Abstract: A measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a support plate and an optical sensor. The support plate has an upper surface on a central portion of which an object is to be mounted, and is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending vertically from the central portion. The optical sensor is disposed above the support plate, and has a light-emitting element configured to irradiate the object with light and a light-receiving element configured to receive reflection light reflected from the object.

Abstract: A method for studying a zone of an object, the zone exhibiting a mass-thickness and comprising at least one chemical element, the method including a step of exposing a part of the zone of the object to an electron beam, a step of identifying each chemical element present in the said zone by virtue of the exposure step, a step of measuring, for each chemical element identified, a corresponding intensity of an X-ray radiation emergent from the object on account of the said exposure step, a step of determining a value of the said mass-thickness dependent on each measurement step, and a step of determining a value of the concentration of each chemical element identified using the said value of the mass-thickness determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a numerical three-dimensional model of a structure from relatively soft and relatively hard parts, comprising of making by means of penetrating radiation a plurality of numerical sections of the structure located at a mutual distance and representing the absorption for the radiation, storing in a memory the numerical sections and constructing a numerical three-dimensional model of the structure on the basis of the numerical sections stored in the memory, wherein at least during making of the sections at least a part of the relatively soft parts of the structure is provided with a layer of contrast agent with an absorption coefficient for the radiation differing substantially from that of the relatively soft parts.

Abstract: Position data interpolation unit interpolates 3D coordinate values or rotation angles, for periods of time, at each interpolation position on line segments that connect adjacently installed sensors, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of the respective installation positions of the plurality of sensors measured by the measurement unit. A coordinate conversion unit computes 3D coordinate values of each position corresponding to a 3D shape of the measurement target object at periods of time, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of the respective installation positions of the plurality of sensors measured at periods of time, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of each of the interpolation positions on line segments that connect sensors interpolated at periods of time, and based on relative distances between the adjacently installed sensors along deformed shape of the measurement target object.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining an angle of rotation of an object about a rotation axis. The method includes measuring a first acceleration profile of an acceleration sensor mounted on the object during a first period of time; and computing the angle of rotation by which the object has rotated about the rotation axis during the first period of time, based on the first accelerations during the first period of time and based on a predetermined distance of the acceleration sensor from the rotation axis. The device includes an acceleration sensor which is mountable on the object; and a computing device which is designed for determining the angle of rotation based on an acceleration profile measured by the acceleration sensor during a period of time, and based on a predetermined distance of the acceleration sensor from the rotation axis.

Abstract: An integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader comprises a telescope and an image delivery device integrated with the auto-level which is configured for capturing an image of a standard grade rod visible through the telescope and a crosshair. Logic implemented by a processor automatically recognizes the crosshair, automatically compares the crosshair against a scale of the standard grade rod, and automatically determines an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing.

Abstract: A carpenter level which comprises a body that is elongated in a predetermined direction and has a front, a back, an upper part with two terminal ends, a lower part with two terminal ends, and a middle part. The carpenter level also has at least one holder component that has at least one cavity formed to detachably hold at least one marking instrument such as a pen, pencil or scriber. The at least one cavity of the at least one holder component has a back and a front and a plurality of contacting positions to simultaneously contact and detachably hold the marking instrument.

Abstract: A surveying system for surveying and tracking a movable target object that defines a target point includes a surveying device with a sighting unit defining a target axis and a detector for generating a continuously current amount-of-deviation signal dependent on a deviation from an optimal target orientation. A second unit on the target object side enables continuous determination of movements and/or positions of the target object with reference to an external coordinate system. The surveying system includes a target point tracking mode in which respective first measurement data currently generated by the first unit and the respective current amount-of-deviation signal and respective second measurement data currently generated by the second unit are continuously aggregated. On the basis thereof, a control signal is derived for continuous automatic motorized modification of the target axis orientation such that the target axis continuously aims at the target point.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a vibratory structure, and a control mechanism including at least a first electrode, and at least a second electrode adjacent the first electrode, wherein the vibratory structure is separated from the control mechanism by a gap, wherein to drive a vibration in the vibratory structure, the control mechanism is configured to apply an alternating electrical voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein to sense motion in the vibratory structure, the control mechanism is configured to apply a direct current voltage bias between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously re-planning a vehicle's path, in the face of stationary and moving obstacles, dynamically calculates a new path in real time which is both efficient and maintains minimum safety clearances relative to obstacles. Repulsion signals emanating from obstacles and propagating through delineated sections of a grid representing a geographic space are summed along with values representing the relative distance of the sections from the vehicle origin and vehicle destination. The grid sections having optimal values according to a predetermined criteria represent an efficient and safe travel path between the vehicle origin and destination.

