Abstract: Monitoring systems for data collection in a vehicle steering system include a vehicle steering system comprising a rack, a pinion, and a steering column; a data acquisition circuit structured to interpret a plurality of detection values, each of the plurality of detection values corresponding to at least one of a plurality of input sensors, each of the plurality of input sensors operationally coupled to the rack, the pinion, or the steering column, and communicatively coupled to the data acquisition circuit; a signal evaluation circuit comprising: a timer circuit structured to generate at least one timing signal; and a phase detection circuit structured to determine a relative phase difference between at least one of the plurality of detection values and the at least one timing signal from the timer circuit; and a response circuit structured to perform at least one operation in response to the relative phase difference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data collection and processing system are disclosed. A multiplexer in a data collector may receive a plurality of sensor channels, wherein each of the plurality of sensor channels is coupled to at least one of a plurality of industrial sensors operationally coupled to an industrial environment. The multiplexor may perform signal conditioning including generating a timing signal from a trigger channel and deriving a relative phase between a trigger channel and an input channel in response to the timing signal. The signal conditioning may include internet protocol (IP) front-end end signal conditioning to improve a signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: The invention is an improved sensor assembly including a housing; a first header and a second header coupled to the housing; a first transducer coupled to the first header and a second transducer coupled to the second header. The first transducer is configured to measure a first pressure to generate a first pressure signal. The second transducer is configured to measure a second pressure to generate a second pressure signal. The first transducer and the second transducer are positioned in the housing such that a first temperature of the first transducer is about equivalent to a second temperature of the second transducer during operation of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: To detect a motion of a hitting tool more precisely by a sensor, provided is a sensor device including: a base member configured to be mounted on a hitting tool via a fitting structure; a substrate joined to the base member; a sensor disposed on the substrate and configured to detect a motion of the hitting tool delivered via the base member and the substrate; a communication unit configured to transmit a detection result of the motion of the hitting tool to an external device; and an exterior member configured to cover the sensor and the communication unit.

Abstract: The control system includes: a master device control part (20) controlling a master device (101) with a certain number of control axes (m) by using master information (Mm) composed of elements equal in number to the number of control axes; and a slave device control part (40) controlling a slave device (102) with a certain number of control axes (n) by using slave information (Sn) composed of elements equal in number to the number of control axes. A central control device (30) of the disclosure includes an abstracted master information creating part (31) for creating abstracted master information (AM6) having a fixed number of elements based on a predetermined manner for allocation and according to the number of elements of the received master information (Mm), and provides the abstracted master information (AM6) to the slave device control part (40) for creating the slave information (Sn).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method in which a plurality of shock sensing subassemblies are arranged within the tool string to monitor the transient response of formation characteristics to various stimuli, including changes in pressure and temperature of a region of a wellbore that is nearby the formation. The systems and methods involve gathering measurements that reflect the transient response and comparing the measured data to predicted data. The results of the comparison can be used to determine formation properties and to refine and improve modeling processes used to generate the predicted data.

Abstract: Transmission of data over a serial link based on a unidirectional clock signal is provided. A unidirectional clock signal is generated based on a first clock of a master device. The unidirectional clock signal is sent to a slave device that is connected to the serial link. The master device transmits data to the slave device over the serial link based on the first clock. The slave device receives the unidirectional clock signal from a master device. The slave device transmits data over the serial link to the master device based on the unidirectional clock signal.

Abstract: A method, electronic device, computer program product, system and circuit assembly are provided for allocating one or more redundant pictures by taking into consideration the information content of the primary pictures, with which the redundant pictures would be associated. In particular, primary pictures that are determined to be more sensitive to transmission loss or corruption may be allocated one or more redundant pictures, while those that are less sensitive may not be so allocated. By selectively allocating redundant pictures to only those primary pictures that are more sensitive, the method disclosed reduces the amount of overhead associated with redundant pictures and increases the coding efficiency, without sacrificing the integrity of the video data.

Abstract: A decoder for decoding a received set of blocks each including a plurality of data symbols and a plurality of parity symbols, wherein the received set of blocks is a subset of a complete set of blocks, the complete set of blocks including at least one erased block not included in the received set of blocks, the decoder including: a storage for a coding matrix which is the kronecker product of a totally non-singular matrix with an antidiagonal matrix; and a processor operable to determine data symbols of the at least one erased block using the encoding matrix.

