17th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130103166 | Prosthetic Attachment Techniques - Prosthetic attachment techniques, systems, and apparatus are described including those having so called Chinese Finger Trap features. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103167 | KNEE JOINT - A knee joint includes a knee member including a movable plate connected to and pressable toward a fixed seat, and an interspace formed between the fixed seat and the movable plate. An upper connecting unit disposed atop the knee member abuts against the movable plate. A pivot shaft is inserted threadedly into the knee member and is rotatable relative thereto. Pressing the upper connection unit against the movable plate constricts the interspace so that the pivot shaft is clamped tightly between the fixed seat and the movable plate, thereby restricting a relative rotation between the knee member and the pivot shaft. The movable plate is restored to its original position when unpressed. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103168 | Control Device and Method for Controlling a Movement of an Element of an Installation - A control device is configured to control a movement of an element of an installation and includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor. The main processor has a first computer architecture. The auxiliary processor is connected to the main processor and includes a second computer architecture. The second computer architecture differs from the first computer architecture. The second computer architecture allows faster processing of predetermined signals than the first computer architecture. The auxiliary processor is configured (i) to read in an auxiliary-processor input signal from the main processor, and (ii) to determine an auxiliary-processor output signal and to output it to the main processor by using the auxiliary-processor input signal. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103169 | POWER TOOL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWER TOOL - A power tool having a digital control unit is provided, an interface of the digital control unit being switchable between standard operation and communication operation. In communication operation, operating data of the power tool are able to be transmitted via the interface. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103170 | Multi-Mode Acceleration-Based Athleticism Measurement System - A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103171 | BUTTON SHAPED PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER WITH INDICIA - A portable media player has the form of a wearable button and includes a body and a means for detachably attaching the body to an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket. The media player also includes electronics disposed with a base. The electronics include a processor including memory that contains at least one audio file and the player further includes controls to permit powering of the player and playing of the audio file stored in memory. The controls are operatively connected to the electronics. A cover of the body includes a first fastening member and the base of the body includes a second fastening member. The cover and base are detachably connected to one another, thereby allowing a user to remove and change the cover of the body so to alter an appearance of the media player. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103172 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUDIO WATERMARKING A SUBSTANTIALLY SILENT MEDIA CONTENT PRESENTATION - Methods and apparatus for audio watermarking a substantially silent media content presentation are disclosed. An example method to audio watermark a media content presentation disclosed herein comprises obtaining a watermarked noise signal comprising a watermark and a noise signal having energy substantially concentrated in an audible frequency band, the watermarked noise signal attenuated to be substantially inaudible without combining with a separate audio signal, associating the watermarked noise signal with a substantially silent content component of the media content presentation, the media content presentation comprising one or more media content components, and outputting the watermarked noise signal during presentation of the substantially silent content component. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103173 | Digital Audio Synthesizer - The invention relates to a digital audio synthesizer that includes: an input memory for receiving a sequence of digital data representing the amplitude spectrum of an audio signal over consecutive and overlapping time windows; a computer ( | 2013-04-25 |
20130103174 | MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - This disclosure provides a method and system for measurement system analysis (MSA) that present a structured and effective way of performing an MSA. The MSA system and method involves determination of a category of MSA for a measurement system based on an application of the measurement system, a quantification of measurement variation, calculation of a decision rule value based on the quantified measurement variation and a decision rule associated with the determined category, a determination of whether the measurement system is capable of performing MSA for the category based on a comparison of the calculated decision rule value and a decision rule threshold value, and applying a measurement system determined as capable for performing MSA to manage. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103175 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING APPLIANCES FOR REPOSITIONING TEETH - A method for generating digital data sets is provided. The method includes: obtaining a first digital data set representing a first tooth arrangement; providing at least one operator for modifying a digital data set representing a tooth arrangement; providing target data which represents orthodontic treatment requirements; generating a second digital data set representing a second tooth arrangement based on the first digital data set using a state space search method and the at least one operator; determining whether the second tooth arrangement meets the treatment requirements; generating a N | 2013-04-25 |
