Sensor Or Transducer Patents (Class 702/104)
  • Publication number: 20120289804
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for back calibration of data from a continuous sensor are provided. The continuous sensor may be calibrated periodically by comparing raw sensor values from the sensor to sensor values obtained from a second sensor, such as a blood glucose meter (BGM). Each calibration may produce a calibration factor. In an aspect, the calibration factor may be applied to sensor values acquired prior to the calibration (i.e., back calibration). In a further aspect, a first calibration and a second calibration may be applied to raw sensor values acquired at a time point between the first calibration and the second calibration. The first and second calibrations may be applied to the raw sensor values by weighted averaging according to the proximity of the first and second calibrations to the acquisition time of the raw sensor value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventor: Simin Yao
  • Patent number: 8311759
    Abstract: An inline inspection system and method for calibrating an acoustic monitoring structure installed along a pipe. The system includes a pipe inspection vehicle; a microprocessor configured to attach a time stamp to a measured distance traveled by the pipe inspection vehicle; an acoustic source attached to the pipe inspection vehicle and configured to generate sound waves inside the pipe, the sound waves having predetermined frequencies and predetermined amplitudes; plural sensors disposed along the pipe and configured to record time of arrivals and intensities of the sound waves generated by the acoustic source; and a processing unit configured to communicate with the plural sensors and receive the time of arrivals, intensities and frequencies of the sound waves from the plural sensors. The processing unit calibrates the acoustic monitoring structure by calculating a distance between the acoustic source and a first sensor of the plural sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: PII (Canada) Limited
    Inventor: Jeff Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8311740
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving satellite navigation by assessing the dynamic state of a platform for a satellite navigation receiver and using this data to improve navigation models and satellite tracking algorithms. The dynamic state of the receiver platform may be assessed using only accelerometer data, and does not require inertial navigation system integration. The accelerometers may not need to be very accurate and may not need to be aligned and/or accurately calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: CSR Technology Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Mangesh Chansarkar
  • Patent number: 8311760
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for a determination, section after section, of a parameter-dependent correction value approximation course includes determining a first measurement signal value with a first parameter value associated with a sensor arrangement when the first parameter value fullfils a predetermined condition or a trigger condition is fulfilled, changing the first parameter value to obtain a second parameter value, determining a second signal value with the second parameter value and determining a second partial section of the correction value approximation course for a second parameter range based on a functional connection describing the second partial section, the first parameter value, the second parameter value, the first measurement signal value, the second measurement signal value and an initial correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Hohe, Michael Hackner, Markus Stahl-Offergeld
  • Publication number: 20120283849
    Abstract: A sensor system for use with a machine is disclosed. The sensor system may have a sensor associated with the machine and configured to generate a signal indicative of an actual value for a parameter of the machine, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to model behavior of the machine under particular conditions and responsively generate a first predicted value for the parameter, determine a time lag coefficient for the sensor based on the signal, model behavior of the sensor based on the time lag coefficient and the first predicted value, and responsively generate a second predicted value for the parameter. The controller may also be configured to determine an error value based on the actual value and the second predicted value, and determine a compensated value for the parameter based on the first predicted value and the error value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Ridwan KUREEMUN
  • Publication number: 20120283979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system comprising a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a substrate layer and a plurality of individual first sensor elements for measuring a desired parameter, which first sensor elements are arranged on said substrate layer and define a sensor plane, wherein the sensor array further comprises one or more second sensor elements for measuring a further desired parameter, and wherein the sensor system is configured to process sensor data from the first sensor elements in dependency of sensor data from the one or more second sensor elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Alphons Antonius Maria Lambertus Bruekers, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart, Sabri Boughorbel
  • Patent number: 8306307
