Abstract: A method for compensating measurement errors caused by the deformation of a component defining a slide axis in a measurement machine, comprising the steps of calculating the curvature of the component as a function of the difference between the current temperature Tc and a reference temperature Tr at which the geometric compensation map of the machine has been obtained, calculating correction values for the compensation parameters stored in the compensation map as a function of the curvature, and updating the compensation map with these correction values.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring a feature of a component. The system may have a probe with a tip, and a sensing element configured to generate signals associated with a proximity of the tip to the feature. The system may also have an actuator configured to move the probe relative to the component, and a controller in communication with the sensing element and the actuator. The controller may be configured to generate a deviation report based on the signals, and to filter information from the deviation report according to wavelength into a plurality of deviation categories corresponding to specification requirements of the component. The plurality of deviation categories may include at least a waviness category. The controller may also be configured to determine a change to a process used to fabricate the component based on the information from the deviation report filtered into the waviness category.

Abstract: A roundness and/or dimension measuring device for in-process measurement of crank pins during a machining operation on a grinding machine having a base body, and a measuring head, which is connected to the base body via a rod assembly and which is movable between a neutral position and a measuring position. The measuring head has a measuring probe for contacting the crank pin, and the rod assembly is designed and configured in such a way that the measuring head in the measuring position follows orbital rotations of the crank pin. At least one oscillation damping element is operatively associated with the measuring head for holding it in engagement with the crank pin during the orbital rotation.

Abstract: A method for estimating cable length in an Ethernet system and a receiver thereof are applicable to an Ethernet system. The method for estimating cable length includes obtaining a channel tap from channel information of a feedback equalizer in the Ethernet system and estimating a cable length according to the channel tap, a first coefficient and a constant.

Abstract: A device for film thickness measurement and a method for film thickness measurement are disclosed. The device includes a planar indenter, a collecting unit and a processing unit. The planar indenter includes a base plate and a piezoelectric film layer. The collecting unit includes a plurality of collecting circuits evenly distributed above the piezoelectric film layer and spaced from each other. The collecting circuits are used for collecting current signals generated when the piezoelectric film layer deforms at positions corresponding to the collecting circuits. The processing unit is used for calculating a film thickness of the film sample to be measured based on the current signals collected by each of the collecting circuits.

Abstract: A displacement sensor includes: an first yoke that is formed of a soft magnetic body and is annular-shaped; an second yoke that is formed of a soft magnetic body and is annular-shaped, the second yoke having an inner circumferential surface which faces an outer circumferential surface of the first yoke via a gap and arranged coaxially with the first yoke; a magnet that is arranged to be capable of moving in an axial direction in a radial-direction central portion of the first yoke and is magnetized in the axial direction of the first yoke; and a detection element that detects a magnetic flux density which is generated in the gap and is arranged in the gap so that the magnetic flux density is detected along the radial direction of the first yoke.

Abstract: A device and method of simple design for measuring displacement between a first part and a second part that are substantially coaxial, preferably mounted on one another by an annular linear link. The device includes a structure for mounting the device on the part, blades secured to the structure and bearing on an outer surface of an intermediate member, the member being mounted around the part, at least one strain/deformation sensor associated with each blade, the sensors configured to transmit output signals dependent on the levels of deformation of the blades, and a conversion unit configured to deliver, from the output signals, at least one datum corresponding to the relative position of the parts, preferably out of an azimuth angle, an elevation angle and an axial displacement.

Abstract: A linear-motion stage that is angularly or radially symmetric or asymmetric, or monolithic may be used as the moving mechanism in a Fourier transform spectrometer. In embodiments, a linear-motion stage includes a base; a first multiple-arm linkage extending from the base to a first carriage attachment end; a second multiple-arm linkage extending from the first carriage attachment end to the base; a third multiple-arm linkage extending from the base to a second carriage attachment end; a carriage extending from the first carriage end to the second carriage end. Also in embodiments, the first, second, and third multiple-arm linkages comprise a first arm rotateably connected to a second arm through a flexure, the angular travel of the first arm is configured to be different than an angular travel of the second arm as the carriage moves along the carriage motion line.

