Abstract: A sensing device comprising a micromechanical gyroscope, the gyroscope comprising an improved sensing device with a micromechanical gyroscope, where the resonance frequency of the first mechanical resonator and the resonance frequency of the second mechanical resonator are adjusted to essentially coincide. The device comprises a feed-back loop connected to the second mechanical resonator, the quality factor of the combination of the feed-back loop and the second mechanical resonator being less than 10. More accurate sensing is achieved without essentially adding complexity to the sensor device configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments for modifying a spring mass configuration are disclosed that minimize the effects of unwanted nonlinear motion on a MEMS sensor. The modifications include any or any combination of providing a rigid element between rotating structures of the spring mass configuration, tuning a spring system between the rotating structures and coupling an electrical cancellation system to the rotating structures. In so doing unwanted nonlinear motion such as unwanted 2nd harmonic motion is minimized.

Abstract: A route scheduling system for a vehicle or fleet of vehicles can recalculate a scheduled route based on input received after the formulation and/or dispatch of the initial route. The additional inputs can be used for recalculation and changes in route selection, which may include a variety of inputs, such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, customer needs, vehicle inventory, and emergency situations. The recalculation of the routes can allow for route selection to be performed in real-time in order for fleets and vehicles to optimize the allocation of resources.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented coordinate conversion method for converting a first map of assets represented by first map coordinates based on a first projection system to a second map of assets represented by second map coordinates based on a second projection system, the method comprising obtaining transformation coefficients comprising first directional coefficients and rotation coefficients; converting the rotation coefficients into second directional coefficients; generating simplified transformation coefficients by adding the first and second directional coefficients and eliminating the rotation coefficients; generating the second map coordinates by converting the first map coordinates using the simplified transformation coefficients without any use of rotation coefficients; generating the second map of assets based on the second projection system using the second map coordinates; and providing user access to the generated map.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining magnetic field information that corresponds to a location. The magnetic field information may be based on an output reading of a magnetometer of an electronic device. The method may further include obtaining orientation information that corresponds to a device orientation of the electronic device that corresponds to the magnetic field information. The orientation information may be based on an output reading of one or more inertial sensors and may indicate the device orientation. The method may further include adjusting the magnetic field information based on the orientation information to generate normalized magnetic field information that is normalized with respect to a map-coordinate system of a magnetic field map. The normalized magnetic field information and the magnetic field map may be used to determine that the electronic device is at the location at the time that the output reading of the magnetometer is obtained.

Abstract: A wearable smart device includes an outer casing wearable by a user and defining at least one cavity and having a neck portion, a first end portion designed to rest on a first shoulder of the user, and a second end portion designed to rest on a second shoulder of the user. The wearable smart device also includes a wireless communication port at least partially positioned within the cavity and designed to communicate with a remote device. The wireless communication port includes a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) port, a near field communication (NFC) port, an infrared communication port and/or an ultrasound communication port. A processor is positioned within the cavity, coupled to the wireless communication port and designed to transmit one or more signals to the remote device and/or receive one or more signals from the remote device via the wireless communication port.

Abstract: A method for calculating the surface vector of at least one vessel progressing under engine at cruising speed. When the vessel is in a defined position, the parameters of the vessel, including its position, its heading, its speed over ground and its course over ground, are obtained. Wind and/or current measurements in the proximity of the vessel are obtained using a device external to the vessel. The drift vector is determined from wind and/or current measurements. The over-ground vector is determined from the parameters selected from the position, the speed over ground and the course over ground of the vessel. The magnitude and the direction of the surface vector of the vessel is calculated.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining instructions at a mobile device comprising directions from a current location of the mobile device to a target location in a facility over a path identified by two or more waypoint devices distributed in the facility, receiving signaling over at least one wireless network from a selected one of the waypoint devices in the path, utilizing a radio frequency signal strength of the received signaling to estimate proximity between the mobile device and the selected waypoint device, presenting an indication of proximity to the first waypoint device via the mobile device based at least in part on the estimated proximity, determining whether the estimated proximity between the mobile device and the selected waypoint device is below a proximity threshold, and selecting another one of the waypoint devices in the path responsive to determining that the estimated proximity is below the proximity threshold.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a device capability for an embedded device; receiving unprocessed map information based on the device capability; generating a natively rendered map layer on a mobile device with the unprocessed map information; generating a map overlay for layering over the natively rendered map layer; and generating a navigation interface with the map overlay and the natively rendered map layer for displaying on the embedded device.

