Abstract: A route guidance method and system using smart signages is disclosed. The route guidance method may include obtaining user information of a user or an object from a first smart signage detecting an access of the user, searching a database for route information about a route to a stored destination corresponding to the user information, identifying a second smart signage being separate from the first smart signage by a distance in a direction of the destination among a plurality of smart signages being on the route of the route information, and extracting, from the route information, a partial route from the first smart signage to the second smart signage and providing the extracted partial route to the first smart signage.

Abstract: A driver coaching system may have an input device generating an input signal indicative of a road condition. The system may also include an advisory device determining an output conveyed to a driver and indicative of a fuel efficiency rating based on an actual vehicle speed and an optimum fuel efficient speed. The advisory device may not decrease the fuel efficiency rating when the road condition does not warrant the optimum fuel efficient speed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including a computer communication interface and a controller configured for generating, onboard the portable electronic device, a current measure of dynamic information. The portable electronic device also includes a memory storing the current measure and a website address. The controller includes a keyboard emulator providing keystroke data over the computer communication interface to launch an internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure. A specific device driver does not need to be installed on a computer for the portable electronic device to automatically launch the internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure when the portable electronic device is connected to communicate with the computer.

Abstract: An intelligent receptacle (or receptacle device) enables individually monitoring and/or controlling consumption of utility service by one or more loads through a supply outlet that is associated with the receptacle device. A client device may enable a user to remotely control a provision of the utility service from the supply outlet through the receptacle device. Furthermore, a utility metering device may include a virtual metering device instance that is configured to collect utility consumption data associated with the supply outlet from the receptacle device and help calibration or synchronization of utility consumption readings of the receptacle device.

Abstract: A magnet for a magnetic angle sensing system, the magnet having a tapered geometry in parallel with a rotation axis of the magnet, and configured to be mounted to a rotatable member at its broad end, and provide a magnetic field to a field sensing element located on the rotation axis at the magnet's thin end to provide an angular position of the magnet around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A magnet for a magnetic angle sensing system, the magnet having a tapered geometry in parallel with a rotation axis of the magnet, and configured to be mounted to a rotatable member such that a thin end of the magnet is closer to a magnetic field sensing element located on the rotation axis than a broad end of the magnet.

Abstract: A resonant impedance sensing system includes a class D negative impedance stage implemented with a Class D comparator, and a loop control stage implemented with an output comparator clocked by the class D comparator, establishing a negative impedance control loop that includes the resonator as a loop filter. The negative impedance stage includes a multi-level current source (such as a current DAC) interfaced to the resonator through an H-bridge controlled by the class D comparator. Class D switching synchronizes resonator oscillation voltage (input to the class D comparator) with resonator current drive (from the multi-level current source), driving the resonator with a negative impedance that balances resonator impedance to maintain sustained oscillation.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a back bias magnet to generate a DC magnetic field. First and second magnetic field sensing elements of the magnetic field sensor are disposed proximate to at least one ferromagnetic surface of a ferromagnetic target object. The first and second magnetic field sensing elements generate first and second electronic signals, respectively, in response to first and second sensed magnetic fields corresponding to the DC magnetic field but influenced by the at least one ferromagnetic surface. The magnetic field sensor generates a difference signal that is a difference of amplitudes of the first and second electronic signals. The difference signal is indicative of a rotation measurement of an absolute relative rotation of the ferromagnetic target object and the magnetic field sensor about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A position sensor for sensing a position of a magnetic object, including: a planar coil; a magnetizable element which covers at least part of the planar coil and can be magnetized by the magnetic object, whereby an impedance of the planar coil can be varied; and a processor for determining the position of the magnetic object in accordance with the impedance for the planar coil.

Abstract: A transconductor converts voltage on an inductive sensor to a proportional current using two “coupling” capacitors. Responsive to movement of an electrically conductive target from the null position a resonant current is formed between the two sensor coils. A single differential transistor pair switched by periodic drive signals commutes the net alternating current at the single input to direct current.

Abstract: A frequency detector includes an oscillation related information output portion to which moving body position related information and a correction parameter are input, and which outputs a frequency adjustment parameter and estimated moving body position related information; a frequency estimating portion to which the frequency adjustment parameter is input, and which outputs an estimated frequency; and an adjusting portion to which the moving body position related information, the estimated moving body position related information, and the estimated frequency are input, and which outputs the correction parameter.

