Sensor Or Transducer Patents (Class 702/104)
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Publication number: 20120173185Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Michael Allen TAYLOR, Sudhir Katta, Bradley Scott Kriel
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Patent number: 8214168Abstract: A sensor probe provides a pair of unique signal paths through a test material, wherein one configuration of the probe provides identical external portions of the signal paths such that a selected parameter of a measuring signal passing along at least two of the unique signal paths is measured. From these measurements, a method is provided for calculating at least one parameter of the test material, wherein the parameter can include an intrinsic parameter as well as a condition of state.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Transonic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Yuri Shkarlet
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Patent number: 8214167Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus that obtains, from an input device including an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration and an angular velocity sensor for detecting an angular velocity, acceleration data indicative of the acceleration and angular velocity data indicative of the angular velocity, is provided. The information processing program causes the computer to perform data obtaining and acceleration correction. The data obtaining repeatedly obtains the acceleration data and the angular velocity data. The acceleration correction corrects, based on the magnitude of the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data, the acceleration indicated by the acceleration data.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuhiro Dohta
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Patent number: 8214166Abstract: A method, and a corresponding system, are provided for calibrating data of an object measured by different measuring tools, including measuring a Critical-Dimension (CD) and roughness of an object by using a CD-SEM tool, calculating a number of cross section measurement points required for calibration, by statistically processing the roughness of the object, measuring the cross section of the object by using a cross section measuring tool to obtain cross section data at the calculated number of cross section measurement points, calculating the average measurement of the cross section measurement height, and calculating a calibration correction value that is a function of a difference between the average CD measurement of the object and the average measurement of the cross section measurement height of the object.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Maki Tanaka, Wataru Nagatomo
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Publication number: 20120166126Abstract: A method for calibrating a handheld diabetes managing device based on data generated by a continuous glucose monitor. The method can include sampling a current of the continuous glucose monitor at a sampling interval over a time period to generate a plurality of current samples for the time period. The method can also include determining a mean, median and standard deviation of the plurality of current samples. The blood glucose level of the patient can be measured at a first time and a calibration equation that associates the plurality of current samples with the estimated glucose level of the patient based on the measured blood glucose level and the plurality of current samples can be determined when the standard deviation is less than a first threshold and an absolute value of a difference between the mean and median is less than a second threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Timothy Peter Engelhardt, Nikolaus Schmitt, Phillip E. Pash, David Duke, Abhishek Soni
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Publication number: 20120166128Abstract: A system for calibrating a pixelated detector includes a detector assembly comprising an array of pixels, an energy source positioned to direct energy toward the array of pixels, a collimating device positioned to pass energy from the energy source to illuminate one pixel, and a data acquisition system (DAS). The DAS is configured to measure a signal in the illuminated one pixel, and measure signals in pixels neighboring the pixel. The system includes a computer programmed to calculate an amount of crosstalk from the illuminated pixel of the pixels neighboring the illuminated pixel based on the measured signals in the DAS, and calculate a crosstalk correction vector for the illuminated pixel based on the measured signal in the illuminated pixel, the measured signals in the pixels neighboring the illuminated pixel, and the calculated amount of crosstalk from the illuminated pixel to each of the pixels neighboring the illuminated pixel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Abdelazíz Ikhlef, Jesse David Peplinski
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Publication number: 20120166127Abstract: A soft-field tomography system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning at a surface of an object. An excitation driver is configured to generate a precomputed default excitation pattern for the plurality of transducers. A processor stores the precomputed default excitation pattern and a corresponding predicted response for the precomputed excitation pattern. The processor further stores one or more precomputed fault excitation patterns and corresponding predicted response for the fault excitation patterns corresponding to one or more fault conditions of the plurality of transducers. A response measurement device is configured to measure a response at one or more of the transducers to determine if a fault condition exists. If a fault condition exists, the processor at least one of instructs the excitation driver to generate a precomputed fault excitation pattern or uses a predicted response that corresponds to the fault condition for a soft field tomography process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Alexander Seth Ross
