Abstract: A moving property of a target is measured as the target travels toward a target space. The target including a component that emits light when converted to a plasma. A diagnostic probe system is interacted with a current target moving toward the target space. The interaction occurs prior to the current target entering the target space and after an immediately preceding target has interacted with a prior radiation pulse in the target space. First and second light that is produced at least in part from the interaction between the diagnostic probe system and the current target is detected prior to the current target entering the target space and after an immediately preceding target has interacted with the prior radiation pulse in the target space. One or more moving properties of the current target are determined based on an analysis of the detected first and second light.

Abstract: A touch probe for sensing the position of a surface, having a housing and a moving assembly supported within the housing and including a flexible reflective element, a spacer element, and a semitransparent element, wherein a reflective surface of the flexible reflective element and a surface of the semitransparent element are separated by the spacer element, and a stylus connected to the flexible reflective element. Movement of the stylus responsive to a force causes the flexible reflective element to flex and change distances between points on the reflective surface and on the surface of the semitransparent element. Coherent light incident upon the semitransparent element and directed towards the reflective surface creates interference fringes dependent upon separation distances between the reflective surface and the surface of the semitransparent element. A detector senses changes in the interference fringes patterns in response to flexing of the flexible element.

Abstract: An optical measurement system calculates a distance between an optical system and a measurement object based on reflected light beams corresponding to cores, compares a value indicating the distance with a threshold value for each of the reflected light beams, calculates an average value of all the values indicating the distance when the values in the reflected light beams corresponding to all the cores are equal to or greater than the threshold value or the values are less than the threshold value, and calculates an average value of the values indicating the distance which are equal to or greater than the threshold value or an average value of the values indicating the distance which are less than the threshold values when the values corresponding to some cores are equal to or greater than the threshold value and the values corresponding to the other cores are less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining belt speed and pitch using correlation techniques. The apparatus includes a pair of rangefinders separated by a predetermined distance. The rangefinders each measure the distance to the belt at two positions separated from each other in the direction of belt travel. The apparatus creates at least one time-series profile record corresponding to the profile of a belt. The time delays between occurrences of a regularly spaced topographical feature in the belt's profile are used by a processor to compute belt pitch and speed. Correlation techniques are used for robust results.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method capable of accurately measuring consecutive shapes of a measurement target even when an imaging means, which captures images of the shape of the measurement target, is moved along the measurement target while irradiating the measurement target with light.

Abstract: An interferometric optical device that measures the curved wall shape of a cylindrical object and includes: an interferometric optical system that emits measurement light at the curved wall of the object, collects the light reflected by the object, and creates a composite wave that combines the reflected light and a reference light; a rotation drive assembly that is connected to the interferometric optical system and rotationally displaces the interferometric optical system centered about a rotation axis that coincides with a center axis of the cylindrical shape of the object; a sensor that acquires a two-dimensional distribution of the intensity of the composite wave using a plurality of photoreceptor elements arrayed two-dimensionally; and a computation device that computes the internal wall shape of the object based on the plurality of two-dimensional distributions acquired in a state where a rotation angle for the rotation drive mechanism varies.

Abstract: New and useful concepts for an autofocus system and method are provided. A basic concept uses fringe projection in an autofocus system and method. A further aspect provides spatial filtering concepts for the fringe projection concept. In yet another aspect, the fringe projection autofocus system and method is provided with temporal phase shifting using no moving parts. In a still further aspect, the fringe projection autofocus system and method is provided with unambiguous height measurement concepts.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser profiling inspection includes a camera housing having a longitudinal axis and a substantially hemispherical viewing window positioned transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. A camera with a fisheye lens is positioned within the camera housing to capture images through the viewing window. A laser mounting is mounted to the viewing window with the laser mounting extending outwardly from the viewing window along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A laser is positioned at a remote end of the laser mounting. The laser projects a laser beam toward the camera. A mirror is supported by the laser mounting between the laser and the camera. The mirror is configured to reflect outwardly a laser beam from the laser to form a laser ring encircling the laser mounting.

Abstract: An appearance inspection device that can easily determine optimum values of various imaging parameters is provided. An appearance inspection device includes: a moving means which changes relative positions of at least two or more portions within a work-piece, an imaging part, and an illumination part; an imaging processing part which performs, in a state that the illumination part irradiates a light to the work-piece, a processing for changing imaging parameters and taking a plurality of images by the imaging part under a condition that plural types of imaging parameters with mutually different properties are variably set, the plural types of imaging parameters including a change of the relative position between the work-piece and the imaging part caused by the moving means; and a parameter determining part determining a set of optimum values of the plural types of imaging parameters that are set variably based on the plurality of taken images.

