Patents Issued in May 9, 2017
  • Patent number: 9644945
    Abstract: A method of measuring an object by means of at least one first laser scanner is described which detects measured values for a plurality of measurement points, wherein only measured values which lie above a predefined threshold value are used for measuring the object. The method is characterized in that threshold values are determined separately for at least two ranges of measurement points of the laser scanner or laser scanners and the threshold value used for a measurement point is selected in dependence on a quality criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Achim Nubling, Thorsten Harter, Carsten Ehrler
  • Patent number: 9644946
    Abstract: An image-capture inspection and documentation system is provided to capture images of post-tensioned concrete anchorage structures to verify and document proper tendon terminations in post-tensioned concrete structures. A method is disclosed for using such an image-capture inspection system to inspect, verify, and document the tendon tail-end terminations within recessed grout pockets for multiple anchorage locations while generating a digital image of each location with visual indications for both tendon tail-end termination and anchorage location identification for each such location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Mark LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 9644947
    Abstract: A device for real-time thickness inspection is provided. An optical interferometric technique is used. Measurement requirements in rapid online thickness inspection can be satisfied. An object is measured in a non-contact and non-destructive way. For measuring, an optical spherical wavefront is radiated on the object in an oblique angle. The interference fringe pattern (IFP) thus imaged on a screen is directly related to the thickness distribution of the object. The phase difference on the same horizontal cross section in the IFP monotonically decreases from the light source side to the other side. Accordingly, phase unwrapping can be effectively performed without using phase shift. The present invention achieves rapid on-line thickness inspection through the optical path of interference without using optical lens groups and special optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Wang, Chi-Hung Huang, Po-Chi Sung, Meng-Hsiu Li
  • Patent number: 9644948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the contact-free measurement of deformations of a surface of a object in which a series of individual images is captured in each of two time windows (T1, T2), wherein between every two individual image captures the image detector is displaced relative to the object and parallel to its detector surface by an optical offset of the size of a fraction of a pixel up to a few pixels, the individual images of the first time window (T1) are processed in pairs with the individual images of the second time window (T2) to produce a set of individual deformation fields (18) and an average of the individual deformation fields (18) is calculated as an output deformation field (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LAVISION GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Wieneke
  • Patent number: 9644949
    Abstract: A device is used which comprises a transparent support positioned between illumination means and a camera. A frame axis is formed on a demonstration lens, for which the convex face is laid on the support. The contour (34) and the frame axis (10I) are captured, and the barycenter (B) of said contour is determined in order to place a machining adapter therein. Application to the grinding of ophthalmic lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Bernard Joseph Videcoq, Bruno Lucien Bizet
  • Patent number: 9644950
    Abstract: A positioning unit includes two or more the laser light sources disposed around a point sensor. Laser light beams from the two or more the laser light sources intersect at an adjustment point separated from a detection point, which is away from the point sensor, by a predetermined distance. The adjustment point is positioned on a desired measurement start point on a work, the point sensor is moved close to the work by the predetermined distance, and a measurement scan of the work is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Hirano, Naoki Izumi, Hideki Shindo
  • Patent number: 9644951
    Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of measuring tools, particularly relates to a pointer-type angle measuring device with wireless power supply for lighting for measuring angle state of an object. The invention includes a housing, a dial, a pointer and an electronic circuit. Wherein, the electronic circuit includes a wireless power supply circuit and a wireless power receiving and lighting circuit, and the wireless power receiving and lighting circuit is set on the pointer. The invention is characterized in that the pointer can illuminate, and the invention is convenient for people to use in a low light environment, to measure angle of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG RONGSHENG TOOL CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chengrong Zhuang
  • Patent number: 9644952
    Abstract: A process for calibrating and evaluating a machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system having front and rear imaging components associated with each of the left and right sides of a vehicle support structure. Each pair of imaging components defines a front and rear field of view, with a common overlapping region associated with each respective side of the vehicle support structure. Optical targets disposed within each of the overlapping field of view regions are observed by the imaging components to establish performance ratings for the system as a whole, for groups of components within the system, and for individual components within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Shylanski, Daniel R. Dorrance, Bruce E. Bernard, Thomas J. Golab, Michael T. Stieff, James W. McClenahan, J. Kaleb Silver, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 9644953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning optical components within an optical sensor. A mask with an elongate slot formed therethrough is placed optically between an optical emitter and an optical detector of the sensor. The mask is rotated 180 degrees while the detector output is measured. As the mask is rotated, the output varies. The longitudinal position of the slot that corresponds with the maximum detector output is indicative of the transverse direction that the optical emitter must be moved relative to the optical detector for optimal alignment. A controller may operate a first actuator for translating the optical emitter with respect to the optical detector and a second actuator for rotating the mask, thereby automating the alignment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Perkins, William Soltmann, Jimmy Anders, Robert Atkinson, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 9644954