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Patent number: 8208758Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) video processing based on low-complexity automatic ROI detection within video frames of video sequences. The low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on characteristics of video sensors within video communication devices. In other cases, the low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on motion information for a video frame and a different video frame of the video sequence. The disclosed techniques include a video processing technique capable of tuning and enhancing video sensor calibration, camera processing, ROI detection, and ROI video processing within a video communication device based on characteristics of a specific video sensor. The disclosed techniques also include a sensor-based ROI detection technique that uses video sensor statistics and camera processing side-information to improve ROI detection accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Haohong Wang, Shuxue Quan, Khaled Helmi El-Maleh, Chinchuan Andrew Chiu, Xiaoyun Jiang
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Patent number: 8209151Abstract: In order to make error recognition, for example, in cabling, in the stored data or in the data allocation, in the allocation of a sensor unit to sensor-relevant data for calibration of an analysis unit that is connected with a sensor unit possible, a sensor identification (6) is located in or on the sensor unit that can be polled by the analysis unit (4) and to which sensor-specific data are allocated in a storage unit (5), and a data carrier (7) is located in or on the sensor unit in which a second set of sensor-specific data are stored that can be read by the analysis unit (4) and can be compared with the first set of sensor-specific data of storage unit (5). Upon agreement of the first and second set of sensor-specific data, the measuring signals are transformed into measurement data by considering the sensor-specific data.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Jerome Gruaz, Klaus-Christoph Harms, Martin Rzehorska, Rüdiger Teichmann
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Publication number: 20120158313Abstract: A method and device allow the determination of the concentrations of a plurality of gas species in a gas mixture based on the output signals from a plurality of gas sensors, each of which is sensitive to a plurality of gas species in the gas mixture. The method includes measuring the response of each sensor at a number of levels of each gas in the mixture, determining a mathematical representation of the response characteristics of each sensor, and using the mathematical representation to determine gas concentrations from sensor readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: DA YU WANG, DAVID M. RACINE, DAVID D. CABUSH
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OPERATING METHOD OF SENSOR NODE, OPERATING METHOD OF DATA SINK IN SENSOR NETWORK, AND SENSOR NETWORK
Publication number: 20120158343Abstract: Provided is an operating method of a sensor node. The operating method of a sensor node includes receiving a sensing request, adjusting a sensing condition on the basis of the received sensing request, and sensing according to the adjusted sensing condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: Seung-Mok YOO -
Patent number: 8203329Abstract: A calibratable magnetic field sensor for sensing a first and a second spatial component of a magnetic field in a reference point, wherein the magnetic field includes a first and a second measurement field component and/or a first and a second calibration field component. The magnetic filed sensor includes a first sensor element arrangement including at least a first and a second sensor element for sensing the first magnetic field component, which includes a first measurement field component and/or a first calibration field component, with respect to a first spatial axis in the reference point. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensor includes a second sensor element arrangement for sensing the second magnetic field component, which includes a second measurement field component and/or a second calibration field component, with respect to a second spatial axis in the reference point.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Hans-Peter Hohe, Michael Hackner, Markus Stahl-Offergeld
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Patent number: 8204971Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for controlling sensor networks. A sensor network has a plurality of sensor nodes, which have sensors for monitoring operational parameters of devices within an application-specific system. A wireless communication module is provided for each node to enable the node to wirelessly communicate with other nodes of the network. A user defines various scripts for controlling the behavior of one or more nodes, and the network distributes the scripts, as appropriate, to various nodes thereby implementing the behavior defined by the scripts. Accordingly, a user can easily and dynamically configure or re-configure the behavior of any node without having to physically access the node that is being configured or re-configured.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Synapse Wireless, Inc.Inventors: David B. Ewing, Rick A. Martindale
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Publication number: 20120150414Abstract: A method comprises steps for reconstructing in-cylinder pressure data from a vibration signal collected from a vibration sensor mounted on an engine component where it can generate a signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and correcting the vibration signal for errors introduced by vibration signal charge decay and sensor sensitivity. The correction factors are determined as a function of estimated motoring pressure and the measured vibration signal itself with each of these being associated with the same engine cycle. Accordingly, the method corrects for charge decay and changes in sensor sensitivity responsive to different engine conditions to allow greater accuracy in the reconstructed in-cylinder pressure data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Jian Huang