Abstract: A system for measuring the attitude of an object in a fixed frame of reference from a moving frame of reference, comprising a first imaging device for producing image data for the object from a first direction, a second imaging device for producing image data for the object from a second direction having a component perpendicular to the first direction and an attitude sensing arrangement for determining an attitude of the first and second imaging devices with respect to the fixed frame of reference at the time the respective images are taken and for generating attitude data. An image processing system analyses and combines the respective image data and attitude data to determine the attitude of the object. The system is particularly useful for determining attitude of offshore piles during piling operations or for monitoring the departure angles of pipes and cables during laying thereof.

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 workpiece alignment system is provided has a light emission apparatus that directs a light beam at a plurality of wavelengths along a path at a shallow angle toward a first side of a workpiece plane at a peripheral region. A light receiver apparatus, receives the light beam on a second side opposite the first side. A rotation device selectively rotates a workpiece support. According controller determines a position of the workpiece based on an amount of the light beam received through the workpiece when the workpiece intersects the path. A sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus is controlled based on a transmissivity of the workpiece. A position of the workpiece is determined when the workpiece is rotated based on the rotational position, an amount of the light beam received, the transmissivity of the workpiece, detection of a workpiece edge, and the controlled sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus.

Abstract: A range sensor includes a light source, a light receiver, a controller, and a range information generator. The light source repeatedly emits illumination light onto a target. The light receiver receives light from the start of a time period during which the illumination light is emitted. The controller controls the light source and the light receiver so that each of the amounts of light received by the light receiver is cumulated in synchronization with emission of the illumination light. The range information generator generates range information indicating the range to the target based on the cumulative amounts of received light. The controller changes the cumulative number that is the number of cumulating operations in which the light receiver cumulates each of the amounts of received light, in accordance with the magnitudes of the cumulative amounts of received light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying noise data of laser ranging devices. The measurement data of a plurality of measurement points is acquired by a plurality of laser ranging devices 1A and 1B, which are placed such that the laser beam projection areas thereof overlap with each other. A set of measurement points common to the laser ranging devices 1A and 1B is extracted from the measurement points. Noise data is identified based on the measurement data of each of a plurality of (two) measurement points constituting the set of common measurement points.

Abstract: Provided are a movable marking system, a method of controlling a movable marking apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for indicating a direction. The method is executed by a mobile terminal, and includes: determining an orientation of a screen of the mobile terminal; determining any direction in four directions east, south, west, and north of a location of the mobile terminal; determining another direction based on the determined direction when the screen of the mobile terminal is determined to be downward, so that directions for every 90° are respectively the east, the north, the west, and the south in a clockwise direction; and displaying all the determined directions on the screen of the mobile terminal. By using the solutions in the embodiments, a user can obtain a correct direction indication even when holding the mobile terminal non-horizontally, so that accuracy of the direction indication of the mobile terminal is improved.

Abstract: A gyrostabiliser having a vacuum chamber assembly is disclosed. The gyrostabilizer can have a flywheel enclosed within a vacuum chamber formed by a housing. The flywheel shaft can be fixed to or integral with the flywheel and located relative to the housing by upper and lower spin bearings which permit rotation of the flywheel about the spin axis.

Abstract: To isolate an active portion of a gyroscope resonator from mounting stresses propagating through a resonator attachment center, the resonator includes a stress isolation feature that includes alternating concentric symmetric regions of high and low stiffness. The resonator may be separated into a large number of thin, compliant spring elements and larger stiff mass elements, the aggregate areas of which optimized for an aggregate resonator spring constant (by selecting a width and a length of the spring elements), an aggregate mass (by selecting a size of the mass elements), a thermoelastic loss maximum (by selecting a width of the spring elements) and an operating frequency (by selecting a ratio of the aggregate spring to the aggregate mass).

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a movable element having a mass that is asymmetric relative to a rotational axis and anchors attached to the substrate. First and second spring systems are spaced apart from the surface of the substrate. Each of the first and second spring systems includes a pair of beams, a center flexure interposed between the beams, and a pair of end flexures. One of the end flexures is interconnected between one of the beams and one of the anchors and the other end flexure is interconnected between one of the beams and the movable element. The beams are resistant to deformation relative to the center flexure and the end flexures. The first and second spring systems facilitate rotational motion of the movable element about the rotational axis and the spring systems facilitate translational motion of the movable element substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A MEMS gyroscope includes a proof mass of a suspended spring mass system that is driven at a drive frequency. The proof mass moves relative to a sense electrode such that an overlap of the proof mass and sense electrode changes during the drive motion. A Coriolis force causes the proof mass to move relative to the sense electrode. The overlap and the movement due to the Coriolis force are sensed, and angular velocity is determined based on the magnitude of a signal generated due to a change in overlap and the Coriolis force.