Abstract: A self-contained metrology wafer carrier systems and methods of measuring one or more characteristics of semiconductor wafers are provided. A wafer carrier system includes, for instance, a housing configured for transport within the automated material handling system, the housing having a support configured to support a semiconductor wafer in the housing, and a metrology system disposed within the housing, the metrology system operable to measure at least one characteristic of the wafer, the metrology system comprising a sensing unit and a computing unit operably connected to the sensing unit. Also provided are methods of measuring one or more characteristics of a semiconductor wafer within the wafer carrier systems of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for RFID communications in a process control system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a radio-frequency identification tag operatively coupled to a field device of a process control system. The radio-frequency identification tag has a processor, an onboard memory, and an antenna. The onboard memory stores data received from the field device to be communicated to a radio frequency identification reader. Power for the processor and the onboard memory is to be drawn from control system power provided to the field device.

Abstract: A testing system includes a test machine, a plurality of probe sets, a data input device, a controller, a memory, and a data output device. The test machine has a platform for a DUT to be placed thereon, and a test arm which is movable relative to the platform. The probe sets are provided on the test machine with at least one probe set provided on the test arm to contact the DUT. The data input device is used to input information about the DUT. The controller is electrically connected to the test arm, the probe set on the test arm, and the data input device to move the test arm to a predetermined position according to the inputted information, and to make the probe set contact the DUT for electrical test. The memory saves electrical test result, which is outputted by the data output device.

Abstract: A device includes a bus interface to couple to a shared bus of a sensor network. The device also includes a sensor interface to couple to a sensor of the sensor network. The device further includes a gated pulse width modulation circuit coupled to the bus interface and to the sensor interface. The gated pulse width modulation circuit is configured to transmit, during a time slot determined based on a timing signal received via the shared bus, an analog pulse width modulated representation of a signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: a bidirectional repeater for repeating an electrical signal traversing a conductive line coupled between a gateway node and a sensor, the bidirectional repeater comprising a first input-output port coupled to the gateway node, a second input-output port coupled to the sensor, a first transceiver configured to receive a synchronization signal from the first input-output port and to transmit a resynchronized data signal to the first input-output port, a second transceiver configured to transmit the synchronization signal to the second input-output port and to receive a data signal from the second input-output port, and a repeater circuit coupled to the first and second transceivers and configured to pass through the synchronization signal, and to resynchronize the data signal to generate the resynchronized data signal.

Abstract: A measuring device provides a central data-processing unit, a control unit and at least one memory unit. The control unit and the at least one memory unit are connected to the central data-processing unit. At a given time, the control unit compares the adjustable parameters of the measuring device with parameters for a basic setting of the measuring device and generates control commands for the adjustment of the deviating parameters, or the control unit registers the parameter changes from a given time and generates control commands from these in order to adjust the changed parameters.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus provided with a reader for reading an original image, a connection unit for connection with a network to which plural computers are connected, and a transfer units for transferring the image data, read by the reader, to a computer through the connection unit, the apparatus comprises a specifying unit for specifying desired one among the computers connected through the connection unit, and a designation unit for designating image reading by the reader, wherein the transfer unit is adapted to transfer the image data, read by the reader in response to the designation by the designation unit, to a computer specified by the specifying unit.

Abstract: An evaluation method for hit feeling of a sport implement according to the present invention includes an acceleration measurement step for measuring acceleration of a sport hitting tool 4 and a data analysis step for analyzing data obtained in the measurement. In the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in a first cycle of vibration after hitting is calculated. The evaluation method evaluates hit feeling to be felt by a person, using the amount of change in the acceleration. Preferably, in the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in the first cycle of predetermined time is calculated. The predetermined time is within 1.5 msec from the time of hitting. Preferably, the sport hitting tool 4 has the hitting section detachably attached to a shaft section.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for diagnosing problems in a hydrostatic transmission of a vehicle including a transmission control unit that has a monitor and pressure sensors and at least one temperature sensor connectable between diagnostic hose ports coupled to the transmission and inputs on the transmission control unit. A symptom or problem area is selected on the monitor; and a test sequence is initiated by command input on the monitor. The transmission control unit performs calculations based upon input data from the pressure sensors to determine a hydraulic problem, and provides directions for adjustments or replacing parts on the hydrostatic transmission. The monitor may provide instructions to relocate existing sensor connections for the test sequence selected.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring parameters of a cable system of an electric power transmission system, wherein: a plurality of monitoring nodes is associated with different monitoring points of the cable system; the monitoring nodes are operated alternatively in a sleeping mode and in an active mode; in the active modes the monitoring nodes acquire values of at least one of said parameters and process the acquired values so as to generate corresponding output data; a central unit collects the output data generated by the monitoring nodes; the output data generated by the monitoring nodes are sent from the monitoring nodes, when in active mode, toward the central unit by making them pass from one of the monitoring nodes to another, by starting from the monitoring node that generates the output data until a last of the monitoring nodes, which forwards the output data to the central unit.

