fluid bed reactor (FBR) member, and a pressure tap comprising a wall defining a passageway within which the FBR member is located. Exemplary FBR members include, but are not limited to, a thermocouple, a seed pipe, a particle sampling line, a gas sampling line, a gas feed line, a heater, a second pressure tap, or a combination thereof. Disclosed embodiments of the probe assembly reduce or eliminate the need for support rods and rings within the fluid bed reactor, reduce component fouling within the reactor, and/or reduce product contamination.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device which can provide desired output characteristics suitable to applications. A semiconductor device 10 includes a temperature sensing unit 11 which generates an analog sensing signal corresponding to a temperature, and an AD converter unit 12 which converts the analog sensing signal into a digital output signal corresponding to an adjusted temperature change rate based on a temperature change rate adjustment signal for adjusting the temperature change rate. The temperature change rate refers to a change in a detected temperature per bit of a digital output signal.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an electric vehicle that draws current from a conductor is provided. The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor modules distributed at spaced intervals throughout a conducting block of a current collector. The conducting block contacts the conductor in operation of the vehicle. Each sensor module comprises a strain sensor configured to output a first optical signal that reflects changes in strain and temperature of the conducting block and a strain-isolated temperature sensor that is configured to output a second optical signal that reflects changes in temperature of the conducting block. The monitoring system also includes an optical source for illuminating each sensor module and an optical signal interpretation module configured to receive first and second optical signals from each said sensor module. The optical signal interpretation module is configured to determine, from the optical signals, a temperature-independent strain measurement for each said sensor module.

Abstract: A machine element designed for transferring a force and/or a torque and also for measuring the force or the torque to be transferred, as well as to an arrangement for measuring a force and/or a torque having such a machine element. A method for producing the machine element is also provided. The machine element according to the invention has a primary sensor for measuring the force to be transferred or the torque to be transferred and this sensor has a permanent magnetization. A measurable magnetic field occurring outside of the machine element is caused by the permanent magnetization and also by the force and/or by the torque. The permanent magnetization extends along a closed magnetization path. The permanent magnetization is formed in a surface layer of the machine element that has a greater magnetic permeability than at least the sections of the machine element located under the surface layer.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor incorporated in an electric power steering apparatus includes first through fourth detection coils, which are disposed face-to-face with a magnetostrictive film across a bobbin winding holder that is disposed around an outer circumferential surface of the magnetostrictive film. A bobbin support, which supports the bobbin winding holder, is disposed on the bobbin winding holder at a central position in the axial direction of the first through fourth detection coils.

Abstract: An impact indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for holding an indicator fluid; a second member couplable to the first member; and a third member disposed between an opening of the reservoir and the second member. Responsive to receiving a predetermined level of impact, at least a portion of the indicator fluid exits the reservoir, and wherein the third member causes the portion of the indicator fluid to be distributed across a surface of the first member adjacent the opening and facing the third member, the portion of the indicator fluid located on the surface of the first member providing a visual indication of the received predetermined level of impact.

Abstract: A device for measuring the state of contact of a measuring roller of a conveyor belt includes a pressure sensor provided on a rotating surface of the measuring roller, which rotates in contact with an inner peripheral surface of a conveyor belt stretched between pulleys. The pressure sensor detects resistance force acting when the conveyor belt rides over the measuring roller. A rotational position sensor detects the circumferential position, on the rotating surface, of the pressure sensor. The data detected are sequentially wirelessly transmitted to the outside of the measuring roller by a transmission unit installed on the measuring roller, and the transmitted detection data are received by a receiver.

Abstract: A pressure introduction hole of a case has a first introduction hole extended in a predetermined direction to define a first end opening and a second introduction hole extended in a direction different from the predetermined direction to define a second end opening opposite from the first end opening. The second introduction hole is communicated to the first introduction hole. An angle defined between a wall surface of the first introduction hole and located adjacent to the second end opening and a wall surface of the second introduction hole and connected to the wall surface of the first introduction hole is larger than or equal to 90°. The second introduction hole has a communication part communicating with the first introduction hole, and a space increasing chamber further extending from the communication part away from the second end opening.

Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus made by 3D printing technologies being able to be used in dangerous areas is provided. It mainly comprises a light source, a processor, a coupler, and at least one pressure transducer. The pressure transducer comprises a main body and a fiber grating. The fiber grating comprises a fiber Bragg grating sensor, and the fiber grating is fixed on the main body and covers the fiber Bragg grating sensor. When the main body is placed in a fluid area, the fluid would flow through the opening to deform the strain layer and generate a strain variation on the fiber Bragg grating sensor to cause a signal variation in the reflection frequency spectrum. The coupler is configured to couple to the light source and the pressure transducer to decode the signal variation into pressure parameters.