Position Measurement Patents (Class 702/94)
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Patent number: 8209134Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignees: Sophie LinInventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne, Sophie Lin, legal representative
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Patent number: 8209140Abstract: A primary device that includes a heading sensor and a remote secondary device cooperate to calibrate the heading sensor. The secondary device cooperates by measuring its Earth relative position and transmitting the position to the primary device. The primary device calculates a true heading from the positions of both devices and subtracts the true heading from a measured heading to the secondary device to form a heading calibration angle. The process may be extended to calculate a pitch calibration angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Michael B. Bailey
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Publication number: 20120158340Abstract: A rotation angle calculation unit includes a first rotation angle calculation portion, a second rotation angle calculation portion, a third rotation angle calculation portion, an abnormality monitoring portion, and a final rotation angle calculation portion. The abnormality monitoring portion determines, based on a first output signal, a second output signal, and a third output signal, whether the first to third output signals are each normal or abnormal. The final rotation angle calculation portion calculates a final rotation angle based on the final determination result obtained by the abnormality monitoring portion and the first to third rotation angles calculated by the first to third rotation angle calculation portions, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Takeshi UEDA
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Publication number: 20120154780Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing the same, where the methods include obtaining, from an interferometer, a time-varying interference signal S(t) based on a combination of a first beam and a second beam, the first beam being diffracted from an encoder scale, in which at least one of the encoder scale and the interferometer is moveable with respect to the other, obtaining one or more error correction signals based on one or more errors that modify the time-varying interference signal S(t), and outputting information about a change in a position of the encoder scale relative to the interferometer based on the time-varying interference signal S(t) and the one or more error correction signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ZYGO CORPORATIONInventor: Frank C. Demarest
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Publication number: 20120156807Abstract: A method of updating calibration data of a first position detection system adapted to determine the position of an object, is presented. The first position detection system includes a target and a plurality of sensors one of which is mounted on an object and the calibration data including coefficients relating an apparent measured position to an actual position and which can be used to convert an apparent measured position to an actual position thereby to correct for physical imperfections in the first position detection system and enable determination of the actual position from the apparent measured position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Franciscus VAN DE MAST, Engelbertus Antonius Fransiscus Van Der Pasch
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Publication number: 20120158341Abstract: A rotation angle calculation unit calculates a zero-crossing time point when a zero-crossing is detected for an output signal V1 or an output signal V2. The rotation angle calculation unit calculates a time interval (zero-crossing interval) between the zero-crossing time point calculated this time for the output signal V1 or V2 for which the zero-crossing is detected and the zero-crossing time point calculated the last time for this output signal. The rotation angle calculation unit identifies the magnetic pole presently sensed by a magnetic sensor corresponding to the output signal for which the zero-crossing is detected, based on the calculated zero-crossing interval, the sum of zero-crossing intervals that is calculated last based on the output signals of the magnetic sensor over one turn of a rotor, the rotation direction of the rotor, and the content of an amplitude correction table (a first or second table) for the magnetic sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi UEDA, Hayato KOMATSU
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Publication number: 20120143549Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for adaptively compensating a position error of a resolver. The apparatus adaptively estimating a position error contained in position information of a rotor of a motor, which is digitalized by a resolver-digital converter, and subtracting the estimated position error from the measured position information of the rotor, thereby calculating compensated position information. A regression equation and a recursive least square method applied to the regression equation are used for the adaptive estimation of the position information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Hyungbin Ihm, Taeyoung Chung, Byunghoon Yang
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Publication number: 20120133584Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a 3D position in a 3D position and orientation tracking system are provided. The apparatus according to an embodiment may track the 3D position and the 3D orientation of a remote device in response to a detection of a pointing event, may acquire positions pointed to by the laser beams, in response to the detection of the pointing event, may generate a 3D reference position, based on information about the pointed to positions and the tracked 3D orientation, may calculate an error using the reference position and the tracked 3D position, and may calibrate the 3D position to be tracked, using the error.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyong Euk Lee, Won Chul Bang, Sang Hyun Kim, Jung Bae Kim