Abstract: Method for coupling a sensor to a piece of equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, or tennis racket, that ensures that the sensor is in a known position and orientation relative to the equipment. Compensates and calibrates for degrees of freedom introduced in manufacturing and installation. The method may include manufacturing a sensor receiver that aligns with equipment in a fixed orientation, and that holds a sensor housing in a fixed orientation relative to the receiver. Remaining uncertainties in sensor position and orientation may be addressed using post-installation calibration. Calibration may include performing specific calibration movements with the equipment and analyzing the sensor data collected during these calibration movements.

Abstract: A chemical species mass flow meter measurement system for use in fluid mixture streams includes a chemical species concentration detection analyzer physically located within a fluid volume flow rate sensing probe along with bulk temperature and pressure sensing devices for relating to standard conditions. The system uses concentration detection analyzers specifically suited to the intended application. Applications include the measurement of exhaust mass emissions from vehicles, the fuel economy of vehicles, as well as the measurement of the mass flow rate of chemical species of interest in general industrial processes.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter includes a conduit and an electrical coil for generating a magnetic field extending through the conduit. A coil driver is configured to energize the coil and generate a periodically reversing magnetic field. Electrodes are arranged to detect voltages generated by flow of a conductive fluid through the magnetic field. A measurement system measures fluid flow rate using voltages detected by the electrodes. An empty conduit detector receives signals from the electrodes and determines whether or not the electrodes are immersed in the conductive fluid by analyzing the signals from the electrodes. The flowmeter optionally includes a low-flow verification system for distinguishing true low or zero flow rate measurements from measurements caused by the electrodes being exposed above the fluid level in the conduit by assessing whether or not EMF induced by magnetic flux change can be detected.

Abstract: A retrofit device and method of installing such a device for supplementing a legacy flow meter in a fluid pipe system. The retrofit device enhances the function of the legacy flow meter by providing a digital interface and means for error diagnostics and tamper detection. The retrofit device adapts to the mechanical and casing form factor design of the legacy flow meter, particularly a flow meter already installed, such as buried in the ground.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermal flow-rate sensor that is capable of self-diagnosis. Provided is a thermal flow-rate sensor provided with a semiconductor element that detects a flow rate and that is equipped with electrode pads for electrical conduction with the outside, wherein at least two of the electrode pads are provided, and other electrode pads proximate to the electrode pads are arranged and have an electric potential beyond the scope of output to be used at the time of flow rate detection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use with a machine having an engine with at least one cylinder. The system may have at least one injector configured to inject fuel into the at least one cylinder, and a controller in communication with the at least one injector. The controller may be configured to determine an injection duration of the at least one injector. The controller may also be configured to calculate a fuel consumption value for the machine based on the injection duration.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.

Abstract: Underground storage caverns are used for the bulk storage of hydrocarbon liquids, such as crude oil and gases, such as natural gas. The cavern is accessed through a bore hole which has casing and, for some bore holes, internal tubing with an annulus between the casing and tubing. The upper end of the cavern has a roughly cylindrical region termed the chimney. In order to check it for physical integrity, it is necessary to measure the profile of the chimney. This is also referred to as conducting a survey of the cavern. The cavern typically has hydrocarbon liquid above brine up to the surface. An inert gas can be injected above the hydrocarbon liquid to form an interface. The profile is conducted by driving the gas/liquid interface downward with gas pressure to a reference level determined by sequentially transmitting acoustic pulses to locate the reference level. Gas is injected to increase the pressure by a predetermined value and thereby drive down the interface by a known distance.

Abstract: The measured volume of fuel in a storage tank of a vehicle is determined by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the fuel. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the fuel in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, for transmitting such data to a remote or centralized server (“RS”). The RS also receives fuel dispensed data from a fuel dispensing station (“FDS”), including location, date/time, and volume of fuel dispensed to the storage tank of the vehicle. The RS then compares the data received from the vehicle processor with the fuel dispensed data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the dispensed volume of fuel purchased, as indicated in the FDS data, and the measured increase of volume of fuel in the vehicle at the time of dispensing from the FDS.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor operatively connected to a liquid storage vessel. An electronics unit is operatively connected to the sensor. The electronics unit includes a power source for providing electrical excitation to the sensor. An antenna is operatively connected to the electronics unit to receive data there from and to provide power to the power source. The antenna is wirelessly connected to a remote processing unit to transmit data thereto and to receive power there from.

