Position Measurement Patents (Class 702/94)
  • Publication number: 20130132018
    Abstract: In a position detector for detecting a position of a detection body, a signal processing circuit processes a signal outputted from a magnetic field detection element. A first storage circuit stores the signal outputted from the magnetic field detection element and outputs a signal to an external device through an output circuit in a normal operation mode. A second storage circuit stores an output value of the first storage circuit. When a malfunction determination circuit determines an instantaneous power interruption mode, a signal route changing circuit prevents a signal transmission between the first storage circuit and the second storage circuit and a signal transmission between the first storage circuit and the output circuit, prevents the second storage circuit from updating data for a certain period of time, and permits the second storage circuit in which updating is prevented to output a signal to the output circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: DENSO CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8447559
    Abstract: An impact location and amplitude sensory system is provided. Such an impact sensory system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, as a control and feedback mechanism for virtually any surface. One embodiment of the impact sensory system may include at least one sensor and a signal processor. The sensor(s) may couple to the object. Sensors may include any of microphones and accelerometers. The sensor(s) receive an impact wave from an impact to the object, either as a propagating acoustic wave or as a traverse phase shift in natural oscillation. The sensor(s) may generate an impact signal in response to the sensed impact wave. The signal processor may couple to the sensor(s). The signal processor may include a preamplifier, an impact triangulator, and an outputter. The impact triangulater may identify a location of the impact from the impact signals. The outputter may then output data regarding the location of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: R0R3 Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. McCauley
  • Patent number: 8447551
    Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body and a gripper mount slidably mounted to the body with a first actuator. The first actuator is configured to slide the gripper mount from a first position to a second position along an axis. The assembly tool also comprises a gripper assembly slidably mounted to the gripper mount with a second actuator. The second actuator is configured to facilitate displacement of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis. The assembly tool also comprises an encoder configured to indicate a displacement distance between an expected position and an actual position of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis when the gripper mount is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tze Yang Ong, Jit Han Tan
  • Patent number: 8447539
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field distribution measurement apparatus (10) according to the present invention includes: an electromagnetic field probe (20) for measuring an electromagnetic field distribution; a scan apparatus (30) for scanning the vicinity of a wiring (120) with the electromagnetic field probe (20); and a data processing apparatus (50) for calculating the offset value (?Xd) of the coordinate of the electromagnetic field probe (20) from the coordinate of the wiring (120). The data processing apparatus (50) extracts a characteristic point (E1 to E3) of the measured electromagnetic field distribution and calculates the offset value (?Xd) based on the coordinates of the extracted characteristic point (E1 to E3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Masuda
  • Patent number: 8447555
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for increasing the availability of displacement/position measuring systems on the basis of potentiometers with a slider tap in a closed control loop, the controller of which is formed by a microcontroller which is supplied with the position of the slider via an analog/digital converter. At least part of the sensor range of the potentiometer is scanned on request by presetting a sequence of manipulated variables and an available control loop variable which represents the position value at a high sampling rate outside process tasks is recorded, to determine the exact position of a defective slider position of the potentiometer by evaluating the variable. The reference variable of the control loop is overloaded in a defined manner within the process task such that the defective slider position is passed over during the displacement/position measurement and an intact slider position is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Stefan Tabelander, Thomas Kleegrewe, Andreas Wahlmann
  • Publication number: 20130124130
    Abstract: An apparatus for reading a utility meter of the type having a dial gauge and a dial pin is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dial gauge interacting device configured for interacting with the utility meter. A control module is in communication with the dial gauge interacting device. The control module is configured to determine a position of the dial based on the interaction of the dial gauge interacting device with the utility meter. The dial gauge interacting device may be a smart phone. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Measurement Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Measurement Controls, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8442801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for estimating the location of a portable device. The method includes providing a plurality of location anchor and enhanced location anchor transceivers within a region, each operating from respective predetermined locations, a portable transceiver measuring a signal parameter from the transceivers, a location engine determining a location of the portable transceiver based upon the signal measurements and the respective predetermined locations of the transceivers, each of the enhanced transceivers measuring a signal parameter from some of the location and other enhanced transceivers, the location engine calculating an estimated location for each of the plurality of enhanced transceivers and calculating a location error based upon the estimated location and predetermined location of the enhanced location anchor transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick S. Gonla, Soumitri Kolavennu, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 8442791
