Abstract: A mapping program for execution by at least one processing unit of a device is described. The mapping program selects a traffic segment defined in a first data structure describing congestion in an area of a map. The mapping program identifies a portion of a road in the map area that corresponds to the traffic segment by using a second data structure to correlate the traffic segment in the first data structure to the road that is defined in a third data structure. The mapping program defines a traffic congestion representation to render for the identified road portion, based on data about the corresponding road in the third data structure.

Abstract: A yaw rate sensor (10) includes a movable mass structure (12) and a drive component (13) which is suitable for setting the movable mass structure (12) in motion (14), and an analysis component (15) which is suitable for detecting a response (40) of the movable mass structure (12) to a yaw rate (?). A method for functional testing of a yaw rate sensor (10) includes the following steps: driving a movable mass structure (12), feeding a test signal (42) into a quadrature control loop (44) at a feed point (48) of the quadrature control loop (44), feeding back a deflection (40) of the movable mass structure (12), detecting a measure of the feedback of the movable mass structure (12), and reading out the response signal (47) from the quadrature control loop (44).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating a geodetic instrument, an instrument and a computer program product thereof. In the method and geodetic instrument of the present invention, a value of at least one parameter affecting the measurements made by the instrument is detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. On the basis of the comparison between the detected value and the predetermined threshold, the instrument aims at a reference target and a calibration is performed using the reference target. The present invention is advantageous in that the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed by the instrument are increased. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that the requirements on mechanical stability are reduced.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to correction of rotation rate measurements are provided. In one implementation, a method may include receiving rotation rate measurements about a first axis and a second axis from first gyroscopic sensors. The method may include receiving a first rotation rate measurement about a third axis from a second gyroscopic sensor. The method may include determining an estimated rotation rate measurement about the third axis based on the rotation rate measurements about the first axis and the second axis. The method may include determining a bias value based on a difference between the first rotation rate measurement about the third axis and the estimated rotation rate measurement. The method may include receiving second rotation rate measurements about the third axis from the second gyroscopic sensor. The method may include correcting the second rotation rate measurements about the third axis based on the determined bias value.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems apparatus for sensing an orientation are disclosed. One apparatus includes an accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer generates a sensed acceleration of the accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the gyroscope generates a sensed orientation of the gyroscope. The apparatus further includes a first adaptive filter, the first adaptive filter operative to receive at least the sensed acceleration and the sensed orientation of the gyroscope, and generate a first orientation (Q) of the apparatus, a second adaptive filter, the second adaptive filter operative to receive at least the sensed acceleration and the sensed orientation of the gyroscope, and generate a second orientation (Q?) of the apparatus, wherein a tuning for the first adaptive filter is different than a tuning for the second adaptive filter.

Abstract: An improved total field calibration system and method is disclosed for reducing the rotational misalignment between magnetic and gravity sensors in a directional sensing system. A method of calibrating a tri-axial directional sensor that includes orthonormal accelerometers and orthonormal magnetometers is disclosed. The method includes measuring Earth's magnetic and gravity fields with said directional sensor in at least 4 sensor orientations; obtaining at least one reference field value of dip drift of Earth's magnetic field from at least one source independent of said directional sensor corresponding to said orientations; and, determining and applying rotational misalignments between said magnetometers and said accelerometers so that measured magnetic dip drifts are substantially equal to said reference values. The calibration process can be performed without monitoring the declination change during the calibration process.

Abstract: A sensor interface operates to communicate a sensed quantity along one or more processing pathways and in different data representations. The signal representations can be swapped along one or more locations of the signal processing branches. These branches are independent from one another and combined at an interface component for transmission along a single path or node for a control unit.

Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) having an electrical stroke includes a probe axially movable along a length of the LVDT electrical stroke, a primary winding extending axially over the length of the LVDT electrical stroke, and a secondary winding extending axially over the length of the LVDT electrical stroke. The LVDT further includes a tertiary winding extending axially over less than the length of the LVDT electrical stroke, the tertiary winding at least partially overlapping with the secondary winding. An advantage of the LVDT in accordance with the present disclosure is that the accuracy of the position calculated from the tertiary winding is greater relative to the total stroke of the LVDT than that calculated from the secondary winding. This is accomplished while still fitting within the envelope of a standard single output LVDT.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a position sensor comprising a magnetic target. The magnetic target includes a magnetic multipole configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field has three mutually-perpendicular components at a first region. Sensor elements can be configured to measure these field components at the first region. In embodiments, comparing the amplitudes of the components can be used to determine a global position, and the instantaneous values of these components can be used to determine a local position.

Abstract: Example rotating camera systems and methods are described. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a motor having a camera mounting mechanism and configured to rotate a camera attached to the mounting mechanism. A communication module receives vehicle data from a vehicle. A rotation control module determines a current rotational orientation of the motor and determines a speed and direction to rotate the motor based on the received vehicle data.

Abstract: An encoder is provided that comprises a disk to rotate about an axis. The encoder also comprises a first index mark and a second index mark on the disk. A first orientation of the disk associated with the first index mark is at an offset angle to a second orientation of the disk associated with the second index mark. The encoder also comprises a detector to provide an index signal responsive to an index mark being aligned with the detector. The device also comprises a controller to receive a first index signal and a second index signal from the detector, determine an angle of rotation of the disk between provision of the first index signal and provision of the second index signal, and identify a defect in the encoder based on the angle of rotation being different from the offset angle.

Abstract: An optical position-measuring device for absolute position determination includes a material measure extending along a measurement direction and including an incremental graduation and an absolute code. A scanning unit movable relative to the material measure has a light source, a scanning grating for optically scanning the incremental graduation and a detector device. The detector device includes an incremental detector for generating incremental signals from the optical scanning of the incremental graduation and an absolute detector for generating absolute signals from optical scanning of the absolute code. A common detection plane is located at a defined perpendicular distance from the scanning grating and/or a periodicity of a fringe pattern on the incremental detector is selected such that, in the event of scattering contamination in a region of the material measure and/or the scanning grating, amplitudes of the incremental signals and the absolute signals drop off equally.

Abstract: An encoder able to maintain liquid-tightness over a long period of time. The encoder is provided with a housing unit holding component parts of the encoder. The housing unit is formed by a housing and a cover closing an opening part of the housing. At a boundary part of the housing and the cover, an O-ring is placed. The housing is formed with a guide groove at the outside in the radial direction from the O-ring and a discharge guide groove communicated with the guide groove and opening toward the outside in the radial direction. The cover is formed with a ring-shaped guide projection projecting out toward the guide groove at a position corresponding to the guide groove.

Abstract: A sensor position control apparatus and method that includes a guide rail formed to be elongated along one direction set to a longitudinal direction thereof and a position control unit coupled to the guide rail and configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. A sensor mount unit is connected to be moved together with the position control unit and has a sensor mounted on one surface thereof. In addition, an angle control unit is configured to change a direction which one surface of the sensor mounting unit faces and a position control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the position control unit. An angle control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the angle control unit.

Abstract: Provided is a display device for which the display content is easily viewed. A display device comprises: a cover plate having a gauge section on which an index is represented and a light transmitting portion that transmits light from the back; a needle that rotates on the gauge section and points to the index; and a display that is disposed behind the light transmitting portion and shows an image via the light transmitting portion. When viewing the display device in planar view, the gauge section has an overlapping region that overlaps with a portion of a display section where the display emits light, and the cover plate adheres to the display by a transparent resin that is between the cover plate and the display and spans at least the region of the light transmitting portion.

