Patents Issued in January 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180023955
    Abstract: The gaming system and method, of the present disclosure leverage casino patrons' mobile devices to facilitate directing the patrons exactly to their desired electronic gaming machines (EGMs). In various embodiments, the gaming system includes a central controller communicatively connected to a plurality of EGMs. The central controller receives a request from a patron's mobile device to find a desired one of the EGMs. The central controller causes the desired EGM and the patron's mobile device to output the same patron identifier, such as a patron-created image, and causes the patron's mobile device to use GPS to direct the patron to the vicinity of the desired EGM. Once the patron is within the vicinity of the desired EGM, the patron can quickly scan the surrounding EGMs to determine the one outputting the patron identifier, which is the patron's desired EGM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • Publication number: 20180023956
    Abstract: A human body positioning method, a human body positioning system, and a positioning server are provided, adapted for positioning a human body in a specific space. Best routing paths between a positioning server and a target wireless device among wireless devices are sought according to communication quality of the wireless devices. A device positioning result is estimated according to the best routing paths. A wireless network topology formed by operating wireless devices is established. Voxels of a 3D space image are transmitted into the wireless network topology, and the human body is detected according to the voxels based on serving the operating wireless devices as a neuron of a neural network architecture associated with a body detecting model. When the human body is detected, the human body is positioned at the device positioning result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20180023957
    Abstract: Adaptive route guidance can include analyzing route progressions associated with one or more routes based on multiple user preferences. The adaptive route guidance can provide one or more preferred routes based on the user preferences, which can be presented to a user for navigation purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Forstall, Gregory N. Christie, Robert E. Borchers, Kevin Tiene
  • Publication number: 20180023958
    Abstract: A navigation satellite system includes first and second electronic devices that calculate position coordinates of the first and second electronic devices by using radio waves from a GNSS satellite. The first electronic device includes a receiver, a first RTK calculator, and a transmitter. The RTK calculator decides, based on received GNSS correction data, integer ambiguity in a difference between a first carrier phase of a first radio wave received by a fixed station and a second carrier phase of a second radio wave received by the first electronic device to calculate a path difference between the first radio wave and the second radio wave. The second electronic device includes a receiver and a second RTK calculator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Katsunao TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180023959
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a match application identifies an edge corresponding to a road segment based on an observational point specifying an estimated position and an estimated heading. The match application performs search operations on a road network graph based on the estimated position to identify multiple candidate edges. For a first candidate edge, the match application computes a first quality level based on at least a distance between the estimated position and the first candidate edge and an angle between the estimated heading and a direction associated with the first candidate edge. Subsequently, the match application determines that the first quality level indicates that the first candidate edge has a higher quality than any other candidate edge. Finally, the match application transmits the first candidate edge to an application that associates content specified in relation to the estimated position with the first candidate edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Volodymyr Ivanov, Alexey Pryakhin, Ievgenii Borshch
  • Publication number: 20180023960
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for distributing a crowdsourced sparse map for autonomous vehicle navigation. In one implementation, a method of generating a road navigation model for use in autonomous vehicle navigation may include receiving navigation information associated with a common road segment from a plurality of vehicles; storing the navigation information associated with the common road segment; generating at least a portion of an autonomous vehicle road navigation model for the common road segment based on the navigation information; and distributing the autonomous vehicle road navigation model to one or more autonomous vehicles for use in autonomously navigating along the common road segment. The autonomous vehicle road navigation model may include at least one line representation of a road surface feature extending along the common road segment, and each line representation may representing a path along the common road segment substantially corresponding with the road surface feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ofer Fridman
  • Publication number: 20180023961
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning crowdsourced map data. In one implementation, a method of determining a line representation of a road surface feature extending along a road segment may include receiving a first set of drive data including position information associated with the road surface feature, receiving a second set of drive data including position information associated with the road surface feature, segmenting the first set of drive data into first drive patches and segmenting the second set of drive data into second drive patches, longitudinally aligning the first set of drive data with the second set of drive data within corresponding patches, and determining the line representation of the road surface feature based on the longitudinally aligned first and second drive data in the first and second draft patches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ofer Fridman
