Abstract: A system includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) system having an NDT probe and a processor. The NDT probe includes a testing sensor and a motion sensor. The testing sensor is configured to capture sensor data from an inspection area, and the motion sensor is configured to detect a measurement speed at which the NDT probe moves relative to the inspection area. The processor is configured to determine a speed comparison between the measurement speed and a reference speed range.

Abstract: A method of initializing speed sensors in a rotational system is used determine a sensor spacing. An indexing feature is identified at each of two locations on an outer circumference of a wheel path corresponding to two speed sensors, as well as the speed of the wheel. The spacing of the sensors is then determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a limb strike detector are provided. In certain embodiments, a system for detecting limb strikes comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that provides inertial measurements; and a processing unit that receives the inertial measurements from the IMU.

Abstract: A bogie beam sensor may include a bracket and a target arm pivotably coupled to the bracket. The bracket may be coupled to a bogie beam. A sensor may be coupled to the bracket, and a target may be coupled to the target arm. A drive link may be coupled to the target arm and a piston. In response to the bogie beam pivoting with respect to the piston, the drive link may cause the target arm to rotate with respect to the bogie beam. The sensor may detect movement of the target on the target arm, and an angular position of the bogie beam may be determined based on the position of the target.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor is described. The method includes monitoring accelerations, and identifying a current user activity from a plurality of user activities based on the accelerations. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of user activities is associated with one of a plurality of types of periodic human motions that are detectable by the portable electronic device, and wherein the identification of the current user activity is made based on detecting two or more instances of the periodic human motion associated with the user activity. The method further includes counting periodic human motions appropriate to the current user activity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an image recorder configured to record video images. The apparatus also includes a display screen configured to present the video images to a user and to create notations overlying one or more of the video images based on user input. The apparatus further includes a transceiver configured to stream the video images over a wireless mesh network and to transmit data associated with the notations over the wireless mesh network. The apparatus could also include components for providing cryptographic keys to wireless nodes joining the wireless mesh network, a sensor for detecting or measuring one or more characteristics, and/or an asset tracker for transmitting or receive signals for identifying a location of the apparatus. The apparatus could further include at least one voice unit supporting bidirectional voice communications and/or a site survey unit for identifying signal strengths associated with detected wireless nodes.

Abstract: A fall detection method determines a fall detection algorithm based on sensor data aggregated from a plurality of fall detection devices. Sensor data is obtained from one of the plurality of fall detection devices not included in the aggregated sensor data. A probable fall event of the obtained sensor data is determined based on the fall detection algorithm. An alarm signal is generated based upon the determination of the probable fall event. A validity of the probable fall event is determined, and the fall detection algorithm is refined using the obtained sensor data and the validity of the probable fall event each time sensor data is obtained from any of the plurality of fall detection devices.

Abstract: A motion detection device specifies a movement of at least one of a subject and a sporting gear as an indicator of a trigger signal, using an output from an inertial sensor. The movement of at least one of the subject and the sporting gear is specified in the output from the inertial sensor. The trigger signal is generated according to the specified movement. The subject causes the trigger signal to be generated at proper timing through his or her own movement.

Abstract: A bank angle detecting device includes an angular velocity sensor for detecting a roll rate and a yaw rate of the vehicle, a roll rate estimating circuit for calculating an estimated roll rate, which is an angular velocity about a forward and rearward axis, on the basis of the roll rate, the yaw rate and a travelling speed, a bank angle estimator for calculating an estimated bank angle from the estimated roll rate, a straightforward travel determiner for determining a straightforward travelling condition on the basis of the estimated roll rate and an estimated yaw rate, a time-of-straight-forward-travel drift amount estimator for estimating a time-of-straight-forward drift amount from an output of the angular sensor in the event that the straightforward travel determiner determines a straightforward travel, and an angular velocity corrector for correcting the output of the angular velocity sensor with the time-of-straight-forward drift amount.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating Mach number and true airspeed without reference to data from a pitot static sensor. The true airspeed and Mach number are calculated using the altitude information from GPS, IRS, Radio Altimeter and other onboard sensors other than the air data computer (ADC). The computed true airspeed or Mach number could be used to confirm the ADC information or in lieu of the ADC information when the ADC information is unreliable or unavailable.

