05th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130030629 | BICYCLE MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS - A bicycle motor control apparatus includes a bicycle crank position detecting device, a bicycle crank position determining section, a stop determining section and a motor control section. The bicycle crank position detecting device detects a position of a bicycle crank. The bicycle crank position determining section determines if the bicycle crank is in a prescribed region including a bottom dead center position based on a detection result from the bicycle crank position detecting device. The stop determining section that determines a stopped state indicative of at least one a bicycle crank stopped state and a bicycle stopped state. The motor control section selectively outputs a motor driving command and stops the output of the motor driving command during a period in which the bicycle crank position determining section determines that the bicycle crank is in the prescribed region and the stop determining section determines that the stopped state exists. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030630 | DYNAMICALLY LIMITING VEHICLE OPERATION FOR BEST EFFORT ECONOMY - Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and/or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and/or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030631 | Electric Drive Vehicle Control System - Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030632 | HYBRID VEHICLE PRIME MOVERS COMMUNICATION CONTROL STRATEGY - Messaging in a controller area network is modified to hide thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests originating with selected nodes with relatively low contention access priority from an engine controller and to route the messages instead through an intermediary controller which is an independent source of thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests. More specifically, in a hybrid vehicle having a body controller with operational control over power take off equipment, a hybrid controller and a thermal engine controller, angular velocity and torque change requests to support power take off operation are embedded in auxiliary input/output messages. The hybrid controller operates on these auxiliary messages, conflating the embedded angular velocity and torque change requests with its own and rebroadcast in conventional form. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030633 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR HYBRID VEHICLE, AND HYBRID VEHICLE INCORPORATING CONTROL DEVICE - An ECU uses a map or the like prepared in advance to calculate a discharge allowable power. Then, the ECU sets a VH upper limit value at the first upper limit value. When the running mode is not at a CD mode (that is, at a CS mode), or when the engine is operating, the ECU proceeds to S | 2013-01-31 |
20130030634 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR HYBRID VEHICLE, AND HYBRID VEHICLE INCORPORATING CONTROL DEVICE - An ECU includes a running mode control unit, a Wout control unit, and an engine start/stop determination unit. The running mode control unit controls switching of a running mode including a CD mode in which an engine is stopped and running using a motor generator alone is given priority, and a CS mode in which the engine is operated and the SOC of a power storage device is maintained at a predetermined target. The engine start/stop determination unit carries out a start determination of the engine based on a discharge allowable power indicating electric power that can be discharged by the power storage device. The Wout control unit modifies the discharge allowable power based on the running mode and operation/stop of the engine. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030635 | HYBRID VEHICLE - If it is determined that switching from a CD mode to a CS mode is requested by a running mode switching request switch, an ECU determines whether or not SOC of a power storage device is higher than a threshold value. If SOC is determined to be higher than the threshold value, ECU further determines whether or not temperature of the power storage device is lower than a threshold value. If SOC is determined to be higher than the threshold value and the temperature is determined to be lower than the threshold value, the ECU denies the request for switching from the CD mode to the CS mode, and maintains the CD mode as the running mode. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030636 | TRAVELING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL PROGRAM THEREOF - A traveling apparatus includes first and second drive wheels; a first motor that drives the first drive wheel; a second motor that drives the second drive wheel; a switch that switches a drive shaft of the first drive wheel and a drive shaft of the second drive wheel between a coupled state and a non-coupled state; an abnormality detector that detects an abnormal state in the first and second motors; and a controller that controls switching of the switch based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detector. When the abnormality detector detects the abnormal state, the controller may control the switch to switch the drive shaft of the first drive wheel and the drive shaft of the second drive wheel from the non-coupled state to the coupled state. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030637 | HYBRID PLUG-IN VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A plugin hybrid vehicle is installed with an engine, an oil pump coupled to an output shaft of the engine to be driven by the engine, a motor/generator coupled to the output shaft of the engine, and a battery. An ECU controls the motor/generator to rotate the output shaft of the engine during charging of the battery using power supplied from a power source on the exterior of the plugin hybrid vehicle. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030638 | HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle is provided in which after a determination is made as to whether the remaining capacity is higher than a first threshold value, any one of a first running mode, a second running mode, and a third running mode is selected depending on first speed, second speed, or third speed so that the vehicle runs in the mode, whereby the vehicle can run by easily selecting an appropriate series hybrid mode or an appropriate parallel hybrid mode in each range depending on whether the remaining capacity is higher than the first threshold value, and running control can be made stable and easy. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030639 | REMOTE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR SYSTEM - A system for remotely diagnosing and repairing a computer controlled asset includes an access point connected to a computer controlled asset thereby allowing electronic access to the computer system of the computer controlled asset. A service center remotely connected to the access point provides diagnostic review and repair of the computer controlled asset. An interface linking the access point to the service center allows the service center to communicate with the computer controlled asset via the access point. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030640 | DYNAMIC DISCOVERY OF VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD - A communications system that includes a vehicular diagnostic tool and a vehicle communication interface (VCI) configured to be connected to a vehicular computing system. In operation, the vehicular diagnostic tool automatically detects the presence of the VCI when the VCI is proximate thereto. Thereafter, the VCI and vehicular diagnostic tool communicate through a wireless connection. Also, a method of communicating using the aforementioned vehicular diagnostic tool and VCI. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030641 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FAULT CODES - Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing fault codes triggered by one or more vehicles during operation. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve recording and analyzing fault codes triggered during a particular time period while a vehicle is in operation. As a result of the analysis, various embodiments of the invention may set a state for each of the identified fault codes, the state indicating a level of action to address the identified fault code. In particular embodiments, the states may be one of a caution state indicating one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle should be monitored, a critical state indicating one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle should be repaired, or an environmental state indicating failure or potential failure of one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle may affect one or more environmental conditions. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030642 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION - According to various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for capturing vehicle activity data and filtering such data to reconstruct accident conditions according to a predetermined level of accuracy. