Sensor Or Transducer Patents (Class 702/104)
  • Publication number: 20150039257
    Abstract: A process calibrator is formed with a user interface, which guides to choose the right connection arrangements of the process calibrator according to the function of the process calibrator. The user interface shows in the display of the process calibrator the connection arrangements of the process calibrator and indicates the place of the connection arrangement assigned to the selected function visually compared. to other connection arrangements. The connection arrangements shown by the user interface in the display are placed similarly to the physical connection arrangements of the process calibrator. As the user interface indicates the connection arrangement that is assigned to the selected function of the process calibrator, it is easy for the user to make the right connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: BEAMEX OY AB
    Inventors: Kari Autio, Heikki Laurila, Marko Stenbacka
  • Patent number: 8949059
    Abstract: A method of deriving correction for instrument-to-instrument variations in the illumination band centroid wavelengths and wavelength band shapes of the optical systems of clinical chemistry instruments includes the steps of determining the centroid wavelength and wavelength band shape of a light source used in the optical system of a clinical chemistry instrument to provide a determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength, comparing the determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength with a known reflection density or absorbance wavelength spectrum of a specific type of chemical reagent test to provide a correction value, and calculating the correction value, which is to be used to modify a reflection density or absorbance measurement taken by the instrument of a reagent test of the a specific type of chemical reagent test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Garland Christian Misener
  • Publication number: 20150032402
    Abstract: A spectral distribution of incident light can be determined to increase collected spectral information. The spectral distribution of the incident light can be represented as a sum of spectral components after the incident light passes through a spectrum selective element. A signal at each color pixel of the spectrum selective element can be determined using, in part, the sum of the spectral components, where the spectral components are represented by a set of preliminary values. An error associated with the signal at each color pixel of the spectrum selective element is calculated. One or more perturbations are performed on each of the preliminary values and the error associated with the signal at each color pixel of the spectrum selective element is recalculated. The perturbations on each of the preliminary values is repeated until the error stabilizes within a predetermined range in order to assign the stabilized preliminary values as the spectral components in the incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Rajesh Menon
  • Publication number: 20150032401
    Abstract: A device for geometrically calibrating sensor data which are generated with a sensor system of a vehicle and which correspond to the vehicle surroundings, including: an ascertainer for ascertaining a geometric variable in sensor units of a physical object of the vehicle surroundings based on the sensor data, a retriever for retrieving the geometric variable in real physical units of the physical object from a database in which geometric variables in real physical units of the physical object, which are assigned to a path, are stored, and a computer for computing a conversion factor for converting sensor units into real physical units based on the ascertained geometric variable in sensor units and on the retrieved geometric variable in real physical units. Also described is a corresponding method as well as a corresponding system and a corresponding computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Nordbruch
  • Patent number: 8942943
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of controlling an ion detector to minimize false peaks when utilizing extended dynamic range techniques. In one exemplary example, methods of controlling an ion detector are provided, comprising the steps of: determining an electronic baseline signal of the ion detector; receiving one or more ion input signals at the ion detector; comparing the ion input signal to the electronic baseline signal; and multiplying the ion input signal by a selected compensation factor when the ion input signal exceeds the electronic baseline signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bruker Daltonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shankar Telasang
  • Patent number: 8942942
    Abstract: A controller for a generator set is disclosed. The controller may have a memory module having stored therein calibration factors associated with an offset error, a scale error, and a time delay error, and a processor module in communication with the memory module. The processor module may be configured to monitor at least one parameter of electric power directed from the generator set to a load, detect connection of the generator set to the load, and determine adjustments to the calibration factors after connection of the generator set to the load based on a comparison of the at least one parameter monitored by the processor module and measured at the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Ronald Folken, Michael Allen Dvorsky, Matthew Joseph Meinhart
  • Patent number: 8942944