Abstract: An information provision device has a history information storage part configured to sequentially acquire at least one of traveling location information, power consumption information and charging location information from an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle including an electric motor as a driving source for storing as traveling history information, a planned route acquisition part configured to acquire a planned route from a starting position to a destination, a provided route determination part configured to refer to the traveling history information stored in the history information storage part and determine a provided route that is as same as or similar to the planned route acquired by the planned route acquisition part from traveling routes along which the vehicle traveled, and a provided information determination part.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using information regarding road traffic and other types of transportation-related information to determine and/or assess alternative inter-modal passenger travel options in a geographic area that supports multiple modes of transportation. For example, a particular user may have multiple alternatives for travel from a starting location to a destination location in the geographic area, including to use alternative modes of transportation (e.g., private vehicle, bus, train, walking, etc.) for some or all of the travel, and these alternatives may have different travel-related characteristics in different situations (e.g., depending on current road traffic; mass transit schedules and current actual deviations; travel-related fees for gas, parking, mass transit, etc; parking availability; etc.).

Abstract: Provided are service providing apparatus and method for supporting creation of a route, and more particularly, to service providing apparatus and method for supporting creation of a route which supports creation of a personal route for only a user by selecting a transportation up to a destination and positions for getting on and off. According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure expandability of route provision by supporting an optimal route which is known by a user to be directly created by the user when there is no user's desired route among recommended routes, providing the created personalized route together with the recommended route to support the personalized route to be guided as the optimal route, and simultaneously, providing various routes using the public transportation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are presented for determining a speed profile for a selected link of a travel network. Map data representing, at least in part, a travel network is obtained or held available. At least one speed profile for at least one selected link of the travel network is determined at least partially based on speed represented by a plurality of probe data points of one or more probe data sets of a plurality of probe data sets and a weighting function for weighting the speeds represented by the plurality of probe data points of one or more probe data sets of the plurality of probe data sets. The one or more probe data sets are associated with the selected link for which the speed profile is determined.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computing device receives a start location and a destination location, determines routes between the start location and the destination location, identifies stop signs and stop lights along the determined routes, determines delays attributable to stop signs or stop lights along the determined routes, determines travel times for routes based on the delays attributable to stop signs or stop lights along the determined routes, and presents a suggested departure time determined based on the stop sign and stop light information.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for capturing an image are disclosed. The electronic device includes an image sensor configured to capture images, a location sensor configured to detect a location of the electronic device, and a processor. The processor may execute the method, which includes capturing a first image, and detecting a first location where the first image is captured, detecting, by a processor, a second location at which a second image is to be captured and generating guidance information for travel to the second location, and when a present location is within a predefined range of the second location, automatically capturing the second image.

Abstract: An image display system includes: a server having a storage device that stores images; and a mobile terminal having a display device that displays the images acquired from the server. The mobile terminal includes: an operation input device that input a refinement condition of images and selects a display image; and a control device that sets a location related to a selected image as a destination. The server includes an extraction device that extracts multiple images according to the refinement condition obtained from the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Based on map information acquired from a map DB, a viewpoint for viewing a ground surface on a map of a set region at a time of displaying the map is set. Altitude information that indicates an altitude of a landform present in at least a partial region of the set region is stored. In a case where the altitude information is present in the map DB at a position on the map, which is set in response to a position indicated by inputted position information, a sight direction of the viewpoint is changed, and the viewpoint is thereby set at a position higher than the altitude of the landform, which is indicated by altitude information of the position on the map. A display data for displaying, on a display device, a map in a case of viewing the ground surface from the viewpoint set is generated.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards resolving an uncertain transportation context by suggesting one or more potential diversions. An automated routing system may generate routing information that includes map data as well as a location of a diversion having an expected cost in compliance with the uncertain transportation context. Such a diversion may be a waypoint that satisfies one or more user needs given an unknown/uncertain destination.

