Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and systems to reduce measurement jitter of a resonating element. A time control is utilized to analyze the phase of a received frequency from the resonating element. Using that analysis, the time control can determine a next time point to direct the re-excitation of the resonating element. Through controlling when the resonating element is electrically excited, the measurement analyzer can determine a pressure or temperature at the location of the resonating element while accounting for remaining resonating energy from previous electrical excitations. The method and system can allow for measurements to be taken at a significantly faster rate while reducing uncertainty, e.g., jitter, in the collected measurements.

Abstract: An analog counter circuit for use with a digital pixel includes: an input; an output; a first stage electrically coupled to the input that is charged to an initial charge voltage; a second stage that includes an accumulating charge storage device; and a charge transfer device between the first and second stages that includes a transfer voltage. The charge transfer device allows charge from the first stage to pass to the second stage and be accumulated on the accumulating charge storage device as long as a voltage at a node in the first stage is greater than the transfer voltage.

Abstract: To reduce power consumption in a solid-state image sensor that measures a time. The solid-state image sensor includes a count unit, a count control unit, a clock unit, and an estimation unit. The count unit counts the number of times a photon has been incident within a predetermined exposure period, and outputs a count value. The count control unit performs control to stop the count unit and performs a request of time information in a case where the count value has reached a predetermined value before the predetermined exposure period elapses. The clock unit measures a time and outputs the time information in response to the request. The estimation unit estimates the number of incident times of a photon within the predetermined exposure period on the basis of the output time information.

Abstract: A lighting system includes lighting fixtures and a lighting controller that sends commands and data over an AC power line to power and control the lighting fixtures. Lighting themes are uniquely programmable color and intensity that are applied to a collection of lighting groups to achieve different lighting modes instantly, without the delay that programming each lighting fixture individually incurs. The groups of lighting modules receive theme lighting information over the power line and store the theme information in memory. The lighting controller sends a single command to the collections of the lighting groups to apply the theme. Each lighting module retrieves and applies the theme information.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an elongated part measuring apparatus including an elongated frame, an elongated transparent part supporter supported by the frame and configured to support an elongated part (such as a guide wire or mandrel), an elongated movable part straightener pivotally connected to and supported by the frame, and a movable optical measurer movably connected to and supported by the frame and configured to take multiple spaced apart outer dimensional measurements of the elongated part (whether uncoated or coated).

Abstract: A firearm training system includes a practice barrel assembly. The practice barrel assembly is configured and dimensioned to replace the factory barrel of the firearm. The practice barrel assembly includes a processor, a radio transmitter, a firing pin strike sensor and a rechargeable battery. The processor is in wireless communication with an electronic device, such as a smart phone. To initiate a practice drill, the electronic device provides a start signal to the user and, simultaneously, an electronic timer is started. In response to the start signal, the user performs a practice drill that includes a dry fire of the firearm. The firing pin strike sensor detects the dry fire of the firing pin, which causes the stop of the electronic timer. The electronic device then displays the elapsed time between the start signal and the stop of the electronic timer.

Abstract: A neutron detector system for discriminating fissile material from non-fissile material wherein a digital data acquisition unit collects data at high rate, and in real-time processes large volumes of data directly to count neutrons from the unknown source and detecting excess grouped neutrons to identify fission in the unknown source. The system includes a Poisson neutron generator for in-beam interrogation of a possible fissile neutron source and a DC power supply that exhibits electrical ripple on the order of less than one part per million. Certain voltage multiplier circuits, such as Cockroft-Walton voltage multipliers, are used to enhance the effective of series resistor-inductor circuits components to reduce the ripple associated with traditional AC rectified, high voltage DC power supplies.

Abstract: A radiation measurement apparatus includes a radiation sensor that generates a detection signal, a first counter unit that counts the number of the detection signal, an oscillator that generates periodic signal with predetermined period, an AND circuit that outputs logical product obtained by performing AND operation between the detection signal and the periodic signal, a second counter unit that counts the number of a signal output from the AND circuit, and a display unit that displays a value counted by the first counter unit when a value counted by the second counter unit is less than predetermined value and a value being different from the value counted by the first counter unit when the value counted by the second counter unit is not less than predetermined value.