    Abstract: A position for a vehicle is corrected by detecting landmarks on the journey route and correcting the measured vehicle position when a landmark of this kind has been identified. The landmarks are stored in a database in the vehicle with associated exact GPS positions. When a landmark is reached, the associated exact GPS position is compared with the position measured in the vehicle, whereupon the measured position is corrected. In this way, the position finding can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Ulrich Stählin
  • Publication number: 20130116960
    Abstract: A method and device for dynamically altering the signal-space-to-physical-space mapping database of a set of access points for use in localizing of an object, by obtaining a location profile for the object and obtaining an estimated location of an object by measuring the signal parameter induced by at least one access point and using the signal-space-to-physical-space mapping database for deriving an estimated location from the measured signal parameter, and determining whether the obtained estimated location complies with the obtained location profile for the object. If the obtained estimated location does not comply with the location profile, the mapping database is dynamically adjusted to obtain an adjusted signal-space-to-physical-space mapping database based on a difference between the measured signal parameter and the signal parameter corresponding with the signal space for the location expected based on the location profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Maarten Weyn
  • Patent number: 8437971
    Abstract: A game apparatus obtains data from an input device including at least a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor, and calculates an orientation of the input device. The game apparatus includes orientation calculation means and correction means. The orientation calculation means calculates a first orientation of the input device in accordance with an angular rate detected by the gyroscope. The correction means corrects the first orientation so as to approach a second orientation of the input device as the angular rate decreases, the second orientation being an orientation in which a direction of an acceleration represented by acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor is a vertically downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Suzuki, Keizo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20130110439
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to computing technologies. In particular, aspects of the disclosure relate to mobile computing device technologies, such as systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for improving orientation data. In some embodiments, a magnetic vector filter receives magnetometer data from a magnetometer and gyroscope data from a gyroscope and determines the magnetic vector using the magnetometer data and the gyroscope data in the magnetic vector filter. In other embodiments, a gravity vector filter receives accelerometer data and gyroscope data and determines the gravity vector using the accelerometer data and the gyroscope data in the gravity vector filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: QUALCOM INCORPORATED
  • Publication number: 20130103338
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatically aligning probe pins to the test or bond pads of semiconductor devices under changing conditions. In at least one embodiment, a dynamic model is used to predict an impact of changing conditions to wafer probing process. This reduces the need for frequent measurements and calibrations during probing and testing, thereby increasing the number of dice that can be probed and tested in a given period of time and increasing the accuracy of probing at the same time. Embodiments of the present invention also make it possible to adjust positions of probe pins and pads in response to the changing conditions while they are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORMFACTOR, INC.
    Inventor: FORMFACTOR, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130096862
    Abstract: The encoder includes a scale provided with a periodic pattern, a sensor relatively movable with respect to the scale and reading the periodic pattern to output analog signals each having a changing period corresponding to the periodic pattern and having mutually different phases, an A/D converter performing time-division analog-to-digital conversion on the analog signals output from the sensor to produce digital signals, and a phase detector detecting a phase from the digital signals. The encoder further includes a corrector calculating a correction value by using a relative movement speed of the scale and the sensor and the detected phase detected by the phase detector, and calculating a corrected phase from the correction value and the detected phase, and a position detector calculating a position in a direction in which the scale and the sensor are relativity moved by using the corrected phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130096861
    Abstract: A method including receiving signals associated with multiple antenna elements; obtaining a parameter of the received signals for at least some of the multiple antenna elements; testing the obtained parameters; if the test fails, rejecting the received signals for use in positioning the apparatus; if the test passes, using the received signals for positioning the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Fabio Belloni, Ville Ranki, Antti Kainulainen
  • Publication number: 20130096860