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030643 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicle cooling system includes: a channel allowing a liquid medium cooling a drive device of the vehicle to circulate; a flow rate detection unit detecting a flow rate of the liquid medium flowing in the channel; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the liquid medium; a pump provided on the channel for circulating the liquid medium; a rotational speed sensor detecting a rotational speed of the pump; and a control device controlling drive of the pump. The control device identifies a malfunctioning part of the cooling system based on the flow rate and the temperature of the liquid medium and the rotational speed of the pump. Thus, since abnormalities of the cooling mechanism can be detected with higher precision so that the abnormalities are distinguished from each other, it is a limited part that should be checked when repairs are made and the work efficiency is improved. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030644 | Method and apparatus for controlling audio/video devices via control keys on steering wheel - A method and apparatus selectively controls operations of an original device and a non-original device in a vehicle through control keys mounted on a steering wheel. The method includes the steps of: interpreting a command code from the control key when the control key is activated to determine which function is selected; selecting one or more original or non-original devices to substantiate the selected function of the control key; retrieving data related to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device; converting the command code from the control key to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device and storing the converted command code; and retrieving and transmitting the converted command code and transmitting to the non-original device when the control key is activated again. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030645 | AUTO-CONTROL OF VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM BASED ON EXTRACTED CHARACTERISTICS OF CAR OCCUPANTS - An infotainment system is provided for delivering content to multiple occupants of a vehicle. The infotainment system includes: an occupant detector configured to receive characteristic data for occupants of the vehicle and generate a profile for each occupant of the vehicle; a recommendation engine that analyzes the profiles of the vehicle occupants; and a content delivery engine that deliver content to one or more of the vehicle occupants in accordance with the analysis of the profiles of the vehicle occupants. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030646 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE HELP MENU - A system provides a user of a vehicle with interactive vehicle help. The system includes a first user input device that allows the user to enable an interactive vehicle HELP mode, and a second user input device that allows the user to selectively trigger execution of a vehicle function. The system further includes an output device and at least one processor. The processor is programmed to receive the user request that enables the interactive vehicle help mode; disable execution of the vehicle function in response to the received user request; and output help information pertaining to the vehicle function to the user via the output device in response to triggering of the user input device. Additionally, if in the HELP mode, an override feature may be provided to allow the user to enable the execution of the vehicle function in response to an override user request. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030647 | REGENERATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An object of the invention is to increase the recovered kinetic energy as much as possible in a regeneration control system for a vehicle that converts the kinetic energy of a wheel into electrical energy while the vehicle is decelerating. To achieve the object, in the invention, the electric energy generated by a generator is decreased at the time when the wheel slips. In consequence, the recovered kinetic energy can be made larger as compared to the case where the electric energy generated by the generator is decreased based on an anticipation of slippage of the wheel made in advance. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030648 | System, Program Product, And Method For Dynamic Control Of Vehicle - In a control system, a first estimator estimates, as a first controlled force, a force being applied to a controlled object. A second estimator estimates, as a second controlled force, a force being transferred to the controlled object. An external force estimator estimates, as an external force, a force being exerted on the vehicle as the vehicle runs. A dynamics estimator estimates, based on the first controlled force, the second controlled force, and the external force, a value of a parameter that represents the dynamics of the controlled object. A compensator compensates for at least one of the first controlled force and the second controlled force such that the value of the parameter is within a preset target range. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030649 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE - A control system in a straddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes front and rear wheels, comprises a load distribution changing section which changes a ground load distribution between the front and rear wheels during driving of the vehicle; a slip suppressing condition determiner section which determines whether or not a suppressing condition used to suppress a slip of one of the front and rear wheels is met, during driving of the vehicle; and a load distribution control section which controls the load distribution changing section to make the ground load of the one of the front and rear wheels greater when the slip suppressing condition determiner section determines that the suppressing condition is met, than when the slip suppressing condition determiner section determines that the suppressing condition is not met. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030650 | ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A method of controlling a vehicle suspension system including the steps of detecting, computing and altering the center of gravity of the vehicle. The detecting step includes the detecting of a center of gravity of the vehicle thereby defining a detected center of gravity. The computing step includes computing what alteration of a plurality of actuators is needed to substantially reduce a value of a difference between the detected center of gravity and a preferred center of gravity using a fuzzy relations control strategy. The computing step is carried out in a controller. The altering step includes altering the center of gravity of the vehicle by way of the controller actuating at least one of the actuators connected to suspension elements of the vehicle dependent upon the alteration arrived at in the computing step. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030651 | COLLISION AVOIDANCE MANEUVER THROUGH DIFFERENTIAL BRAKING - A collision avoidance system in a host vehicle that provides automatic steering control using differential braking in the event that the normal steering control fails. The system determines whether a collision with an object, such as a target vehicle, in front of the host vehicle is imminent, and if so, determines an optimal path for the host vehicle to travel along to avoid the object if the collision is imminent. The collision avoidance system may determine that automatic steering is necessary to cause the vehicle to travel along the optimal path to avoid the target. If the collision avoidance system does determine that automatic steering is necessary and detects that normal vehicle steering has failed, the system uses differential braking to steer the vehicle along the path. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030652 | DEVICE COMBINING MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING WITH COMPRESSOR, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A device combining motor driven power steering with a compressor, may include a deceleration gearbox connected to a steering shaft, a motor selectively providing a steering force to the deceleration gearbox, a first electronic clutch mounted between the deceleration gearbox and a first shaft of the motor, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the deceleration gearbox, a power transmitting gear set transmitting power from the motor to a compressor, a second electronic clutch mounted between a second shaft of the motor and an input side of the power transmitting gear set, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the power transmitting gear set, and the compressor for an air conditioner, connected to an output side of the power transmitting gear set. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030653 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A STEERING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a Method so control a steering apparatus comprising following steps: | 2013-01-31 |
20130030654 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING COMPENSATION FOR VEHICLES - Methods and systems are provided for controlling steering in a vehicle having an electric power steering system (EPS) with a steering wheel, the EPS configured to attenuate smooth road shake (SRS) for the vehicle. A first relationship is determined between a torque of the steering wheel and motions of the steering wheel while free of SRS excitation. A second relationship is determined between the torque and the motions with SRS excitation. A mapping is generated based on the first relationship and the second relationship via a processor for use in adjusting steering control. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030655 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A VEHICLE STEERING APPARATUS - A method for controlling a steering apparatus ( | 2013-01-31 |
