Abstract: A laser interferometric apparatus for measuring a displacement of an object is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a laser source for producing a laser beam having a given intensity, a beam splitter for dividing the laser beam into a reference beam and an object beam to be directed to the object, thereby producing a scattered object beam being modulated according to the displacement of the object, interference means adapted to provide at least two electrical interference signals from the scattered object beam and the reference beam, the at least two electrical interference signals each comprising a wanted signal component indicative of the object displacement and an intensity noise component, and processing means for subtracting the at least two electrical interference signals, thereby generating an output signal, the output signal comprising substantially the wanted signal component alone, wherein the intensity noise is substantially rejected.

Abstract: Deflection measuring apparatus and methods are used to prevent overstress of printed circuit boards (PCB) prior and during testing. They can be used to verify in a HALT, HASS of ESS testing protocol, if the PCB testing fixture and vibration testing setup would be likely to cause failure of PCB components during pre- testing and testing procedures, which failure would otherwise not occur with faultless components. Furthermore, In the context of a PCB to be integrated to a system as a product such as a computer, the deflection measuring apparatus and methods are used to prevent overstress of PCBs at the system assembly stage, to ensure that operations involved, such as plugging of PCB connectors, will not cause PCB components failure, which would otherwise not occur with faultless components.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400) for touchless object control is provided. The system can include a sensing unit (110) for capturing a first signal (677) reflected off a first object (151) at a first time and a second signal (679) reflected off the first object at a second time, a phase detector (116) for identifying a first phase difference (601) between the first signal and the second signal, and a processor (117) for updating an expected location of the first object using the first phase difference. A first object (143) can control a movement of a second object (124) using touchless control.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system. The railroad system includes a rail vehicle having a plurality of pairs of wheels, where the plurality of pairs of wheels are in respective contact with a pair of rails. The system further includes a transducer positioned on an outer surface location of the rail vehicle. The transducer is configured to emit a signal to an object located the distance away from the transducer. The transducer is configured to receive the signal having reflected from the object along the distance to the transducer. The system further includes a controller coupled to the transducer to receive transmission and reception data of the signal to determine the distance. A method is also provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system, as well as a kit for converting a rail vehicle from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to determine the misalignment and/or clearance of a door (1) relative to its frame. According to the invention, the method comprises: a phase to determine a law of variation of the clearance and/or misalignment values for the different inspection points, in relation to various opening positions of the door taken with respect to a reference position in which the door occupies its closed position, a measurement phase in which the door (1) occupies any position relative to the frame, and during which the clearance and/or misalignment values are measured, and a phase to take into account the measured clearance and/or misalignment values and the law of variation so as to determine the true values of clearance and/or misalignment at the different inspection points corresponding to the door in its reference closed position.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying gaps. A grid of points is generated on a first surface. The grid of points is associated with a point for a first part associated with a second part in a model. A line segment is formed from the first surface of the first part to a second surface of the second part for each point in the grid of points to form a plurality of line segments. A gap size is identified between the first surface and the second surface using the plurality of line segments to form a plurality of gap measurements.

Abstract: The method estimates movement of a solid mobile in a medium capable of generating disturbances defined by a three-variable vector, wherein the movement is defined by a six-variable vector and the solid is equipped with at least one sensor sensitive to acceleration having at least three sensitive axes and at least one sensor sensitive to the magnetic field having at least three sensitive axes. The method for estimating the movement of a solid includes a step of calculating a nine-variable vector consisting of the six-variable movement vector and of the three-variable disturbance vector and a step of weighting the nine-variable vector capable of transforming the nine-variable vector into a vector with not more than five variables to be estimated.

Abstract: An encoder includes an encoder scale having an optical pattern of a prescribed cycle, and an encoder head configured to be displaced relative to the encoder scale. The encoder head includes a reference voltage generating circuit and a changing unit. The reference voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a reference voltage set to the center amplitude of an encoder signal when the output of the encoder is an encoder signal having periodicity of at least one phase. The changing unit is configured to change the reference voltage generated in the reference voltage generating circuit.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a main body, a stylus configured to be movable in relation to the main body, an encoder for detecting the amount of displacement of the stylus relative to the main body, a calculating section for calculating a measurement value from the amount of displacement detected by the encoder, a display section for displaying the measurement value calculated by the calculating section, an operation section for issuing a command to the calculating section, and a storage section that stores an effective measurement range larger than a lower limit and smaller than an upper limit of the movement stroke of the stylus. The calculating section makes a determination as to whether or not the amount of displacement detected by the encoder falls within the effective measurement range stored in the storage section and displays the result of such a determination on the display section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a step counter system is described. The step counter system comprises an accelerometer to detect motion of a user, a step calculation logic to utilize the motion detected by the accelerometer to detect and count steps, and an incline logic to calculate an incline of a surface on which the user moved.

