Abstract: A device manufacturing method is disclosed. A radiated spot is directed onto a target pattern formed on a substrate. The radiated spot is moved along the target pattern in a series of discrete steps, each discrete step corresponding to respective positions of the radiated spot on the target pattern. Measurement signals are generated that correspond to respective ones of the positions of the radiated spot on the target pattern. A single value is determined that is based on the measurement signals and that is representative of the property of the substrate.

Abstract: A three dimensional image measurement system including a first optical system and a second optical system is provided. The first optical system is adapted to output a structural light beam and a zero order light beam. There is an angle between the structural light beam and the zero order light beam. The first optical system performs an optical operation to project the structural light beam to a three dimensional object to obtain three dimensional information of the three dimensional object. The second optical system is adapted to receive the zero order light beam and perform another optical operation by using the zero order light beam. The first optical system includes a plurality of optical elements. The value of the angle between the structural light beam and the zero order light beam is determined according to position parameters of the optical elements.

Abstract: 3D coordinates at first selected measurement points of a measurement object are determined using a first measurement arrangement. Surface normals at second selected measurement points of the measurement object are determined using a second measurement arrangement. Using the 3D coordinates and the surface normals, at least one of dimensional or geometric characteristics of the measurement object are determined. The second measurement arrangement includes a number of light sources and a first camera which is directed to the measurement object. A calibration data set represents individual direction dependent radiation patterns of the light sources. The surface normals are determined using the calibration data set and the 3D coordinates at the first selected measurement points.

Abstract: This marker comprises: a plurality of convex surfaces (121) that are formed of a translucent material and that are disposed at least along an X direction; and a plurality of to-be-detected parts which are disposed at front/rear positions with respect to the plurality of convex surfaces (121) and which are projected onto the plurality of convex surfaces (121) as optically detectable images. The plurality of to-be-detected parts are disposed so as to be positioned on the same virtual plane which is perpendicular to a Z direction of the marker. The virtual plane is positioned between a focal point (F) on an image plane (B) of the convex surface (121) in the Z direction and a high point (F) of the image plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and associated apparatus of determining a performance parameter (e.g., overlay) of a target on a substrate, and an associated metrology apparatus. The method comprises estimating a set of narrowband measurement values from a set of wideband measurement values relating to the target and determining the performance parameter from said set of narrowband measurement values. The wideband measurement values relate to measurements of the target performed using wideband measurement radiation and may correspond to different central wavelengths. The narrowband measurement values may comprise an estimate of the measurement values which would be obtained from measurement of the target using narrowband measurement radiation having a bandwidth narrower than said wideband measurement radiation.

Abstract: A method and device for the cyclic digital transfer of a position value of a moving object having inertial mass, the value range of the transferred position value being limited in such a way that no whole revolution or, in the case of a linear motion, other complete period that is conditional upon mechanical conditions is mappable, and the actual position is generated by detecting, in an evaluation unit, instances of the value range being exceeded.

Abstract: A method for determining shape deviations of a real actual surface on the basis of measured vertical information of measurement points of the actual surface section is provided. Measurement points are located in a measurement-point extent section, wherein the method uses evaluation sections, which are arranged at offsets to each other and, altogether, extend over the measurement-point extent section.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (10) is mounted on a movable body and measures a ground object around the movable body. The measuring apparatus (10) includes three receive antennas (15, 16, and 17) that receive signals generated by navigation satellites; and a first measuring apparatus (13 and 14) that measures a ground object around the movable body. Of the three receive antennas (15, 16, and 17), a first antenna (15) and a second antenna (16) are disposed at a predetermined spacing and at the rear of a roof portion of the movable body. A third antenna (17) is disposed at the front of the roof portion of the movable body. According to the measuring apparatus (10), a measuring device can be additionally mounted on the rear of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method 20 and system 10 monitor road condition, by providing, for portions (14.1-14.m) of a road 12, an approximation 210 of a roughness figure in accordance with a roughness index. The method 10 includes receiving speed data 208 of a first vehicle 16 travelling along each of the portions of the road 12 and receiving, from a measuring device 18 carried on the first vehicle 16, measured acceleration data 204 of the device 18 perpendicular to the road 12 surface. The acceleration data 204 is processed to provide a parameter value 206 relating to the acceleration data 204 for each of the portions of the road 12. A first speed-based conversion equation and the speed data 208 is utilized to convert the parameter 206 into the approximation 210 of a roughness figure for each of the portions of the road 12, in accordance with the roughness index.

