Abstract: A system having an inertial sensor and an evaluation unit. The inertial sensor is configured to excite an oscillatory structure of the inertial sensor to execute a drive oscillation, so that an output data rate of the inertial sensor is derived as a function of a frequency of the drive oscillation. The evaluation unit has a reference clock generator and is configured to ascertain the output data rate of the inertial sensor as a function of a reference frequency of the reference clock generator and to determine the frequency and/or frequency change of the drive oscillation as a function of the ascertained output data rate. Alternatively, the inertial sensor is configured to receive a reference clock signal of the reference clock generator from the evaluation unit and to determine the frequency and/or frequency change as a function of the transmitted reference clock signal.

Abstract: Provided is a method of determining a mission of a device in an electronic device, including identifying external situation information and status information of a plurality of devices, identifying an object function related to a degree of fitness of a device for a mission, for each set of a plurality of solutions of a first generation for the plurality of devices, calculating a value of the object function using the external situation information and the status information, based on the value, determining a set of a plurality of solutions of a next generation for the plurality of devices through a genetic algorithm (GA), and based on a first solution from a set of a plurality of solutions of a second generation by repeating the calculating the value and the determining the set of the plurality of solutions of the next generation, determining a mission for the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A controller 13 of the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to acquire measured data outputted by a sensor group 2 that is measurement equipment. Then, the controller 13 is configured to determine a compression mode of the measured data, based on the compression related information I1 regarding compression mode of data in accordance with a position and/or a posture. Then, the controller 13 compresses the measured data based on the determined compression mode.

Abstract: This inertial navigation unit comprises a navigation data acquisition unit (1) and a first navigation stage (2) capable of calculating hybrid navigation values by combining navigation data.

Abstract: A structure alarm for sensing a change of status in the structure comprises an insert having a magnetic field, an encasing material encasing the insert, and a base attached to the encasing material and comprising a sensing assembly. Changes in the magnetic field correspond to changes in the status of the structure, and the sensing assembly is an inertial measurement unit that is adapted to send a signal corresponding to the changes in the magnetic field of the insert.

Abstract: A navigation system includes an IMU, a navigation estimator configured to estimate a current navigation solution based on (i) a previous navigation solution, and (ii) a specific force vector and an angular rate vector measured by the IMU, an RI sensor, an RI data preprocessor configured to perform an a priori transformation of RI data acquired by the RI sensor using the current navigation solution to obtain transformed RI data, an RI map database configured to retrieve a valid keyframe map based on the transformed RI data, and an RI filter manager (RFM) configured to construct a map registration cost gradient (MRCG) measurement based on (i) the transformed RI data, and (ii) the known position and the known orientation of the valid keyframe map. The navigation estimator is further configured to determine an absolute navigation solution based on at least (i) the current navigation solution, and (ii) the MRCG measurement.

Abstract: A portable flight navigation tool has a tablet computer with GPS, and memory with an aviation database with international operating rules including transoceanic flight rules, a moving-map database with tracks, coastal airport identifiers and locations, and predefined reporting point locations for transoceanic operations. The navigation tool includes machine readable code for displaying the operating rules, reading locations from the GPS while indicating them on a moving map display, and a trip database with a planned transoceanic route for an individual flight configured by entry of waypoints or names and selection of predefined tracks. The tool has a checklist database and displays checklists for pre-departure, coast-out flight phase, waypoint-reached, and a coast-in flight phases; and may provide a heading and next-waypoint timing for rhumb-line routes from GPS failure locations to the next waypoint of the active route. The tool links as a primary/secondary pair with another like tool.

Abstract: A method for automatic route planning includes recording a navigation destination using a navigation apparatus of a main motor vehicle, wherein the navigation apparatus configured for route planning. The method further includes detecting automatically whether the main motor vehicle is carrying a small vehicle. If so, then a multimodal route to the navigation destination is automatically planned using the navigation apparatus. The multimodal route includes a first route section that is to be traversed using the main motor vehicle, and a second route section that substantially adjoins the first route section at a transfer point, that leads to the navigation destination, and is to be traversed using the small vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular training system includes a sensor disposed at a vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The sensor is operable to capture sensor data. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes electronic circuitry and associated software, with the electronic circuitry of the ECU including a data processor for processing sensor data captured by the sensor. The vehicular training system, while the vehicle travels along the route for the data collection drive and while the sensor captures sensor data, compares a quantity of sensor data that is captured to a target quantity of sensor data to be captured by the vehicular training system for training an advanced driving assistance system. The vehicular training system adjusts the route of the vehicle based at least in part on comparison of the quantity of sensor data that is captured and the target quantity of sensor data.