Abstract: A system includes a modulation controller that generates a modulation output signal that is employed to generate a modulation output signal to control light signals in a fiber optic coil. The modulation controller receives light signal feedback from the fiberoptic coil and controls the light signals in the fiber optic coil with the modulation output signal based on the light signal feedback. A transit time clock in the modulation controller has a clock speed to control a time period of the modulation output signal generated by the modulation controller. The time period is set to a period less than an optical transit time, tau, of the light signals applied to the fiber optic coil and returned from the coil after being applied.

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: A system, computer-readable medium, and a method to operate a vehicle in a manner that minimizes a cost to travel from an origin to a destination that includes finding the input to a flight control system that minimizes direct operating cost. The approach described herein employs an energy state approximation (ESA).

Abstract: A position detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of fixed stations 20; and a sensor unit 10 including an inertial sensor that detects movement history of a mobile body 51 and a distance sensor that detects separation distances between the mobile body 51 and the fixed stations 20. A position of the mobile body 51 is determined by detecting a first arrival position P1 obtained based on the movement history, a second arrival position P2 obtained based on the separation distances, and a relative distance L1 between the first arrival position P1 and the second arrival position P2, and by comparing a range value R1 obtained based on the movement history with the relative distance L1. The range value R1 is changed based on the movement history.

Abstract: In a method for processing data of a route profile, which represent local physical roadway properties of a route segment, position information is determined, which is representative of a global position of the route segment. Route profile data are determined, which are representative of local physical roadway properties of the route segment. A spectral distribution is determined in dependence on the route profile data, with regard to a quantity that represents location information. The spectral distribution is associated with the position information.

Abstract: A server system includes a communicator, a storage, and a controller. The controller is configured or programmed to receive positional information of a watercraft that a user of a wireless communication terminal is aboard and propulsion device information from the wireless communication terminal through the communicator. The propulsion device information indicates a type of a propulsion device on the watercraft. The controller creates cruise trajectory information and stores the created cruise trajectory information in the storage based on the positional information of the watercraft in association with the type of the propulsion device on the watercraft. The controller determines a frequency at which cruise trajectories of the watercraft match the cruise trajectories based on the cruise trajectory information in the storage. The controller creates cruise route information in association with the type of the propulsion device on the watercraft.

Abstract: An apparatus of compensating for a sensing value of a gyroscope sensor, a system having the same, and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a gyro bias compensator that eliminates a gyro bias from the gyro sensing value, which is received from a gyroscope sensor, through map matching between a detailed map and vehicle surrounding data which is acquired, and a gyro scale factor compensator that calculates a gyro scale factor by calculating a heading angle variation of a road, on which a vehicle is traveling, by using the detailed map when the vehicle is turning, and compensates for the gyro sensing value by using the calculated gyro scale factor.

Abstract: Roughly described, a three-dimensional, multi-layer map is built employing sensory data gathering and analysis. The sensory data are gathered from multiple operational cameras and one or more auxiliary sensors. The multi-layer maps are stored in a map stored to be distributed to one or more autonomous vehicles and robots in the future. The techniques herein are described with reference to specific example implementations to implement improvements in navigation in autonomous vehicles and robots.

Abstract: An online system build a high definition map for geographical regions based on sensor data captured by a plurality of vehicles driving through the geographical regions. The high definition map comprises landmark map including representations of driving paths and landmarks and occupancy map comprising spatial 3D representation of the road and all physical objects around the road. The vehicles provide information to update the landmark map and the occupancy map to the online system. The vehicles detect map discrepancies based on differences in the surroundings observed using sensor data compared to the high definition map and send messages describing these map discrepancies to the online system. The online system ranks the vehicles based on factors including an upload rate of the vehicle and requests data describing high definition map from vehicles selected based on the ranking.

Abstract: Techniques for providing target coverage using mobile assets are described, including techniques for dynamically adjusting routing of mobile assets to cover targets when a disruption occurs in the original routing and target coverage plans. Mobile assets are assigned routes to cover target areas and adherence to the routes is monitored. If a first mobile asset experiences a route interruption, other mobile assets are automatically re-routed to cover the target areas originally covered by the route of the first mobile asset.

Abstract: In one embodiment a transportation request specifying a pickup location is received. The transportation request is associated with an event to be attended by a subscriber to a transportation service. A start time of the event is determined. A data source associated with the event is monitored to detect whether the start time of the event has changed. A pickup time to pick up the subscriber for the event is determined wherein the pickup time is based at least in part on the start time of the event and the pickup location.