Abstract: A mapping between controls of the head unit of a vehicle and functions of a navigation service application running on a portable device is received. Subsequently, an indication that one of the controls has been actuated is received via a communication link between the portable device and the head unit. A function is selected from among the functions of the navigation service application in accordance with the received mapping and the received indication. The selected function of the navigation software application then is executed. In this manner, the navigation service application is safely and efficiently controlled via the head unit.

Abstract: A utility meter for measuring a utility parameter is disclosed, the utility meter including a measuring system, an analog-to-digital converter having a conversion range, and a control unit, the measurement system being able to transmit a measurement signal representative of the utility parameter to the analog-to-digital converter, and the analog-to-digital converter being able to convert the measurement signal into a digital bit number and transmit the digital bit number to the control unit. The control unit controls the transmission of an ADC control signal based on a set of digital bit numbers to the analog-to-digital converter so as to control the conversion range. Furthermore, a method of operating a utility meter is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method may be used to control a plurality of services for one or more facilities. A data store may receive a first meter catalog that identifies a first meter, and a second meter catalog that identifies a second meter. The data store may also receive first and second meter readings from the first and second meters. The first and second meter readings may be indicative of provision of services to the one or more facilities. A processor may automatically process the first and second meter readings to provide first and second processed meter readings that are more readily understood by a user. A display screen may display the first and second processed meter readings. An input device may receive user input that establishes control and/or user reporting related to provision of the services.

Abstract: A sensor package includes a lead frame, a sensor component, and first and second capacitors. The lead frame has a sensor mounting area and first and second leads. The sensor mounting area, the first lead, and the second lead are characterized by a first side and a second side. The sensor component is attached to the first side of the sensor mounting area of the lead frame. The first capacitor is interconnected between the first and second leads, with the first capacitor being attached to the first side of each of the leads. The second capacitor is interconnected between the first and second leads, with the second capacitor being attached to the second side of each of the leads. The first and second capacitors are arranged in stacked relation with one another on opposing sides of the leads, and the sensor component and capacitors are located in a single housing.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided having a first sensor (pedal travel sensor) and a second sensor (motor position sensor). The first sensor having a first coil and a first coupler. The second sensor having a second coil and a second coupler. A shield element is positioned at least partially between the first coupler and the second coupler so as to prevent unwanted interaction between the first coil and the second coil. In one embodiment, the shield element is made of ferrite. In other embodiments, the shield element includes at least one layer of ferrite and at least one layer of aluminum, wherein the shield element include a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of ferrite. More specifically, the shield element is a flux field directional material (FFDM).

Abstract: An electronic absolute position encoder is provided including a scale, a detector portion and a signal processing configuration. The scale includes a first scale pattern of signal modulating elements, wherein the first scale pattern includes a spatial characteristic of the signal modulating elements which progressively changes as a function of position along a measuring axis direction and defines an absolute measuring range. The spatial characteristic includes at least one of a spatial wavelength or a spatial frequency of the signal modulating elements and is unique at each unique position in the absolute measuring range. The detector portion includes a group of sensing elements, and the signal processing configuration determines an absolute position of the sensing elements relative to the scale within the absolute measuring range. In various implementations, the signal processing configuration may utilize Fourier transform processing and/or other processing for determining the absolute position.

Abstract: A device compensates for the an influence of a magnetic field gradient which may be generated due to a component geometry of a component (1). The device includes at least two magnetic field sensors (17, 18) which are arranged outside of the magnetic balance of the ferromagnetic component (1). The at least two magnetic field sensors (17, 18) each have a differing sensitivity. One of the magnetic field sensors (17, 18) is exposed to the influence of the magnetic field gradient to a greater extent compared to the other magnetic field sensor due to its spatial arrangement relative to the ferromagnetic component (1). The one magnetic field sensor may have a sensitivity lower than the other magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: An inductive position-measuring device for absolute position determination includes a scale having a first measuring graduation extending in a measurement direction and a second measuring graduation disposed opposite to the first measuring graduation and extending parallel thereto. A scanner is disposed in a gap between the first measuring graduation and the second measuring graduation. The scanner is displaceable relative to the scale in the measurement direction for purposes of position measurement. The scanner includes a first coil arrangement for scanning the first measuring graduation and generating a first position-dependent scanning signal, and a second coil arrangement, disposed opposite to the first coil arrangement, for scanning the second measuring graduation and generating a second position-dependent scanning signal. At least one intermediate layer of soft magnetic material disposed between the first coil arrangement and the second coil arrangement.