Abstract: A system for optically monitoring a gas turbine engine includes an optical multiplexer configured to receive multiple images from respective viewports into the gas turbine engine. The optical multiplexer includes a movable reflective device configured to selectively direct at least a portion of each image toward a detector array, and the detector array is directed toward a fixed location on the optical multiplexer.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle provided with a continuously variable electric transmission mechanism capable of sequential shift mode, a minimum engine rotational speed is specified for each gear specified in the sequential shift mode so that the lower the gear, the greater the minimum engine rotational speed. When the engine rotational speed has decreased to the minimum rotational speed while driving in the sequential shift mode, an upshift lamp of a gear shift indication device is turned on to prompt the driver to manually shift to a higher gear. As the driver shifts to a higher gear in response to the prompt, the minimum engine rotational speed is specified to a lower value. That allows for further decrease of the engine rotational speed and improves fuel consumption rate.

Abstract: A disclosed telemetry system comprises an Nth number of telemetry devices and an equal number of standard disposable circular electrode patches. A body of each telemetry device in the system includes a female snap receptor configured to attach to a single male snap post of an electrode patch. A wireless transmitter module is disposed immediately around and in direct connection with each female snap receptor. Each wireless transmitter module transmits a signal from the respective female snap receptor to a receiver. A wireless receiver module is configured to receive and to process an Nth number of transmitted signals from the Nth number of telemetry devices into an Nth?1 number of signals where the number of signals is greater than zero. There are Nth?1 number of signals because at least one of the Nth telemetry devices is configured as a ground reference for the rest of the Nth telemetry devices.

Abstract: A fast data method is contemplated to speed data processing and/or transmission times associated with sensor devices desiring to report or otherwise communicate electronic data over wireless or wireline communications mediums to a processing entity. The fast data method may be achieved by scheduling transmission windows/intervals for the sensor devices and adjusting the scheduled intervals in a manner aimed at increasing processing/polling speeds and/or in a manner aimed at facilitating transmission of data built-up over time due to a prior inability to transmit the data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of using content information for encoding multimedia data are described. A method of processing multimedia data includes obtaining content information of multimedia data, and encoding the multimedia data so as to align a data boundary with a frame boundary in a time domain, wherein said encoding is based on the content information. In another aspect, a method of processing multimedia data includes obtaining a content classification of the multimedia data, and encoding blocks in the multimedia data as intra-coded blocks or inter-coded blocks based on the content classification to increase the error resilience of the encoded multimedia data. Apparatus that can process multimedia data described in these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A time division multiple access (TDMA) media access control (MAC) protocol is provided for wireless body area networks (BANs). In particular, in some embodiments the described network devices utilize a reservation-based power saving polling (RESP) MAC protocol for communication. The RESP MAC can be configured to provide methods for emergency event handling of both bursty data and streaming data.

Abstract: An ingestible apparatus produces and processes physiological signals representative of a physiological parameter. The apparatus measures the physiological parameter from within the body of a living entity. The apparatus includes a physiological transducer circuit to sense the physiological signals, a processor to process the physiological signals in response to the physiological transducer circuit, and a transmitter that transmits the processed signals during transmission intervals which are alternated with idle intervals. The apparatus further includes a capacitor-based circuit, including at least one capacitor, to accumulate sufficient charge during one of the idle intervals to supply power to the transmitter during one of the transmission intervals.

Abstract: A telemetric system includes a telemetric implant, a reader unit adapted to read signals from the telemetric implant, and an antenna adapted for connection to the reader unit and to receive signals from the telemetric implant. The antenna has a first coil, a second coil, and a connector. The first coil is electrically connected to the second coil, and the connector allows for movement of the first and second coils relative to each other. The antenna may be used to send radio-frequency power to the telemetric implant and receives data from the telemetric implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of notifying an alert status. The method includes using at least two binary alert status indication fields to indicate alert status information; changing a value of the alert status indication field when alert information is changed; and periodically sending the alert status information. The alert status indication field in a interworking element of a beacon frame is extended so that the status of the emergency alert is detected, the change to the emergency alert status is reflected by the value of the extended alert status indication field, and the change to the emergency alert can be detected and handled in a timely manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, a method and an apparatus for acquiring data, the device comprising a wireless network including a set of nodes (100), each node (100) including a sender (140) and a receiver (150) for sending and/or receiving and/or relaying data and/or commands, and a satellite positioning system (130), characterized in that each satellite positioning system (130) includes means for providing specific data used for time-stamping the data relative to a common time reference, organizing an access to the wireless network in a perfectly controlled manner, and routing data and/or commands within the network.