    Abstract: Devices for measuring the surface state of a surface, at least one portion of which has a surface curvature. The devices may include a probe for being in contact with the curved surface portion. The probe may be stressed on the surface with a substantially constant stress. A way to measure the displacement of the probe may be provided and arranged to measure the displacement of the probe along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface. The probe may also be relatively displaced in relation to the surface only along a path following the surface curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Claude Girard
  • Patent number: 9644955
    Abstract: A scanning electron beam device having: a deflector (5) for deflecting an electron beam (17) emitted from an electron source (1); an objective lens (7) for causing the electron beam to converge; a retarding electrode; a stage (9) for placing a wafer (16); and a controller (15); wherein the stage can be raised and lowered. In the low acceleration voltage region, the controller performs rough adjustment and fine adjustment of the focus in relation to the variation in the height of the wafer using electromagnetic focusing performed through excitation current adjustment of the objective lens. In the high acceleration voltage region, the controller performs rough adjustment of the focus in relation to the variation in the height of the wafer by mechanical focusing performed through raising and lowering of the stage, and performs fine adjustment by electrostatic focusing performed through adjustment of the retarding voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tasuku Yano, Yasunari Sohda, Muneyuki Fukuda, Katsunori Onuki, Hajime Kawano, Naomasa Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9644956
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for measuring a thickness of thin film using x-ray where a thickness of a thin film of nanometer_(nm) level can be accurately measured without destructing an target sample, through determination of thickness of thin film of the target sample, by determining a calibration curve by comparing a difference of intensities of signals scattered by a special component included in a base layer of the reference sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Nano CMS Co., LTD
    Inventors: Shi Surk Kim, Joo Hye Kim, Sang Bong Lee, Seong Uk Lee
  • Patent number: 9644957
    Abstract: The techniques described herein are directed to receiving parameters directed to correcting spatial error and/or jitter associated with an interaction device connected to a computing device. In some instances, the parameters are encrypted parameters that may be decrypted and consumed to correct the spatial error and/or the jitter associated with the interaction device. For instance, the parameters may provide an adjustment to one or more reported positions of input received from a detection area of the interaction device, so that a display position more accurately reflects, based on the adjustment, an actual position of input on the detection area of the interaction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandar Uzelac, David Abzarian, Silvano Bonacina, Changsin Lee, Alan W. Stephenson, Michael A. Nelte, Uros Batricevic
  • Patent number: 9644958
    Abstract: Validation of solar altitude-dependent measured values of several measurement channels. Measured values of the measurement channels that take the solar altitude into consideration are stored. Stored ratios of the stored measured values for all solar altitudes are calculated and stored. An expected ratio is determined by calculation of a frequency distribution over all stored ratios A current ratio of a currently measured measured value to the current measured values of the other measurement channels are calculated The currently measured measured values are validated. If the expected ratio corresponds to the stored ratio and the stored ratio corresponds to the currently ratio, the current measured value is valid. If the expected ratio corresponds to the stored ratio and the stored ratio deviates from the current ratio, a disturbance is present. If the expected ratio deviates from the stored ratio, the validity for this measured value is not evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SKYTRON ENERGY GMBH
    Inventor: Hendrik Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9644959
    Abstract: A data fusion architecture with a plurality of sensors, optionally position measuring equipment (PMEs), is described. Each sensor supplies measurement data x1, x2 . . . xM and is associated with accuracy data H1, H2 . . . HM indicative of the accuracy of the supplied measurement data. Sub-processing units derives first estimates sf1, sf2 . . . sfM and second estimates Hn1, Hn2 . . . HnM of the variability of the measurement data supplied by the respective sensor. The first estimates are derived by processing the measurement data x1, x2 . . . xM and the second estimates are derived by processing the accuracy data H1, H2 . . . HM. The first and second estimates are combined in a multiplier to derive overall estimates ?1, ?2 . . . ?M of the variability of the measurement data supplied by the respective sensor. Data fusion means such as a Kalman filter combines the measurement data supplied by each sensor and the overall estimates ?1, ?2 . . . ?M for each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTD.