Abstract: A sensor device for ascertaining at least one rotation characteristic of a rotating element is provided. The sensor device includes at least one trigger wheel which is able to be connected to the rotating element. The rotating element and the trigger wheel have an axis of rotation. The sensor device includes at least one coil array. The coil array encompasses at least one excitation coil and at least one receiver coil. The coil array is situated on at least one circuit carrier. The trigger wheel as a trigger wheel profile. The sensor device is designed to ascertain a change in an inductive coupling between the excitation coil and the receiver coil as a function of a position of the trigger wheel. The circuit carrier is situated coaxially with the axis of rotation of the trigger wheel. The circuit carrier surrounds the trigger wheel at least partially in a circular manner.

Abstract: An electronic device with waterproof structure includes an assembly and a manipulation member movably disposed on an outer surface of the assembly. The assembly includes a case and an optical detection module. The case defines a waterproof space and has a translucent region. The optical detection module is arranged in the waterproof space. The optical detection module has a lighting unit and a sensor array. Light emitted from the lighting unit enables to travel out of the waterproof space by penetrating through the translucent region. At least part of the manipulation member is corresponding in position to the translucent region. The lighting unit is configured to emit light onto the manipulation member, and the sensor array is configured to receive the light reflected from the manipulation member.

Abstract: A cable (10) includes a cable body (11) that is formed from a plurality of wires (14) that are integrally bundled; and a pair of sockets (12) to which both end portions of the cable body (11) is separately affixed; at least one of the plurality of wires (14) being a fiber-containing wire (16), which is formed by an optical fiber (17) that extends in a cable length direction (D) and that is protected by a protective tube (18); wherein the optical fiber (17) protrudes from the protective tube (18), in the cable length direction, further outside than the socket (12); and each of the pair of sockets (12) is provided with a spool (30) that removably holds the optical fiber (17) and imparts an initial tensile strain to the optical fiber (17).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fast sweeping a spectral bandwidth in order to distinguish among signals received from effectively wavelength division multiplexed (WDMed) and time division multiplexed (TDMed) optical components on a single fiber. For some embodiments, a method for interrogating optical elements having characteristic wavelengths spanning a sweep range is provided. The method generally includes introducing a pulse of light, by an optical source, into an optical waveguide to interrogate at least a first set of optical elements having different characteristic wavelengths by performing a sweep of wavelengths over a period of the pulse, wherein the period is less than a round-trip time for light reflected from an optical element closest to the optical source to reach a receiver and processing the reflected light to determine a parameter based on the times at which signals are received.

Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control apparatus for delivery of a process gas includes an inlet conduit; a valve operably coupled to the inlet conduit and alterable between an open condition and a closed condition, the valve having a first conductance and being downstream of the inlet conduit; a characterized restrictor operably coupled to the valve, the characterized restrictor having a second conductance and being downstream of the valve; and an outlet conduit operably coupled to the characterized restrictor and being downstream of the characterized restrictor; wherein a ratio of the first conductance to the second conductance is 10:1 or higher.

Abstract: A measuring device 1 for recording a peak level of a liquid flow includes an inlet 2 which opens into an inlet chamber 3 for receiving the liquid flow and a recording chamber 4 in open liquid communication with the inlet chamber 3 for allowing the liquid flow to accumulate up to a level therein. The recording chamber 4 is separated from the inlet 2 for direct liquid communication. At least one outflow opening 9 is provided to allow at least partial escape of the liquid flow, and indicator elements are provided to leave an indication of a level at least approximately at an indication level. A peak level in a liquid flow can thus be recorded very reliably with the measuring device 1.

Abstract: Milk meter for measuring a flow rate of a milk flow, provided with an inlet, an outlet, and a liquid flow path from the inlet to the outlet. The milk meter has a measuring chamber and a float in the measuring chamber configured to float on milk. The milk meter determines the flow rate from the level of milk and the milk meter is provided with a magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field and the magnetic field varies in height direction of the measuring chamber, and the float has an electronic measuring unit for measuring the strength of the magnetic field. The measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the height at which the float is floating on the milk and the measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the flow rate of the milk flow.