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Patent number: 8190368Abstract: A method for simulating a conductivity measured by a resistivity tool disposed in a borehole penetrating a formation, the method including: constructing a main grid extending from the borehole into the formation; constructing an auxiliary grid that is local to the main grid and fitted to a boundary between a first region having a first conductivity and a second region having a second conductivity; discretizing a problem operator on the auxiliary grid applying Maxwell's Equations to a volume represented by the auxiliary local grid, the Maxwell's Equations including a term representing the conductivity of a material in the volume; calculating one-dimensional functions for points on the auxiliary grid; constructing basic functions from the calculated functions; discretizing by the basic functions for points on the main grid; solving the resulting set of equations to obtain the simulated measured conductivity for the resistivity tool; and providing the simulated measured conductivity as output.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Alexandre N. Bespalov
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Patent number: 8190297Abstract: A control method is provided for a fluid control device, particularly for an internal combustion engine, equipped with a position sensor having a nominal characteristic curve representative of a predetermined relationship between an admissible range of position values and a corresponding range of return electric signal values. The method includes, but is not limited to determining an offset (offsetopen; offsetclose) between a returned signal related to at least one defined position of the device and an expected signal related to the defined position of the device according to the nominal characteristic curve, estimating an updated characteristic curve of the sensor by applying the offset (offsetopen; offsetclose) to the nominal characteristic curve, and applying a predetermined control strategy of the fluid control device according to the updated characteristic curve.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andreas Gunnarsson, Simone Barbero, Ronnie Magnusson, Nando Vennettilli
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Publication number: 20120127029Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating and compensating for a broad class of non-Gaussian sensor and process noise. In one example, a coded filter combines a dynamic state estimator (for example, a Kalman filter) and a non-linear estimator to provide approximations of the non-Gaussian process and sensor noise associated with a dynamic system. These approximations are used by the dynamic state estimator to correct sensor measurements or to alter the dynamic model governing evolution of the system state. Examples of coded filters leverage compressive sensing techniques in combination with error models based on concepts of compressibility and the application of efficient convex optimization processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: Yaron Rachlin, Rami Mangoubi, Michael F. McManus, Christopher C. Yu
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Patent number: 8185354Abstract: The method uses a location device and a timing element to determine the location of a protection device at various periods of time. During these periods of time, the human may be participating in a variety of activities and positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Tana Marie Kirkbride, Reginald Edward Crutcher, II, Marie Brigid O'Reilly
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Publication number: 20120123720Abstract: A robotic controller for autonomous calibration and inspection of two or more solar surfaces wherein the robotic controller includes a drive system to position itself near a solar surface such that onboard sensors may be utilized to gather information about the solar surface. An onboard communication unit relays information to a central processing network, this processor combines new information with stored historical data to calibrate a solar surface and/or to determine its instantaneous health.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Daniel Fukuba, Jos Goble, Salomon Trujillo, Thomas Joseph Currier, Wasiq Bokhari
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Patent number: 8180938Abstract: A method for automatic learning of software keyboard input characteristics includes the following steps. (a) An input is received. (b) Whether the input is a normal key input is determined. (c) The input value of the input is stored when the input is determined to be the normal key input. (d) Step (a)-(c) are repeated until (N+1) input values are stored, wherein N is a positive integer. (e) When there are (N+1) inputs stored, the input characteristics of the first input in the (N+1) inputs are determined according to the first stored input value in the stored (N+1) input values. A computer program product using the method and a system for automatic learning of software keyboard input characteristics are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: HTC CorporationInventor: Pei-Hsing Liu
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Patent number: 8179366Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a computer based on movements and/or position of a movable object. The system includes a sensing apparatus configured to obtain positional data based on movements of a sensed object. Engine software may process the positional data and generate control commands to produce a virtual position in an application running on the computer. A visual comparator is operatively coupled with the engine software and configured to display an actual indicator and a virtual indicator to provide a visual comparison between the virtual position and the actual position of the sensed object.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: NaturalPoint, Inc.Inventors: Jim Richardson, Birch Zimmer, Eric Wesley Davison