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Publication number: 20120150471Abstract: There is provided a color processing apparatus comprising: a first input unit configured to input a reference spectral reflectance obtained by measuring a patch image with a spectrophotometer serving as a reference unit; a second input unit configured to input a correction target spectral reflectance obtained by measuring the patch image with a spectrophotometer serving as a correction target unit; a correction coefficient generation unit configured to generate a correction coefficient between the correction target spectral reflectance and the reference spectral reflectance, for each wavelength; and a correction unit configured to correct, for each wavelength, the spectral reflectance measured by the correction target unit, using the correction coefficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Muto
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Patent number: 8200452Abstract: To provide an attitude-angle detecting apparatus, which detects an attitude angle of a mobile object during movement with good accuracy by correcting an output value from an acceleration sensor, and to provide a method for the same. It is characterized in that it comprises an acceleration sensor for measuring an acceleration being applied to a mobile object, a yaw-rate sensor for measuring a yaw rate of the mobile object, a speed sensor for measuring a speed of the mobile object, a mobile-component acceleration calculating means for calculating an actual acceleration from the speed, calculating a centrifugal force from the yaw rate and the speed and calculating a mobile-component acceleration, a resultant force of the actual speed and the centrifugal force, and an attitude-angle calculating means for calculating an attitude angle from a gravitational acceleration, which is obtainable by correcting the acceleration with the mobile-component acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Ueda, Iwao Maeda, Kiyomi Nagamiya, Naoto Shibata
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Patent number: 8196469Abstract: A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: National Railroad Passenger CorporationInventors: John A. Pielli, Kenneth Gaglione
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Patent number: 8200450Abstract: A measuring system precisely for measuring the density of a medium flowing in a pipe line. The measuring system comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Both sensors communicate with measuring electronics of the system. The measuring electronics are operable to provide, based on temperature measurement, pressure measurement, and a numerical compensation factor a density measured-value, representing, a density of the flowing medium at a virtual density measuring point. The compensation factor corresponds with a locational variability of at least one thermodynamic variable of the medium, occurring along the flow axis of the measuring system and/or a locational variability of the Reynolds number of the flowing medium along the flow axis of the measuring system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Rainer Höcker
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Publication number: 20120143552Abstract: A calibration method/system and verification method for digital torque tools are disclosed, in which the calibration method comprises the steps of: transmitting a data containing usage records of a digital torque tool at a client end to a remote calibration platform; comparing the data of usage records with statistic data stored in the calibration platform so as to obtain a data relating to average degree of fatigue; performing a calculation based upon the data of usage record and the data of average degree of fatigue so as to obtain a calibration data; transmitting the calibration data to the client end while allowing the calibration data to overwrite the corresponding original torque data of the digital torque tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: CHIH-HUA CHO, Hsin-Chuan Su
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Publication number: 20120143551Abstract: A fixed-source array test station provides a cost-effective high-throughput test bed for testing optical sensors that require stimulus at fixed angular positions. A SAL seeker requires stimulus at fixed angular position across its FOV to calibrate its spatial transfer function (STF). An array of fixed collimated sources at different angular positions is aligned so that their beams overlap the entrance pupil of the sensor under test. Each source may comprise an inexpensive light emitting diode (LED) or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and collimator. To simplify alignment the sources may be positioned on and perpendicular to the surface of a sphere with the seeker's entrance pupil located at the center of the sphere. The sources are activated in accordance with an activation profile in order to calibrate or otherwise test the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Michael K. Burkland, Casey T. Streuber, Kristofer E. Tvedt
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Patent number: 8195406Abstract: One or more alcohol inputs are received at the interactive system. Each of the alcohol inputs corresponds to an alcoholic beverage to be consumed by a consumer. The system calculates an estimated blood-alcohol level of the consumer based on the alcohol inputs. The estimated blood-alcohol level is compared with one or more alcohol impairment limits retrieved from an electronic data store. If the comparison reveals that the consumer might be impaired, an alert is automatically signaled.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lydia Mai Do, Pamela Ann Nesbitt, Lisa Anne Seacat
