Abstract: A sensing device obtains range-related data—such as Doppler data or pulse time-of-flight data—from a sports projectile during flight. The time course of the range-related data is employed, in light of predictable characteristics of the projectile trajectory, to determine and output an accurate determination of the projectile speed for one or more points of interest in its flight. Such determination of speed may, for instance, be the speed at the time of projectile release, even though range-related data is gathered later in the flight, when the projectile is traveling neither so fast, nor straight at the sensor. Such sensing device may employ inexpensive short-range acoustic Doppler, and be incorporated into a target device that automatically displays to a pitcher-in-training the speed and ball/strike condition of each pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor control module including: at least one inertial sensor including a driving mass and at least two pads connected to the driving mass; a driving unit applying a received control signal to the inertial sensor to drive the driving mass; a controlling unit connected to the driving unit and generating the control signal to transfer the control signal to the driving unit; and a sensing unit connected between the inertial sensor and the controlling unit and detecting information on whether the driving mass is in an abnormal resonance state for the control signal to transfer the detected information to the controlling unit.

Abstract: An object is set to move back and forth between a first position and a second position in a cylinder. A measurement point between the first position and the second position is preset. A counted period indicating a duration that the object moves from the first position to the first measurement point is obtained. Then a movement behavior parameter is obtained according to the counted period. Whether the movement behavior parameter of the object matches a specified condition is determined. If matching occurs, a warning message is generated.

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: A magnetic detector includes a detecting section having a surface facing a magnetic body which moves and emits a magnetic flux. The detecting section includes plural magnetic sensors for detecting the magnetic flux. The magnetic sensors are arranged in a matrix form having three or more rows and three or more columns arranged along the surface of the detecting section. The magnetic detector provides an input device precisely detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of the magnetic body.

Abstract: A thermally controlled gas bearing supported inertial measurement unit (IMU) system is provided. The system comprises a sensor assembly enclosing one or more sensors and a plurality of heating elements, wherein each of the plurality of heating elements is proximal to the sensor assembly. The system also comprises a plurality of temperature sensors configured to determine a temperature of a region of the sensor assembly and a control unit configured to adjust a temperature of at least one of the plurality of heating elements based on feedback from the at least one temperature sensor.

Abstract: An exercise mode automatic identification method is provided. The automatic identification method includes the following steps. A step count taken by a user is obtained. A horizontal transient speed at which the user moves at the end of a predetermined period is obtained. The user's exercise mode is defined by a microprocessor according to the step count and the horizontal transient speed.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional MEMS. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a method of controlling out-of-plane buckling in microstructural devices so as to create micro-structures with out-of-plane dimensions which are 1×, 5×, 10×, 100× or 500× the film's thickness or above the surface of the wafer. An exemplary device formed according to the disclosed principles, includes a three dimensional accelerometer having microbridges extending both above and below the wafer surface.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a system, a wheel localizer, a wheel localization device, a method or a computer program for locating a position of wheel. The system for locating the position of the wheel on the vehicle includes a detector for obtaining information related to a state of movement of the vehicle and a locator for determining the position of the wheel based on the information related to the state of movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an acceleration sensor, which enables highly accurate detection and has an extremely compact size. The acceleration sensor of the present embodiments is provided with a substrate, a anchor portion formed on the substrate, a support beam, which has one end connected to the anchor portion and extends across a space from the substrate, and a proof mass which is connected to the other end of the support beam and held across a space from the substrate. The acceleration sensor is further provided with first and second piezoelectric bending resonators, a comparison unit, and a calculation unit. The first and second piezoelectric bending resonators have one end connected to the anchor portion and the other end connected to the proof mass or the support beam and have a stack of a first electrode, a first piezoelectric film, and a second electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a MEMS device including multiple bonding of substrates. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) substrate including a first bonding layer, providing a semiconductor substrate including a second bonding layer, and providing a cap including a third bonding layer. The method further includes bonding the MEMS substrate to the semiconductor substrate at the first and second bonding layers, and bonding the cap to the semiconductor substrate at the second and third bonding layers to hermetically seal the MEMS substrate between the cap and the semiconductor substrate. A MEMS device fabricated by the above method is also provided.