Abstract: An approach is provided for computation of risk index. The approach, for example, involves acquiring historical probe data associated with an area. The historical probe data comprises data associated with distribution of vehicles entering or leaving the area in a given time partition. The approach further involves obtaining map feature data associated with an entrance or exit of the area, from a geographical database. The map feature data comprises data associated with physical objects in vicinity of the area. The approach further involves computing a risk index for the entrance or the exit for the given time partition, based on the historical probe data and the map feature data. The risk index indicates a probability of occurrence of a hazard in the vicinity of the entrance or the exit. The approach further involves storing the risk index as an attribute of the entrance or the exit in the geographic database.

Abstract: An operation management apparatus is configured to operate a vehicle by automated driving. The operation management apparatus includes a controller configured to acquire precipitation data indicating the amount of precipitation forecasted to fall during a time period that lasts until operation of the vehicle is completed, perform, using the acquired precipitation data as an input, a determination process to determine an occurrence state of puddles for each of a plurality of candidate links connecting a first node and a second node included in a route along which the vehicle is scheduled to travel, and select a link, from among the candidate links, based on a determination result of the occurrence state of the puddles and determine, as an operation route for the vehicle, a route constituted of the selected link.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device as an information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the latest satellite image of a region including a traveling road of a vehicle at predetermined time intervals, a detection unit that detects at least one of a change in the shape of the traveling road and an obstacle on the traveling road based on the satellite image acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs a detection result by the detection unit.

Abstract: The technology involves pullover maneuvers for vehicles operating in an autonomous driving mode. A vehicle operating in an autonomous driving mode is able to identify parking locations that may be occluded or otherwise not readily visible. A best case estimation for any potential parking locations, including partially or fully occluded areas, is compared against predictions for identified visible parking locations. This can include calculating a cost for each potential parking location and comparing that cost to a baseline cost. Upon determining that an occluded location would provide a more viable option than any visible parking locations, the vehicle is able to initiate a driving adjustment (e.g., slow down) prior to arriving at the occluded location. This enables the vehicle to minimize passenger discomfort while also providing notice to other road users of an intent to pull over.

Abstract: A travel route acquisition unit acquires a travel route of an electric vehicle. A weather information acquisition unit acquires weather information on the travel route. A route guidance information generation unit generates route guidance information based on the travel route thus acquired and the weather information thus acquired. When a low temperature area is present on the travel route, the travel route acquisition unit further acquires a different travel route, and the route guidance information generation unit generates route guidance information that recommends a travel route with few low temperature areas.

Abstract: A method of generating an indication of where, within a geographical region, a mobile unit can move to from a specified origin in the geographical region using a network of navigable elements in the geographical region and in accordance with a total movement budget specified for the mobile unit, the method including: for each sub-region of a set of one or more sub-regions of the geographical region, associating one or more corresponding utilization amounts with said sub-region; identifying an initial navigable element that corresponds to the origin; performing a sequence of steps, wherein each step includes: using an identification function to try to identify an additional navigable element, wherein the additional navigable element is a neighbour of an already-identified navigable element and can be reached by the mobile unit from the origin in accordance with the total movement budget; and in response to the identification function identifying an additional navigable element of at least one sub-region, perfo

Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) system for a multi-vehicle system having a lead vehicle and a trailer vehicle with independent propulsion and control includes a display disposed in the lead vehicle, a lead vehicle sensor suite, a trailer vehicle sensor suite, and a controller in signal communication with the display, the lead vehicle sensor suite, and the trailer vehicle sensor suite. The controller is programmed to generate a trailer mode screen on the display when the trailer vehicle is connected to the lead vehicle. The trailer mode screen includes (i) a trailer top view section providing a top-view graphical representation of the multi-vehicle system, and (ii) a trailer enhanced view section providing a 3D dynamic representation of the multi-vehicle system.

Abstract: An output device, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: acquire an objective that a user wishes to achieve after boarding a vehicle; and output a candidate site having a shortest total time among candidate sites that would enable the objective to be achieved, the total time including a predicted required time from a current location of the user and a predicted waiting time at a parking lot associated with the candidate site.

