Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a first sampling circuit with a second sampling circuit having a similar impulse response. The second sampling circuit includes a sample and hold circuit that provides an output indicative of the potential at the sampling circuit input of the second sampling circuit at a time determined by a signal at the trigger pulse input of the second sampling circuit. The apparatus includes a trigger pulse generating circuit for generating a sequence of trigger pulse pairs, each pair having a first pulse that is delayed relative to a second pulse. Each pulse is applied to a corresponding trigger input of the sampling circuits. The first sampling circuit is assumed to generate a kick-out pulse indicative of its impulse response when triggered by the first pulse. A controller measures the output of the second sampling circuit for each delay.

Abstract: The invention proposes a speed filter (11) for an internal combustion engine. The speed filter (11) comprises a calculation rule (BV(i)), which is used to eliminate a torsional vibration of the ith order completely or partially. The dynamics as well as the robustness of the speed control loop are increased in this way.

Abstract: A system for testing inertial measurement devices on a multi-axis rate table without having to utilize slip rings to transfer signals between the inertial measurement devices and remote processors by incorporating a processor internal to the inertial measurement devices and transferring the signals directly to the processors for determining and storing the calibration coefficients of the inertial measurement devices internally so that they are self calibrating.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for analyzing flight test and FDR data that overcomes technical difficulties associated with traditional flight data analysis methods. The method includes inputting angular, linear data and recorded air data, where angular data may include Euler angles or angular rates and linear data may include altitude, ground speed, airspeed, drift angle, runway excursion or load factors. The method generates first inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the angular data and second inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the linear data. The method determines wind speed and direction based on the first and second generated inertial data and the air data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a steering wheel angle calibration reference value in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a relative steering wheel angle sensor, which is unique in that it receives power directly from the vehicle's battery and interacts with the vehicle's car area network. The vehicle also includes an active yaw controller that interacts with the vehicle's car area network. The steering wheel angle calibration reference value only needs to be updated when power to the relative steering wheel angle sensor has been interrupted.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for analyzing flight test and FDR data that overcomes technical difficulties associated with traditional flight data analysis methods. The method includes inputting angular, linear data and recorded air data, where angular data may include Euler angles or angular rates and linear data may include altitude, ground speed, airspeed, drift angle, runway excursion or load factors. The method generates first inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the angular data and second inertial data using optimal control to minimize the objective function associated with the linear data. The method determines wind speed and direction based on the first and second generated inertial data and the air data.

Abstract: A speed sensor for a marine vessel includes a correction circuit to correct any sensor non-linearities so that the sensor produces an output with a pulse stream having a constant pulse rate, and reduces the pulse-to-pulse variations of the pulse stream. The circuit can standardize the pulse stream to have a frequency corresponding to a standard rate.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining correction values for the wheel speeds of a vehicle, comprising the step of determining the speeds of the vehicle wheels during travel, with the speeds of the vehicle wheels being evaluated, in groups, for at least one vehicle axle and at least one vehicle side values of correction for the individual vehicle wheels being determined in accordance with the evaluation results. Moreover, a device is provided for determining corection values, comprising wheel sensors for determining the speeds of wheels of the vehicle during travel, and a determining means evaluating the speeds of the vehicle wheels, in groups, for at least one vehicle axle and at least one vehicle side, and determining correction values for the individual vehicle wheels in accordance with the results of evaluation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the rotational speed of an internal combustion engine (1). According to the invention, a sector wheel (4) connected to a crankshaft (3) is scanned and the duration of the scanning of a sector of a specific size is determined. Correction factors which arc dependent on the working parameters are then extracted from the characteristics in order to correct the measured duration in relation to the rotational speed oscillations occurring periodically during the operation of the internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally encompass a digital, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been designed to perform excitation of a selected mode within a vibratory rate gyroscope, damping, or “force-rebalance,” of other modes within the sensor, and signal demodulation of the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal containing the angular rate information. The ASIC filters dedicated to each channel may be individually programmed to accommodate different rate sensor designs/technology or variations within the same class of sensors. The ASIC architecture employs a low-power design, making the ASIC, particularly suitable for use in power-sensitive applications.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a micromachined device, preferably an angular rate microsensor, is provided. The method includes collecting data on rate bias over a selected operating phase demodulation angles for at least one tine of a microsensor and determining optimum settings for phase demodulation angles at which the rate bias hysteresis over temperature is at a minimum by applying dynamic programming.