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.

Abstract: A counting device includes a counting unit, period measuring unit, frequency distribution unit, representative value unit, and correction value unit. The counting unit counts signals input during an interval. The signals have a single frequency when the physical quantity is constant. The period measuring unit measures the period of a signal interval. The frequency distribution unit generates the frequency distribution of signal periods from the measurement result. The representative value unit calculates the representative value of the distribution of periods from the frequency distribution. The correction value unit obtains a total sum Ns of frequencies in a class not more than a first predetermined multiple of the representative value and a total sum Nw of frequencies in a class not less than a second predetermined multiple of the representative value from the frequency distribution, and corrects the count result on the basis of the frequencies Ns and Nw.

Abstract: An evaluation method and apparatus is provided for evaluating a displacement between patterns of a pattern image by using design data representative of a plurality of patterns superimposed ideally. A first distance is measured for an upper layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image, a second distance is measured for a lower layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image; and an superimposition displacement is detected between the upper layer pattern and lower layer pattern in accordance with the first distance and second distance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to nanoscale measurement of displacement. In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes a first plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a first substrate electrically coupled to a second plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a second substrate with a guide or guides disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate that allow for the substrates to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A method for non-contact measurement of the velocity and/or the length of an extrudate moved forward in the longitudinal direction, in particular of a cable during the production.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. A total magnetic field is measured during a calibration routine prior to a drilling procedure. During the drilling procedure, a magnetic field measurement is obtained. Using a ratio of the measured magnetic field and the calibrated field, a set of possible angles and distances is calculated. After the source is advanced a known distance, a second magnetic field measurement is obtained. A second ratio is calculated and a second set of possible angles and distances is calculated. The relative location of the source is then determined using the first set and second set of values, along with the known distance and a pitch angle of the source.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive and predictive analysis of sensor readings to track documents in a document processing system. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors for sensing a document, wherein each sensor includes an associated filtering system for filtering sensor readings, and a performance tracking system for collecting performance data; and a control system that and adjusts filtering characteristics of the filtering system based on the collected performance data. In addition, a correlation system is provided for using data from at least one upstream sensor to interpret an ambiguous downstream sensor signal.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method is provided for installing and locating a plurality of sensors distributed on a structure as part of a structural health monitoring system. The method includes verifying the proper installation of the plurality of sensors and determining the location of the plurality of sensors. In one aspect of the present invention, the step of verifying the proper installation further comprises verifying that each of the plurality of sensors are properly coupled to a sensor data collector and verifying that each of the plurality of sensors are installed in a proper location. In another aspect of the present invention, the step of determining the location of the plurality of sensors further comprises determining the positioning of each sensor in reference to fixed structures in the structure.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.

Abstract: A package dimensioner and reader having a reference surface to support an object; a measurement system comprising at least one laser above the reference surface generating at least one laser beam directed towards the reference surface, and a first optical detection device above the reference surface and adjacent to the at least one laser; and a processor operatively connected to the measurement system to process an image view captured by the optical detection device. The image view comprises an object image and a laser beam image. Based on the image view the processor calculates characteristics of the box such as the height. Other characteristics of the object may be determined such a length, width, and weight, sender or receiver information, and other related information regarding the transit of the object. The package dimensioner and reader may further comprise a second optical detection device to capture other information regarding the object.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining a location of an object of interest for use in image calibration. Certain embodiments of a method include loading an image of at least a portion of a patient. The image includes an object of interest. The method further includes retrieving patient data related to the patient, and automatically generating a proposed height value of the object of interest in relation to a reference location. The proposed height value is generated by selecting a height value from a set of height values based on the patient data. In certain embodiments, the reference location is a positioning tabletop. In certain embodiments, the patient data includes patient height and/or patient weight, and the set of height values is indexed based on height and/or weight by gender.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: A micromovement measuring device has a first element such as a probe tip or flat plate coupled to a test body (107) the movement of which is to be measured. A second element (104) is located adjacent to the first element, to form a gap (108) therebetween. As the test body and the first element gradually move away from the measuring element, so increasing the size of the gap, the second element is repeatedly moved up, to restore the gap to its original size. These repeated small quantized movements of the measuring element (104) are counted, and are used to provide an indication of how far the test body (107) has moved. In other embodiments, the first element may gradually move toward the second element, with the latter repeatedly moving away.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a location of a movement distance measuring apparatus are provided. The apparatus and method determine whether the movement distance measuring apparatus is mounted at the waist of a pedestrian or is located in a pocket and uses a different step length estimation algorithm, e.g. a different step length estimation parameter coefficient, corresponding to the determined mounting position. The determination of whether the movement distance measuring apparatus is mounted to the waist of a pedestrian or is located in a pocket is performed on the basis of a gyro sensor.