Abstract: A level includes an end cap releasably attached to a level body. The end cap is configured to be inserted in, and withdrawn from, the level body with a sliding fit. Accordingly, the end cap can be withdrawn from the level body simply by squeezing with the fingers of one hand two opposing actuators formed in the end cap against the bias of respective living hinges to release detents from detent apertures formed in opposing side walls of the level body, and then using the same hand to slide the end cap out of the level body without having to touch the level body with either hand.

Abstract: A micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor includes a first Coriolis element. The micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor further includes a first drive beam arranged along the first Coriolis element. The first drive beam is coupled via a first spring to the first Coriolis element. The micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor further includes a first drive electrode carrier extending from the first drive beam in a direction opposite to the first Coriolis element. The first drive electrode carrier is configured to carry a multiplicity of first drive electrodes extending parallel to the first drive beam.

Abstract: Raw dead reckoning data is obtained from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) worn by a user. Drift in the raw data is compensated for by detecting a gait of the user and phase of that gait, and constraining the position of the IMU to lie within corresponding bounds as the IMU moves. The bounds depend on the bodily geometry of the user and the detected gait phase. The raw orientation data of the IMU may be also corrected for drift in a similar way. Gait and gait phase may be detected by sensors in an energy harvester worn around the knee, for example. Drift in the IMU measurements can be compensated for without depending on a GPS signal or on the earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inertial measurement apparatus and a mechanical device. The inertial measurement apparatus includes a PCB board and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The PCB board includes a PCB body portion and an isolation portion that is formed by slotting a side of the PCB board and fixedly connected to the PCB body portion. The IMU is disposed on the isolation portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method and device for determining navigation of a vehicle based on feasibility of events by a navigation device. The navigation device comprises receiving events data associated with a user of the vehicle from one or more sources, determining one or more events associated with the user, based on at least one of the events data and a pre-defined template data, determining in real-time, feasibility to reach the one or more events based on a set of parameters, scheduling the one or more events based on the determination and determining navigation of the vehicle based on the one or more scheduled events.

Abstract: A driver system is carried by a motor vehicle and alerts a driver that he has committed or is about to commit a driving or parking violation, or that the driving conditions are liable to result in damage to a motor vehicle or person.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for participative map anomaly detection and correction. In one embodiment, a processor-implemented method for map anomaly detection is provided. The method includes receiving, by a processor in a vehicle, pre-planned trajectory data from a navigation module in the vehicle, retrieving, by the processor, sensor data from one or more vehicle sensing systems, analyzing, by the processor, the sensor data and the pre-planned trajectory data, identifying, by the processor, an anomaly from the analysis, and transmitting information regarding the anomaly to a central repository external to the vehicle wherein the central repository is configured to analyze the information regarding the anomaly to determine if a navigation map attribute is incorrect.

Abstract: Technologies for providing information to a user while traveling include a mobile computing device to determine network condition information associated with a route segment. The route segment may be one of a number of route segments defining at least one route from a starting location to a destination. The mobile computing device may determine a route from the starting location to the destination based on the network condition information. The mobile computing device may upload the network condition information to a crowdsourcing server. A mobile computing device may predict a future location of the device based on device context, determine a safety level for the predicted location, and notify the user if the safety level is below a threshold safety level. The device context may include location, time of day, and other data. The safety level may be determined based on predefined crime data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A multi-day and multi-person trip planning system comprises a planning graph of nodes interconnected by transit arcs which both have associated time-variable costs and time. A user specifies user objectives within trip destinations and customizes a plurality of user preferences for a multi-day, multi-person, multi-modal trip. An optimizer compiles a plurality of permutations of visiting plans within the planning graph which satisfy the specified user objectives including routing to a plurality of trip destinations. The optimizer compares the permutations using mixed integer programming or constraint programming to identify at least one optimized visiting plan having a lowest aggregate associated cost or shortest travel time that also satisfies a plurality of constraints determined by the customizable user preferences or environment condition. Then the user interface presents at least one optimized visiting plan to a user or route related coupons.