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Patent number: 8180590Abstract: A Railroad Surveying and Monitoring System configured on a mobile platform for surveying, monitoring, and analyzing rail position and superstructure and terrain substructure of railroad tracks (20a,b) or other structures. The system employs two or more High Accuracy Differential Global Positioning System devices (110,112), ground penetrating radar devices (116), terrain conductivity instruments (118), optical cameras (124), and data receivers and processors (126), which in turn process, display, and store the data in a usable database. Precise coordinate data generated from a High Accuracy Global Positioning System provides both location data for subsurface sensors and surface sensors and rail position coordinates to monitor track displacements during track inspection in real time.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Marshall University Research CorporationInventors: Anthony B. Szwilski, Richard D. Begley
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Publication number: 20120116705Abstract: A system for odometer calibration for a motor vehicle is provided. The system can include a first source of speed data that provides first speed data during operation of the motor vehicle, and a second source of speed data that provides second speed data during a portion of the operation. The system can also include a vehicle speed control module that computes overall average speed data based on the first speed data and a duration of operation. The system includes a speed control module that determines an average first speed for the portion of the operation in which the second source of speed data provides the second speed, and computes an average second speed. The system can include an odometer correction control module that computes corrected odometer data based on the overall average speed data and a ratio of the average second speed to the average first speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Timothy John Wheatley
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Patent number: 8175743Abstract: A measurement system that includes an industrial machine and an interferometer can detect when abnormality has occurred in measurement targeted at a reflector attached to a movable body, for example, in a case where the movable body has moved too close to the interferometer. A judging section of the interferometer judges that there is abnormality in measurement targeted at the reflector on the basis of a received-light signal. Upon such an abnormality judgment, a stop command outputting section of the interferometer outputs a stop command to the industrial machine. A stopping section of the industrial machine stops the driving operation of a moving mechanism upon receiving an input of the stop command, thereby stopping the movement of the movable body. The measurement system makes it possible to prevent the industrial machine, which includes the movable body and the moving mechanism, from colliding with the interferometer.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Masayuki Nara
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Patent number: 8173962Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Takumichi Sutani, Ryoichi Matsuoka, Hidetoshi Morokuma, Akiyuki Sugiyama, Hiroyuki Shindo
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Patent number: 8170826Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the calibration of a position determination system of a rear axle steering actuator for a motor vehicle. The rear axle steering actuator has an actuator element which can be driven by a rotary movement of a rotor to a translation movement and whose geometrical center position is determined by a reference measurement. The position determination system includes a linear sensor and a rotary sensor. During calibration, a piece of calibration information is generated which includes a piece of zero point information of the linear sensor and a piece of sector information. The measurement range of the rotary sensor is divided into at least two sectors. The sector information identifies that angle at which the angular position of the rotor lies when the actuator element is arranged in its geometrical center position. The calibration information is stored in the linear sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Gert Krammer, Michael Erhart, Jochen Lackner
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Publication number: 20120097779Abstract: A method of deriving a path of contact of a face gear with a pinion gear includes positioning the pinion gear, shifting the pinion gear from either towards or away from the face gear along a rotational axis, deriving a first relationship between a rotational angle of the pinion gear and a fluctuation error angle, deriving second and third relationship by shifting the first relationship in either way for 360 degree divided by the number of the gear teeth, deriving a first point which the first and second relationships share and a second point which the first and third relationships share, deriving a third point, at which the fluctuation error is the same as the first and second points, between the first and second points, and determining a curve line on tooth flanks of the gear teeth on the basis of the first, second, and third points.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tetsuo INOUE
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Patent number: 8165850Abstract: A system for measuring signals received by an apparatus. An antenna system in the apparatus may include two or more antennas. A receiver in the apparatus may be configured to measure signal response induced in the antenna system in accordance with a pattern. After the signal response for the antenna system is measured at least once, the pattern may be altered and the signal response for the antenna system may be measured again in accordance with the altered pattern. The signal response in the antenna system measured for the pattern may then be averaged with the signal response in the antenna system measured for the altered pattern, and the average may be utilized as input to, for example, a directional determination process.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Ville Valtteri Ranki, Antti Paavo Tapani Kainulainen
