50th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 45 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110307091 | Air Disk Brake Caliper Pre-Stressing Method and Pre-Stressed Caliper Apparatus - A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307092 | TRANSPORT SCHEDULING FOR LOW MICROBIAL BULK PRODUCTS - Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307093 | EARLY-WARNING APPARATUS FOR HEALTH DETECTION OF SERVO MOTOR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - An early-warning apparatus for health detection of a servo motor and a method for operating the same are applied to estimate vibration phenomenon of a CNC tool machine. First, a vibration signal is produced through a vibration detecting unit. Afterward, the vibration signal is sequentially sent to a data buffer. Afterward, the vibration signal is transformed in time and frequency domains through a time-frequency transforming unit. Finally, a deterioration index is calculated through a deterioration index calculating unit to obtain a health index which is calculated through a health index calculating unit. Therefore, the build-in vibration detecting unit is provided to dispense with additional external sensors. Furthermore, the vibration phenomenon of the servo motor of the CNC tool machine is estimated according to the health index, thus analyzing non-linear and non-stationary characteristics of the estimated vibration phenomenon. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307094 | TRANSPORT SCHEDULING FOR LOW MICROBIAL BULK PRODUCTS - Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307095 | Method for Processing Flat Products and Corresponding Device - A method for processing a plurality of flat printed products is provided. The method includes the steps of determining one of at least two quality statuses for each flat printed product and for each flat printed product, storing a first information representing the determined quality status and a second information combining the first information with said flat printed product. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for processing flat printed products. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307096 | BLENDING ALGORITHM FOR TRAJECTORY PLANNING - The present exemplary embodiment relates to motion control and planning algorithms to facilitate execution of a series of moves within a motion trajectory. In one example, a trajectory is specified as a sequence of one or more path segments. A velocity profile is calculated for each of the one or more path segments, wherein each velocity profile is divided into a blend-in region, a blend-out region and a remainder region. Each path segment is executed such that the blend-in region of its velocity profile overlaps only with the blend-out region of the previous profile. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307097 | PROTECTIVE SKIN FOR ROBOTS - Detector device arranged to cover at least one portion of a mobile appliance; the device has an electromechanical transducer including a substrate, a first series of electrodes, a second series of electrodes, and a deformable layer associated with the electrodes of the two series, the substrate, the electrodes, and the deformable layer forming a single unit mounted on the portion of the mobile appliance and arranged so that a current flowing between one of the electrodes of the first series and an adjacent electrode of the second series is proportional to a thickness of the deformable layer in register with the electrodes. The substrate including a base layer to which are attached the electrodes of the first series and the electrodes of the second series, which have facing portions, and a variable conduction layer that covers the base layer and the electrodes. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307098 | AUTOMATED REFRIGERATOR OPENER - An automated refrigerator opener is described. The automated refrigerator opener includes a door seal separator (e.g., solenoid) for breaking a door seal between a refrigerator door and a refrigerator door casing. Also included is a powered door opener (e.g., linear actuator) for attaching with a refrigerator door and automatically opening the refrigerator door after the door seal is broken. A control device is communicatively connected with both the door seal separator and the powered door opener. The control device is operable for receiving an actuation command from a user and, thereafter, activates the door seal separator to break the door seal and cause the powered door opener to open the refrigerator door. Alternatively, if the door is already open, the control device is operable for causing the powered door opener to pull the door closed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307099 | DEVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A device management system is equipped with a storage section, a detecting component, and a calculating component and manages an installation device. The storage section stores operating rules of the installation device. The detecting component detects a violating action of the installation device running counter to the operating rules. The calculating component calculates a violating quantity that quantitatively expresses the violating action. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307100 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND SOFTWARE FOR AUTOMATED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF HVAC CONTROL PANELS - The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. A computer storage medium includes data relating to a plurality of control panel enclosures and a set of rules for designing a control panel. The system receives a selection of two or more components for placement in the control panel, retrieves information about the two or more components from a database, and generates one or more layouts. The one or more layouts comprise placement of the two or more components within at least one of the plurality of control panel enclosures as a function of the set of rules for designing a control panel. The control panel enclosures are dynamically selected as a function of the two or more components. The exemplary system dramatically reduces the product specification and engineering time required for any custom control panel and makes it possible for OEMs to efficiently offering more options and shorter turn-around times to its customers. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307101 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management system and method includes a method of altering an operating condition of a device located at a site. The method includes the steps of establishing communication with at least one device located at the site and acquiring device data from the device. Subsequently, the device data is communicated to a server disposed remotely from the site and an availability of a control action data is detected at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the device data. The system includes a processor operable to initiate establishing communication with the at least one device and initiate acquiring device data. A communication interface is operable to communicate the device data to the remote server and detect an availability of the control action data at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the device data. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307102 | Modular System For Data Center - A modular computing system for a data center includes one or more data center modules including rack-mounted computer systems. An electrical module is coupled to the data center modules and provides electrical power to computer systems in the data center modules. One or more air handling modules are coupled to the data center modules. The data center module may include two pre-fabricated portions, each portion including a row of racks of computer systems. The two computing module portions of the data center module may combine to form a computing space when coupled to one another. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING RAMPED SETPOINT TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH NETWORKED THERMOSTATS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY - The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307104 | Adaptive On-Tool Mass Flow Controller Tuning - One embodiment comprises a method of providing accurate mass flow controller flow rate data for a non-manufacturing-tuning-gas. The mass flow controller may be operated at a setpoint greater than 50%. Data may be recorded to a mass flow controller memory. The setpoint may then be changed to 0%. The recorded data may then be analyzed and one or more non-manufacturing-tuning-gas correction algorithm parameters may be calculated. The one or more non-manufacturing-tuning-gas correction algorithm parameters may be stored in a mass flow controller memory and subsequently used in at least one future mass flow controller operation involving the non-manufacturing-tuning-gas. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307105 | Custom clamps for deep-sea oil containment - A custom-manufactured clamshell plumbing fixture, or clamp, is provided, which precisely fits the irregular surface of a damaged oil-well riser pipe, or the surface of a blow-out-preventer, so as to tightly seal oil leaks. Using an optional gasket, the fixture functions as a plumbing adaptor with the damaged pipe at one joint, and a standard plumbing flange at another joint. Because of its rigid mechanical connection to the damaged pipe, a clamp of similar manufacture can also provide a solid platform for machine tools, allowing for reliable, precise cuts in damaged pipe or other devices, using a remote-controlled milling machine. The custom clamps are manufactured using techniques of digital object-capture and computer-controlled metal-working. Methods are discussed which can help to determine the exact shape of the surface to be sealed, and to manufacture and install the clamps and gaskets. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307106 | Methods and Systems for Monitoring, Controlling, and Recording Performance of a Storm Water Runoff Network - A method for monitoring, controlling, and recording performance of a storm water runoff network includes receiving, by a storm water management component, environmental data associated with a storage node. The method includes analyzing, by the storm water management component, the received environmental data. The method includes modifying, by the storm water management component, an operation of the storage node, responsive to the analysis. The method includes modifying, by the storm water management component, a state of a valve in the storage node, responsive to the analysis. The method includes modifying, by the storm water management component, a state of a pump in the storage node, responsive to the analysis. The method includes modifying, by the storm water management component, a state of a gate in the storage node, responsive to the analysis. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307107 | Temperature-dependent controller for controlling a sanitizing devise - This invention is intended to be a controller for controlling a sanitizing device such as an ozone generator. Microbial populations in waste enclosures such as trash cans, dumpsters, or port-o-potties can cause odor and sanitation issues. As ambient temperature varies by time-of-day or seasonally, the growth rates of the microbial population can vary significantly. This invention modulates the activity of the sanitizing device to apply sanitizing agent when it is needed most to reduce microbial population and/or odor inside a waste enclosure. By varying the amount of sanitizing agent as a function of ambient temperature, this invention minimizes the amount of sanitizing agent required. This also may be intended to reduce energy consumption of the sanitizing devise, allowing for smaller, more cost effective solar panels and/or batteries. It may also extend the lifetime of a sanitizing device by limiting the amount of time that it is active. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307108 | POWER GENERATING SYSTEM - A power generating system includes an engine, a generator, an inverter device interconnected with a commercial power supply, and a control device having a phase locked loop circuit, which includes an output port connected to a PWM circuit and increases a frequency of a command current supplied thereto upon an input of a timing voltage signal while the commercial power supply fails, wherein the control device controls the command current to correspond to phase of the timing voltage signal while the inverter device is actuated, fluctuates a phase of the command current by a first variable and calculates a phase difference between the command current and the timing voltage signal, in order to temporarily determine a possibility of the power outage, and then upon a temporal positive conclusion, the control device forcibly fluctuates the phase of the command current by a second variable and conclusively detects the power outage. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307109 | Smarter-Grid: Method to Forecast Electric Energy Production and Utilization Subject to Uncertain Environmental Variables - A method to forecast the energy sources and energy sinks to facilitate continuous capacity planning, regulation and control of energy state of an entity under variable weather condition is established. Energy sources of specific focus are related to renewable energy forms from wind, solar and wave that are highly dependent on prevailing weather conditions. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307110 | MANAGEMENT OF A VIRTUAL POWER INFRASTRUCTURE - A virtual power infrastructure for managing distribution of power to a plurality of power demanding units from a plurality of power generators includes a demand manager having logical descriptions of the power demanding units, in which the demand manager is configured to determine power load demands of the power demanding units using the logical descriptions of the power demanding units, and a capacity manager having logical descriptions of the power generators. The capacity manager is configured to determine allocation of power capacity supplied to the power generators from one or more of the power generators to meet the power load demands of the power demanding units, while satisfying one or more predetermined constraints associated with at least one of the power demanding units and the power generators. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307111 | AUTOMATIC MATCHING OF SOURCES TO LOADS - A method of matching sources to loads includes receiving load activity data and source activity data corresponding to samples of activity over a time period at a plurality of loads and a plurality of sources, respectively. The method of matching sources to loads further includes scoring similarity between the load activity and the source activity based on the load activity data and the source activity data, and matching loads to sources based on the scoring. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307112 | GOAL-BASED CONTROL OF LIGHTING - A goal-based control system may be provided that controls lighting based on high-level management goals for the operation of a lighting system. The system may include a lighting system model. The system may convert the high-level management goals into low-level device control parameters that include a power level for each respective one of the light fixtures, where the system determines that a modeled operation of each respective one the light fixtures at the power level meets the management goals based on the lighting system model. The system may cause each respective one of the light fixtures to operate at the power level. The system may determine a likelihood of satisfying the management goals. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307113 | CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SUPPLYING POWER TO ELECTRIFIED RAIL VEHICLES - A control assembly includes a monitoring module and a switching module. The monitoring module determines a load demand of a first rail vehicle traveling along a track, wherein the first rail vehicle is supplied with electric current from a plurality of power sources over a conductive pathway extending along the track. The switching module is communicatively coupled with the monitoring module and is joined with a switch controller disposed between the power sources and the conductive pathway. The switching module directs the switch controller to change which of the power sources supply the electric current to the first rail vehicle over the conductive pathway based on the load demand. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307114 | SUBSTATION AUTOMATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Exemplary embodiments provide separate SA system-level functionalities or tasks, which are conventionally performed by a multitude of distinct station-level devices, through a single SA device having a plurality of Processing Units (PU). The latter are either distinct Central Processing Units (CPUs) mounted on the same processor board, or distinct processing cores of a single multi-core CPU sharing the same Random Access Memory (RAM). Virtualization techniques are used in supporting multiple instances of Operating Systems (OS) on the plurality of PUs, to create distinct and mutually isolated execution environments are created. Each of these execution environments hosts a single functionality out of a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) functionality, a gateway functionality, an engineering workplace functionality, and a firewall functionality. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307115 | AUTOMATIC MATCHING OF SOURCES TO LOADS - A method of matching sources to loads includes affecting load activity at a load with a pattern, receiving source activity data representing source activity at a plurality of sources, and matching the load to at least one source based on the source activity data. A system for matching sources to loads includes a load activity manipulator operably connected to a load and configured to affect load activity of the load with a pattern. The system for matching sources to loads further includes an activity monitor configured to receive source activity data representing source activity at the sources. The system for matching sources to loads also includes a matching engine operably connected to the activity monitor and configured to match the load to at least one source based on the source activity data. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307116 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR REDUCING PEAK ELECTRICAL DEMAND BY SHIFTING ACTIVATION OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - Methods of reducing peak electrical demand at a single customer location of an electrical service provider during at least one time interval during a day can include shifting the activation of a first electrical appliance located at the single customer location from the at least one time interval during a day to a second time interval during which a second electrical appliance is not activated for at least part of the second time interval. Related systems, circuits, and computer program products are disclosed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING AND INSULATING CONTRAST MEDIA - A system for heating and insulating contrast media is disclosed herein. A thermal insulating cover sized to cover at least a portion of a contrast media container is provided with a heating element. A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the contrast media and communicates this temperature to a temperature controller, which controls the heating element in order to maintain the contrast media near a predetermined temperature. Temperature data is transmitted to a computer system by a data communicator. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307118 | Vehicle Aerodynamic Efficiency Advisor Systems and Methods - A method is provided. The method includes estimating aerodynamic efficiency values of a vehicle; comparing the aerodynamic efficiency values to determine vehicle settings; and generating a recommendation based on the at least one of the efficiency values and the vehicle settings. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307119 | WEB PORTAL SYSTEM FOR MANAGING VEHICLE USAGE AND MOBILITY - A network including a web portal gathers, compiles and formats information on vehicle usage across a vehicle community. The vehicle community is comprised of a plurality of vehicles whose users and owners have joined the network and communicate through the web portal to allow gathering and accumulation of vehicle operation information for various uses including maintaining a record of vehicle operation and determining energy usage and environmental impact. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307120 | METHOD FOR LOCATING THE LONGITUDINAL POSITION OF THE WHEELS OF A VEHICLE - A method for locating the longitudinal position, either on the front chassis or on the rear chassis of a vehicle, of wheels ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110307121 | ROAD-INSTALLED DRIVING SUPPORTING DEVICE, VEHICLE-MOUNTED DRIVING SUPPORTING DEVICE, AND DRIVING SUPPORTING SYSTEM - A vehicle-mounted driving supporting device | 2011-12-15 |
20110307122 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DRIVING BEHAVIOR OF A VEHICLE WHEN APPROACHING A STOPPING POINT - A device is provided for controlling the driving behavior of a vehicle when approaching a stopping point with a sensing device, which determines the distance between the vehicle and the stopping point, and with an evaluation device which taking into account at least the current vehicle speed determines a rolling distance to the stopping point, which the vehicle will cover with disconnected operational connection between vehicle drive and the driven vehicle wheels. A signaling device, upon reaching of the rolling distance, generates a disconnection signal for disconnecting the operational connection. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307123 | ELECTRIC POWER LINE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An in-vehicle electric power line communication system includes: a pair of direct current electric power lines functioning as electrically equilibrated communication lines; multiple communication devices communicating with each other via the communication lines; and an ignition switch. Each communication device applies a high frequency signal to the communication lines so that equilibrium communication is performed. One communication line starts and stops supplying direct current electricity according to a status of the ignition switch. Each communication device detects an electric potential of the one communication line or a potential difference between the direct current electric power lines. Each communication device determines the operation status of the vehicle based on the electric potential or the potential difference. Each communication device performs the equilibrium communication according to the operation status of the vehicle. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307124 | Automated Geo-Fence Boundary Configuration and Activation - A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307125 | METHOD OF MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A DAMPER, AND A DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD - The present invention relates to a method of monitoring the effectiveness of a damper system, wherein the method consists in measuring the relative movements of two strength members, in filtering the measurements in order to isolate those that relate to the lead-lag resonant frequency of the blade, in rectifying the signal, in recording the signal, in comparing the rectified signal (S) with a threshold value (S | 2011-12-15 |
20110307126 | MEASURING OF A LANDING PLATFORM OF A SHIP - A system for predicting the movement of a surface for autonomous landing of unmanned aerial vehicles thereon. At least two beam emitters are each movable to measure along at least one line on the surface. The lines measured by the two beam emitters are crossed so that they have at least one point of intersection in common. A control module. A detector is configured to detect reflected beams. A processor is configured to process measurements including estimating continuously a plane to the surface by measurements during a time interval. A storage module is configured to store the processed measurements. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307127 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE PERFORMANCE - Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle including an engine comprising a turbocharger including a compressor and a turbine. The engine further includes a bypass path configured to selectively route gas from downstream of the compressor to upstream of the turbine. In one embodiment, the method comprises selectively increasing gas flow to the engine by adjusting gas flow through the bypass path from downstream of the compressor to upstream of the turbine. In this manner, the performance of the engine may be adjusted for various operating conditions. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307128 | Automatic vessel position holding control method and controller - An automatic vessel position holding control method for holding a vessel position and a vessel heading of a vessel on the ocean in order to reduce a positional deviation and a heading deviation sharply as compared with the conventional automatic vessel position holding control by performing feedforward control for estimating and then compensating for at least one of a wave drifting force and a wave drifting moment that act on the vessel, wherein a vessel position holding control is performed that includes such controls as estimating waves entering the vessel from motion thereof, calculating at least one of the wave drifting force and the wave drifting moment from the estimated waves and performing feedforward control for at least one of the calculated wave drifting force and the calculated wave drifting moment. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307129 | VEHICLE STEERABILITY AND STABILITY CONTROL VIA INDEPENDENT WHEEL TORQUE CONTROL - An independent wheel torque control algorithm is disclosed for controlling motor torques applied to individual electric motors coupled to vehicle wheels in an electric vehicle. In a first range of vehicle states, vehicle steerability is favored so that the operator of the vehicle suffers little or no longitudinal propulsion loss while steering is enhanced. In a second range of vehicle states, vehicle stability is favored. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a desired yaw moment is computed and then may be reduced in magnitude due to system limitations, electrical or friction limits, which prevents the desired yaw moment from being fully realized. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307130 | SELECTABLE DRIVING MODES - Electric vehicle driving modes and methods of use thereof are described. A vehicle includes a driving mode selection unit. The driving mode selection unit can be used to select a particular driving mode from amongst a plurality of driving modes. A vehicle may be capable of using more energy in a first driving mode than in a second driving mode. A driving mode may comprise at least three vehicle system operating profiles comprising at least three of motor torque curve profile, regenerative braking level profile, electronic power steering profile, electronic stability control profile, antilock braking system profile, and top speed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307131 | DEVICE FOR THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT OF A VEHICLE - A device for the energy management of a vehicle, which has an air-conditioning system and a controller controlling the air-conditioning system. The air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning compressor coupled mechanically to the drive train and a thermal storage unit. The controller controls the air-conditioning compressor in such a way that the energy efficiency of the vehicle is improved. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307132 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - In a vehicle control for a vehicle that includes: an internal combustion engine; a vehicle-driving rotary electric machine that generates drive force on a drive wheel; and an electricity storage device that supplies electric power to the vehicle-driving rotary electric machine, the internal combustion engine includes an exhaust passageway, a catalyst provided in the exhaust passageway, and a heater device that heats the catalyst by using electric power from the electricity storage device. The vehicle control includes determining whether an execution condition that a state of the drive wheel is changing between a slipping state and a gripped state is satisfied; and executing a control for causing the electric power generated by the vehicle-driving rotary electric machine to be consumed by the heater device if the execution condition is satisfied. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307133 | SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING GO-KART SPEED - A system and related methods to automatically equalize acceleration rates and speeds of an electric go-kart based on the weight and other characteristics of the driver. Each kart is equipped with a transponder with a unique frequency that is controlled by a remote control transmitter via radio frequency (RF). The remote control transmitter is capable of changing the speed settings of the electric motor controller on each kart on the track before, after and during a race. Each driver is issued a “Driver's License” in the form of a card with a magnetic stripe that contains, but is not limited to, information on the driver's account balance, driver's race level, and the driver's weight. This information is read from the Driver's License card and used to adjust the speed and acceleration rate of the electric motor of the kart being driven by that participant. The card can be read at the Point-of-Sale (POS) (i.e., cashier, or check-in), or by a card reader on each individual kart. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307134 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A control for a hybrid vehicle includes; obtaining information that an EV switch that is operated when a travel of the vehicle in an EV mode in which priority is given to an EV travel in which the vehicle travels by a motive power only from a rotary electric machine is to be selected has been operated; starting a permission preparation control for causing a transition from a state in which a situation of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined reservation condition for reserving the EV mode to a state in which the situation of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined permission condition for permitting the EV mode if the situation of the vehicle does not satisfy the permission condition but satisfies the reservation condition when the EV switch has been operated; and enabling to control the travel of the vehicle in the EV mode if the predetermined permission condition is satisfied. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307135 | ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS AND HYBRID VEHICLE INCLUDING THEREOF - An engine control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a conversion angle detecting device, an angle determining device, an engine load calculating device and an engine control device. The conversion angle detecting device detects a rotational phase of a cam with respect to a crankshaft as a detected conversion angle of a variable valve operating mechanism of an engine. The angle determining device determines if the detected conversion angle is different from a starting conversion angle when the engine is started. The engine load calculating device calculates a requested load to be imposed on the engine based on the detected conversion angle if the detected conversion angle is different from to the starting conversion angle at a time the engine is started. The engine control device controls the engine in accordance with the requested engine load that was calculated. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307136 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE - An ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a target boost voltage to a maximum value when a request for changing a sub power supply is made; temporarily increasing discharge electric power of a main power supply and then restricting discharge electric power of the sub power supply before switching; shutting off a gate of a converter on the sub power supply side; performing processing for shutting off an SMR corresponding to the sub power supply before switching; connecting an SMR corresponding to a sub power supply after switching when an absolute value of a current is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; canceling shut-off of the gate of the converter on the sub power supply side; canceling temporary increase in discharge electric power of the main power supply and restriction of discharge electric power of the sub power supply; and canceling the setting of the maximum value as the target boost voltage. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307137 | GENERATOR POWER-BASED COLD START STRATEGY - A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a battery, an engine and a generator acting as a motor control generator power during engine starting so that generator torque complements or assists the engine to develop a stable running speed throughout an engine start event, particularly a cold engine start event, without violating battery power limits. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307138 | POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A positioning method that calculates a lower accuracy positioning solution and applies an offset to the lower accuracy positioning solution to form a final positioning solution if a higher accuracy positioning solution is unavailable. The offset represents a difference between the lower accuracy positioning solution and the higher accuracy positioning solution at a point in time when the higher accuracy positioning solution was last available. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307139 | COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT INTERSECTION COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - The present invention discloses a back-propagating intersection collision avoidance (ICA) system for preventing two or more vehicles from colliding at an intersection. The ICA system can calculate predicted positions of the two or more vehicles in the near future, and both the current and future positions can be broadcast to surrounding vehicles using vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For each vehicle, a set of states, for example position, speed, acceleration, and the like, where a collision is imminent can be identified using state information for a local vehicle, a remote vehicle, and a known collision zone for the intersection. If the current states of the vehicles are determined to be in danger of entering the collision zone, the ICA system can control the vehicles to perform evasive driving maneuvers and/or alert the drivers. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307140 | Configurable Functions for Vehicle Parameters - The user configures to process at least two data sources without depending on preprogrammed functions or resorting to reprogramming the basic software of the device. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING EQUIPMENT UTILIZATION - A method for measuring vehicle utilization includes determining, with an ignition sensor, an ignition status of a vehicle and determining, with a motion sensor, a motion status of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a utilization of the vehicle based, at least in part, on the ignition status and the motion status. Additionally, the method includes transmitting status information to a location remote from the vehicle. The status information indicates at least one of the ignition status, the motion status, and the utilization. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307142 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - Provided is a vehicle motion control system that comprises a plurality of vehicle behavior control units that are controlled in a mutually coordinated manner, and is configured to operate as designed even when one of the vehicle motion control units should fail. If a RTC-ECU ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110307143 | Method And System For Facilitating The Exchange Of Information Between A Vehicle And A Remote Location - The present invention is directed to a system and method that includes a vehicle that exchanges information with the remote location by way of a communication network. A remote server transmits vehicle-related information to the vehicle by way of a communication system. Information may also be broadcast to and received by the vehicle by way of a broadcast communication system. A receiver of the vehicle provides user access to only a subset of the broadcast information based on user preferences of a user profile. The user may update the user profile by accessing and updating it at either the vehicle or by accessing a database. The user may access the database through a network, such as the Internet. The vehicle also selectively transmits vehicle-related information to the remote location when a predetermined event occurs. The vehicle-related information is compiled and analyzed at the remote location, and the analyzed information is transmitted back to the vehicle. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307144 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING VEHICLE INFORMATION - The present invention provides a method and system for transmitting and receiving vehicle information, in which a wireless transmitting and receiving unit and a vehicle computer recording a first information is disposed in the vehicle, and a processing computer is disposed in a vehicle station. When the vehicle enters the vehicle station, the vehicle wirelessly transmits the first information to the processing computer according to a request signal. After that, the processing computer wirelessly transmits a second information to the vehicle computer at a specific time point. By means of the method and system of the present invention, it is capable of exchanging information between the vehicle and vehicle station in a wireless transmitting and receiving way so as to save the waiting time for maintenance and management. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307145 | POWER GENERATION CONTROL APPARATUS AND POWER GENERATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A power generation control apparatus can switch, by controlling a power generation apparatus capable of generating power by power of a power source which makes a vehicle travel, between a first power generation control of mainly performing power generation at the time of deceleration of the vehicle while suppressing power generation at the time of acceleration of the vehicle in the case where normal travel of acceleration/deceleration travel is performed in a state where the power source operates and a second power generation control of mainly performing power generation at the time of acceleration of the vehicle while suppressing power generation at the time of deceleration of the vehicle in the case where acceleration/deceleration travel including coasting in which the vehicle travels in a state where the operation of the power source stops is performed. Consequently, power generation can be performed properly. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307146 | SAFETY DETECTION APPARATUS FOR EXITING A VEHICLE - A safety detection apparatus for exiting a vehicle is disclosed, according to an embodiment, the safety detection apparatus utilizes a circumstance detecting means such as an infrared detector, a radar detector, or a video monitor to detect a moving object signal. A parameter determining means generates a relative position signal and a relative velocity signal of the moving object to the vehicle based on the moving object signal detected by the circumstance detecting means. A safety analyzing means obtains the relative position signal and the relative velocity signal of the moving object from the parameter determining means and generates an exiting safety level signal, the exiting safety level signal is determined based on the relative position signal and the relative velocity signal of the moving object, a distance threshold, and a velocity threshold. A safety controlling means obtains the exiting safety level signal from the safety analyzing means and outputs a control instruction corresponding to the exiting safety level. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307147 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED TIRE MONITORING - A control system ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110307148 | OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING HEATER ELEMENT ELECTRICAL ISOLATION - A system for determining an occupant proximate to a vehicle seat, a controller for use in the system, and a method for electrically isolating a heater element from an occupant detection electrode. When a heater element in a seat is coupled to a heater voltage source to generate heat, the heater element may influence an electric field generated by an occupant detection electrode in such a way as to interfere with determining an occupant proximate to the seat. Depending on the arrangement of the electrode and the heater element, such interference may be present at all times when the electrode is connected to the heater voltage source, or may only be problematic when the seat is wet with liquid moisture. By electrically isolating the heater element, the influence on the electric field may be reduced so the process of determining if an occupant is present in the seat is not interfered with. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307149 | AUTOMATIC GRAIN TRANSFER CONTROL SYSTEM BASED ON REAL TIME MODELING OF A FILL LEVEL PROFILE FOR REGIONS OF THE RECEIVING CONTAINER - A grain transfer control system for automatically controlling relative positions of an unloading system discharge nozzle of a work machine and a receiving container based on a real time model of a fill level profile for regions of the receiving container, the profile being modeled using known or estimated rates of flow of grain and positions of the nozzle relative to regions of the receiving container as a function of time, the system adjusting the relative positions of the nozzle and the receiving container to effect a generally even fill of the receiving container. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307150 | Damping Oscillations During a Gear Ratio Change of a Dual Clutch Powershift Transmission - A method for controlling an upshift in a vehicle transmission includes transferring engine torque from an offgoing clutch to an oncoming clutch, using a torque capacity of the offgoing clutch to dampen oscillations when a difference between a speed of a transmission offgoing input and a calculated expected speed of said input is greater than a reference speed difference, and modulating engine torque during a ratio change phase of the shift. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307151 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREVENTING A SURGING OF FLUIDS IN A TANK OF A TANK TRUCK - A method and device for preventing a surging of fluids in a tank of a tank truck, during transportation, the tank truck having a drive train including an internal combustion engine, a clutch device and an automatic or automated transmission device, and the drive train is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), which prepared to receive input data from an arrangement for detecting a tank drive mode and sensors for sensing, a load status of the tank truck. The method includes detecting a tank drive mode, calculating a launch gear, and limiting the clutch device torque gradient. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307152 | VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL DEVICE - There is provided a vehicle travel control device capable of controlling acceleration and deceleration without causing a driver to feel uncomfortable. The vehicle travel control device includes: a vehicle deceleration control section which operates at least two of a throttle control section, a downshifting control section, and a brake control section on the basis of target deceleration; a target deceleration setting section which sets the target deceleration; and changing means for changing the operation order of the throttle control section, the downshifting control section, and the brake control section according to the target deceleration set by the target deceleration setting section. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307153 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DISENGAGEMENT OF AN AUTOMATED VEHICLE MASTER CLUTCH - A method and device are provided for controlling disengagement of an automated vehicle master clutch arranged in a vehicle drivetrain between a vehicle propulsion unit and a step geared transmission. The method includes the steps of determining a first output torque of the propulsion unit prior to initiation of a master clutch disengagement procedure, computing a second output torque of the propulsion unit in dependence of at least the first output torque, and where the second output torque is closer to zero torque than the first output torque, initiating the master clutch disengagement procedure by initiating an oscillation in drive shafts by abruptly altering propulsion unit output torque from the first to the second output torque, and disengaging the master clutch when the oscillation has reached a first oscillation turning point. Benefits can include faster gear shifting and better comfort with maintained transmission durability. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307154 | BRAKING/DRIVING CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A braking/driving control apparatus for a vehicle includes a basic control unit which calculates and outputs a target axle torque based on a target acceleration and a driving resistance of the vehicle and which determines an axle torque for a power train of the vehicle and an axle torque for a braking apparatus of the vehicle based on the calculated target axle torque, a sliding-down prediction determining unit which determines whether there is a possibility that the vehicle slides down rearwards on an uphill road, and a sliding-down preventing process executing unit which performs a process for reducing a possibility that the vehicle slides down, based on a determination result of the sliding-down prediction determining unit. After the sliding-down prediction determining unit determines that there is the possibility, the sliding-down preventing process executing unit controls the basic control unit to calculate and output the target axle torque so as to reach an axle torque which is obtained by reducing a predetermined positive amount form an estimated value of an axle torque necessary for the vehicle to achieve the target acceleration against the driving resistance. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307155 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LIMITING A DYNAMIC PARAMETER OF A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a method for limiting a dynamic parameter of a vehicle, such as speed or acceleration, and to a vehicle dynamics control module (VDCM), an engine control module (ECM) and a system for carrying out the method as well as to a computer product associated thereto. The present invention allows a driver of a vehicle to be provided with an acceptable acceleration, speed and/or the like, which may be lower than the requested acceleration, speed, etc., in order to optimize energy consumption of the vehicle, typically for transportation vehicles such as trucks, buses and delivery vans. This is accomplished, by a continuously running controller, such as a PI controller and by limiting the integral term of the PI controller, to smoothen transitions when the dynamic parameter is limited and to substantially reduce overshoot with respect to the limit of the dynamic parameter. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307156 | Automobile Communication System - A communication system for use with an automobile having an accelerator, a brake, a cruise control, and a brake lamp includes a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a cruise lamp visible from outside the automobile. The communication system includes a processor in data communication with the accelerator, the brake, the cruise control, the brake lamp, the display, the transmitter, the receiver, and the cruise lamp. The processor includes programming to actuate the automobile's cruise control to synchronize with the cruise control of a nearby vehicle having an activated cruise control. The processor actuates the accelerator to accelerate or decelerate according to cruise data received from the nearby synchronized automobile. The system may include a GPS such that current GPS and speed data may be compared with received GPS and speed data to determine a proximity and rate of closure between synchronized automobiles. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307157 | AIRFLOW GENERATING DEVICE FOR ALTERNATOR COOLING AND VAPOR CANISTER PURGING - Various systems and methods for an engine in a vehicle which includes an airflow generating device coupled between an alternator and a fuel vapor canister are described. In one example, airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to cool the alternator during a first mode such as when the alternator temperature is greater than a threshold temperature. During a second mode when the alternator temperature is less than the threshold temperature and the engine is boosted, for example, the airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to assist purging of fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307158 | APPARATUS TO CONTROL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - An apparatus to control an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder operation controller configured to switch a cylinder operation between an all-cylinder operation and a cylinder deactivation operation. A deactivation time parameter integrating device is configured to integrate a deactivation time parameter indicating a deactivation time of the part of the plurality of cylinders to calculate an integrated deactivation time parameter. An inhibiting device is configured to inhibit the cylinder deactivation operation if the integrated deactivation time parameter calculated by the deactivation time parameter integrating device is larger than or equal to a reference value. The deactivation time parameter integrating device holds the integrated deactivation time parameter as an initial value after an operation of the internal combustion engine is stopped. The deactivation time parameter integrating device resumes integrating the deactivation time parameter using the initial value when the internal combustion engine restarts. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307159 | CONTROL APPARATUS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control pattern corresponding to a ultra high expansion cycle is executed, wherein an actual timing IVCa of an intake valve closing timing is controlled to agree with a steady adapted value IVCt, an actual value εma of a mechanical compression ratio is controlled to agree with a steady adapted value εmt, and an ignition timing SA is controlled to agree with a steady adapted timing SAt. There are four cases that might be generated, including a case in which the IVCa is shifted toward a retard angle side or toward an advance angle side from the IVCt due to a response delay of a variable intake valve timing apparatus, and a case in which εma is shifted to a greater side or to a smaller side from the εmt due to the response delay of a variable compression ratio mechanism. With respect to each of four cases, there are two countermeasures, which are a countermeasure of “executing an intake valve closing timing correction or a mechanical compression ratio correction in order to return the actual value εca of the actual compression ratio to the steady adapted value εct”, and a countermeasure of “executing an ignition timing correction with the shift of the εca from the εct being maintained”. In the first embodiment, one of two countermeasures is selected for each of the four cases from the viewpoint of selecting “a pattern having the best fuel efficiency in the case in which to secure an output torque required by a driver takes first priority”. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307160 | System for Monitoring and Indicating Filter Life - Disclosed are systems, methods, and algorithms for monitoring and indicating filter life. In particular, the disclosed systems, methods, and algorithms may be utilized for monitoring and indicating the useful life of a filter in an internal combustion engine. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307161 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - A method is described for operating a fuel injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel under pressure is made available in a pressure reservoir and a fuel pressure prevailing in the pressure reservoir is ascertainable with the aid of a pressure sensor. Fuel is removed from the pressure reservoir over a predefinable pressure reduction time period, measured pressure values are ascertained (determined) with the aid of the pressure sensor at least two different points in time during the pressure reduction period, and an actual fuel pressure at the beginning of the pressure reduction period is inferred from the measured pressure values ascertained (determined) during the pressure reduction period. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307162 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control device in an IC engine estimates a future cylinder inside air quantity by delaying an operation of a throttle to make responsiveness of the IC engine and estimation precision of the cylinder inside air quantity compatible with each other. A delay time is provided in a calculation process until an instructed TA is outputted after a required KL is inputted. When calculation timing of a fuel injection quantity comes, an actual KL which is achieved in a time ahead by the delay time from the present time is estimated by using an air response model. When a read-ahead time of an intake valve exceeds the delay time, a change amount of the actual KL is estimated by using an air response model with a deviation between an estimated KL after td and a target KL set as a step input value. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307163 | CONTROLLER OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A controller performs compression self-ignition combustion control for combusting a mixture gas by injecting fuel into a cylinder in a negative valve overlapping period (NVO period), in which both of an exhaust valve and an intake valve are closed, and by causing self-ignition of the mixture gas using compression in a compression stroke. If knocking is detected during the above control, the controller performs knock suppression control for correcting a fuel injection quantity in the NVO period to suppress the knocking. If a pressure increase rate of cylinder pressure during the combustion is lower than a threshold value, the controller performs increase correction of the fuel injection quantity in the NVO period. If the pressure increase rate is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the controller performs decrease correction of the fuel injection quantity in the NVO period. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307164 | Control Device for In-Cylinder Fuel Injection Type Internal Combustion Engine - Provided is a control device for an in-cylinder injection engine which reduces an amount of fuel attaching and remaining on a piston crown surface so as to bring the first injection as advanced as possible and suppress an increase in the number of exhaust particles of PM, when fuel injection is performed a plurality of times in one cycle in the in-cylinder injection engine. At least the first fuel injection of the respective injections dividedly performed the plurality of times is performed in an intake stroke. At least the first injection start timing of the respective injections dividedly performed the plurality of times is set in accordance with an EGR amount. The first injection start timing is more advanced when the EGR amount is large than when the EGR amount is small. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307165 | METHOD FOR CREATING SPEED PROFILES FOR DIGITAL MAPS - Probe data collected at times of low traffic density is analyzed to derive a Raw Road Design Speed Limit (RRDSL, | 2011-12-15 |