Abstract: An atom-based accelerometer for measuring acceleration or gravity with an interaction region less than a millimeter in size. An exemplary device includes a magnetic double-well trap produced on a chip. Creation and dissolution of the double-well trap is provided by interaction between an ac magnetic field and a radio frequency (rf) magnetic field produced by traces on the chip.

Abstract: An accelerometer with improved calibration features, an electronic device having an accelerometer with improved calibration features, and a method of calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is method of calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device, the accelerometer having at least a primary sensing axis and a secondary sensing axis, the second sensing axis being oriented parallel to the primary sensing axis and in the opposite direction of the primary sensing axis, the method comprising: measuring acceleration calibration data using the primary sensing axis and the secondary sensing axis of the accelerometer; determining calibration parameters in accordance with measured calibration data from the accelerometer; and storing the calibration parameters in a memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: Provided is a velocity calculating apparatus including: a horizontal-angular-velocity-detecting portion disposed to a main-body portion attached to a movable object moving along a movement plane to detect a horizontal-axis angular velocity around a horizontal axis perpendicular to a moving direction generated according to an inclination angle of the movement plane; a vertical-acceleration-detecting portion disposed to the main-body portion to detect a vertical acceleration generated according to a shape of the movement plane; a time-difference-calculating portion configured to calculate a time difference between characteristic components occurring in the horizontal-axis angular velocity and the vertical acceleration due to a position of the movement plane; and a velocity-calculating portion configured to calculate a time-differential velocity based on a ratio between an installation distance from a position to which the horizontal angular velocity is exerted in the overall movable object to an installation po

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining states and state changes on a personal wireless device, and triggering actions upon these state changes. The personal wireless device includes at least a user interface, a positioning system and a system to determine the device acceleration. Examples of these systems are an accelerometer to determine the device acceleration and GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine the device position. States incurred from user movement include, but are not limited to: walking, driving, stationary. In one embodiment, the location of a parked vehicle is automatically saved, and a user interface to display past parking locations and guide the user to one of these parking locations, is offered.

Abstract: An endoscopic form detection device includes a posture detecting section configured to detect a posture of each of sensor units based on measurement data in the sensor unit, and a linear form detecting section configured to detect a detected linear form of an inserting section on an assumption that a form between the respective sensor units is a linear link whose dimension is equal to an inter-sensor dimension based on the detected posture of each of the sensor units. The endoscopic form detection device includes a curve form detecting section configured to perform curve interpolation with respect to the detected linear form detected on an assumption that a form between the respective sensor units is an arc whose arc length is equal to the inter-sensor dimension, and configured to detect a detected curve form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying motions of an object, which is used for detecting motions of at least an object. A sensing plate senses the object and produces at least a sensing signal. A processing circuit is coupled to the sensing plate. It gives at least a moving speed along at least one axis, at least a variation in the sensed value between the object and the sensing plate, or at least a variation in the contact area according to the sensing signal. Then it produces a corresponding control signal according to the moving speed, the variation in the sensed value, or the variation in the contact area. Thereby, the present invention further produces a corresponding control signal by means of the variations in the sensed value. Hence, the control signal can be produced without touching the touch panel and thus increasing the lifetime of the touch panel.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for determining the casing attenuation factor for various frequencies from measurements of the impedance of the transmitting or receiving coil of wire of. The compensation is based on two relationships. The first relationship is between one or more measured impedance parameters and the product of casing conductivity, casing thickness and electromagnetic frequency. The second relationship is between the casing correction factor and the product of casing conductivity, casing thickness and electromagnetic frequency.

Abstract: A sensing unit for a bicycle speedometer is disclosed. The bicycle speedometer has a meter body and the sensing unit for detecting pedaling and generating a signal related to bicycle pedaling. The sensing unit includes a sensor mounted on a bicycle frame and a fixture for carrying a sensed member. The fixture has a fixing end coupled with a bicycle crank and a coupling arm for carrying the sensed member. The fixture allows positional adjustment of the sensed member with respect to the bicycle crank, thereby facilitating aligning the sensed member with the sensor, so as to ensure proper sensing of the sensor to the sensed member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method for inspecting a subsea pipeline. The method comprises the steps: detecting a defect along the subsea pipeline using a subsea magnetometric tomography method (MTM) module adjacent the subsea pipeline; and determining a position of the subsea MTM module, thereby determining the position of the defect. The method further comprises determining the position of the subsea MTM module relative to a surface vessel; and determining an absolute position of the surface vessel.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting board having a first rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted and a third rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted, and a pedestal for fixing the mounting board. Further, the pedestal includes a base section having a first fixation surface along an x axis and a y axis, and projecting sections disposed on the base section, and having a second fixation surface along the x axis and a z axis, and a third fixation surface along the y axis and the z axis, each of the rigid boards is supported by at least two of the first fixation surface, the second fixation surface, and the third fixation surface, and the angular velocity sensors have respective detection axes intersecting with each other.