Abstract: The invention is a measuring arrangement for measuring a fill level in a container with a radar level gauge according to the delay principle, which comprises an adaptation for reducing electromagnetic radiation reflected by the surfaces of the wall of the container as well as a method for optimizing the adaptation and for reducing stray radiation, for example radiation reflected by the container walls, with here display devices indicating if stray radiation is sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: A water amount measurement device includes a light emitting element to emit light, a light receiving element to receive the light reflected by a liquid surface and by a liquid bottom at a bottom surface within a pipeline, a storage to store a distance from the light emitting element to the liquid bottom, and a processor. The processor computes a water level of the liquid flowing through the pipeline according to different formulas depending on whether a comparison result of distance data obtained based on an output signal of the light receiving element, and the distance at a time of measurement, includes a component corresponding to a distance exceeding the distance generated by the reflection from the liquid bottom, or the comparison result includes a component corresponding to a distance less than the distance generated by the reflection from the liquid surface.

Abstract: A container system, having a container with an outer wall and a cavity which has either a slotted-guide element or a sliding block, a sound transducer unit with a longitudinal axis, which includes the other of the sliding block or the slotted-guide element, and a coupling element for acoustically coupling the sound transducer unit with the container. A contour of the slotted-guide element is formed such that, when introducing the sound transducer unit into the cavity, a first path of movement of the sound transducer unit relative to the container occurs, without mechanical contact of the coupling element with either the sound transducer unit or the outer wall. A second path of movement occurs, where the sound transducer unit pivots relative to the container until the sound transducer unit reaches an end position, where the coupling element is pressed in between the outer wall and the sound transducer unit.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter has a conduit, an electrical coil, and a coil driver configured to energize the electrical coil with a periodic electrical signal and generate a magnetic field in the conduit that periodically reverses polarity. Electrodes are arranged to detect a voltage generated by flow of the conductive fluid through the conduit and through the magnetic field. A measurement system receives electrical signals from the electrodes and determines a flow rate of the conductive fluid using the electrical signals. The flowmeter has a meter verification system that includes a sensor configured to detect the magnetic field generated by electrical coil when it is energized by the coil driver. The meter verification system is configured to determine an amplitude of the periodically changing magnetic field and to use this amplitude to assess the current operational effectiveness of the magnetic flowmeter.

Abstract: A differential measurement circuit (1) is implemented in a balance with electromagnetic force compensation. The circuit receives input from two photo currents (I1, I2) generated by photodiodes (D1, D2) and generates an output signal proportional to their difference. A switch (SW) controls the flow of current through a node (K?) to which the two photo currents are directed, by flipping between two states (zt1, zt2) within two phases (t1, t2) of a time period T. The switch is controlled so a reference current (IRef) from a voltage or current source (URef) is superimposed alternatingly within the time phases on one of the two photo currents which continuously flow into the node. The node lies at the input of an integrator (INT) whose integrator signal (sINT) can be compared in a comparator (CMP) to a cyclically recurring ramp signal (sRAMP) which conforms to the time period.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a scale assembly applicable to a mobile device, which includes a touch screen and a software application (app). The scale assembly includes a platform, one or more sensing member, one or more flexible member, and a base. When an object is placed on the platform, the sensing member of the scale assembly presses the touch screen of the mobile device, and the mobile device, based on the app, reads the change associated with a sensing value detected by the touch screen, and converts the obtained sensing value difference into the weight of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an onboard vehicle scale may include disposing a vehicle upon a reference scale; determining reference weight information corresponding to a weight of at least a portion of the vehicle using the reference scale; automatically and wirelessly communicating the reference weight information to an onboard scale coupled to the vehicle; and automatically calibrating the onboard scale using the reference weight information.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a load frame, a support frame, and a plurality of load cells supporting the load frame on the support frame such that a load supported by the load frame is supported by the load cells, each load cell configured to produce a signal indicative of a load weight bearing upon that load cell. The load cells are calibrated after installation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described herein for identifying a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), including, but not limited to, determining a first maneuver type, determining a first acoustic signature of sound captured by a plurality of audio sensors while the UAV performs the first maneuver type, determining a second acoustic signature of sound captured by the plurality of audio sensors while the UAV performs a second maneuver type different from the first maneuver type, determining an acoustic signature delta based on the first acoustic signature and the second acoustic signature, and determining an identity of the UAV based on the acoustic signature delta.