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an analysis unit, a gathering place determination unit, and a correction unit. The analysis unit analyzes an action history including at least a position of a subject, in accordance with action information obtained by detecting an action of the subject. The gathering place determination unit determines a position of a gathering place where plural subjects including the subject are together, in accordance with position information indicating the position of the subject which is included in the action information. The correction unit corrects position information about the subject, in accordance with the position of the gathering place determined by the gathering place determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideto YUZAWA, Toshiroh Shimada, Tomoyuki Shoya
  • Publication number: 20130096863
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for calibrating user-mounted devices are provided. An external device capable of providing calibration data to a user-mounted device worn by a user is identified. An identification acknowledgement is received from the external device. A device calibration mode is entered in which calibration data describing the user-mounted device is received by the user-mounted device. The calibration data is based at least in part on sensor data acquired and normalized by the external device. The calibration data is then received. The calibration data includes at least one determined pose or body measurement of the user and a calculated alignment of the user-mounted device relative to the user. The user-mounted device is calibrated using the received calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, PAOLO MALABUYO
  • Patent number: 8423171
    Abstract: In a method for processing a workpiece in a tool machine, a first step (Step S4) for continuously measuring a position of a tip portion of a tool attached to a main axis, a second step (Step S5) for computing a displacement amount of the position of the tip point of the tool based on a result of the measurement, a third step (Step S8) for observing a time period while the displace amount is belonged in arrange of allowable displace amount previously determined, a fourth step (Step S9) for keeping an idling operation in case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount is shorter than a time period previously determined and intermitting the idling operation in the case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount become the time period previously determined and a fifth step (Step S10) for starting a process with respect to the workpiece in the case that the idling operation is finished are
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Sato, Shigeru Honda
  • Publication number: 20130090876
    Abstract: A method for detecting electromagnetic property of oriented silicon steel, the method comprises: measuring Euler angles of each of crystal grains in a specimen by use of metallographic etch-pit method; calculating orientation deviation angle ?i (degree) of the crystal grain; combining area Si (mm2) of the crystal grain and correction coefficient X of element Si (X=0.1˜10 T/degree); correcting on the basis of the magnetic property B0 (saturation magnetic induction, T) of single-crystal material by using these parameters (?i, Si, X), formula for correcting is B 8 = - 0.015 × X × ? n = 1 i ? S i ? ? ? i ? ? n = 1 i ? S i + ( B 0 - 0.04 ) ( 1 ) ; obtaining electromagnetic property B8 of the oriented silicon steel by the above calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BAOSHAN IRON & STEEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Meihong Wu, Weizhong Jin, Huande Sun, Guohua Yang, Kanyi Shen, Jie Huang, Guobao Li
  • Patent number: 8416412
    Abstract: There is provided a method for determining residual errors, compromising the following steps: in a first step, a test plate comprising a first pattern is used, and in a second step, a test plate comprising a second pattern which is reflected and/or rotated with respect to the first step is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMS GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Schellhorn, Matthias Manger
  • Publication number: 20130085699
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal gradient compensation for ring laser gyroscopes are provided. In one embodiment, a method for producing bias compensated angular rate measurements from a ring laser gyroscope comprises: sampling an angle measurement output from a laser block sensor to obtain an angular rate measurement; obtaining an laser block temperature measurement (Tblock) for the laser block sensor; obtaining a temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff) for at least one gradient line across a portion of the laser block sensor; calculating a rate bias error by applying parameters produced from the temperature measurement (Tblock) and the temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff) to a thermal gradient compensation model, wherein the thermal gradient compensation model includes at least one coefficient corresponding to the temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff); and calculating a difference between the angle rate measurement and the rate bias error to produce a bias compensated angular rate measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Alan Bruce Touchberry, Timothy J. Callaghan, Bruce A. Seiber
  • Patent number: 8412483
    Abstract: An improved method for verifying a position of a sensor with respect to an object under test includes detecting a signal from the sensor that is positioned at a given location on an object under test and comparing the signal from the sensor with a historical signal that is associated with a Uniquely Identified Location (UIL) on the object under test. If the two signals are consistent, and if the position of the sensor at the given location on the object under test is the same as the UIL, it is concluded that the position of the sensor is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Qui V. Le, Jayne L. Boynton
  • Patent number: 8413034