Abstract: A measurement method for roll media comprises determining media thickness as a function of a relationship between media advance and media roll rotation.

Abstract: A distance measuring device for measuring a distance of a vehicle to an obstacle and a method for testing the operation of a distance measuring system. Two measuring systems are provided, each operating according to a different measuring method. Reliable operation of the second measuring system is established when the second measuring system detects an obstacle which has already been detected by the first measuring system.

Abstract: A method of estimating a clearance between at least one rotating object of a rotary machine and a second object is provided. The method includes measuring an operating parameter of the rotary machine. The method also includes obtaining signals corresponding to the at least one rotating object across multiple revolutions in time, wherein the number of the revolutions is determined based upon the measured operating parameter. The method further includes generating waveforms corresponding to the at least one rotating object from the obtained signals for the revolutions. The method also includes estimating the clearance between the second object and the at least one rotating object based upon the generated waveforms.

Abstract: A user in locomotion during an outing may support at least one device to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete one or more distance intervals. The user device may automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals. The user device may display at least one of an average pace of the user, an average speed of the user, and a projected time to complete a current distance interval based on monitored performance, each measured since the most recently completed distance interval. The device may also monitor a distance traveled by the user. The user device may determine a remaining distance to be traveled to complete one of the specified goal distances for the outing and a calculated fraction of the specified goal distance for the outing. Data relating to the calculations may be received by a user device input.

Abstract: A mapping engine receives map data from a map server and displays electronic maps. The mapping engine also receives one or more templates that specify metrics to show with the map. The templates specify metrics to accomplish specific tasks, such as house hunting. Metrics describe attributes of the areas shown in the map and are received from a metrics server or another source. Metrics are static or dynamic. Some metrics are explicitly specified, while other metrics are computed in response to the map data and/or other metrics. One or more of the templates are designated as “active,” and the mapping engine displays the metrics of the active templates. The mapping engine displays some metrics on the map and other metrics in a metrics panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distances includes a lens module, a light sensor, and a calculation module. The lens module is used for imaging an object to be measured. The lens module has a focal plane which is non-vertical to the light axis thereof. The light sensor is used for receiving the image of the object through the lens module, and generating a corresponding signal accordingly. The calculation module is used for calculating the distance of the object based on a high frequency part of the signal. A relative method for measuring distances is provided as well.

Abstract: A standard component for length measurement includes a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating. Each of components of the second diffraction grating is disposed between components of the first diffraction grating.

Abstract: A pedometer measures the walk of a person and has an operating portion operated by the person to change the display mode. When operation of the operating portion is detected, a CPU proceeds to a walk determining mode, counts a walk signal from an acceleration sensor to successively store to a walk step number buffer memory, proceeds to a walk step number measuring mode when walking is determined in the walk determining mode, adds the walk step number stored to a walk step number memory, thereafter, continuously measures the walk step number, and adds the walk signal to the walk step number of the walk step number at each time of receiving the walk signal from the acceleration sensor. In this manner, operation of the operating portion to change display modes is not erroneously detected as a walk, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

Abstract: In the tracking type laser interferometer including: a laser interferometer; an optical axis deviation detection sensor for detecting a deviation of an optical axis of the laser interferometer; a two-axis turning mechanism for turning the laser interferometer to any optional direction; an angle sensor for detecting a turning angle of the two-axis turning mechanism; a retroreflector for reflecting its reflected light to a direction parallel to the incident light; and a controller for driving the two-axis turning mechanism so as to track the retroreflector based on signals of the optical axis deviation detection sensor and the angle sensor, stop of the retroreflector is detected, and a target distance is calculated from the turning center of the laser interferometer to the center of the retroreflector based on the total sum of deviation of an optical axis during movement, which is obtained by the optical axis deviation detection sensor, and a turning angle during movement, which is obtained by the angle sensor.