Abstract: A collision sensor assembly is attachable to a stationary structure such as a pallet rack, a door frame, the corner of a wall, or the like. The collision sensor is configured to sense when a collision occurs with the stationary structure such as when a piece of movable machinery contacts the stationary structure. The collision sensor assembly includes a sensor operatively connected to a processor which determines when a collision occurs, and produces a signal to an output signal generator to provide an external indication of the collision.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A motion rate sensor for detecting the rate of movement of an article, comprising: a housing relative to which, in use, the article moves, a detection unit disposed within the housing, the detection unit including a conversion device adapted for generating detector signals caused by the motion of the article, and processing circuitry adapted for receiving said detector signals and outputting motion signals indicative of the rate of movement of the article. In embodiments, the detector signals are caused by variations in optical or light energy, in magnetic fields or radiation intensity. The variations may be caused by variations on the surface in the article, for example a random or repetitive pattern. An apparatus and method for calibrating the sensor are also disclosed, as are a system and method for determining the speed of motion of an article using the sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a socket portion and a nut portion which are integrally molded with resin, a screw portion which is tightly fixed to a side wall of an opening in a concave part of the nut portion by adhesive, and a sense element which is fixed to the screw portion and is disposed in the concave part of the nut portion. The socket portion, the nut portion and the screw portion constitute a package. A through hole introducing the pressure measurement target liquid is formed in the screw portion. An external lead-out terminal is fixed to the sense element. The external lead-out terminal passes through the through hole on a base of the concave part of the nut portion, and is tightly fixed to the socket portion with adhesive. The external lead-out terminal is a connection terminal to be connected with external wiring.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a mobile device to detect an emergency includes detecting whether the mobile device is carried by a user; detecting an acceleration status of the mobile device when the mobile device is determined to be carried by the user; and determining whether the user is in the emergency according to the acceleration status of the mobile device.

Abstract: A detecting circuit for a number of fans includes a connector module and a controller. The connector module includes a number of connectors. Each connector outputs a first signal or a second signal depending on the connection or non-connection to a fan. The controller receives a speed signal of the fan upon receiving the first signal which indicates a connected state.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to vehicles with tires that operates on a surface, which are prone to skid, lose control and involve in an accident.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for effectively damping the vibration of a platform. In some examples, a platform system for minimizing shock to an object includes a base, a platform effective to carry the object, a number of actuators coupled between the platform and the base and being configured to adjust an orientation of the platform based on control signals, a number of accelerometers positioned on the base, and a processor coupled to the accelerometers and the actuators. The processor is programmed to collect acceleration data from the accelerometers, determine an acceleration vector of the platform from the acceleration data, compensate for the acceleration vector by determining travels and travel directions for the actuators in an effort to maintain contact between the platform and the object, and generate control signals to actuate the actuators with the travels in the travel directions.

Abstract: A method and a wearable device to sense a motion of a user may include a motion sensor configured to sense a motion signal from a motion of a user of the wearable device, and a processor configured to calculate a motion of the wearable device based on the motion signal and position related information from a neighbor wearable device.

Abstract: A vehicle measurement apparatus and a method for measuring vehicle data are provided. For example, the vehicle measurement apparatus includes a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device configured to integrate a programmable module with a microcontroller unit to receive vehicle data, process the vehicle data, and communicate the processed vehicle data to a remote computer.

Abstract: Golf performance and equipment characteristics may be determined by analyzing the impact between a golf ball and an impacting surface. In some examples, the impacting surface may be a golf club face. The impact between the golf ball and the surface may be measured based on sound and/or motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.). Based on motion and/or sound data, various equipment-related information including golf ball compression, club head speed and impact location may be derived. Such information and/or other types of data may be conveyed to a user to help improve performance, aid in selecting golf equipment and/or to insure quality of golfing products.

Abstract: A subject location tracking process is provided that includes the attachment of a system to a subject where the system includes a radiofrequency sensor integration module, an inertial tracking module, and a microprocessor. Radiofrequency signals are communicated from the radiofrequency sensor integration module to a remote radiofrequency transceiver beacon. A measured range is determined between the radiofrequency sensory integration module and the beacon. An error value E is then computed between the measured range and a predicted range. The predicted range is computed from the inertial tracking module alone based on positional data as to location and orientation of the system. The location data of the subject is determined with a microprocessor and displayed at the location.

Abstract: A sensor module for mounting on a rear fork of a bicycle includes a housing, a spool piece, a spool cap, and a sensing element. A switch member is arranged on one end of the housing, while a mounting seat is recessed on another end thereof. The spool piece is received by the mounting seat. The spool cap is arranged on the edge portion of the mounting seat. The sensing element is connected to the spool piece by a cable. The cable can be rewound into the spool piece. The distance between the sensing element and the housing is adjustable by extending or retracting the cable. The adjustability allows the sensor module to be adoptable by bicycles with different wheel sizes and rear fork structures. Accordingly, various cycling parameters can be measured.

Abstract: Three-axis acceleration component data from an acceleration sensor is split into three stationary components and three movement components. The axial direction of movement is detected based on the movement component having the maximum value. A shake duration is detected based on a time period from when this maximum movement component exceeded a an upper limit value of a specific range until it once again reaches a value in the specific range after falling below a lower limit value, or on a time period from when the movement component fell below the lower threshold value until it once again reaches the specific range after exceeding the upper threshold value. The magnitude of movement is determined by comparing the shake duration to a certain period, or by comparing the vector integral value over the shake duration to a certain threshold value.

