Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly, a motion base configured to displace the force measurement assembly, and an inertial compensation system configured to determine the inertial forces and/or moments resulting from the displacement of the force measurement assembly by the motion base. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for accurately determining the forces and/or moments applied to a surface of a force measurement device by a subject disposed thereon is disclosed, which includes the step of determining, by using an inertial compensation system, the inertial forces and/or moments resulting from the displacement of a force measurement assembly by a motion base. According to still another aspect of the invention, a force and/or motion measurement system having inertial compensation includes a motion acquisition system having a plurality of motion sensing devices configured to capture a subject's movement.

Abstract: A force measurement system having inertial compensation includes a force measurement assembly with at least one accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes at least one angular velocity sensor configured to measure the angular velocity of the force measurement assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes a data processing device with a computer-readable medium loaded thereon that is configured to execute a calibration procedure for determining the inertial parameters of the force measurement assembly by utilizing the measured acceleration of the force measurement assembly while the force measurement assembly is subjected to a plurality of applied linear and/or rotational motion profiles. According to still another aspect of the invention, the at least one accelerometer is disposed on the force transducer.

Abstract: A sensor output correcting device includes: a sensor element for detecting a variation in an object to be measured, and for outputting this variation as a signal; an A/D converter for converting the analog signal outputted from the sensor element into a digital signal; a zero reference value calculating unit for calculating a zero reference value which is a drift amount of the sensor element from the signal outputted from the sensor element; a zero point correcting unit for correcting a zero point of the signal outputted from the A/D converter on the basis of the zero reference value calculated by the zero criterion calculating unit; an output limiting unit for limiting a value of an output signal inputted from the zero point correcting unit on the basis of a correction amount provided by the zero point correcting unit, and a high frequency removing unit for removing a high frequency component.

Abstract: A position estimation apparatus may measure 3-axis accelerations by at least two acceleration sensors disposed at different distances from a center of rotation of the position estimation apparatus, measure 3-axis angular velocity by a gyro sensor, and detect an azimuth angle using a geomagnetic sensor. Using the 3-axis accelerations measured by the acceleration sensors and the 3-axis angular velocity measured by the gyro sensor, the position estimation apparatus calculates gravity acceleration from which a rotational motion component is extracted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of confirming motion parameters, an apparatus for the same, and a motion assisting device. The invention obtains and utilizes the motion data of a recognized object sampled at each of the sampling time, comprising the acceleration of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer, the angular velocity of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial gyroscope, and the angle of the recognized object corresponding to a three-dimensional geomagnetic coordinate system sampled by a tri-axial magnetometer. Feedback calculation is utilized to obtain an actual acceleration at each sampling time from the motion original time to the motion end time, and the actual acceleration is obtained by reducing the acceleration of gravity from the acceleration sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer. The invention reduces the complexity of the system, and the accuracy is less affected by environmental factors, particularly light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.

Abstract: A measuring device provides a central data-processing unit, a control unit and at least one memory unit. The control unit and the at least one memory unit are connected to the central data-processing unit. At a given time, the control unit compares the adjustable parameters of the measuring device with parameters for a basic setting of the measuring device and generates control commands for the adjustment of the deviating parameters, or the control unit registers the parameter changes from a given time and generates control commands from these in order to adjust the changed parameters.

Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. The position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining at least one property of fluids related to oilfield operations may include an optical calculation device for measuring light having interacted with the fluid (e.g., flowing fluids and flames). The flame may be fueled, at least in part, by the stream of fluid from the subsurface well. Methods may include directing interacted light that comprises light having passed through a fluid relating to an oilfield operation to an iris; performing a regression calculation on the interacted light with an optical calculation device responsive to the interacted light incident thereon to produce at least one output light signal; and determining at least one property of the fluid from the at least one output light signal.

Abstract: A representative method for determining a zero baseline value of a channel from a detector device of a nuclear medicine imagining system to allow for correction caused by noise or interference on the detector device includes calculating a first value of a baseline based on a first sample of analog electrical signals from analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) coupled to the detector device; comparing a predetermined value with the first value of the baseline; determining whether there is a small change between the predetermined value and the first value of the baseline; and responsive to determining that the small change exists, adjusting the baseline of the ADCs by a fraction of the small change based on the comparison between the predetermined value and the first value of the baseline.

Abstract: A nuclear quadrupole resonance system which senses the stimulated emission from target molecules includes in a calibration step and a stimulated emission response detection step, with the system employing clutter cancellation involving linear regression and the use of cross correlation with a series of known molecular signatures, both increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the system.