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Patent number: 8165839Abstract: A method is proposed for calibrating an instrument location facility with an imaging apparatus. The instrument location apparatus and the imaging apparatus are synchronized temporally with one another. According to such synchronization at least three points of the position of a medical instrument relative to a tracking coordinate system of the instrument location apparatus and/or relative to an image coordinate system of the imaging apparatus are measured simultaneously both by the instrument location apparatus and by the imaging apparatus. The instrument and/or the imaging apparatus are moved relative to one another between the measurements. The measured points parameterize a predetermined transformation rule for mapping the tracking coordinate system onto the image coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan Boese, Matthias John
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Publication number: 20120095712Abstract: An angle detection unit including first to third arithmetic units receives first and second signals that are associated with intensities of components of a rotating magnetic field in mutually different directions. The first arithmetic unit generates a sum of squares signal made up of the sum of squares of the first and second signals. Based on the sum of squares signal, the second arithmetic unit calculates a first error component estimate which is an estimated value of a first error component included in the first signal and a second error component estimate which is an estimated value of a second error component included in the second signal. The third arithmetic unit generates a first corrected signal by subtracting the first error component estimate from the first signal, generates a second corrected signal by subtracting the second error component estimate from the second signal, and calculates a detected angle value based on the first and second corrected signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Yosuke KOMASAKI, Hiraku HIRABAYASHI
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Patent number: 8160823Abstract: A contact pressure and position detecting device includes a first sensing layer, a second sensing layer located on the first sensing layer, and a processor. The first sensing layer includes a number of parallel first pipes, and the second sensing layer includes a number of parallel second pipes perpendicular to the first pipes. Each first pipe includes a first pressure sensor received therein for generating a first electrical signal according to the gas pressure therein. Each second pipe includes a second pressure sensor received therein for generating a second electrical signal according to the gas pressure therein. The processor compares the first electrical signals with a first threshold value, and the second electrical signals with a second threshold value to judge which first pipe and second pipe is pressed, and then obtains the contact position on the detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zhong Xu
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Patent number: 8160831Abstract: A gyroscope monitoring system operates with an antenna system that has a gyroscope that controls the position of multiple antennas. The monitoring system receives data indicating reference signal strengths and test signal strengths for the antennas. The monitoring system determines differences between the reference signal strengths and the test signal strengths. The monitoring system processes the differences to determine if the gyroscope has lost reference point accuracy, and if so, then the monitoring system generates an indication that the gyroscope has lost reference point accuracy. In some examples, the monitoring system also determines reference point offsets for the gyroscope and provides the offsets to the gyroscope for use in motion measurements.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Walter F. Rausch, Mohammad Wasif Hussain, Rushi D. Shah, Harry W. Perlow, Mohan R. Tammisetti, Harold Wayne Johnson
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Patent number: 8155910Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Divison, Inc.Inventor: John A. Hauck
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Publication number: 20120078560Abstract: A bridge circuit includes a plurality of half-bridges formed of sensor elements, which change impedance in accordance with a rotation angle of a detection target. A control circuit acquires output signals of the half-bridges and calculates a phase correction value for correcting a phase deviation. A memory circuit stores the phase correction value. The control circuit corrects a pre-correction rotation angle by the phase correction value. Since the pre-correction rotation angle is corrected by the phase correction value, a rotation angle of the detection target is detected with high accuracy even if the sensor elements are assembled with some positional deviations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takafumi Satou, Nobuhiko Uryu
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Publication number: 20120078561Abstract: A method is used to calibrate a target surface of a position measurement system configured to measure a position of a movable object. The position measurement system includes the target surface mounted on the movable object, a stationary sensor system, and a processing device to calculate a position of the movable object on the basis of at least one measurement signal of the sensor system. The processing device includes a correction map of the target surface to correct for irregularities of the target surface. The method includes recalibrating the correction map of the target surface by measuring the target surface and determining a recalibrated correction map of the complete target surface on the basis of the measured target surface and one or more deformation modes of the target surface and/or physical objects affecting the target surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Paulus Johannes KNIJN, Christiaan Alexander HOOGENDAM, Leon Martin LEVASIER, Roland BLOK, Martinus Agnes Willem CUIJPERS, Martin Frans Pierre SMEETS