Abstract: A system includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) system having an NDT probe and a processor. The NDT probe includes a testing sensor and a motion sensor. The testing sensor is configured to capture sensor data from an inspection area, and the motion sensor is configured to detect a measurement speed at which the NDT probe moves relative to the inspection area. The processor is configured to determine a speed comparison between the measurement speed and a reference speed range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a robust and configurable mobile computer architecture with navigation computational capabilities. The present invention further provides a bus network which allows for an efficient and durable Input/Output (I/O) management system. The I/O management system has configurable connections to allow for modular addition, expansion, or replacement of navigation, crash detection, and communication line replacement units (LRUs). Additional I/O device connections allow several modes of input into the computational system. The present invention is a single, self-contained unit and provides an accessible user interface to the computer system.

Abstract: A sensor device for an electronic apparatus, is provided with: a sensing structure generating a first detection signal; and a dedicated integrated circuit, connected to the sensing structure, detecting, as a function of the first detection signal, a first event associated to the electronic apparatus and generating a first interrupt signal upon detection of the first event. The dedicated integrated circuit detects the first event as a function of a temporal evolution of the first detection signal, and in particular as a function of values assumed by the first detection signal within one or more successive time windows, and of a relation between these values.

Abstract: In various implementations, a condition of a motor may be monitored based at least partially on time required to achieve a change in speed. A notification may be transmitted based on the condition of the motor.

Abstract: Motion detection device consisting of a single encoder and a single stationary sensor element, the encoder, which is arranged on a movable part, representing an asymmetrical pattern. The angular velocity or velocity and the direction of motion of a moving part are determined from the sensor signal by measuring the edge steepness or the rise time or fall time, spectrally analyzing the frequency and the phase relation of a harmonic to the phase of the fundamental mode, or evaluating the asymmetries of a sequence of rectangular pulses.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of determining an instantaneous speed of an arrow, includes determining a time-of-flight of the arrow; determining a distance between a location from which the arrow is loosed and a location of a target-face; providing, with an apparatus included in the arrow, data from at least a portion of a free flight of the arrow; and determining the instantaneous speed of the arrow for at least one point of the free-flight by employing each of: a) the time-of-flight; b) the distance; and c) at least some of the data provided by the apparatus.

Abstract: A fall detector unit is worn by a patient and performs a wakeup when an acceleration signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. A barometer provides a series of pressure readings over a pressure examination period to provide a first pressure difference value. The pressure signals are further monitored over a compensation period after the examination period to obtain a second pressure difference value representing background environmental changes. The first pressure difference value is compensated by the second pressure difference value to obtain a total pressure difference value and thus derive a total height difference value. The fall detector unit determines a fall event using the total height difference value.

Abstract: An air pressure drop detecting device for detecting air flow volume of a cooling fan includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a display unit. The cooling fan has an air inlet and an air outlet opposite to the air inlet. The first pressure sensor is positioned in the air inlet and detects a plurality of first pressure values. The second pressure sensor is positioned in the air outlet and detects a plurality of second pressure values. The display unit is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to display the first pressure values and the second pressure values, and a position of the cooling fan in the computer case is determined by the pressure difference between the first pressure values and the second pressure values.

Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a displacement monitoring system for a tower, the displacement monitoring system includes a tower displacement monitoring terminal and an underground displacement monitoring terminal electrically connected to the tower displacement monitoring terminal, the tower displacement monitoring terminal is arranged on the tower and includes a main control module, an overground tower displacement sensor, a power supply module and a communication module, wherein the overground tower displacement sensor, the power supply module and the communication module are electrically connected to the main control module respectively, the underground displacement monitoring terminal is arranged on an underground bedrock and includes a controlling module and an underground displacement sensor electrically connected to the controlling module.

Abstract: A state finding apparatus includes an obtaining unit and a finding unit. The obtaining unit obtains a value of an angular velocity of a first object around a predetermined axis when the first object and a second object contact with each other. The finding unit finds a state of the second object based on the obtained value of the angular velocity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring movement in strata including at least one sensor embedded in the strata for detecting movement in the strata and for generating first signals indicative of the movement; a storage device in communication with the at least one sensor for collecting and storing the first signals; an analyser in communication with the storage device for analysing the first signals and for triggering an alarm upon a predetermined outcome of the analysis of the first signals.