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Patent number: 8195418Abstract: A measurement instrument having a processor, a first sensor and a second sensor. The processor is adapted to output a measurement signal embodying a measurement of a physical quantity. The first sensor and second sensor are connected to the processor and are operable to generate respectively first and second measurements of the physical quantity. The processor defines a first measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the first measurement and not the second measurement. The processor defines a second measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the second measurement and not the first measurement. The first and second ranges meet at a predetermined transition. The first and second measurements are different at the transition and the measurement embodied in the measurement signal crosses the transition without an abrupt change.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventor: Michael Borenstein
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Publication number: 20120136606Abstract: A self-calibrating magnetic field monitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to the magnetic field. In addition, a calibration module generates a relative baseline signal based on an average value of the electronic signals for a given time period. A comparator compares the electronic signal with the relative baseline signal and generating an output signal if a difference in the comparing is greater than or equal to a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Cory James STEPHANSON, Paul Roybal
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Patent number: 8190297Abstract: A control method is provided for a fluid control device, particularly for an internal combustion engine, equipped with a position sensor having a nominal characteristic curve representative of a predetermined relationship between an admissible range of position values and a corresponding range of return electric signal values. The method includes, but is not limited to determining an offset (offsetopen; offsetclose) between a returned signal related to at least one defined position of the device and an expected signal related to the defined position of the device according to the nominal characteristic curve, estimating an updated characteristic curve of the sensor by applying the offset (offsetopen; offsetclose) to the nominal characteristic curve, and applying a predetermined control strategy of the fluid control device according to the updated characteristic curve.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andreas Gunnarsson, Simone Barbero, Ronnie Magnusson, Nando Vennettilli
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Publication number: 20120123722Abstract: A fluorescent spectrum correcting method includes comparing fluorescent spectrum obtained from micro-particles labeled with a plurality of fluorescent pigments with reference spectrum to separating the fluorescent spectrum into fluorescent spectrum for each pigment, and previously measured spectrum data is used as the reference spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Masaya Kakuta, Koji Futamura, Yoshitsugu Sakai, Yasunobu Kato
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Patent number: 8176803Abstract: The present invention is a sensor interface or network of interfaces that utilizes high-temperature electronics to operate at elevated temperatures for applications that include but are not limited to aircraft and automobile engines, vehicle frames, refineries, nuclear and chemical production plants, and in downhole drilling for petroleum and natural gas. The interface or network provide connectors for a variety of sensors with analog and digital outputs, and can in turn provide data to an automated electronic control system or a monitor. Because the sensor interface may be placed in so-called “hot zones” nearer to the sensors being monitored than other systems that use conventional electronics, the sensor interface can increase noise immunity, increase reliability, decrease cost, reduce weight, and increase space.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Michael Willett, Greg S. Shaw
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Patent number: 8180466Abstract: A process device is configured to meet a desired Safety Integrity Level (SIL). A device interface is configured to couple to the process device and provide an output related to operation of a component of the process device. A component monitor monitors operation of the component and identifies a safety event of the component. A safety response module responds to a safety event of the component in accordance with a safety response.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Randy Longsdorf, Dale Davis, Robert Hedtke, Scott Nelson
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Publication number: 20120116707Abstract: An accelerometer open loop control system comprising a variable capacitance accelerometer having a proof mass movable between fixed capacitor plates, drive signals applied to the capacitor plates, a charge amplifier amplifying an accelerometer output signal representing applied acceleration, and an autoranging facility for monitoring the output signal, and for adjusting the drive signals in dependence on the output signal in order to restrict the amplitude of the accelerometer output signal, thus maintaining sensitivity of the accelerometer while permitting response to a wide range of g values. Corrections are applied by means of look up tables to compensate for inaccuracies arising from movement of the proof mass and temperature variations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Atlantic Inertial Systems LimitedInventor: Alan Malvern
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Publication number: 20120101766Abstract: A method and system are provided for calibrating a magnetometer. The method comprises applying at least one first test to a new set of calibration parameters; accepting the new set of calibration parameters as an active set of calibration parameters when the new calibration parameters pass the at least one first test; applying the active set of calibration parameters to a plurality of magnetometer readings to obtain a plurality of values; applying at least one second test to the plurality of values; and calculating a quality measure for the active set of calibration parameters based on an outcome of the at least one second test.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Harris Snow, Nazih Almalki