Abstract: System and methods for determining wear of a rotational component of an undercarriage for a machine are disclosed. One method includes determining a rotational speed of a drive sprocket of the undercarriage, determining a rotational speed of the rotational component, determining a size parameter of the rotational component based on at least the determined rotational speed of the drive sprocket and the determined rotational speed of the rotational component, and determining the wear of the rotational component based on the determined size parameter of the rotational component.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a count corresponding to a number of peaks of a resonant signal that exceed a reference signal and comparing the count to a floating count window defined by a first count threshold and a second count threshold, the first count threshold is larger than the second count threshold. The method further includes selectively shifting the floating count window in a direction of the count when the count falls outside of the floating count window.

Abstract: A measurement device includes: a light emitting section that continuously emits light into a liquid; a light receiving section that continuously receives the light continuously emitted from the light emitting section and that passed through the liquid, and converts the continuously received light into a continuous electrical signal; a particle detection section that amplifies by a first amplification ratio the continuous electrical signal converted by the light receiving section, and generates a particle detection signal as a continuous signal; an air bubble detection section that amplifies by a second amplification ratio that is smaller than the first amplification ratio the continuous electrical signal converted by the light receiving section, and generates an air bubble detection signal as a continuous signal; and a pollution level measurement section that generates a signal for measuring the pollution level of the liquid based on the particle detection signal and the air bubble detection signal.

Abstract: In order to provide a suitable sensor device for a sensor system in which a plurality of request sources request the acquisition of information for the same sensor, the sensor device is provided with a physical mass sensing unit (1) for measuring an external physical mass, an input-output unit (4) for receiving physical mass acquisition requests from the external plurality of request sources, and a first counter (3) for counting and storing the total number of times the input/output unit receives an acquisition request from the plurality of request sources. The input-output unit transmits the physical mass and a value stored by the first counter to the request source of the acquisition request.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating input control signals of a serialized compressed scan circuit are provided. A control signal generating device receives a test clock signal from a clock input port and a state enable signal from a state enable bus, and correspondingly generates a shift enable signal, a capture enable signal and a strobe signal. A clock gating device is coupled to the control signal generating device, and receives the shift enable signal, the capture enable signal and the strobe signal. When the shift enable signal is enabled, the clock gating device controls the test clock signal as a serialized scan clock signal. When the strobe signal or the capture enable signal is enabled, the clock gating device controls the test clock signal as a scan clock signal.

Abstract: Each register in each built-in self-test (BIST) controller contains a BIST controller-specific start count value that is different from at least one other BIST controller-specific start count. A test controller provides a start command simultaneously to all the BIST controllers. This causes each of the BIST controllers to simultaneously begin a countdown of the BIST controller-specific start count values, using a counter. Each of the BIST controllers starts a test procedure in a corresponding BIST domain when the countdown completes (in the corresponding BIST controller). Thus, the test procedure starts at different times in at least two of the BIST domains based on the difference of the BIST controller-specific start count values in the different registers. Further, during the test procedure, each stagger controller can stagger the start of each BIST engine within the corresponding BIST domain to which the stagger controller is connected.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a counter having a first generator to generate signals having different frequencies, and a second generator to generate counter values of the counter. Each of the counter values may be based at least in part on a number of transitions of a respective signal among the signals. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of implementing a system time in an electronic device using a timer is disclosed. The method comprises storing a first count reset value in the electronic device; increasing a count value; comparing the first count reset value with the count value at a first particular time; resetting the count value when the count value is the same as the first count reset value at the first particular time; and generating an interrupt request signal when the count value is reset.

Abstract: A photon-counting detector configured to detect photons included in multi-energy radiation. The photon-counting detector includes a pixel area configured to absorb photons incident thereto, and bias circuits configured to supply one of a bias voltage and a bias current to electronic devices in the pixel area, wherein the bias circuits are in the pixel area.

Abstract: A frequency measuring apparatus includes: a counter section adapted to count a signal including a pulse signal for a predetermined time period, and output a binary count value corresponding to a frequency of the signal including the pulse signal; and a low pass filter section adapted to perform a filtering process on the count value, wherein the low pass filter section includes a first stage filter and a second stage filter, the first stage filter is a moving average filter to which the count value is input, and which provides a binary output with a high-frequency component reduced, and the second stage filter performs an average value calculation on the binary output to provide an output with the high-frequency component reduced.