Abstract: A method for scanning and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates is provided. The method includes providing a 3D measuring device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera. The method records images of a light pattern emitted by the projector onto an object. A deviation in a measured parameter from an expected parameter is determined. The calibration of the 3D measuring device may be changed when the deviation is outside of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) having an integrated camera captures 2D images of an object at three or more different poses. A processor determines 3D coordinates of a smoothly continuous edge point of the object based at least in part on the captured 2D images and pose data provided by the AACMM.

Abstract: Methods and systems for achieving a small measurement box size specification across a set of metrology system parameters are presented. The small measurement box size specification is achieved by selectively constraining one or more of the sets of system parameters during measurement. A subset of measurement system parameters such as illumination wavelength, polarization state, polar angle of incidence, and azimuth angle of incidence is selected for measurement to maintain a smaller measurement box size than would otherwise be achievable if the full, available range of measurement system parameters were utilized in the measurement. In this manner, control of one or more factors that affect measurement box size is realized by constraining the measurement system parameter space. In addition, a subset of measurement signals may be selected to maintain a smaller measurement box size than would otherwise be achievable if all available measurement signals were utilized in the measurement.

Abstract: A method for optically checking by interferometry the thickness of an object (2) being machined comprises a phase of direct checking wherein the spectrum of the result of interference between primary reflected radiations (R1) generated by reflection of incident radiations (I) on an external surface (16) and secondary reflected radiations (R2) generated by reflection on an internal surface of discontinuity (17) of the object is analyzed, and a preliminary phase wherein information relative to the variation of a virtual thickness (D) delimited and defined by a reference surface (18) and the external surface of the object, indicative of thickness variations of the object being machined. In the preliminary phase, the processing is based on the analysis of the spectrum of the result of interference between primary reflected radiations and reference reflected radiations (Rref) generated by the reflection of the incident radiations on the reference surface, that defines the length of a reference optical path.

Abstract: A displacement measurement system of heterodyne grating interferometer, comprises a reading head, a measurement grating and an electronic signal processing component. Laser light emitted from the laser tube is collimated, passes through the first polarization spectroscope, and then emits two light beams with an orthogonal polarization direction and an orthogonal propagation direction; the two light beams pass through two acousto-optic modulators and respectively generate two first-order diffraction light beams with different frequencies, which are later divided into reference light and measurement light; two parallel reference light beams form a beat frequency electric signal with positive and negative first-order diffraction measurement light respectively after passing through a measurement signal photo-electric conversion unit; the beat frequency signals are transmitted to the electronic signal processing component for signal processing, thus the output of linear displacement in two directions is realized.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to light based positioning. In one embodiment, a method comprises: responsive to receiving a light signal from at least one light source available to the device, decoding a beacon from the received light signal, the beacon associated with the at least one light source; measuring signal strength of the received light signal; and determining a position of the device at least in part based on the decoded beacon, the measured signal strength, and number of the at least one light source. In addition, the frequency channelization and random channel hopping may be utilized to further improve the performance.

Abstract: A system and related methods for evaluating a component using a reference feature and a replicate of the reference feature. The component has an exterior surface with a reference feature thereon. The method includes determining an initial condition of the reference feature, subjecting the component to at least one duty cycle after determining the initial condition, determining a subsequent condition of the reference feature after the at least one duty cycle while the component is in a service position, and forming a replicate of the reference feature while the reference feature is in one of the initial condition or the subsequent condition. One of the initial condition or the subsequent condition may be determined based on the replicate of the reference feature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for measuring an internal thread of a workpiece with a coordinate measuring apparatus and a CCD or CMOS sensor. The sensor records at least two images of a section of the internal thread and the recording conditions for the two images are modified. The data from these two recorded images are used to establish the position, orientation, core diameter and/or the pitch of the internal thread. The invention is also directed to an arrangement for measuring an internal thread of a workpiece and includes a coordinate measuring apparatus and the CCD or CMOS sensor in accordance with the above method.