Abstract: A method of providing a vehicle monitoring system for ensuring accurate vehicle mileage readings. A comparison is made between velocity measurements from several sources to detect unauthorized modifications made to a vehicle in an effort to ensure accurate vehicle odometer readings. The vehicle velocity measured on-board is compared with vehicle velocity data signals received from a remote satellite system in light of an allowable tolerance. The system will detect changes in the vehicle such as tire size or tampering with the vehicles on-board measurement devices. The system may communicate out of tolerance conditions to the vehicle operator and the fleet manager.

Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating a vehicle speed sensor signal input to an electronic control system includes operating a vehicle at a reference speed. A speed signal pulse period, generated by a vehicle speed sensor operatively coupled to the vehicle, is measured. The measured speed signal pulse period is then compared to a stored set of pulse period scalings within the electronic control system. A corresponding pulse period scaling is stored in memory if the measured speed signal pulse period matches one of the stored set of pulse period scalings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing or removing the effect of measurement error so that an actual engine operates closer to optimum are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying an engine operation (e.g., acceleration) that is less than optimal, estimating the measurement error associated with the less than optimal operation, adjusting the engine control logic based on the measurement error estimate, and reassessing the engine operation. The method is implemented, in one form, in an engine controller by programming a control processor to execute the above described method.

Abstract: A method for updating a sensor offset and a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for updating a sensor using a robust sensor learning algorithm wherein the method includes obtaining vehicle data signals, obtaining a position sensor data signal, the position sensor data signal being responsive to a stored positional offset data signal, determining whether algorithm initial conditions are satisfied, formulating a new positional offset data signal conditioned on satisfaction of the initial conditions, and storing said new positional offset data signal so as to combine said new positional offset data signal with said stored positional offset data signal and replace said stored positional offset data signal.

Abstract: A range switchover apparatus includes a range switchover means operating device capable of switching over a switchover means, which switches over a shift range, among respective shift positions, a drive motor for driving the range switchover means operating device, a measuring device for measuring a time, during which the drive motor causes the range switchover means operating device to switch over between predetermined shift positions, a rotation control device for controlling the rotational speed of the drive motor, a correcting device for correcting the rotational speed by the rotation control device so that when a time measured by the measuring device differs from a target time in a predetermined range, the measured time becomes the target time, and a storage device for storing the rotational speed corrected by the correcting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving microprocessor data acquisition. Noise in analog signals is removed by a low pass filter with a variable cutoff frequency controlled to cut off all frequencies above a frequency range of interest. The filtered signal is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter at a sampling rate which is variable and controlled to sample at a rate that is at least two times the low pass filter cutoff frequency thereby reducing the rate at which data is passed to a microprocessor and reducing the need for speed in the microprocessor's processing.

Abstract: A combination passive and active detection system including a passive speed and range detection system able to sense the speed and range of a moving object and an active speed detection system able to sense the speed and range of a moving object. The passive speed detection system is preferably an electro-optical speed and range detection system. The active speed detection system is preferably a laser speed and range detection system. The combination detection system preferably is selectively operable in a dual operational mode, a “passive-only” operational mode, and “active-only” operational mode, a triggering operational mode, and an active recording operational mode.

Abstract: Inductive sensor for non-contact detection of discontinuities of a conductive or ferromagnetic target for determination of target position, movement and speed, or generally of a magnetic image, including a plurality of receiving secondary windings associated with each exciting primary winding, configured to obtain electric signals optimized as a function of the discontinuities of the target. The sensor, combined with a suitable electric measuring circuit, allows global analysis of the signals provided by the secondary windings and configuration of a network in accordance with a predefined selection. An adaptive circuit allows auto-calibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of compensating inaccuracies in a wheel speed sensor wherein signal-forming elements are arranged on a sensor wheel and wherein a determined angle is allocated to a given number of signal-forming elements to determine a wheel speed, and wherein the wheel speed is determined by evaluating the time during which the wheel rotates around the angle, wherein a correction factor which is included in the determination of the wheel rotational speed is memorized with respect to each element to compensate for variations of the signal-forming elements and/or the positioning of the elements, and the correction factors are updated during the driving operation, wherein updating is performed so that the non-corrected wheel speed measured by the sensor is compared with a reference value of the wheel speed established by means of a calculating model, and the correction factor is updated in dependence of this comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving microprocessor data acquisition. Noise in analog signals is removed by a low pass filter with a variable cutoff frequency controlled to cut off all frequencies above a frequency range of interest. The filtered signal is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter at a sampling rate which is variable and controlled to sample at a rate that is at least two times the low pass filter cutoff frequency thereby reducing the rate at which data is passed to a microprocessor and reducing the need for speed in the microprocessor's processing.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) carries a probe and is controlled by a controller to drive the probe to take measurements on a workpiece. In order to reduce the effects of acceleration-induced deflections of the probe on the measurements made by the machine, accelerometers are provided to measure the accelerations of the probe and to produce signals indicative thereof. The acceleration signals (45) are passed to the controller (FIG. 2) where they are integrated (46) and filtered (48) before being passed as velocity signals (49) to a summing junction (50) from which they are fed to a velocity feedback control loop (34,35,36,37) which reduces any changes in the velocity (and hence deflection) of the probe due to the accelerations.