    Abstract: An oxygen sensing system including an oxygen sensor, a microprocessor and one or more additional sensors for sensing parameters associated with the environment or with the oxygen sensor, accounts for one or more sensed conditions when calculating oxygen levels. The one or more sensors may sense conditions associated with environmental effects or effects of use that may cause the oxygen sensor to degrade over usage or over time. A baseline amplification and measurement circuit coupled to the oxygen sensor may enable the sensor to operate less frequently or for shorter periods of time, thereby increasing the life span, calibration hold time of the sensor, and reducing power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Laguna Research, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8942462
    Abstract: A method to automatically quantify dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures. Once a location of interest in a cast material specimen has been identified, the information contained in it is automatically analyzed to quantify dendrite cell size information that is subsequently converted into a quantified dendrite arm spacing through an empirical relationship or a theoretical relationship. In one form, the relationship between DCS and DAS is such that the DAS in dendritic structure of cast aluminum alloys may be automatically determined from the measurement of one or more of dendrite cell size and the actual volume fraction of the eutectic phases in the local casting microstructure. Non-equilibrium conditions may be accounted for in situations where a theoretical volume fraction of a eutectic phase of the alloy in equilibrium condition is appropriately modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, James W. Knight
  • Patent number: 8942941
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an output signal indicative of a downhole parameter that may include a carrier conveyable in a wellbore; a negative error compensator; and an output signal device. The negative error compensator may be configured to modify the output of the device to increase or decrease a characteristic of the output signal from the output signal device. Also, a method for modifying an output signal indicative of a downhole parameter that may include modifying a characteristic of an output signal produced by a output signal device in a wellbore using a negative error compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stanislav W. Forgang, Luis M. Pelegri
  • Publication number: 20150025828
    Abstract: A method for estimating torque control error at an electric machine considers the effects of current sensor error characteristics. Systems and methods can be practiced to determine the maximum sensor error that can be tolerated without causing unacceptable torque error. An example method uses sensor characteristics and machine characteristics to determine current sensing error, current control error, and torque control error. Determining the lowest sensor accuracy required for a desired torque control accuracy can facilitate the use of lower cost sensors in current-feedback controlled electric drive systems without compromising performance. Other applications can include vehicle diagnostics and torque error compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Chang-jiang Wang, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 8938383
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for allowing a test script to be played back correctly in a locale of different test language. The invention uses a synonymy dictionary storing the different appearances of the property value of a property in an object of a software product to be tested in different test locales; and compares the property value of the property in the object of the software product to be tested to the corresponding property value pre-recorded in a test script to detect whether they match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Min Ding, Chi Qi, Xiao Bin Yang
  • Publication number: 20150019155
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process and system to correct reflective distortions of an optical spectrum. In addition, a spectroscopy system that compensates for reflective distortions is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Max Diem, Benjamin Bird, Milos Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 8935093
    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: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: CSR Technology Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Mangesh Chansarkar
  • Patent number: 8933801
    Abstract: A fall detection method determines a fall detection algorithm based on sensor data aggregated from a plurality of fall detection devices. Sensor data is obtained from one of the plurality of fall detection devices not included in the aggregated sensor data. A probable fall event of the obtained sensor data is determined based on the fall detection algorithm. An alarm signal is generated based upon the determination of the probable fall event. A validity of the probable fall event is determined, and the fall detection algorithm is refined using the obtained sensor data and the validity of the probable fall event each time sensor data is obtained from any of the plurality of fall detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Linear LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, James J. Haflinger
  • Patent number: 8935128