Abstract: A virtual laser projection system and method includes one or more measuring laser projectors, one or more non-measuring laser projectors, an array of reference targets, and a computing system. The one or more measuring laser projectors and one or more non-measuring laser projectors operate under common control of the computing system to register their respective locations using the array of reference targets, detect and locate features of a work object to be illuminated, convert all location information into a common coordinate system, and illuminate the work object with laser light beams using the common coordinate system.

Abstract: An optical scanning probe and an apparatus to generate three-dimensional (3D) data using the same are provided. The apparatus to generate 3D data includes an optical scanning probe that scans light generated from a light emitter over an object to be measured, a distance calculation processor that calculates a distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured, based on the light scanned over the object to be measured and light reflected from the object to be measured; and a depth image generation processor that generates 3D data based on a scanning direction of the optical scanning probe and the distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method of generating surface geometry information of an object within an imaged region using an imaging system comprising a camera and a source of structured light, the source of structured light comprising a source of a plurality of rays of light. The method comprising obtaining first image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the first image data comprising image data representing the object and first structured light incident on the object, the first structured light comprising a periodic pattern comprising a plurality of pattern elements and having a first spatial frequency projected from said source of structured light and obtaining second image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the second image data comprising image data representing the object and providing information associating each of the plurality of image pixels of the second image data with a ray of said source of structured light.

Abstract: A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

Abstract: A positioning system for detecting a spatial position of a laying head of a device for automatically laying reinforcing fiber strips in relation to a base on which the reinforcing fiber strips can be laid by the laying head includes at least two laser lines which extend substantially in parallel at a spacing A from one another and substantially transversely to a laying direction can be projected on the laid reinforcing fiber strips by at least one laser source. The elevation profiles of the projected laser lines which occur on account of an irregular surface of the laid reinforcing fiber strips are able to be recorded by a camera and supplied to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated computer program and apparatuses. The method comprises providing a plurality of target structures on a substrate, each target structure comprising a first structure and a second structure on different layers of the substrate. Each target structure is measured with measurement radiation to obtain a measurement of target asymmetry in the target structure, the target asymmetry comprising an overlay contribution due to misalignment of the first and second structures, and a structural contribution due to structural asymmetry in at least the first structure. A structural asymmetry characteristic relating to the structural asymmetry in at least the first structure of each target structure is obtained, the structural asymmetry characteristic being independent of at least one selected characteristic of the measurement radiation.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a connection joint including a first side coupled to an opposite second side along a bond, extending along an edge. The method includes generating at least one first sound wave at a first location on the first side, wherein the first location is at a first distance from the edge. The method also includes receiving the at least one first sound wave at a plurality of sensors coupled to the second side and determining that the bond is present at the first location. The method further includes generating at least one second sound wave at a second location on the first side, wherein the second location is offset a predetermined distance from the first location. The method also includes receiving the at least one second sound wave at the plurality of sensors and determining a width of the bond.