    Inventor: Richard Ian Stephens
  • Patent number: 9644960
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser beam horizontal trueness testing device for a laser beam projection device for construction and/or interior design work. The laser beam projection device is equipped with a beam self-leveling functionality. The laser beam horizontal trueness testing device has a telescope with an attenuating filter, a magnifying objective, and a flat image sensor for capturing an image of a laser beam incident on the objective. Components of the laser beam horizontal trueness testing device further include a natural inclination compensator and an analyzing unit which is designed to automatically ascertain an image position of the laser beam captured in the image by processing the image. According to the invention, the flat image sensor is arranged on an image plane of the objective, and the analyzing unit is additionally designed to quantify the laser beam horizontal trueness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Charles Leopold Elisabeth Dumoulin, Marco Petermann
  • Patent number: 9644961
    Abstract: A drive loop circuit for a MEMS resonator. The circuit comprises a closed loop circuit to detect and amplify a signal of the MEMS resonator, a phase shifting circuit to phase shift the detected and amplified signal, and a feedback circuit to feed the detected, amplified and phase shifted signal as a feedback signal back to the MEMS resonator. The phase shifting circuit can include a low pass filter of at least 2nd order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lasse Aaltonen
  • Patent number: 9644962
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electronic device, that accommodates a gyro element as an electronic component in an inner space formed by a base and a lid as a lid body, includes: preparing the lid in which a groove is provided on a surface which is welded with the base, and an opening area of the groove on the inner space side which is smaller than an opening area on the outer periphery side of the lid; welding, first, the base and the lid at a portion excluding an unwelded portion that includes at least apart of the groove, of a planned welding portion of the base and the lid; and welding, second, the base and the lid at the unwelded portion such that the groove is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Aoki, Osamu Kawauchi, Juichiro Matsuzawa, Masaru Mikami
  • Patent number: 9644963
    Abstract: This application discusses simplified interface circuits for a gyroscope. In an example, an interface can include an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit configured to couple to driver for a proof mass of a gyroscope sensor and to drive the proof-mass to oscillate at a predefined oscillation amplitude, and a phase-locked loop (PLL) configured to receive sensed oscillation information from the proof-mass and to provide at least a first phase signal synchronized with a sinusoidal waveform of the sensed oscillation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shungneng Lee, Hai Tao, Ion Opris, Shanthi Pavan
  • Patent number: 9644964
    Abstract: A IC for sensor includes a detector which detects an angular velocity signal based on a signal from a sensor element, an AD converter which converts an analog signal from the detector into a digital signal, and a DC component detector which detects a DC component from the digital signal output from the AD converter within a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Maki, Katsuhito Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9644965
    Abstract: A system comprises a mechanical resonator; an analog circuit operably coupled to the mechanical resonator; the analog circuit arranged to receive a mechanical resonator measurement signal and to output a mechanical resonator actuation signal to the mechanical resonator; and a digital actuator operably coupled to the analog circuit and configured to provide a frequency sweep of signals to the analog circuit that induces movement of the mechanical resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugues Beaulaton, Thierry Cassagnes, Laurent Cornibert, Volker Wahl
  • Patent number: 9644966
    Abstract: An integrated optical circuit comprises a first waveguide section of a first material having a first index of refraction, a second waveguide section diffused with a second material, different from the first material, the second waveguide section having a second index of refraction; and a third waveguide section of the first material. A portion of the first waveguide section at a first interface is angled at a first angle and a portion of the second waveguide section is angled at the first angle. A portion of the first waveguide section at a second interface is angled at a second angle and a portion of the third waveguide section is angled at the second angle. The first angle and second angle are selected such that the angle of incidence of light at the first and second interfaces is greater than the Brewster's angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Earl Lewis
  • Patent number: 9644967
    Abstract: A recommended-information providing system outputs recommended information about a destination in order to provide the recommended information for the information terminal. Collecting circuitry collects a plurality of action histories based on a plurality of action patterns of one or more moving bodies. Generating circuitry generates the recommended information for each attribute of the destination, which is a facility with a plurality of entrances, based on the plurality of collected action histories. Outputting circuitry outputs the recommended information generated according to the attribute of the requested destination in order to provide the recommended information for the information terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sayaka Yoshizu