Abstract: A method for evaluating placement errors within a lithographic mask, the method includes: providing or receiving a reference result that represents a distance between a reference pair of points of a reference element; measuring, for each pair of points out of multiple pairs of points that are associated with multiple spaced apart elements of the lithographic mask, the distance between the pair of points to provide multiple measurement results; wherein differences between a measurement result and the reference result are indicative of relative placement errors; and determining relative placement errors in response to relationships between the reference result and each of the measurement results.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance D2 between two points includes following steps. A first surface of a portable electronic device is parallel to a line defined by the two points. A distance D2 between the first surface and the line is obtained. A visible light beam B1 is rotated from an initial direction substantially perpendicular with the first surface and the line to direct at the point E1. A first angle defined by the visible light beam B1 striking the point E1 and the initial direction is computed. A visible light beam B2 is rotated from an initial direction to strike the point E2. A second angle defined by the visible light beam B2 striking the point E2and the initial direction is computed. A distance D1 is computed based on the distance D2, the first angle and the second angle. The distance D1 is outputted.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for measuring a distance D1 between two points E1, E2, includes a visible and rotatable light emitter, an angle computing unit, a distance computing unit and an output unit. The light emitter generates a rotatable light beam capable of rotating from pointing in an initial direction to project to the point E1. The initial direction is substantially perpendicular to a line defined by the points E1, E2. A distance H1 between the light emitter and the line, and a distance S1 from the point E2 to the point of intersection of the line defined by the first and second points E1, E2 with the initial direction, are known. The angle computing unit computes an angle defined by the visible light beam projecting to the point E1 and the initial direction according to the rotatable light beam. The distance computing unit computes the distance D1 based on the angle, the distance H1 and the distance S1.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for determining the position of an underwater vehicle while the vehicle is operating underwater. A buoyant float stays on or near the surface of the water and is attached to the vehicle by thin tether that can include insulated wires. The vehicle moves under the water and pulls the float behind it. The float can receive a localization signal, such as a signal indicating its GPS position, and so can determine its position precisely. The position can be transmitted to the underwater vehicle over the wires located in the tether. The underwater vehicle can use sensors and/or calculations to determine the positional offset of the vehicle from the float buoy and generates its true position based on the known position of the float and the positional offset. The float can be constructed with attributes that will allow the float it operate with a greater tether length, and in turn allow the underwater vehicle to operate at greater depths.

Abstract: A method for calculating optimal length of trace between adjoining bends is disclosed. First, a rising time Tr of signal of a trace is defined, and a unit transmitting delay TD of the trace and a transmitting delay Td3 of bend in the trace are calculated. A transmitting delay Td2 of a trace segment between the adjoining bends in the trace is calculated with Tr and Td3. Finally, an equation L2=Td2/TD is calculated for obtaining the optimal length L2 of the trace between a first bend and a second bend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distance measuring device comprising a control unit. According to the invention, the control unit has a drawing mode that is used to create drawings.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system. The railroad system includes a rail vehicle having a plurality of pairs of wheels, where the plurality of pairs of wheels are in respective contact with a pair of rails. The system further includes a transducer positioned on an outer surface location of the rail vehicle. The transducer is configured to emit a signal to an object located the distance away from the transducer. The transducer is configured to receive the signal having reflected from the object along the distance to the transducer. The system further includes a controller coupled to the transducer to receive transmission and reception data of the signal to determine the distance. A method is also provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system, as well as a kit for converting a rail vehicle from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A sample data reliability evaluation method includes a first calculating step of calculating a representative distance between samples of a same cluster, which is a representative distance between the sample and the sample belonging to the same cluster to that to which the sample belongs, a second calculating step of calculating a representative distance between samples of different clusters, which is a representative distance between the sample and the sample belonging to the different cluster from that to which the sample belongs, a third calculating step of calculating a reliability evaluation index, which is an index for evaluating reliability of the sample data based on the representative distance between samples of the same cluster and the representative distance between samples of different clusters, and an evaluating step of evaluating the reliability of a subset of the sample data set or the whole sample data set.

