Abstract: Different approaches for providing increased redundancy in determining a position of a rotating member, for example, a motor shaft, with galvanically isolated sensors. In one aspect, two separate on-axis sensing chips are positioned in line with one another on a PCB but each on opposite sides or surfaces of the PCB. Respective sensing surfaces are essentially parallel to one another. Advantageously, greater electrical isolation is provided by placing the two sensors on opposite sides of the PCB.

Abstract: Quasistatic through-the-wall non-line-of-sight coupling between a mobile transmitting device located within a metallic enclosure, and a fixed receiving device located outside the enclosure, enables positioning of the transmitting device through the wall of the enclosure and in non-line-of-sight environments. The coupling of the magnetic and electric quasistatic fields occurs through a small aperture in the metallic enclosure, such as the gap normally present in the hatch of industrial metallic enclosures.

Abstract: A strain sensing device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in the invention. The strain sensing device includes a substrate and at least one sensing electrode. The substrate has a plurality of pores. A material of the substrate includes nanocellulose, and the substrates is strained in response to changes in external conditions. The at least one sensing electrode is disposed on the substrate, wherein the sensing electrode contacting the substrate extends into the pores of the substrate. The at least one sensing electrode has a major axis parallel to a surface of the substrate. A resistance value of the at least one sensing electrode changes in response to a strain of the substrate.

Abstract: At each of three different locations, a tracker captures a 2D image an object and measures three points in space at each of three tracker locations relative to the object. Based on this information, the tracker determines, in an object frame of reference, three-dimensional coordinates of an arbitrary point on an edge line common to the three 2D images.

Abstract: Methodology for calibrating a rotating mirror system includes: measuring a normal of a first fiducial of the mirror system; measuring vectors to a second fiducial of the mirror system, each vector being measured at a different angle of rotation about an azimuth axis of rotation of the mirror system; calculating the azimuth axis of rotation using the measured vectors; creating a base coordinate system from the measured first fiducial normal and the calculated azimuth axis of rotation; and for each of a first mirror and a second mirror of the mirror system, measuring normals of the mirror at multiple angles of rotation, calculating an axis of rotation of the mirror using the measured normals, creating a mirror coordinate system from the measured normals and the calculated axis of rotation of the mirror, and calculating a translation and rotation matrix from the mirror coordinate system to the base coordinate system.

Abstract: A plate for a 3D scanning system can include a plate body configured to mount to a 3D scanning system, and a plurality of artifact alignment apertures defined in the plate body arranged in a predetermined pattern to allow a predetermined mounting arrangement of one or more artifacts. The artifact alignment apertures are configured to allow an artifact to be mounted to the plate body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of space dimensioning. In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of dimensioning a container bound by at least a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the space being 3D and definable via height, width, and depth coordinates. The method includes: obtaining, a 3D image of at least a portion of the space; analyzing the image to determine a first and second equations defining first plane and second planes corresponding to the first and second walls; solving the first equation for a first coordinate value; solving the second equation for a second coordinate value, the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value being one of a width coordinate or a height coordinate; and computing a first distance based at least in part on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value.

Abstract: A laser remote length measurement instrument capable of remotely measuring a length between two required points in a non-contact manner is provided. The laser remote length measurement instrument includes a rangefinding unit, an optical axis deflection section, a rotation angle detector, and a computation controller. The rangefinding unit is configured to cause a light emitting element to emit visible rangefinding light and obtain a light reception signal. The optical axis deflection section is configured to scan to-and-fro between two directions with the rangefinding light. The rotation angle detector is configured to detect a divergence angle between the two directions. The computation controller is configured to compute a distance between illuminated points in the two directions illuminated with the rangefinding light on the basis of rangefinding results for the illuminated points and the divergence angle between the two directions.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device includes a gravity sensor to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM), and a laser receiver for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick of an excavator; the gravity sensor detects the angle of the stick, and the laser receiver detects a laser plane of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket is rotated, and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge. A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge.

Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.