Abstract: Position reference system and method for positioning and tracking one or more objects which in addition to range and azimuth also provides the elevation angle of the target relative to the instrument axes of the sensor platform. The system and method is based on a near IR laser radar transceiver and one or more active or passive retroreflectors placed on the objects to be positioned. The present invention further includes an internal beam stabilization mechanism protected from the environment and utilize a cylindrical window which is transparent for the near IR laser radiation, but absorbs all visible and UV radiation and thus protects the optical parts from ambient solar radiation. In addition, the cylindrical window protects all internal mechanical parts, notably the rotating and moving parts, from a corrosive and freezing/icing environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and a method for detecting a level degree of an OHCV. The device may include a laser beam transmission unit, at least one baffle, a laser beam reception unit, and a controller. The laser beam transmission unit, the baffle and the laser beam reception unit may be sequentially arranged at an identical horizontal level inside the OHCV. The at least one baffle may be provided with a via-hole. The laser beam transmission unit may be configured to generate a laser beam through the via-hole and toward the laser beam reception unit. The laser beam reception unit may be configured to receive the laser beam and transmit information about the received laser beam to the controller. The controller may be configured to monitor the real-time information about the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring image and location information includes an antenna comprising an element configured to receive signals for determining the location information, and an imaging device coupled to the antenna and configured to acquire the image information. A virtual perspective center of the imaging device is coincident with the element of the antenna.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of photogrammetric tools, such as bundle adjustment. One set of techniques can include a photo-observable backsight operation, in which a position of target point can be observed non-photographically, and this observed position can be used to constrain a pixel coordinate location of the same target point in a bundle adjustment operation. Using another technique, a photo-observable check shot operation, the observed position of another target point can be used to verify the validity of a bundle adjustment calculation. Such techniques can be used together or separately.

Abstract: A method for locating a position determining device in an interior construction site of a building to provide line-of-sight access to a plurality of construction points in the interior construction site, includes accessing a three-dimensional model of the site by a computer system, the model including coordinates of construction points in the site to be located with a position determining device. The method further includes determining a location for placing a position determining device by the computer system, in which no obstructions at the site preclude line-of-sight access by the position determining device to the plurality of construction points. The method may further include receiving spatial data by the computer system, and deriving the three dimensional model by the computer system based upon the spatial data. The position determining device may comprise a robotic total station or other such device. The method is implemented on a computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for superimposing a virtual aiming mechanism with a projected system beam in a compact laser-based rangefinding instrument such as a laser-based tape measure which employs a laser rangefinding system beam and visible light beam to enable a user to merely pick up the instrument and, if the visible beam can be seen, merely aim the device without sighting by placing the resultant visible light dot on the target itself. Alternatively, if the beam cannot be seen, the user can sight through the instrument viewing aperture and see a virtual visible dot and superimpose it upon his view of the target.

Abstract: A system and method for electrostatic carouseling for inertial sensor gyrocompassing is disclosed. For performing such electrostatic carouseling for inertial sensor gyrocompassing, a three-rotational degree of freedom spring-mass system is provided that includes a proof mass suspended by a plurality of support springs and having three rotational degrees of freedom, a plurality of driving electrodes, and a controller operably connected to the plurality of driving electrodes. The control applies an excitation voltage to the driving electrodes to generate an electrostatic force, with the controller selectively applying the excitation voltage to the plurality of driving electrodes to generate an electrostatic force that varies an orientation of a gyroscope sensitivity axis for carouseling of the three-rotational degree of freedom spring-mass system.

Abstract: A resonator assembly includes a semiconductor substrate; a resonator gyroscope, the resonator gyroscope including a first resonator formed in a layer of a first material; and an oscillator on the semiconductor substrate, the oscillator including a second resonator formed of a second material. The second resonator is disposed in a cavity, the cavity comprising a first recess in the layer of a first material with the edges of the first recess being attached to the substrate, or the cavity comprising a second recess in the substrate and the edges of the second recess being attached to the layer of a first material.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a mass body; a first frame provided outside of the mass body; a first flexible part connecting the mass body and the first frame to each other; a second flexible part connecting the mass body and the first frame to each other; a second frame provided outside of the first frame; a third flexible part connecting the first frame and the second frame to each other; and a fourth flexible part connecting the first frame and the second frame to each other, wherein the mass body is fixed to the first frame by the second flexible part so as to be rotation-displaceable and translation-displaceable, and the first frame is connected to the second frame by the fourth flexible part so as to be rotation-displaceable.

