Abstract: A universal electronic hubodometer with a single sensor system and method capable of electronically monitoring and/or processing the rotations of an object (e.g., a hubcap, wheel-hub, wheel, or tire) and wirelessly communicating any measured data to a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, PDA, cell phone, smartphone, or tablet). In one embodiment the universal electronic hubodometer may be capable of electronically determining the revolutions of an object using a single accelerometer while managing to overcome the problems of current hubodometers.

Abstract: To provide information processing devices capable of effectively presenting to a user an action that improves communication quality. The information presenting devices includes: a communication quality acquisition means that acquires current communication quality and communication quality when a user takes an action; an action cost calculation means that calculates a cost of the action; a presentation information calculating means that determines the action, based on the current communication quality, the communication quality when the action is taken, and the action cost; a first presenting means that displays predetermined information about a case where the action is taken; and a second presenting means that acquires an instruction from a user after display by the first presenting means, and then also displays additional information about a case where the action is taken, in addition to the predetermined information.

Abstract: Determining which reference-level pressures, from among a plurality of available reference-level pressures, are used when estimating an altitude of a mobile device. Different systems and methods determine isobars based on reference-level pressures of weather stations, and then use the isobars in different ways to identify particular reference-level pressures for use in estimated an altitude of a mobile device. One approach determines the smallest distance between an initial estimated position of a mobile device and a neighboring isobar, and then uses that distance to identify reference-level pressures. Another approach identifies reference-level pressures between an isobar on which an initial estimated position of a mobile device is location and a neighboring isobar. Yet another approach compares the number of identified reference-level pressures and/or locations of the identified reference-level pressures against threshold conditions before determining which reference-level pressures to use.

Abstract: A device determines, periodically over time, geographic locations of the device. The device receives altitude values that identify altitudes for the geographic locations. The device determines measured barometric pressures for the geographic locations. The device determines expected barometric pressures for the geographic locations based on a reference altitude associated with a reference location, reference barometric pressures associated with the reference location, and the altitudes for the geographic locations. The device determines a barometric pressure bias that is based on respective differences between at least a subset of the expected barometric pressures and a corresponding subset of the measured barometric pressures for the geographic locations. The device performs one or more actions based on the barometric pressure bias.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) exhaust valve-based impact attenuating fluid filled cell for use in cushioning impact and decelerating of a wearer's body portion (e.g. head, shoulder, torso, etc.) after an impact. In combination with the use of accelerometers, pressure sensors, location and other electronics supply signals to a microcontroller, the controlled opening/closing of said exhaust valve (resulting in the expelling of said fluids with an optional combination with cell refill means) when certain parameters exceed a threshold.

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: A speed detection apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store time when each of first and second sensors detects an arbitrary detection mark and an address corresponding to the detection mark. The speed detection apparatus further includes a same mark detection time identification unit configured to identify, based on output information from a reference speed detection unit, time when the first and second sensors detect the same mark, based on the address and the time stored in the storage unit, and a relative speed calculation unit configured to calculate, based on output information from the same mark detection time identification unit, a speed of the first sensor and the second sensor relative to a scale member.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the holding torque of a brake in a material handling system is disclosed. The material handling system may include a bridge, a trolley, and a hoist, each driven along a different axis by a motor. A brake is operatively coupled to the motor to prevent unwanted motion of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to each motor which controls operation of the motor and its corresponding brake. The motor controller generates a torque command to the motor while keeping the brake set. The initial torque command is less than the holding torque of the brake. The torque command is incremented until motion is detected on the motor. The torque value when motion is detected is stored in the motor controller and displayed to an operator.

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: Device for measuring a haulage cable of a cableway, in particular a chairlift or a cable car, the haulage cable including marks, and the device including first and second sensors configured to transmit respectively first and second information signals relative to the presence of the marks, the second sensor being located at a reference distance from the first sensor, a first determination device configured to determine a phase shift between the first and second information signals and a second determination device for determining a speed information of the haulage cable from the determined phase shift and the reference distance.

Abstract: Altitude measuring devices such as barometers typically provide good differential reading yet poor absolute reading, mainly depending on dynamic weather conditions. Placed at the same altitude but on different days, a barometer based altimeter might show different altitude reading. Thus, such altimeters, when used for navigation by pilots and mountaineers, for example, require manual and timely calibration. The present invention discloses a method for automatic calibration of altitude measurement devices, such as barometers, in order to achieve good absolute readings yet avoid the present manual calibration. This method is particularly useful for indoors navigation.