Abstract: An electric circuit includes: a reference signal generation circuit that generates a reference signal based on a first oscillation signal that is an oscillation signal of a first oscillation circuit that vibrates a first vibrator; and a counter circuit that counts a second oscillation signal that is an oscillation signal of a second oscillation circuit that vibrates a second vibrator based on the reference signal, and outputs a count signal, wherein the count signal is a change of the count value in the second oscillation signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided that minimize the effects of dark-current pulses. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided where a first pixel is struck (i.e., a primary pixel). Pixels struck within a fixed time frame after the primary pixel is struck are referred to as secondary pixels. After a short fixed time frame has expired, the number of primary and secondary pixels is added. If the count exceeds a threshold, the primary pixel was activated by the first (or early) photon from a true gamma event. If the threshold is not met then it is likely the primary pixel generated a dark pulse that should be ignored.

Abstract: A physical quantity measuring method includes: (a) generating a synchronized input signal from an input signal, wherein the synchronized input signal is synchronized with a reference clock; (b) measuring a total number (Nsum) that is the sum of pulses of the reference clock included in each of n units of the synchronized input signal; (c) generating 2n deviation signals based on a delay of the synchronized input signal with respect to the input signal; (d) generating a deviation integration signal by subtracting the total values of n rear-half deviation signals from the total values of n front-half deviation signals; (e) converting the deviation integration signal into a number of pulses of the reference clock; and (f) calculating the average number (Nrave) of pulses of the reference clock included in one unit of the input signal, based on the total number (Nsum), the number (dNsum), and the number n.

Abstract: A frequency measuring apparatus includes: a counter section adapted to count a signal including a pulse signal for a predetermined time period, and output a binary count value corresponding to a frequency of the signal including the pulse signal; and a low pass filter section adapted to perform a filtering process on the count value, wherein the low pass filter section includes a first stage filter and a second stage filter, the first stage filter is a moving average filter to which the count value is input, and which provides a binary output with a high-frequency component reduced, and the second stage filter performs an average value calculation on the binary output to provide an output with the high-frequency component reduced.

Abstract: A frequency measurement device for measuring a frequency of a signal to be measured including a pulse signal, includes: a signal multiplier section that multiplies the signal to be measured by n (n is an integer) and outputs a multiplied signal; a counter section that counts the multiplied signal with a predetermined gate time and outputs a count value of the frequency of the signal to be measured at a predetermined period; and a low-pass filter that outputs a signal corresponding to the frequency of the signal to be measured based on the count value outputted at the predetermined period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the duration of a transient signal with high precision.

Abstract: A frequency measuring apparatus includes: a high-order digit calculation section adapted to measure an input signal and output a high-order digit value of a frequency value of the input signal; a low-order digit calculation section adapted to measure the input signal and output a low-order digit value of the frequency value of the input signal; and an adding section adapted to add the high-order digit value and the low-order digit value to each other to output the frequency value of the input signal.

Abstract: A timer device includes a RES input terminal, an OUT output terminal, a delay circuit that delays a signal input to the RES input terminal, and a pre-settable down counter that counts a given set value, and outputs a measurement completion signal via an output terminal when the counting of the set value is completed. When a predetermined signal is input to an input terminal after an output of the measurement completion signal, the pre-settable down counter completes the output of the measurement completion signal based on a delay signal obtained by the delaying the predetermined signal using the delay circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) readout architectures for photon-counting arrays with a photon-counting detector, a digital counter, and an overflow bit in each of the sensing elements in the array. Typically, the photon-counting detector is a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) that emits brief pulses every time it detects a photon. The pulse increments the digital counters, which, in turn, sets the overflow bit once it reaches a given count. A rolling readout system operably coupled to each sensing element polls the overflow bit, and, if the overflow bit is high, initiates a data transfer from the overflow bit to a frame store. Compared to other photo-counting imagers, photon-counting imagers with counters and overflow bits operate with decreased transfer bandwidth, high dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution.

Abstract: A smart electrical outlet, comprising an electrical outlet, and a counter counting a unit, wherein the counter is configured to count up when a counting criterion is met, and wherein the counter is configured to stop counting up when an ending criterion is met. A smart electrical outlet, comprising an electrical outlet and a screen for communicating with a user, wherein the screen is configured to provide to a user an option of leasing the smart electrical outlet based on time of use or sell electrical power provided by the smart electrical outlet.