Abstract: A process calibrator is formed with a user interface, which guides to choose the right connection arrangements of the process calibrator according to the function of the process calibrator. The user interface shows in the display of the process calibrator the connection arrangements of the process calibrator and indicates the place of the connection arrangement assigned to the selected function visually compared to other connection arrangements. The connection arrangements shown by the user interface in the display are placed similarly to the physical connection arrangements of the process calibrator. As the user interface indicates the connection arrangement that is assigned to the selected function of the process calibrator, it is easy for the user to make the right connection.

Abstract: Flow sensors, systems, and methods for continuous in situ monitoring of a rheologically complex fluid flow within a vessel, such as particulate and multiphase media for ascertaining certain fluid flow parameters, such as flow rate, dynamic viscosity, fluid density, fluid temperature, particle density and particle mass, from flow sensor measurements. The system involves a fluid flow sensor having a body member with internalized strain gauges configured to measure the deformation of certain segments of the body member. Based, at least in part, on these deformation measurements, the system is used to compute the fluid flow parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature measurement method using a thermometric resistance-type temperature probe (1) comprising at least two electroconductive sensitive elements (3, 4) on the same substrate (2), wherein different parameters representative of the strength of the electric current circulating in one of said sensitive elements (3, 4) are measured, and a correction, according to said strength of the electric current circulating in said sensitive element (3, 4), is applied to a signal representative of a temperature measurement generated from the other one of said sensitive elements (3, 4), in order to correct an error created as a result of the self-heating by the Joule effect of said sensitive element (3, 4) affecting the other one of said sensitive elements (3, 4).

Abstract: A system for metering flow of a fluid has a vibratable flowtube for receiving a multiphase fluid flow. A driver is configured to vibrate the flowtube. A pair of sensors is positioned to detect movement of the flowtube at different locations on the flowtube. Pressure and temperature sensors are positioned to measure a pressure of the fluid. One or more processors are configured to use a phase difference between the sensor signals to determine a fluid flow rate through the flowtube. The one or more processors are further configured to determine an amount of dissolved gas in the multiphase fluid using the pressure, the temperature, and the relative amounts the multiple liquids in the multiphase fluid.

Abstract: A scoop for use in scooping and dispensing a powdered item such as powdered sugar includes a first bowl or spoon connected to a second bowl or spoon by a stem. A lid is attached to the top of the scoop, and is selectively movable to cover the first or second spoon. In some versions, one of the spoons or the lid may include a section of mesh.

Abstract: A radar level gauge using electromagnetic signals is provided, which includes a connection arrangement for connecting a transmitter receiver circuit board and an antenna unit with one another, with which the horizontal size of the radar level gauge may be reduced and reflection and transmission losses may be suppressed as well. The transmitter receiver circuit board 32 is so disposed in a housing 12 as to extend vertically. The connection arrangement includes a waveguide sequence which is fed at a feed terminal 32a formed on the transmitter receiver circuit board 32 and composed of three waveguides W1 to W3.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to weighing a physical item while it is moving in a servo-driven conveyor system for e-commerce, logistics, manufacturing and other applications. The introduction of an unknown mass to an electro-mechanical feedback or filter network controlling a conveyance system will modify the steady state behavior of that system in such a way that measuring the phase or frequency shift of an input signal or oscillation will enable us to infer the magnitude of that mass.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch includes first and second shell halves respectively having first and second coupled surfaces which confront each other along an axis in either a horizontal direction or an upright direction. The coupled surfaces respectively have first and second recessed regions aligned with each other to confine a rolling chamber for a roller to be rollable therein, and define left and right holes at two opposite ends of the rolling chamber, and emitter and receiver accommodating chambers outwardly of the left and right holes for accommodating a light emitter and a light receiver such that a light passage is defined by the left and right holes and the rolling chamber.

Abstract: This invention is directed to reliably condensing weak light by a sensor arranged at a position spaced apart from a processing position. The optical processing head includes a light guide that guides light for irradiating a processing position. The optical processing head further includes a light transmitter that has one end arranged near the distal end of the light guide and the other end connected to a photodetector, condenses reflected light traveling from the processing position, and transmits it to the photodetector. The optical processing head includes at least one light transmitter as its feature.