    Abstract: A component assembly inspection method includes taking an image of a first light spot group possessed by a first component with a camera after the first component is assembled in a second component, the first light spot group including plural light spots. The method further includes recognizing a position and an attitude of the first component based on a light image that is on the image taken with the camera and represents each of the light spots of the first light spot group; and determining quality of an assembly state of the first component in the second component based on the position and attitude of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Koike, Kimihiro Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8306767
    Abstract: A sensor output correcting device includes: a sensor element for detecting a variation in an object to be measured, and for outputting this variation as a signal; an A/D converter for converting the analog signal outputted from the sensor element into a digital signal; a zero reference value calculating unit for calculating a zero reference value which is a drift amount of the sensor element from the signal outputted from the sensor element; a zero point correcting unit for correcting a zero point of the signal outputted from the A/D converter on the basis of the zero reference value calculated by the zero criterion calculating unit; an output limiting unit for limiting a value of an output signal inputted from the zero point correcting unit on the basis of a correction amount provided by the zero point correcting unit, and a high frequency removing unit for removing a high frequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8306766
    Abstract: A method of calibrating glucose monitor data includes collecting the glucose monitor data over a period of time at predetermined intervals, obtaining reference glucose values from a reference source that temporally correspond with the glucose monitor data obtained at the predetermined intervals, calculating the calibration characteristics using the reference glucose values and corresponding glucose monitor data to regress the obtained glucose monitor data, and calibrating the obtained glucose monitor data using the calibration characteristics. In additional embodiments, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes linear regression and, in particular embodiments, least squares linear regression. Alternatively, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes non-linear regression. Data integrity may be verified and the data may be filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Mueller, Jr., Desmond Barry Keenan, Lu Wang, John J. Mastrototaro
  • Publication number: 20120278025
    Abstract: A measurement system, for use in RF power measurements, allows an arbitrary Bruene-type RF coupler to be calibrated at a number of different power levels and frequencies with an idealized transfer function being created for each calibration power point. Following calibration, when the coupler is used in an operational (measurement) mode, the DC voltage corresponding to the present power measurement is read, and the discrete idealized transfer functions generated during the power and frequency calibration phases are used to determine a best fit idealized transfer function, which is used in conjunction with the exact DC voltage being measured to create a highly accurate power measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Louis V. Pannone
  • Publication number: 20120274508
    Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. The electronic module may include a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs may include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen. The controller may further be configured to generate one or more user interfaces in response to various user inputs and conditions. For example, the controller may generate workout mode interfaces and non-workout mode interfaces including various goal information, workout data, reminders and the like. In one or more arrangements, multiple types of information may be displayed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Miles W. Brown, Jordan M. Rice, Aaron B. Weast, Matthew V. Capozzi, Michael T. Hoffman, Tomislav Lakovic
  • Publication number: 20120271583
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to acquire calibration data from a calibration scan, the calibration data configured to characterize high order eddy current (HOEC) generated magnetic field error of an imaging system. The computer is also programmed to process the calibration data to generate a plurality of basis coefficients and a plurality of time constants and to calculate a plurality of basis correction coefficients based on the plurality of basis coefficients, the plurality of time constants, and gradient waveforms in a given pulse sequence. The computer is further programmed to execute a diffusion-weighted imaging scan that comprises application of a DW-EPI pulse sequence to acquire MR data from an imaging subject and reconstruction of an image based on the acquired MR data. The computer is also programmed to apply HOEC-generated magnetic field error correction during image reconstruction configured to reduce HOEC-induced distortion in the reconstructed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Dan Xu, Joseph K. Maier, Kevin F. King, Bruce David Collick
  • Patent number: 8291743
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating an electronic lapping guide (ELG) for transducer(s) having an ABS and a magnetic structure are described. The magnetic structure has a desired thickness, a bevel, and a flare point a distance from the ABS. The method and system include providing at least three ELGs. A first ELG has first and second edges first and second distances from the ABS. A second ELG has third and fourth edges third and second distances from the ABS. A third ELG has fifth and sixth edges fourth and second distances from the ABS. The first, third, and fourth distances correspond to a stripe height and an offset. The first, third, and fourth distance and/or the second distance corresponds to an intersection between the bevel and the desired thickness. The method and system also include measuring resistances of the ELGs, and calibrating the ELG(s) utilizing the offset and resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Shi, Ming Jiang