Abstract: There is provided a system for measuring temperature and strain simultaneously utilizing Brillouin Scattering within an optical fiber. The system has a cladding, a first optical core within the cladding and a second optical core within the cladding and having a different refractive index profile and/or composition than the first core. Means to couple light into and out of said individual optical cores and/or from one optical core to the other within the fiber is provided along with means for calculating strain and temperature characteristics based on measured Brillouin frequencies for said optical cores.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking tires described as a linear camera having an objective line lying on an optical plane; a first, a second and a third light source for emitting respectively a first, a second and a third light radiation; a command and control unit for selectively activating at least one from among the first, second and third light source and activating the linear camera in order to acquire a two-dimensional image of a linear surface portion of the tire synchronously with the activation of the first, second and third source. The first and second light source lie on opposite sides of the optical plane. Furthermore, the first, second and third light source include each one or more sub-sources each having a respective main extension direction parallel to the optical plane and the distance of the sub-sources of the third light source from the optical plane is less than the distance of the first and second light source from the optical plane.

Abstract: A sample shape measuring method includes a step of preparing illumination light passing through a predetermined illumination region, a step of applying the illumination light to a sample, and a predetermined processing step. The predetermined illumination region is set so as to include an optical axis at a pupil position of an illumination optical system. Light transmitted through the sample is incident on the observation optical system. The predetermined processing step includes a step of receiving light emerged from the observation optical system, a step of obtaining a quantity of light of the received light, a step of calculating a difference or a ratio between the quantity of light and a reference quantity of light, and a step of calculating an amount of tilt in a surface of the sample from the difference or the ratio.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises: a projector for projecting pattern light whose coordinate component at least in one direction is determinable; an imaging apparatus for imaging an object illuminated with the pattern light to acquire a pattern image; and a controller including a calculator for calculating the 3D coordinates of a point on the object based on the pattern light and the pattern image. The calculator determines a first point on the pattern image; calculates a second point corresponding to the first point in a pattern-light projection plane; calculates a third point based on the second point in the projection plane, a nonlinear line in the projection plane calculated by analyzing the pattern image, and an epipolar line in the projection plane calculated based on the first point; and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the point on the object based on the first point and the third point.

Abstract: A vehicle inspection system configured with a processing system and at least one displacement sensor disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle inspection lane sensor region to acquire displacement measurement data associated with a moving vehicle passing through the vehicle inspection lane. The processing system is configured to receive acquired displacement measurement data to determine characteristics of the moving vehicle, such as vehicle velocity, dynamic axle alignment, dynamic wheel alignment, or dimensions. The processing system is further configured to evaluate the determined dynamic vehicle characteristics in relation to static vehicle characteristics, such as static axle alignment or static wheel alignment, through application of one or more compensation factors based on user selected parameters, default parameters, or identified vehicle features.

Abstract: To provide a sample for measuring particles enabling the three-dimensional particulate shape to be measured and the particulate species to be evaluated, the sample for measuring particles includes a substrate; isolated nanoparticles to be measured which are disposed on the substrate; and isolated standard nanoparticles which are disposed on the substrate in the vicinity of the isolated nanoparticles to be measured.

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 tool, such as a level, including one or more polymer/plastic body segment, protective cover and/or seal is provided. The covers discussed herein may limit or prevent dirt or construction materials, such as concrete, from entering into the level body. The cover may also be a non-stick material, such as a polymer outer sleeve, that limits the ability of dirt and construction material to adhere to the level. The level may also include scratch resistant vial windows.

Abstract: A level includes a frame supporting a plurality of vials and having an aperture disposed on an end of the level. The level also includes an end cap assembly detachably coupled to the end of the frame. The end cap assembly includes an end cap and a retainer. A portion of the end cap is received in the aperture and is maintained in engagement with the frame by the retainer.

Abstract: A survey system including a movable photographing device, a surveying device, and an analysis device. The movable photographing device includes a camera mounted on a UAV and taking a plurality of images P for photogrammetry, and a GPS unit including a first time stamping portion stamping a first time Tc relating to a photographing time on the image P taken. The surveying device determines a position of the movable photographing device, and includes a second time stamping portion stamping a second time Tt relating to a surveying time on a survey result R determined above. The analysis device includes a photographing position analysis portion associating each survey result R with a photographing position of the respective image P based on the first time Tc and the second time Tt, and generating data for photogrammetry.

Abstract: A sensor includes an acceleration or magnetic field sensitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator, configured to oscillate in at least a first normal mode and a second normal mode. The sensor further includes: a coarse readout circuit configured to drive the first normal mode, measure a motion of the first normal mode, and derive from the measured motion a coarse measurement of the true acceleration or true external magnetic field; and a fine readout circuit configured to drive the second normal mode, measure a motion of the second normal mode, and derive from the measured motion and the coarse measurement a measurement of the difference between the true acceleration or true external magnetic field and the coarse measurement.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a driven section and a drive spring that supports the driven section so that the driven section is displaceable in a first direction. The drive spring has a serpentine shape and includes a plurality of spring structures extending in a second direction that intersects a first direction. At least one of the spring structures has a thin section that is thinner in a third direction that intersects the first and second directions than the other portions of the drive spring.