    Abstract: In a magnetic data processing device, an input part sequentially receives magnetic data output from a magnetic sensor. A storage part stores a plurality of the magnetic data as a data set of statistical population. An index derivation part derives a distribution index of the data set of the statistical population. A reliability determination part determines whether or not reliability of the data set of the statistical population is acceptable based on the distribution index and a decision criterion. A decision criterion setting part increases strictness of the decision criterion when the reliability determination part determines that the reliability of the data set of the statistical population is acceptable, and decreases the strictness of the decision criterion when the reliability determination part determines that the reliability of the data set of the statistical population is unacceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Ibuki Handa
  • Patent number: 8412480
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the angular magnitude of an imaging acquiring apparatus, which is capable of obtaining an arranging angular magnitude with respect to the imaging acquiring apparatus in various environments by an iteration algorithm having parameters of position of a calibrating tool with respect to an image coordinate system and characteristic value corresponding to a spatial coordinate system respectively. Meanwhile, the present further provides a vehicle collision warning system which functions to obtain the relative distance between the carrier and objects around according to the image acquired by the imaging acquiring apparatus and the angular magnitude and height of the imaging acquiring apparatus. By means of the method disclosed in the present invention, the procedure to detect the angular magnitude of the image acquiring apparatus is more convenient and accurate such that the convenience for using the vehicle collision warning system is capable of being improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Che-Chung Lin, Yu-Long Wang, Chi-Wei Lin, Dau-Chen Huang, Yi-Yu Chang
  • Publication number: 20130080103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for searching a transmitter. Therein, the vectorial magnetic field strengths of the field emitted by the transmitter are detected for at least a first and a second measurement point relative to a reference axis of the detector carried by a searcher. Furthermore, at least one orientation difference (?2??1) between the first and the second measurement point is detected. Based on certain assumptions, the vectorial magnetic field strengths are calculated and subsequently a function (E) of an error vector (g) representing the difference between the calculated and the measured vectorial magnetic field strengths is numerically minimized for determining an updated position vector. Moreover, the invention relates to a corresponding detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf Matzner
  • Publication number: 20130080104
    Abstract: A method for systematically handling errors, and an assemblage for carrying out the method, are presented. The method serves for systematically handing errors for a goniometer in the context of the transfer of position data with a position transducer, the position transducer possessing markings that are sensed with at least one sensor; a profile being deposited in a memory region in connection with said markings; the position transducer generating as a function of its position, by way of the markings, position signals that carry, as data, parameters that are deposited into a further memory region beginning with an address pointer value of 0; said address pointer being incremented with each position signal; and a synchronization between the position signals and the profile being created, and the values stored in the profile being used to modify the number of pulses outputted to the goniometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Eberhard Boehl, Bernd Becker, Bernard Pawlok
  • Patent number: 8406940
    Abstract: A method for mapping a railroad track is provided. The method includes defining a plurality of track segments that form the railroad track and determining coordinates of each track segment. The method also includes storing the coordinates of each track segment in a database as map segments and linking the map segments stored in the database to create a multi-dimensional railroad track map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tom Otsubo, Wolfgang Daum, Craig Alan Stull, Gerald Hess, Andrew David Caple, Misty McCrea Chambers, Jason G. White, Robert Allen Coker, John Gregory Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8407023
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a robotic device, such as a cardiac catheter, includes oscillating the device on an actuation axis by applying an oscillation vector at an oscillation frequency. While oscillating, a location of the device is periodically measured to generate a plurality of location data points, which may express the location of the device relative to a plurality of measurement axes. The location data points are then processed using a signal processing algorithm, such as a Fourier transform algorithm, to derive a transfer function relating a position of the device to a movement vector for the actuation axis. The transfer function may be resolved into and expressed as a calibration vector for the actuation axis, which may include one or more components, including zero components, directed along each of the measurement axes. The process may be repeated for any actuation axes on which calibration is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hauck
  • Patent number: 8405013
    Abstract: A solar tracking device including a solar panel, an orientation control device, and an inclination sensing device is provided. The solar panel is suitable for converting solar energy into electric energy. The orientation control device controls an orientation of the solar panel according to the position and time of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is disposed on the solar panel for detecting an inclination direction of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is suitable for outputting a feedback signal to the orientation control device to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. The solar tracking device has a simple tracking mechanism because of a simple feedback mechanism of the inclination sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sunplus mMedia Inc.