Abstract: In order to inspect a board, a measurement area is set on a board, and reference data and measurement data of the measurement area are acquired. Then, a conversion condition is established for the measurement area, and a conversion relation is acquired according to a distortion degree between reference data and measurement data. Thereafter, validity of the conversion relation is verified by using at least one of verifying that a comparison feature object satisfies the conversion relation, verifying that a verification feature object selected from feature objects satisfies the conversion relation and verifying that a pad formed on the board satisfies the conversion relation. Then, the conversion condition is confirmed, and an inspection area for inspecting a measurement target is set according to the confirmed conversion condition. Thus, an inspection area may be correctly set so that distortion is compensated for.

Abstract: A rotational angle detection device has a resolver in which an excitation coil, a first output coil and a second output coil are provided on a periphery of a rotor coupled to a rotation shaft, an excitation signal generator circuit that generates an excitation signal and sends the excitation signal to the excitation coil, and a rotational angle calculation unit that performs sampling for respective output signals of the first output coil and the second output coil in a predetermined cycle, and calculates a rotational angle of the rotation shaft based on two sampling signals obtained as a result of the sampling. The excitation signal generator circuit is of a single excitation mode and generates a single excitation signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sighting apparatus for a remote-control shooting system and a sighting alignment method using the same. The sighting apparatus for a remote-control shooting system including a firearm installed in a firearm platform rotatable in up, down, left and right directions, and an observation camera installed to be position-adjustable in at the firearm platform, the sighting apparatus includes: a sighting unit which is fastened to the firearm with a zeroing unit precisely up, down, left and right adjustable therebetween, and takes a first image as zeroed; and a controller which controls the firearm platform so that an sighting indicator (e.g., a line) of the first image taken by the sighting unit can be aligned with a target, and aims at the target.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus/system or method for establishing initial zero-points and current zero-points includes an initial zero device programmed to establish an initial zero-point and a semi-automatic zero device programmed to either establish a current zero-point or to reset or power cycle a scale when a current zero-point cannot be established.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric smoke sensor capable of correcting a sensitivity according to a state of contamination. The photoelectric smoke sensor includes: a storage section (6) for storing a zero detection value VN and an initial zero detection value; a moving average value calculating section (51) for calculating a moving average value of detection AD values output from a detection portion (1, 2, 3); a zero detection value updating section (52) for calculating a new zero detection value VN when a sensitivity of the detection portion is decreased as compared with that in an initial state, and in addition, when a rate of change in the moving average value with respect to the zero detection value VN exceeds a predetermined value; a detection AD value correcting section (53) for correcting the detection value; and a smoke-density computing section (54) for converting the corrected detection value into smoke-density data.

Abstract: A chemical agent detector with a a lesser demand sensor, a greater demand sensor, an inlet; and a manifold; and methods associated therewith. The manifold is positioned between the inlet and the sensors, and includes a first intake associated with the lesser demand sensor, a second intake associated with a greater demand sensor, and at least one restrictor. The first intake is placed closer to the inlet than the second intake, and the second intake is isolated from the inlet by at least one restrictor within the manifold. The intakes and restrictor are sized and positioned such that the ratio between: the conductance of the path from the inlet to the greater demand sensor to the conductance of the path between the sensors effectively isolates the lesser demand sensor from the effects of the greater demand sensor.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides method and apparatus for non-contact temperature measurement in a semiconductor processing chamber. Particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for non-contact temperature measurement for temperature below 500° C. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates. The apparatus comprises a target component comprises a material with higher emissivity than the one or more substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.

Abstract: An electrical equipment assembly includes at least one electrical device provided with an identifier member. The identifier member includes a measurement tolerance data associated with the electrical device. The electrical assembly also includes a meter electrically coupled to the electrical device. The meter includes a memory device, a processor device operatively coupled to the memory device, a communication link member operatively coupled to the processor device, and a selectively updatable measurement tolerance indicator stored in one of the memory device, the processor device. The processor device being configured and disposed to establish measurement accuracy of the meter based on the tolerance indicator stored in the memory device.

Abstract: In a travel angle detection system for a mobile object having a detector installed in the mobile object to produce angular velocity outputs successively, the detector outputs are read and one output is determined as a provisional calibration value indicative of zero-point. Integrated values of differences between the calibration value and successive outputs and output variation width are calculated. When they are within predetermined permissible ranges, the mobile object is determined to be in static condition and the calibration value is corrected by an average value of the integrated values. The travel angle of the mobile object is detected from the calibrated outputs of the detector, thereby achieving accurate calibration of detector output by enabling accurate determination of the static condition.