  • Publication number: 20180023962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ranging system and ranging method, the ranging system includes: a ranging apparatus and a terminal device (3), wherein the ranging apparatus includes: a measuring wheel (1), a rotating shaft disposed on the measuring wheel (1), and an electronic counter (2) connected to the rotating shaft and used to obtain distance information of the measuring wheel; wherein the ranging apparatus or the terminal device (3) further includes an angle sensor; communication module being arranged on the terminal device (3) and the ranging apparatus, respectively; the terminal device (3) including data processing module configured to generate a traveling trajectory diagram of the measuring wheel, in real time, based on the distance information from the electronic counter (2) and the angle information from the angle sensor. Thereby, a traveling trajectory diagram can also be generated in real time on the basis that a ranging function is achieved, such that working efficiency is effectively improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Xin Shi, David Xing
  • Publication number: 20180023963
    Abstract: A method for controlling a personal protection system of a vehicle. An item of driving program information, representing a driving program of the vehicle, or, in addition or alternatively, at least one item of additional information, is read in and evaluated to obtain an item of evaluation information. An off-road driving signal, indicating off-road driving of the vehicle, is produced as the evaluation information if the evaluation yields the result that the vehicle is in an off-road driving program or, in addition or alternatively, is driving off a surfaced roadway. If the evaluation yields the result that the vehicle is not in an off-road driving program or, in addition or alternatively, is traveling on a surfaced roadway, then an on-road driving signal, indicating on-road driving of the vehicle, is produced as the evaluation information. Finally, using the evaluation information a control signal is produced for controlling the personal protection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Johannes Ludwig Foltin
  • Publication number: 20180023964
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a layer application generates navigation-related data based on observations associated with vehicles. In operation, the layer application generates an attribute based on a first observation associated with a vehicle and an observation type. The layer application then compares the attribute to an existing road database to generate a dynamic layer. Subsequently, the layer application causes the dynamic layer to be transmitted to a navigation subsystem. After receiving the dynamic layer, the navigation subsystem performs navigation operation(s) based on the road database and the dynamic layer. Because the layer application may receive and operate on real-time observations, providers of road databases may produce dynamic layers at a frequency that enables navigation applications to continually provide accurate navigation data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Volodymyr Ivanov, Alexey Pryakhin, Ievgenii Borshch
  • Publication number: 20180023965
    Abstract: An anomaly estimation apparatus includes a collection section that collects vehicle data, a feature amount calculation section that calculates a feature amount from the vehicle data and stores the feature amount and a place corresponding thereto, an anomaly determination section that determines whether an anomaly occurrence point is present based on the feature amount, an accumulation section that, if the anomaly occurrence point is present, uses the vehicle data at the anomaly occurrence point and an anomaly periphery point to generate estimation data, an information generation section that uses the estimation data to generate causality information representing causality between an anomaly caused at the anomaly occurrence point and an anomaly caused at the anomaly periphery point, and an estimation section that, if the anomaly occurrence point is present, uses the causality information to estimate transition of the anomaly from the anomaly occurrence point to the anomaly periphery point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hideaki MISAWA, Masumi EGAWA, Utsushi SAKAI, Kentaro HITOMI, Yuki SHINOHARA, Kazuhito TAKENAKA, Masataka MORI
  • Publication number: 20180023966
    Abstract: An enhanced map information processing unit 14 of a driving assistance device 1 acquires from a determination unit 13 information on surroundings of a vehicle which is needed to perform autonomous driving, and acquires from a server device 2 environment information on surroundings of a route on which autonomous driving is performed. On the basis of the acquired environment information, the enhanced map information processing unit 14 extracts, as an autonomous driving unsuitable location Pn, a location at which the accuracy of the acquirement of the sensor unit 12 is predicted not to satisfy a standard for acquiring the information on the surroundings of the vehicle needed to perform autonomous driving. An informing unit 18 alerts the extracted autonomous driving unsuitable location Pn to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Tomoaki IWAI, Yuji TAWARAGI, Tomoyuki FUJIEDA, Tetsuya KAWAHARA, Youko FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20180023967
    Abstract: A method of and a system for processing a ridesharing request. The method comprising receiving instructions to create a trip in the ridesharing platform; generating an original route by causing to compute an original polyline defining the original route; accessing a set of meeting points; determining from the set of meeting points, candidate meeting points which are within a distance from the original polyline; generating for each one of the candidate meeting points, a detour route by causing to compute a detour polyline defining the detour route; identifying selected candidate meeting points from the candidate meeting points; and storing the selected candidate meeting points, the selected candidate meeting points being associated with the trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Frederic Gabriel MAZZELLA, Arnaud Marc TELLIER