Abstract: Method for determining the contact angle (?) of a rolling element bearing (10) comprising an inner ring (12), an outer ring (14) and a plurality, P, of rolling elements (16) interposed between the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (14). The method comprises the step of determining the relative speed of P?1 or fewer of said plurality, P, of rolling elements (16) with respect to the inner ring (12) and/or the outer ring (14) and determining the contact angle (?) of said rolling element bearing (10) therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for estimating the velocity field based on a multi-image frame sequence having an integer number M frames, M is greater than two, in which a set of M?1 displaced frame difference (DFD) equations is solved including a motion compensated prediction (MCP) equation, M?2 motion compensated interpolation (MCI) equations for solving a velocity field at a first time using a set of iteration equations to determine a velocity field, and 2×(M?2) conservative velocity constraint (CVC) equations for solving a velocity field at times t2, . . . , tM?1.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and movement evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility.

Abstract: A system and method for safing vehicle sensors includes two safety systems, each with a primary sensor for monitoring vehicle motion and activating its corresponding safety system in response to certain vehicle motions. Each sensor may act as a safing sensor for the other in the event that activation of a safety system is indicated by the primary sensor. Each sensor may also monitor the other prior to such an event, to detect a sensor malfunction before that sensor is needed to active a safety system.

Abstract: A traffic sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface. A piezoelectric structure extends from the first electrode layer. The piezoelectric structure has a top end. An insulating layer is infused into the piezoelectric structure. A first electrode layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer. A second electrode layer is disposed below the flexible substrate. A packaging layer is disposed around the substrate, the first electrode layer, the piezoelectric structure, the insulating layer and the second electrode layer. In a method of sensing a traffic parameter, a piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is applied to a roadway. An electrical event generated by the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor in response to a vehicle interacting with the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is detected. The electrical event is correlated with the traffic parameter.

Abstract: An example sensor band configured for attachment to a calf of a mammal and used in measuring track and balance motion of the mammal includes one or more first sensors for sensing muscle circumferential pressure at multiple positions; one or more second sensors for sensing Earth's magnetic field; and one or more third sensors for sensing Earth's gravitational field.

Abstract: A method and system for testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is a method of testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device, comprising: detecting the electronic device within a nest of a test fixture; calculating an offset value for each sensing axis of the accelerometer in response to detecting the electronic device within the nest; and storing the offset values in a memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hybrid analog to digital converter and a sensing apparatus using the same. The hybrid analog to digital converter includes: a continuous time modulator amplifying and outputting an analog differential signal; a discrete time modulator amplifying and outputting again the analog differential signal that is amplified and output by the continuous time modulator; and a comparator performing 1 bit ADC function of representing an analog signal output by the discrete time modulator to be High or Low.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes sensors. Each of the sensors provides a measurement axis. A connector is electrically connected with the sensors. The position of the connector is fixed relative to the sensors. A memory unit stores calibration information which specifies the respective directions of the measurement axes with respect to a reference plane established for the connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the integrity and soundness of a mechanical structure, such as an aircraft. The device comprises a control unit, a radio frequency transmission means, and an electric battery. The control unit recovers data from a set of digital and/or analog sensors. The radio frequency transmission means enables the control unit to transmit the data received from the sensors to a man/machine interface. The electric battery powers the device and is rechargeable. The device further comprises a module for recovering electromagnetic energy capable of converting the recovered electromagnetic energy into electric power so as to recharge the battery and/or directly power the device.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for switching a navigation mode between a vehicle navigation mode and a personal navigation mode in a navigation device supporting vehicle navigation and personal navigation. Switching between the vehicle navigation mode and the personal navigation mode is performed according to whether the navigation device is mounted in a navigation device holder, whether a GPS speed provided by a GPS receiver is higher than a predetermined speed, and whether a step is detected using an output of an accelerometer. Since mode switching between the vehicle navigation mode and the personal navigation mode is automatically performed, a user does not need to manually perform mode switching.

Abstract: A device and method of determining a travel direction of a mobile device carried by a user are disclosed. The method includes determining a line along which the mobile device is traveling, where the determining may be based on sensed acceleration of the mobile device. A walking style of the user traveling with the mobile device may be determined. The sensed acceleration may be resolved into at least two mutually perpendicular components. A first component may be substantially parallel with gravity, and a second component may be orthogonal to the first component. The travel direction of the mobile device along the travel line may be determined based on a user's walking style and the resolved sensed acceleration. The determining of the line may include applying a linear least square fitting method to a plurality of acceleration readings obtained from at least one inertial navigation sensor.

Abstract: Monitoring and analysis method of the conditions of a pipeline, comprising: providing an inspection device (1) in expanded polymeric or elastomeric material comprising at least one measurement instrument (2, 3), said measurement instrument including at least one casing and at least one sensor; introducing said inspection device into the pipeline (5); recovering said inspection device; wherein said casing is made of polymeric or elastomeric material, having a density, measured according to the regulation ASTM D3574, higher than or equal to 30 kg/m3, preferably ranging from 700 to 2,000 kg/m3. Said method allows the continuous registration and storage of useful parameters for revealing defects and/or anomalies inside the pipeline (5) that transports gas and/or liquids, as well as possible variations in the internal diameter of the same.