Abstract: A method for limiting an operating speed of a centrifuge rotor includes the steps of determining whether an actual parameter value of the rotor is within a predetermined range of an expected parameter value of the rotor, and limiting the operating speed when the actual parameter value is not within the predetermined range of the expected parameter value. At least one of the following parameters is evaluated: (i) energy required to accelerate the rotor from rest to a predetermined speed, (ii) change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (iii) energy loss due to windage of the rotor, (iv) time required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (v) speed of the rotor at a predetermined time, and (vi) ratio of drag coefficient and inertia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices that enable correction of gyroscope bias and gyroscope bias drift in low-cost, vehicular navigation and positioning systems without using estimates of position and heading, and subsequent correction of heading and position errors resulting from gyroscope bias and bias drift, without relying on assumptions regarding gyroscope bias or predetermined time-dependent gyroscope bias drift profiles. The invention improves over existing GPS/DR systems that do not compensate for actual gyroscope bias instability, but instead correct the heading and position error that is induced by the bias instability and then correct estimates of gyroscope bias based on the corrected position and heading. The inventive methods provided herein can be used with any DR vehicle positioning system that uses a gyroscope.

Abstract: A method for correcting wheel speed comprising determining the measured wheel speed and a slip ratio based on signals from the respective wheel speed sensors; determining a reference wheel speed among the measured wheel speeds of the respective wheels; periodically obtaining a correction factor, to be multiplied by the measured wheel speed to determine a corrective wheel speed, so as to arrange the corrective wheel speed close to the reference wheel speed; setting an initial value of the correction factor in such a way to reduce the slip ratio based on a diameter of a tire; and determining the corrective wheel speed by multiplying the correction factor by the measured wheel speed. It is an object of this invention to provide an appropriate and precise correction of wheel speed regardless of an existence of a non-standard tire, such as a mini-tire.

Abstract: A range switchover apparatus includes a range switchover means operating device capable of switching over a switchover means, which switches over a shift range, among respective shift positions, a drive motor for driving the range switchover means operating device, a measuring device for measuring a time, during which the drive motor causes the range switchover means operating device to switch over between predetermined shift positions, a rotation control device for controlling the rotational speed of the drive motor, a correcting device for correcting the rotational speed by the rotation control device so that when a time measured by the measuring device differs from a target time in a predetermined range, the measured time becomes the target time, and a storage device for storing the rotational speed corrected by the correcting device.

Abstract: Correction for compensating for errors caused by the pitching movement of a vehicle is executed with high accuracy at low cost. The ground speed of the vehicle sensed by a Doppler sensor is corrected with angular velocities with respect to the center of gravity of the vehicle. In this correction, the center of rotation of the vehicle and the rotation of the Doppler sensor itself during the pitching movement of the vehicle are taken into account.