Abstract: An apparatus obtains data comprising magnetic flux density data and an association of the magnetic flux density data to grid points of at least one grid, each grid point representing at least a geographical location. The apparatus applies at least one frequency transform to a representation of the magnetic flux density data and their association to grid points to obtain frequency components. The apparatus provides compressed magnetic flux density data comprising a subset of the obtained frequency components for at least one of storage and transmission. The same apparatus or another apparatus applies at least one inverse frequency transform to the frequency components in order to recover the magnetic flux density data and their association with different grid points and provides the recovered magnetic flux density data and their association with different grid points for supporting a positioning of a mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive health monitoring of gyroscopes and accelerometers are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises: a plurality of navigation devices each comprising at least one gyroscope or accelerometer and at least one predictive health monitoring module, wherein the at least one predictive health monitoring module collects diagnostic parameters from the at least one gyroscope or accelerometer; and at least one server communicatively coupled to the plurality of navigation devices, the at least one server configured to receive the collected data from the plurality of navigation devices and analyze the collected data from the plurality of navigation devices to determine a service prognosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a jump detection system for inertial measurement unit (IMU) integrated with a barometric altimeter in the same device (IMU-baro). The processor is configured to record time-series data of both a vertical component of the measured IMU-baro acceleration and the estimated vertical velocity of the IMU-baro, detect a potential jump by comparing the vertical component of the measured IMU-baro acceleration to one or more acceleration thresholds, and, validate the potential jump by comparing a difference between a maximum velocity and a minimum velocity within a vicinity of the potential jump in the time-series data of the estimated vertical velocity of the IMU-baro to a velocity threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for collecting positional information for and controlling a movable object. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for collecting positional information for a movable object includes: receiving data from a first sensing system coupled to the movable object; receiving data from a second sensing system coupled to the movable object; determining a weight value for the data from the second sensing system based on a strength of the signal received by the sensor of the second sensing system; and calculating the positional information of the movable object based on (i) the data from the first sensing system and (ii) data from the second system factoring in the weight value.

Abstract: A disclosed method includes computing, for each of a plurality of values of at least one type of error parameter, a distance traveled for each of a plurality of directions of travel. The method includes selecting, from the plurality of values of the at least one type of error parameter, a value that provides a greatest distance traveled for any of the plurality of directions of travel relative to the unselected ones of the plurality of values. The method further includes applying the selected value of the at least one type of error parameter to gyroscopic sensor data, and then determining navigation information based on the gyroscopic sensor data with the selected value of the at least one type of error parameter applied.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to localizing mobile devices. In one example, a first location method associated with a first accuracy value may be used to estimate a location of the mobile device. A confidence circle indicative of a level of confidence in the estimation of the location is calculated. The confidence circle may be displayed on a mobile device. When other location methods become available, the size of the displayed confidence circle may be expanded based on information from an accelerometer of the client device or the accuracy of the other available location methods. This may be especially useful when the mobile device is transitioning between areas which are associated with different location methods that may be more or less accurate.

Abstract: A method for guiding a vehicle, at least one parameter of the surroundings of the vehicle being detected by at least one sensor; a travel corridor being ascertained based on the parameter; a trajectory being ascertained as a function of at least one other parameter within the travel corridor; and the guidance of the vehicle being adapted as a function of the ascertained trajectory.

Abstract: A method of determining a longitudinal position of a vehicle (100) relative to a digital map is disclosed in which real time scan data (200, 202) is determined by scanning a lateral environment around the vehicle using at least one range-finder sensor, said real time scan data comprising one or more depth maps, each depth map representing the measured lateral distance to surfaces in the lateral environment for a plurality of longitudinal positions and elevations. Localization reference data associated with the digital map for a deemed current longitudinal position of the vehicle (100) in relation to the digital map is retrieved, and compared to the real time scan data (200, 202) by calculating a cross-correlation to determine a longitudinal offset. The deemed current longitudinal position is adjusted based on said longitudinal offset to determine the longitudinal position of the vehicle (100) relative to the digital map.

Abstract: A method for maintaining vehicle-resident map information may include, in a vehicle with at least one communications processor integrated within the vehicle, the at least one communications processor being operable to receive wireless transmissions including map information from a remote location separate and apart from the vehicle, obtaining GPS information relating to the vehicle. The map information received by the at least one communications processor may be downloaded from the remote location. A map corresponding to the map information, and an indication of the current vehicle location may be displayed within the map, based on the GPS information. The map information may correspond to the GPS information. Road information may be wirelessly transmitted to one or more locations based on the GPS information.