Abstract: A sensor output correcting device includes: a sensor element for detecting a variation in an object to be measured, and for outputting this variation as a signal; an A/D converter for converting the analog signal outputted from the sensor element into a digital signal; a zero reference value calculating unit for calculating a zero reference value which is a drift amount of the sensor element from the signal outputted from the sensor element; a zero point correcting unit for correcting a zero point of the signal outputted from the A/D converter on the basis of the zero reference value calculated by the zero criterion calculating unit; an output limiting unit for limiting a value of an output signal inputted from the zero point correcting unit on the basis of a correction amount provided by the zero point correcting unit, and a high frequency removing unit for removing a high frequency component.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including software implementation, are disclosed providing drift prediction of output values for manometers. A signal or other indication may be provided for or in relation to a capacitance manometer when a servicing, replacing, and/or zeroing event is predicted or determined to be required, based on a history (e.g., timestamps) associated with previous zeroing events. Previously recorded timestamps can be curve fit with suitable functions to calculate or predict future maintenance, calibration, and/or replacement events for a manometer. Such signals or indications can be generated as an on-screen indication, and could also be available upon interrogation of the manometer via a digital communications link or system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for performing a calibration routine of a deposition device in a three-dimensional modeling machine that deposits a material to build up three-dimensional objects as directed by a controller on a substrate mounted on a platform. The method comprises generating a material build profile, which represents a three-dimensional structure at defined locations. A relative position of the material build profile is then determined. An expected build profile is identified and then compared to the determined relative position of the material build profile to identify any difference which represents an offset. The modeling system then positions the deposition device based upon the offset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calibrating an ophthalmic-lens-piercing machine, a device used to implement one such method and a ophthalmic-lens-machining apparatus comprising one such device. The inventive method applies to a machine including a piercing tool, a lens support which is associated with a first reference mark (O1, X1, Y1), and programmable tool-control means which are associated with a second reference mark expressing set co-ordinates which define a target piercing point (M). A template is placed on the support, and the template includes pre-applied markings defining a third reference mark (O3, X3, Y3), such that the third reference mark in essentially in line with the first reference mark. The template is pierced at a pre-determined point corresponding to a target point, and an image of the template this point position, and a correction is applied to the set co-ordinates that can compensate for the misalignment.

Abstract: A method of increasing consistency between separate parametric measurement readings that are taken with an electron beam imaging tool at different times within a period of time, by correcting drift in the imaging tool at a time frequency that is less than a time period during which the drift is anticipated to be undesirably large.

Abstract: First and second acceleration sensor elements for detecting the acceleration of a vehicle in the direction in which the vehicle travels, and the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction transverse to the travel direction of the vehicle are mounted on a sensor substrate which is mounted on a control substrate of a vehicle control device. With the sensor substrate positioned such that the sensing directions of the respective sensor elements are perpendicular to or parallel to the vertical line, the outputs of the respective sensor elements are detected as zero errors or gain errors. The sensor substrate is then mounted on a vehicle and with the vehicle placed on a horizontal surface, a signal is sent to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle control device so that the ECU can recognize that the vehicle is horizontal. Based on the outputs from the first and second sensor elements at this time, the deviation angles of the sensor elements about the X-axis and Y-axis directions are calculated.

Abstract: A method for zero resetting of a measuring machine is provided. A zero-reset instruction is received. A zero-reset direction S1 of a movable arm and a position where the limit switch is fixed on the shaft is set as a first trigger position. The zero-reset instruction is executed. A first feedback pulse from the limit switch is received. A zero-reset direction S2 of the movable arm is set if the movable arm has reached the first trigger position. A position of a reference mark on a raster ruler fixed on the movable arm is set as a second trigger position. The zero-reset instruction is executed again. A second feedback pulse from a reader fixed on the movable arm is received. If the movable arm has reached the second trigger position, the zero resetting ends.

Abstract: A dimensional measurement probe (10) is mounted in a machine tool (48), which reorientates the probe about at least one axis A. Strain gauges (34) sense when a stylus (20) of the probe contacts a workpiece (50), to produce a trigger signal. False trigger signals may be produced when the probe is reorientated. To overcome this, the reorientation is detected by monitoring changes in the fluctuations of the strain gauge outputs, caused by vibrations of the stylus.