  • Publication number: 20180023968
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of planning a route (R) to a destination (14). A map database (9) defines a road network; and a communications network database (10) defines one or more network parameter for a wireless communication network. The method uses a routing algorithm to plan a route (R) to the destination (14) using the communications network database (10) to estimate connectivity to the wireless communication network along one or more routes generated using the map database (9). The present disclosure also relates to a route planning apparatus (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Phil Stuchfield, Marlon Camps
  • Publication number: 20180023969
    Abstract: A routing module identifies POIs that can be reached from a route with a cost less than distance m. A routing engine performs a reverse exploration on nodes in the planned route to locate POIs from which the route can be reached with a cost of less than a second cost n. POIs identified as being reachable from the route with a cost of less than m, and from which the route is reachable with a cost less than n are then further filtered to identify a subset of the POIs for which the sum of the time or distance from the route to the POI and the time or distance from the POI back to the route is less than a threshold time or distance, t.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Richard F. Poppen, Weidong Tang
  • Publication number: 20180023970
    Abstract: A vehicle display control device controls a virtual image display performed by a head-up display which superimposes a display image on outside scenery of the host vehicle. The host vehicle is equipped with an automatic control unit which executes an automatic control to the host vehicle. The vehicle display control device includes: a route information acquisition unit that acquires route information related to a scheduled route of the host vehicle, the automatic control unit setting the scheduled route for the host vehicle; and a route image formation unit that forms a route image indicative of the scheduled route based on the route information acquired by the route information acquisition unit. The head-up display projects the route image as the display image in a virtual image display region that is superimposed on a forward traveling road included in the outside scenery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Sei IGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180023971
    Abstract: A method of generating a routing policy from an origin to a destination through a navigable network, the navigable network being represented by an electronic map comprising a plurality of segments representing navigable segments of the navigable network, each segment having associated therewith data indicative of an expected travel time along the segment. The expected travel times are used for respective segments of the electronic map to determine a route from the origin to the destination that has a shortest expected journey time using a deterministic routing algorithm. A stochastic routing algorithm is then used to generate a routing policy that maximises the probability of arriving at the destination within a time budget from leaving the origin, wherein the time budget is based at least on said determined shortest expected journey time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Felix Godafoss König, Heiko Schilling
  • Publication number: 20180023972
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine a navigation instruction execution location within a predefined distance from a vehicle location. The processor is also configured to communicate with a wireless transceiver to receive information identifying an intervening turn-option location, between the execution location and vehicle location. The processor is further configured to determine a distance between the vehicle location and turn-option location and display the determined distance on a navigation display, until the vehicle passes the turn-option location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Oliver LEI, Allen R. MURRAY
  • Publication number: 20180023973
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a speed limit application associates speed limits with road segments based on a road graph. In operation, the speed limit application selects a source road segment that meets a target road segment at an intersection based on the road graph. The source road segment is associated with a speed limit. Subsequently, the speed limit application determines a confidence value associated with extrapolating the first speed limit to the target road segment based on the first road graph. The speed limit application then determines that the confidence value indicates that a confidence in the extrapolation satisfies a minimum confidence requirement. Consequently, the speed limit application generates an attribute that associates the first speed limit with the target road segment. Finally, the speed limit application causes a navigation-related operation to be performed based on the attribute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Volodymyr Ivanov, Alexey Pryakhin, Ievgenii Borshch
  • Publication number: 20180023974
    Abstract: A flying vehicle has a retro-reflector, a position measuring instrument has a non-prism measurement function for performing a distance measurement and an angle measurement in non-prism and a prism measurement function for performing the distance measurement and the angle measurement with respect to the retro-reflector, a control device is adapted to have a flight range as set within a flat plane, to prepare an approximate flight plan having a two-dimensional approximate flying route as set within the flight range, to measure the approximate flying route by the non-prism measurement, to calculate a three-dimensional detailed flying route based on the measurement results and the approximate flying route, to prepare a detailed flight plan including the detailed flying route and to control the flying vehicle so as to fly in maintaining a distance between the flying vehicle system and a surface of the object to be measured at a constant value based on the detailed flight plan and a result of the prism measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Daisuke Sasaki, Nobuyuki Fukaya, Takeshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20180023975
