Abstract: A method of analyzing dip in a seismic data volume in which a horizontal gradient is calculated in a first direction in the seismic data volume. A vertical gradient is calculated at data locations in the seismic data volume corresponding to the locations at which the horizontal gradient was calculated. Dip is calculated in the first direction from the horizontal gradient in the first direction and the vertical gradient. Repetition of the process for the entire seismic data volume results in a dip volume.

Abstract: An area measurement device having a support to be moved around a boundary. A direction indicator determines the directional orientation of the support and creates direction data. A distance indicator determines the distance traveled by the support and creates distance data. A microprocessor receives the direction data and distance data and calculates the area inside the boundary based on this data.

Abstract: A method of determining a storage charge of a storage rack is capable of determining a reasonable storage charge reflecting the quantity of actual storage in the storage rack. The method determines the storage charge by deducting from the full storage charge a reduction value obtained from a vacancy ratio &agr; that is the ratio of the total volume of vacant storage sections relative to the total volume of all storage sections 2, 12, 22, 32, 33, 42 of the storage rack 1, 11, 21, 31, 41.

Abstract: Irregular volumes within one or more three-dimensional volume datasets are identified and extracted in response to criteria. The processing involves automatically finding a seed voxel or seed cell that meets the criteria and thus belongs to an irregular volume of interest, and then identifying cells related to the seed cell by one or more predetermined relationships that are therefore also to be grouped into that irregular volume. Information, which can be of any suitable type, identifying each such cell as being related to other cells and belonging to an irregular volume is stored in a suitable data structure. The location or similar neighborhood information and other data describing properties or attributes of the identified cell are also stored. Because the irregular volumes are extracted and pre-processed in this manner, operations including rendering them on a display and performing Boolean and arithmetic operations on them can readily be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-prism type automatic surveying apparatus and a three-dimensions measuring method or the like, which measure a distance to an object to be measured without using a reflecting prism or the like. A lightwave range finder capable of performing non-prism measurements has an angle measuring unit and a distance measuring unit. Arithmetic processing means for recognition can recognize an object to be measured according to image processing. The angle measuring unit and the distance measuring unit can respectively measure distances to and angles relative to at least three specified points on a plane &agr; including measuring points of the object to be measured. The angle measuring unit can measure angles relative to each individual measuring points.

Abstract: A CPU produces a graph of a figure represented by a functional expression data input by a functional expression data input device, and displays it on a display unit. The CPU calculates and displays a volume of a body of rotation produced when the figure is rotated around a rotational axis in a range of the figure specified by a range specifying device or in a range determined based on the analysis of intersections of the figure and the rotational axis.

Abstract: A yield monitoring system for a grain harvesting combine includes a volume monitor, a moisture monitor, a test weight monitor, a ground speed monitor, and a computer which receives signals from each monitor and continuously derives harvested grain yield rates from those signals, displays the yield rates on a visual display and records the yield rate information for later recall and transfer to other computers. A GPS receiver linked to the system enables it to map yields geographically in the harvested field. The volume monitor receives all grain exiting the clean grain elevator of the combine and passes it through a paddlewheel, the angular displacement of which is monitored over time. The moisture monitor and test weight monitor are mounted to the exterior of the clean grain elevator and receive samples of grain from the lift side of the clean grain elevator.

Abstract: A press monitoring and control system includes a press machine, a press configuration module and a press controller. The press machine has a lower die coupled to an upper die, wherein the lower die includes a top surface supporting a strip of material to be formed into a part after a stripper plate coupled to the upper die contacts the strip of material. The press configuration module includes an input module that processes a set of input data corresponding to a particular job and generates a data signal corresponding to the set of input data. The press controller is coupled to the press machine and the press configuration module. The controller processes the data signal, compares the data signal to a set of parameters corresponding to the particular job, and generates at least one servo signal to adjust at least one servo in response to the data signal.

Abstract: For measuring the volume, the process utilizes the same means as are used for reading an optical code, such as a laser scanner or CCD reader. A choice of different measuring procedures are proposed which suit different situations and are all based on scannings and readings performed on the object. Where required, the process can accommodate the inclination angles of the scan planes. The volume measurement is accompanied by the reading of an optical code provided on the object.

Abstract: A method for gauging liquid in a container, the method comprising: a) assigning a local three axis coordinate system for the container; b) dividing the container into a plurality of regular volumes; c) disposing a first pressure sensor at a predetermined coordinate proximate the bottom surface of the container, with the pressure sensor producing an output related to detected fluid pressure at the predetermined coordinate; d) assigning to each of the volumes a corresponding volume location coordinate; e) numerically determining, for each of the regular volumes, a corresponding liquid mass value therein based on a relationship between the detected pressure at the predetermined coordinate and a calculated pressure at each of the volume location coordinates; and f) summing all of the numerically determined liquid mass values corresponding to the regular volumes to produce a total fluid mass for the container.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining a cable occupancy volume includes obtaining a cable length and identifying a number and location of a plurality of cable supports for supporting the cable along its length. The cable occupancy volume that is generated is based on the cable length, the number of supports and the location of the supports. The instructions for practicing the method are encoded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for checking the filling or content of pockets in a blister package in particular for pharmaceuticals which is filled with a powdery, solid, liquid or pasteous substance whereby the volume filled of the substance is detected by a sensor and the detected volume value is supplied to an evaluation unit in which a comparison of the detected volume value with a volume target value is carried out. The sensor can preferably be formed both as a line sensor as well as a matrix sensor.