Abstract: An absolute displacement sensor 1 includes a sensor housing 2 serving as a detection object; a mass body 3 having a mass m which is movably supported by the sensor housing 2 with a spring coefficient k and a damping coefficient c; a detecting means 4 which electrically detects a relative velocity of the sensor housing 2 with respect to the mass body 3; a feedback control means 5 which controls the absolute displacement of the mass body 3 attributable to the absolute displacement of the sensor housing 2 by positively feeding back the relative displacement and by negatively feeding back a relative acceleration obtained by primarily differentiating the relative velocity, respectively; and a phase lag compensation means 6 which performs phase lag compensation with respect to the relative displacement.

Abstract: An on-foot pedestrian navigation module useful for pedestrian navigation when operated with at least a control unit and another on-foot pedestrian navigation module, comprising (a) at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein each sensor unit including an up/down sensor adapted for sensing an ‘up’ condition and a ‘down’ condition associated with relative displacement of the module with respect to a surface, and a signal transmitter/receiver adapted, in response to an activation signal coming from a module controller, for generating a propagating signal (b) a module controller for controlling the operation of the module in response to a control signal coming from the control unit and (c) a communication unit for enabling said module to communicate with said at least the control unit and other module, thereby facilitating collecting motion data at the control unit and integrating the motion data with motion data coming from the other module, the motion data being indicative of a condition of e

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: A portable sensor unit for capturing motion and/or other data may be securely mounted on objects such as a user's limb, a vehicle, or other items. The sensor unit may then collect motion and/or other data from the object to which it is affixed, and may provide this data to a data logger which stores the data. The data logger may subsequently communicate the data to a gaming system which may tailor the motion characteristics of a virtual object to resemble those of the real-world object from which the motion data was captured. Thus, a user can (for example) capture motion data from a vehicle, with this data being supplied to a video gaming unit which provides a virtual vehicle having the same acceleration/deceleration, handling, and other characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and a device for measuring the progress of a moving person. The method calculating at least one of the following quantities describing the progress of the moving person: speed, step rate, step count, step length, distance and way of progress, based on values of a vertical acceleration of a body of the moving person measured by an acceleration sensor over a measured time.

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: An automatic tracking apparatus is provided, which is capable of solving a failure occurred in an automatic tracking operation in connection with a zooming operation, and capable of tracking an object in a stable manner, while a zooming-up operation, or a zooming-down operation is carried out in a high speed.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring a moving distance are provided. More particularly, a device for measuring a total moving distance according to an embodiment of the invention includes a mounting module to be attached to a specific portion of a moving object, a sensor module configured to sense an acceleration of the moving object, a controller configured to: measure a moving speed based on the acceleration, initialize the moving speed at a at least one of substantial stop states, calculate each of a plurality of unit moving distances, wherein at least one of the plurality of substantial stop states occurs when an absolute value of the acceleration is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and a communication unit configured to transmit information including the moving speed and the total moving distance, and receive health information.

Abstract: A portable sensor unit for capturing motion and/or other data may be securely mounted on objects such as a user's limb, a vehicle, or other items. The sensor unit may then collect motion and/or other data from the object to which it is affixed, and may provide this data to a data logger which stores the data. The data logger may subsequently communicate the data to a gaming system which may tailor the motion characteristics of a virtual object to resemble those of the real-world object from which the motion data was captured. Thus, a user can (for example) capture motion data from a vehicle, with this data being supplied to a video gaming unit which provides a virtual vehicle having the same acceleration/deceleration, handling, and other characteristics.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.

Abstract: The cutting machine includes pairs of coaxial blades to simultaneously cut two rolls for each cutting cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring devices to be used in physical measuring, and more particularly, to a method and a device for measuring the progress of a moving person. In the solution according to the invention the quantities describing the progress of the moving person can be calculated based on vertical acceleration values of the body measured by means of an acceleration sensor, and on the measured time. The invention aims at providing a solution, better and simpler than prior solutions, for measuring the progress of a moving person, which solution is applicable for use in a multitude of measuring solutions for ways of locomotion of various types.

Abstract: A method of operating a railway crossing including the steps of receiving a signal from a locomotive; and activating crossing warning devices and/or downroad warning and in-vehicle alert devices.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern.

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: The invention relates to a method for measuring the number of steps of an animal moving on four legs, according to which an acceleration sensor (38, 29) detects acceleration in a plane in which the animal is moving, and wherein the acceleration is caused by the locomotion of the animals' leg. The invention further relates to an apparatus (1) for detecting the distance covered by the animal moving on four legs, comprising a housing (3) and a measuring unit provided within the housing, wherein the measuring unit comprises a step counting unit (22) comprising at least one acceleration sensor (38, 29), wherein the acceleration sensor (38, 29) is arranged inside the housing (3) such that it detects an acceleration substantially parallel to the plane in which the animal is moving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric.