    Abstract: A method of determining a direction of rotation of a shaft is disclosed, as well as an integrated circuit chip that uses the disclosed method. The method includes receiving a first binary signal and a second binary signal from a transducer attached to the shaft, with the first and second binary signals being in quadrature. A present quadrant identification number, QIDPRESENT, is determined as a two-digit binary number by left-shifting a value of the first signal and adding a value of the second signal. After a sampling interval has elapsed, the method sets a past quadrant identification number, QIDPAST, to the value of said QIDPRESENT, determines a new value of QIDPRESENT and calculates a value of a transition code using an equation that operates on QIDPRESENT and QIDPAST. The method uses the transition code to determine a direction of rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Mark Poley
  • Publication number: 20180023976
    Abstract: A position detection system includes a magnetic field generation unit to generate a magnetic field, a magnetic field detection unit to detect a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field effecting from the magnetic field generation unit, and to output a detection voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density, and circuitry to amplify the detection voltage, set a reference voltage for amplifying the detection voltage, and an amplification level of the detection voltage based on at least one of a voltage input to the magnetic field detection unit and a gain value set for the amplification of the detection voltage or both of the voltage input to the magnetic field detection unit and the gain value set for the amplification of the detection voltage, and change the reference voltage to switch a region used for detecting a position of a movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroyuki KUBOTA, Akihisa MlKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180023977
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide a system, a wheel localizer, a wheel localization device, or methods for locating a position of at least one wheel out of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system comprises a detector that obtains information related to a reference magnetic field in which the at least one wheel rotates, an antilock braking system (ABS) unit that obtains information related to angular rotations of the plurality of wheels, and a locator that determines the position of the at least one wheel based, at least in part, on the information related to the reference magnetic field and the information related to the angular rotations of plurality of wheels, where the position comprises a wheel location from among the plurality of wheels. The reference magnetic field may be the earth's magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jooil Park, Thomas Lange, Maximilian Werner, Guan Lifeng, Thomas Lemense, Michael Kandler
  • Publication number: 20180023978
    Abstract: Provided are a displacement detection device and a continuously variable transmission which directly detect a position of a movable sheave. An infinitely variable transmission includes: a magnet; a movable sheave which has a concave portion on a circumferential surface; and a sensor provided with Hall elements which are arranged between the magnet and the circumferential surface of the movable sheave, detect, in a rotation direction and a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction, each of changes in magnetic flux densities accompanying the displacement of the movable sheave in the magnetic field which is formed by the magnet and attracted to the concave portion, and output output values according to the magnetic flux densities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Takumi YOSHIYA
  • Publication number: 20180023979
    Abstract: Provided is a displacement detection device which can uniquely determine displacement of a detection target from output values based on detection as well as make a displacement range of the detection target wider than a displacement range detectable by a sensor. A displacement detection device includes a magnet which is displaced in a displacement direction Ds, is rod-shaped and has a form in which a longitudinal direction and the displacement direction Ds form a predetermined angle ?, and a sensor IC which detects a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field formed by the magnet in an x direction and a z direction orthogonal to the displacement direction Ds and outputs a signal proportional to the magnetic field detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Takumi YOSHIYA
  • Publication number: 20180023980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (100) having an incremental sensor unit (40, 40?, 40?) for a shaft rotatable about a rotational axis, in particular for a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, wherein the incremental sensor unit (40, 40?, 40?) is designed to acquire at least one defined rotational angle position of the shaft. The incremental sensor unit (40, 40?, 40?) comprises a transmitting element (41, 41?) and a housing-fixed receiving element (42), wherein a signal (MInk_planar) emitted by the transmitting element (41, 41?) and transmitted along a signal path is receivable by the receiving element (42) and it is recognizable on the basis of the signal (MInk_planar) received by the receiving element (42) whether the shaft is located in the defined rotational angle position (?def) or not. If the shaft reaches the defined rotational angle position (?def), a signal pulse can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Schoepe, Hans-Jörg Liebfried, Ekkehart Fröhlich