Abstract: The invention provides a weight measuring apparatus which carries out zero-point reset as an output value of a load signal in an unloaded state when the weight measuring apparatus is not in use, including a weight measuring unit that measures a load applied to a machine body and outputs the load signals; and a control device that receives the load signals from the weight measuring unit at reset time intervals for carrying out the zero-point reset of the weight measuring unit in the unloaded state, in which the control device changes the reset time interval to next zero-point reset according to the difference between the output value of the load signal at the time of previous zero-point reset and the output value of the load signal at zero-point reset of this time.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance. An ASIC can be designed to include a self-diagnostic feature that automatically occurs at start up or upon command in Normal Operation whereby the temperature compensated microbridge null can be measured in a state of very low thermal energy and allows for the tracking of microbridge null stability versus time. An Airflow Combi-Sensor ASIC (Heimdal) with its strategic partner ZMD can be developed and can be implemented in the form of a self-diagnostic feature that occurs when power is first applied to the ASIC or upon command. When the self-diagnostic is initiated, power is removed and after the electronics have settled, a small power can be applied to the microbridge to measure the bridge null with reduced sensitivity to flow due to self-heating.

Abstract: An effective methodology for reducing the influence of clutter arising from a complex signal environment defined by the use of a microwave sensor within or in connection with a gas turbine engine having one or more stages of rotating blades. Accurate detection of peak signals for blade measurements can be obtained by the microwave sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including software implementation, are disclosed providing drift prediction of output values for manometers. A signal or other indication may be provided for or in relation to a capacitance manometer when a servicing, replacing, and/or zeroing event is predicted or determined to be required, based on a history (e.g., timestamps) associated with previous zeroing events. Previously recorded timestamps can be curve fit with suitable functions to calculate or predict future maintenance, calibration, and/or replacement events for a manometer. Such signals or indications can be generated as an on-screen indication, and could also be available upon interrogation of the manometer via a digital communications link or system.

Abstract: A system for correcting angular velocity measurements from a gyroscope and using the corrected angular velocity measurements to position an antenna used with a vehicle. The system determines an approximate null point voltage of a gyroscope of the type that produces a voltage related to an angular velocity to be measured by the gyroscope. The approximate null point is determined by sampling the output voltage to obtain a plurality of sampled voltages and choosing an approximate mode of the plurality of sampled voltages as the approximate null point voltage.

Abstract: In a travel angle detection system for a mobile object having a detector installed in the mobile object to produce angular velocity outputs successively, the detector outputs are read and one output is determined as a provisional calibration value indicative of zero-point. Integrated values of differences between the calibration value and successive outputs and output variation width are calculated. When they are within predetermined permissible ranges, the mobile object is determined to be in static condition and the calibration value is corrected by an average value of the integrated values. The travel angle of the mobile object is detected from the calibrated outputs of the detector, thereby achieving accurate calibration of detector output by enabling accurate determination of the static condition.

Abstract: A method for measuring and storing values of sensor bias in acceleration values for a vehicle, obtained over a plurality of time periods from a sensor having a specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values, includes measuring a first value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a first time period, storing the measured first value of sensor bias for use in one or more subsequent time periods, measuring a second value of sensor bias obtained during operation of the vehicle in a second time period, subtracting the measured second value of sensor bias from the stored first value of sensor bias, thereby generating a sensor bias difference, and storing the measured second value of sensor bias, for reference in one or more subsequent time periods, if the sensor bias difference is within the specified range of expected variability of sensor bias values.

Abstract: An image data set acquired by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is corrected for effects due to motion of the sample. A first set of A-scans is acquired within a time short enough to avoid any significant motion of the sample. A second more extensive set of A-scans is acquired over an overlapping region on the sample. Significant sample motion may occur during acquisition of the second set. A-scans from the first set are matched with A-scans from the second set, based on similarity between the longitudinal optical scattering profiles they contain. Such matched pairs of A-scans are likely to correspond to the same region in the sample. Comparison of the OCT scanner coordinates that produced each A-scan in a matching pair, in conjunction with any shift in the longitudinal scattering profiles between the pair of A-scans, reveals the displacement of the sample between acquisition of the first and second A-scans in the pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.

Abstract: A remote sensing angle gauge includes a sensor responding to physical stimulus and transmitting a resulting impulse for measuring an angle, and a user interface separate and remote from said sensor and in communication with said sensor unit. The user interface receives a signal from the resulting impulse of said sensor unit, and determines the angle measurement according to the received signal from said sensor unit and inputted data from said interface unit. The inputted data by a user includes an offset and orientation of the sensor. The gauge can be zeroed before initiating the measurement. The sensor can be connected to the user interface through a detachable electrical connection. The sensor can include an adaptor accommodating a detachable and adjustable connection to an area being measured. The results of the measurement on the user interface can be remotely monitored, while measuring the angle with the sensor.

