Speed Patents (Class 702/142)
  • Patent number: 7920959
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for determining the velocity vector, speed, and direction of moving vehicles traveling on roadways which change elevation and have curves. A camera mounted above a roadway observes at least one vehicles traveling in different directions on different roads. Each pixel in the two-dimensional optical image is mapped into a three-dimensional real world location to enable the moving vehicles to be analyzed in the three-dimensional real world as they travel on roads, which may change elevation and may have curves. The estimated vehicle velocities may be displayed on an image near the moving vehicle. Individual images with vehicle velocities may be posted on an Internet site. The sequence of optical images, or streaming video, with the displayed vehicle velocities may also be used for television news programs that show traffic moving on the roadways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Reed Williams
  • Publication number: 20110077899
    Abstract: A game apparatus calculates a load value detected by a load controller, and a center-of-gravity position of a player, at predetermined time intervals. Based on the calculated center-of-gravity position, the game apparatus firstly determines whether or not the center of gravity moves, and determines the direction of the movement. Then, the game apparatus determines a change of the load of the player within a predetermined time period. When the amount of increase of the load is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the game apparatus determines that the player swings his/her hip in the direction in which the center of gravity moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yugo HAYASHI, Nobuhiro Sumiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20110074665
    Abstract: A game apparatus calculates a first evaluation value based on the difference between the time when the load value detected by a load controller becomes the maximum and the time when the velocity of the center of gravity, which represents the velocity of movement of the position of the center of gravity, becomes the maximum. The game apparatus calculates a second evaluation value based on the velocity of load, which represents the degree of increase in the load in a predetermined time period, and the velocity of the center of gravity. The game apparatus calculates a third evaluation value based on the path of the position of the center of gravity. The game apparatus calculates the amount of slice based on the first through third evaluation values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori KONISHI
  • Patent number: 7917269
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided that improves the riding comfort by decelerating before a level change, even when the speed of the vehicle is high, through deceleration control when a characteristic value, that represents the relationship between the speed and the vertical acceleration of a vehicle, exceeds a comfort demarcation line that indicates a critical value of comfort in passing over the level change. The vehicle control system includes a memory that stores level change information for level changes in a road; a vehicle speed detector; and a vehicle speed controller that calculates the characteristic value based on the detected vehicle speed and the level change information, and executes acceleration control when the calculated characteristic value exceeds the critical value of comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyajima, Fumiharu Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20110063439
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for identifying, measuring and assessing anomalies in the behaviour of streams of people or objects, anomalies are identified, measured and assessed reliably and in all of their possible forms. At least one group in a stream of people or objects is statically identified at a particular time, the group is observed in a time profile, the group speed is measured and the streams of people or objects are assessed using the group speed. Various methods for detecting the group speed and various cases for assessing the group speed are shown. The method and apparatus is suitable for observing object streams in order to prevent accidents, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Wolfram Klein, Gerta Köster
  • Patent number: 7908112
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating vehicle lateral velocity that defines a relationship between front and rear axle lateral forces and front and rear axle side-slip angles. The method includes providing measurements of vehicle yaw-rate, lateral acceleration, longitudinal speed, and steering angle. The method also includes using these measurements to provide a measurement of the front and rear axle forces. The method calculates a front axle lateral velocity and a rear axle lateral velocity, and calculates a front axle side-slip angle based on the rear axle lateral velocity and a rear axle side-slip angle based on the front axle lateral velocity. The method then estimates front and rear axle forces, and selects a virtual lateral velocity that minimizes an error between the estimated and measured lateral axle forces. The method then provides an estimated vehicle lateral velocity using the selected virtual lateral velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Flavio Nardi, Jihan Ryu, Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Kevin A. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 7908111
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the position and speed of a part mobile along at least one measurement direction includes an estimator (38) adapted to provide estimation of position and speed based on a displacement model of the target during a period of observation Tobs, the model relating the position of the target at a time t included in the period of observation Tobs, at least to the position and the speed to be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eddysense