    Inventors: Yarn-Chen Chen, Yi-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 8406918
    Abstract: A disk carrier for teaching disk positioning in a substrate changing system. The disk carrier composed of a panel having a disk opening configured to receive a disk and a plurality of beam sensors disposed around the disk opening to project beams parallel to a surface of the disk when secured within the disk opening. The plurality of beam sensors may be composed of at least one beam sensor on each of a front side and rear side of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: WD Media, LLC
    Inventors: Yi Chun Tan, Huat Seng Khor, Eang Keong Tan, Chun Beng Ang, Chay Hoon Tang
  • Patent number: 8393849
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using at least one bearing arm. The at least one bearing arm movably couples the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The at least one bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the at least one bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Matthew Jonas
  • Patent number: 8396681
    Abstract: A distance measuring measurement instrument and a method for such a station for scanning a surface or volume of an object are disclosed. The measurement instrument includes a position calculating circuit adapted to calculate position data including at least horizontal and vertical angle and distance between the measurement instrument and the object. A plurality of points in each of a number of subsets of a scanning area of the object during a measurement session and, at detection of a new point in the new subset, information related to at least one point having a corresponding location in at least one preceding subset is used, wherein the preceding subset being adjacent to the new subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventors: Set Svanholm, Grégory Lepere, Guillaume David, Fredrik Gylesjö, Sven Johansson, Björn Magnusson
  • Patent number: 8396684
    Abstract: A method and a system for motion tracking, capable of tracking a trajectory of a movable object by an architecture having at least three accelerometers arranged in a predefined structure. The trajectory, displacement and rotational angle of the movable object are determined by ways of extrapolation, numerical calibration and vector transformation according to the acceleration signals detected by the at least three accelerometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chao-Min Su, Tsun-Chieh Chiang, Chih-Wei Yi, Wen-Tein Chai, Pin-Chuan Liu, Jiun-Long Huang
  • Patent number: 8387472
    Abstract: A method for the detection of objects embedded in building structure subgrades such as cable, concrete reinforcing bars, conduit pipe and the like as well as a hand-operated sensor with an adaptive detection threshold operating according to the method, is disclosed. To reduce an over-detection with the adaptation of the detection threshold, a change in the direction of movement of the sensor being guided over the surface area is recorded with respect to an embedded object. The determination of a change in the direction of movement preferably takes place by measuring the sensor acceleration in two directions with respect to the embedded object. Corresponding speeds are computed at least as estimates from the acceleration values in order to generate a conclusion about a reversal of the direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Patrik Cipriano, Torsten Gogolla, Andreas John, Christoph Wuersch
  • Patent number: 8392140
    Abstract: A method, system and inertial navigation unit are provided in order to facilitate location determination by calibrating a location determined by an inertial navigation unit. The method may receive a magnetic pulse, such as a magnetic pulse generated by a lightening strike, with a plurality of first magnetometers and with a second magnetometer co-located with the inertial navigation unit. The method may also compare a representation of the magnetic pulse received by the plurality of first magnetometers to a respective representation of the magnetic pulse received by the second magnetometer. Further, the method may correct the location determined by the inertial navigation unit as a result of the comparing of the representation of the magnetic pulse received by the plurality of first magnetometers to the respective representation of the magnetic pulse received by the second magnetometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William G. Bartholet
  • Patent number: 8392139
    Abstract: A multi-point calibration method for the depth of a horizontal directional drilling guiding instrument comprises: maintaining a constant power output of a normal power transmitter in a specific power supply condition; selecting at least two depth calibrations; receiving a signal transmitted from a transmitter and an intensity of a signal at a depth calibration position by a receiving instrument; performing a signal shaping and an analog/digital conversion to the signal received by a signal receiving instrument; and entering the signal into a central digital signal processor, and performing a depth calibration by any compensation method to obtain a required measuring depth. The invention improves the accuracy of the depth measurement of the horizontal directional drilling guiding instrument by using a plurality of compensation methods to compensate any error caused by the electric fields and environmental noises and occurred in the depth measurement of horizontal directional drilling guiding instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo Golden Land Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Jin
  • Publication number: 20130054172