Abstract: Micromachined inertial devices are presented having multiple linearly-moving masses coupled together by couplers that move in a linear fashion when the coupled masses exhibit anti-phase motion. The couplers move in opposite directions of each other, such that one coupler on one side of the movable masses moves in a first linear direction and another coupler on the opposite side of the movable masses moves in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. The couplers ensure proper anti-phase motion of the masses.

Abstract: A travel distance calculation device includes: a first travel distance calculation unit configured to calculate a travel distance of a vehicle on the basis of position information on the vehicle obtained through position determination using a GNSS satellite; a second travel distance calculation unit configured to calculate a travel distance of the vehicle on the basis of the number of rotations of a tire that the vehicle includes; and a calculation-means selecting unit configured to select calculation means configured to calculate the travel distance of the vehicle from among the first travel distance calculation unit and the second travel distance calculation unit on the basis of at least one of the position information on the vehicle obtained through position determination using the GNSS satellite and information indicating a state of communication with the GNSS satellite.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for tracking and determining the position of an object, the method comprising determining a primary position indication based on signals received from an external positioning system and using said primary position indication to determine a first position of said object, recording acceleration data of a cyclically moving object using inertial sensor signals or accelerometer sensor signals and integrating said acceleration data over a selected period of time to determine a tilting of said cyclically moving part of the object relative to a horizontal plane, recording direction data of said moving object based on measuring an external magnetic field of the cyclically moving part of the object using a magnetometer sensor to determine an orientation of said cyclically moving part relative to the external magnetic field, computing the velocity of said moving object in any direction based on said inertial sensor signals or acceleromet

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computer system may include determining, by a computing device, a first location on a body of water. The first location may be transmitted to a drone buoy. Data may be received from the drone buoy. A second location on the body of water to send to the drone buoy may be determined based upon, at least in part, the data received from the drone buoy.

Abstract: In accordance with implementations of the subject matter described herein, a new approach for creating a navigation trace is proposed. In these implementations, a reference signal is obtained, where the reference signal includes time series data collected by at least one environment sensor along a reference path from a start point to a destination. Then, a navigation trace is created for the reference path based on the obtained reference signal, where magnitudes at locations of the navigation trace reflect measurements collected by the at least one environment sensor at respective time points of the reference signal. In accordance with implementations of the subject matter described herein, a new approach for generating a navigation instruction from a navigation trace.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided that include receiving sensor data from a sensor positioned at a plurality of positions in an environment. The environment includes a plurality of landmarks. The embodiments also include determining, based on the sensor data, a subset of the plurality of landmarks detected at each of the plurality of positions. The embodiments further include determining, based on the subset of the plurality of landmarks detected at each of the plurality of positions, a detection frequency of each landmark. The embodiments additionally include determining, based on the determined detection frequency of each landmark, a localization viability metric associated with each landmark. The embodiments still further include providing for display, via a user interface, a map of the environment. The map includes an indication of the localization viability metric associated with each landmark.

Abstract: A position correction device includes: a reception unit, a position acquisition unit, a determination unit and a position information transmission unit. The reception unit receives a position information S1 of a vehicle from a navigation apparatus. The position acquisition unit acquires a position information S2 of the vehicle with a higher accuracy than the navigation apparatus. The determination unit determines whether a difference between the position information S1 and the position information S2 exceeds a predetermined threshold, or determines whether a traveling road identified by the position information S1 matches a traveling road identified by the position information S2. At least when it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold, or when it is determined that the identified traveling roads do not match, the position information transmission unit transmits the position information S2 to the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A travel coordination system determines a route for a rider using a public transit system and a provider. The travel coordination system may determine a route that describes a public transit stop at which the rider exits the public transit system, and the travel coordination system can route a provider so that the provider transports the rider when the rider arrives at the public transit stop. The travel coordination system may update the rider's route after transmitting the route to the rider. The travel coordination system may determine a public transit vehicle on which the rider is traveling or predict the rider's destination. If multiple riders are traveling on the public transit vehicle and if those riders exit the public transit station using the same public transit stop, the travel coordination system may match those riders together for transport by a provider.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for objectively assessing the driving performance of rideshare drivers and/or vehicles. The techniques include collecting data from various sources to aggregate trip data for several drivers and passengers over several ridesharing trips. This data may include telematics data collected from several passengers and/or drivers during each of their respective ridesharing trips, which indicates various aspects associated with operation of the vehicle. Each driver may then be correlated to his own set of trip data, such that a driving assessment may be made for each individual driver. When a new user subsequently requests a ride via a ridesharing provider, this driver assessment may be made available to the user, thereby providing the user with an objective assessment of the driver prior to the start of the scheduled ride.