Abstract: A method for ordering telemetry messages containing attributes individually not sufficient to establish total ordering is provided. An initial rank value is assigned for a first telemetry message. For a subsequent telemetry message, it is determined if an attribute of the subsequent telemetry message indicates an ordering of the subsequent telemetry message with respect to the first telemetry message. If the attribute indicates the ordering of the subsequent telemetry message, a subsequent rank value is assigned to the subsequent telemetry message one higher than a highest rank value already assigned, otherwise a correct slot of the subsequent message is determined by minimizing a distance from an S slot corresponding to the highest rank value already assigned to a first non-empty slot by application of a Lazy Walker algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for time synchronization among distributed communication devices, particularly wireless and even beyond communications range, either fixed or mobile, configured to communicate data with each other, typically over peer to peer local area networks, specifically mesh or ad-hoc networks, where said communication devices are usually dormant in order to save battery power, then said devices are configured to simultaneously wake up and accordingly allocate synchronized time slots for communications among thereof. A particular embodiment of the present invention concerns with Automatic Meter Reading (AMR).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a switching interface for a first receiver, a second receiver, and a resistor ladder. A first terminal is coupled to a first resistor of the resistor ladder. A second terminal is coupled to the first resistor. A third terminal is coupled to a reference voltage. A switch has a first state coupling the first terminal to the third terminal and a second state coupling the second terminal to the third terminal. A first analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is coupled to the resistor ladder and the first receiver. The first A/D is configured to compare a first voltage with a second voltage to determine if the switch is positioned in the first state or the second state. A second analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is coupled to the resistor ladder and the second receiver and also configured to perform a voltage comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telemetering system that comprises a wireless base station and a number of wireless sensor nodes. Each wireless sensor node includes a solar cell, a sensor for producing observation data indicating a quantity being measured, a wireless interface for receiving the observation data from the sensor when the node is activated, and a time-schedule memory for storing time-schedule data. Control circuitry briefly activates its own node by supplying power from the solar cell to the wireless interface at periodic intervals according to the time-schedule data of the memory and briefly establishes a wireless link to the base station. During the time the wireless link is briefly established, the control circuitry of each node transmits the observation data to the base station and updates its time-schedule memory if it receives time-schedule data from the base station.

Abstract: A multiplexing system is provided for a plurality of sensors disposed in a tank containing a potentially explosive environment and excited from a common excitation circuit outside of the tank through a corresponding plurality of signal lines that penetrate the tank. The multiplexing system comprises: a multiplexer switch for each sensor, each multiplexer switch disposed outside of the tank in series with the corresponding signal line between the common excitation circuit and the corresponding sensor in the tank.

Abstract: A field apparatus for controlling a controlled element includes a diagnosis unit for diagnosing abnormality of the field apparatus and/or the controlled element and a bidirectional digital communication device to send a digital signal which shows a diagnosis result to outside and to receive a digital signal from outside in order to execute a control of the controlled element. Other predetermined functions are effected based on a command signal in the form of an analog signal received from outside by a analog communications device of the apparatus. Electric power for operation is supplied through a switching means that can switch either a electric power that is supplied by the analog communications device or a electric power that is supplied by the bidirectional digital communication device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include first and second pulse trains input to a switch in synchronization. The first and second pulse trains may have a repeating high and low values at first and second frequencies, respectively, and the first pulse train may transition from the low to the high value with a first edge sharpness. The second pulse train input may have a lower than the first frequency. The switch may use a selection signal in synchronization with the first pulse train to select an output from the first or second pulse train to create an output pulse train appropriate to transition fault test an integrated circuit. The switch may switch from the second pulse train to the first pulse train and substantially maintain the first edge sharpness of the first pulse train during a low value of both the first and second pulse trains.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide for transmitting data from a downhole location to the surface. In one embodiment, a communications medium provides data transfer capabilities to the surface. A first downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a first downhole parameter and transmit first data relative to the first downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a first time. A second downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a second downhole parameter and transmit second data relative to the second downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a second time such that the first data is interleaved with the second data.