Abstract: An image sensor including a color filter isolation layer and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. The image sensor includes a plurality of color filters that transmit light of a predetermined wavelength band to a light sensing layer. The image sensor also includes an isolation layer disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of color filters. The isolation layer is formed of a material having a lower refractive index than a refractive index of the color filters, thus totally internally reflecting light incident on the isolation layer from one of the plurality of color filters.

Abstract: An infrared detector system is provided for detecting infrared radiation from an infrared radiation source or a scene. The system includes a first area that is semiconductor-based and biased to produce negative luminescence, the first area including at least one semiconductor-based detector. The detector system further includes at least one additional area being semiconductor-based and biased to produce negative luminescence. A low-emissivity specular retro-reflector shield is configured to reflect infrared radiation and covers the first area and the at least one additional area. The shield defines an aperture to allow the at least one semiconductor-based detector to receive incident rays of the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source or the scene via a low-scatter, low-emission optical system such that the radiation incident from the infrared radiation source or scene substantially fills the solid angle defined by the aperture at any point in the first area.

Abstract: In the scanning molecule counting method using the light measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, a measuring time is optimized with suppressing the scattering in a result small irrespective of light-emitting particle concentrations. In the inventive technique of detecting and analyzing the light from an light-emitting particle, there are repeated processes of detecting the light intensity from a light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region of an optical system in a sample solution by changing the optical path of the optical system of the microscope, and detecting the signals of the light of light-emitting particles individually, and based on the time taken for the number of the signals from the light-emitting particles to reach a predetermined number, the light-emitting particle concentration in the sample solution is determined.

Abstract: A non-removable fixed protective cover, of protective covers of a machine tool, is fitted with a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit, while a removable fixed protective cover and a movable protective cover are each fitted with a reflector. The light-projecting unit, light-receiving unit, and reflector are disposed so that light emitted from the light-projecting unit reaches the light-receiving unit only when the removable fixed protective cover is mounted in a proper position and the movable protective cover is fully closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an output-current detection IC chip for diode sensors and a diode sensor device, which reduce the influence by a leak current of a protection circuit. The present invention is equipped with a sensor unit in which anodes of N (N being an integer of 2 or more) diode sensors are connected to each other, a common terminal connected to a connection portion where the anodes are connected to each other, N input terminals connected to cathodes of the diode sensors, N+1 protection circuits connected to the input terminals and the common terminal, an I-V conversion circuit which converts an output current of each diode sensor into a voltage, a chopper circuit which switches the polarity of the output current and inputs the same to the I-V conversion circuit, and a dummy protection circuit connected to the input of the I-V conversion circuit.

Abstract: A spectrograph as disclosed includes a housing, wherein a wall of the housing includes first, second and third openings, an entrance slit located at the first opening and configured to direct light along a first light path portion in the interior of the housing, a dispersive element located at the second opening and configured to receive light from the entrance slit along the first light path portion and direct light along a second light path portion in the interior of the housing, a detector located at the third opening and configured to receive light from the dispersive element along the second light path portion. The detector can include first and second groups of light-sensitive regions. A cover can be positioned to separate the first group of light-sensitive regions from the light path, the second group of light-sensitive regions being exposed to the light path.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a diffraction grating; a depolarization plate containing a birefringent material to eliminate polarization dependency of the diffraction grating; and an optical corrector configured to optically correct diffraction angle deviation of diffracted light due to diffraction at the diffraction grating. The optical corrector may be configured to bend back the diffracted light diffracted by the diffraction grating to re-emit the light to the diffraction grating.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a diagnostic system for biological samples is disclosed. The diagnostic system includes a diagnostic instrument, and a portable electronic device. The diagnostic instrument has a reference color bar and a plurality of chemical test pads to receive a biological sample. The portable electronic device includes a digital camera to capture a digital image of the diagnostic instrument in uncontrolled lightning environments, a sensor to capture illuminance of a surface of the diagnostic instrument, a processor coupled to the digital camera and sensor to receive the digital image and the illuminance, and a storage device coupled to the processor. The storage device stores instructions for execution by the processor to process the digital image and the illuminance, to normalize colors of the plurality of chemical test pads and determine diagnostic test results in response to quantification of color changes in the chemical test pads.