Abstract: A method for planning and adapting a recommended travel route to a route destination for a vehicle having various subsystems includes identifying the route destination and receiving vehicle health management (VHM)/state of health (SOH) information for each subsystem. The vehicle with a controller programmed to execute the method is also disclosed. The method includes calculating route characteristics of candidate travel routes to the destination using the VHM information and determining, from among the candidate travel routes, travel routes for which the characteristics meet a respective threshold requirement. Thereafter, the controller executes a control action by displaying a candidate route meeting the threshold requirements. An occupant is prompted to revise the mission requirements when no candidate route exists. A default route to a designated parking location or repair depot may be displayed when none of the candidate routes meet the threshold requirements.

Abstract: Path querying method, apparatus and non-volatile computer storage medium which acquires search data having a departure and a destination location; obtains according to the search data, M road segment sequences each including at least one road segment; selecting, according to a transition probability of each road segment of the at least one road segment included in respective road segment sequences, N road segment sequences from the M road segment sequences to be a route search result, wherein the transition probability of a road segment describes the probability of reaching the destination by turning to a neighboring segment of the road segment; and outputting the route search result. The disclosure does not rely on weights of roads to perform route search operation, and thus prevents obtaining an unreasonable search result due to inability to update the road weights in a timely manner, thereby improving the reliability of the route search operation.

Abstract: An interactive viewing system of the present invention provides a user with a viewing duality in which a user is shown a floor plan, schematic layout, or other diagram on one side of a display and a visual representation, such as a digital image, corresponding to a selected portion of the schematic layout or diagram, on the other side of the same display. The user is presented with a current position marker and a directional indicator as they navigate through the schematic layout. At designated positions within the schematic layout, a corresponding image is concurrently displayed. In this manner, the user maintains a sense of where they are within the entire structure, while at the same time seeing images of the corresponding area.

Abstract: Concepts for generating navigation instructions for a driver of a vehicle are presented. One example, includes obtaining a current location of the vehicle, a route for the vehicle from the current location to a target destination, and a captured image of the surrounding environment of the vehicle, the image having a field of view comprising at least part of a field of view of the driver. An object is identified in the captured image. Navigation instructions for the driver are generated based on the current location of the vehicle, the route for the vehicle and the object identified in the captured image.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an antenna, a processor and a memory. The antenna may be configured to receive signals from GNSS satellites. The processor may be configured to execute instructions. The memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, perform the steps of (i) calculating first location and velocity data based on the signals received from the GNSS satellites, (ii) calculating a first most probable path based on map information, (iii) receiving second location and velocity data, (iv) determining a second most probable path, (v) performing a comparison of (a) the first location and velocity data and the first most probable path to (b) the second location and velocity data and the second most probable path and (vi) determining a probability of collision based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibration of a gyro sensor which controls the attitude of a device such as an antenna by detecting acceleration with respect to three axis directions and, more particularly, to a method for calibration of a gyro sensor, in which the calibration of the gyro sensor is performed by interworking with a tilt sensor. In particular, it is possible to calibrate the gyro sensor, which detects rotation with respect to a Z-axis by standing a sensor board provided with a sensor, by interworking with a tilt sensor.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for self-configuration of a sensor array. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes deploying a number of mobile sensor elements from a base unit to a region of interest. The method also includes transmitting an initial sensor configuration plan from the base unit to the sensor elements. The mobile sensor elements navigate to a calculated location based on the initial sensor configuration plan. Sensor data is collected by each of the elements and transmitted back to the base unit for data integration. The method further includes performing, by the base unit, a response analysis using the integrated sensor data and updating the initial sensor configuration plan based on a metric associated with the response analysis. The method further includes iterating these operations to employ the updated sensor configuration plan. Additional iterations are performed until the metric reaches a selected threshold value.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for determining a position of a magnet, the position identified by one or more position variables can include: one or more magnetic field sensing element operable to generate one or more magnetic field measurements of the magnet and an associated one or more measured magnetic field variable values; a first module for identifying calculated magnetic field variable values associated with a plurality of positions of the magnet; a second module operable to perform an optimization process to determine a value of a distance function, the distance function using the one or more measured magnetic field variable values and the calculated magnetic field variable values; and a third module operable to determine the position of the magnet by associating the value of the distance function with corresponding values of the one or more position variables. A complimentary method can be used in the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A system comprises first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies positioned in a planar arrangement. The first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies are each configured to generate a rotating magnetic field. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a housing assembly and the first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A system includes a magnetic field transmitter assembly. The magnetic field transmitter assembly includes an enclosure, a magnet positioned within the enclosure, and a plurality of coils wrapped around the enclosure. The plurality of coils are configured to be energized to rotate the magnet In certain embodiments, the plurality of coils include a first set of windings and a second set of windings where the first set of windings is configured to generate a first magnetic field in a first direction and where the second set of windings is configured to generate a second magnetic field in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel inductive rotational position sensor that includes a sensor module having transmitting and receiving coils formed on a printed circuit board with a signal processor located in a center area enclosed by the transmitting and receiving coils. This arrangement permits a more compact sensor module. The entire sensor module can be positioned inside a cavity, which has a diameter generally the same as the diameter of the rotational element whose position is being sensed. The arrangement also permits a coupler to be formed on the end of the target. The sensor is concentric with the transfer case shaft and an annulus bore of a transfer case. The sensor is non-contacting and has no movable parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a measured variable, wherein a first inductance and at least one measurement inductance are coupled, and wherein dithering is used to increase accuracy.