Abstract: Self-driving vehicles have unlimited potential to learn and predict human behavior and perform actions accordingly. Several embodiments described herein include a method of using a vehicle management system to identify a high traffic area and move a self-driving vehicle to meet a rider. Methods also include receiving, by the vehicle management system, a primary pick-up location to meet the rider and detecting, by an antenna of the self-driving vehicle, a number of remote computing devices adjacent the primary pick-up location. Additionally, methods may include determining, by at least one of the vehicle management system and a remote computing device associated with the rider, that the number of remote computing devices exceeds a predetermined remote computing device threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for route mapping with familiar routes include striking a balance between optimal routes from standard navigation systems minimizing time and distance and a mapping component that suggests familiar routes based on a user's route history. New routes including one or more familiar routes may be suggested to the user when they are not too far out of the way or take too long compared to the optimal routes and when they may be preferable or more comfortable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting points of interest (POIs) to include in navigation maneuvers presented by a navigation application of an electronic device. Navigation directions, including several maneuvers, are generated by a server device. Candidate POIs near locations corresponding to each of the maneuvers are identified and the server device receives requests from third parties that own each of the candidate POIs. The server device selects one of the candidate POIs for each maneuver based on the requests from the third parties and additionally based on the visibility of each of the candidate POIs from the location of the maneuver or the distance between the location of each of the candidate POIs and the location of the maneuver. The server device provides the navigation directions, including an indication of the selected POI for a corresponding maneuver, to the client device of the user who requested the navigation directions.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of generating and communicating map data agnostic routes between systems, and particularly, to identifying routes between an origin and one or more points-of-interest. Methods may include: receiving an indication of a route request between an origin and one or more points-of-interest; identifying a starting road segment corresponding to the origin; identifying a point-of-interest road segment corresponding to each of the one or more points-of-interest; generating at least one route between the starting road segment and a corresponding one of the one or more point-of-interest road segments; generating a fingerprint for the at least one route; and providing the fingerprints in response to the route request.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing method. The image processing method includes receiving images acquired from a plurality of vehicles positioned on a road; storing the received images according to acquisition information of the received images; determining a reference image and a target image based on images having the same acquisition information among the stored images; performing an image registration using a plurality of feature points extracted from each of the determined reference image and target image; performing a transparency process for each of the reference image and the target image which are image-registered; extracting static objects from the transparency-processed image; and comparing the extracted static objects with objects on map data which is previously stored and updating the map data when the objects on the map data which is previously stored and the extracted static objects are different from each other.

Abstract: Information related to a vehicle can be displayed by projecting an image based on the information on a road surface or the like. An image projection apparatus that projects an image includes: a sensor unit that acquires information related to a vehicle; and an image projection unit that projects the image based on the information acquired by the sensor unit.

Abstract: Lane-level vehicle routing and navigation apparatus includes a simulation module that performs microsimulation of individual vehicles in a traffic stream, and a lane-level optimizer that evaluates conditions along candidate paths from an origin to a destination as determined by the simulation module, and determines recommended lane-level maneuvers along the candidate paths. A link-level optimizer determines the candidate paths based on link travel times determined by the simulation module. The simulation may be based on real-time traffic condition data. Recommended candidate paths may be provided to delivery or service or emergency response vehicles, or used for evacuation planning, or to route vehicles such as garbage or postal trucks, or snowplows. Corresponding methods also may be used for traffic planning and management, including determining, based on microsimulation, (a) altered road geometry, (b) altered traffic signal settings, such as traffic signal timing, and/or (c) road pricing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time mapping using geohashing are described. In an example implementation, a method includes receiving current location data from a first computing device in real-time, mapping the current location data in a map that includes collected location data from a second computing device, generating a heat map based on the current location data and the collected location data, determining a line using the generated heat map, and providing a route suggestion based on the determined line to the first computing device.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle including (i) a vehicle main body, (ii) an input device that receives a destination input operation, (iii) a first display that displays information on a route to a destination inputted by the input device, the first display being arranged in the vehicle main body, (iv) an acquisition device for acquiring location-related information based on a current location of the vehicle main body or a location of a goal point of the vehicle main body, and (v) a second display that displays the location-related information acquired by the acquisition device, the second display being arranged in the vehicle main body.