  • Publication number: 20120263275
    Abstract: A method for correcting an X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile measured by an X-ray diffraction imaging (XDi) system is provided. The XDi system includes an anode, a detector, and a control system. The method includes obtaining an emission spectrum of the anode using the control system. The emission spectrum includes spectral structures. The method further includes calculating a piecewise spectral-correction function using the spectral structures in the emission spectrum, obtaining a measured spectrum of an object, and applying the spectral-correction function to the measured spectrum to generate a spectrally-corrected measured spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Gabriel Zienert
  • Publication number: 20120265474
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided to calibrate a sensor array with a plurality of sensors. The method can include sweeping a voltage of a reference electrode from a first voltage to a second voltage, where the reference electrode is in fluid communication with the sensor array. The output voltage of each of the plurality of sensors can be monitored at one or more voltages within the first and second voltages. An overall average gain of the plurality of sensors can be calculated at each of the one or more voltages. Further, an acquisition window for the sensor may can be determined. The acquisition window can include a maximum distribution of sensors that provides a maximal overall average gain at a particular reference electrode voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd Rearick, Melville Davey, Mark Beauchemin
  • Patent number: 8290748
    Abstract: The invention creates a control and evaluation apparatus for different sensor units, having: a stabilized supply unit for supplying the sensor unit with electrical energy; an amplifier device for amplifying a sensor signal generated by the sensor unit, which signal is delivered to the amplifier device as an input signal, and for outputting a measured signal dependent on the sensor signal; and an output unit for outputting the amplified sensor signal as an output signal. The amplifier device contains an integrated measuring resistor for measuring a voltage drop produced by the sensor signal, the voltage drop being delivered to the amplifier device as the input signal. In addition, in a comparator unit downstream from the amplifier device, the measured signal is compared with a definable threshold value, the threshold value being adjustable as a function of the sensor unit being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Schumacher, Ruediger Karner
  • Patent number: 8285496
    Abstract: A method for providing a characteristic quantity for a state of an air system of a supercharged internal combustion engine includes: detecting a characteristic quantity measured value as characteristic quantity information with the aid of a sensor; providing a characteristic quantity model, using which a characteristic quantity model value is computed on the basis of one or more quantities different from the characteristic quantity measured value; and providing the characteristic quantity either based on the characteristic quantity measured value or on the characteristic quantity model value computed by the characteristic quantity model, as a function of a state of the air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Heinkele, Patrick Menold, Michael Drung
  • Patent number: 8284560
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the thickness of a conductive layer on a substrate includes a support to hold a substrate having a conductive layer, an eddy current monitoring system including a first plurality of core portions, and a motor to cause relative motion between the support and the eddy current monitoring system such that the substrate moves across the first plurality of core portions in a direction that defines a first axis. At least one core portion is positioned further from a second axis than at least two other core portions. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan G. Iravani, Ingemar Carlsson, Boguslaw A. Swedek
  • Publication number: 20120253726
    Abstract: Methods and devices for establishing the relationships between the conductor currents and sensor outputs for cases where the geometric parameters of the conductors and sensors are unknown. The methodology involves a sensor calibrator. This device is connected to the conductors at a location downstream of a number of current measuring devices or current sensors. The calibrator draws specific currents from the conductors for a short period in an automated manner. The characteristics of the currents drawn by the calibrator such as the magnitude and frequency of the currents are known to the processing unit for the sensors through means such as communications. The processing unit uses these known currents to establish the relationship between the conductor currents and its sensed quantities. This process may take a few seconds. Once the relationship is established, the sensors can start to “measure” the conductor currents by calculating them using that relationship and its sensed quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Wilsun Xu
  • Publication number: 20120253727