20130030656 | STEERING METHOD AND STEERING SYSTEM FOR AN INDUSTRIAL TRUCK - A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel with a steering transducer. The at least one steerable wheel is hydraulically connected or mechanically connected with the steering transducer. An angular position of the at least one steerable wheel is detected. At least one additional steerable wheel is motor-steered as a function of the detected angular position. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030657 | ACTIVE SAFETY CONTROL FOR VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling active safety functionality for a vehicle. The active safety functionality provides an action during a drive cycle of the vehicle based on a predetermined threshold. Data pertaining to driving conditions, usage conditions of the vehicle, or both, is obtained for a drive cycle of the vehicle. A risk factor grade is calculated using the data. The risk factor grade corresponds to a level of situational risk for the drive cycle. The predetermined threshold of the active safety system is adjusted based on the risk factor grade. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030658 | ADJUSTABLE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tire adjustment system and utilization means therefor includes a vehicle having at lone or more electronic vehicle control systems such as an anti-lock brake system; steering wheel control system, electronic stability system; suspension control system; global positioning system. An electronic valve system is mounted to operatively adjust on a tire-by-tire basis the inflation pressure within each tire cavity responsive to an electronic input signal from at least one of the vehicle control systems. The inflation adjustment of each tire alters the tire tread footprint configuration to optimally correlate with one or more identified current road condition(s) traversed by the vehicle. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030659 | ADJUSTABLE INTAKE PORT FOR SUBMERSIBLE POOL AND TANK CLEANER - A base plate for a self-propelled robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank. The base plate includes a bottom surface and a water inlet formed therethrough, and an inlet extension member configured to mount in the water inlet. The inlet extension member is slidably retractable and extendable in a direction that is normal relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inlet extension member and configured to move the inlet extension member upwardly and downwardly in the normal direction relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. The height adjustment mechanism can be adjusted manually. Alternatively, at least one sensor is operably coupled to a controller to automatically control the height adjustment mechanism. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030660 | Work Vehicle - A work vehicle is disclosed with an information displaying device preventing set information corresponding to a setting screen displayed on a display from being erroneously changed even while permitting an operation for switching to and displaying one among a plurality of set screens on the display. A setting information processing unit of the information displaying device includes setting screen displaying means for switching the setting screen by the input of a first operation information item and displaying same in a transition display mode, and setting information changing means for performing a process in an information change mode for permitting a change to the set information corresponding to the setting screen, by inputting of a second operation information item. When it is determined that the second operation information item is inputted in the information change mode, a process for restoring the transition display mode from the information change mode is performed. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030661 | OPERATION PLATFORM - An operation platform ( | 2013-01-31 |
20130030662 | METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLING A BICYCLE GEARSHIFT AND ELECTRONICALLY SERVO-ASSISTED BICYCLE GEARSHIFT - A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift by detecting a first actual command value of an actuator such as to position a motion transmission chain in engagement with a first of at least three coaxial toothed wheels, and a second actual command value of the actuator such as to position the chain in engagement with a second of said toothed wheels. For each toothed wheel, there is determined a nominal command value of the actuator theoretically such as to position the chain in engagement with said toothed wheel. Computing an actual command value of said actuator at least for each of said toothed wheels other than the first and second toothed wheel, based on said nominal command values and on said first and second actual command value. An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift having modules adapted to implement the above method is also disclosed. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030663 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELAYING SHIFT AND THROTTLE COMMANDS BASED ON ENGINE SPEED IN A MARINE VESSEL - A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a joystick which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030664 | CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL APPARATUS FOR FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE - Discloses is a method of controlling a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque distribution device capable of changing a torque distribution amount for secondary driven wheels according to an input current to be applied thereto. This method comprises the steps of: applying, to the torque distribution device, a current value corresponding to a target torque distribution amount; and, performing a current changing control for increasing and reducing the input current to the torque distribution device. The step of performing a current changing control includes causing the input current to the torque distribution device to be temporarily increased to a value greater than the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and then returned to the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and repeating the temporary increasing of the input current at least at intervals of a predetermined time. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030665 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SWAY DETECTION AND REDUCTION - A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle involves determining if the vehicle is swaying and if the vehicle is swaying, reducing a torque of an engine of the vehicle and/or applying independent braking forces to each wheel of the vehicle. A vehicle for controlling vehicle sway includes an engine, a plurality of wheels, a braking system configured to apply independent braking forces to each wheel, and a controller configured to control the engine and the braking system. The controller is configured to determine a correlation coefficient in accordance with any phase shift occurring between a yaw acceleration signal and a lateral acceleration signal. The correlation coefficient is compared to a threshold value to determine whether the vehicle is swaying. If the vehicle is swaying, the controller causes a torque of the engine to be reduced and/or braking forces to be applied independently to each wheel. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030666 | DRIVING SUPPORT SYSTEM - An electronic control unit is provided with a braking device formed of a brake pedal which exerts braking force on a vehicle, a brake actuator, braking units and the like, a vehicle speed change rate setting device which sets a target vehicle speed change rate, and a vehicle speed control device which performs vehicle speed control to realize the target vehicle speed change rate by predetermined operation to the braking device performed by a driver. The vehicle speed change rate setting device sets a target vehicle speed change rate to accelerate the vehicle when the predetermined operation is performed while the vehicle stops, for example. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030667 | Speed Change Control System for a Vehicle - A speed change control system includes a speed change control section for setting a speed change value of a stepless speed change device; a speed change operational tool for providing the speed change control section with a speed change command the stepless speed change device; a constant speed travel operational device for providing the speed change control section with a changing command for changing a constant speed mode speed change value which is a speed change value at the time of the constant speed mode, a shifting command for shifting to the constant speed mode and a departing command for departing from the constant speed mode; and a constant speed travel management section which causes the speed change control section to execute the constant speed mode with the constant speed mode speed change value, based on the shifting command from the constant speed travel operational device. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030668 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL - A method and a vehicle cruise control system performing the steps of driving with the cruise control active and set to maintain a set target speed, registering a first position when driving in an uphill slope of a hill where vehicle retardation has decreased vehicle speed to a first speed below the set target speed and where the retardation has decreased to zero or acceleration has just started in order to increase speed to the set target speed, registering a desired speed in a second position downhill of the crest at a first distance after the crest, based on the desired speed calculating a minimum speed at the crest with which the vehicle has to pass the crest in order to be able to reach the desired speed with zero fuel consumption during the first distance, controlling speed between the first position and the crest so that the vehicle reaches the minimum speed when passing the crest. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030669 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE - A control system for a vehicle restricts engine torque when an accelerator operation amount is large and it is determined that the direction of the driver's face changed between forward and backward of the vehicle. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030670 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ALTERNATOR OR INTEGRATED STARTER GENERATOR OUTPUT VOLTAGE - An automotive vehicle includes an engine, an alternator or integrated starter generator, and at least one controller. The at least one controller reduces voltage output of the alternator or integrated starter generator prior to initiating an auto stop of the engine. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030671 | FUEL CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A fuel control apparatus ( | 2013-01-31 |
20130030672 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COMPOSITION - Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method for controlling an engine includes determining an actual intake oxygen concentration, adjusting a donor cylinder fuel injection amount to drive the actual intake oxygen concentration to a designated intake oxygen concentration, and adjusting a non-donor cylinder fuel injection amount dependent upon the donor cylinder fuel injection adjustment and to maintain a second operating parameter. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030673 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE - An electronic control unit executes torque suppression control for reducing engine torque at the time of strong accelerator operation on the basis of an execution condition that a period of time elapsed from when an ignition switch is turned on is shorter than a prescribed period of time. By so doing, the torque suppression control is executed only when the elapsed period of time is short, a vehicle is still running in a parking lot and it is less likely that a driver performs accelerator operation with the intention to suddenly accelerate the vehicle; whereas, when the elapsed period of time is longer than a certain period of time and the vehicle is presumably running on an ordinary road, the torque suppression control is not executed, and acceleration of the vehicle along with the driver's intention is allowed. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030674 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can prevent the drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus has an ECU that determines an acceleration/deceleration is caused by the disturbances and determines the control permission condition is not established, when an acceleration calculated by the variation of the wheel rotation speed detected by the wheel rotation speed sensor is more than or equal to a third deceleration threshold value, or less than or equal to a second deceleration threshold value. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can prohibit the reduction control of the driving force and can eliminate an influence of the variation of the wheel rotation speed caused by the disturbances when an unreasonable variation of the wheel rotation speed is detected as the acceleration, even under the condition that the vehicle travels on an extremely uneven road surface or a slippery road surface, thereby appropriately determining the deceleration of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle control apparatus can selectively execute or not execute the reduction control to reflect the intention of the driver, thereby preventing the drivability from being deteriorated. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030675 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can prevent the drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus has an ECU which determines, when the control permission condition is not established, not to execute the reduction control in the case that the accelerator opening degree is smaller than or equal to the accelerator threshold value or the vehicle speed is smaller than or equal to the vehicle speed threshold value, even if a depression of an accelerator pedal is detected and a depression of a foot brake pedal is detected. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can stop the torque reduction control to prevent the reduction of the engine output contrary to the intention of the driver in the case that an impact to the vehicle is small such that a load more than necessary is not applied to the vehicle even if the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are both depressed by the driver. As a result, the vehicle control apparatus can improve the operability of the vehicle in the situations such as hill start and overcoming steps, thereby preventing the drivability from being deteriorated. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030676 | OUTPUT CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - The present invention concerns an output control device for an internal combustion engine for generating a drive force of a vehicle. The output control device includes a braking request detection sensor for detecting whether or not a braking request operation has been performed, and a controller programmed to calculate a braking operation time from the start of the braking request operation, and limit an output of the internal combustion engine when the braking operation time becomes longer than a predetermined time. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030677 | DRIVE SYSTEM WITH AN APPARATUS FOR INTERRUPTING THE OPERATION IN THE CASE OF AN IMMINENT LACK OF OPERATING MEDIUM - A drive system has an engine, a tank container for storing an expendable operating medium for the engine, a filling-level monitoring apparatus for monitoring the filling level in the tank container and/or in a feed line from the tank container to the engine, and an interruption apparatus for interrupting the engine in the case of an imminent lack of operating medium. If the filling level drops below a predefined filling-level height, this is detected by the filling-level monitoring apparatus and reported to the interruption apparatus which thereupon interrupts the drive system. Drive systems which are designed in this way are suitable for use in equipment, for example, in civil engineering, where emptying of the fuel tank frequently occurs as a result of the extreme building-site operation. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030678 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A particulate matter sensor ( | 2013-01-31 |
20130030679 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly determining timing for restarting the engine in a stopped state when idle stop control of the engine is executed during a heating operation of an air conditioner, thereby making it possible to ensure marketability and fuel economy performance in a well-balanced manner. The control system executes the idle stop control of the engine during the heating operation of the air conditioner. The control system includes an ECU. The ECU sets a lower limit blowout temperature, calculates an estimated blowout temperature, and controls the engine such that the engine is restarted when the estimated blowout temperature has become not higher than the lower limit blowout temperature. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030680 | EVALUATING ROAD CONDITIONS USING A MOBILE VEHICLE - A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product evaluates a real-time condition of a construct of a roadway. A processor receives a set of roadway vibration patterns from a mobile smart sensor that is mounted on a terrestrial vehicle as it travels along a roadway. This set of roadway vibration patterns is created by a physical contact between a roadway surface of the roadway and a tire on the terrestrial vehicle. The processor also receives a set of transient data from a probe on the terrestrial vehicle. This transient data describes a real-time transient environmental condition at the roadway. The set of roadway vibration patterns and the set of transient data are input into an analysis algorithm to determine a real-time physical condition of a construct of the roadway, such that the analysis algorithm removes any effect the set of transient data has on the set of roadway vibration patterns. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030681 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UPDATING TRAVEL TIME ESTIMATION - A self-contained vehicular traffic travel time information system for a vehicle in an inter-vehicle ad-hoc network includes an on-board vehicular broadcasting unit for communicating with other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network. A positioning device identifies the vehicle's position throughout a course of travel. An on-board vehicle processing unit stores road segments throughout the vehicle path of travel. The on-board vehicle processing unit determines a starting position and an ending position for each respective road segment. A length of time for traveling through each respective road segment is determined. A memory storage device stores the segmented road portions and the time of travel associated with each respective road segment. The on-board vehicular broadcasting unit disseminates the determined travel times of recently traveled road segments via a broadcast message to other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030682 | IDENTIFICATION OF A PERSON LOCATED PROXIMITE TO A CONTACT IDENTIFIED IN AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION CLIENT - A method, which includes, within an electronic communication client, identifying a first person. Via a processor, at least a second person geographically located proximate to a geographic location associated with the first person can be identified. The method further can include, within the electronic communication client, indicating that the second person is geographically located proximate to the geographic location associated with the first person. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030683 | Method For Accurately Timing Stations On A Public Transportation Route - The present invention relates to a method for timing the arrival of a public transportation vehicle to a station on a route comprising the steps of: (a) receiving at least one said route for said public transportation vehicle; (b) receiving the location of at least one said station on said route; (c) receiving at least one GPS reading, indicative of the location of said public transportation vehicle; (d) calculating the location of said public transportation vehicle in relations to said route; (e) calculating the distance of the route between said location of said public transportation vehicle to said station; and (f) calculating the time required for said public transportation vehicle to travel to said station based on at least said distance to said station. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030684 | SELECTION OF A RELATIVE POSITIONING METHOD - It is inter alia disclosed to select a relative positioning method from a set of at least two different relative positioning methods that are for determining an estimate of a relative position between a first entity and a second entity. The relative positioning method is selected in dependence on at least one of the following criteria: an estimated/measured distance between the first entity and the second entity; a relative positioning capability, of at least one of the first entity, the second entity and at least one server entity associated with at least one of the first entity and the second entity, to determine an estimate of a relative position between two entities; and an availability, at at least one of the at least one server entity, of a service providing data of at least one reference entity useable for determining an estimate of a relative position between the reference entity and one of the first entity and the second entity. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030685 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND EVALUATING A PLANE - A method for detecting and evaluating a plane for recognition of an object includes detecting the object using a sensor disposed on a vehicle, the object being present in a direction of a relative direction of movement of the vehicle and the sensor being directed onto the plane. A distance of the sensor from at least one measuring point is determined using a control unit. A value of the determined distance is compared with a reference value so as to obtain a difference value. The difference value is delivered to an evaluation unit as at least one of an object, an obstacle, a hole, a floating particle, a defect in the plane and a measurement error. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030686 | COLLISION JUDGMENT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A correct collision judgment is realized between an obstacle and a vehicle even when the vehicle enters a curve. In a collision judgment apparatus for judging the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle based on a relative positional relationship between a subject vehicle position of the vehicle and a relative movement straight line of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle as calculated based on a plurality of pieces of the position information acquired by a position information acquiring unit in relation to the obstacle, the relative positional relationship between the relative movement straight line and the subject vehicle position is adjusted so that a distance between the relative movement straight line and the subject vehicle position is separated if it is judged that the vehicle enters an entrance to a curve as compared with a situation in which the vehicle does not enter the entrance to the curve. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030687 | ON-VEHICLE APPARATUS, PRECEDING VEHICLE POSITION DETERMINING APPARATUS, AND PRECEDING VEHICLE POSITION DETERMINING METHOD - An ECU acquires relative position information related to a relative position between a host vehicle and another vehicle (A, B, C) traveling ahead of the host vehicle, and error information related to an error in the relative position, detects the position of a preceding vehicle (A) traveling in front of the host vehicle, identifies the position of the preceding vehicle (A) by comparing the relative position based on the acquired relative position information with the detected position, and if relative position information oh a plurality of other vehicles (A, B, C) is acquired, identifies the position of the preceding vehicle (A) by comparing the relative position based on the acquired relative position information with the detected position, by using a threshold that is varied in accordance with the error information. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030688 | VEHICLE DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - A vehicle driving assistance device according to the invention is intended to improve the reliability of driving assistance and includes a vehicle sensor that acquires vehicle behavior information about the behavior of a vehicle, an inter-vehicle communication unit that acquires other-vehicle behavior information about the behavior of another vehicle which travels in front of the vehicle, a traffic condition estimating unit that estimates traffic conditions between the vehicle and another vehicle on the basis of the vehicle behavior information and the other-vehicle behavior information, and a driving assistance unit that performs driving assistance on the basis of the estimation result of the traffic condition estimating unit. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030689 | COOPERATION SYSTEM, NAVIGATION SYSTEM, IN-VEHICLE APPARATUS AND PORTABLE TERMINAL - A portable terminal executing an application program for realizing a predetermined function may not require a re-input operation of setting information and may reduce a restart time of the predetermined function by way of an in-vehicle apparatus. Specifically, the in-vehicle apparatus acquires and stores the setting information from the portable terminal. When a forced termination of the application program is detected, the in-vehicle apparatus transmits the setting information to the portable terminal after the application program is restarted by the portable terminal. The setting information from the in-vehicle apparatus enables the portable terminal to perform an auto-resetting process for redefining/resetting the setting information in order to resumes the application program. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030690 | Probe Data Processing - A method of processing probe trace data to determine a measure of correlation of a probe trace with other probe traces comprises obtaining a map that associates a parameter space with a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one correlation value is assigned to each of the plurality of pixels, and determining a correlation score for a probe trace by mapping the probe trace to at least one pixel of the map and determining the correlation score for the probe trace from at least one correlation value of the at least one pixel to which the probe trace is mapped. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030691 | Navigation Device and Guidance Method Thereof - Disclosed is navigation technology for providing guidance for HOV lanes in a more readily understandable manner. A navigation device is provided with: a storage unit adapted to store lane information including the set-up of lanes which can be used when a predetermined condition is fulfilled (hereafter referred to as conditional lanes); a route guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for a recommended route to a destination; and a guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for entrances and exits for conditional lanes. If travelling along a conditional lane makes it impossible to continue without deviating from the recommended route, the guidance unit provides guidance that the conditional lane should not be entered from an entrance to the conditional lane or inhibits guidance on the presence of an entrance to the conditional lane. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030692 | Method of Resolving a Location From Data Representative Thereof - The invention provides a method of resolving a location in a second digital map from an ordered list of location reference points determined from a first digital map. The method involves identifying candidate lines and nodes in the second digital map, and using curvature, height and gradient information associated with the location reference points to identify the most likely candidate nodes or lines in the second digital map corresponding to the nodes represented by the location reference points and to lines emanating from or incident at the node in the first digital map. The method involves carrying out a route search between the most likely identified candidate node or line identified for one location reference point, and the corresponding node or line associated with the next reference point in the list, and repeating this step for consecutive pairs of reference points until the final location reference point is reached. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030693 | CELLULAR-BASED LIVE TRAFFIC SERVICE - A cellular-based live traffic service that does not require pre-deployment of infrastructure or GPS-enabled devices uses signals provided by cellular devices to determine course resolution localization and tracking information of the cellular devices. Specialized statistical analysis is performed on the course resolution data to infer the fine resolution positions of the cellular devices. In an example embodiment, the localization and tracking information is provided on a map, or the like, to show relative position and/or trajectory of cellular devices. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030694 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING TRAVEL TIME INFORMATION - Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030695 | MAP DIFFERENCE DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, MAP DIFFERENCE DATA DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS, AND MAP DIFFERENCE DATA DISTRIBUTION METHOD - An in-vehicle navigation apparatus transmits a present position, a destination, and a version number of in-vehicle map data stored in an in-vehicle map storage portion to a map difference data distribution apparatus. The map difference data distribution apparatus calculates a route from the present position and destination received from the in-vehicle navigation apparatus, compares a version number of map data stored in a center map storage portion with the received version number of the in-vehicle map data to prepare map difference data of map elements contained in the route, and distributes the prepared map difference data to the in-vehicle navigation apparatus. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030696 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING LOCATIONS OF POWER STORAGE DEVICE COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTION MACHINES - A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a navigation system of a user's vehicle. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map relative to the user's current location. The user may select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device at a particular collection, charging and distribution machine location. The collection, charging and distribution machine locations displayed may also be based on a physical distance or driving time from the current location of the user mobile device or vehicle. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030697 | TECHNIQUE FOR CALCULATING A LOCATION OF A VEHICLE - A technique for calculating a location of a first vehicle is described. A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps of detecting, from the perspective of the first vehicle, a movement of a second vehicle relative to the first vehicle, determining, for the time of the relative movement, a location of the second vehicle based on the detected relative movement by matching the detected movement of the second vehicle against map data, measuring, for the time of the relative movement, a distance between the first and second vehicles, and calculating the location of the first vehicle based on the measured distance and the determined location of the second vehicle. The technique also comprises an apparatus, a computer program product, and a vehicle navigation system. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030698 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAP DIFFERENCE DATA GENERATION - A map difference data delivery apparatus generates map difference data, upon receiving a map update instruction for updating map elements in a map database. To generate the map difference data, the apparatus divides the map elements into multiple groups based on a user preference, such as travel frequency, road attributes, road shape, or road type. The generated map difference data thus includes the map elements exclusively accommodating and matching with the user preference. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030699 | Variable Density Depthmap - One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for organizing spatial data are disclosed. For example, a method includes receiving a location data point from a navigation device. A controller compares the distance from each of a plurality of data points to the location data point. In constructing a depthmap that associates each of the data points with the distance from the location data point, the controller assign data points within a minimum distance from the location data point into a first cell and data points greater than the minimum distance from the location data point into a second cell. The second cell is larger than the first cell and corresponds to a larger geographic area than the first cell. The depthmap may be configured to position points of interest in a panoramic or street level view image. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030700 | Navigational Deployment and Initialization Systems and Methods - A navigational deployment and initialization system, including: at least one personal inertial navigation module associated with at least one user and comprising a plurality of sensors and at least one controller configured to generate navigation data derived at least in part upon output of the plurality of sensors and at least one navigation routine; at least one deployment recognition device configured to directly or indirectly receive at least one of the following: user data, time data, event data, navigation data, or any combination thereof; and at least one central controller in direct or indirect communication with the at least one deployment recognition device and configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the following: the user data, the time data, the event data, the navigation data, or any combination thereof. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030701 | DIVER HOMING DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point, such as an originating point. The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Applications may include various displays presenting images, numbers, pointers, paths, vectors, or data by digital screens, watch faces, or other devices integrated with or remote from the processor calculating the vector back to the point of origin. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030702 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A navigation system includes a data storage unit | 2013-01-31 |
20130030703 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Generating A Probabilistic Forecast Of Photovoltaic Fleet Power Generation - A computer-implemented system and method for generating a probabilistic forecast of photovoltaic fleet power generation is provided. A temporal distance between two locations is determined in proportion to cloud speed within a geographic region. Input clearness indexes are generated as a ratio of irradiance observations for one location, and clear sky irradiance. The clearness indexes are ordered into a time series. A clearness index correlation coefficient is determined as a function of temporal distance. The input clearness indexes are weighted by the clearness index correlation coefficient to form a time series of output clearness indexes. Means and standard deviations of both time series are respectively determined and combined into fleet irradiance statistics. Deterministic fleet power statistics are forecast as a function of the fleet irradiance statistics and photovoltaic fleet power rating. A time series of the forecast power statistics is generated by applying a time lag correlation coefficient. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030704 | Utility Mapping and Data Distribution System and Method - A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030705 | PRECISE BOREHOLE GEOMETRY AND BHA LATERAL MOTION BASED ON REAL TIME CALIPER MEASUREMENTS - Disclosed is a method for estimating a geometry of a borehole penetrating the earth. The method includes: performing a plurality of borehole caliper measurements with N transducers at a plurality of times, wherein for each time a measurement set comprises measurements made by the N transducers at that time; dividing a cross-section of the borehole into S sectors; obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry by connecting representative radius points in adjacent sectors; displacing each measurement set according to a displacement vector related to an offset of each measurement set from the estimated geometry if the displacement vector exceeds a selection criterion; iterating the obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry and the displacing each measurement set based on a latest displacement vector; and providing a latest obtained estimate as the geometry of the borehole when all of the displacement vectors no longer exceed the selection criterion for the displacing. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030706 | DETECTION OF DOWNHOLE VIBRATIONS USING SURFACE DATA FROM DRILLING RIGS - Disclosed is a method for estimating downhole lateral vibrations a drill tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth or a component coupled to the drill tubular. The method includes rotating the drill tubular to drill the first borehole and performing a plurality of measurements in a time window of one or more parameters of the drill tubular at or above a surface of the earth during the rotating using a sensor. The method further includes estimating the downhole lateral vibrations using a processor that receives the plurality of measurements. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030707 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMATION RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS IN OIL-BASED MUD USING A FLOATING REFERENCE SIGNAL - Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole containing an oil-based drilling fluid. The apparatus includes an electrode disposed at a carrier and configured to inject alternating current into the formation. An electrically conductive plate is disposed between the first electrode and a borehole wall. An electrical insulator is disposed between and contacts the first electrode and the conductive plate. The apparatus is configured to prevent the drilling fluid from being disposed between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A first sensor is used to measure an electric field established between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A processor is configured to receive a measurement of the electric field to use as a floating reference signal to determine a phase difference with respect to a measured electrical quantity related to the injected electrical current in order to estimate the property. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030708 | WELLBORE LOGGING PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method for correcting a measurement of a property of a subsurface material includes: selecting an instrument having a test circuit and a separate sensor, the test circuit configured for generating a test signal having a characteristic that mimics a downhole measurement environment to generate correction information. The sensor is configured for: transmitting a signal into the subsurface material; and receiving a data signal from the subsurface material; wherein the test circuit and the sensor are switchably coupled to an electronics unit of the instrument. The sensor is further configured for: receiving the test signal from the test circuit in the electronics unit; using the electronics unit, measuring at least one output characteristic of the instrument; and applying the correction information to the data signal according to the measured output characteristic. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030709 | ATTENUATING SEA-SURFACE GHOST WAVE EFFECTS IN SEISMIC DATA - A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired by at least two receivers that are disposed at different depths. The method may then time-align the seismic data, collect a portion of the time-aligned seismic data into a gather and sum the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather. After summing the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather, the method may widen a spectrum of the summed seismic data and generate an image of subsurface formations in the earth based on the widened spectrum. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030710 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERTURBING AN INITIAL HORIZON-PICKING SOLUTION TO FOLLOW LOCAL FEATURES OF A VOLUME - A horizon-picking solution for a geological volume of interest is determined. To determine the horizon-picking solution, a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest included in an initial horizon-picking solution are perturbed to more closely follow the local character of measured data related to the geological volume of interest. In particular, the horizons may be perturbed simultaneously by blending the initial solution with a secondary horizon-picking solution that automatically identifies a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest that follow the measured data related to the geological volume of interest. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030711 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ADAPTIVE FILTERING OF SENSORS AND SENSOR DATA - An approach is provided for adaptive filtering of sensors and sensor data. A sensor manager determines one or more signals associated with one or more sensors. The sensor manager then processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more signals for comparison against one or more predetermined signals. The sensor manager determines one or more parameters for one or more filters based, at least in part, on the comparison, wherein the one or more filters operate, at least in part, on the one or more sensors, one or more other signals determined form the one or more sensors, or a combination thereof. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030712 | METHODS FOR THE SURVEY AND GENETIC ANALYSIS OF POPULATIONS - The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030713 | METHODS OF ASSOCIATING AN UNKOWN BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN WITH A FAMILY - The present invention provides a method of predicting whether an unknown biological specimen originates from a member of a particular family. The method compares DNA profiles from at least one unknown biological specimen to DNA profiles of more than one family member, which significantly increases the methods' predictive ability. In particular, the invention describes a method of comparing test DNA profiles from unknown biological specimens to a family pedigree comprising target DNA profiles obtained from biological specimens of family members. In one embodiment, a modified Elston Stewart algorithm is used to determine a probability that a genetic relationship exists between at least one unknown biological specimen and the family pedigree. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030714 | METHODS FOR THE SURVEY AND GENETIC ANALYSIS OF POPULATIONS - The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030715 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AUTOTROPH CULTIVATION - A method includes identifying a chlorophyll concentration/optical density (CCpOD) value using a chlorophyll concentration measurement of an autotroph culture and an optical density measurement of the autotroph culture. The method also includes identifying a change in the autotroph culture using the CCpOD value. The change in the autotroph culture can be identified by determining whether the CCpOD value falls outside upper and lower control limits. The upper and lower control limits can be identified using a specified number of previously-determined CCpOD values, which can be calculated when the autotroph culture is in a known healthy state. Multiple CCpOD values can be calculated, and an alarm can be generated if a specified number of the CCpOD values (such as one or more) fall outside the upper and lower control limits. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030716 | Precious Metal Testing Apparatus with Calibration System - A digital precious metal testing apparatus utilizes a probe that generates a galvanic voltage when an electrical circuit is completed with the object being tested being placed between the probe and the meter test pad formed of a copper pour with a gold coating. A microprocessor signals the percentage of precious metal through an indicator bar of LEDs. A calibration system is provided to enhance the accuracy of the testing apparatus by comparing a test reading from a known test specimen with a corresponding theoretical reading for that specimen. The calibration procedure establishes a recalibration curve from the test reading against which all subsequent readings will be compared to determine the content of precious metal. Calibration of the testing apparatus is initiated with the depression of a calibration switch and is undertaken with each power-up of the meter, with each probe replacement and with any substantial change in environmental conditions. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030717 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZING OBJECTS AND MONITORING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES - A method of characterizing an object includes determining a depth-wise composition of the object at a measurement site within the object. A property of the object within a region adjacent to the measurement site can, optionally, be estimated based on the determining. Another method of characterizing an object includes disposing at least a portion of an object within a measurement region of a metrology tool, aligning a feature of the object and a location of a designated measurement site within the measurement region relative to each other, and performing a performing a compositional analysis of a portion of the object occupying the measurement site. Various apparatus for performing these methods are also disclosed, as are methods of monitoring manufacturing processes based on these methods. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030718 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AIR MONITORING - An apparatus for monitoring air for target air contaminants particularly on board an aircraft, comprises: means for sensing ultrafine particles in air; a database; and a processor for receiving information output from the sensing means; wherein the processor is adapted to monitor the information output from the sensing means and to compare this information with data in the database to identify target air contaminants such as volatile and/or semi-volatile organic compounds. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030719 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IDENTIFYING THE QUANTITATION CYCLE FOR A PCR AMPLIFICATION REACTION - Methods and systems for identifying a quantitation cycle (C | 2013-01-31 |