Abstract: Provided are a tactile sensor, a method of manufacturing the tactile sensor, and a three-dimensional (3D) mapping method. The tactile sensor includes a total reflection layer; a pixel layer formed on the total reflection layer and including a microarray; and a tactile pad layer formed on the pixel layer.

Abstract: A linear encoder has a stationary part and a moving part, and measures and encodes a relative displacement between the stationary part and the moving part along a linear extent of displacement. The encoder comprises multiple machine sensible elements arranged on one of the parts in a predetermined, pattern; and multiple evenly placed sensors arranged along the other part along the entire linear extent, thereby to measure and encode the displacement. The encoder may be an absolute encoder and may be based on magnetic or optical or any other kind of sensing.

Abstract: Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in sensors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber sensor includes an optical fiber configured for operation at a wavelength from about 800 nm to about 1600 nm. The optical fiber includes a cladding that is defined by a fiber outer diameter and a core that is surrounded by the cladding. The core of the optical fiber has a Rayleigh scattering coefficient, ?s, that is controlled by controlling a concentration of one or more dopants in the core. The Rayleigh scattering coefficient is tuned to be within a predetermined range of an optimum Rayleigh scattering coefficient for a given total length, L, of the optical fiber. The predetermined range is from about 70% of the optimum ?s to about 130% of the optimum ?s.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode bridge (26) and a multi-layer, integral sensor body (1). The sensor body (1) includes a core layer (2), an outer insulating layer (4) that substantially surrounds the core layer (2), and an electrically conductive electrode layer (6) between the core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4). The sensor body (1) also includes an electrically conductive electrode interface layer (14) at a rear part (12) of the sensor body (1) and in electrical contact with the electrode layer (6). The electrode bridge (26) is held in compression electrical contact with the electrode interface layer (14) during use.

Abstract: A system including a non-circular coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generate a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by a plurality of geometric errors and a gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine an error in the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, mathematically compensate the assembly to eliminate the error and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: Method and measuring device for determining the drinking water consumption in a drinking water system preferably in a building, includes a riser and a plurality of ring lines which branch off therefrom and rejoin in the direction of flow, wherein each ring line has at least one consuming fixture and at least one measuring device, and wherein the consumption of the drinking water in each ring line is determined with a separate measuring device.

Abstract: Provided is a physical-quantity detecting device having high reliability by preventing water droplets from attaching to a diaphragm area. A physical-quantity detecting device according to the present invention includes: a circuit board having provided thereon at least one detecting unit that detects a physical quantity of gas to be measured that passes through a main passage and also having provided thereon a circuit unit that executes computational processing on the physical quantity detected by the detecting unit; and a housing accommodating the circuit board, wherein the physical-quantity detecting unit on the circuit board is constructed to be exposed to the main passage. Furthermore, convex projections are provided around a through hole directly communicating with the physical-quantity detecting unit implemented on the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Coriolis flow sensor, comprising at least a Coriolis-tube, wherein the flow sensor comprises excitation means for causing the tube to oscillate, as well as detection means for detecting at least a measure of displacements of parts of the tube during operation. According to the invention, the detection means comprise two detection elements that are positioned on both sides of the Coriolis tube, wherein the detection elements partly overlap each other.