    Inventor: Luc Lucien Marie Lenglet
  • Publication number: 20110054781
    Abstract: A velocity calculation device includes a vertical direction acceleration detection unit that is mounted on a mobile object to detect the acceleration of a vertical direction generated corresponding to the unevenness of a surface on which the mobile object moves; a horizontal direction angular velocity detection unit that is mounted on the mobile object to detect the angular velocity around a horizontal axis perpendicular to a direction of travel of the mobile object generated corresponding to the unevenness of the surface on which the mobile object moves; and a velocity calculation unit for calculating the velocity in the direction of travel of the mobile object based on the acceleration of the vertical direction and the angular velocity around the horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi OHKUBO
  • Patent number: 7895013
    Abstract: A mobile device configured to estimate the speed at which it is moving. The mobile device includes a timing component configured to perform a plurality of Doppler shift measurements on a timing signal received by the mobile device. The mobile device also includes a processing component configured to correlate the size of the range of the plurality of Doppler shift measurements to the speed at which the mobile device is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: David Blaine Dietz, Nagula Tharma Sangary, Sean Bartholomew Simmons
  • Patent number: 7877241
    Abstract: Psychopharmacological properties of new therapeutic drugs and highly heritable behavior patterns of test subjects are identified based on analysis of monitored exploratory movement to identify behavioral signatures. A test subject in a pen is allowed to explore for a period of time, after injecting it with a candidate drug or control vehicle. The test subject's movement is monitored and its locations stored. The locations are analyzed to separate them into behavioral patterns that are defined based on combinations of behavioral feature. Relative frequencies of performing each behavioral pattern are determined. In each pattern, differences between the relative frequencies in the candidate drug and control groups are tested, and only patterns in which this difference is highly significant are retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Gregory Elmer, Neri Kafkafi
  • Patent number: 7865311
    Abstract: The present technical solution provided allows it to determine true meridian of any movable object. This solution is based on determining true meridian by zero value of linear acceleration induced created by changing the projection of the vector of linear velocity, caused by rotating any heavenly body, in particular, the terrestrial globe. The determination is implemented in compact variant only by the devices located on the movable object without any necessity of using induced radiations, quickly and accurately without any necessity of knowing the coordinates of location and the speed of movement irrespective of weather conditions, transverse accelerations, temperature changes and external magnetic fields influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Naumov, George Naumov
  • Patent number: 7856338
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a reversion of direction of a relative movement between a periodic scale for defining a periodic field and a field sensor. The field sensor outputs first and second sensor signals. The first sensor signal is advanced from the second sensor signal if the periodic field moves in a first direction. The second sensor signal is advanced from the first sensor signal if the periodic field moves in a second direction. A determiner determines the difference between the first sensor signal and a signal corresponding to a temporal change of the second sensor signal or between the second sensor signal and a signal corresponding to a temporal change of the first sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Francesco Alex Maone, Tobias Werth
  • Patent number: 7840346
    Abstract: Real time performance comparison involves identifying predefined route data corresponding to a route. Measured locations are detected while a user traverses the route carrying a mobile device. The measured locations are sent via a network synchronously with the detection of the respective measured locations. Comparative data points are derived based on the predefined route data and the measured locations in response to receiving the measured locations. The comparative data points are sent, via the network, in response to measured locations. The comparative data points allow the user to measure relative performance during the route traversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Yka Huhtala, Antti Sorvari, Markus Kahari
  • Patent number: 7840369
    Abstract: An apparatus correcting a bias of a gyroscope that is mounted on a mobile robot and that measures an angular velocity of the mobile robot. The apparatus includes: at least one encoder respectively measuring a traveling velocity of a respective at least one wheel of the mobile robot; a modeling unit calculating an angular velocity of the mobile robot by using the measured traveling velocity; a bias presuming unit determining a confidence range by using difference values between the calculated angular velocity and the measured angular velocity, and calculating a presumed bias by using a value in a confidence range among the difference values; and a bias removing unit removing the presumed bias from the measured angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung-ki Lee, Ki-wan Choi, Dong-yoon Kim, Seok-won Bang