Abstract: A first radiance meter that is provided so as to face an object in an atmosphere in which there is dust and measures the radiance of the object and a second radiance meter that is provided so as not to oppose the object and measures the radiance of the dust between the object and the first radiance meter are used to measure the temperature of the object on the basis of the object radiance that has been measured by the first radiance meter and the radiance of the dust between the object and the first radiance meter that has been measured by the second radiance meter.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an operating method of a measuring apparatus measuring a wavefront of a target. The operating method includes measuring a measurement wavefront on the basis of the wavefront of the target, measuring reference slope information and first to third slope information respectively corresponding to a reference direction and first to third directions on the basis of the measurement wavefront, obtaining first to third rotation angles on the basis of the measured reference slope information and first to third slope information, and outputting a wavefront of which an error is corrected, which is generated by rotation errors on the basis of the obtained first to third rotation angles, wherein the first to third rotation angles are differences in angle between the reference direction and the first to third directions.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring an optical asynchronous sample signal. The system for measuring an optical asynchronous sampling signal comprises a pulsed optical source capable of emitting two optical pulse sequences with different repetition frequencies, a signal optical path, a reference optical path, and a detection device. Since the optical asynchronous sampling signal can be measured by merely using one pulsed optical source, the complexity and cost of the system are reduced. A multi-frequency optical comb system using the pulsed optical source and a method for implementing the multi-frequency optical comb are further disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement circuit according to the invention for temperature monitoring has a quantitative temperature sensor and at least one qualitative temperature sensor, the quantitative temperature sensor and the at least one qualitative temperature sensor being connected in series, the quantitative temperature sensor having a consistent characteristic line which increases in a strictly monotonous manner or a consistent characteristic line which decreases in a strictly monotonous manner and being dedicated to the precise temperature measurement, and the qualitative temperature sensor having a nominal response temperature at which the resistance value changes in a non-linear manner and being dedicated to the monitoring of limit temperatures.

Abstract: A battery temperature monitoring circuit, which has a cold comparator and a hot comparator, achieves high accuracy in a small cell size by utilizing a cold current optimized for the cold comparator and a cold reference voltage, and a hot current optimized for the hot comparator and a hot reference voltage, along with switching circuitry that provides the cold current to the cold comparator as the battery temperature approaches the cold trip temperature, and the hot current to the hot comparator as the battery temperature approaches the hot trip temperature.

Abstract: A temperature detecting apparatus detects a temperature of a detection target having a switch element. The temperature detecting apparatus includes a current detecting unit and a temperature estimating unit. The current detecting unit detects an output current from the detection target changing depending on an on/off operation of the switch element. The temperature estimating unit, on the basis of a current value detected by the current detecting unit, calculates a conduction loss of the switch element and a switching loss of the switch element to estimate the temperature of the detection target on the basis of the calculated conduction loss and the calculated switching loss.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based illumination module performs on-board diagnostics. For example, diagnostics may include estimating elapsed lifetime, degradation of phosphor, thermal failure, failure of LEDs, or LED current adjustment based on measured flux or temperature. The elapsed lifetime may be estimated by scaling accumulated elapsed time of operation by an acceleration factor derived from actual operating conditions, such as temperature, current and relative humidity. The degradation of phosphor may be estimated based on a measured response of the phosphor to pulsed light from the LEDs. A thermal failure may be diagnosed using a transient response of the module from a start up condition. The failure of LEDs may be diagnosed based on measured forward voltage. The current for LEDs may adjusted using measured flux values and current values and a desired ratio of flux values. Additionally, the LED current may be scaled based on a measured temperature.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a system and method for measuring the temperature of an object, but without requiring a direct measurement of the object to determine the point at which the object has reached a desired temperature. The exemplary embodiments provide a process where the object can be heated to a desired temperature without the requirements of temperature probes into the object. The exemplary embodiments allow the process operator to be informed when the heating process has completed, without regard to the size, shape, weight, density, or amount of materials to be prepared. The energy required to maintain the temperature of a fluid bath is compared to the energy required to maintain the temperature once an object has been placed within the fluid.