Abstract: A device and method for electronically deploying responders is provided. The device includes a communication interface and a controller having access to a map database. The controller is configured to: receive, via the communication interface, a location of an incident; identify respective locations of at least two communication devices associated with respective responders; select, using the map database, different respective routes from the respective locations to the location for each of the at least two communication devices, the different respective routes selected to reduce duplication therebetween; and provide the different respective routes to each of the at least two communication devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus for a vehicle, which includes a display and a processor configured to control the display to display a TBT image at a point on a route on a map displayed on the display, which corresponds to a lane in which the vehicle is being driven, by matching the TBT image to the point.

Abstract: A vehicle management system can send a first pick-up location to a remote computing device of a prospective rider. A location tracking system is configured to monitor a location of the rider as the rider walks to rendezvous with the vehicle. The vehicle management system can later determine, based on the location of the rider as the rider walks to rendezvous with the vehicle, that the vehicle could rendezvous with the rider sooner by using a second pick-up location. The vehicle management system can prompt the vehicle navigation system to cease directing the vehicle toward the first pick-up location and instead direct the vehicle toward the second pick-up location. The vehicle management system can prompt the remote computing device to cease directing the rider toward the first pick-up location and instead direct the rider toward the second pick-up location.

Abstract: Generating user preference activity maps is disclosed, including: collecting a plurality of user activities recorded by a plurality of GPS recording devices; and aggregating the plurality of user activities to a base map to generate a user preference map.

Abstract: A route planning system applied in a server or in a mobile client device can plan a travel route according to client device location information. The route planning system includes an obtaining module, a selection module, and a calculation module. The obtaining module obtains the client device location information. The selection module determines a distance or scanning range according to the client device location information, and selects first pictures from the server or the client device of destinations or attractions which are within the scanning range, according to the location information of all the stored pictures. The calculation module calculates at least one route according to the location information of the first pictures. A route planning method is also provided.

Abstract: A lane guidance system for a vehicle for guiding a vehicle to a recommended lane in which the vehicle is recommended to run out of traffic lanes included in a route from a first point to a second point through the use of an output unit mounted on the vehicle includes: a calculating unit that calculates a predicted value of an occurrence probability of sudden lane change as information indicating the occurrence probability of sudden lane change when the vehicle runs in sections corresponding to a plurality of links; a setting unit that sets the recommended lane on the basis of the predicted value; and a generating unit that generates guidance information for the recommended lane and that outputs the guidance information to the output unit.

Abstract: A method for providing road guidance on a navigation system. The navigation system determines a moving direction of a cursor on a map of the navigation system, wherein the cursor is movable by a user. The navigation system obtains a road near the cursor. The navigation system determines whether one or more attributes of the road coincide with predetermined attribute settings. The navigation system determines whether a direction of the road coincides with the moving direction of the cursor, in response to determining that the one or more attributes of the road coincide with the predetermined attribute settings. The navigation system determines to provide guidance, in response to determining that the direction of the road coincides with the moving direction of the cursor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are therefore provided for providing a navigation user interface. The apparatus may be caused to: receive an indication of an origin and a destination; provide for presentation of a representation of the origin, a representation of the destination, and a representation of the route there between, where the representation of the route may include a bar extending in a circular shape between the representation of the origin and the representation of the destination, and defining a map display region within the circular shape. The apparatus may also be configured to provide for presentation of a present location indicator on the representation of the route and provide for presentation of a map within the map display region. The map within the map display region may correspond to at least one of a current location or a user selected location along the route.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for creating, modifying, and viewing geographic areas and their corresponding routes and items of work. For example, an interface can be provided with a map display area and a route display area. The map display area and the route display area can be synchronized to create new routes, modify existing routes, and/or view information about various routes and/or items of work.

Abstract: Disclosed are a correlation coefficient correction method, a correlation coefficient correction apparatus, and a program, capable of improving estimation accuracy of a walking velocity or a stride of a moving object, and an exercise analysis method capable of analyzing a user's exercise with high accuracy. In one aspect, the correlation coefficient correction method includes calculating a reference velocity by using a detection result in a first sensor, calculating characteristic information regarding walking of a moving object by using a detection result in a second sensor mounted on the moving object, and correcting a correlation coefficient in a correlation expression indicating a correlation between the characteristic information and a walking velocity or a stride of the moving object by using the reference velocity.