    Abstract: The interference-compensated sensor for detecting an object located in a detection area in a contactless manner, particularly a rain sensor, is provided with a first and a second measuring channel each having a control device and an output, wherein both measuring channels are substantially identical. The sensor further comprises a main subtractor having an output for outputting the difference of the signals at the outputs of the measuring channels. The sensor is provided with a controller unit having an input that is connected to the output of the main subtractor and with an output for outputting a controller signal, by means of which the two measuring channels can be controlled in such a way that the signal at the output of the main subtractor can be controlled to zero. By means of the magnitude of the signal at the output of the controller, it can be determined if an object is located in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Mechaless Systems GmbH, ELMOS Semiconductor AG
    Inventors: Rolf Melcher, Erhard Musch, Erhard Schweninger, Roberto Zawacki
  • Patent number: 8930152
    Abstract: A contactless current and power consumption sensor can be safely mounted on a circuit breaker box of a structure, so as to sense the current flow and/or power consumed in the structure. Because the sensor can be mounted on a surface of the circuit breaker box without the need to access energized conductors inside the box, an unskilled person can readily install the sensor to monitor total instantaneous current flow and thus, determine the power consumed by energized devices in the structure on a continuing basis. The output from the sensor can be supplied to a readout or can be conveyed by a wired or wireless link to a computing device disposed at a remote location, where the data can be stored or viewed on a display. By integrating the power consumed over time, the energy usage by the energized devices in a structure can also be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shwetak Patel, Matthew S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8924176
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an industrial machine includes: a movement mechanism configured to move along a specific axis direction; a controller configured to control the movement mechanism; and an angle detector configured to detect an angle of the movement mechanism about an axis perpendicular to the specific axis direction. The controller comprises: an angular error acquisition section configured to acquire angular errors of the movement mechanism for respective positions of the movement mechanism based on the angle detected when the movement mechanism is moved; a parameter generator configured to generate respective straightness correction parameters for correcting straightness errors of the movement mechanism in the specific axis direction by integrating the angular errors at the respective positions of the movement mechanism; and a correction section configured to correct movement errors of the movement mechanism based on the straightness correction parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kanae Kawamura, Nobuyoshi Machida, Shigeo Kikuchi, Mitsuru Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20140372065
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in verifying the stability of sensor sensitivity of an analyte sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Alan Hayter, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh, Andrew H. Naegeli, John Charles Mazza, Benjamin Jay Feldman, Wesley Scott Harper
  • Publication number: 20140372063
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick calibration method for an inertial measurement unit (IMU). According to the method, a user holds and rotates the IMU to move in all directions without any external equipment, so that twelve error coefficients including gyro biases, gyro scale factors, accelerometer biases and accelerometer scale factors can be accurately calibrated in a short time. The quick calibration method for the IMU is characterized by being free of hardware cost, high in efficiency and simple and easy to implement, and can ensure certain calibration precision. Thus, the quick calibration method is especially suitable for in-situ quick calibration for the medium- and low-grade IMUs, thereby effectively solving the problem of environmental sensitivity of the error coefficients of the mechanical IMU, and promoting popularization and application of MEMS (micro-electro mechanical systems) inertial devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Xiaoji Niu, You Li, Quan Zhang, Chuanchuan Liu, Hongping Zhang, Chuang Shi, Jingnan Liu
  • Publication number: 20140372064
    Abstract: One disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete respective distance intervals. During the outing, data representing the automatically measured amounts of time may be automatically stored in memory of the least one device. Another disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals. During the outing, the at least one device may display at least one of an average pace of the user since a most recently completed distance interval, an average speed of the user since the most recently completed distance interval, and a projected time to complete a current distance interval based on monitored performance since the most recently completed distance interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Jesse Darley, Thomas P. Blackadar
  • Publication number: 20140365159