    Abstract: A difference of tooth profile gradient errors (??) is calculated, which is a deviation between the tooth profile gradient error (?1) when the tooth profile of a gear is calculated by a method of scanning in a tangential direction of a base circle; and the tooth profile gradient error (?2) when the tooth profile of a gear is calculated by scanning methods other than a method of scanning in a tangential direction of a base circle. The position error (?x) is calculated using the difference of tooth profile gradient errors (??) and gear specifications, and the position of the gauge head is calibrated depending on the position error (?x). Hereby the position of the gauge head can be calibrated without using a mechanical reference member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Masuo, Naohiro Otsuki, Yoshikoto Yanase
  • Publication number: 20130050670
    Abstract: A position measurement system includes a first part and a second part for determining a position of a first member relative to a second member by providing a position signal representing a position of the first part relative to the second part, and a computational unit comprising an input terminal for receiving the position signal. The computational unit is configured to, in use, apply a conversion to the position signal to obtain a signal representing a position of the first member relative to the second member; and apply an adjustment to the conversion to at least partly compensate for a drift of the first part or the second part or both. The adjustment is based on a predetermined drift characteristic of the first part or the second part or both respectively. The predetermined drift characteristic includes one or more base shapes of the first part and/or the second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Herman Gertruda Anna Koenen, Emiel Jozef Melanie Eussen, Engelbertus Antonius Fransiscus Van Der Pasch, Robbert Edgar Van Leeuwen, Adrianus Hendrik Koevoets
  • Publication number: 20130044332
    Abstract: A surface profile measurement apparatus, which measures a surface profile of an object, includes a wavefront measurement unit, a driving unit and a rotation unit. The wavefront measurement unit has an image sensor and emits a detecting light. The driving unit has a plurality of stages for moving the object or the wavefront measurement unit. The rotation unit has a rotation axis, is disposed on one of the stages of the driving unit, and holds the object. When measuring the object, the rotation unit rotates the object and the image sensor simultaneously exposes and acquires a measurement data, formed by the detecting light reflected from the object. An alignment method of the surface profile measurement apparatus and an improved sub-aperture measurement data acquisition method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Chao-Wen LIANG
  • Patent number: 8374818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a number of components that have been assembled onto a substrate. In general, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for inspecting components on the substrate. In particular, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for detecting the accuracy of the array pegs positions on an assembled HTA plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Meijles
  • Patent number: 8370124
    Abstract: An emulation system includes a central time source generating a time reference and an emulated spacecraft control processor which contains an embedded processor that provides an emulated input/output interface to communicate simulated spacecraft data. The embedded processor processes the simulated spacecraft data and contains a real time clock engine having a real-time clock period. The system further has a first simulation that processes attitude control system data from the emulated spacecraft control processor to simulate an attitude control system of the spacecraft in real-time. The first simulation engine operative to produce sensor data for input to the emulated spacecraft control processor based on the simulated system dynamics and adjusts the real time clock period in response to the time reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Gold, John D. Haskell, David L. Koza, Michael J. Surace, Steven R. Zammit
  • Publication number: 20130020917
    Abstract: An encoder includes a position data obtainer that obtains superordinate data representing a position of a moving body in a superordinate section and subordinate data representing a position in a subordinate section repeated in a superordinate section with higher resolution than that of the superordinate data, a storage in which a correction value that can correct a deviation amount occurring in the superordinate data against the subordinate data is recorded to be associated with an absolute position with resolution nearly equal to that of the superordinate data, a corrector that obtains the correction value from the storage and corrects the superordinate data, and a section identifier that identifies, based on the superordinate data corrected by the corrector and the subordinate data when the superordinate data is obtained, the subordinate section in which the subordinate data is obtained against the superordinate section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
  • Publication number: 20130013241
    Abstract: An improved method for calibration of dynamic motion sensors. In one aspect, the method comprises sending a low frequency driving signal to an exciter to generate a harmonic movement in a shaker table, using an optical position sensor to produce an output representative of position, computing the acceleration of the shaker table and a dynamic motion sensor under test (SUT), and comparing the output of the SUT with the instantaneous acceleration of the shaker table at different frequencies sufficient to define the performance characteristics of the SUT within a selected frequency range, among other things. In another aspect, the method comprises calibration of a dynamic motion SUT by simultaneous direct measurement of position and time. In another aspect, the optical position sensor has an electrical output representative of position for attaining a desired degree of positional accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: THE MODAL SHOP INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. Sill, Mark I. Schiefer, Joshua B. Moses