    Abstract: In a calibrating method for a filter color measuring device that includes at least three color channels, a calibration matrix for transforming output signals of the color channels into tristimulus color values is formed. The calibration is performed spectrally, wherein the spectral sensitivities of the color channels of the color measuring device and the spectral emission properties of typical light sources are measured and stored, and the calibration matrix is calculated from the spectral sensitivities and the spectral emission properties of the light sources and the spectral evaluation functions of the standard observer, e.g., according to CIE 1931.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lianza, Andrew Masia, Wang Long Zhou, Richard Federico, Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 8279038
    Abstract: A method for operating a field device of automation technology capable of special-functionalities, an enabling code set having a plurality of enabling code is managed in a superordinated, key-management unit. With the assistance of the enabling codes, special-functionalities can be enabled in field devices. Associated with individual enabling codes of the enabling code set is, in each case, an attribute, “free” or “blocked”. If a special-functionality is needed, then an enabling code is transmitted to the field device, in case an enabling code with attribute “free” is present. Following transmission, the attribute of the transmitted enabling code is changed from free to blocked. The method permits enabling code to be used very flexably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Martine Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 8280666
    Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a method for determining the magnitude and phase calibration of dynamic motion sensors (SUTs), such as accelerometers, velocimeters, and dynamically responding displacement transducers at low vibration frequencies, using an optical encoder as the reference. To calibrate the sensitivity, the dynamic motion sensor is mounted to a shaker mechanism which imparts harmonic linear motion in the axis of the sensitivity of the sensor. In the case of an accelerometer, the mechanism commonly includes another accelerometer as a reference sensor. However, the output of conventional reference accelerometers becomes inadequate at low frequencies. The subject of this patent is an optical encoder to measure the displacement, at frequencies at which the optical measurement is more accurate than that of an accelerometer or other dynamic motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Modal Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Sill, Mark I. Schiefer, Joshua B. Moses
  • Patent number: 8272748
    Abstract: A projection-type display apparatus that projects an image toward a projection surface and displays the image thereon, the apparatus includes: a projecting section that includes a focal length adjusting mechanism and projects an image; an adjustment image controlling section that uses the projecting section to project a guide display image suggesting how to adjust the position where the projection-type display apparatus is installed and uses the projecting section to project a calibration image having a predetermined shape when the guide display image is projected; a projection distance measuring section that measures a projection distance that is the distance to the projection surface based on a captured image obtained by capturing the calibration image; and a focus adjusting section that operates the focal length adjusting mechanism based on the projection distance to perform focus adjustment so that the displayed guide display image is brought into focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki Furui
  • Patent number: 8275567
    Abstract: A method of correcting a measure of radioactive material within a body of material includes measuring a characteristic of the radioactive material to provide a measure, such as gamma emissions; detecting muons and/or electrons generated by muons which have not passed through the body of material to give a first value; detecting muons and/or electrons generated by muons which have passed through the body of material to give a second value; processing the first value and second value to give a factor, for instance indicative of the density of the body of material; and correcting the measure using the factor to obtain a corrected measure of the radioactive material with the body of material, for instance to correct for the density of the body of material and attendant issues such as attenuation and shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: VT Nuclear Services Limited
    Inventor: John Lightfoot
  • Publication number: 20120232823
    Abstract: There is provided a fall detector for use in detecting falls by a user, the fall detector comprising an accelerometer for producing a time series of measurement samples representing the acceleration acting on the fall detector; a processor for estimating a vertical velocity and/or vertical displacement of the fall detector from the measurement samples and using the estimated vertical velocity and/or vertical displacement to determine whether the user has suffered a fall; wherein the processor is configured to estimate a vertical velocity and/or vertical displacement of the fall detector from the measurement samples by estimating a corresponding time series of unit vectors representing acceleration due to gravity in the reference frame of the accelerometer from the time series of measurement samples; projecting each measurement sample onto the corresponding unit vector and subtracting acceleration due to gravity to give a series of estimates for the vertical acceleration of the fall detector; and integrating t
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Constant Paul Marie Jozef Baggen, Ningjiang Chen
  • Patent number: 8265901