Abstract: A module includes a sensor device, a mounting substrate that has a plurality of mounting faces, a portion between the mounting faces adjacent to each other being foldable, a supporting member having fixing faces, wherein the sensor device is mounted on at least one of the mounting faces, each of the mounting faces is disposed along each of the fixing faces, and the sensor device is disposed on the supporting member side.

Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.

Abstract: An activity meter includes an accelerometer for detecting movement of a body and a control unit connected to the accelerometer. The control unit determines segments corresponding to single cycles of body movement based on a detection output from the accelerometer, and based on a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value in the detection output from the accelerometer that correspond to the determined segments of the single cycles, specifies a type of activity performed in a predetermined period that includes the segments.

Abstract: A microsystem, e.g., a micromechanical sensor, has a first cavity which is sealed off from the surroundings and a second cavity which is sealed off from the surroundings. The first cavity is bounded by a first bond joint and the second cavity is bounded by a second bond joint. Either the first bond joint or the second bond joint is a eutectic bond joint or a diffusion-soldered joint.

Abstract: An integrated sensor device is provided. The integrated sensor device comprises a first substrate including a surface portion and a second substrate coupled to the surface portion of the first substrate in a stacked configuration, wherein a cavity is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. The integrated sensor device also comprises one or more micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors located at least partially in the first substrate, wherein the MEMS sensor communicates with the cavity. The integrated sensor device further comprises one or more additional sensors.

Abstract: A rotation measuring device 10 including a proximity switch 14 detecting rotational speed of an object to be measured, a controller 11 receiving pulse signals from the switch 14, and a display 34 connected to the controller 11, the controller 11 including a rotational speed calculation means, the device 10 calculating the rotational speed based on the pulse signals by the rotational speed calculation means and indicating the rotational speed on the display 34, the controller 11 including: a standard rotational speed setting means for setting a measured rotational speed as a standard rotational speed by button operation; an upper and lower limits setting means for setting maximum and minimum rotational speeds based on the standard rotational speed; and a warning signal generating means generating warning signal outputs when the rotational speed is over the maximum rotational speed or below the minimum rotational speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that senses the intensity of sounds and the velocity of objects. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that may prevent an audio signal from reaching a user, make a warning noise, or otherwise alert the user when a object is noisy and/or approaching the user at a threatening rate. More specifically, the present invention takes data from the surrounding area and compares it to one or more thresholds to determine an object's threat level. The present invention relates to one or more speakers, and includes, generally, one or more microphones to receive and measure the intensity of surrounding noises and one or more range sensors to detect distance, velocity, and acceleration.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an arrangement with an X-ray detector that is driven by a rotation device. The arrangement includes a first rotational speed sensor and a second rotational speed sensor that determine a rotation of the X-ray detector. The first rotational speed sensor and the second rotational speed sensor are coupled via a connection device including a pre-tensioned torsion spring.

Abstract: A fiber optic transducer is provided. The fiber optic transducer includes a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The length of fiber spans the spring. The fiber optic transducer also includes a mass engaged with the moveable portion. In one disclosed aspect of the transducer, the mass envelopes the moveable portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method use a vibrator and an accelerometer of electronic apparatus for detecting the use environment of the electronic apparatus, and according to the use environment a method and electronic apparatus are provided for optimizing the performance of the electronic apparatus according to the use environment of the electronic apparatus. The method for detecting use environment comprises: determining the basic parameters of the electronic apparatus; searching for the acceleration thresholds of the electronic apparatus according to the determined basic parameters of the electronic apparatus; and determining the use environment according to the detected acceleration of the electronic apparatus and the found acceleration thresholds of the electronic apparatus. The use environment of the electronic apparatus may be detected by the vibrator and accelerometer of the electronic apparatus, thereby optimizing the performance of the electronic apparatus according to the use environment.