Abstract: A gas sensor device of the present invention, aiming sufficient correction results of an internal combustion engine under different operation conditions, includes a concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of gas and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas. The gas sensor device also includes a measuring chamber incorporating the concentration sensor and the pressure sensor, and a processing circuit unit that adjusts a signal of the concentration sensor using a signal of the pressure sensor. The processing circuit unit may preferably be provided with a response speed adjusting unit that brings the response speed of a detected signal of the pressure sensor close to the response speed of a detected signal of the concentration sensor.

Abstract: A thermal-type flow meter for representing a flow rate of air by the frequency of a periodic signal, wherein abnormalities in the waveform of an output signal due to frequency variation is prevented while high-frequency noise is suppressed. The thermal-type flow meter pertaining to the present invention is provided with a plurality of switching elements connected in parallel, and varies a delay width between the switching elements in accordance with variation of the frequency of a periodic signal for representing a flow rate.

Abstract: A liquid dosing device for use with a liquid dispenser that includes a container for holding liquid in communication with a dispenser base, an outlet port for dispensing the liquid. The liquid dosing device includes a valve housing, a reservoir and a dosing cup. The valve housing is mounted to the dispenser base and includes an open top, an outlet port and a blocking region. The reservoir is mounted within the valve housing and includes at least one inlet port in communication with the dispenser base outlet port and at least one outlet port. The dosing cup is movably mounted within the valve housing in fluid communication with the reservoir and includes at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir outlet port, a blocking region, at least one outlet port and mechanism for moving the dosing cup between a fill position and a dose position to prevent spillage of the liquid being dispensed, or to dispense the liquid in defined quantities.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining: proper operation of a cleaning system, the depth of liquid in a drum, the predicted failure of a pump, improving the ability to monitor cleaning system, improving the ability to monitor dairy wash systems, improving the ability to monitor animal husbandry systems, and/or increasing the efficiency with which various types of equipment, fluid levels, and/or systems can be serviced or monitored.

Abstract: A probe (14) of a material level measuring apparatus (10) inserts into a container (20). The material level measuring apparatus (10) transmits an electromagnetic wave signal. When the electromagnetic wave signal touches a surface of a material (30), a first reflected signal is generated. When the electromagnetic wave signal touches a bottom of the probe (14), a second reflected signal is generated. According to the first reflected signal and the second reflected signal, a first time-passing difference value (t1) and a second time-passing difference value (t2) are obtained. According to the first time-passing difference value (t1), the second time-passing difference value (t2) and a predetermined empty container time-passing difference value (t3), a first material level and a second material level are obtained. According to the first material level and the second material level, a third material level is obtained.

Abstract: A method for determining frequency components of a discrete time signal, comprising steps as follows: transforming the discrete time signal into the frequency domain by means of a fast Fourier transformation, wherein a frequency spectrum is obtained as a sequence of frequency sample values, detecting peaks in the frequency spectrum, introducing at least one additional frequency support point in the vicinity of a detected peak, determining a frequency amplitude at the at least one additional frequency support point by means of the Goertzel algorithm, and determining the position of the peak maximum of the detected peak by applying both the frequency sample values delivered by the fast Fourier transformation as well as also the frequency amplitude at the at least one additional frequency support point.

Abstract: A radar-based fill level measurement device having a signal generator for the purpose of generating electromagnetic waves, and an antenna for the purpose of emitting the electromagnetic waves into a container, as well as for the purpose of receiving electromagnetic waves reflected out of the container, having a security device for the purpose of verifying the functional capability or improving the measurement quality of the radar-based fill level measurement device, wherein the security device has a reflector and an adjusting device, and is suitably designed to move the reflector between at least a first position, in which it reflects the electromagnetic waves, and a second position, in which it reflects the electromagnetic waves to a reduced degree, and wherein the security device has a drive which acts on the adjusting device.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge for determining the level or volume of liquid within a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a gauge assembly connected to one side of the mounting head, and an elongate sensing probe assembly extending into the tank. The gauge assembly includes a rotatable gauge plate with a scale located thereon and a rotatable indicator that moves across the scale in response to a change in liquid level. The gauge plate is weighted for rotation toward a gravitational force vector for orientation with an upper surface of the liquid in the tank independent of tank tilt. The sensing probe includes a float rod with an integral coil spring hinge to facilitate installation of the gauge within the tank. A counterweight is adjustable along the float rod to fine-tune float weight or buoyancy for a particular gauge configuration and liquid type.