  • Publication number: 20180023981
    Abstract: A sensor assembly specially adapted for use as a crash sensor for motor vehicle applications. The sensor assembly includes a connector housing assembly and a separate sensor element. The sensor element is formed with a pair of spade type terminals. The sensor element is received by a passageway within the housing assembly which further incorporates receiving terminals connected with electrical pigtail wires. The assembly housing incorporates features for secure mounting of the unit to a vehicle or other device, and provide accurate location when needed for directional sensing. The unit provides a snapfit assembly of the sensor element and includes features for preventing improper assembly of the unit and provides a desired mechanical connection between the sensor element and the associated vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua Forwerck, Mark Caron, Harvey Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20180023982
    Abstract: A sensor module contains a sensor unit, a sensor cover, and a main body. The sensor unit has a sensor surface and a base surface. The sensor cover covers the sensor surface and at least a section of the base surface. The sensor cover is connected to the base surface and/or the main body by a fused connection. The main body is connected at least to the base surface of the sensor unit by a fused connection with a selectable relative position in relation to the sensor cover. Pre-mounting of the sensor unit in a sensor cover and advantageous encapsulation of a sensor can thus be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: JUERGEN HENNIGER, MATTHIAS KEUTEN, MATTHIAS WIECZOREK
  • Publication number: 20180023983
    Abstract: To obtain a physical quantity detection apparatus that can reduce the outer shape of a housing in size. A physical quantity detection apparatus 300 detects a plurality of physical quantities of gas 30 to be measured flowing in a main passage 124. The physical quantity detection apparatus 300 has a housing 302 disposed in the main passage 124, a circuit substrate 400 insert molded in the housing 302, and a plurality of detection sensors 452, 453, 454, 455, and 456 each mounted on each of one face and the other face of the circuit substrate 400.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsubasa WATANABE, Tsutomu KONO, Hiroaki HOSHIKA, Takahiro MIKI, Takayuki YOGO
  • Publication number: 20180023984
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with environmental sensors. Environmental sensors may include one or more environmental sensor components and one or more acoustic components. Acoustic components may include a speaker or a microphone. Environmental sensor components may include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor, or other sensors or combinations of sensors for sensing attributes of the environment surrounding the device. The environmental sensor may have an enclosure with an opening. The enclosure may be formed from a rigid support structure and a portion of a printed circuit. The opening may be formed in the rigid support structure or the printed circuit. The opening in the enclosure for the environmental sensor may be aligned with an opening in an outer structural member for the device. The outer structural member may be a housing structure or a cover layer for a device display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Henry H. Yang
  • Publication number: 20180023985
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter includes a flow tube having a first end and a second end. A shedder bar is disposed within the flow tube between the first end and the second end. The shedder bar is configured to generate vortices in fluid flowing through the flow tube. At least one sensor is operably coupled to an external surface of the flow tube and is configured to detect individual deformations of the flow tube resulting from vortices inside the flow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Vladimir Bogdanov, Alexander Konyukov, Alexey Krivonogov, Vladmir Repyevsky, Jeffry Foster
  • Publication number: 20180023986
    Abstract: Sensor device and method for determining the parameters of fluid flow with a sensor, including an oblong element, extending into fluid flow, fixed mechanically to the body of the sensor device with a flexible link in one end, and a mechanically connected vibration sensor and a data acquisition module connected electrically to the vibration sensor and positioned in the body, which is set to determine the frequency response curve of oscillation caused by liquid flow in the cylindrical element, and to derive the speed and type of fluid flow from the measured frequency response curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Maarja Kruusmaa, Asko Ristolainen, Alar Kuusik
  • Publication number: 20180023987
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microfluidic channel and a flow sensor along the microfluidic channel. The flow sensor includes a heat emitting resistor for connection to an electric current source, analytical parameter sensor and electronics. The heat emitting resistor has a resistance that varies in response to temperature. The electrical parameter sensor is to sense an electrical parameter of the heat emitting resistor that is based on the resistance of the heat emitting resistor. The electronics determine a flow based on the sensed electrical parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Erik D Torniainen, Pavel Kornilovich
  • Publication number: 20180023988
    Abstract: A particle simulation program is disclosed. A computer forms a particle generation surface in a vicinity of an inflow port. The computer forms a particle disappearance surface representing a boundary to eliminate particles depending on the particle generation surface. The computer performs a particle simulation, in which the particles of fluid filled in a vessel are flowed out from the inflow port. The computer periodically generates the particles from the particle generation surface. The computer eliminates a particle crossing out of the particle disappearance surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Keita Ogasawara, Tamon SUWA