Abstract: An electronic device and method to prevent falling of the electronic device include setting one or more alarm means, detecting an acceleration and a moving direction of the electronic device using the three-axis accelerometer, and detecting that the electronic device is in a falling state if the acceleration is larger or equal to the acceleration of gravity and the moving direction is in the gravitational direction. The electronic device and method further include activating one or more of the alarm means if the electronic device is in the falling state or if a clip connected with a strap of the electronic device is not in a tightened state.

Abstract: Angular rate sensor for detecting rotation about first, second and third mutually perpendicular input axes having a plurality of generally planar proof masses coupled together for linear drive-mode oscillation along multi-directional drive axes in a plane formed by the first and second input axes. The masses are mounted on a generally planar sense frame for linear movements relative to the sense frame in drive-mode and for rotation together with the sense frame in sense modes. The sense frame is mounted for rotation with the masses in sense modes about the first, second, and third input axes independent of each other, in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the first, second, and third input axes respectively. And capacitance sensors responsive to the rotational movements of the masses and the sense frame in sense modes are employed for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: The device for determining movements of an animal comprises a housing, at least one G-sensor for detecting movements of the housing and for generating signals representing the detected movements. The device further comprises an electronic circuit connected to the G-sensor for processing signals received from the G-sensor so as to obtain processing results, transmitting means connected to the electronic circuit for transmitting the processing results and a power supply for at least feeding energy to the G-sensor and the electronic circuit wherein the G-sensor, the electronic circuit, the transmitter means and the power supply are located within the housing. The electronic circuit may be arranged for switching the G-sensor on and off according to a predetermined time pattern so as to save energy.

Abstract: System and method for geo-location of a device (such as a tag) using barometric pressure readings taken in the vicinity of the device and correlated to datasets of barometric pressure that have pressure gradients over time and space. The readings taken in the vicinity of the device may be correlated to the datasets using an iterative Bayesian approach to determine a geo-location of the device with a high degree of confidence.

Abstract: A gravity sensor includes a chamber, a number of receiving holes, an electrically insulative liquid, a number of pressure sensors, and a number of sealing elements. The receiving holes are defined in the inner surface of the chamber. The electrically insulative liquid is sealed within the chamber. The pressure sensors are disposed in the receiving holes respectively, and are configured for sensing the pressure that the electrically insulative liquid apply thereto. The sealing elements is configured for sealing the receiving holes respectively when the corresponding pressure sensor senses a pressure applied by the electrically insulative liquid.

Abstract: In method and a control device for triggering person protection device, a signal of a planarly measuring environment sensor system and a second signal of a contact sensor system are evaluated separately in order to produce a respective trigger signal. These two trigger signals are then gated in order to produce a third trigger signal. A trigger circuit triggers the person protection device as a function of this third trigger signal.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for determining the rotational direction and/or rotational speed of a rotatable body on the basis of a sine signal and cosine signal, which is assignable to the rotational direction and/or rotational speed of the rotatable body and are output by a sensor, having at least one of the following steps: recording a sine signal and cosine signal, which is assignable to the rotational direction and/or rotational speed, at a point in time; determining a phase value from the sine signal and cosine signal; recording sine signals and cosine signals, which is assignable to the rotational direction and/or rotational speed, at points in time; determining phase values from the corresponding sine signals and cosine signals; calculating phase differences from the phase values and the phase value; and determining the rotational direction and/or rotational speed from the phase differences on the basis of a Vernier method.

Abstract: A collision sensor module configured to be attached to a surface of a vehicle. The module includes a collision sensor circuit board configured to detect acceleration indicative of a vehicle collision event. The exterior of the module is defined by a housing that includes a rigid part and a flexible part. The rigid part is configured to define a wing portion for attaching the rigid part to the surface, provide an underside surface of the rigid part to couple the collision sensor circuit board to the surface in a manner effective for the circuit board to detect when the vehicle is involved in a collision event. The flexible part is configured to sealingly contact the rigid part and the collision sensor circuit board in a manner effective to seal the protective cavity when the rigid part is attached to the surface and thereby protect the collision sensor circuit board.