  • Patent number: 7831407
    Abstract: An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle U-turn maneuvers. A process determines if the vehicle has started a turn if the yaw rate is greater than a first yaw rate threshold, and determines a vehicle heading angle based on the yaw rate and a sampling time if the vehicle has started a turn. The process then determines whether the vehicle maneuver has been completed by determining if the yaw rate is less than a second yaw rate threshold. The process then determines that the completed maneuver was a U-turn maneuver if the yaw rate is less than a third yaw rate threshold during the maneuver, the final vehicle heading angle is within a heading angle range and the duration of the maneuver is less than a predetermined time threshold. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heading angle range is between 165° and 195°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jihua Huang, William C. Lin, Yuen-Kwok Chin
  • Patent number: 7822575
    Abstract: A vehicular tilt-angle detecting apparatus includes a steering-angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a lateral-G sensor, a turning-radius calculation unit, a base tilt-angle calculation unit, a transient tilt-angle calculation unit, and a transient tilt angle calculation unit. The turning-radius calculation unit determines a turning radius corresponding to a steering angle based on a predetermined relationship between a steering angle and a turning radius. The base tilt-angle calculation unit calculates a current instantaneous tilt angle of a vehicle body during short-term steady-state turning based on the turning radius and the vehicle speed. The transient tilt-angle calculation unit corrects the initial calculated tilt angle of the vehicle body based on a transient turning radius when a variation of the steering angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Kaoru Hatanaka, Syunichi Miyagishi
  • Patent number: 7818134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting forward/reverse speeds of a continuously variable transmission for vehicles determines whether a vehicle is in a forward speed state or in a reverse speed state by using one speed detector having two sensors. The method for detecting forward/reverse speeds of the continuously variable transmission for vehicles includes detecting first and second rotational speeds of an output shaft modulating the first and second rotational speeds of the output shaft into a pulse width modulation signal, comparing the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal with predetermined values, and determining whether a vehicle is in a forward speed state or in a reverse speed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Bonwoo Koo
  • Patent number: 7813890
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is provided for detecting if a vehicle is stopped. A wheel speed, transmission output speed, and a vehicle state, representative of a plurality of vehicle dynamic parameters, is determined. The vehicle is determined to be stopped if, after a predetermined period of time, the wheel speed and transmission output speed remain zero and the vehicle state remains stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Maitlen
  • Publication number: 20100250179
    Abstract: A dynamic motion and distance measuring device for estimating and measuring speed and distance covered by a subject engaged in an athletic endeavor and more particularly to measuring and estimating the speed and distance and providing a relative indication of a measured speed and distance to an optimal speed and distance and/or time including finish time of the subject engaged in an athletic event, even where the event is occurring in changing environment or terrain conditions where remote data collection and signal reception is inconsistent and variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Mariano, Marilyn Mariano
  • Publication number: 20100211350
    Abstract: A speed meter connected to a vehicle comprises a casing provided with a liquid crystal screen, and a gravity sensor, a power source, a circuit board, and a microprocessor are provided in the casing. The microprocessor is located on the circuit board. The power source, the circuit board, the liquid crystal screen, and the gravity sensor are respectively electrically connected with each other and the gravity sensor is connected with the microprocessor. Thereby, when the vehicle is driven forward, the forward speed of the vehicle can be obtained via the calculation of the microprocessor after the gravity sensor detects the forward acceleration. The obtained forward speed can be shown on the liquid crystal screen to inform users immediately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Yung-Hung Chih, Ching-Wen Yeh
  • Publication number: 20100207805
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for obtaining an indication of a number of moving objects passing a speed detection apparatus. Data representing a record of speed events over a series of time frames is obtained (208, 210), each time frame including a record of zero or more distinct speeds detected during that time frame. The speed events data is analysed (604) to identify approach characteristics associated with one moving object approaching the detection apparatus. The speed events data is also analysed (606) to identify passing characteristics associated with the moving object passing the detection apparatus. A moving object count is updated (608) after detecting the approaching characteristic and the passing characteristic in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: AGD SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Charles HAWORTH
  • Publication number: 20100201967