Abstract: A preferred route may be determined from an origin location to a destination location. The determination is made by processing directed links (e.g., one-way edges) in a graph that includes one or more links and two or more nodes. The determination of a preferred route may include an estimate of the time required at one or more intersections along alternative. Individual routing preferences, such as a preference of a rural over an urban route, also may be considered. Techniques are described that may help reduce the time required to identify a preferred route, including the identification and removal of no outlet routes before processing the directed links and techniques using particular data formats.

Abstract: A method directs a self-driving cargo vehicle to take an alternate route based on cargo sensor readings from another cargo vehicle. One or more processors receive output from a cargo sensor and a camera, which describe an amount of movement of first cargo being transported by a first cargo vehicle on a first cargo vehicle. The processor(s) evaluate a profile of a controller on a second cargo vehicle, which is a self-driving vehicle, and which is transporting second cargo that is a same type of cargo as the first cargo. The processor(s) determine an alternate route for the second cargo vehicle, and then transmit instructions to the controller to take the second cargo vehicle on the alternate route.

Abstract: A detour recommended area estimation system includes: a recording medium; and a control unit configured to collect probe information from a vehicle; acquire a travel-avoided direction based on the probe information when the vehicle made a detour, the travel-avoided direction being a direction in which the vehicle would have been traveled if the detour had not been made; estimate an area in which a direction dependence degree of the travel-avoided direction is less than a reference value as a detour recommended area, and record the detour recommended area in a recording medium.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are provided for determining routes within a location. Location information for a location may be obtained. The location information may include terrain information for the location. A set of restricted regions within the location may be determined based on the location information. A set of paths within the location may be determined based on the set of restricted regions. An interface through which information describing the set of paths within the location is accessible may be provided.

Abstract: A transportation management system can maintain a set of driver logs for drivers operating throughout a given region, where each driver log indicates driving characteristics of a respective driver. The system can determine a destination for the respective driver operating a vehicle from an initial location to the destination, and determine a set of routes between the initial location and the destination. Based at least in part on the driving characteristics of the respective driver, the system can determine an individualized risk value for the respective driver for each route of the set of routes, and select an optimal route from the set of routes based, at least in part, on the individualized risk value for each route.

Abstract: To make it possible to execute processing taking into account the fact that a plurality of lanes are provided in a road. An automatic driving support device 500 includes a map database 541 including lane information concerning lanes of a road, a position specifying section 173 that specifies a present position of a vehicle, and a recommended-lane selecting section 171 that calculates, on the basis of the lane information, a recommendation degree of each of lanes of a road on which the vehicle is traveling and selects, on the basis of the calculated recommendation degree, a lane in which the vehicle travels. Therefore, it is possible to select a recommended lane taking into account the fact that a plurality of lanes are provided in a road.

Abstract: Systems methods, and vehicles for implementing a navigation system include a processor programmed to cause a display to show a graphical user interface that simultaneously presents a map and a graphic object. The map includes guidance for a set route to be traversed by the navigation system. The graphic object includes a timeline for the set route. The timeline indicates travel times between a current position of the navigation system on the set route and occurrences of an interest category associated with the timeline that are upcoming on the set route.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route.

Abstract: A hub-mountable wheel-rotation detector has an electromagnetic generator to convert rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy sufficient to recharge an internal rechargeable battery and power internal alarm and distance-tracking circuitry. The detector provides a combination of backup alarm and hubodometer functionality in a common device.

Abstract: A flight-path determination device for determining a flight path of a flying object has a position determination apparatus to detect a position of the flying object, an alignment apparatus that to verify whether the position of the flying object is within one specified approach path of a number of specified approach paths, and a path determination apparatus to output the relevant approach path as the flight path of the flying object if the position of the flying object is within one of the specified approach paths.