20130030720 | STEERING TEST STAND - A steering test stand has a first steering device with a measurement unit measuring the steering device torque value and applies forces to the steering device and control unit and has a control unit connected to a computer for controlling actuators. The computer simulates static and/or dynamic properties of a motor vehicle and transmits simulated target values to the control unit. A test driver unit comprises a second steering device as a force feedback steering wheel and a connection between the test driver unit and the computer, transmits a second steering angle set on the force feedback steering wheel. A second connection between the test driver unit and computer transmits steering torque measured on the first steering device to the test unit, such that the second steering device sets a second steering torque value on the force feedback steering wheel as a function of the first value. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030721 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF POLISHED ROD POSITION FOR RECIPROCATING ROD PUMPS - A system and method for measurement of a polished rod movement in a reciprocating rod pumping system comprising reciprocal motive elements is provided. A proximity sensor target is mounted on the polished rod while a corresponding sensor element, is mounted in fixed relation to the pumping system, for example in fixed relation to the wellhead or ground. The sensor detects passage of the proximity sensor target, and thus the polished rod, as it moves in opposite directions during a single stroke cycle. The time of passage and the speed of the polished rod, as determined from its kinematic relationship with other pumping system components, is used to determine the position of the polished rod at any point during the cycle. The proximity sensor target may be mounted on a walking beam or other reciprocally moving element, with the sensor positioned in a corresponding fixed location. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030722 | MOBILE FLOW RATE MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A mobile flow rate measuring system and method, which can recognize a flow rate at a site, and acquire and utilize data on water level, flow velocity, and flow rate of a plurality of agricultural waterways, by acquiring water level information and site features stored in a remote server from a tag installed at the site by a mobile apparatus and comparing images continuously acquired from the agricultural waterways through an image photographing camera to calculate the surface velocity of the waterway. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030723 | Method And System For Multivariate Remote Monitoring Of Polymer Processing - In an injection molding process, it can be difficult to detect, in real time, process control variables such as pressure and temperature. Traditional temperature detectors and pressure sensors can be difficult to place in or near a mold cavity. An example embodiment of the present invention includes a self-powered multivariate sensor and uses acoustic transmission. The sensor may employ an infra-red thermal detector and pressure sensor and transmit coded representations of measurements acoustically via a body of the mold. From the temperature and pressure, melt velocity and melt viscosity of a compound in the mold can be determined with a high degree of accuracy by a processor internal to or external from the sensor. The example embodiment maintains structural integrity of the mold, provides a wireless self-powered sensor, and makes available sensing of properties of the viscous compound to enable injection molded parts production at a success rate exceeding 90%. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030724 | DETECTION OF PIPELINE CONTAMINANTS - A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product detects contaminants in a pipe that is transporting a known fluid. A baseline vibration pattern is established from readings generated by a smart sensor that is affixed to the pipe. This baseline vibration pattern is caused by a flow of the known fluid as the known fluid travels through the pipe in an unadulterated form. Subsequent readings from the smart sensor are taken to generate a new vibration pattern. In response to the new vibration pattern being different, beyond a predefined range, from the baseline vibration pattern, the new vibration pattern is matched to a known vibration pattern in order to identify a specific contaminant of the known fluid. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030725 | MONITORING OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS OF A CARGO SHIP THROUGH USE OF SENSOR GRID ON INTERMODAL CONTAINERS - A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product monitors operational conditions of a cargo ship. A baseline composite vibration pattern is established from readings generated by multiple smart sensors. Each of the multiple smart sensors is a uniquely-identified smart sensor that has been affixed to one of multiple intermodal shipping containers that have been loaded onto a cargo ship, and each smart sensor includes a vibration sensor for detecting mechanical vibration. Subsequent readings are then taken from the multiple smart sensors to generate a new composite vibration pattern. In response to the new composite vibration pattern being different from the baseline composite vibration pattern, the new composite vibration pattern is matched with a known composite vibration pattern in order to identify a cause of the new composite vibration pattern. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030726 | CIRCUITRY FOR MEASURING AND COMPENSATING PHASE AND AMPLITUDE DIFFERENCES IN NDT/NDI OPERATION - Disclosed are a method and an NDT/NDI inspection device deploying digital circuitry to conduct detection and compensation of phase and amplitude shift in responding signals. A digital waveform generator, such as a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) is used to generate a digital sine-wave of a specific frequency and amplitude, mimicking the pulser frequency and amplitude. The sine-wave is converted to analog signal through a DAC and transmitted to the transducer. The received analog sine-wave from the transducer is converted back to a digital signal through an ADC. The transmitted and received digital signals are then compared for phase and amplitude differences. A null circuit involving another waveform generating component is employed to compensate the detected phase and amplitude differences. As a result the phase and amplitude differences are effectively eliminated before being further processed and analyzed for defects information. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030727 | Floating Ultrasonic Transducer Inspection System and Method for Nondestructive Evaluation - A method for inspecting a structural sample using ultrasonic energy includes positioning an ultrasonic transducer adjacent to a surface of the sample, and then transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample. Force pulses are applied to the transducer concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic energy. A host machine processes ultrasonic return pulses from an ultrasonic pulser/receiver to quantify attenuation of the ultrasonic energy within the sample. The host machine detects a defect in the sample using the quantified level of attenuation. The method may include positioning a dry couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the surface. A system includes an actuator, an ultrasonic transducer, a dry couplant between the transducer the sample, a scanning device that moves the actuator and transducer, and a measurement system having a pulsed actuator power supply, an ultrasonic pulser/receiver, and a host machine that executes the above method. | 2013-01-31 |
20130030728 | CRYSTALLINITY EVALUATION METHOD, CRYSTALLINITY EVALUATION DEVICE, AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE THEREOF - A crystallinity evaluation method of evaluating crystallinity of a semiconductor film formed above a substrate includes following steps. First, a peak waveform of a Raman band in a Raman spectrum of the semiconductor film is obtained using Raman spectrometry. The Raman band corresponds to a phonon mode unique to the semiconductor film. The peak waveform is a wavelength range having a peak of the Raman band. Next, a first waveform is generated by fitting the obtained peak waveform by Gauss function. Then, a peak value of the first waveform is extracted. Then, a second waveform is generated by fitting the obtained peak waveform by Lorenz function based on the extracted peak value. Then, a peak value, a FWHM, and/or a wavelength indicating the peak value regarding the generated second waveform are obtained. Then, crystallinity of the semiconductor film is evaluated based on the obtained information. | 2013-01-31 |