Abstract: A velocity relevant to a body may be accurately measured using sound waves. Such velocity relevant to a body may be airspeed, i.e., the velocity of the body with respect to the surrounding air, or the velocity of air in the vicinity of the body or along its desired travel path. More specifically, the speed of two or more sounds may be correlated so that an airspeed, or the velocity of air, may be determined by taking into account the fact that sound traveling in the same direction as airflow travels faster than sound traveling in the direction opposite to airflow.

Abstract: A device has three acceleration sensors, one that detects an acceleration in a first direction to output a first signal, another that detects an acceleration in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, to output a second signal, and a third that detects an acceleration in a third direction, orthogonal to a plane uniquely identified by the first and second directions, to output a third signal. A CPU obtains one or more signals from among the first, second, and third signals to detect a walk by using the obtained signals. The CPU determines a posture of the device on the basis of a moving average value of the first signals, a moving average value of the second signals, and a moving average value of the third signals. The CPU stops the walk detecting operation on the basis of a change of the determined posture.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a wire feed speed using a wire feed speed monitoring system and a computer peripheral pointing device having a motion sensor which senses motion of a wire passing by the motion sensor.

Abstract: An example geolocation system for mounting on a mammal incorporates simple sensing sleeves on the calves of the body support members, combined with an accelerometer based gravity direction and force sensing at the center of mass of the body. The example system is connected to a digital processing unit and a battery power supply to integrate the sensing to determine kinetic and potential energy of the body locomotion over time in a method that integrates out the aperiodic motion of the body about the center of mass, and uses the residual motion to measure the center of mass locomotion from a known point.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is described, the micromechanical component having a medium. The medium has settable and changeable volume-elastic properties and generally completely encloses a sensor module and/or a module housing. The medium preferably has a low-pass response.

Abstract: AN electronic component includes at least one microcomponent which is contacted with, and fastened to, a support element. The support element includes a spring element which is configured for fastening the microcomponent, and the spring element is engaged in the support element with the aid of a detent in order to fasten the microcomponent to the support element.

Abstract: A servo-assisted steering device for vehicles includes a manual control member that is connected to a pump or the like manually driving it when the control member is rotated. The pump is connected at its delivery and suction side to one of the two chambers of one or more steering actuators through hydraulic pipes, feeding a pressurized fluid alternately to one or the other of the two chambers depending on moving direction, in particular the rotation of the control member. Assist control means for the steering actuators include a hydraulic fluid tank and automatic pumping means, which are driven and connected to the hydraulic pipes when the steering wheel is operated and which, by increasing the amount of pumped fluid, increase the pressure exerted by the pump to reduce resistance when steering the control member. The number of revolutions of the motor driving the automatic pumping means may be adjusted.

Abstract: Provided are a device, a system, and a method for determining a fitting condition of a connector, which are capable of improving the accuracy for determining the coupling condition of the connector. A connector fitting condition determination device (10) includes an input section (11) that is attached to an operator and receives detection results including sound information and acceleration information that are measured at a time of fitting a connector; a sound information determination section (13) that determines whether the sound information satisfies predetermined conditions based on the detection results input to the input section (11); and an acceleration information determination section (15) that determines whether the acceleration information satisfies predetermined conditions, on detection results satisfying the conditions in the sound information determination section 13.

Abstract: This invention provides a monitoring system to control liftable or steer axles on a truck or tractor-trailer by monitoring one or more input data types selected from the group consisting of speed and direction data, load data, turn signal data, engine data and emergency signal data. After processing the input data, a control module may control the lift axle electrical valving to lift one or more liftable axles, and may also lock the steerable axle in a straight position at a predetermined forward speed or adjust the pressure on the air suspension of a steer axle to equalize axle bearing weight.

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 rotation sensor configured to be mounted on a rim of a wheel. The rotation sensor includes a band sized and shaped to fit around the rim of the wheel, a first element mounted on the band that generates a first time-varying electrical signal in response to a rotational movement, a second element mounted on the band that generates a second time-varying electrical signal in response to the rotational movement, a processor mounted on the band that receives the first and second time-varying electrical signals and processes the first and second time-varying electrical signals to determine a rotational speed, and a rechargeable power source that receives the first and second time-varying electrical signals, consumes at least a portion of the first and second time-varying electrical signals to recharge the rechargeable power source, and generates a power signal. The processor is connected to the rechargeable power source to receive the power signal.