Abstract: A method by which an operation characteristic of a proportional electromagnetic control valve can be automatically measured in a short period of time. For this purpose, in the operation characteristic measuring method of the present invention, when the proportional electromagnetic control valve to be measured is a proportional electromagnetic pressure control valve, at each step for measuring a pressure of a hydraulic circuit, the pressure is measured with a predetermined interval of time, the pressure is assumed to be stabilized at a point of time when a difference &Dgr;P between the measured pressure value and the previously measured pressure value becomes a predeterminied level or less, and the measured pressure value at this point of time is employed as a pressure corresponding to a load current at this step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wheel diameter calibration in a vehicle of the type having a plurality of independently powered wheel-axle sets which can be implemented as a forced calibration while the vehicle is in either a tractive effort or an electrical braking mode. The process includes the steps of determining if vehicle tractive effort would be effected if one wheel-axle set were disabled and, if not, selectively disabling one of the wheel-axle sets, calculating vehicle speed from a present value of wheel diameter for the disabled axle and wheel revolutions per unit time, establishing a true value of vehicle speed from an independent measurement, computing the error between calculated vehicle speed and the true value of vehicle speed, and adjusting the present value of wheel diameter so as to minimize the computed speed error.

Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic stray effects in systems with at least two inductive sensors which provide an essentially periodic output signal, performs a signal evaluation for evaluating signals of the sensors, a test for detecting an electromagnetic stray effect, whether periods of the signals to be evaluated lie within a period length of expected stray effects, a test, if applicable, whether detected signal progressions have at least a progression typical for stray pick-up, plausibility tests by means of at least one further detected signal in which a signal to be checked is compared with parallel measured other signals, and detecting a stray effect only if all tested conditions provide a result which is typical for stray effects.

Abstract: A device for calculating a correction factor for correcting an output of a rotational velocity detecting device for detecting the rotational velocities of right and left tires mounted on a vehicle. Discrimination between a state where the vehicle is traveling linearly and a state where the vehicle is traveling on a curved path is made on the basis of the output of the rotational velocity detecting device. Only when it is judged that the vehicle is traveling linearly, an initial correction factor for eliminating the effect of a difference in effective rolling radius between the tires, depending on an initial difference on the rotational velocities of the tires, is calculated.

Abstract: A speed measuring apparatus and a toy for measuring a speed of a moving member has a quartz oscillator for generating a clock signal which has a predetermined frequency, a CR oscillator for generating a clock signal which has a higher frequency than that of the quartz oscillator, a comparative circuit, connected with the quart oscillator and the CR oscillator, for comparing the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator as a reference signal with the oscillation frequency of the CR oscillator, a corrective circuit, connected with the comparative circuit, for calculating a corrective factor in accordance with a result from the comparative circuit, a measuring unit, connected with the CR oscillator and the corrective circuit, for measuring a speed of the moving member in accordance with the clock signal from the CR oscillator and the corrective factor from the corrective circuit, and a display unit, connected with the measuring unit, for displaying the speed computed by the measuring unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the drop in air pressure of any of tires mounted on a vehicle. The device finds, in finding an initial correction factor for eliminating the effect of a difference in effective rolling radius depending on an initial difference among the tires on the rotational angular velocities of the tires, the ratio of the rotational angular velocities of a predetermined pair of the tires as an initial correction factor, averaging and updating the initial correction factor for each sampling period, and taking the initial correction factor found when the number of times of the updation reaches a predetermined number of times as the final initial correction factor. When it is judged that the air pressure of any of the tires drops before the final initial correction factor is found, the calculation of the initial correction factor is stopped.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a machine tool that has a spindle which rotates at a variable rotation speed n about a spindle axis. The spindle carries a facing head that is fitted with a tool whose radial distance V from the spindle axis is adjustable by means of a control system. The distance V and/or the rotation speed n are modified as a function of a machining operation to be performed with the tool. In order to attain a desired distance V.sub.actual, the control system specifies a reference value V.sub.ref that is smaller than the desired distance V.sub.actual by a certain correction value .DELTA.V, the correction value .DELTA.V being calculated as a function of the desired distance V.sub.actual and the rotation speed n.

Abstract: A velocity detector for a sled motor is provided. Specifically, the velocity detector contains a multiplexer, a differentiator, a first amplifier, an integrator, a second amplifier, and a third amplifier. The multiplexer inputs a plurality of velocity signals and multiplexes the velocity signals to produce a multiplexed signal, and the differentiator differentiates the multiplexed signal to produce a differentiated signal. The first amplifier amplifies the differentiated signal to produce an amplified signal, and the integrator integrates the amplified signal to produce an integrated signal. The second amplifier amplifies an applied signal to produce an amplified applied signal, and the amplified applied signal and the integrated signal are combined to produce a resultant signal. The third amplifier inputs the resultant signal and amplifies the resultant signal to produce a velocity detection signal. In addition, a method performed by the velocity detector is also provided.