    Abstract: A device of detecting light reflecting speed and directions includes a light source, a light-guided pulley, a reflector, photo detectors, barriers, a processor and a display unit. The light source generates incident light, the light-guided pulley is located at one side of the light source, and includes a support moving along the pulley track. The reflector is installed on the support to reflect the incident light. The photo detectors detect the incident light reflected by the reflector. The barriers are located at two sides of the light source and make the incident light to be a light beam and travel in straight line direction. The barriers are respectively installed between said photo detectors to isolate the incident light. The processor receives the light signals transmitted from photo detectors and processes the light reflecting speed and directions according to the light signals. The processed result is displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: MITAC INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Shao
  • Patent number: 7774156
    Abstract: A portable apparatus including an interface configured to input first motion data of a user from a foot-worn first self-contained activity determining unit is disclosed. The portable apparatus also includes a second self-contained activity determining unit configured to determine second motion data of the user. Furthermore, the portable apparatus includes a processing unit configured to determine and store a user-specific dependency between the first motion data and the second motion data, and determine a current speed of the user or a current traveled distance of the user based on current second motion data and the user-specific dependency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Arto Niva, Jukka Jaatinen, Mika Niemimäki
  • Publication number: 20100191413
    Abstract: System and method for detecting and storing at least speed as an information relevant for resignation for a tachograph system. to provide a tamperproof tachograph system offering a high degree of security. An arithmetic unit detects signals for determining the speed from at least two independent sensors and compares them with each other and stores a sensor-related error message if the signals deviate significantly from each other. The signals of at least three independent sensors are compared with each other in the arithmetic unit and are checked for their plausibility by excluding any signals that significantly deviate from a plurality of signals and determining the speed of the vehicle to be stored only using one or more of those signals that deviate from each other only within defined limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Fritsch, Gunnar Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7761256
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing vibrations of a variable speed rotating body. The method includes producing a signal that is proportional to an acceleration of the rotating body and producing a plurality of pulses. Each pulse represents a revolution of the rotating body and is indicative of a vibration sample at a rotational position of the rotating body. The signal is converted to a numeric value that is indicative of a vibrational amplitude of the rotating body. The plurality of pulses are converted to revolution time periods indicative of a rotational rate of the rotating body. The method also includes producing a harmonic vibrational amplitude at a harmonic of the rotational rate of the rotating body, and representing a phase of the harmonic vibrational amplitude relative to the rotational position of the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Henry Studer, John Lynn Abbott
  • Publication number: 20100177300
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a VCSEL of a first-order or high-order single mode emitting laser beams, a driving part configured to drive the VCSEL, a detecting part configured to detect an electric signal relating to feedback lights generated when laser beams are projected onto an object, and a calculating part configured to identify a direction of movement of the object on the basis of the electric signal detected by the detecting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Kuwata
  • Publication number: 20100166210
    Abstract: An engine sound generation device adapted to an electric vehicle includes an engine speed calculation unit which calculates the virtual engine speed based on the motor revolution speed, vehicle speed, and acceleration opening. The engine speed calculation unit calculates the virtual engine speed with reference to the vehicle-dependent engine speed memory on the condition that the virtual engine speed is deemed proportional to the vehicle speed. In addition, the engine speed calculation unit calculates the virtual engine speed with reference to the vehicle-nondependent engine speed memory on the condition that the virtual engine speed is not deemed proportional to the vehicle speed, thus generating the common engine sound matching the behavior of an engine in a prescribed event such as the startup of the electric vehicle and the semi-engagement of a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Isozaki
  • Patent number: 7742037
    Abstract: A detection section that detects a key-tapping speed and key-tapping intensity is provided to detect a user's impatience level. An input device detects the key-tapping intensity and key-tapping speed. The input device compares the detection value of the key-tapping speed and an average key-tapping speed. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping speed, the input device then compares the detection value of the key-tapping intensity and a reference pressure value. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping intensity, information to be output for a user is changed over. In this case, displayed characters are enlarged and emphasized to a maximum extent. On the other hand, in the case where a detection value does not exceed the normal key-tapping speed and the detection value exceeds the normal key-tapping intensity, displayed characters are only slightly enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Masamichi Asukai, Katsuya Shirai, Yasushi Miyajima, Kenichi Makino, Motoyuki Takai