Abstract: A method is provided for using sensor data that is consistent with the model to verify the model, and using sensor data that is different from the model to identify regions of the model requiring updates. Methods include: receiving observation data associated with a geographic area; comparing the observation data with a model of the geographic area; in response to the observation data failing to correspond to the model of the geographic area, identifying the observation data as novel data; in response to the observation data corresponding to the model of the geographic area, identifying the observation data as same data; using the novel data to update a map of a map database to form an updated map; and for observation data identified as same data, maintaining the map of the map database without using the same data to update the map.

Abstract: A method of determining a signal state of a target traffic light includes: acquiring an isolated image of the target traffic light from an input image of the target traffic light, wherein the input image is captured when the vehicle is at a position, wherein the isolated image is acquired using image processing on the input image, the input image having been captured by a camera module of the vehicle; acquiring information about the target traffic light based on a map position in map data, the map position corresponding to the position of the vehicle when the input image is acquired; and determining the signal state of the target traffic light based on the isolated image of the target traffic light and based on the information about the target traffic light.

Abstract: A central map can be used in a construction environment to help position devices and receive updates from devices to update the central map. Devices in the construction environment, such augmented-reality devices, laser scanners, total stations, satellite navigation receivers, and others can be used to provide “crowd-sourced” data to update the central map as the construction environment changes.

Abstract: A method for flight constraints service includes receiving data items at a first computer, transforming the data items into formatted items, transforming metadata items associated with constraints into the formatted items, storing the formatted items in a database, receiving a request at the first computer to view a requested formatted item, generating a geospatial data interchange format file from the requested formatted item, transferring the geospatial data interchange format file from the first computer to a second computer, creating a visual presentation of the geospatial data interchange format file with the second computer, and presenting the visual presentation in a human-readable format at an output device. The data items have multiple data types. The formatted items includes multiple constraints. The constraints include multiple first constraints and multiple second constraints.

Abstract: Provided is an autonomous travel assistance device including a server device. The server device receives road state information from a roadside unit. The server device stores map information as a combination of a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links. The server device holds route information on a target vehicle. The server device receives, from the target vehicle, vehicle information on a position and a travel state of the target vehicle, selects a part of the nodes as a selected node based on the vehicle information and the route information, and selects a part of the links as a selected link based thereon. The server device transmits, as dynamic map information, information obtained by adding the road state information on the selected node and the selected link to the map information, to the target vehicle that autonomously travels along a planned travel route.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for quickly and accurately evaluating a trajectory of a projectile such as a satellite launching rocket or a missile by comparing the trajectory with a reference trajectory. The trajectory evaluation method includes: acquiring time series positioning data for a target and predetermined reference trajectory information; and mapping points representing the time series positioning data on a graph into corresponding points on a reference trajectory representing the predetermined reference trajectory information while relocating each mapped point onto a relocatable section taking into account a movable range dependent on a speed of the target, and determining a maximum value of distances moved by the points while the points are mapped and relocated as a similarity between the time series positioning data and the reference trajectory.

Abstract: Techniques for obtaining and processing utility consumption data (e.g., gas, water, electricity, etc.) of a utility network to determine if a violation has occurred with respect to a restriction schedule associated with a service site. By way of example, a number of utility restriction schedules associated with a number of service sites may be generated that indicate, for example, a type of restricted activity and/or event (e.g., irrigation), seasons and/or which days activity is allowed or not allowed, duration activity is allowed, and/or mitigation to take place if a violation is detected. A device (e.g., a smart utility meter, a router, etc.) may monitor utility consumption and detect a particular usage activity (e.g., irrigation) via data disaggregation. The device may compare the activity to the restriction schedule for that particular service site and perform automatic mitigation if a violation is detected.

Abstract: An analog meter reading system is applied to an analog meter provided with a scale and a pointer and reads a measured value of the analog meter. The analog meter reading system includes: a unique information acquisition unit that acquires unique information of the analog meter; an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the analog meter for reading the measured value; a detection unit that detects a reference point on the scale and a pointer from the image; a rotation angle calculation unit that calculates a rotation angle of the pointer until a state in which the pointer points to the reference point changes to a state in which the pointer points to the measuring point based on the reference point and the pointer that are detected; and a measured value conversion unit that converts the rotation angle into the measured value using the unique information.