Abstract: To detect a position an object is brought into contact or brought into proximity of the contact regions arranged with a capacitance sensor at high precision by successive values with a small number of capacitance sensors. An intensity acquiring unit acquires intensities of change in capacitance detected by capacitance sensors as detection results of when annularly arranged with respect to a first quadrant to a fourth quadrant. A horizontal calculation unit calculates a detection position in a horizontal direction of a position an object is brought into contact or brought into proximity. A vertical direction calculation unit calculates a detection position in a vertical direction of a position an object is brought into contact or brought into proximity. A position output unit outputs positions in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the position the object is brought into contact or brought into proximity.

Abstract: A cable length detection apparatus is provided to detect the length of a cable having at least three pairs of wires for transmitting video signals. The cable length detection apparatus has a signal compressing circuit, a signal converting circuit and a length calculating circuit. The signal compressing circuit compresses an electrical signal into one pair of wires. The signal converting circuit converts the electrical signal transmitted by the pair of wires into a value. The length calculating circuit then calculates the length of the cable according to the value.

Abstract: A method and system for a Radio Frequency (RF)-based identification, tracking and locating of objects. The method and system use a narrow bandwidth signal in VHF of lower frequency range, which minimizes propagation loss and loss of accuracy of the RF locating signals. The signal is sent from a Master Unit(s) to a Tag. The signal traveling time is recorded and the distance between the Master(s) and the Tag is calculated. The method and system allow achieving a longer distance of the RF signal penetration and an increased accuracy by using VHF bands. The techniques of Digital Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio are used. The actual waveforms transmitted and received by the radios are defined by the software. The roles of the Master Unit(s) and the Tag can be reversed.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing low cholesterol poultry eggs using hypocholesterolemic compounds, cholesterol lowering supplements, and feeds therefrom. Preferably, this invention provides microbial statins without methyl group in C6, as shown in formula V, in order to produce low cholesterol poultry eggs. The invention allows producing low cholesterol poultry eggs without concomitant reduction of egg production by providing microbial statins, compactin and pravastatin as well as their derivatives, as cholesterol lowering components. This invention also provides methods for producing low cholesterol poultry eggs without huge increase of production cost since the effective amount of cholesterol lowering composition containing microbial statin costs 1/120-¼ of that of synthetic statin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing the position of an actuating unit which is operated by an electric motor, in which a motor speed is determined from a motor model, the speed is integrated over a period of time and the position of the actuating unit is determined by multiplying the result of the integration by a proportionality factor. The motor model takes account of afterrunning of the electric motor at the instant of switch-off. The invention also relates to actuating units, brakes, pumps and transmissions for which the method can be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hull structure, for use in particular in an aircraft or spacecraft, the hull structure comprising an outer skin and structural components which are connected to said skin, as well as an inner lining which forms a supporting structure together with the outer skin and the structural components.

Abstract: A hand-held pulse laser distance measuring device (1) with an algorithm (3) which controls a microcontroller (2) and which serves to calculate the distance (X) to a measurement object (4) by a time difference (?) between a measurement pulse (6) and a reference pulse (7) and with a superimposition module (5) which calculates the time difference (?) of a plurality of repeated pulse trains which are periodically superimposed with a trigger frequency fTRIGGER, wherein the trigger frequency fTRIGGER lies in the frequency range of 0.7 · 2 2 · m - 1 · f INT < f TRIGGER < 1.3 · 2 2 · m - 1 · f INT , where ? ? m = 1 , 2 , 3 , … at an interference frequency fINT=100 Hz . . . 120 Hz; and a measuring method for the pulse laser distance measuring device.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking physical metrics in a social commerce system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the physical metric tracking system comprises a data registering unit that receives activity data by a user, a data processing unit that validates the activity data using a plurality of data validating algorithms and converts the validated data into a convertible value, and a storage that stores the activity data and the convertible value. The convertible value is traded with goods and services, or any other benefits in the social commerce system.

Abstract: In order to determine contact erosion of an electromagnetic switching device, a mechanical parameter is measured which characterizes the time course of the relative movement between the contacts, said movement being caused by an actuator. The point in time when the contacts close is determined by evaluating the time course of the relative movement, and the distance traveled by the contacts until said point in time or the distance traveled by the actuator from said point in time until reaching the final position thereof is detected at least indirectly and is compared to a stored reference value.