    Abstract: A fluorescence intensity calculating apparatus, includes a measuring section configured to receive fluorescences generated from plural fluorescent dyes excited by radiating a light to a microparticle multiply-labeled with the plural fluorescent dyes having fluorescence wavelength bands overlapping one another by photodetectors which correspond to different received light wavelength bands, respectively, and whose number is larger than the number of fluorescent dyes, and obtain measured spectra by collecting detected values from the photodetectors, and a calculating section configured to approximate the measured spectra based on a linear sum of single-dyeing spectra obtained from the microparticle individually labeled with the fluorescent dyes, thereby calculating intensities of the fluorescences generated from the fluorescent dyes, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Yasunobu Kato, Yoshitsugu Sakai
  • Publication number: 20140365157
    Abstract: A cartridge for storing a plurality of test strips suitable for analyzing body fluid, such as blood is designed such that the test strips can be brought out of the cartridge for performing a body fluid measurement. Such test strips need to be identified in order to calibrate the measurement to lot-to-lot variations of test strips. The identification is accomplished by means for data transfer from the cartridge (4, 5) and an electrical component (9) connected between the electrical connectors for identifying a calibration code for the lot of strips included in the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: MENDOR OY
    Inventors: Vasa-Pekka Torvinen, Jarmo Maentausta, Jukka Planman
  • Publication number: 20140364770
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for sleep analysis using an accelerometer-based user device. In one aspect, motion-based data from an accelerometer associated with the user device are used to determine one or more average normalized activity levels based on a series of consecutive motion-based data samples. An epoch decision value is determined using one or more consecutive normalized activity levels, and a sleep-decision window value is determined using a series of one or more consecutive epoch decision values. A sleep-state value is determined using the epoch values from the series of epoch values and is compared with reference sleep-state values to determine the sleep state of the user of the device. In some examples, the systems and methods may include a method for dynamically calibrating the data received from the accelerometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew M. Slonneger, Sajid I. Dalvi, Viditha Hanumanthareddy
  • Publication number: 20140365158
    Abstract: A laser ultrasound system may be utilized to test material quality. The laser ultrasound system may generate a laser for application to a material and measure signal generated by the application of the laser to the material. The measured signals may be altered based on correction factors and the quality of the material may be determined based on the altered signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Dubois, Thomas E. Drake, JR.
  • Patent number: 8909439
    Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit having a bucket, a designed landform data storage part storing designed landform data, a bucket position data generation part that generates bucket position data, a designed surface data generation part, and an excavation limit control part. The designed surface data generation part generates superior and subordinate designed surface data based on the designed landform and bucket position data. The superior designed surface data indicates a superior designed surface corresponding to a prescribed position on the bucket. The subordinate designed surface data indicates a plurality of subordinate designed surfaces linked to the superior designed surface. The designed surface data generation part generates shape data based on the superior and subordinate designed surface data. The shape data indicates shapes of the superior designed surface and the plurality of subordinate designed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Yoshiki Kami, Shin Kashiwabara, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 8909495
    Abstract: A particle radiation monitoring apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detecting unit to detect radioactive ray information of braking radiation from electrons undergoing action of particle beams incident on an irradiation body in accordance with a positional relation with the irradiation body and a calculating unit to calculate information on behaviors of the particle beams in the irradiation body from the radioactive ray information of the braking radiation corresponding to the positional relation that is detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Atomic Energy Agency
    Inventors: Mitsutaka Yamaguchi, Naoki Kawachi, Takahiro Satoh, Tomihiro Kamiya, Kota Torikai, Takashi Nakano, Kazuo Arakawa, Hirofumi Shimada, Tadayuki Takahashi, Shin Watanabe, Motohide Kokubun
  • Patent number: 8909498
    Abstract: A method and system for testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is a test system for an electronic device having an accelerometer with three mutually orthogonal sensing axes, the test system comprising: a test fixture having: a nest defining a cavity for receiving an electronic device; wherein the nest is configured so that, when the test fixture is substantially horizontal, a two-dimensional sensing plane defined by two of the sensing axes of the accelerometer is substantially horizontal and the third sensing axis is perpendicular to the two-dimensional sensing plane and substantially parallel to the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Marc Adam Kennedy, Arkady Ivannikov, Aleksandar Papo
  • Publication number: 20140358081
    Abstract: To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: John H. Dumas, III, Paul T. Kotnik, Kunal Sur, Anatoly S. Belkin, Timothy L. Ruchti
  • Patent number: 8903672