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Publication number: 20120072110Abstract: A pressure sensor can be implemented on a network device to minimize vertical positioning errors of the network device in an indoor environment. A reference altitude and a reference pressure associated with an access point in the indoor environment are received at the network device via a communication network. A pressure is determined at the network device in the indoor environment. An altitude of the network device associated with the pressure at the network device in the indoor environment is calculated based, at least in part, on the pressure at the network device, the reference pressure, and the reference altitude. A position of the network device in the indoor environment is determined based, at least in part, on the altitude of the navigation device and location information received from at least the access point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Atheros Communications, Inc.Inventor: SaiPradeep Venkatraman
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Patent number: 8140286Abstract: The linear position of a moving mechanical component is determined. A plurality of values of a quantity using a plurality of sensors is sensed and the sensed values are indicative of the linear position of the mechanical component. The plurality of sensed values are converted into a plurality of best linear position estimates concerning the mechanical component. One or more compensations are applied to at least some of the plurality of best linear position estimates. Each of the compensations are applied to account for a relative positioning of one of the plurality of sensors with respect to the others. A plurality of weighting factors associated with each of the plurality of best linear position estimates are determined. The position of the mechanical component is determined using the plurality of best linear position estimates and the plurality of weighting factors.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick O'Gorman, Dennis L. Stephens
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Publication number: 20120065912Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a calibration member, an imaging device and a proximity sensor. The calibration member is configured to be removably coupled to a deck of a liquid handling system. The calibration member has an alignment portion configured to matingly engage a portion of the deck such that a position of the calibration member is fixed with respect to the deck. The imaging device is coupled to the calibration member such that an axis of a lens of the imaging device intersects the deck at a first predetermined location relative to a deck reference point in at least a first dimension and a second dimension. The proximity sensor is coupled to the calibration member such that a calibration reference point on the proximity sensor is at a second predetermined location relative to the deck reference point in a third dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: L. Andrew CORKAN, Daniel V. Romanelli
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Publication number: 20120065913Abstract: An example of the object of the present invention is to provide a technology with which a high precision error table for an oscillation frequency is created. The present invention includes a temperature sensor which measures temperature of the oscillator used in a GPS (Global Positioning System) when a position measurement by the GPS is performed, and a management unit which measures error of an oscillation frequency of the oscillator after the position measurement by the GPS has been performed, creates and stores an error table in which the measured temperature by the temperature sensor is associated with the error.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: TERUO SASAKI
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Publication number: 20120050710Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided to measure a position of a mark with a less measurement error caused by a variation in a wafer process condition. The mark is illuminated with light and an image of the mark is formed, via an optical system, in a light receiving surface of a sensor. The image of the mark is sensed and image data thereof is acquired by the sensor. Correction data of a fundamental harmonic and a high harmonic of the image data is set based on information associated with a shape of the mark, an imaging magnification of the optical system, and an area of the sensor. The image data is corrected using the correction data, and the position of the mark is calculated using the corrected image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoru Oishi
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Publication number: 20120053878Abstract: An automatic optical sighting system generates at least one adjustment for an adjustable optical system based on at least one detected condition, an appropriate dynamic model of a projectile in flight, and a solution of the equations of motion in flight, so that the projectile will have a trajectory between an origin and a selected target that helps the projectile to hit the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Bernard T. Windauer, William T. McDonald, Ted C. Almgren
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Patent number: 8126671Abstract: A measurement system has a transmitter for determining the position of a movable element, and a first energy store which, in the event of failure of an external electrical supply unit of the transmitter, supplies at least a part of the transmitter with electrical power such that a stored count of the transmitter is maintained in the event of failure of the external electrical supply voltage. The first energy store produces a first auxiliary supply voltage, wherein a first data item is stored in the transmitter when a reference mark of the transmitter is detected for the first time. The first data item is deleted in the event of failure of the external electrical supply voltage for the transmitter and failure of the first auxiliary supply voltage for the transmitter. As a result, an incorrectly determined position resulting from a failure of the electrical power supply for the transmitter can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Roland Finkler