20110307166 | METHOD FOR COMPUTING AN ENERGY EFFICIENT ROUTE - Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110307167 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING GEOGRAPHICALLY TARGETED INFORMATION AND ADVERTISING - A system and method of providing information based on the location of the target. The system is ideal for use with voice based technology, and uses street segments to allow users to identify their location by cross street. The system can target advertisements to users based on the location of the user, a destination location related to the information requested by the user and/or the route to be taken by the user to reach such destination location. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307168 | Weather-sensitive route mapping - A wireless phone navigation system that obtains and uses weather system data to alert and re-route a user around inclement weather located at a point on the user's navigated route, as predicted to be at a time in the future that the user would otherwise be expected to traverse that part of the navigated route. A weather polygon is drawn around a perimeter of a weather system obtained from current weather data. The weather polygon (or other shape) may be drawn based on configurable weather items to be avoided, e.g., rain, ice conditions, snow on ground, etc. The re-routing may be based on a prediction of a future position of a weather system with respect to where on a navigated route a user will be at that future time. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307169 | Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, Information Processing System, and Program - There is provided an information processing apparatus including a map matching section configured to extract, based on a result obtained by measuring a position of a user, a candidate for a road along which the user is proceeding, and a selection section configured to select a road along which the user is proceeding from among candidates for the road, based on an analysis result obtained by recognizing a character written on a signpost included in a video in which a view in a travelling direction of the user is shot. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307170 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A navigation system includes a map database | 2011-12-15 |
20110307171 | GPS Location Refinement Method In Environments With Low Satellite Visibility - A map data base can be used to assist GPS and other vehicle sensors (i.e., wheel speed, gyro, . . . ) in location estimation by allowing techniques such as determining if location is valid or invalid, best-fit determination, and others. Reduction in map data dependency can be achieved by using it only in areas where GPS position is not reliable. Reduction in map data dependency can be in the form of reduced size of map data base, or reduced data transmission in conjunction with anticipating future map needs, if map data is not stored locally on device. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307172 | HAND-HELD NAVIGATION AID FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT - The present application relates to a hand-held navigation aid and method that assists the visually impaired individuals to navigate and perform routine activities independently. The method enables visually impaired individuals to identify the hindrances using navigation means. The method assists visually impaired individual to navigate in all types of environment, outdoor with or without GPS facility and indoor with or without GPS facility by means of the hand-held navigation aid. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307173 | USE OF INERTIAL SENSOR DATA TO IMPROVE MOBILE STATION POSITIONING - An implementation of a system and method for using inertial sensor data to improve mobile station positioning is provided. Many mobile devices include an inertial sensor. These inertia measurements typically produce low resolution inertial measurements, which may be used to generate an uncertainty value and/or to select a positioning filter model. In some embodiments, this uncertainty value is used as a process noise input signal into a Kalman filter or similar filter. In some embodiments, one position estimate is selected from multiple navigation position filter models operate concurrently, each computing a separate position estimate. In these embodiments, a position estimate is selected based on either the uncertainty value or based on another characteristic of the inertia measurements. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307174 | NAVIGATION METHOD, APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND USER INTERFACE - An apparatus, method, computer program and user interface wherein the method comprises: a controller configured to determine locations of interest within a predetermined distance of a first location; a display configured to simultaneously present a map, a first bounded area of the map and a list of the determined locations of interest within the first bounded area; a user input device configured to enable a user to make a user input, wherein; the controller is configured to detect a user input and, in response to the detection of the user input, control the display to present a second bounded area of the map and update the list of the determined locations of interest so that locations of interest within the second bounded area are presented in the list. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307175 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLISION ASSESSMENT FOR VEHICLES - Methods and systems are provided for assessing a target proximate a vehicle. A location and a velocity of the target are obtained. The location and the velocity of the target are mapped onto a polar coordinate system via a processor. A likelihood that the vehicle and the target will collide is determined using the mapping. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307176 | VEHICLE HANDLING ASSISTANT APPARATUS - A vehicle handling assistant apparatus is discloses, the vehicle handling assistant apparatus utilizes an environment acquisition means to acquire an environment signal and utilizes an environment presentation means to present the environment signal. The vehicle handling assistant apparatus also utilizes an obstacle detection means to detect an obstacle from the environment signal acquired by the environment acquisition means and output an obstacle signal. The obstacle detection means may be implemented by an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor or a camera. An obstacle region generation means generates an obstacle region signal from the environment signal based on the obstacle signal generated by the obstacle detection means. The obstacle region signal includes information about a position of the foot point line and a width of the obstacle region. An environment signal adjustment means adjusts the environment signal presented by the environment presentation means based on the obstacle region signal. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307177 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VOLUMETRIC SOIL WATER CONTENT - The present invention relates to a method that obtains emissivity or reflectivity based on ratios of the brightness temperature measured by a satellite and the land surface temperature, calculates two reflectivity using polarizing features of a microwave according to surface characteristics, and measures a volumetric soil water content of a land surface considering that water has different physical characteristics from those of soil. In particular, it may be possible to measure volumetric soil water contents on territories of other countries as well as regions which have many limitations and troubles in direct measurement of the volumetric soil water contents. Accordingly, valuable materials in terms of nation economy may be produced together with substantial contribution to industrial fields that have direct effects on agriculture and disaster prevention. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307178 | SEGMENT IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION USING HORIZON STRUCTURE - One or more computer-readable media including computer-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to perform geometrical calculations using seismic horizon data; and define horizon segments based on the geometrical calculations where each defined horizon segment includes points and where each point has a corresponding probability of that point belonging to a defined horizon segment. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307179 | METHOD OF EXTRACTING FORMATION DENSITY AND PE USING A PULSED ACCELERATOR BASED LITHO-DENSITY TOOL - A method for a pulsed gamma-gamma density tool to simultaneously compensate for interactions due to the photoelectric effect and density variations caused by standoff enables a more precise determination of bulk formation density. This method includes the steps of providing a source of energetic particles and directing those energetic particles at a formation having a known photoelectric factor and electron density and capturing one or more photons either emitted or deflected from the formation either a first detector or a second detector. The first detector is spaced a first distance from the source, the second detector is spaced a second distance from the detector and a third distance separates the first detector from the second detector. Measuring a first total energy of the photons striking the first detector during a time interval and measuring a second total energy of the photons striking the second detector as a function of the time interval and disposing a first filter between the first detector and the formation effective to cause Pe response to match standoff influence thereby compensating for both effects simultaneously. In addition to the first filter, the required compensation may include a second filter between the second detector and the formation as well as adjustments to the respective first distance, second distance and third distance. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307180 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING METABOLOMIC DATA - The present invention generates a visual display of metabolomic data compiled by a database and associated processor. More particularly, the present invention provides a database for automatically receiving a three-dimensional spectrometry data set for a group of samples. The present invention also provides a processor device for manipulating the data sets to produce plots that are directly comparable to a plurality of characteristic plots corresponding to a plurality of selected metabolites. Furthermore, the processor device may generate a visual display indicating the presence of the selected metabolites across the group of samples. Thus, the present invention enables a user to analyze a series of complex data sets in a visual display that may indicate the presence of the selected metabolites across the group of samples. Furthermore, the visual display generated by embodiments of the present invention also expedites the subjective analysis of the spectrometry data sets. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307181 | ULTRASONIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic apparatus is provided with an adaptive signal processing block ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110307182 | COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MICROFLUIDIC INSTRUMENTATION FOR NEXT-GENERATION BIOLOGICAL SIGNALING NETWORK RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS - A computer-controlled micro-instrumentation biochemical reaction environment system includes an electrically-controllable microfludic routing system, at least one microreaction chamber, at least one micro-instrumentation device, and at least one electronic microprocessor. The microreaction chamber supports at least one chemical reaction associated with a biological signaling pathway. The micro-instrumentation device measures at least one physical quantity associated with the signaling pathway. The microprocessor transmits electrical control signals, receives electrical measurement signals, and executes at least one software algorithm. The microreaction chamber is connected to the microfludic routing system to receive and transmit at least a fluid or gas, and the electronic microprocessor receives electrical measurement signals from the micro-instrumentation device via a first electric interface and transmits electrical control signals to electrically-controllable microfludic routing system via a second electrical interface. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307183 | METHOD FOR THE BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE AND RELATIVE DEVICE - A method for the bacterial investigation of a biological sample, which provides to carry out a light scattering reading in order to determine the turbidity according to the McFarland standard of a suspension formed from a liquid culture means or eugonic medium in which the biological sample is inoculated, and in which the turbidity is continuously measured directly from the suspension of the sample analyzed during the growth step of the bacteria, until a determined threshold of turbidity is reached expressed according to the McFarland standard. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307184 | LOW PERFUSION SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In some embodiments, systems and methods for identifying a low perfusion condition are provided by transforming a signal using a wavelet transform to generate a scalogram. A pulse band and adjacent marker regions in the scalogram are identified. Characteristics of the marker regions are used to detect the existence of a lower perfusion condition. If such a condition is detected, an event may be triggered, such as an alert or notification. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307185 | DYNAMIC SYSTEM OF INSTANTANEOUS COUNTING AND CUMULATIVE PERIODIC SPACE-TIME RECORD OF EQUIVALENT CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS - A dynamic system of counting and cumulative periodic space-time record of equivalent carbon dioxide emissions is revealed, which collects energy consumption data from conventional measuring systems of each installation, adapts and transmits them to a multi-transducer, whose processor, by means of a software, calculates carbon dioxide equivalent emissions related to that consumption. The signals processed are transmitted to interfaces which generate instant or cumulative digital data, as well as to a remote recording and processing central. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307186 | System and Method for Determining the Phase Envelope of a Gas Condensate - A system for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate includes a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the passageways. The system includes an input sample bottle in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and a first pump associated with the input sample bottle for urging the gas condensate, in the input sample bottle, into the entrance passageway. The system further comprises an output sample bottle in fluid communication with the exit passageway and a second pump associated with the output sample bottle for pressurizing the gas condensate, in the output sample bottle, into the exit passageway in opposition to the first pump. The system comprises a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the gas condensate in the microchannel. The first pump and the second pump operate to provide a desired pressure drop across the microchannel. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307187 | SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYZER AND SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS METHOD - A spectroscopic analyzer includes a first measurement section which measures a spectrum of near-infrared region by irradiating a sample with near-infrared light, a second measurement section which measures a spectrum of infrared region by irradiating the sample with infrared light, and an analysis section which analyzes characteristics of the sample using the spectra measured by the first and second measurement sections. The analysis section includes a first calculation module which acquires a integrated spectrum by combining the spectrum of near-infrared region and the spectrum of infrared region, a second calculation module which calculates a difference spectrum of a reference spectrum measured in advance and the integrated spectrum, and a third calculation module which calculates correlation between the spectrum of near-infrared region and the spectrum of infrared region by performing a two-dimensional correlation operation using the difference spectrum. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307188 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING DRIVER FEEDBACK USING A HANDHELD MOBILE DEVICE - A method for collecting and evaluating driving related data, comprising using one or more sensors associated with a handheld mobile device to automatically collect driving data during a data collection session; and using one or more processors to execute computer readable instructions stored in non-transitory memory to calculate, based at least on the collected driving data, one or more metrics related to the driver's driving behavior, and display on a display device the one or more calculated metrics related to the driver's driving behavior. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307189 | FORCE MEASURING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables. | 2011-12-15 |
20110307190 | Vehicle Fuel Consumption Calculator - Diesel fuel consumption is calculated in real-time in an vehicle diagnostic monitor using standard OBDII reported parameters and publicly available engine characteristics. Also, fuel consumption in vehicles that maintain a constant air-fuel ratio is calculated by analyzing the subject engine as an air pump and reading publicly available OBDII diagnostic data to estimate the instantaneous airflow through the engine without the need of MAF sensor data. | 2011-12-15 |