Abstract: A calibrator for calibrating devices with a temperature function, e.g. thermometers or thermal switches has an input and display unit. The calibrator has a capacitive touchscreen with the input and display unit.

Abstract: A force sensor includes compliant material that is configured to stay within a maximum uncompressed dimension in a first direction when compressed in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The compliant material may stay within the maximum uncompressed dimension when compressed by expanding into one or more gaps defined in the compliant material. Such gaps may be defined on an external surface of the compliant material and/or internal to the compliant material. The gaps may be formed using a variety of different processes during or after formation of the compliant material.

Abstract: Sensors and sensor systems incorporating piezoresistive materials for integration with footwear are described.

Abstract: A resistance-voltage (R-V) transformation system used in dynamic strain measurement for a structure is provided. The system has single-channel (SC) circuit units each for producing a voltage corresponding to a resistance of a sensing element of a structural-strain sensing network. Each SC circuit unit has a R-V transformation module for converting the resistance into the voltage, a band-pass filter module for filtering the R-V transformation module output after a direct-current bias therein is removed, and a high-gain amplification module for amplifying the filter output. The band-pass filter module is configured such that an unwanted low-frequency component induced by resistance drift of the sensing element is removed while allowing a guided-wave signal component to pass through.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing a mechanical property of a sample defining a sample surface using a contact force exerted the sample surface. The sensing element includes: a deformable element defining a contact surface and a deformable section in register with the contact surface, the deformable section being deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration; a deformation sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing and quantifying a deformation of the deformable section between the deformed and undeformed configurations, the deformation sensor being an optical deformation sensor; and a force sensor operatively coupled to the deformable element for sensing the contact force exerted on the contact surface.

Abstract: A sensor device, comprising two symmetrically disposed sonolucent wedges (5), and a connecting piece for fixedly connecting the two sonolucent wedges (5); the upper surfaces of the sonolucent wedges (5) are provided with inclined planes; installation holes are formed on the inclined planes; transducers (3) are installed in respective installation holes; one transducer (3) is used to generate ultrasonic waves, and the other transducer (3) is used to receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the previous transducer (3). The residual stress detection system comprises a sensor device, an ultrasonic transmission card, and a data acquisition card.

Abstract: Collecting data includes generating a sensor signal from each of a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a region of a nip between the sensing roll and mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll; wherein a web of material travels through the nip and a continuous band, which also travels through the nip, contacts a region of the web of material upstream from or in the nip. A periodically occurring time reference is generated associated with each rotation of the continuous band and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that the one of the plurality of sensors which generated this signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the continuous band is identified. The signal is stored to associate the respective sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes: a physical quantity sensor chip which detects a physical quantity and generates an electrical signal; a package which has an internal space and accommodates the physical quantity sensor chip in the internal space; and a first wire which connects the package and the physical quantity sensor chip together. The physical quantity sensor chip is moored in the internal space by the first wire.

Abstract: A sensor has an electronic chip and a sensor chip which are arranged within a functional volume which is at the most 4-5 mm long, a maximum 2-3 mm wide, and the maximum height is 0.5-0.8 mm, thereby potentially providing a compact sensor.