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Patent number: 8117892Abstract: Disclosed is a hardness testing instrument which measures a hardness of a specimen, the hardness testing instrument including: a load applying section with the indenter or a flat indenter mounted thereon; a driving section to move the load applying section; a specimen table on which an object to be pressed is placed; a specimen table height adjustment section to adjust a height position; an indentation depth amount storage section to measure the indentation depth amount when the indenter is pressed to a reference block and to store the amount; a deformation amount storage section to measure the deformation amount of a load measuring instrument when the flat indenter is pressed to the load measuring instrument and to store the amount; a height position obtaining section to obtain a height position of the specimen table; and a calibration section to calibrate the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Masaru Kawazoe, Masato Suzuki
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Publication number: 20120041702Abstract: To accurately calculate an attached angle of an accelerometer and accurately correct an acceleration that is obtained from the accelerometer: a frequency analyzing module of an acceleration corrector divides a sensor coordinate system acceleration into a bias frequency component, a gravity frequency component, a movement acceleration frequency component, and a noise frequency component, through a wavelet transform. The frequency analyzing module outputs a sum component of the gravity frequency component and the movement acceleration frequency component to an attached angle estimating module and a correcting operation module. The attached angle estimating module estimation-calculates the attached angle of an accelerometer and outputs it to the correcting operation module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Hiroyuki Toda, Ken Yoshitake
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Patent number: 8106349Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a device with a contactor is provided. The apparatus includes a pick and place device, for transporting the device. A first camera acquires an image of the device relative to device holder fiducials of the pick and place device. A second camera detects the location of the contactor relative to fiducials positioned on an alignment frame plate. A third camera to image frame and device holder fiducials to correlate the first and second camera coordinates. Given a processor determines the alignment difference between the device and the contactor. A plurality of actuators align the device with the contactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.Inventors: Kexiang Ken Ding, Michel Mabene, James Frandsen, Yun Tang, Luis Muller
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Publication number: 20120022819Abstract: A novel means of correcting the motion of an analytical instrument is introduced herein based on the determination of the optimal theoretical parameters in the equation of grating angle versus a selected wavelength. Such a desirable correction method of the present invention not only reduces the amount of wavelength error at the calibration points but also in a novel fashion beneficially corrects for errors in a time-efficient manner between the calibration points to a greater degree than conventional calibration methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: Robert J. NORTON
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Patent number: 8095330Abstract: A position detecting device includes a position calculator that performs an optimization convergence calculation using an evaluation function that expresses an error between a measurement value and a theoretical value of magnetic field information of a detection target to calculate at least a position of the detection target; a storage unit that stores a final convergence result of the optimization convergence calculation performed by the position calculator; and a controller that determines whether a result of the optimization convergence calculation converges, suspends the optimization convergence calculation performed by the position calculator when the result does not converge, and performs, after a predetermined time has passed, a returning process of returning a state of the optimization convergence calculation to a converged state by causing the position calculator to perform the optimization convergence calculation based on the final convergence result.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Atsushi Kimura, Akio Uchiyama, Atsushi Chiba, Ryoji Sato
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Patent number: 8091003Abstract: A position detection error correcting method that corrects position detection errors using a limited storage capacity, by calculating position detection error correction values by four simple arithmetic operations at startup to reduce a startup time delay and consumption of a storage capacity even when a portion containing steep error variations exists. Detection error correction values of a position detector are expressed by a correction function using a periodic function, and correction parameters of the correction values are stored in advance in a non-volatile memory. At startup, these correction parameters are read out, and a position detection error correction value corresponding to each detected position is calculated and stored in a random access memory. The output position detection error correction value detector corresponding to each detected position is read out from the random access memory and a corrected detected position value corrected for the detected position value error is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Sugie, Hirokazu Sakuma, Takashi Okamuro