Abstract: An angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle on the basis of a relative angular position of a physical field. The sensor includes a first sensor element and a second sensor element, between which elements the physical field can be transmitted. The first sensor element includes a blind hole in which the second sensor element is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A waveguide structure to allow device to determine its orientation are disclosed. The waveguide may be formed of a dielectric core and a cladding. The dielectric core may be formed of a solid dielectric material that conducts radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies and above. The cladding may encapsulate the core, and may include at least two conductive portions. Each conductive portion may be disposed around less than the entire core. The conductive portions allow electrical signals to flow between two devices to determine an orientation of the waveguide.

Abstract: An occupant detection apparatus includes: a sensor electrode; a conductor portion facing the sensor electrode; a moving object that moves by input of a seat load loaded on a seat and changes an electrostatic capacitance between the sensor electrode and the conductor portion; and a signal output unit that outputs a sensor signal based on the electrostatic capacitance.

Abstract: A laser positioning system is described. The laser positioning system provides a positioning and guidance system that is suitable for environments that have external disturbances such as those caused by wind, equipment movement, vibration, and the like. The laser positioning system of the present invention uses at novel laser line beacon positioning system in optical communication with a novel laser line receiver to achieve accurate positioning in environments with external disturbances, something that has previously not been attainable. In some embodiments, a target or series of targets are used to create a reference by which the laser line receiver and an associated moveable assembly such as a robotic arm assembly are able to accurately place building elements such as bricks. Exemplary applications of the laser positioning system include, but are not limited to, accurate positioning of bricks in a wall under construction by a robotic brick laying system.

Abstract: A scale is configured to measure a displacement or velocity of a rotating object. The scale includes a first region that includes a first mark row including a plurality of marks arranged in a first period, and a second region that includes a second mark row including a plurality of marks arranged in a second period having a phase continuity with the first mark row formed in the first region. A periodic mark row including the first mark row and the second mark row is formed over an entire circumference of the rotating object including the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A rotary encoder is for detecting the rotation position or rotation speed of a shaft. The rotary encoder includes: a rotation code plate having a detection code and to be rotated by the shaft; and a boss attached to the rotation center of the rotation code plate and used for attaching the rotation code plate to the shaft. The boss is made of a resin material. The boss includes a fitting hole formed at the rotation center of the boss and used for making a fit with the shaft through press-fitting.

Abstract: A housing for a micromechanical sensor element, including a cavity in which the sensor element is disposable, and a damping element, the micromechanical sensor element being immobilizable in the cavity by the damping element so that the damping element and the sensor element together have a substantially common center of mass.

Abstract: A dial plate being nonopaque is in a disc shape. A slit member has slits each extending through the slit member in a thickness direction. A light source is located on an opposite side of the slit member from the dial plate. The light source is configured to emit light through the slits of the slit member toward the dial plate to project images on the dial plate.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.

Abstract: A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing probe and a temperature-sensing reference probe, in which the flow is passed through nozzles to form two jets and those jets are directed at the heated portion of the heated probe and the temperature-sensing portion of the reference probe, while flow around the supporting portion of the heated probe is minimized. Such a flowmeter allows low gas flows to be measured without the use of capillary elements that are subject to plugging and can create unwanted pressure drops.

Abstract: A thermal airflow sensor includes a semiconductor device, a protective film a bonding wire, and a resin. The resin covers over a part of the semiconductor device so that the bonding wire is covered with the resin and the region including a thin-wall portion is exposed. The protective film is not covered with the resin and has an outer peripheral edge located outside the thin-wall portion.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter and a measuring tube unit for use in the Coriolis mass flowmeter with an inlet end and an outlet end, at least two measuring tubes and at least two transition pieces. In each case, one transition piece is arranged on a measuring tube at the inlet end. Each measuring tube has a measuring tube cross section and each transition piece has a transition piece cross section at the inlet. The transition piece is designed in one piece with the associated measuring tube, and the transition piece cross section deviates in its shape and size from the associated measuring tube cross section, the measuring tubes being arranged and aligned in such a manner that the transition piece cross sections form an overall cross section and thus a flow divider.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for volumetrically measuring syringe fluid are disclosed. In one aspect, a device for volumetrically measuring syringe fluid includes a reference plate, a flange adapter base attached at a first end of the reference plate for receiving a flange of a syringe, a plunger adapter disposed adjacent to a housing for receiving a plunger of the syringe, the plunger adapter being configured to slidingly move along a length of the reference plate, a displacement sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a displacement of the plunger adapter in relation to the flange adapter base as the plunger adapter is slid along the length of the reference plate, and a displacement conversion mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to convert the displacement measurement of the plunger adapter to a volumetric measurement in order to determine a volume of fluid the syringe has drawn in.