Abstract: A gyro sensor element includes a base, driving vibrating arms, which extend from the base, have a first surface and a second surface located on an opposite side to the first surface, and make a driving vibration, and detecting vibrating arms, which extend from the base, have a third surface located on a same side as the first surface and a fourth surface located on an opposite side to the third surface, and vibrate in accordance with a physical quantity applied to the driving vibrating arms, wherein the driving vibrating arms have bottomed grooves on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, and driving electrodes disposed on inner surfaces of the bottomed grooves, and the detecting vibrating arms have through holes penetrating the detecting vibrating arms in a direction crossing the third surface and the fourth surface, and detecting electrodes disposed on at least a part of an inner wall surface of the through holes.

Abstract: According to an example, a first mirror layer may be formed on a substrate. A first set of spacer layers may be deposited on the first mirror layer to be positioned above a first group of the sensing elements and a second set of spacer layers may be deposited on the first mirror layer to be positioned above a second group of the sensing elements, in which the second set of spacer layers differs from the first set. In addition, a second mirror layer may be formed above the deposited first set of spacer layers and the deposited second set of spacer layers.

Abstract: A method comprising optically detecting optical output states of a plurality of light sources of an optical device over a test interval; for each light source, optically detecting that the output state of the light source has changed from a first optical condition to a second optical condition; for each light source, optically detecting that the output state of the light source has changed from the second optical condition to a third optical condition; for each light source, determining a first time interval representative of the first optical condition; for each light source, determining a second time interval representative of the second optical condition; for each light source, determining a third time interval representative of the third optical condition; determining a test result for the device based on a comparison of the first, second and third time intervals with pre-stored time intervals.

Abstract: A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter.

Abstract: An imaging device which does not include a color filter and does not need arithmetic processing using an external processing circuit is provided. A first circuit includes a first photoelectric conversion element, a first transistor, and a second transistor; a second circuit includes a second photoelectric conversion element, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor; a third circuit includes a fifth transistor, a sixth transistor, a seventh transistor, and a second capacitor; the spectroscopic element is provided over the first photoelectric conversion element or the second photoelectric conversion element; and the first circuit and the second circuit is connected to the third circuit through a first capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining at least one absorption band in a spectrum, the method at least comprising the steps of:—providing a measured absorption spectrum from the sample,—providing a calculation spectrum,—from the calculation spectrum, extracting at least one absorption band,—calculating a residual spectrum by removing each extracted absorption band from the calculation spectrum, testing whether a predefined stop criterion is fulfilled by the residual spectrum,—if the stop criterion is not fulfilled, using the residual spectrum as the calculation spectrum and iterating the extracting step, the forming step, the calculating step and the testing step, and—if the stop criterion is fulfilled, outputting each extracted absorption band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectroscopy device, including an analysis zone for receiving a sample; at least one light-emitting diode arranged to emit a light beam towards the analysis zone, having a luminous intensity spectral profile in a working wavelength interval; unit for varying with time the luminous intensity spectral profile emitted by the diode in the working wavelength interval of the diode; a detector, arranged to receive, during a variation with time of the luminous intensity spectral profile emitted by the diode, the light beam emitted by the diode and having crossed the analysis zone, and supplying a detection signal of the light beam emitted by the diode and received by the detector, in the form of a signal which depends on at least one characteristic representative of the luminous intensity spectral profile of the light-emitting diode. Application to derivative spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a color and brightness of an LED, when the LED is biased with a current pulse. The apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of filters and an output probe connected to the sensor, the output probe providing a color output and a brightness output in a single signal. The sensor may further include an input probe connected to the sensor providing power and a ground probe connected to the sensor providing a grounded connection to the sensor. The plurality of filters in the sensor are preferably configured in a matrix array of color receptors having different colors. The method of this invention utilizes pulsing/dynamic sampling to determine a frequency and/or a brightness of the LED output.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion through an opening in an outer casing of a gas turbine engine and inspection of internal turbine components at elevated temperatures having an optical sight tube configured to optically communicate with an interior of gas turbine engine via a distal end disposed at the interior and a proximal end disposed exterior of the internal turbine components and defined by a first longitudinal wall, at least one lens at the distal end of the optical sight tube adjacent to the longitudinal wall; and at least one longitudinal cooling groove in the longitudinal wall for flowing a cooling medium from a location external to the turbine to cool the optical sight tube at a location at least adjacent the distal end.