    Abstract: A device for measuring and displaying body parameters includes a sensor that generates a signal representing a detected body parameter, such as body fat, body water and weight, of an individual; a transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal; a receiver to receiver and display the sensed measurements as well as a user's name, time, date and temperature. The invention also pertains a method for determining fitness comprising the steps of: inputting, data pertaining to one of date, time, an individual's name, and fitness statistics, sensing parameters of one or more of an a body fat, a body a water and a weight; recording sensed parameters and said data; and transmitting the sensed parameters and said data; receiving said sensed parameters and said data and a signal proportional to a temperature and displaying one or more of said sensed parameters, data and temperature on a portable display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Measurement Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Patent number: 8257565
    Abstract: A sensor control apparatus includes an applied voltage control circuit connected to the positive terminal of a sensor element. The applied voltage control circuit includes a reference power supply and a noninverting amplifier circuit connected to the reference power supply. An AC power supply circuit, a buffer and a current measurement resistance are connected in series to the negative terminal of the sensor element with the current measurement resistance disposed between the AC power supply circuit and the sensor element. One terminal of the current measurement resistance, which is on the side opposite to the sensor element, is held at a reference voltage (center voltage of an AC voltage generated from the AC power supply circuit). Voltage at an intermediate point between the current measurement resistance and the sensor element is inputted via a low-pass filter to the noninverting amplifier circuit of the applied voltage control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoo Kawase, Eiichi Kurokawa, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Yohei Kawaki
  • Patent number: 8260558
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hayter, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh, Kenneth J. Doniger
  • Publication number: 20120221276
    Abstract: A vehicle accelerometer system comprises an accelerometer (290) for installation in a vehicle (500), a processor (210) for selection of accelerometer output data items for inclusion in an accelerometer output data set representative of measurements by the accelerometer (290) at a plurality of different vehicle locations, each accelerometer output data item being representative of a respective measurement by the accelerometer (290), and a storage device (230) for storing the accelerometer output data set, wherein the processor (210) is configured to process the accelerometer output data set to determine an orientation output representative of the orientation of the accelerometer (290) with respect to the vehicle (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Schmidt, Stefan Kreim, Tom Wikler
  • Patent number: 8255181
    Abstract: A correction algorithm may be applied for correcting misalignment of a radially-aligned array of sensors. Due to the tilt, signals from sensors that are further away from the media, may become slightly attenuated, while signals from sensors that are closer to the media are slightly increased. The error appears periodic and largely sinusoidal in nature around the array given the circular nature of the array of sensor elements. The algorithm determines the magnitude and phase of a sinusoidal function that best fits the wavelength data. In one embodiment, a discrete Fourier transform may be performed at the ‘frequency’ equivalent to one period around the array to determine the magnitude and phase estimate thereof. Then, a sinusoidal correction function may be generated using the magnitude and the phase in order to correct the reflectance data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Higgins
  • Patent number: 8255180
    Abstract: The acoustographic dynamic range extending device and method determines thresholds to reach a preset brightness with a test part and without a test part and transforms these thresholds to image data, where the thresholds can be time thresholds obtained with a single driving voltage and can be voltage thresholds obtained with an increasing driving voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Santec Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Jaswinder Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20120215474
    Abstract: A calibration system for simultaneous calibration of multiple motion capture elements (MCEs) of at least one type (accelerometer and/or gyroscope). Includes motion and/or rotational element coupled to a base and configured to move and/or rotate multiple MCEs mounted on a mount in and/or about at least one axis. For one axis movement embodiments, after each motion and/or axial rotation, the motion and/or rotational mount itself is rotated for example manually, so the mount points in a different direction, i.e., the Z axis. In a single axis embodiment, this is performed twice so that each axis of the MCEs experience motion and/or rotation about three axes. The motion capture data is sampled and used in calculation of a 3×3 calibration matrix. The physical format of the motion capture sensors may be any format including chip, memory or SIM card format, PCB format, mobile computers/phones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Bentley, Bhaskar Bose
  • Publication number: 20120215477