Abstract: A method for reducing an error rate is provided. The method includes obtaining a first analog signal representing a first kinematic property of a first position with a sensor, obtaining a second analog signal representing a second kinematic property of the first position, digitizing the first analog signal into a first digital signal, and digitizing the second analog signal into a second digital signal. The method also includes combining the first digital signal and the second digital signal into a combined signal such that an error rate of the combined signal is less than an error rate of one of the first digital signal and the second digital signal.

Abstract: An electronic water meter capable of implementing precision metering. The electronic water meter comprises a machine frame, multiple counter units, and multiple shielding plates. The counter units comprise numerical character wheels, magnets, magnetic angular displacement sensors, and digital circuits. The magnetic angular displacement sensors are electrically connected to the digital circuits, sense components of magnetic fields at respective positions thereof on the basis of angular position changes of magnetic field vectors of the counter units, and transmit a corresponding electric signal to the digital circuits. The digital circuits perform a calculation processing on the basis of the electrical signal outputted by the magnetic angular displacement sensors and output a digital signal corresponding to the angular positions of the numerical character wheels.

Abstract: A measuring cup may have volumetric indicia printed along upper and lower surfaces of a reference member disposed near a central portion of a space encircled by a sidewall of the measuring cup. The volumetric indicia may be viewable from above the measuring cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. When inverted, the volumetric indicia printed along a lower surface of the reference member may likewise be viewable from above. In essence, the measuring cup contains two receptacles for measuring volumes of substances. One receptacle is accessible from a “top” of the measuring cup, while another receptacle is accessible from a “bottom” of the measuring cup. The reference member eliminates the need to raise the measuring cup to eye level to check the volume of substance.

Abstract: A measuring spoon device includes a rear shaft with a tapered end portion, elongated apertures, guide grooves, a rear connector section; a divider section with apertures; slidable spoon assemblies with push members, including finger button protrusions, and measuring spoons, including spoon portions and spoon stems; and a front cylindrical section; such that the measuring spoons can be retracted for storage inside the front cylindrical section, and can be extracted for use in measuring a plurality of seasonings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for fuel fill volume estimation for a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a fuel tank float, a dashboard display, and an engine control module. The engine control module divides a fuel tank into zones. When the vehicle is not in motion and a position of the fuel tank float changes by a threshold amount, engine control module measures an initial fuel level. When the position of the fuel tank float does not change for a threshold period of time, the engine control module measures a final fuel level. Additionally, the engine control module calculates an amount of fuel added to the fuel tank based on the zones associated with the initial fuel level and a final fuel level and display the amount on the dashboard display.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid sensor is provided having a substrate having upper and lower ends and conductive members supported by the substrate. The conductive members are provided between the upper and lower ends of the substrate. The conductive members include an upper end conductive member, a lower end conductive member, and at least one included conductive member which is positioned between the upper and lower end conductive members. Each conductive member is separated from every other one of the members, thereby providing that each member has distinct upper and lower ends and acts as an independent sensor. At least one pair of proximally positioned members are positioned relative to each other such that the distinct lower end of one of the pair of conductive members is positioned closer to the lower end of the substrate than is the distinct upper end of the other one of the pair of conductive members.

Abstract: A fluid level detecting system provides an input signal at a specific frequency to a sample in a container. A probe contacts the energized sample and provides a signal to a level sensing circuit. The level sensing circuit amplifies the signal from the probe and then bandpass filters, tuned to the specific frequency, the amplified signal. This filters out extraneous signals received from, for example, a cover on the container, and specifically identifies when the probe has contacted the sample fluid by comparing the filtered signal to threshold levels.

Abstract: The invention provides generally methods and systems in a bi-directional sphere prover for generating diagnostic information by calculating and using multiple meter factors (MF) from four detector switches. A Data Acquisition and Monitoring System gathers the signals of the four detector switches and calculates the base prover volume (BPV) for each section of the prover based on these readings. Then, the different base prover volumes are used to create multiple meter factors for each section of the prover to derive the diagnostic information. The Data Acquisition and Monitoring System displays, archives, and trends the meter factors. Depending upon what particular meter factor ratios are within the acceptable limit, the correct detector switch can be diagnosed and fixed without a substantial amount of down time for the prover. Trend lines for meter factors can also be analyzed for different process fluids that are sent through the prover.