Abstract: A variety of nanostructures are provided having a metal nanowire having a plurality of faces extending along a length of the nanowire, and a plurality of semiconductor nanorods forming two or more nanorod arrays, wherein each of the nanorod arrays is attached to a different surface of the nanowire. For example, in some embodiments, the nanostructure is a silver nanowire having a pentagonal cross section and five faces extending along the length of the nanowire, and metal oxide nanorods forming five nanorod arrays extending along each of the five faces of the silver nanowire. The nanostructures can demonstrate high temperature coefficients of resistance, and can be used in a variety of bolometric materials. In some embodiments, bolometric materials are provided including a plurality of the nanostructures deposited onto a surface of a substrate. Methods of making the nanostructures and bolometers are also provided.

Abstract: A characterization method of a light beam includes separating the light beam into first and second sub-beams; propagating the first and second sub-beams over first and second optics respectively; the first sub-beam, which forms a reference beam, and the second sub-beam, which forms a characterized beam, being separated by a time delay ?; recombining the reference and characterized beams so that they spatially interfere and form a two-dimensional interference pattern; measuring the pattern to obtain a temporal interferogram; calculating the Fourier transform in the frequency domain of a spatial point of the interferogram, the Fourier transform having a frequency central peak and first and second frequency side peaks; calculating the Fourier transform in the frequency domain for the first or second time side peaks calculating the spectral amplitude and the spatial-spectral phase for the first or second frequency side peak of the Fourier transform in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A device that measures a temperature of a heat plate for heating a target substrate mounted thereon, includes: a temperature measurement substrate including a substrate body and temperature sensors installed in the substrate body; a memory part to store correction parameters over a plurality of time zones after the temperature measurement substrate is mounted on the heat plate; and a data processing part configured to acquire time transition data of a temperature by correcting respective temperature detection values sampled at predetermined time intervals after the temperature measurement substrate is mounted on the heat plate, using the correction parameters stored in the memory part in a corresponding relationship with the temperature sensors and the time zones. The correction parameters are obtained in advance based on a standard temperature transition data acquired in advance using the temperature sensors and a time transition data acquired by each of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A virtual temperature monitoring system in a data center communicates with servers mounted in racks to receive internal temperature data generated by internal temperature sensors of the servers. The system derives a virtual sensor measurement of external temperatures external to the server, including a portion of a cold aisle that extends proximate to a rack in which the server is mounted, based upon a relationship between the received internal temperature sensors and the external environment. Sensor data from other sensors can be received via a building management system, and building management signals to the building management system can be generated based at least partially on the virtual sensor data. The virtual sensor data can be used to generate a graphical representation of the servers that highlights relative thermal characteristics of the servers based on the virtual external sensor measurements, including heat indices, excursions beyond thresholds, historical excursion histories, etc.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention relates to a device that can be applied to the surface of a ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in such a way that the CMC itself will contribute to the extraordinarily large thermoelectric power. The present invention obtains greater resolution of temperature measurements, which can be obtained at exceedingly high temperatures.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure feature a sensing device comprising a magnetic bias layer, a resonator, a spacer, and an environmental change receptor. The environmental change receptor is disposed on a surface of the resonator. The mass of the environmental change receptor is changed in response to a change in environment. The resonant frequency of the sensing device shifts in response to the mass change of the environmental change receptor.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure feature a sensing device comprising a magnetic bias layer, a resonator, a spacer, and a housing. The spacer includes an environmental change receptor. The thickness of the environmental change receptor rapidly increases in response to a change to an environment variable.

Abstract: A method for temperature measurement includes measuring intensities of two adjacent wavelengths emitted from a heated optical fiber and calculating the thermal population distribution between associated energy levels.

Abstract: A device for signal processing. The device includes a signal generator, a signal detector, and a processor. The signal generator generates an original waveform. The signal detector detects an affected waveform. The processor is coupled to the signal detector. The processor receives the affected waveform from the signal detector. The processor also compares at least one portion of the affected waveform with the original waveform. The processor also determines a difference between the affected waveform and the original waveform. The processor also determines a value corresponding to a unique portion of the determined difference between the original and affected waveforms. The processor also outputs the determined value.

Abstract: A MEMS force sensor including a first substrate, a second substrate and a plurality of conductive terminals is provided. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and includes a deformable portion and a force receiving portion. The deformable portion has a plurality of sensing elements. The force receiving portion protrudes from a surface of the deformable portion which is back facing to the first substrate, such that a cavity is formed above the deformable portion. The conductive terminals are electrically connected to the sensing elements, and the conductive terminals are centrally disposed under the cavity. The second substrate is fixed with the first substrate through the conductive terminals. A force sensing apparatus is also provided.