    Abstract: Calibration equipment for calibrating multiple test stations in a test system is provided. Each test station may include a test unit, a test fixture, and a radio-frequency (RF) cable that connects the test unit to the test fixture. A control test setup may be used to calibrate uplink and downlink characteristics associated with each test station (e.g., to determine path loss associated with the RF cable and test fixture and variations associated with the test unit). The control test setup may calibrate each test station at desired frequencies to generate a test station error (offset) table. The test unit of each test station may be individually configured based on the test station error table so that offset is minimized among the different stations and so that the test stations may reliably measure hundreds or thousands of wireless electronic devices during product testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Gregg, Tomoki Takeya, Adil Syed
  • Patent number: 8903677
    Abstract: Navigation units, systems, and methods for use in the context of personal navigation, and associated methods for initialization, navigation, assistance, and correction, all in the field of inertial navigation and related applications. The inertial navigation units, systems, and methods of the invention utilize multiple accelerometers to gather specific force data for improvement of the initialization, navigation, assistance, or corrective processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Alan Miller, Thomas Andreas Trautzsch
  • Patent number: 8903671
    Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: James Park, Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Eric Nathan Friedman, Christine Boomer Brumback
  • Publication number: 20140350862
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a replaceable sensor module and an assembly housing. The assembly housing contains an assembly housing processor and an electrical connector connected to the processor. The replaceable sensor module has an enclosure adapted to be mounted in a position to sense a process variable, a process variable transducer positioned in said enclosure so as to be exposed to the process variable, and a non-volatile memory having stored therein specific profiling data for the sensor module. The assembly housing processor has data representing a desired sensor assembly output characteristic, and is responsive to receipt of specific profiling data and to the data representing the desired sensor assembly output characteristic to calibrate the sensor assembly to provide the desired sensor assembly output characteristic when connected to the sensor module having the specified profiling data. Radial and axial seals are provided for the openings in the assembly housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: ANDERSON INSTRUMENT COMPANY, INC
    Inventors: Richard J. Bond, Vikram Bose-Mullick, Apurva Naik, Joseph Mecca
  • Publication number: 20140343885
    Abstract: Sensors in one or more remote devices provide sensor output to a device having a controller. The controller analyzes the sensor data to determine the accuracy of the sensors outputting the sensor data. Based on the analysis, the controller calculates a calibration value to utilize in calibrating one or more of the sensors in the remote devices, or in one or more other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Magnus Abrahamsson, Gunnar Klinghult, Andreas Kristensson
  • Patent number: 8892384
    Abstract: A method for compensating for environment induced variations in structural health monitoring data is described. The method includes imparting a vibration onto a structure first location, the structure at a first temperature, receiving a comparison signal resulting from the vibration at a second location, accessing data representing a reference signal previously received at the second location, based on vibration at the first location, the reference signal received when the structure was at a second temperature, dividing the signals across multiple time windows, performing a cross correlation between the signals in each window to maximally correlate the signals within each window, performing a weighted regression on time to estimate time shift, the weights based on reference signal energy in each window, to determine a relationship between time and time shift, and using the relationship between time and time shift of the comparison signal to reduce the effects of environment on the comparison signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Pado
  • Patent number: 8892385
    Abstract: A system and method for use with a device that includes an accelerometer, which can be used to determine a frame of reference for the device relative to a moving vehicle or other equipment, and which can be subsequently used in assessing or monitoring the status of the vehicle or an operator thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, by sampling accelerometer data over a period of time, the system can determine a rotation matrix or skew between the device/accelerometer's orientation and understanding of direction, and the vehicle's true orientation or direction in three-dimensions. The information can be used to provide corrections to the accelerometer data, and to more accurately determine the vehicle's true orientation/direction and motion within a three-dimensional frame of reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Scope Technologies Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Johann Van den Bergh
  • Patent number: 8892383