Abstract: A sensor system (200) that includes a flexible substrate (502), a plurality of first sensing lines (504-X), and a plurality of second sensing lines (510-X) is disclosed. The flexible substrate has a first surface (506) and an opposite, second surface (508). The plurality of first sensing lines are substantially parallel and are spaced apart in the lateral direction, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing lines is coupled to the first surface of the flexible substrate. At least a portion of each of the plurality of second sensing lines is exposed on the first surface and at least a second portion of each of the plurality of second sensing lines is exposed on the second surface. The sensor system further detects, based on signals from the plurality of first sensing lines and the plurality of second sensing lines, that a user has made a swipe gesture along the first surface in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A micro-displacement measurement system having a picometer scale resolution and a measurement method. The measurement system comprises a probe module, a demodulation optical path module, a static lock-in amplification module, an upper computer module, and a micro-displacement drive module. The probe module comprises a measurement FBG sensor, a matching FBG sensor, a precision stainless steel needle tube, and an external support; the demodulation optical path module comprises an ASE broadband light source, a first circulator, a second circulator, and an InGaAs photodetector; the upper computer module comprises a data acquisition card and a computer; and the micro-displacement drive module comprises a piezoelectric ceramic nano-positioner, a piezoelectric ceramic driver, a three-dimensional precision micro-motion platform.

Abstract: A correction system (1) according to the present disclosure includes: an optical fiber sensing apparatus (101) configured to receive an optical signal from an optical fiber (200), and acquire sensed data from the optical signal; an analysis apparatus (102) configured to analyze an analysis target based on the sensed data; an absolute value acquisition apparatus (103) configured to acquire an absolute value of the analysis target; and a correction apparatus (104) configured to correct an analysis result for the analysis target from the analysis apparatus (102), based on the absolute value of the analysis target.

Abstract: A housing containing an optical sensor, including a light-transmitting body, a housing base to contain the optical sensor, the housing base holding the light-transmitting body in such a way that the light-transmitting body is able to vibrate, and one or a plurality of actuators that vibrate the light-transmitting body. A sensor device includes the housing and the optical sensor contained in the housing.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes at least one sensor and at least two busbars. The busbars have first ends forming an internal electric interface for contacting the sensor and second ends forming an external electric interface for a connection cable or a plug receiving area. An injection-molded plastic housing defines the outer shape of the sensor unit and forms a sensor receiving area with a through-opening, which holds the sensor. The housing partly encases the busbars such that the internal electric interface is at least partly free and accessible near the sensor receiving area and the external electric interface is formed within the housing. The sensor and the internal electric interface are surrounded by a potting compound in a media-tight manner to form a sealed sensor head. The potting compound is formed of a material that can be processed at lower pressures and/or temperatures than the plastic material of the housing.

Abstract: A sensor, an assembly of the sensor with a pair of cylindrical pipes, and a method have the sensor in-line with the pipes and with a 360 degree range of detection of a first characteristic of the pipes about a common longitudinal axis of the pipes. The sensor has an annular electrode and a conductor connecting the annular electrode to a measurement transmitter. The annular electrode detects the first characteristic and generates a first measurement signal corresponding to the first characteristic. The conductor conveys the first measurement signal to the measurement transmitter. The method implements the operation of the sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an irrigation flow sensor system, comprising: a housing forming a fluid channel to cooperate with conduits of an irrigation system; a paddle wheel device with at least a first blade of a set of the blades comprises a magnetic element; the paddle wheel device is positioned with at least a portion of the blades extends into the fluid channel as the blades rotate about an axis; a magnetic sensor proximate a pathway of the magnetic element as it rotates configured to provide a sensor output every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor; a switch coupled to the magnetic sensor and a current loop, wherein the switch in an activate state is configured to temporarily change the current in the current loop in response to the sensor output, with a rate of change in current corresponding to a flow rate of the fluid flowing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining mass flow rate of a CO2 rich stream using dielectric permittivity are described. A method herein measures a dielectric permittivity of a CO2 rich stream; determines a density of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity; determines a viscosity of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity; measures a pressure drop of the CO2 rich stream flowing through a flow restriction; and determines mass flow rate of the CO2 rich stream using the measured pressure drop, the determined density, and the determined viscosity.