Abstract: A navigation system for vehicles, such as rotorcraft, includes a directional gyroscope having a magnetic heading correction mode, a nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode and a nonmagnetic automatic heading correction mode. A magnetic field sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate magnetic north-based signals. A heading correction input is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate manual signals upon actuation thereof. A global positioning system sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate track-based signals. In the magnetic heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the magnetic north-based signals for heading corrections. In the nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the manual signals for heading corrections.

Abstract: A method for checking and/or calibrating a vertical axis of a rotating laser which projects a first laser beam that can rotate about an axis of rotation and a second, stationary laser beam, using a laser receiver. The rotating laser is positioned at a measurement distance from the laser receiver, the rotating laser being oriented in a vertical position, and the laser receiver having a transverse arrangement.

Abstract: Examples include systems and methods for decomposition of error components between angular, forward, and sideways errors in estimated positions of a computing device. One method includes determining an estimation of a current position of the computing device based on a previous position of the computing device, an estimated speed over an elapsed time, and a direction of travel of the computing device, determining a forward, sideways, and orientation change error component of the estimation of the current position of the computing device, determining a weight to apply to the forward, sideways, and orientation change error components based on average observed movement of the computing device, and using the weighted forward, sideways, and orientation change error components as constraints for determination of an updated estimation of the current position of the computing device.

Abstract: A position forecasting apparatus for forecasting a position at a predetermined time of a continuously operating moving body is provided with an estimation part that finds an estimated position state of the moving body at a time in the past before the predetermined time and a position forecasting part that forecasts the position of the moving body at the predetermined time based on the estimated position state of the moving body estimated by the estimation part.

Abstract: An angle sensor includes a plurality of composite magnetic field information generation units and an angle computing unit. The plurality of composite magnetic field information generation units detect, at a plurality of detection positions, a composite magnetic field of a magnetic field to be detected and a noise magnetic field other than the magnetic field to be detected, and thereby generate a plurality of pieces of composite magnetic field information including information on the direction of the composite magnetic field. The angle computing unit generates a detected angle value by performing an operation using the plurality of pieces of composite magnetic field information so that an error of the detected angle value caused by the noise magnetic field is made smaller than in the case where the detected angle value is generated on the basis of any and only one of the plurality of pieces of composite magnetic field information.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other things, embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for using 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensors to detect the position of a magnetic target. By using 3D magnetic sensors, a two dimensional array of such magnetic sensors can be used to determine a 3D position of a magnetic target.

Abstract: A rotational angle detection apparatus is provided with a magnet disposed so as to be rotatable integrally with an axis of rotation, having a substantially circular shape when viewed along the axis of rotation, and including a magnetization vector component in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation; a magnetic sensor that outputs a sensor signal on the basis of change in a magnetic field accompanying rotation of the magnet; and a rotational angle detector that detects a rotational angle of the rotating body on the basis of the sensor signal output by the magnetic sensor; wherein the magnet has a curved inclined surface with a concave shape along the axis of rotation from a prescribed position on the outer side in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation, and when a circular virtual plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation and centered at the axis of rotation is established at a position opposed to the curved inclined surface, the magnetic sensor is disposed at a position at which the amplitudes

Abstract: A sensor device includes a two-pin current interface including an input pin configured to draw an input current and an output pin configured to output an output current, a sensor configured to generate a measurement signal, and a current modulator configured to generate a current pulse as the output current such that the output current toggles between at least two main current states based on the measurement signal. The current modulator is configured to modulate the output current such that the output current is increased, to a first current level greater than the at least two main current states, at an initial phase of the current pulse for a first duration, and to modulate the output current such that the output current is decreased, to a second level less than the at least two main current states, at a terminal phase of the current pulse for a second duration.

Abstract: To reduce information used for processes of complementing a missing detection pulse of a magnetic field detecting section, the apparatus carries out the processes of storing, as rotation direction information of a movable section 43, “rightward direction”, “leftward direction”, “unidentified” and “unidentified inversion”, and setting the rotation direction information to “unidentified” when recognizing a missing detection pulse, and subsequently, adjusting a rotation change amount of the movable section using a first adjustment value if the rotation direction information becomes the “unidentified” and adjusting the rotation change amount of the movable section using a second adjustment value if the rotation direction information is updated from the “unidentified” to the “rightward direction” or the “leftward direction”.