  • Patent number: 9644968
    Abstract: A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: VEDERI, LLC
    Inventors: Enrico Di Bernardo, Luis F. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 9644969
    Abstract: An interactive system for use in connection with recreational vehicle usage includes a server system, including an off-road trail database containing trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information, as well as a trip mapping system accessible by any of a plurality of riders, allowing a rider to create a route based on the data in the off-road trip database. The server system further includes a trail maintenance interface accessible by users affiliated with an authorized group to edit the trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information associated with the authorized group. The server system includes a location data management system configured to receive location data, allowing a rider to publish location information to one or more other riders, and a user feedback interface configured to receive trip data from riders for publication, including information describing an actual route and user data associated with that route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Koenig, Joseph D. Tharaldson, Adam C. Koosmann, Christopher G. Wolf, William C. Fisher, Kim A. Weckert, John W. Callahan, Daren W. Herman, Todd L. Frostad, Gary L. Gustafon, Stephen G. Crain, Jonathan P. Oakden-Graus
  • Patent number: 9644970
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) under conditions in which the telematics unit of a vehicle cannot receive GNSS signals. In particular, the invention contemplates determining that a vehicle is entering a parking garage and obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) of the vehicle in the parking garage when GNSS signals are unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Debo Sun, Curtis L. Hay
  • Patent number: 9644971
    Abstract: A Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) recorder is provided. The MEMS recorder includes a scheduler, a serializer, a multiplexer, a transmit/receive switch, a master clock generator, a deserializer, a comparator array to determine whether to generate a signal to wake up a controller and/or a location module from a sleep mode, and a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) memory to output data to be stored and wake up the controller and/or the location module from the sleep mode if a signal to wake up the controller and/or the location module is received or if the FIFO memory is full, wherein the controller and/or the location module is awakened directly by the MEMS recorder or via the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Babitch, Nicolas Vantalon
  • Patent number: 9644972
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to tracking a vehicle on its journey. At predetermined reporting time intervals, the vehicle's location is determined using GNSS and a current vector is calculated based on a current location and an immediately preceding location. The difference between the current vector and the immediately preceding vector is then determined and this difference is stored in the data packet. The data packet is transmitted to the base station using a two-way radio data link at select predetermined transmission time intervals. The data in the data packet is encoded to minimize the number of bits needed to store each data point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: John Benjamin Heckman, David Graham Powell, Gyles Panther
  • Patent number: 9644973
    Abstract: Disclosed here are methods and systems that relate to determining a location of a mobile device in an indoor environment. The indoor environment is installed with one or more light sources at disparate locations. Each light source has a unique light attribute different from that of other light sources. The mobile device is equipped with a photosensor to detect light emissions by the light sources. The methods and systems described herein may determine the location of the mobile device based on the light detection by the photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Martyn James
  • Patent number: 9644974
    Abstract: A system includes one or more computer processors configured to receive structure data for a building, receive location data relating to a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the building, receive data from the sensors, and determine one or more of a safe space within the building and a safe evacuation route through the building as a function of the building structure, the location of the plurality of sensors, and the sensor data. The system further includes a plurality of display units positioned throughout the building and configured to display one or more of a message relating to an event within the building, an instruction on where to proceed in the building, and symbols indicating a direction for evacuation out of the building as a function of one or more of the safe space and the safe evacuation route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Tom Plocher, Enyi Chen, John Beane, Andrew Berezowski
  • Patent number: 9644975