Abstract: A vibration detection apparatus includes a vibrating device that generates an alternating voltage by vibration; a power storage part that stores power based on the alternating voltage generated by the vibrating device; and a counter circuit that counts the number of vibrations of the alternating voltage generated by the vibrating device.

Abstract: A counter counts the run lengths of a binarized signal. A counting result correcting portion generates frequency distributions for run lengths for first run lengths, which are from a rising edge to a falling edge of the signal, and second run lengths, which are for a falling edge to a rising edge of the signal, calculates a total number of first run lengths of lengths that are no less than 0 times and less than 1 times a representative value for the first run lengths, calculates a total number of second run lengths of lengths that are no less than 0 times and less than 1 times a representative value for the second run lengths, calculates a total number of first run lengths, calculates a total number of second run lengths, and corrects the counting results.

Abstract: A method executes an altimeter function to unlock a portable electronic device. A user can move the portable electronic device in an up-down direction to set a predetermined changed height for unlocking the portable electronic device. In an unlock procedure, an altimeter detects a changed height of the portable electronic device and outputs detected information of the portable electronic device. If the changed height is the same as the predetermined changed height, the locked portable electronic device is unlocked.

Abstract: A device for counting oscillations of an oscillating temporal signal. The device comprises means for counting all the alternate crossings of a positive threshold value and of a negative threshold value by a monitored time signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the frequency of a vibrating wire sensor using a digital counter system, which measures changes in the length of a structure to monitor changes in the structure, comprising: a processor which outputs an excitation signal to an excitation signal interface unit for a vibrating wire sensor, and compares the counted value input from an external source with a consumed time to calculate a resonant frequency; said excitation signal interface unit for a vibrating wire sensor, which receives the excitation signal from the processor, converts the received signal into a form capable of generating an excitation, and outputs the converted signal; said vibrating wire sensor, which outputs an intrinsic vibration signal in response to the excitation signal; a received signal interface unit for the vibrating wire sensor, which receives an intrinsic vibration signal output by the vibrating wire sensor, converts the received signal into a signal recognizable by the process

Abstract: A system and method for configuring threshold values for fixed time delay counters of a System on a Chip (SoC) uses a reference clock signal and one or more frequency sub-range control signals corresponding to a frequency sub-range of the reference clock signal. A frequency sub-range of the reference clock signal is determined using the frequency sub-range control signals and the determined frequency sub-range is used to select a counter threshold value. The selected counter threshold value is provided to a counter and the counter then is updated at each cycle of the reference clock signal for a predetermined count based on the counter threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring threshold values for fixed time delay counters of a System on a Chip (SoC) uses a reference clock signal and one or more frequency sub-range control signals corresponding to a frequency sub-range of the reference clock signal. A frequency sub-range of the reference clock signal is determined using the frequency sub-range control signals and the determined frequency sub-range is used to select a counter threshold value. The selected counter threshold value is provided to a counter and the counter then is updated at each cycle of the reference clock signal for a predetermined count based on the counter threshold value.

Abstract: A method for the incrementation of counter statuses in memory cells, which are arranged respectively in rows and columns of a first memory adds a “1” to the memory content of a memory cell of a second memory, which corresponds to the memory cell at the start of a sequence of memory cells to be incremented in a row or column of the first memory in the case of every incrementation of a sequence of memory cells of the first memory, and adds a “?1” to the memory content of a memory cell of the second memory, which corresponds to the memory cell immediately following the memory cell at the end of the sequence of memory cells to be incremented associated with the start of the sequence, in the case of every incrementation of a sequence of memory cells of the first memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a heating element for selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) readout architectures for photon-counting arrays with a photon-counting detector, a digital counter, and an overflow bit in each of the sensing elements in the array. Typically, the photon-counting detector is a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) that emits brief pulses every time it detects a photon. The pulse increments the digital counters, which, in turn, sets the overflow bit once it reaches a given count. A rolling readout system operably coupled to each sensing element polls the overflow bit, and, if the overflow bit is high, initiates a data transfer from the overflow bit to a frame store. Compared to other photo-counting imagers, photon-counting imagers with counters and overflow bits operate with decreased transfer bandwidth, high dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution.