Abstract: A gyro sensor includes a substrate, and a first function element, a second function element and a third function element which are arranged above the substrate. With respect to function elements next to each other of the first function element, the second function element and the third function element, the direction of vibration of a vibrating body of one function element is different from the direction of displacement of a movable body of the other function element, and the direction of displacement of a movable body of the one function element is different from the direction of vibration of a vibrating body of the other function element.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an inertial sensor which includes a movable body that is disposed in a cavity formed by a base body and a lid, and in which a wiring groove of wiring communicating with the cavity and electrically connected to the movable body is formed in the base body, includes forming a first opening section, which does not penetrate through the lid by wet etching; accommodating the movable body in the cavity by bonding the base body and the lid; forming a first sealing material with which the wiring groove is sealed after the accommodating of the movable body; forming a through-hole communicating with the cavity by penetrating through the first opening section by dry etching after the forming of the first sealing material; and forming a second sealing material with which the through-hole is sealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation system for integrating a number of positioning receivers to obtain a final position. The navigation system comprises an operation and control module and a unifying module. The operation and control module is being configured to receive a location data from each of the positioning receivers and transmits the location data to the unifying module. The unifying module will then determine the final position based on a statistical model. In particular, the statistical model uses normal distribution to determine the final position. This final position is then displayed on the display of the navigation system.

Abstract: Location determination is facilitated based on motion data accumulated at a vehicle in cases in which a beacon is not available. One method includes receiving, by a first device, first information about a vehicle indicative of a position and a direction of the vehicle. The position is measured by the vehicle based on a measured angular rotation rate and radius of a wheel of the vehicle and the direction of the vehicle is measured by the vehicle based on a measured amount of a turn radius of a steering wheel device of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a previously determined location of the vehicle. The method also includes generating second information about a location of the first device based on the previously determined location of the vehicle and the first information. Error estimates for the location and/or tuning bias for sensors at the vehicle can also be determined.

Abstract: A method to level an inertial reference system of a helicopter with reference to the local vertical frame is provided. The method includes powering up the helicopter; outputting sensor data from at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer to a mode-selecting processor; executing a fast Fourier transform algorithm on the sensor data at the mode-selecting processor; and selecting one of a plurality of operation modes of the helicopter as a current-operation mode based on the execution of the fast Fourier transform algorithm.

Abstract: A not crossable element (NCE) is marked using a shape on a map. A map data does not prevent a route from crossing the NCE. A closed area is selected on the map, which includes a polygon bound on one side by a portion of the shape. A set of mapping points (MP) that are included in the closed area is selected. A route is formed by connecting one MP to another MP. A subset of MPs is identified as a set of candidate MPs (CMP). Each CMP lies within a search distance of a not-mapping point (NMP). The CMPs are sorted according to CMP-NMP distances. A subset of CMPs is selected whose paths to the NMP do not intersect with any shape corresponding to any NCE in the closed area. The NMP is linked in the route with a selected CMP from the subset of CMPs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a plurality of navigation solutions using a portable sensor device associated with a user. Motion sensor data may be used to derive a first navigation solution using the obtained sensor data under a first set of processing conditions navigation solution and to derive at least a second navigation solution using the sensor data under a second set of processing conditions, wherein the second navigation solution is refined as compared to the first navigation solution. As such, the second navigation solution may represent a more accurate or more complete solution, with the first navigation solution may represent a reduced expenditure of resources. The system includes the portable sensor device and optionally may include an auxiliary device associated with the user and/or remote processing resources.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is improved with a navigational system having both cameras and echolocation sensors, each including overlapping fields of view. The cameras and echolocation sensors may be part of an optical and echolocation system, respectively, that may work in conjunction with a global positioning system to determine a course for the autonomous vehicle to reach an objective while detecting and avoid obstacles along the course.