  • Publication number: 20100149236
    Abstract: A speed calculation device is provided. The generation component generates a plurality of pulse signals with different phases in accordance with rotation of a rotating body. The detection component detects rises and falls of respective pulses of the plurality of pulse signals generated by the generation component. The duration calculation component, each time a rise or fall is detected by the detection component, calculates a total duration of a pre-specified number of durations representing detection intervals of rises or falls detected prior to the rise or fall currently detected by the detection component. The speed calculation component calculates a speed relating to rotation of the rotating body on the basis of the total duration and a rotation angle of the rotating body that corresponds to one pulse of the pulse signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Nishida, Hiroaki Satoh, Susumu Kibayashi, Takeshi Zengo
  • Publication number: 20100145631
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has an AC magnetic field generator for generating an alternating magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use; a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the alternating magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords and for providing signals representative of the alternating magnetic field; arid a processor for processing the signals to monitor continuous parts of the cords. The system further has a DC magnetic field generator for erasing an AC field previously generated by the AC magnetic field generator, the AC magnetic field generator being positioned between the DC magnetic field generator and the magnetic field sensing unit. The processor also determines the speed of travel of the belt, and the position in space of a lateral edge of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ACVANCED IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES (PROPRIETARY) LDT
    Inventors: Michael John Alport, Frederick Jacques Basson, Thavashen Padayachee
  • Publication number: 20100131229
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating vehicle lateral velocity that defines a relationship between front and rear axle lateral forces and front and rear axle side-slip angles. The method includes providing measurements of vehicle yaw-rate, lateral acceleration, longitudinal speed, and steering angle. The method also includes using these measurements to provide a measurement of the front and rear axle forces. The method calculates a front axle lateral velocity and a rear axle lateral velocity, and calculates a front axle side-slip angle based on the rear axle lateral velocity and a rear axle side-slip angle based on the front axle lateral velocity. The method then estimates front and rear axle forces, and selects a virtual lateral velocity that minimizes an error between the estimated and measured lateral axle forces. The method then provides an estimated vehicle lateral velocity using the selected virtual lateral velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Flavio Nardi, Jihan Ryu, Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Kevin A. O'Dea
  • Publication number: 20100123558
    Abstract: A technique for simultaneously acquiring vehicle identification information and speed information of an RFID tag-attached vehicle by calculating the vehicle speed by using a Doppler shift value extracted from transmission and reception signals between the RFID tag and the RFID reader is disclosed. A method for measuring a vehicle speed by using an RFID reader installed right up on the road or at the roadside includes: transmitting a continuous wave; receiving a reflected wave with respect to the continuous wave from an RFID tag attached to a vehicle which has received the continuous wave; extracting a Doppler shift value from the continuous wave and the reflected wave; and calculating the speed of the vehicle by using the Doppler shift value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kyung Hwan PARK, Tae Young Kang, Seok Bong Hyun, Sung Weon Kang, Byoung Gun Choi, In Gi Lim, Kyung Soo Kim, Jung Bum Kim
  • Publication number: 20100114499
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is provided for calculating, by an activity monitor comprising one accelerometer, a raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user. The method includes determining if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ from an expected activity energy expenditure data. The method includes calculating a corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure data is substantially identical to the expected activity energy expenditure data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Erik Petrus Nicolaas Damen
  • Publication number: 20100106445
    Abstract: A measuring unit obtains measurement data of an object measured on the basis of a signal from a GPS satellite and angular velocity of an object output from an angular velocity sensor. An offset value computing unit estimates a running condition of the object on the basis of the measurement data and the angular velocity. The offset value computing unit sequentially derives temporary offset values while changing combination of the measurement data and the angular velocity in accordance with the estimated running condition of the object and, after that, executes statistical process on the temporary offset values, thereby deriving an offset value. An angular velocity conversion coefficient computing unit sequentially derives temporary angular velocity conversion coefficients on the basis of the measurement data and the angular velocity and, after that, executes statistical process on the temporary angular velocity conversion coefficients, thereby deriving an angular velocity conversion coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Takahiro Kondoh