    Abstract: A method performed by a positioning system of a vehicle is disclosed for determining a position of the vehicle along a road including one or several road markings arranged on a surface of the road. The positioning system detects road markings, matches detected road markings with mapped road markings of stored map data based on comparing characteristics of the detected road markings with mapped characteristics of the mapped road markings. The positioning system furthermore identifies a mapped identified road marking determined to correspond with a detected identified road marking, and determines a positioning estimate of the vehicle along the road based on a mapped road marking position associated with the mapped identified road marking. A positioning system, a vehicle including such a positioning system, and a mapping unit and a mapping method performed therein for creating map data to be utilized by the above mentioned positioning system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Stenborg, Joakim Sorstedt
  • Patent number: 9644976
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for building a missing part of a movement path of an object. One or more frequent points is determined, wherein each of the one or more frequent points is a point on a historical movement path having a number of occurrences greater than a first threshold. A credibility of one or more path segments in determined. A first path segment of the one or more path segments is selected, wherein the credibility of the first path segment is greater than a second threshold. A missing part of a movement path of an object is built using the first path segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Dong Ding, Yu Wang, Jun Chi Yan, Chao Zhang, Ya Nan Zhang, Qian Kun Zhao
  • Patent number: 9644977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining vehicle operational status in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle status determination device includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor and storing a vehicle status determination application, wherein the vehicle status determination device is installed in a vehicle, and wherein the vehicle status determination application directs the processor to determine ignition state data indicating that the vehicle is in a trip, record vehicle status data while the vehicle is in the trip, obtain vehicle trip end data indicating that the vehicle is no longer in a trip, and generate vehicle trip data based on the vehicle status data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: CalAmp Corp.
    Inventor: Bret Camisa
  • Patent number: 9644978
    Abstract: A system and method for target destination selection for a mining vehicle are present. A position sensor is mounted to a haul truck. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the haul truck. A distributed objects database stores information describing hazards, boundaries and target destinations within a mining environment. A navigation aid is connected to the position sensor. The navigation aid is configured to access the distributed objects database to identify a plurality of potential target destinations for the haul truck using the position of the haul truck, identify at least one attribute of the haul truck, and filter the plurality of potential target destinations using the at least one attribute to generate a filtered list of target destinations. A user interface is configured to display the filtered list of target destinations for selection by an operator of the haul truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Modular Mining Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Lewis, Andree Rottig, Lucas Van Latum
  • Patent number: 9644979
    Abstract: A travel support device includes a mode planner. The mode planner selects one of a first mode, in which the state of charge of a battery is not maintained, and a second mode, in which the state of charge of the battery is maintained, based on a road load in each section on a travel route, thereby planning a travel mode. The mode planner selects from the travel route a first priority section, which is a section to be planned by giving priority to the first mode as a travel mode based on information on the travel route. The mode planner replans the travel mode when the vehicle is currently traveling at the first mode and also the remaining charge of the battery is less than the remaining charge of the battery necessary for traveling in the thus selected first priority section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9644980
    Abstract: A system adapted to determine a projected range of a vehicle is described. The system includes: a storage element adapted to store a set of parameters associated with a vehicle; a map evaluation element adapted to retrieve information regarding a geographic area associated with a position of the vehicle; and a processing element adapted to determine the projected range of the vehicle based at least partly on the set of parameters and the retrieved information. An automated method of projecting a range of a vehicle includes: generating a set of range projection links; generating a monochrome bitmap based at least partly on the set of range projection links; rendering the set of range projection links within the monochrome bitmap; and tracing the rendered links to generate a polygon outline of the range of the vehicle. An automated method of caching map data for vehicle range projection is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Abalta Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Pavel Stankoulov
  • Patent number: 9644981