    Abstract: In a calibration device, a calibration matrix calculation processing part estimates a calibration matrix by using an orthogonal vector stored in an orthogonal vector storage part and an array mode vector stored in an array mode vector storage part. A calibration matrix output part transmits the calibration matrix computed by the calibration matrix calculation processing part to an unknown parameter estimation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Rokuzo Hara, Shinichi Morita, Hisakazu Maniwa
  • Patent number: 8892389
    Abstract: To determine a system condition, temperature information from at least one temperature sensor in the system is received, along with second information from at least a second type of sensor in the system. An out-of-range temperature condition is detected according to the received temperature information. According to the second information, one of plural potential causes of the out-of-range temperature condition is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Teradata US, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Keith Muller, David G. Wang
  • Publication number: 20140336971
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a quantitative analyzing method of a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) film, the method including: obtaining spectra by irradiating a laser on the plurality of CIGS films having different component compositions, selecting a first spectral line and a second spectral line among the spectra of target elements to be analyzed and obtaining a correlation plot between a measured intensity of the first spectral line and a measured intensity of the second spectral line, correcting the measured intensity of the first spectral line and the measured intensity of the second spectral line using results obtained by curve fitting the correlation plot, obtaining a linear calibration curve using the corrected intensity of the first spectral line and the corrected intensity of the second spectral line; and comparing the linear calibration curve with LIBS analysis of a target sample to be analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sungho JEONG, Jeong Hwan IN, Chan Kyu KIM, Seokhee LEE, Hakjae LEE
  • Publication number: 20140336969
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a deformable surface (2) and a first and a second sensor (C1, C2) designed to provide a first and a second measurement signal (S1, S2) intended to be collected by a processing circuit (12), said system (1) comprising first and second measurement paths (V1, V2) for collecting the first and second measurement signals (S1, S2), said system (1) being characterised in that it comprises a common calibration member (20) for simultaneously injecting into the first and second measurement paths (V1, V2) a calibration signal (SE), said common calibration member (20) being designed so that the image signals (S?1, S?2, S?n) restored via said measurement paths (V1, V2, Vn) are independent of said movable surface (2). Deformable movable surface systems, of the deformable mirror type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ALPAO
    Inventor: Michel Raymond Barrault
  • Publication number: 20140336972
    Abstract: A method of compensating for frequency drift of a reference energy source in an FT interferometer based spectrometer instrument, the method further comprising comparing in an arithmetic unit data representing a reference interferogram and data representing a target interferogram to determining a phase shift between the interferograms in a window W in at least one region away from center-burst and generating in the arithmetic unit a mathematical transform dependent on the determined shift or shifts to be subsequently applied to control the operation of the spectrometer instrument in order to generate data representing a frequency stabilized interferogram of an unknown sample recorded by the FT interferometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: FOSS ANALYTICAL A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Vilstrup Juhl
  • Publication number: 20140336973
    Abstract: An optical interrogation system, e.g., an OFDR-based system, measures local changes, of index of refraction of a sensing light guide subjected to a time-varying disturbance. Interferometric measurement signals detected for a length of the sensing light guide are transformed into the spectral domain. A time varying signal is determined from the transformed interferometric measurement data set. A compensating signal is determined from the time varying signal which is used to compensate the interferometric measurement data set for the time-varying disturbance. Further robustness is achieved using averaging and strain compensation. The compensation technique may be applied along the length of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Mark E. Froggatt, Alexander K. Sang, Dawn K. Gifford, Justin W. Klein
  • Patent number: 8886484
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for air-borne or space-borne radiometric measurement of object points present in an object scene on the surface of a astronomical body. A corrected recording of image points in an image plane in which object points from the object scene are imaged on a detector, is carried out by determining recording errors of the detector caused by systematically occurring spatial and temporal changes in a scanning movement of the detector, with reference to a measurement line relative to a recording field, then generally an actuation function along the measurement line in the form of different trigger times in which measurements of the individual object points are initiated exactly at that time. Based on the triggering of the detector elements due to the actuation function synchronized measurements of all of the object points of every row of an object matrix are carrying out along the designated measurement line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Jena-Optronik GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Pillukat