    Abstract: An accelerometer (22) includes sense elements (24, 26, 28) for measuring acceleration (30, 32, 34) and a processor (36) in communication with the sense elements (24, 26, 28). The processor (36) executes an auto-calibration process (46) that entails collecting (94) acceleration datasets (96) and identifying a subset (130) of acceleration datasets (132) in which each of the acceleration datasets (132) represents a scenario in which the accelerometer (22) is in a static position and in which the acceleration datasets (132) represent a variety of orientations of the accelerometer (22). The subset (130) of acceleration datasets (132) is utilized to compute updated calibration parameters (184). Current calibration parameters (48) are compared to the updated parameters (184) to determine validity of the current parameters (48). When the current parameters (48) are invalid, they are replaced with the updated parameters (184), and the updated parameters (184) are implemented to calibrate the accelerometer (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Tuck, Rodrigo L. Borras
  • Publication number: 20120209555
    Abstract: A control system for use with an imaging system is provided. The control system includes a rotation sensor coupled to a rotating portion of a gantry of the imaging system. The rotation sensor includes a gyroscope configured to measure a rotation parameter of the gantry. The control system further includes a data acquisition system (DAS) coupled in communication with the rotation sensor and a detector of the imaging system. The DAS is configured to associate projection data from the detector with the measured rotation parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: David Tang, Eugene Alex Ingerman
  • Patent number: 8244427
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Weiss, Thomas E Mathews, Andrew M. Zettel, Wei D. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120203488
    Abstract: A method of calibrating inertial sensors of working equipment, such as a vehicle or survey equipment, includes determining whether the working equipment is in operation or not. Data is captured from inertial sensors and associated temperature sensors while the working equipment is out of operation. The captured data is used to update a thermal bias error model for the inertial sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Damien Dusha
  • Publication number: 20120203487
    Abstract: Generally, implementations of the present invention include devices, systems, and methods for tracking intermittent motion. Such systems can be used to calibrate inertial measurement units (IMUs), which can be used to obtain acceleration, linear and angular velocities, orientation, and position of a moving body. Such systems also can be used to account and compensate for errors and imperfections present in an IMU prior to and during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
    Inventors: Eric Allen Johnson, Mark A. Minor, Stacy J. Morris Bamberg
  • Publication number: 20120203489
    Abstract: A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: John Avery
  • Patent number: 8239138
    Abstract: A scaling factor for scaling an output of a first electrochemical cell, is determined in order to compensate for the effect on the output caused by an variation in value of a property of a working electrode of the first cell from a reference value of that property. A measured value for the property is obtained from a portion of material formed so as to have substantially the same value of the property as does the working electrode and the measured value is processed to generate the scaling factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oxford Biosensors Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Hyland, Lindy Murphy, Kevin Lorimer
  • Patent number: 8239157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B McAnally, Andrew T Patten, Charles P Stack, Jeffrey S Walker, Neal B Gronlie
  • Publication number: 20120197576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating an analyte-measurement device that is used to evaluate a concentration of analyte in bodily fluid at or from a measurement site in a body. The method involves measuring a concentration, or calibration concentration, of an analyte in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site, and calibrating the analyte-measurement device based on that calibration concentration. The invention also relates to a device, system, or kit for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a body, which employs a calibration device for adjusting analyte concentration measured in bodily fluid based on an analyte concentration measured in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh
  • Publication number: 20120197545
    Abstract: Applicants have discovered new methods and apparatuses for determining the fractional composition of a component in a multi-component mixture using multivariate statistical analysis of the ultrasonic frequency profile. Applicants show the use of ultrasonic spectrophonometry to determine the fractional composition of a component in a 3-component solvent mixture comprising water, ethanol and methanol as well as determination of the fractional composition of certain contaminants in water. Applicants provide a method of determining a fractional composition of a component in a multi-component mixture comprising pulsing a mixture with a source of ultrasounds, detecting “non-linear” ultrasonic spectral data propagating through the mixture and computing the fractional composition of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: David Burns, Jonathan Dion
  • Publication number: 20120197575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbance correction in a spectroscopic heating value sensor in which a reference light intensity measurement is made on a non-absorbing reference fluid, a light intensity measurement is made on a sample fluid, and a measured light absorbance of the sample fluid is determined. A corrective light intensity measurement at a non-absorbing wavelength of the sample fluid is made on the sample fluid from which an absorbance correction factor is determined. The absorbance correction factor is then applied to the measured light absorbance of the sample fluid to arrive at a true or accurate absorbance for the sample fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Alexei SAVELIEV, Vilas Vyankatrao JANGALE, Sergeui ZELEPOUGA, John PRATAPAS