Abstract: The operational performance of a fluid storage and dispensing system is monitored by measurement apparatus which measures a volume associated with the system. A plurality of measurement data is collected from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer and is stored in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory. The compressed matrix format is statistically analyzed to determine operational monitoring information regarding the system. The temperature of the fluid may also be measured for calculating the volume associated with the system. The operational performance and volume of the fluid storage system may be precisely monitored without requiring presumptions as to the accuracy of the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A mathematical contouring algorithm that automatically determines the planning volume of a sarcoma prior to designing a brachytherapy treatment plan. The algorithm, utilizing computational geometry, numerical interpolation and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, returns the planning volume in digitized and graphical forms in a matter of minutes. Such an automatic procedure reduces labor time and provides a consistent and objective method for determining planning volumes. In addition, a definitive representation of the planning volume allows for sophisticated brachytherapy treatment planning approaches to be applied when designing treatment plans, so as to maximize local tumor control and minimize normal tissue complications.

Abstract: A method and system for determining canopy coverage to a golf green to assist in increasing sunlight exposure of the green. The system allows users to enter data regarding the golf green, surrounding foliage, and other topographical and man-made features surrounding the green. The system can then plot the sun's path for a specific date and simulate shadows cast on the green by the surrounding foliage and features. Furthermore, the system allows the user to generate what-if data, allowing projected effects on canopy coverage to be viewed before any modifications to the canopy are carried out.

Abstract: The process uses information from the scan sweeps of a laser scanner to obtain a set of stipulated areas which correspond to successive cross-sections of the object and are reckoned by moving the object relative to the scanner. The volume is obtained by multiplying each of these areas by the feed distance of the object. The angles of inclination of the scan plan can selectively be taken into account, or ignored when sufficiently small. The volume measurement may be taken at the same time as an optical code provided on the object is read.

Abstract: A method for capturing data representative of a geometry of a raw cylinder head casting in order to obtain a casting scanning coordinate system for use with a machining coordinate system utilizes a locating device during a non-contact scanning operation. The cylinder head casting includes horizontal planar cast locators and vertical cast locators. Planar data corresponding to the planar cast locators is determined by scanning planar areas of the device. Vertical data corresponding to the vertical cast locators is determined utilizing locating features disposed on a planar surface of the device and located at predetermined positions with respect to the vertical cast locators. A transformation matrix defining a relationship between the scanning coordinate system and the machining coordinate system can then be determined based on the planar and vertical data so that virtual machining can be performed in predicting the volume of a machined cylinder head.

Abstract: An indentation measurement apparatus is retrofittable onto any of a variety of load-applying frames and includes a mount for mounting an indenter of any geometry (for example blunt or sharp). The arrangement is very stiff and mechanical values including Young's modulus, strain hardening exponent, yield strength, and hardness can be obtained from a single load/unload versus displacement test. A wide variety of materials can be tested using the apparatus. An optical probe can measure displacement of the indenter head relative to a sample. A new method of calculating strain hardening directly from load/displacement measurement is presented as is a new method of calculating strain hardening exponent.

Abstract: For measuring the volume, the process utilizes the same means as are used for reading an optical code, such as a laser scanner or CCD reader. A choice of different measuring procedures are proposed which suit different situations and are all based on scannings and readings performed on the object. Where required, the process can accommodate the inclination angles of the scan planes. The volume measurement is accompanied by the reading of an optical code provided on the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an image indicating distances to objects in a scene, comprising: a modulated source of radiation, having a first modulation function, which directs radiation toward a scene; a detector, which detects radiation reflected from the scene, modulated by a second modulation function, and generates, responsive to said detected modulated radiation, signals responsive to the distance to regions of the scene; a processor, which receives signals from the detector and forms an image, based on the signals, having an intensity value distribution indicative of the distance of objects from the apparatus; and a controller, which varies at least one of the first and second modulation functions, responsive to the intensity value distribution of the image formed by the processor.

Abstract: The process uses information from the scan sweeps of a laser scanner to obtain a stipulated area which approximates the top surface of the object, by successive samplings while the object is moved relative to the scanner. The volume is then obtained as the volume included between that surface and a bearing surface. The process accommodates the slope angles of the scan plane. The volume measurement may be taken at the same time as an optical code provided on the object is read.

Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton placed thereon, and associated therewith is a measuring frame and an optical sensing system for measuring the linear distance of the three axes of carton positioned on the scale necessary to determine the volume of the carton. A computer processing unit determines firstly whether the actual volume of the carton is less or greater than a predetermined threshold volume, and provides an operator with a signal indicating that determination.

Abstract: A method of predicting volume of finished combustion chambers from a raw cylinder head casting including the steps of capturing cylinder head geometry of a raw cylinder head casting, transforming the captured cylinder head geometry into a machining coordinate system, virtual machining the raw cylinder head casting based on the transformed geometry, calculating a volume of combustion chambers of the virtually machined cylinder head, adding signed volumes of at least one component to the calculated volume to obtain a finished volume, and adjusting a mold for the raw cylinder head casting to achieve the desired finished volume.