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Publication number: 20120101765Abstract: An improved method of determining that a current transformer is situated about a conductor includes applying a predefined load to a particular conductor from among a plurality of conductors and making a determination from a signal detected from a particular current transformer responsive to the predefined load that the particular current transformer is situated about the particular conductor. An improved metering device having an algorithm for identifying the predefined load is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Donald Thompson McComas, Praveen Sutrave
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Patent number: 8165840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Aaron Lewicke, Keith R. Maile
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Patent number: 8165744Abstract: A method for controlling for improper installation of sensors of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining a first indication of direction based at least in part on a yaw value, determining a second indication of direction based at least in part on a steering angle value, and changing the second indication of direction, if the first indication of direction and the second indication of direction are inconsistent with one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas H. Tu, Steven R. Abram, Paul S. Shaub
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Patent number: 8165849Abstract: A system and method to facilitate device monitoring and servicing is provided. In one embodiment, a system may include a medical device having at least one component, and monitoring circuitry configured to measure operational data of the component. The system can also include a data processing system configured to analyze the operational data and to output a report based on such analysis. The analysis, in turn, may include applying a transform to the operational data and comparing one or more actual coefficient and threshold coefficient characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kamal Mannar, Douglas E. Starasinich
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Publication number: 20120095714Abstract: An information processing device acquires an output value in accordance with a state in which an operating device is held, acquires the output value in accordance with a predetermined first holding state of the operating device as a first reference value, acquires the output value in accordance with a predetermined second holding state of the operating device, different from the first holding state, as a second reference value, and calculates a state value indicative of the state in which the operating device is held, which is in accordance with the acquired output value, based on the first reference value and the second reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventors: Noriyuki FUKUSHIMA, Shinichi HIRATA, Koji KAGEYAMA
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Publication number: 20120095713Abstract: In a multi-channel oscilloscope a method of calibrating interleaved digitizer channels initially calibrates each digitizer channel to produce a bandwidth enhanced filter for each digitizer channel to match the respective channel frequency and phase characteristics. The oscilloscope is then configured for interleaved operation whereby an input signal is applied to at least two digitizers via a switch through a common preamplifier to produce a reference digitizer channel and an interleaved digitizer channel where the bandwidth enhanced filter for the interleaved digitizer channel is now not correct. Fast Fourier transforms are performed on the data from the reference digitizer channel and the interleaved digitizer channel, from which are derived a match filter for the interleaved digitizer channel so the interleaved digitizer channel and reference digitizer channel are matched in phase and magnitude at all frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: TEKTRONIX, INC.Inventor: John J. PICKERD
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Patent number: 8158063Abstract: A biosensor package structure with a micro-fluidic channel is provided. The biosensor package structure includes a substrate, a biochip, and a cover. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The biochip is attached on the first surface. A bio-sensing area of the biochip is exposed to the opening of the substrate. The cover is attached on the second surface to cover the opening so as to form a micro-fluidic channel. By implementing the invention, the manufacturing process of the biosensor is simplified and the productivity is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: National Chip Implementation Center National Applied Research LaboratoriesInventors: Chin-Fong Chiu, Ying-Zong Juang, Hann-Huei Tsai, Chen-Fu Lin
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Patent number: 8160834Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides methods and materials for observing the state of a sensor, for example those used by diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels. Typically a voltage such as a voltage pulse is applied to the sensor in order to solicit a current response from which for example, factors such as impedance values can be derived. Such values can then be used as indicators of a sensor's state, for example the state of sensor hydration, sensor noise, sensor offset, sensor drift or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Chi Liang, Larry E. Tyler, Mohsen Askarinya, Charles R. Gordon, Randal C. Schulhauser, Kenneth W. Cooper, Kris R. Holtzclaw, Brian T. Kannard, Rajiv Shah