  • Publication number: 20100100315
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area, wherein the parameters may be used to associate a speed limit with the geographic area. For example, in one embodiment, a geofenced area that (a) corresponds to a geographic area and (b) comprises one or more street segments is identified. Additionally, speed data associated with one of more of the street segments is received. After receiving the speed data, a speed limit is (a) determined for one or more of the street segments and (b) associated with the geofenced area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20100094583
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of networked nodes spatially distributed within a monitored area and adapted to interact with a mobile entity entering and moving through the area, the plurality of nodes including at least one area entrance node adapted to detect the mobile entity upon entering the monitored area, and a transaction node for accomplishing a transaction with the mobile entity; a transaction processing center in communication relationship with the nodes for processing data required for the transaction and for providing the data to the transaction node. A node selection unit is adapted to dynamically select the transaction node among the plurality of nodes based on an estimation of the speed of movement of the mobile entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Claudio Borean, Valter Bella, Roberta Giannantonio
  • Patent number: 7693628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Fuhrman, Miroslawa A. Supal, Arnold W. Millsap
  • Publication number: 20100082270
    Abstract: The disclosure addresses a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse. The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members. In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor. The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence Jared Baskett, David Thomas Amm
  • Publication number: 20100082286
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved input device for a processing system, such as, for example a computer system; and an improved method for operating that input device. The system monitors at least one indicia, such as an operating parameter of the input device, where the operating parameter has a first characteristic when the input device is in one operating position or state, but where are the operating parameter has a second characteristic when the input device is in another position or state. In one example, the operating parameter includes generally vertical movement of the input device. In other embodiments, other operating parameters may be relied upon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Omar S. Leung
  • Patent number: 7680545
    Abstract: This Invention provides for a method and system for speed measurement verification. The method comprises the step of automatically measuring the speed of a vehicle traveling on a surface which includes a fixed marker at a predetermined distance from a point where the speed of the vehicle is measured. The measured speed is automatically compared to a predetermined speed limit and if the speed limit is exceeded, the next step involves automatically calculating a time delay, which time delay is calculated according to the measured speed and the predetermined distance so as to predict when the vehicle, if traveling at the measured speed, will reach the marker. An image is then captured with a camera directed at the marker after expiration of the time delay so that, if the measured speed is accurate, the vehicle will be positioned proximate the marker so that the captured image showing the vehicle relative to the marker is able to serve as verification of the accuracy of the measured speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Rudiger Heinz Gebert
  • Patent number: 7676345
    Abstract: A method of determining the velocity (?) of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has at least one pair of a front and a rear wheel which are spaced by a wheel spacing (B). Front and rear wheel speed signals (?) are determined which are indicative of the time dependent behavior of the front and rear wheel speeds, respectively. The front and rear wheel speed signals (?) are correlated in order to determine a specific correlation feature indicative of the time delay (?) between the front wheel and rear wheel speed signals. The velocity (?) of the vehicle is determined based on the correlation feature and the wheel spacing (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: NIRA Dynamics AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Gustavsson, Jonas Nilsson, Tony Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20100057360
    Abstract: A velocity calculation device includes: a vertical direction acceleration detection portion that is mounted on a vehicle and detects an acceleration in a vertical direction generated correspondingly to undulation of a road surface; a horizontal direction angular velocity detection portion that is mounted on the vehicle and detects an angular velocity about a horizontal axis orthogonal to a travel direction of the vehicle generated correspondingly to the undulation of the road surface; and a velocity calculation portion that calculates a velocity in the travel direction of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration in the vertical direction and the angular velocity about the horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Ohkubo