Abstract: It is intended to accurately calculate the distance between a movable body and a subject on the basis of various quantities of state, such as the azimuth angle between the movable body and the subject, velocity, and yaw rate. A calculation device includes a unit for calculating the azimuth angle between movable body and a subject, a unit for calculating the distance traveled by the movable body between two points of time, a unit for calculating a change in angle in the direction of movement, and a unit for calculating the linear distance from the movable body to the subject by using the unit.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus which positions a stage (7) includes measurement systems which measure the position of the stage (7), and a correction unit (15) which corrects, on the basis of the acceleration of the stage (7), the values measured by the measurement systems (3, 4).

Abstract: The alignment of railway tracks may be monitored using an accelerometer (36) mounted on a bogie (24) of a railway vehicle to detect lateral accelerations, and a displacement transducer (38) to monitor the lateral displacements of a wheelset (27) relative to the bogie. The acceleration signals are digitised, and processed corresponding to double integration, so as to deduce the lateral displacements of the bogie, and in conjunction with the signals from the displacement transducer hence to determine the effective lateral displacements of the track. This can provide a more useful indication of the lateral positions of the rails than measurements of the gauge faces. Such equipment (16) may be installed in a service vehicle, and operate automatically, downloading resulting data to a remote base station at regular intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which comprises a console including on/off push buttons and a liquid crystal display for providing messages to the user, a receiver unit, a transmitter unit and a circuit capable of calculating the speeds of the user during use as well as operate LEDs which display the status of the apparatus and flash in response to movement of the user wearing the device while he or she is running or walking.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing the transfer of motion to a subject on a sleeping surface. A mattress is positioned on a frame, and a subject is positioned on the mattress. A sensor is placed in communication with the subject. The surface adjacent the subject is moved by means of a moving mass, and the sensor detects the motion of the subject. Motion transferred to the subject as a result of the mattress moving is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A device for determining and displaying travel data of a user of a sports equipment which has contact with the ground, comprises a first microcontroller associated with the sports equipment for at least recording or partially processing travel data of the sports equipment based on an interaction between the sports equipment and the ground; and a transmitter for transmitting the travel data to a receiver having a display. The receiver has a second microcontroller for at least further processing or displaying the partially processed travel data. The transmitter only transmits within defined transmitting intervals such that between the intervals when the transmitter is not transmitting, the transmitter is switched off. The receiver is synchronized with the such that the receiver is switched on only when the transmitter is expected to transmit and switched off when transmission is not expected from the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting wheel revolutions are provided that include a wheel-hub mountable odometer comprising an accelerometer comprising sensor means for sensing force, wherein the sensor means are operable to sense a force acting thereon and generate an electrical signal representative of said force. Further an electronic control system is provided comprising a microcontroller and power source, the microcontroller comprising electronic filtering means for attenuating irregularities in the signal from the sensor means and computing a wheel revolution count based on said attenuated signal, and output means for communicating the wheel revolution count. The accelerometer preferably comprises a dual axis electronic accelerometer with no internally rotating parts. Further, the output means preferably comprises at least one of a display means, an IR communication system, or a RF communications system.

Abstract: To let the user easily recognize the results of comparison of paces. A chronograph control unit calculates a pace of running that is just completed by dividing the moving time measured by a chronograph measuring unit, by a preset distance stored in advance in a storage unit. A pace comparator/calculation unit reads the pace data recorded in the running of the previous time from the storage unit, compares it with the pace recorded this time to calculate a difference therebetween, displays the difference on a display unit, and notifies a relationship between the pace recorded this time and the pace recorded in the previous time by using a sounding unit or a light-emitting unit.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle defining an axis, a wheel assembly rotatably supported on the axle for rotating relative to the axle axis, a magnet, a sensor responsive to the magnet for producing a count signal, and a microprocessor for receiving count signal data, calculating the distance the wheel assembly has traveled, and transmitting distance data to an output device. The sensor is mounted to rotate with the wheel assembly and the magnet is mounted to the axle, at a position eccentric to or radially offset from the axle axis. The sensor is mounted to the wheel assembly in radial alignment with the magnet such that rotation of the wheel assembly aligns the sensor for magnetic interaction with or responsiveness to the magnet once per revolution of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: Method for the determination for an actual speed of a movable displacement element wherein an acceleration sensor is used to record an acceleration (a), and a position sensor is used to record a measured position of a displacement element. A model speed (vM) and a measured speed (v1) are determined by integration and differentiation, respectively. The model speed (vM) is used to determine an actual speed (v). The model speed (vM) and the measured speed (v1) are subtracted from one another. The difference is supplied to a controller (13) having an integral component, whose output signal is added to the acceleration (a).