    Abstract: A system and method provides a route and turn-by-turn directions based on estimates of current and future traffic along the route. A client device may request turn-by-turn directions between an initial and a final location. A server may identify a plurality of routes between the locations. Each route of the plurality of routes may be divided into route segments. For each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a travel time. The travel time may be based on estimated vehicle volume data generated from information received from other users vehicle Based on the estimated travel time for each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a total travel time for the particular route. The server may repeat this estimate for each of the plurality of routes between the locations and select the route with the lowest estimated travel time. Based on the selected route, the server may generate turn-by-turn directions and transmit the directions to the client device for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Barth
  • Patent number: 9644982
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining the necessary departure time to allow for an on-time or desired arrival time at a particular location over a particular route based on the evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: PELMOREX CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Kantarjiev, Jonathan Hubbard, Jonathan Tash
  • Patent number: 9644983
    Abstract: In some implementations, a mobile device can be configured to provide simplified audio navigation instructions. The simplified audio navigation instructions can provide a reduced set of audio navigation instructions so that the audio instructions are only presented to the user when the user wishes to or needs to hear the instructions. A user can enable the simplified audio navigation instructions. The simplified audio navigation instructions can be enabled automatically. The simplified audio navigation instructions can be configured with rules for when to present audio navigation instructions. For example, the rules can specify that audio navigation instructions are to be provided for complex road segments, a user defined portion of a route, or specified road types, among other criteria. The mobile device can be configured with exceptions to the rules such that audio navigation instructions can be presented when the user has, for example, deviated from a defined route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anil K. Kandangath, Xiaoyuan Tu
  • Patent number: 9644984
    Abstract: An operating device is for operating a computing device, e.g., an operating device is for operating a computing device for controlling functions in a motor vehicle, the operating device including a display for optically displaying information, a touch screen situated above the display, for the input of commands by touching the touch screen and/or by pressing on the touch screen, and an actuator for setting the touch screen in motion, and the operating device having an internal control system for controlling the actuator for setting in motion the touch screen in response to a touching of the touch screen and/or in response to a pressing on the touch screen, in an area of the touch screen that is provided for haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Jens Fliegner, Andreas Ebert
  • Patent number: 9644985
    Abstract: Because a navigation device that provides guidance on a moving route and displays map data on a display screen on the basis of the map data and the position of a moving object automatically acquires evaluation information for a point or a region from a recognition result and position information, and registers the evaluation information, the navigation device can leave an impression (evaluation) of the point or the region automatically and safely without requiring the user's special operation. Further, by adding the evaluation information to map data and displaying this map data at the time of use, the navigation device enables the user to revisit a point through which the user desires to pass once again, bypass a point through which the user desires to never pass again, and so on without requiring the user's work of consciously memorizing the impression of each point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Takei, Yuki Furumoto
  • Patent number: 9644986
    Abstract: A drive support system includes a motion information acquiring unit 1 that acquires motion information of a driver of a vehicle; a vehicle information acquiring unit 2 that acquires vehicle information about a state of the vehicle; a controller 4 that decides drive support contents corresponding to the motion pattern matching the motion information of the driver and to the state of the vehicle the vehicle information indicates from the support condition data that records drive support contents corresponding to a motion pattern of a driver to be provided with the drive support and the state of the vehicle; and an information presentation unit 6 that presents the drive support contents the controller 4 decides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taro Kumagai
  • Patent number: 9644987
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling an electronic apparatus, wherein the control method may include determining a bidirectional link among a plurality of links forming a map data, the bidirectional link defines a two-way road as one link; generating a virtual link by moving the determined bidirectional link based on the width of a road; and displaying a guide screen using the generated virtual link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: THINKWARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suk Pil Ko, Gyu Hyeon Park, Jang Youl Shin