Abstract: A walking measurement device is provided that includes a timing detection unit configured to detect an impact generation timing at which an impact resulting from a landing of a left foot or a right foot has been generated; an acceleration sensor configured to repeatedly detect, at predetermined time intervals, an acceleration in a lateral direction along which the left foot and the right foot are arranged side by side; and a first determination unit configured to determine whether the impact generation timing corresponds to a landing timing of the left foot or a landing timing of the right foot based on the impact generation timing detected by the timing detection unit and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: This electronic interface device between at least one avionic system and a set of sensors, each avionic system and the sensors being capable of being connected to an electronic interface device, is intended to be on board an aircraft. It comprises a module for detecting a first signal sent by a user or a piece of electronic equipment and received by a first sensor of the set; a module for activating at least a first sensor of the set, for receiving a second signal from the user or the piece of electronic equipment, each second sensor being determined based on the first signal and predefined determining rules; a module for acquiring the second signal received by each second sensor; and a module for generating a message corresponding to the second signal and sending said message to one or several avionic systems.

Abstract: Technologically improved vision systems and methods that provide enhanced water encoding are provided. The vision system receives terrain data from a terrain database and aircraft state data from a navigation system. The vision system commands a display system to display a map image that is reflective of a view from a current location of the platform. The vision system processes terrain data and aircraft state data to identify a water feature, determine a distance between the platform and the water feature, and determine a textural representation for the water feature. The textural representation comprises a symbol and an associated symbol pattern. The vision system commands a display system to overlay, on the map image, the water feature with the textural representation.

Abstract: A method of calculating a climb-dive marker (CDM) that is visibly present on a display even as the aircraft approaches a roll angle of +/?90° is provided. An exemplary CDM method comprises obtaining, an X-axis velocity, a Y-axis velocity, and a Z-axis velocity in aircraft body coordinates of an aircraft; calculating a CDM elevation; and displaying, by the controller, the calculated CDM elevation. The method can further comprise obtaining an angle of attack (AoA) of the aircraft and a roll angle of the aircraft, wherein the AoA is set as the value of the CDM elevation when the roll angle is within a preset range. The CDM elevation may also be calculated using a combination of the AOA and the CDM formula when roll angle is within a second preset range.

Abstract: A verification method comprising a first step of measuring at least one position parameter of an aircraft and a first set of steps implemented after the flight of at least one aircraft, in an automatic and repetitive manner, comprising computing a geographical height of an aircraft with respect to the runway on the basis of the position parameters of an aircraft, computing an evaluated vertical deviation, between the geographical height and a reference height, and computing a vertical error on the basis of a comparison between the evaluated vertical deviation and the reference vertical deviation.

Abstract: A device and method for a MEMS device with at least one sensor is disclosed. A thermal element is disposed in the MEMS device to selectively adjust a temperature of the MEMS device. A calibration operation is initiated for the sensor to determine a correction value to be applied to the sensor measurement based on the temperature. The correction value is stored.

Abstract: Different adapters and applications may publish information on the messaging bus and retrieve information from the bus simultaneously in a manner that does not cause interference or problems in the publication or retrieval. Meter data is cleaned, validated and estimated by separate applications using the above-described application and retrieval processes via the message bus for flexible and efficient processing.

Abstract: Position tracking systems comprising one or more emitters comprising one or more emitter magnetic loops, one or more receivers comprising one or more receiver magnetic loops and a processing unit and a processing unit comprising a mixed signal circuit, wherein the one or more emitters and the one or more receivers each further comprise one or more electromagnetic absorbers and electromagnetic blockers which are configured to ensure the respective emitter and receiver magnetic loops emit a magnetic field on their own plane. The one or more receiver magnetic loops, the one or more second electromagnetic absorbers, and the one or more second electromagnetic blockers are placed in between the one or more receivers to increase differences in the strengths of the incoming magnetic field such that the differences in the strengths are measurable by mixed signal circuit.

Abstract: A method for measuring a position of a device which is connected to a position sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of controlling an excitation unit to generate an excitation signal which excites the position sensor to provide a first feedback signal proportioned to the displacement of the device, controlling a sampling unit to sample the first feedback signal and obtain a plurality of first feedback samples, and calculating the position of the device based at least in part on the first feedback samples.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for detecting a position of a rotating optical fiber is provided. The apparatus includes at least one rotating optical fiber that rotates about an axis of rotation and that emits light towards a surface and at least two stationary fibers for transmitting light reflected from a surface, each of the at least two stationary fibers having a known predetermined position relative to each other and to the axis of rotation of the at least one rotating optical fiber. At least one detector is configured to detect an intensity of light transmitted through each of the at least two stationary fibers within a given time interval and at least one calculator is configured to use the detected intensities and the known predetermined positions of each of the at least two stationary fibers to determine a relative angular position of the rotating optical fiber with respect to the at least two stationary fibers.