Abstract: A device for measuring the running parameters of a bicycle having a sensor capable of reacting to a revolution of a rotationally movable member through a change of state and operating according to a cycle of changes of state, the sensor being provided to be mounted on a rotatable member of the bicycle, a transmission circuit having an antenna, a reception circuit having an antenna. The transmitting circuit has a circuit for calculating a value of the running parameter based on the signal originating from the sensor, a transmitter connected to the antenna to transmit this value to the receiving device, and an optimization circuit for activating the transmission of the transmitter to moments independent of the changes of state of the sensor.

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 device comprised of at least a pair of accelerometers and a tilt sensor mounted in fixed relation to a datum plane defining surface (sole of a shoe) may be used for extracting kinematic variables including linear and rotational acceleration, velocity and position. These variables may be resolved into a selected direction thereby permitting both relative and absolute kinematic quantities to be determined. The acceleration is determined using a small cluster of two mutually perpendicular accelerometers mounted on a shoe. Angular orientation of the foot may be determined by double integration of the foot's angular acceleration (which requires a third accelerometer substantially parallel to one of the two orthogonal accelerometers). The two orthogonal accelerations are then resolved into a net horizontal acceleration or other selected direction which may be integrated to find the foot velocity in the selected direction. The average of the foot velocity corresponds to the subject's gait speed.

Abstract: A golf-cart speedometer/odometer has a rotation-mark collar (1) on a cart-wheel rim (2) that signals rotation to a rotation sensor (4) on a housing extension (5) from a cart-axle housing (6). Measurement of rotation of the rotation-mark collar from rotation of the cart-wheel rim is communicated electrically from the rotation sensor to a readout console (8) having a speedometer (10), a resettable long-distance odometer (11) in metric or English and a resettable short-distance odometer (12) in metric or English readout. Rotation-marking of the rotation-mark collar is preferably with a plurality of magnets (3). Optionally, the rotation-marking of the rotation-mark collar can utilize a plurality of four magnetic-material markers for a rotation-sensor magnet to decrease magnetic field that could damage computers or medical equipment in the vicinity. Further optional, the rotation-marking of the rotation-mark collar can utilize a plurality of four mechanical trippers (31) and trippets (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining velocity and optionally distance traveled by measuring successive stepping movements of an object, which device comprises:

Abstract: A plate mounted turntable is carried on the trailing end of a ski and rotatably supports a carrier having a rotary position sensor thereon. The carrier additionally supports an arm assembly which includes wheels or a skid for penetration of a snow surface. A portion of the rotary position indicator remains fixed during arcuate travel of the carrier and attached arm assembly in response to lateral loads applied to the arm assembly during ski travel. Resilient members ensure arm assembly contact with a snow or other surface and return of the carrier to a neutral position in the absence of lateral loads. A lock maintains the arm assembly in a raised, inoperative position. Signals produced by the rotary position sensor, during lateral arm movement, are conducted to a data logger for storage therein and for ultimate downloading to a personal computer. Signals produced by the sensor indicate both extent of lateral movement of the arm assembly as well as duration of same.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for detecting an obstacle present ahead on the road in the course of travel of a vehicle, comprising a first laser radar mounted on the vehicle which emits an electromagnetic beam to detect the obstacle present ahead on the road, and second and third laser radars which measures distances between the first laser radar and the road surface at different angles. The system determines whether the first laser radar is mounted on the vehicle such that the laser beam central axis is horizontal or inclines upward or downward relative to the road surface or vehicle body, based on the distances, a height of the first laser radar from the road surface, the angles at which the distances are measured and reference values. The system may correct the inclination if determined. With the arrangement, the system ensures detection of an obstacle on the road without fail and conduction of a desired obstacle avoidance control.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to sensing devices and techniques which may be used to provide measurement data to aid an inertial navigation system, or attitude and heading reference system, and so bound the growth of errors which increase with time in such systems when operating autonomously. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of determining the path length along a borehole from a known reference point to a probe or tool which progresses through a drillpipe or tubular string, to provide data to aid an inertial navigation system. A sensing device 15 is used to detect joints 11 between sections of drillpipe or tubular string within the borehole and the path length is determined from the number of joints detected and a known length of each section of drillpipe or tubular string. In another aspect, a flow measuring device, such as an impeller, is used to measure the velocity of the probe or tool through the drillpipe or tubular string.