  • Publication number: 20180023989
    Abstract: A method for detection of a utility meter having been tampered with, in particular a water or heat meter having been tampered with, and a meter for detecting such tampering are provided. The utility meter comprises a flow measurement portion in which the flow of water is measured. The method comprises detecting a presence of air in the flow measurement portion and evaluating a fraud condition, wherein the fraud condition comprises that air is present in the flow measurement portion for a first period of time or more. In response to the fraud condition being evaluated as met, an alert is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Frederic Droin, Michel Esteves, Rivory Philippe
  • Publication number: 20180023990
    Abstract: According to a method and apparatus disclosed herein, an electronic register advantageously logs raw sensor data without converting the raw sensor data into physical-domain measurements, and without need for being configured to understand or process such data, or account or compensate for any sensor installation particulars. Instead, the electronic register advantageously stores conversion data in association with each sensor interface circuit being used to collect raw sensor data from a corresponding external sensor, and it provides the conversion data to an external device, in association with read-out of the raw sensor data logged by the electronic unit. The conversion data provides the mathematical expression, along with any compensation or adjustment values needed, to convert the raw sensor data into corresponding physical-domain measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Zane Dustin Purvis
  • Publication number: 20180023991
    Abstract: A dual purpose gravity flow measuring and dispensing device for flowing matters such as sauces, oily substances, medical solutions, food flavorings or chemicals, comprising of a feature to measure the flowing matter 2 times prior to final application, contamination free and accurately. The device can be constructed for fluids or powders, a preferred embodiment includes a plate that's is coupled to 2 container each on top and bottom of the plate, an outlet directly on the lower container or part of the plate, the plate can be constructed to be a cap for the lower container. The upper containers can be integrated onto upper portion of the plate and a channel in between the 2 containers, a valve to controlled the flow of fluids running from upper container to the lower container and an automatic airflow system to allow the air to enters above the flowing matter when the valve is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Abbas Ben Afshari
  • Publication number: 20180023992
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system (10) for sensing liquid level in a receptacle (16). The system comprises a capacitive sensing probe (12), for sensing a capacitance between the capacitive sensing probe (12) and an electrically conductive portion of the receptacle (16). The system also comprises a control circuit (15) connected to the capacitive sensing probe (12) for detecting a level of the liquid in the receptacle (16) based on said capacitance, a non-isolated AC power supply (11) arranged to power the control circuit (15), the non-isolated AC power supply (11) having an electrical connection between its input and its output, and at least one filter capacitor (C1, C2) connected in series between the capacitive sensing probe (12) and the control circuit (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: WEI BIAN, KIN LEONG YIP, YAO HEAN CHIAH, KWONG LIM CHIN, GARY CHI YANG LIM
  • Publication number: 20180023993
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor includes fluid sensing electrodes, reference electrodes, and a controller. The reference electrodes compensate for temperature fluctuations about the fluid electrodes. The controller determines fluid level based on the response of the fluid electrodes to the presence of the fluid in proximity thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Randall PHILIPSON
  • Publication number: 20180023994
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor probe (100) and controller (109). The controller (109) is operationally configured to determine and display wet and dry status of each of a plurality of ultrasonic sensors (156) positioned in the barrel (123) of the probe (100). The controller (109) may change the status of a sensor (156) from wet to dry or dry to wet if certain conditions are met, such as the sensor (156) consistently indicates the new status over multiple readings or over a predetermined period of time. The controller (109) preferably includes a two-wire output capable of producing a stepped analog or digital signal that indicates the fluid level in a container in which the probe (100) is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Thomas Andrew Steidl
  • Publication number: 20180023995
    Abstract: A droplet of fluid having a predetermined drop weight is ejected from a microfluidic channel. Electrical signals are received from a sensor in the microfluidic channel, wherein the electrical signals vary in response to the ejection of the droplet of fluid. The electrical signals of the sensor are calibrated to a rate of flow of fluid through the microfluidic channel based on a number of droplets ejected and the predetermined drop weight of each droplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Erik D Torniainen, Pavel Kornilovich, David P Markel
  • Publication number: 20180023996
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyor apparatus in which weighing accuracy in a combined weighing apparatus can be improved. In this conveyor apparatus in which a radial feeder (30) controls the operation of a trough (31) such that a article supplied from the trough becomes a target supply amount, the apparatus includes: a ranging sensor (32) for detecting a height (S) of the article on the trough; a drive unit (33) for driving a trough unit with predetermined feed power (P); a supply amount acquiring part (93) for acquiring a supply amount (W) supplied from the trough (31); and a deriving part (94) for deriving a relation among the height of the article, the supply amount of the trough, and the feed power of the trough by changing the feed power from the drive unit multiple times to convey the article to the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya IKEDA, Toshiharu KAGEYAMA, Takakazu MORIWAKI, Yoshito INAZUMI