Abstract: A navigational aid system for fishermen comprises a computer that is connected to the Internet. The computer accesses a high resolution map in the vicinity of a fishing boat. The map depicts the ocean temperature and depth profile in relation to marked latitude and longitudinal indicators. A specialized GPS system in communication with the computer depicts the latitudinal and longitudinal position of the fisherman's boat. The computer executes a separate program that has a transparent window overlaying the map. A user selects two points, one point at a time, on the map and enters corresponding latitude and longitude bearings consistent with those shown on the map. The separate program receives the GPS data and plots the boat position in an orthogonal coordinate system based on the two points selected and their corresponding coordinates. The map is optionally provided with data concerning weather and buoy or wreck hazards in the vicinity of the boat, together with details concerning the coastline.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an indoor positioning method performed by an indoor positioning system installed on an object inside of a building. The indoor positioning system includes a gyroscope, a digital compass, an accelerometer, a distance sensor and a processor; an indoor map of the building is stored in the processor. Dead reckoning is performed to obtain an estimated position of the object on the map. An target area around the estimated position is selected on the map. Several measurements between the object and walls of the building are performed to obtain an actual distance data. The unique point inside the target area which matches the actual distance data is used the actual position of the object.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle is provided comprising a drive mechanism, a steering mechanism, a vehicle controller, a camera, and a navigation module. The camera is communicatively coupled to the navigation module, the vehicle controller is responsive to commands from the navigation module, and the drive mechanism and the steering mechanism are responsive to commands from the vehicle controller. The camera is configured to capture an input image of a warehouse ceiling comprising elongated skylights characterized by different rates of image intensity change along longitudinal and transverse axial directions, and ceiling lights characterized by a circularly symmetric rate of image intensity change. The navigation module is configured to distinguish between the ceiling lights and the skylights and send commands to the vehicle controller for localization, or to navigate the industrial vehicle through the warehouse based upon valid ceiling light identification, valid skylight identification, or both.

Abstract: A method of and arrangement for mapping first range sensor data from a first range sensor to image data from a camera are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: receiving time and position data from a position determination device on board a mobile system, as well as the first range sensor data from the first range sensor on board the mobile system and the image data from the camera on board the mobile system; identifying a first points cloud within the first range sensor data, relating to at least one object; producing a mask relating to the object based on the first points cloud; mapping the mask on object image data relating to the same object as present in the image data from the at least one camera; and performing a predetermined image processing technique on at least a portion of the object image data.

Abstract: Simplification of trajectory representation is provided. Trajectories represented by a set of points on a map are obtained. Common route elements are identified for the trajectories based on the set of points. Each of the common route elements represents a geospatial area in which at least a predetermined number of the trajectories are identical. Simplified representations of the trajectories are generated based on the identified common route elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving urea fluid usage on a vehicle. Based on when a urea tank needs to be refilled relative to when a fuel tank needs to be refilled during a vehicle journey, one or more alternate driving routes are suggested based on the range of the fluid getting depleted. The suggested driving routes include refilling stations where the depleting fluid can be refilled.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: establishing a navigation session for routing from a starting point to a destination on a device; setting a transfer condition for continuing the navigation session between the device and a further device; and transferring the navigation session when the transfer condition is satisfied for routing with the further device for displaying on the further device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transfer system and a power transfer method for efficiently transferring power between vehicles that travel in a group. The power transfer system according to the present invention is a power transfer system in a vehicle that can travel on power, the system including: an information obtaining unit that obtains possible driving distance information indicating a possible driving distance of each of vehicles that travel to a same destination; and a power transfer controller that controls, based on the possible driving distance information obtained by the information obtaining unit, transfer of power between a power-surplus vehicle with extra power and a power-shortage vehicle lacking in power so that the vehicles can reach a same charging station, the power-surplus vehicle and the power-shortage vehicle being included in the vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a route guide apparatus and a control method thereof. When a route guide to a specific location is requested, congestion information considering the number of vehicles having already arrived at the specific location at the moment that the route guide is requested and the estimated number of vehicles expected to arrive is generated and provided, such that a user requesting the route guide can learn the congestion information on the specific location in advance.