  • Patent number: 9644988
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a travel context based on a travel condition; determining a source type with a control unit based on the travel context for providing a candidacy factor; and determining a candidate landmark based on the candidacy factor from the source type suited for the travel context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Telenav, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Stewart Aist, Jose Sebastian, Aliasgar Mumtaz Husain, Casey Carter
  • Patent number: 9644989
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a notification associated with a remote location; detecting a user location for locating a device; detecting the user location at the remote location based on the notification; receiving an operation at the remote location when the user location is different from the remote location; and generating an alert based on the operation for displaying on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Telenav, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Dhanani, Lisandro Lejano
  • Patent number: 9644990
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving sink rate alerting for rotary wing aircraft. In one example, the system includes a radio altimeter that produces an altitude value, a processor that is in signal communication with the user interface device and the radio altimeter. The processor receives an altitude value, a position value for the aircraft and landing zone (LZ) information. The processor determines if the aircraft is on an approach to land at an LZ that is raised above surrounding terrain based on the received position value and LZ information. The processor receives sink rate information for the aircraft and generates a sink rate alert based on the received sink rate information and the aircraft altitude value if the sink rate information is greater than a sink rate value adjusted according to the LZ information. An output device outputs the generated sink rate alert. The LZ information includes an altitude value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishihara, Steve Johnson, Gary A. Ostrom
  • Patent number: 9644991
    Abstract: A sensor data collection system includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to a corresponding set of endpoints, the endpoints configured to communicate sensor data to a central data collection point via a data communication protocol. A proxy service-enabled endpoint facilitates interoperability with the data collection system for the benefit of endpoints that are otherwise incompatible with the data communication protocol. The endpoint includes a remote endpoint interface module configured to receive communications from at least one of the incompatible endpoints containing incompatible endpoint sensor data. A remote endpoint virtualization module operatively coupled to the remote endpoint interface module and associated with the at least one of the incompatible endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Roger K. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9644992
    Abstract: A delivery server includes: a reception unit of receiving meter indication data of an existing gas meter and meter indication data of a new gas meter from a mobile terminal; a modification unit causing the new gas meter to be managed as a gas meter to be managed that is installed in a supply facility; and a meter reading processing unit performing a gas meter reading processing for the supply facility, when meter indication data of the new gas meter on a current meter indication date from the mobile terminal after gas meter replacement, on the basis of the received meter indication data, respective meter indication data of the new gas meter and the existing gas meter in the gas meter replacement, and meter indication data of the existing gas meter in the supply facility on a previous meter indication date of earlier than the gas meter replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Nippon Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Patent number: 9644993
    Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system. A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source. The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis. Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source. Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel. Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella
  • Patent number: 9644994
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor for detecting the position of a magnet in an X direction includes two magnetic sensor elements which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a Y direction and are disposed to face the magnet in a Z direction, in which a soft magnetic body is provided to be located between the magnet and the two magnetic sensor elements and to be located between the two magnetic sensor elements, the two magnetic sensor elements are provided in a range in which magnetic flux which is generated from the magnet saturates magnetization of free magnetic layers of the two magnetic sensor elements, magnetization directions of fixed magnetic layers of the two magnetic sensor elements are the same as each other, and a bridge circuit is configured with the two magnetic sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takafumi Noguchi, Tokuo Nakamura, Kazushige Sejimo, Eiji Umetsu, Hideto Ando, Hiroaki Endo