  • Publication number: 20120330594
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a three-dimensional (3D) position and orientation based on a sensor fusion process is provided. The method of estimating the 3D position and orientation may include estimating a strength-based position and a strength-based orientation of a remote apparatus when a plurality of strength information is received, based on an attenuation characteristic of a strength that varies based on a distance and orientation, estimating an inertia-based position and an inertia-based orientation of the remote apparatus by receiving a plurality of inertial information, and estimating a fused position based on a weighted-sum of the strength-based position and the inertia-based position, and to estimate a fused orientation based on a weighted-sum of the strength-based orientation and the inertia-based orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyong Euk LEE, Sang Hyun KIM, Won Chul Bang, Chang Kyu CHOI
  • Patent number: 8340936
    Abstract: A system target location includes one or more sensors operable to determine a location of a target and generate a set of coordinates corresponding to the target. The system further includes a system controller operable to receive one or more sets of coordinates from the one or more sensors, generate a combined estimate of the target location, and validate that each of the sets of coordinates correspond to the same target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Timothy G. Brauer, Charles J. Pruszynski, Mark S. Svane
  • Patent number: 8340908
    Abstract: A tracking device may be used to detect a position or movement of an object. The tracking device may include a housing that supports an emitter. The emitter may transmit a first signal. A measurement device within the housing may measure rotational movement of an object. Circuitry may receive a second signal in response to the first signal. The circuitry may reset an angle value to a predetermined value based on the second signal. The angle value may be determined by a measurement of the rotational movement of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hess, Tobias Münch, Hans-Jürgen Nitzpon
  • Patent number: 8339266
    Abstract: In systems and methods for determining the placement of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, a tag reader communicates with one or more RFID tags at different locations of a target object. The tag reader determines which of the different locations is a preferable location for placing an RFID tag by detecting the transmission power level or other value required to communicate with the RFID tag at each of the different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Pavel Nikitin, Venkata Kodukula, John Bleichner, For S. Lam
  • Publication number: 20120323516
    Abstract: A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center
    Inventors: Nickolas S. Rigney, Daniel C. Anderson, David A. Lesyna, Daniel W. Miller, Michael F. Moyers, Chieh C. Cheng, Michael A. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20120323515
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for calibrating user-mounted devices are provided. An external device capable of providing calibration data to a user-mounted device worn by a user is identified. An identification acknowledgement is received from the external device. A device calibration mode is entered in which calibration data describing the user-mounted device is received by the user-mounted device. The calibration data is based at least in part on sensor data acquired and normalized by the external device. The calibration data is then received. The calibration data includes at least one determined pose or body measurement of the user and a calculated alignment of the user-mounted device relative to the user. The user-mounted device is calibrated using the received calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, PAOLO MALABUYO
  • Patent number: 8335659
    Abstract: A position sensor measures a magnetic flux of a magnetic field produced by a magnet system in a first direction and a second direction. Values associated with the measured magnetic flux in the first direction are adjusted based on a first gain and a first offset that are determined based on the measured magnetic flux and a reference magnetic flux in the first direction. Values associated with the measured magnetic flux in the second direction are adjusted based on a second gain and a second offset that are determined based on the measured magnetic flux and a reference magnetic flux in the second direction. A position of the magnet system with respect to the position sensor at a given time may then be determined based on the adjusted values of the magnetic flux in the first and second directions at the given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Salvador Hernandez-Oliver, Lyle Stanley Bryan, Marco Wolf, Stefan Trauthwein
  • Publication number: 20120316820
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of positions on a surface of a measurement target object using information of light reflected from the measurement target object on which structured light is projected, a position of a light source of the structured light, and a position of a light reception unit configured to receive the reflected light and acquire the information of the reflected light, a calculation unit configured to acquire at least one of a position and a direction on the surface of the measurement target object based on the plurality of the positions, and a correction unit configured to correct at least one of the plurality of the positions based on information about an error in measurement for acquiring the plurality of the positions and at least one of the position and the direction on the surface of the measurement target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakazato, Shinji Uchiyama