  • Publication number: 20180023997
    Abstract: A product output device for a product supply system, in which a first product supply device and a second product supply device provide product amounts in a first collecting container and a second collecting container. Both collecting containers are provided with respective first closure flaps and second closure flaps. As soon as the collecting containers are positioned above the product receiving device, the closure flaps can open in order to drop the product into the product receiving device. The collecting container, comprising the first collecting container and the second collecting container, can be pivoted to an output position of the first collecting container, or to a output position of the second collecting container. Herein, the pivoting movement to the respectively different output positions begins before the first closure flaps have closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: MULTIPOND Wägetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Günther SICKINGER, Joseph SCHMIDHUBER, Andreas PETERS, Felix PROFE
  • Publication number: 20180023998
    Abstract: One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device for use in a vehicle. The control device may include a first counter and a second counter, where the first counter is assigned to a first weight range and the second counter is assigned to a second weight range. The control device may be configured to execute the following steps in an iterative manner: determination of an overall weight of the vehicle, and incrimination of the first counter when the overall weight falls within the first range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Dieter Strak, Anton Waibel, Ömer Mumcu
  • Publication number: 20180023999
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20180024000
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring underground drilling in which vibration is monitored by creating a model of the drill string using finite element techniques or finite difference techniques and (i) predicting vibration by inputting real time values of operating parameters into the model, and then adjusting the model to agree with measured vibration data, (ii) predicting the weight on bit and drill string and mud motor speeds at which resonance will occur, as well as when stick-slip will occur, so that the operator can avoid operating regimes that will result in high vibration, (iii) determining vibration and torque levels along the length of the drill string based on the measured vibration and torque at one or more locations, (iv) determining the remaining life of critical components of the drill string based on the history of the vibration to which the components have been subjected, and (v) determining the optimum drilling parameters that will avoid excessive vibration of the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: William Evans Turner, Mark Ellsworth Wassell
  • Publication number: 20180024001
    Abstract: A 2-D sensor array includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of pixels disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Each pixel includes a coupling region and a junction region, and a slab waveguide structure disposed on the semiconductor substrate and extending from the coupling region to the region. The slab waveguide includes a confinement layer disposed between a first cladding layer and a second cladding layer. The first cladding and the second cladding each have a refractive index that is lower than a refractive index of the confinement layer. Each pixel also includes a coupling structure disposed in the coupling region and within the slab waveguide. The coupling structure includes two materials having different indices of refraction arranged as a grating defined by a grating period. The junction region comprises a p-n junction in communication with electrical contacts for biasing and collection of carriers resulting from absorption of incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven R.J. BRUECK, Alexander NEUMANN, Payman ZARKESH-HA
  • Publication number: 20180024002
    Abstract: An electronic device including a processor configured to receive a first radiation measurement and determine a skin surface condition information based on the first radiation measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Sony CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander GATTO, Piergiorgio SARTOR, Ralf MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20180024003
    Abstract: A spectrophotometer diagnosis system and a method for diagnosing a spectrophotometer, wherein at least one test patch is printed in proximity to at least one non-printed substrate patch, at least one value characteristic of the at least one test patch and/or the at least one substrate patch is measured using the spectrophotometer, and at least one diagnostic score for the spectrophotometer is determined based on the at least one measured value in comparison with a reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Lena Gurevich, Nir Guttman, Ran Waidman
  • Publication number: 20180024004
    Abstract: A holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) tunable filter exhibits switching times of no more than 20 microseconds. The HPDLC tunable filter can be utilized in a variety of applications. An HPDLC tunable filter stack can be utilized in a hyperspectral imaging system capable of spectrally multiplexing hyperspectral imaging data acquired while the hyperspectral imaging system is airborne. HPDLC tunable filter stacks can be utilized in high speed switchable optical shielding systems, for example as a coating for a visor or an aircraft canopy. These HPDLC tunable filter stacks can be fabricated using a spin coating apparatus and associated fabrication methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: ADAM K. FONTECCHIO, SAMEET K. SHRIYAN, ALYSSA BELLINGHAM