  • Patent number: 8234091
    Abstract: A measuring unit obtains measurement data of an object measured on the basis of a signal from a GPS satellite and angular velocity of an object output from an angular velocity sensor. An offset value computing unit estimates a running condition of the object on the basis of the measurement data and the angular velocity. The offset value computing unit sequentially derives temporary offset values while changing combination of the measurement data and the angular velocity in accordance with the estimated running condition of the object and, after that, executes statistical process on the temporary offset values, thereby deriving an offset value. An angular velocity conversion coefficient computing unit sequentially derives temporary angular velocity conversion coefficients on the basis of the measurement data and the angular velocity and, after that, executes statistical process on the temporary angular velocity conversion coefficients, thereby deriving an angular velocity conversion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: JVC KENWOOD Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kondoh
  • Publication number: 20120191155
    Abstract: A system and method automatically calibrate a posture sensor, such as by detecting a walking state or a posture change. For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect a patient's activity or posture. This information can be used to automatically calibrate subsequent posture or acceleration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Aaron Lewicke, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20120191378
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force and a method thereof. The device comprises a control device, a transducing device, and a sensing device. The transducing device comprises a second connector and a first signal transmitter. The control device communicates with the transducing device through a second signal transmitter and the first signal transmitter wiredly or wirelessly. The sensing device comprises a first connector and a sensor, and electrically connects to the transducing device through the second connector and the first connector. The sensing device senses the torque applied to a fastener to transmit real-time sensing data to the control device. The control device compares the real-time sensing data with a setting value so as to measure, control or track the locking force or tightening torque applied to the fastener in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Hsiu-Feng Chu, Che-Min Lin
  • Publication number: 20120185198
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a final signal value measured on a lateral flow assay test strip, by: identifying a pre-determined calibration method for the test strip, wherein the pre-determined calibration method corresponds to the manufacturing lot from which the test strip has been made; measuring signal values while performing a lateral flow assay reaction on a test strip; determining a final signal value; and adjusting the final signal value based upon the identified pre-selected calibration method for the test strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Irvin
  • Patent number: 8224608
    Abstract: The calibrating breathalyzer comprises an alcohol sensor, a non-volatile memory, a processing unit or processor, a display and a housing to house these components. The processing unit can calibrate the breathalyzer using the user's body as a simulator based on the user's metabolism rate, type and amount of alcohol consumed by the user. The processing unit determines a sample time to receive a breath sample from the user based on a time to a predetermined calibration point from the drinking start time calculated using the user's metabolism rate and the determined maximum alcohol level. The BAC % measurement based on the user's breath sample at the sample time is used as a reference point in calibrating the breathalyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: AK Global Tech Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew Hogyun Son, Jung Hoon Son
  • Publication number: 20120179408
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an operation unit configured to calculate, based on information on an acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor included in an operation device that is operated by a user, movement information as information on one of a velocity and a movement distance of the operation device; and a correction unit configured to correct, based on information obtained by the acceleration sensor within an acceleration period as a period between an acceleration start time and an acceleration end time of the operation device, the movement information of the operation device within a period between the acceleration end time of the operation device and a movement end time at which the movement ends, that is calculated by the operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Goto, Shinobu Kuriya, Kenichi Kabasawa, Masatoshi Ueno, Hideo Kawabe, Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Tsubasa Tsukahara
  • Publication number: 20120173185
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for evaluating calibration data collected by a range sensor of a mobile machine on a site includes collecting a calibration data set using the range sensor. The calibration data set includes information indicating the locations of a plurality of points on a surface of the site relative to the range sensor. The method further includes determining an expected error score of the calibration data set. Finally, the method includes determining whether to use the calibration data set to calibrate the range sensor based on the expected error score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Allen TAYLOR, Sudhir Katta, Bradley Scott Kriel