Abstract: A water management system having an integrated independent power supply that is configured to be operably coupled to a water meter wherein the invention is operable to provide continuous monitoring of water flow into a structure by measuring magnetic field data generated by a water meter. The invention includes a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly that are configured to be operably coupled to a water meter. The second sensor assembly facilitates the ability to capture data from single or compound water meter. The first sensor assembly includes a magnetometer operable to measure a magnetic field produced by a rotating magnet in the water meter. The magnetic field data is converted into a square wave which is wirelessly transmitted to an external computing device. The second sensor assembly functions identically as the first sensor assembly wherein the data therefrom is transmitted to the first sensor assembly for transmission.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a physical quantity detection device and a signal processing device capable of improving accuracy in detecting an air flow rate by a thermal flow sensor during pulsation of air including a reverse flow region. The signal processing device 200 includes a direction determination unit 210, an increase/decrease determination unit 220, a correction factor storage unit 230, a correction factor selection unit 240, and a signal correction unit 250. The direction determination unit 210 determines a forward flow or a reverse flow of the air based on a detection signal DS of the thermal flow sensor. The increase/decrease determination unit 220 determines an increase or decrease in flow rate of the air based on the detection signal DS. The correction factor storage unit 230 stores first to fourth factors used for correction of the detection signal DS.

Abstract: An example sensing and secretion bypass apparatus and an associated method of manufacturing. The sensing and secretion bypass apparatus may include an air flow sensor. The sensing and secretion bypass apparatus may further include an adapter including a chamber having a first end configured to receive an air flow and a second end connected to the air flow sensor. The air flow may include secretions. The sensing and secretion bypass apparatus may further include an elevated member disposed within the chamber proximate the second end and configured to prevent the secretions from entering the air flow sensor. The sensing and secretion bypass apparatus may further include a disposal housing in fluid communication with the chamber of the adapter and configured to collect the secretions received via the first end of the chamber.

Abstract: A flow sensor configured to measure the flow of a fluid flowing through a tubular structure comprises a first detection unit that is configured to detect flows above a predefined lower flow level representing the lowest flow that can be measured by the first detection unit and a second detection unit that is configured to estimate the flow below the lower flow level (on the basis of the temperature difference between the surroundings and a fluid). The second detection unit is configured to estimate the flow below the lower flow level on the basis of one or more measurements made in a flow-calibration-area in which the flow sensor can detect the flow and in which the flow depends on the temperature difference.

Abstract: In a method of estimating water consumption of a fixture which uses water, measurements of at least two of ambient sound, contact sound, and temperature are captured via a sensor assembly disposed proximate the fixture. From the captured measurements both a number of uses of the fixture and a duration of use each of the uses of the fixture are determined. Based on the number of uses and duration of the uses, water consumed by the fixture and consumables used in conjunction with the fixture are estimated.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device including a wall protruding from and surrounding a base portion and an open top portion located opposite the base portion. The device may define a volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity for a food type. Also described is a kit including a first bowl and a second bowl. In some examples, the first and second bowls each include a wall protruding from and surrounding a base portion and defining an open top portion located opposite the base portion. According to some examples, the first bowl defines a first volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity of a first food type and the second bowl defines a second volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity of a second food type that is different from the first volume corresponding to the predetermined macronutrient quantity of the first food type.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for tank level monitoring. To perform monitoring of fuel levels of fuel tanks, tank level monitor devices may be affixed to the fuel tanks. The tank level monitors may be used to provide data relating to the fuel tanks to a remote location (such as a mobile device application). A predictive algorithm may also be implemented to more effectively schedule refueling events for various fuel tanks.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a non-contact level sensor system for a liquid tank. The non-contact level sensor system includes a non-contact level sensor positioned above a maximum level of liquid in the liquid tank, a float configured to float on a surface of the liquid and reflect and/or scatter energy emitted by the non-contact level sensor. The position of the float in a plane perpendicular to the energy emitted by the non-contact level sensor is confined within a housing, and the vertical distance between the float and the non-contact level sensor is related to an amount of liquid inside the liquid tank.

Abstract: Provided is a technique which makes it possible to suitably evaluate a weight of a target object disposed in a container. A weight estimation method includes: a first obtaining step of obtaining first image data for training included in first type image data on a target object which has been scooped up by an excavator and is disposed in a container; a training step of training, with reference to the first image data and a measured weight of the target object, an estimation model that outputs a weight of the target object based on the first type image data; a second obtaining step of obtaining second image data for estimation included in the first type image data; and an estimating step of estimating the weight of the target object based on the estimation model and the second image data.