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Patent number: 8156805Abstract: An inertial sensor has a transducer with a sense resonator. The sense resonator is oscillated. A signal responsive to the oscillation is provided. A first baseband signal and a second baseband signal are provided responsive to the signal responsive to the oscillation of the sense resonator. A signal for controlling a resonance frequency of the sense resonator is provided responsive to performing a Goertzel algorithm on the first baseband signal and the second baseband signal. One use of controlling the resonance frequency is to control an offset between the resonance frequency of the sense resonator and the frequency of the oscillation of drive masses in the sense resonator. Using the Goertzel algorithm is particularly efficient in controlling the resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: David A. Hayner, Keith L. Kraver, Dejan Mijuskovic
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Publication number: 20120089358Abstract: An apparatus, consisting of a rolling element, which is resting on a surface, and a force-sensing device, which is coupled to the surface. The force-sensing device is configured to make a first measurement indicative of a force exerted in a direction perpendicular to the surface. The force is exerted by a force-sensing probe pressing against the rolling element so as to hold the rolling element stationary. The apparatus further includes a calibration processor, which is configured to collect the first measurement from the sensing device, to collect a second measurement indicative of the force from the force-sensing probe, and to calibrate the force-sensing probe based on the first and second measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Doron Ludwin, Yevgeny Bonyak, Dror Shlomo Levy
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Publication number: 20120086438Abstract: A real-time calibration system and method for a mobile device having an onboard magnetometer uses an estimator to estimate magnetometer calibration parameters and a magnetic field external to the mobile device (e.g., the earth magnetic field). The calibration parameters can be used to calibrate uncalibrated magnetometer readings output from the onboard magnetometer. The external magnetic field can be modeled as a weighted combination of a past estimate of the external magnetic field and the asymptotic mean of that magnetic field, perturbed by a random noise (e.g., Gaussian random noise). The weight can be adjusted based on a measure of the statistical uncertainty of the estimated calibration parameters and the estimated external magnetic field. The asymptotic mean of the external magnetic field can be modeled as a time average of the estimated external magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventor: Xiaoyuan Tu
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Patent number: 8155912Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining a calibration value indicating the extent of loss of calibration of a group of three or more sensors in a sensor network, the method involving receiving a plurality of data values captured over a period of time by each of the sensors, determining by a processing unit (404) at least one correlation value associated with each sensor, each correlation value corresponding to the correlation between the data values captured by the associated sensor and the data values captured by at least one other sensor; extracting by a high pass filter (410) a noise component of the correlation values and outputting the calibration value determined based on the difference between the noise component and a reference noise value.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Accenture Global Services LimitedInventor: Younes Souilmi
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Publication number: 20120084039Abstract: A method includes detecting a first event and executing a first procedure to identify a sensor offset in response to detecting the first event. The method further includes determining, via a computing device, whether the sensor offset was measured during the execution of the first procedure, scheduling a second procedure to execute in response to detecting a second event if the sensor offset was not measured during the first procedure, and scheduling the first procedure to execute in response to detecting a subsequent occurrence of the first event if the sensor offset was measured during the first procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Steven E. Schulz, Jeffrey David, Jackie L. Cui, Andrew M. Zettel, Hanne Buur
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Patent number: 8150633Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a physical characteristic of a seafood product are provided. In one system, the estimate is based on a slope defined by a ratio of changes in peak resonant amplitude and frequency of an electromagnetic resonant circuit in loaded and unloaded states. In another system, a first probe of a plurality of probes is driven with a test signal when the plurality of probes is loaded by a seafood product and the estimate is based on received test signals at one or more of the other probes. In another system, the estimate is based on the loading effect of a seafood product on an electromagnetic resonant circuit, which is also used to read an ID from an RFID associated with the seafood product. The systems and methods may be used for individual specimens, or to determine an average estimate for multiple specimens at one time.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventors: Timothy A. Burke, Peter H. Gregson, Gleb J. Sekretta, Stephen J. F. Hankinson
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Publication number: 20120074943Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compensating for the effect of a moving door on a nearby ferromagnetic object detector. The ferromagnetic object detector is of a type to produce a main sensor signal indicative of the presence of a ferromagnetic object in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic object detector. Furthermore, the door is arranged relative to the ferromagnetic object detector such that movement of the door is liable to introduce an undesirable interference signal into the main sensor signal. The apparatus comprises an input (3) for receiving the main sensor signal and a door sensor signal that is responsive to an opening angle of the door. The apparatus also comprises an interference signal estimator (4) for estimating a door-related interference signal in dependence upon the door sensor signal and a model of interference for the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicants: ADVANTAGE WEST MIDLANDS, QINETIQ LIMITEDInventors: Malcolm David MacLeod, Paul Daniel Baxter, Thomas John Horton, Mark Nicholas Keene