Abstract: In an apparatus for multiplex communication, a bus line constitutes a bus type network for connecting a plurality of terminal communication equipments. A plug-shaped terminating resistance device is detachably provided at an end of the bus line to reduce reflection noise.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus, a wireless communication method thereof, and a wireless communication system employing the same. A master device of the wireless communication system requests one slave device of a network to perform a function of a master device for a predetermined time, and sends Piconet information about other slave devices of the network, while the one slave device receives the Piconet information from the master device and communicates with the other slave devices of the network for a predetermined time as a temporary master device. Accordingly, the one slave device becomes a dynamic master device and communicates with the other slave devices by using a frequency hopping sequence and a clock of a previous master device as they are, there is no need to transmit the frequency hopping sequence and the clock of the new master device to the slave devices, and accordingly, much time can be saved.

Abstract: A connection system for communicating multiple signals between a steering wheel and a steering column of a vehicle over a single wire is provided that uses time division to multiplex multiple signals. A plurality of signals are multiplexed together ranging from two to as many signals as desired. Input switches are grouped together to form a ladder multiplexer, such as a resistive multiplexer, that includes voltage and current muxing. A plurality of ladder multiplexers are joined together in a time division multiplexing scheme that operates continuously. An analog line may be added as a single channel. A marker pulse is used to signal the start of each time window to be divided for all the channels. Time division multiplexing is provided by a number of switching means.

Abstract: A signal receiver for tire air pressure monitoring system determines whether the pressure detection signals from all transmitters have been received during an engine stop state. Upon affirmative determination, the receiver sets a timer, and deactivates the entire or partial function of the receiver. The receiver determines whether the second predetermined period has expired after the setting of the timer. Until the period passes, the receiver retains the deactivated state thereby to save electric power consumption during engine stop state.

Abstract: In an apparatus for multiplex communication, a bus line constitutes a bus type network for connecting a plurality of terminal communication equipments. A plug-shaped terminating resistance device is detachably provided at an end of the bus line to reduce reflection noise.

Abstract: In the data transmission system according to the present invention, a master apparatus transmits data to a plurality of slave apparatuses during a time block T1-1 and the individual slave apparatuses transmit data for the master apparatus during a time block T1-3. Slave apparatus control signals transmitted by the master apparatus for the individual slave apparatuses are transmitted through a control channel group 31 having time slots that correspond to the individual slave apparatuses, whereas master apparatus control signals for the master apparatus transmitted by the individual slave apparatuses are transmitted through a control channel group 35 having time slots that correspond to the individual slave apparatuses.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensors connected to two or more groups of wires such that individual sensors can be addressed. No two sensors are connected to the same two wires. The groups of wires are connected to multiplexers or the like to address particular wires connecting a unique sensor. Dramatically improved accuracy is obtained by connecting rectifiers in series with the sensors to significantly reduce reverse current through a sensor that can lead to significant errors.

Abstract: For the safe evaluation of sensor signals, singular further processing is permitted by producing a redundancy signal in accordance with a prescribed algorithm when the sensor signals are actually generated. The redundant single-channel nature is made possible by virtue of safety-conforming data processing and data transmission being carried out on a single channel by virtue of a downstream processing device deriving dual-channel signals therefrom, by reversing the algorithm, and testing them for plausibility by reciprocal result comparison.

Abstract: The 4 mA-20 mA type or 0-20 mA type current loop connects an analog sensor (1) to an acquisition system (3), respectively carrying a sensor current (Ic) and an acquisition current (Ia). A test circuit is connected in parallel with the current loop to inject a superposition current (Is) into said loop, which current is superposed on the sensor current (Ic) or on the acquisition current (Ia). In a first embodiment, a variable voltage generator (7) injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the acquisition current (Ia), thereby making it possible to check a low-current threshold of the acquisition system (3). In a second embodiment, a variable current regulator injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the sensor current (Ic), thereby making it possible to check a high-current threshold of the acquisition system. The high- and low-current thresholds of the acquisition system are tested without opening the current loop.

Abstract: A data acquisition system has a central station connected to a plurality of nodes over a network. Each node is connected to receive signals from one or more sensors ad each is configured to have substantially the same transmission delay to said central station. The central station is configured to notify all nodes of an event time at which a data event, such as a seismic shot, occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the orientation of a platform by receiving and reading signals from one or more orientation sensors, such as a magnetic compass, using optical interrogation, telemetry, and multiplexing, with the signals passing through a single supply/return optical waveguide.

Abstract: A telemetry system comprises a plurality of beacons. Each beacon repetitively transmits a packet having a first predetermined time duration. The beacon transmits the packet a first predetermined number of iterations. A monitoring receiver observes for the transmitted packets within each of a plurality of time slots. Each slot has second predetermined time duration. The first predetermined time duration is less than the second predetermined time duration.