Abstract: The present invention corresponds to a weigh-in-motion system for motor vehicles based on flexible, fiber-optic sensors. The field of application of the patent object is the measurement of dynamic physical events that are caused directly or indirectly by the passage of a motor vehicle over the sensors. This system consists of 5 blocks: an information processing and display equipment (5) is connected to an optical emission and detection equipment (2), one or more presence sensors (3), a temperature sensor (4), and one or more weight sensors (1). It has advantages over other technologies, such as: simplified manufacture and compact size, sensors immune to electromagnetic interference, long service life, and the possibility of being installed on different types of pavement.

Abstract: A handheld acoustic imaging tool and method of imaging acoustic signals includes receiving acoustic signals from a scene, identifying a subset of the acoustic signals based on a predetermined condition of an acoustic parameter of the acoustic signals, and generating a display image using electromagnetic image data representative of electromagnetic radiation from the scene. The display image visually indicates a location in the scene corresponding to the subset of the acoustic signals. Generating the display image may further include using acoustic image data representative of the subset of the acoustic signals, wherein the electromagnetic image data and the acoustic image data are shown together in the display image. In some cases, the acoustic image data in the display image may be palettized according to the acoustic parameter, for example according to an amount, an amount of change, or a rate of change, of the acoustic parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vibration sensor and an electronic equipment. The vibration sensor includes a circuit board assembly, a shell, a vibration pick-up assembly, a support shell and a chip assembly. The shell is configured to cover a side of the circuit board assembly to form an installation space. The vibration pick-up assembly is provided in the installation space, and is configured to pick up an external bone vibration and generate a response vibration. The support shell is connected to a side of the vibration pick-up assembly away from the circuit board assembly. The chip assembly is connected to a side of the support shell away from the circuit board assembly, and is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly. The vibration pick-up assembly, the support shell and the chip assembly are enclosed to form a conduction cavity.

Abstract: A system for controlling the activation/deactivation of an electromagnetic shielding screen of a porthole or a protective window of an optoelectronic equipment, which includes, a radiofrequency electromagnetic sensor, with a bandwidth adapted to a cut-off band of said shielding screen corresponding to a range of electromagnetic fields to be blocked, connected to a detector-rectifier with a sensitivity higher than a minimum value of the power of an electromagnetic field to be blocked by means of said shielding screen and a device for activating/deactivating said electromagnetic shielding screen, said detector-rectifier being configured, in the presence of the electromagnetic field with a power exceeding said minimum value, to activate said device for activating/deactivating the electromagnetic shielding screen by capturing the electromagnetic energy supplied by said electromagnetic fields with a power exceeding said minimum value.

Abstract: A proximity sensing device includes: a light source, a sensing unit, a light guide unit, and a window. The light source emits light, which is guided by the light guide unit to the window. The emitted light reflected by an object is received by the same window. The light guide unit includes a partial-transmissive-partial-reflective (PTPR) optical element, whereby the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the PTPR optical element, while the light reflected by the object passes through the PTPR optical element. There is only one window required.

Abstract: A common centroid ambient light sensor includes a matrix of photodiodes having exactly a first row and a second row, at least three color channels, a readout circuit of the first color channel connected to exactly one photodiode in the first row and exactly one photodiode in the second row, and a readout circuit of the second color channel connected to exactly one photodiode in the first row and exactly one photodiode in the second row.

Abstract: A light sensing apparatus includes a pixel array including Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) and an interface integrated circuit including silicon transistors. The pixel array includes a plurality of pixel circuits. Each of the plurality of pixel circuits includes a light sensitive device and a detection TFT connected to the light sensitive device. The pixel array may also include a plurality of correlated double sampling (CDS) circuits each including a current source configured to provide current that biases a detection TFT in one of the pixel circuits to be configured as a source-follower. The interface integrated circuit includes at least one receiver circuit configured to receive an output of at least one of the CDS circuits. The CDS circuits may also include a bypass TFT, and the interface integrated circuit may also include a current source that provides current that biases a detection TFT in one of the pixel circuits to be configured as a source-follower when the bypass TFT is active.

Abstract: An autonomous system for providing consistent images of leaves of plants is disclosed which includes a mobility system configured to move from an originating position to a position above a plant in a field, a robotic system coupled to the mobility system, the robotic system includes a manipulator providing a plurality of degrees of freedom, and an imaging system having an imaging chamber and one or more cameras, the imaging system coupled to the manipulator, the manipulator and the imaging system cooperate to position the imaging system about a leaf of a plant such that the manipulator articulates the imaging chamber substantially parallel and in line with the leaf and further moves the imaging system so that the leaf enters the imaging chamber thereby allowing the imaging system to obtain images of the leaf.