Abstract: A calibration system for an inertial sensor includes a calibration module for processing an output value produced by the inertial sensor, the output value related to a detected movement of an object, wherein the calibration module calculates an offset value from a plurality of output values, and memory operatively coupled with the calibration module, the memory capable of storing the plurality of output values and/or the offset value, wherein the inertial sensor is calibrated using the calculated offset value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing and encoding data are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method is provided for communicating known calibration data for a microsurgical cassette to a surgical console with which the cassette will be used.

Abstract: An averaging circuit includes an averaging unit and an offset compensation unit. The averaging unit generates an average signal from first and second input signals. The offset compensating unit is coupled to the averaging unit for conducting away bias currents from the averaging unit for preventing an offset in the average signal when any of the first and second input signals is too low or too high.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for internally calibrating a direct conversion receiver (DCR) through feeding a calibration signal via ESD protection circuitry is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal signal generator for generating a calibration signal, a front-end input stage for receiving an RF signal at an input node, an ESD protection unit for protecting against electrostatic discharge, and a switch unit coupled to the ESD protection unit, for selectively passing a calibration signal to the front-end input stage, whereby the connection of the switch unit and the ESD protection unit means that when the DCR is operating in normal mode, the switch unit will not affect the noise performance and matching of the receiver.

Abstract: A method for controlling operations of a measuring machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: clearing faults when there are the faults occur in a measuring machine; sending a restart instruction via a control card to the measuring machine for controlling the movable arm to return to an initial position in relation to an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis directions; sending a move instruction comprising information of a final position to the control card; executing the move instruction; calculating a current position of the movable arm according to a count tracked by a raster ruler; determining whether the movable arm locates at the final position of the measuring machine according to the count; and controlling the movable arm to move along the measuring machine by executing a next move instruction, if the movable arm locates at the final position. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for decomposing and verifying configurable hardware. In one embodiment, the method includes automatically decomposing a set of one or more units at a first level of a configurable hardware system design hierarchy into a set of two or more units of a lower level of the hardware system design hierarchy. The set of one or more units at a first level includes one or more units dynamically instantiated at design creation time as well as at least a first unit composed of a previously instantiated hardware system composed with two or more levels of units within the hardware system design hierarchy of the previously instantiated hardware system.

Abstract: Method for zero correction of a measuring device, in particular a flowmeter, wherein a number of zero settings are carried out with the device and/or process in different states. In the case of each of these zero settings, a set of device and/or system parameters is recorded together with the measured zero value and stored in an electronic memory, and in normal operation of the measuring device, a stored set of device and/or system parameters that matches the respectively current system and/or device parameters is sought, so that the measured zero value assigned to this set of parameters is used as the current zero value.

Abstract: The invention relates to torque sensors or more particularly to automotive torque sensors which measure the torque transmitted at one or more positions within an automotive power train. The invention provides a method for zeroing an automotive power train torque sensor while a vehicle is moving during the zero torque condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the procedure for quantifying the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instrument. The apparatus of this invention comprises (a) at least one weigh cup; (b) at least one standard mass; (c) at least one transducer assembly to convert a value of weight to an electrical response; and (d) at least one electronic circuit for converting the electrical response to a measurement of volume. This invention provides a method for calibrating readings of the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instruments so that absolute measurements of the volume of liquid dispensed can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and circuit provide a system level reset function for an electronic device. An initial reset function is provided under a low voltage condition of supply voltage, such as occur upon first energizing the electronic device. A tunable reset function is also provided, which can first be asserted at a voltage level setting less precise than that setting becomes upon tuning. Further, a boot-up reset function is provided, which provides its reset function at a voltage level setting that is set according to a calibration. Calibration can be based on data stored in a non-volatile memory, and can involve a checksum operation. The electronic device, a microcontroller for instance, is held in a reset state with any of the initial, tunable, and boot-up reset functions.

Abstract: A method compensates for phase differences between sampled values of first and second AC waveforms. The method employs a phase angle compensation factor and sequentially samples a plurality of values of each of the waveforms. For a positive compensation factor, second sampled values are adjusted to correspond with first sampled values by employing, for a corresponding second sampled value, a preceding second sampled value plus the product of: (i) the compensation factor and (ii) the difference between the corresponding second sampled value and the preceding second sampled value. Alternatively, for a negative compensation factor, the second sampled values are adjusted by employing, for the corresponding second sampled value, the preceding second sampled value minus the product of: (i) the sum of one plus the compensation factor and (ii) the difference between the preceding second sampled value and the second sampled value preceding the preceding second sampled value.