  • Patent number: 8883261
    Abstract: A method for creating an artifact for use with an optical three-dimensional measuring system includes steps of: (a) providing an artifact that comprises an inspection surface, which artifact is configured to be scanned by a non-contact sensor included in the optical three-dimensional measuring system, which artifact comprises at least one of a substantially spherical body and a turbine engine component, and which inspection surface comprises a surface of one of the substantially spherical body and the turbine engine component; (b) heating the artifact to a predetermined temperature; and (c) coating the inspection surface of the heated artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse R. Boyer, Jeffry K. Pearson, Randall W. Joyner
  • Patent number: 8880371
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a sensor, continuous sensor or automatic measuring system in an interstitium including the steps of adjusting the steepness of a measuring curve and a standard offset (standard axis intercept) prior to the use of the sensor, continuous sensor or measuring system, and adapting the offset by a point calibration by using a reference measure or value during the use. The present invention encompasses sensors, continuous sensors or automatic measuring systems calibrated or adjusted in accordance with the method, and in some embodiments, the offset adjusted prior to use is rectified according to the difference between a value determined by the sensor, continuous sensor or measuring system taking into account the standard steepness and the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Uwe Beyer, Michael Krieftewirth, Ulrich Haueter
  • Patent number: 8875491
    Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system and method are provided. The system comprises a controller, a pump, and a volume quantity dispensing unit. The volume quantity dispensing unit comprises a pressure transducer comprising an electric pressure sensor, at least one fine atomizing nozzle for apportioning the aqueous solution directly into an exhaust gas flow, and at least one means for changing a pressure value. The means changes the pressure value in such a way that a pressure output signal from the pressure transducer to the controller is modified from an actual pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor. A first signal provided by the controller to the pump and a second signal provided by the controller to the volume quantity dispensing unit are adapted based on the output signal from the pressure transducer and a further signal indicative of an operating state of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventors: Friedrich Zapf, Thorsten Pelz, Heico Stegmann
  • Publication number: 20140324376
    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: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Todd REARICK, Melville DAVEY, Mark BEAUCHEMIN
  • Publication number: 20140324375
    Abstract: A detection circuit (physical quantity detection circuit) includes a ?? modulator (A/D converter) that digitizes a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity and outputs detection data, an arithmetic operating portion that includes at least one of adders and a multiplier, a main sequence counter (counter) that counts the number of clocks of a clock signal and initializes a count value periodically, and a control circuit (control portion) that causes the arithmetic operating portion to perform a plurality of arithmetic operation processes, having types different from each other, for generating arithmetic operation data according to a magnitude of the physical quantity on the basis of the detection data, in accordance with the count value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro SEO
  • Patent number: 8874302
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an improved scanning tool with a module reprogramming capability are disclosed. In various embodiments, the improved scanning tool uses sophisticated identification software to identify automotive functional modules to identify the modules' part-numbers and resident software revisions. The appropriate update software can then be uploaded and programmed onto the modules of interest with minimal delay and human interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Hemang Shah, Brant Story, Poojitha Dahanaike
  • Patent number: 8874385
    Abstract: The present invention provides, at low cost, a multilayer radiation detector whose position relative to a beam axis can be verified. The radiation detector includes a plurality of sensors that react to radiation and are stacked in parallel inlayers in a traveling direction of the radiation. The sensors are each sectioned into a central region including the center of the sensor and another region surrounding the central region. The radiation detector independently measures signals measured by the central regions and signals measured by the other regions. Thus, the position of the radiation detector can be verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taisuke Takayanagi, Hideaki Nihongi, Yusuke Fujii, Hiroshi Akiyama, Masahiro Tadokoro, Rintaro Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8868703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Synapse Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Ewing, Rick A. Martindale