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Publication number: 20110320154Abstract: In a rotation angle positioning device 6 including: a rotation angle detection device 7 which has a detection target ring 8 and an angle detection sensor 9; and a rotating-shaft driving device 10 rotating a rotating shaft so as to cause a rotation angle to become a given command value ? for rotation angle, there are provided: an error pattern storage unit 11a storing a tooth-to-tooth period error pattern F made up of errors between detected rotation angles by the angle detection sensor 9 and actual rotation angles, corresponding to respective correction dividing points of an arbitrary tooth-to-tooth period in the detection target ring 8; and a command value correction unit 11b correcting the command value ? for rotation angle based on the tooth-to-tooth period error pattern F to find a corrected command value ?2 for rotation angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Munetaka Wakizaka, Hideaki Hiramitsu
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Publication number: 20110320153Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for inertially tracked objects with a kinematic coupling. A tracked pose of a first inertial measurement unit (IMU) is determined, wherein the first IMU is mounted to a first object. The tracked pose of the first IMU is reset while the first object is in a first reproducible reference pose with a second object.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.Inventors: Chris Lightcap, Hyosig Kang
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Patent number: 8086329Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Keefover, Joseph Labataille
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Publication number: 20110314576Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: George W. Banke, JR., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
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Patent number: 8082120Abstract: A method and hand-held scanning apparatus for three-dimensional scanning of an object is described. The hand-held self-referenced scanning apparatus has a light source for illuminating retro-reflective markers, the retro-reflective markers being provided at fixed positions on or around the object, a photogrammetric high-resolution camera, a pattern projector for providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object; at least a pair of basic cameras, the basic camera cooperating with light sources, the projected pattern and at least a portion of the retro-reflective markers being apparent on the 2D images, a frame for holding all components in position within the hand-held apparatus, the frame having a handle, the frame allowing support and free movement of the scanning apparatus by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Creaform Inc.Inventors: Éric St-Pierre, Pierre-Luc Gagné, Antoine Thomas Caron, Nicolas Beaupré, Dragan Tubic, Patrick Hébert
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Patent number: 8078401Abstract: A method of error compensation for an inertial measurement unit is provided. The method comprises providing a first object including an inertial measurement unit, providing a second object proximal to the first object, and determining an initial position and orientation of the first object. A motion update is triggered for the inertial measurement unit when the second object is stationary with respect to a ground surface. At least one position vector is measured between the first object and the second object when the first object is in motion and the second object is stationary. A distance, direction, and orientation of the second object with respect to the first object are calculated using the at least one position vector. An error correction is then determined for the inertial measurement unit from the calculated distance, direction, and orientation of the second object with respect to the first object.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ryan Supino, Robert D. Horning
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Patent number: 8078425Abstract: A device for detecting the angular position of a rotor of a polyphase rotary electrical machine contains a stator and a plurality of magnetic field sensors (200) delivering first signals (2001-2003) representing a magnetic field. The device includes means (201) for generating, from linear combinations of the first signals, first (2010) and second (2011) sinusoidal signals, phase-shifted by a determined value ? representing an angular position of the rotor, referred to as real. The device includes means for detecting a value for an angular position of the rotor referred to as estimated (221) by locking between the real and the estimated angular positions using a feedback loop known as a “tracking” loop (214-216, 215-207). The device may relate to a polyphase rotary electrical machine containing such a device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventors: François-Xavier Bernard, Christophe Louise, Hugues Doffin
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Publication number: 20110295538Abstract: A sensor system for measuring a clearance parameter between a stationary component and a rotating component of a rotating machine is provided. The system includes a clearance sensor to output a clearance measurement signal. A sensor memory is attached to the sensor for storing a first sensor information. A second sensor information is stored in a electronics interface memory. The first and the second sensor information are read and the clearance sensor is matched with a respective plurality of calibration data by an electronic interface based on the first and the second sensor information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Wayne Charles Hasz, David So Keung Chan, David Mulford Shaddock, John Harry Down, Samhita Dasgupta, David Walter Parry, David Richard Esler, Zhiyuan Ren, Mahadevan Balasubramaniam, William Lee Herron, Cheryl Herron