Abstract: A subject behavior monitoring device is for monitoring the behavior of a subject based on their usage of a plurality of fluid outlets of a fluid supply system in a building. An acoustic measurement unit is adapted to generate an acoustic monitoring signal which varies in dependence on a fluid flow from the plurality of fluid outlets. A signal processor processes the acoustic monitoring signal and is adapted to detect usage of each of the plurality of fluid outlets and determine which usages were carried out by the subject being monitored. In this way, the behavior of a subject, in terms of their usage of fluid outlets, such as water taps and gas appliances, can be detected and also discriminated from other occupiers of the building in which the subject is resident.

Abstract: A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for determining density of a medium in a tank of a hybrid tank measurement system having at least two pressure sensors for determining pressure measurement values, wherein the pressure sensors are specified for mutually differing pressure measuring ranges each having an absolute measurement error, and wherein the method includes: registering at least one pressure measurement value with the two pressure sensors; forming a pressure difference magnitude from the registered pressure measurement values; comparing the pressure difference magnitude with a threshold value; and determining the density of the medium based on the comparing of the difference values with the threshold value.

Abstract: The method comprising attaching a 3D sensor (20) on a top part of the container (10) in a position (P) and with an orientation (O) such that its field of view (FOV) is oriented towards the content (11) stored in the container (10); acquiring, by the 3D sensor (20), a depth map (DM); and computing, by a computing unit, a 3D surface model by processing said acquired depth map (DM) and using said given position (P), orientation (O) and field of view (FOV), and a 3D level model by removing from the computed 3D surface model the points corresponding to the interior walls of the container (10), using a 3D function that searches the intersection or matching between the 3D surface model and the shape of the container (S), and filling in the missing points corresponding to the content (11) that falls out of the field of view (FOV) of the 3D sensor (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, having an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2). The invention further relates to a method of operating such a filling level measuring device (10), wherein a sampling rate is used which is situation-dependent. The invention finally relates to an assembly made up of such a filling level measuring device and at least one spacer (50) which can be attached to the lower edge of a container (2) to be provided with the filling level measuring device (10).

Abstract: A testing system for float liquid level transmitter includes a computation unit, an operation interface, a storage unit and a display unit. The computation unit computes basic data associated with the float liquid level transmitter to obtain corresponding standard values and the display unit displays the standard values. After a float liquid level transmitter performs measurement, the computation unit fetches displayed values measured by the float liquid level transmitter and obtain an error range by comparing the displayed values with the standard values; the computation unit analyzes the error range to provide analyzed data and determines whether the float liquid level transmitter is qualified based on the error range.

Abstract: A system and method for weighing. A lifting device such as a hydraulic jack is equipped for use with a force or torque measuring device for measuring the input force when an object is lifted. The weight of the object is inferred from the input torque or force required to lift it.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that measures weight and volume of a targeted animate object or its portion thereof, typically the symphysis pubis region in a pregnant woman or the cranium region of an infant. The system uses this information to compute the estimated weight and volume of its internal constituents such as a fetus of the pregnant woman or a brain of the infant. The system of the present disclosure can compute and monitor weight and volume of the internal constituents of an animate object without the need of advanced imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. The system comprises a processor, a rules repository, a first data repository, and the apparatus which includes a weight sensing unit, a volume sensing unit, and a computational module, for implementation purpose.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus is provided that has at least one optoelectronic transmitter and at least one optoelectronic receiver. The optoelectronic apparatus furthermore has a storage device having at least one non-volatile memory that is adapted to store an individual data set. A data interface is furthermore provided that is adapted to at least partly read the individual data set out of the non-volatile memory of the storage device.

Abstract: Two separate schemes are used for detecting light intensity in low light conditions and high light conditions. In high light conditions, two threshold voltages are set and the time between the crossing of a sensor voltage at the two threshold voltages is measured to determine the light intensity in the high light conditions. In low light conditions, a comparator is used to compare the voltage level of the sensor voltage relative to a reference voltage that increase over time. The time when the reference voltage reaches the sensor voltage level is detected to determine the light intensity in the low light conditions.

Abstract: A spectrometric measuring head for forestry, agricultural and food industry applications comprises a housing having a window and a spectrometer that is arranged inside the housing and comprises a dispersive element and a sensor, a first light source for exposing a sample to light, which reaches the spectrometer through the window after having been transmitted and/or reflected by the sample, and a standard that can be exposed to light to provide a reference for the spectrometer, which standard can be exposed to light by a light source arranged in the housing.