Abstract: A motor driving device that accurately achieves power failure detection according to a power failure tolerance with a relatively simple configuration. A counter input computing unit determines, as a counter input value, a value that is inversely proportional to the power failure tolerance determined from a voltage amplitude value and supplies the counter input value to a counter. The counter accumulates the input value at predetermined intervals and outputs an output value. A comparator determines that power failure occurs if the output of the counter 42 exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: An aquatic-animal counting system is provided. The system includes a channel, a linear photographing device, and an operation processing device. A channel is used for a plurality of aquatic animals to pass through. The linear photographing device is used for photographing the aquatic animals passing through the channel to generate at least one image. The operation processing device is electrically connected to the linear photographing device and the operation processing device includes an image processing module. The image processing module utilizes at least one operation rule to analyze the at least one image, so as to calculate a number of the aquatic animals in the at least one image. An aquatic-animal counting method and a recording medium are also provided.

Abstract: Capacitive detection systems, modules, and methods. In one embodiment, time interval measurement(s) are generated that are monotonic functions of the capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area. In one embodiment, the generated time interval measurement(s), or any other monotonic function(s) of capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area, may be analyzed to detect the presence of an object near the capacitive sensing area and/or to detect the position of an object near the capacitive sensing area.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor integrated circuit in which a ring oscillator is formed by a variable delay circuit to cause the ring oscillator to oscillate (S2) at the test operation of the variable delay circuit and it is determined whether the variable delay circuit is normal or abnormal depending on whether the ring oscillator satisfies a predetermined monotonic increase condition (S6) and a predetermined linearity condition (S7).

Abstract: An application for a device for directly measuring the number of homogeneous objects in a linear collection of homogeneous objects.

Abstract: The counting device includes: a signal counter that counts the number of half cycles of input signals during given counting periods; a signal half cycle measurement unit that measures the half cycles; a frequency distribution generator that generates a frequency distribution of the half cycles; a representative value calculator configured to calculate a representative value of a distribution of the half cycles; a correction value calculator configured to calculate a total number Ns and a total number Nwn so as to correct the number of the half cycles, wherein Ns represents the total of the number of the half cycles that are less than 0.5 times the represent value, and Nwn represents the total of the number of the half cycles that are equal to or greater than 2n and less than (2n+2) times the representative value.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a detecting part that detects intensity of an input signal, a timer part that includes a time constant circuit and measures time based on a time constant of the time constant circuit, and a determination circuit that counts the number of times of switching of the input signal detected by the detecting part within the time measured by the time constant circuit.

Abstract: In a method for transferring data from a tachograph (1) onto a smartcard (3), the smartcard (3) is moved out of and back into the tachograph (1) by an electromotive drive (8) as a function of stipulated conditions. In the process, spring contacts (6) of the tachograph (1) rub over contact areas (5) of the smartcard (3) and remove any dirt which may be present. The conditions for starting the electromotive drive (8) and the intended operation of the electromotive drive (8) are stored in a memory (10) of an electronic control device (9).

Abstract: Capacitive detection systems, modules, and methods. In one embodiment, time interval measurement(s) are generated that are monotonic functions of the capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area. In one embodiment, the generated time interval measurement(s), or any other monotonic function(s) of capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area, may be analyzed to detect the presence of an object near the capacitive sensing area and/or to detect the position of an object near the capacitive sensing area.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a single logic input pin of an electronic system, comprising a decoder for converting a pulse coded signal applied to said pin to a sequence of logic low and logic high values, and a state machine responsive to said sequence of logic values to switch the electronic system between different modes of operation.

Abstract: A method estimates variations of position of the rotor of a motor having a plurality of uniformly spaced sensors that generate a position pulse at every rotation by a pre-established angle of the rotor. The method may include generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, generating a second clock signal at a second frequency multiple than the first frequency by a first factor, in each interval between two consecutive position pulses, counting the number of pulses of the first clock signal comprised in the interval, counting the number of pulses of the second clock signal comprised in the interval. The method may also include that each time the number of counted pulses of the second clock reaches the number of pulses of the first clock counted in an interval that precedes the currently considered interval, signaling that the position of the rotor has varied of an angle equal to the ratio between the pre-established angle and the factor.