  • Publication number: 20100057398
    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: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Jesse Darley, Thomas P. Blackadar
  • Patent number: 7672797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for measurement of flow velocity using the transmission of a sequence of coherent pulsed ultrasonic signals into the flow, and sampling the received response signal at a predetermined delay time relative to the pulse transmission that does not correspond to the signal transmission time. The sampling may be coherent with a frequency offset from the coherency frequency of the pulses. The received signal samples are then spectrally processed, typically by a Fourier process, to generate a frequency domain data set. A threshold technique is used on the frequency domain data set to determine a peak Doppler shift. Average velocity is then obtained by multiplying the peak Doppler shift by a factor, for example, 0.90. In one embodiment, the transmit pulse and receive samples are interleaved by alternating between transmitting a pulse and, after a delay, sampling the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ADS LLC
    Inventor: Alan M. Petroff
  • Patent number: 7668689
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns a velocity detector comprises a memory storing preset tentative angles and a trigonometric function value corresponding to each of the preset tentative angles; a first register storing a first coordinate (x1, y1) of a body; a second register storing a second actual coordinate (x2, y2) of the body; a first calculator calculating a first calculational coordinate represented by an addition or a subtraction between x1 and a result of shifting a figure of y1 based on the trigonometric function value; a second calculator calculating a second calculation coordinate represented by the addition or the subtraction between y2 and a result of shifting a figure of x2 based on the trigonometric function value, wherein the first and the second calculators calculate the first and second calculational coordinates respectively so that the first actual coordinate (x1, y1) and the second actual coordinate (x2, y2) are closer to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Aono
  • Publication number: 20100042360
    Abstract: In a method of electronically measuring reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch, tape speed data related to a tape coupled with an operating drive reel is electronically measured. The tape speed data is correlated with drive reel rotation angles. The correlated tape speed data is translated to drive reel hub radii variations with respect to the drive reel rotation angles. The drive reel hub radii variations comprise an operational measure of reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch of the drive reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Ming-chih Weng, Turguy Goker, James Mark Decot, Minh Vu, John A. Hamming
  • Publication number: 20100036639
    Abstract: A shoe is improved by including: at least one accelerometer for generating acceleration signals and a processor configured to process the acceleration signals to determine one or both of speed and distance traveled of a person wearing the shoe. A shoe and a garment are provided with a wireless transmitter, to provide information about the shoe/garment or a person wearing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Dennis Darcy, Peter Flentov
  • Publication number: 20100030482
    Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring and providing real-time feedback about a swimmer's body motion and performance, in particular, body orientation and forward speed, is provided. The device comprises a three-axis accelerometer, optionally a three-axis gyroscope, a memory, and a microcontroller configured to process the sensor input, calculate a swimmer's performance and provide feedback to the swimmer through an output. The output can be an earpiece or a swimming goggle with a digital display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Xipu Li
  • Patent number: 7657395
    Abstract: A system and device for detecting inclination that eliminates the need to compensate for the acceleration of the vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis acceleration sensing device that is fixedly attached to the object such that each sensing axis of the multi-axis acceleration sensing device lies in a common plane with the forward-aft axis of the object and the sensing axes are orthogonal to one another and each sensing axis is oriented 45 degrees from the forward-aft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Memsic Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Katsumoto
  • Publication number: 20100017166
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the velocity and direction of a moving object, the apparatus comprising: a coherent light (L) source arranged to generate an incident beam (B) of coherent light; an optical imaging system arranged to receive light reflected from a moving object passing through the incident beam and to focus the reflected light into a magnified image of the moving image; a first optical mask (M) through which the magnified image is projected, the mask having a first region of alternating opaque and non-opaque areas having a first spacing and second region of alternating opaque and non-opaque areas having a second spacing different from the first spacing; a first light detector (D) arranged to receive the light signal transmitted through the optical mask, the light signal comprising a series of pulses, and to calculate the velocity and direction of the moving object as a function of the pulse frequency and the spacing of the opaque areas of the optical mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Ian Moir