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Publication number: 20120078563Abstract: An economizer controller with sensor calibration. A controller sensor may be used to measure a parameter. At the same time at the same location of the measurement with the controller sensor, a measurement of the same parameter may be made with a precision sensor. The difference between the two measurements may be saved to a controller memory as an offset. The offset may be used to compensate future measurements of the same parameter by the controller sensor. Additional offsets at various magnitudes may be obtained between the precision and the controller sensors for compensating subsequent measurements by the controller sensor. Measurements with the compensated sensor may be used for calibrating sensors in other economizer controllers, for example, at remote locations in the field.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Cory Grabinger, Adrienne Thomle, Miroslav Mikulica
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Patent number: 8136383Abstract: To calibrate an accelerometer, a seismic cable that carries the accelerometer is rotated. Data measured by the accelerometer as the seismic cable is rotated is received, and at least one calibration parameter according to the received data is computed. The at least one calibration parameter is for use in calibrating the accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Nicolas Goujon, Ahmet Kemal Ozdemir, Bent Andreas Kjellesvig
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Patent number: 8140500Abstract: A system is provided wherein spectrometer measurements, and/or measurements from other analytical instruments, are transmitted to a processing station which determines the component substances of the sample(s) subjected to the measurements. The names of the component substances are then inserted into database search queries related to matters such as handling precautions, causes/sources of the substances, remedies and neutralizing agents for the substances, regulations related to the substances, etc. The results of the search queries are then provided to the personnel who made the measurements, preferably wirelessly and almost immediately after the measurements were made. The system therefore provides nearly immediate guidance as to what substances are present and how to handle them, which can be useful for inexperienced personnel in hazardous response, contraband detection, industrial process control, and other situations.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLCInventors: Jerome J. Workman, Stephen R. Lowry, Nicholas Simon Nunn, Kathleen J. Schulting
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Publication number: 20120065917Abstract: An information processing system, including: a portable communication device including a sensor that measures predetermined information and outputs a measurement result, the sensor having output characteristics varying depending on a place of use; and a information processing device for indoor use, which is communicatively connectable to the portable communication device, the information processing device being configured to: acquire the measurement result of the sensor from the communicatively-connected portable communication device; execute calibration of the sensor by using the acquired measurement result; execute an application program that uses the measurement result of the sensor; and performs determination as to whether or not the calibration has been executed for the communicatively-connected portable communication device when the application program is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Masaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8135554Abstract: Transmission of probe configuration data is initiated upon recognition by the probe of a prescribed condition. Probe configuration data protocol includes a data frame, subdivided into a desired number of time slots. Unlike measurement data protocol, where inter-pulse pair timing within a slot varies based on a magnet position or temperature sensor resistance, configuration data protocol in accordance with the invention uses fixed inter-pulse timing to represent the various states of digital data. In such manner, at least a portion of the time slots making up the particular data frame can be used for containing data sent from the probe, and which can then be interpreted by the receiving processing device as at least one bit of binary code allocated to each individual slot of the portion of time slots.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Jonathan A. Levy
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Patent number: 8131495Abstract: A system includes a filter, a sensor, a processor, and a memory. The filter can be coupled to an engine exhaust and can operate in an accumulating mode during which particulate matter (PM) from the engine is trapped and also operate in a regenerating mode during which PM in the filter is emitted. The sensor is coupled to a discharge port of the filter and has an output to provide a sensor signal based on a concentration of PM in the filtered exhaust. The processor is coupled to receive the sensor signal and operable to determine at least one of a base level for the sensor signal during the accumulating mode and a regenerate level for the sensor signal during the regenerating mode, and operable to determine a calibration value for the sensor using at least one of the base level and the regenerate level. The memory stores the calibration value.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Krafthefer, Gregory J. Hampson