Abstract: A surgery table load monitoring system utilizing a base member fixed to a surgery table support. The base member is connected to at least one platform structural member to determine load forces due to the weight of a patient on the platform structured member. Detectors are used to indicate particular stresses and generate a signal which may be employed to disable movement of the surgery table.

Abstract: A vibration detection mechanism includes: a first sensor section that detects vibration of a vibrating member of a musical instrument in a first direction being a main vibration direction; a second sensor section that detects vibration of the vibrating member in a second direction being approximately perpendicular to the first direction; and a third sensor section that detects vibration of the vibrating member in a third direction being approximately perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Sensitivity of the second sensor section is greater than sensitivity of the first sensor section. Sensitivity of the third sensor section is greater than the sensitivity of the first sensor section.

Abstract: A chamber that penetrates vertically is formed in a silicon substrate. A diaphragm is arranged on the upper surface of the silicon substrate so as to cover the upper opening of the chamber. Leg pieces are provided in corner portions of the diaphragm, within the diaphragm. The diaphragm and the leg pieces are separated by slits, and the leg pieces extend in the diagonal directions of the diaphragm. The leg pieces are connected to the diaphragm at the ends on the outer peripheral side of the diaphragm, and the ends on the central side of the diaphragm are supported by anchors provided on the upper surface of the silicon substrate. A back plate is provided above the silicon substrate so as to cover the diaphragm, and a fixed electrode plate is provided on the lower surface of the back plate so as to oppose the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system for measuring a resonance frequency of a tube. The system comprises: an oscillating unit (21) for oscillating the tube at a plurality of oscillation frequencies, respectively; a detecting unit (22) for detecting a time delay of transmitting a pressure pulse from a first position to a second position in the tube when the tube is oscillated at each oscillation frequency, wherein, when the tube is oscillated at each oscillation frequency in a specific oscillation frequency range of the plurality of oscillation frequencies, the detecting unit (22) detects a variation of the time delay—a determining unit (23) for determining a maximal variation of the time delay when the tube is oscillated at the oscillation frequencies in the specific oscillation frequency range; and—an indicating unit (24) for indicating an oscillation frequency corresponding to the maximal variation of the time delay, being a resonance frequency of the tube.

Abstract: A differential goniophotometer includes: an integrating sphere including an interior bounded by an interior wall and that receives, in the interior, a primary light source that provides primary light; and a fisheye lens disposed in the interior of the integrating sphere in optical communication with the primary light source such that the fisheye lens: receives the primary light from the primary light source, and provides a curvilinear image of the interior of the integrating sphere and the primary light.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for checking the integrity of visual display information and has particular application to checking images displayed in an automotive vehicle, such images containing safety critical information. The image intensity is checked only to an extent commensurate with a human being able to interpret its correct meaning. Hence, images which are defective in some way yet still recognisable by the human eye are not classified as failures. In one embodiment, a part of the image containing safety critical information is segmented into smaller areas and the luminance of pixels in each segmented area is compared with a threshold brightness level and a threshold darkness level. A histogram for each area is generated and compared with a reference.

Abstract: A method for determining a critical angle of total reflection based upon images captured at different angles of incidence of a light beam includes illuminating a sample with an excitation light beam, capturing images of at least part of the sample at a plurality of different angles of incidence of the excitation light beam, and determining a critical angle of total reflection at an interface of the sample based upon analysis of the images. An apparatus for determining a critical angle of total reflection at an interface of a sample includes a light source arrangement to illuminate a sample with an angle of incidence, an image capturing arrangement to capture an image of the sample, and a processing arrangement to determine the critical angle of total reflection at an interface of the sample on the basis of an analysis of images captured at a plurality of different angles of incidence.