20130103176 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL COPING, AND A COPING FABRICATED THEREBY - A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103177 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCUMULATIVE DOUBLE SIDED INCREMENTAL FORMING - A forming system includes first and second tools, moving assemblies, and a control unit. The moving assemblies move the first tool and the second tool relative to the sheet. The control unit is configured to control movement of the first tool and the second tool by the one or more moving assemblies by moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in a first deformation direction to deform the sheet, then moving the first and second tools laterally relative to the sheet to a subsequent location while engaging the sheet, then moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in the first deformation direction or an opposite second deformation direction to deform the sheet, and then continue moving the first and second tools to deform the sheet in order to create a three-dimensional component from the sheet. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103178 | ENHANCING INVESTIGATION OF VARIABILITY BY INCLUSION OF SIMILAR OBJECTS WITH KNOWN DIFFERENCES TO THE ORIGINAL ONES - A system, method and/or computer program product for analyzing a functionality of at least two manufactured products obtain a first characteristic of a first manufactured product. The system acquires a second characteristic of a second manufactured product. The system identifies a common feature between the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The system identifies a distinguishable feature between the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The system determines a cause of a deviation of a functionality in the first manufactured product or the second manufactured product or both manufactured products based on the identified common feature or the identified distinguishable feature or both features. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103179 | ROBOT SYSTEM AND PROCESSED OBJECT MANUFACTURING METHOD - A robot system includes transport means which transports an object, first detecting means which detects a three-dimensional shape of the object transported on a transport path by the transport means, a robot which performs a predetermined task on the object transported on the transport path by the transport means, means which generates an operation command to the robot, and means which corrects the operation command based on a detection result by the first detecting means. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103180 | METHOD FOR AVOIDING AN UNWANTED COLLISION BETWEEN A TOOL AND A WORKPIECE IN A MACHINE TOOL - A method for avoiding an unwanted collision between a tool and a workpiece in a machine tool is disclosed, wherein when a parts program starts to run, the determination of setpoint movement values for controlling a relative movement between tool and workpiece is started based on the parts program and a determination of the material removal at the workpiece by the tool is started based on the determined setpoint movement values. It is then checked whether a tool model overlaps with a workpiece model. When an overlap is detected, the relative movement between tool and workpiece is slowed down until the relative movement stops. A related facility employing the method for controlling a machine tool is also disclosed. Unwanted collisions between a tool and a workpiece in a machine tool can thus be avoided, while attaining short machining times for the workpiece. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103181 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DEPOSITION OF SEMIFINISHED ELEMENTS FOR TYRE PRODUCTION - A method of controlling the deposition of semifinished elements for tyre production, includes: sending a first radiation onto one tyre being processed, consisting of one forming support with at least one portion of the tyre component laid on the support, the tyre component being at least partly formed of a plurality of semifinished elements defining a radially external layer of the tyre being processed; receiving a first reflected radiation from a radially external surface of the tyre being processed; determining, as a function of the reflected radiation, parameters representative of the thickness of the layer; comparing the parameters with reference values; and generating an alarm signal as a function of the comparison. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103182 | CUTTING TOOL DATA VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of operating a machining system includes comparing one or more features of a cutting tool to information stored on a data chip secured to a tool holder of the cutting tool. The cutting tool is loaded into the machining system, and the information stored on the data chip is compared to cutting tool requirements of a machining program for instructing operation of the machine. When a result of one or more of the comparisons is outside of a predetermined threshold, operation of the machining system is stopped. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103183 | CONTROLLER FOR LASER BEAM MACHINING FOR CONTROLLING APPROACHING OPERATION OF MACHINING HEAD - A controller used for irradiating a laser beam to an object from a machining head at a reference gap position is provided. The controller includes a gap sensor for detecting an amount of gap between the machining head and the object, a gap position command calculation part for producing a gap position command, a servo mechanism for driving the machining head to the reference gap position, a servo position deviation reading part for reading an amount of position deviation of the servo mechanism, a position gain calculation part for calculating a corrected position gain of the servo mechanism, based on the amount of position deviation of the servo mechanism and a position gain replacing part for replacing the position gain of the servo mechanism with the corrected position gain. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103184 | Molding Machine - A molding machine is provided for easily setting molding conditions. Molding navigation is stored in a microcomputer portion for performing drive control of the molding machine. When the molding navigation is activated, a plurality of setting screens required for setting molding conditions are displayed in a predetermined sequence on a display portion, and in each of the displayed setting screens, setting item display fields to which the molding conditions are to be input are displayed in a color different from the surrounding. An operator inputs predetermined setting values in the displayed sequence in the setting item display fields displayed in the color different from the surrounding. Thereby, the setting of the molding conditions can be completed. All molding conditions required for operating the molding machine can be set exhaustively, and the setting of the molding conditions can be performed highly efficiently and reliably, without special skills. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103185 | Method and System for Fulfilling Requests in an Inventory System - A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103186 | PRODUCT STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM - A system for easily locating goods stored in a storage area including a computer coupled with a radio frequency transmitter or transceivers and goods placed in containers that are coupled to hangers that each has distinct electronic addresses. The hangers each have a hook that allows the hangers to be stored on rails coupled to racks in a storage area. The identifications of the goods and the electronic addresses for the corresponding hangers are associated with each other and stored on a computer database. When a user wants to pick up goods stored in the containers, the user inputs the identification for the goods and the computer will cause the radio frequency transmitter to emit a data packet that includes a search address and illumination data. The hangers each compare the search address to the electronic address and if there is a match, the hanger illuminates the light according to the illumination data. The system notifies the user of the color and flash pattern and the goods can then be easily found by locating the hanger having the corresponding illumination. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103187 | "SHOPPING CART" PARADIGM FOR SINGLE- OR MULTI-VEND VENDING MACHINE TRANSACTION PROCESS FLOW - A vending machine is configured to provide a shopping cart vend transaction order-of-processing, allowing the customer to aggregate product selections before payment. The vending machine includes an enclosure configured to store a plurality of products, a user interface configured to receive inputs from a consumer; and a control system coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to provide a virtual shopping cart that enables the customer to aggregate one or more product selections in a single vend transaction. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103188 | TABLET DISPENSER - A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103189 | MINI-BAR - Mini-bars are provided which have a containment body defining a refrigerated inner housing space for housing a plurality of products, the inner housing space being a space having controlled access communicating with a lower space, the inner space also having a product falling plane. Such mini-bars also may have electronic or electromechanical selection devices, a plurality of actuators, and an electronic control and management unit to track and record usage for both billing and refilling purposes. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103190 | FUEL DISPENSER USER INTERFACE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE - A vending machine user interface can include a first controller operatively connected to an input device capable of receiving payment or account information. The first controller can, with another device, via a second controller, or otherwise, allow secure communication of data from the input device. The first controller, in this regard, can control the communication between the input device and the other device to protect the input device from unwarranted communication from the other device. The first controller can establish a secure channel with the other device using encrypted communications. The first controller, second controller, etc. can be connected to independent printed circuit boards (PCB). Activation of sensors connected to the PCBs can cause the first and/or second controllers to erase data necessary to ascertain/decode communications from the input device, such as encryption/decryption information, or may otherwise decommission the input device or a portion thereof. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103191 | SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING ENERGY WITH AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - The invention relates to a system for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle, in particular with a battery thereof, comprising, at least one energy exchange station, comprising, at least one port for exchanging energy with an energy source, at least one port for exchanging energy with a vehicle, at least one port for data communication with the vehicle, at least one port for data communication with a data processing device, a data processing device, comprising, at least one port for data communication with the energy exchange station, at least one port for data communication with at least one configuration device, at least one configuration device, comprising, at least one port for exchanging data with the data processing device; and means, such as a user interface, for editing configuration details. The invention further relates to a method and devices for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103192 | ROBOT CONTROL METHOD - In a robot control method, target values of a work point are provided in position and orientation by a robot program, programmatically dependent on which a tool reference point of a manipulator is to be adjusted via automatic movement of axles of the manipulator by a robot controller connected with the manipulator. Based on position values (provided by the robot program) of a planned position and orientation of a robot base adjustable via an auxiliary axle, which position and orientation are to be occupied by the robot base, automatically changing the position values such that the actual position of the robot base that is to be occupied relative to the planned position to be occupied converges on a predetermined reference point, in particular the work point or the tool reference point. The robot controller automatically moves the auxiliary axle to cause the robot base to occupy the position and orientation that correspond to the changed position values. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103193 | ROBOTIC SERVICING MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOL - Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103194 | Robot Confinement - A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103195 | Methods and Systems for An Autonomous Robotic Platform - A system and method can provide a command and control paradigm for integrating robotic assets into human teams. By integrating sensor to detect human interaction, movement, physiology, and location, a net-centric system can permit command of a robotic platform without an OCU. By eliminating the OCU and maintaining the advantages of a robotic platform, a robot can be used in the place of a human without fatigue, being immune to physiological effects, capable of non-humanoid tactics, a longer potential of hours per day on-station, capable of rapid and structured information transfer, has a personality-free response, can operate in contaminated areas, and is line-replaceable with identical responses. A system for controlling a robotic platform can comprise at least one perceiver for collecting information from a human or the environment; a reasoner for processing the information from the at least one perceiver and providing a directive; and at least one behavior for executing the directive of the reasoner. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103196 | HUMANOID GAME-PLAYING ROBOT, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING SAID ROBOT - The invention relates to a player humanoid robot, a method and computer programs associated therewith. The prior art does not disclose any humanoid robot able to move on its lower limbs, to perform gestures, to communicate visual and/or audible signs, to receive same and interpret them so as to deduce therefrom appropriate behaviors for participating in a game in time as compere, questioner, questioned, investigator or mobile stake for the game. The hardware architectures, internal software and software for programming the robot of the invention make it possible to carry out these functions and to create new game experiences in which the boundaries between virtual world and real world are shifted once again. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103197 | METHOD FOR GRAPHICALLY PROVIDING CONTINUOUS CHANGE OF STATE DIRECTIONS TO A USER OF MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM - Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103198 | SERVICE PROVIDING SYSTEM AND SERVICE PROVIDING METHOD - A service providing system according to an embodiment includes a robot unit, an interface that receives input of order input information, and a control unit that is connected to the robot unit and the interface, and causes the robot unit to execute an operation based on the order input information input with the interface. Furthermore, the service providing system receives input of the order input information with the interface, causes the robot unit to execute the processing operation based on the order input information input with the interface, and provides a product on which the processing operation has been performed by the robot unit. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103199 | SURGICAL ROBOT CONTROL APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a surgical robot control apparatus, in which a control stick member is connected to an upper surface of a base member, pivots and rotates around a connection portion, and is provided with a rotary button control member, a mode switching button member, and a control member which can be operated with the thumb Thus, the surgical robot control apparatus can realize multiple functions. A surgeon can grasp the control stick member to easily control operation of a surgical robot and can perform other work using the other hand. Thereby, when performing surgery, the surgical robot control apparatus remarkably reduces the fatigue of the surgeon, thereby providing a surgical environment that is convenient and safe and provides maximized efficiency. Further, the surgical robot control apparatus can increase the safety of a patient using a safety device based on a buttons and software while performing surgery. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103200 | METHOD FOR LOCATING A VEHICLE - A portable computing device can be used to locate a vehicle in a parking structure. In particular, the portable computing device can communicate with a parking system that manages the parking structure and/or with a vehicle in order to locate the vehicle. Communications between the portable computing device, parking system and vehicle can be based on one or more wireless connections, such as Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth LE connections. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103201 | Intelligence in Distributed Lighting Control Devices - Exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses for distributed intelligence in facility lighting control are provided. A facility lighting system may be organized into multiple control areas, each of which may include one or more component devices. Each lighting control area may be associated with a control apparatus, which controls the operation of the lighting devices of the associated control area based on various types of signal information. Signal information may include information concerning local conditions or environments, as well as information from a centralized control server. Some embodiments further include monitoring the operation and predicting fault states of the lighting control area. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103202 | CONTROL OF WIND TURBINES IN A WIND PARK - A wind park comprises a plurality of wind turbines with a least one wind turbine downstream of at least one upstream turbine. The downstream turbine includes a Lidar or other device for sensing characteristics of the wake produced by the upstream turbine and for providing an output to a turbine or wind park controller indicative of the measured wake. The controller controls parameters of the downstream turbine an possibly adjacent turbines in accordance with the wake indicative signals. The control may include overrating the downstream turbine if the wake indicative signal indicates that there is a low risk of fatigue damage to components of the downstream turbine. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103203 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A power supply ECU includes memory, a CPU, and a reset circuit. The CPU reads a program stored in the memory, and executes a process for controlling equipment based on the program. When a reset signal is input to the CPU, the CPU resets the process. The reset circuit outputs the reset signal to the CPU when the ignition switch is turned off while a rewrite command signal is input. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103204 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes at least a housing, a user interface, a memory, an environmental sensor, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to operate in a wake state and a sleep state by determining wake-up conditions upon which the processor is to enter into the wake state from the sleep state that includes a threshold value associated with an environmental condition sensed by the environmental sensor, causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, operating in the sleep state during a time interval subsequent to causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, determining whether at least one of the wake-up conditions has been met, and operating in the wake state upon a determination that the at least one wake-up condition has been met. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103205 | NETWORK SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A network system equipped with an air conditioner and a control method may be provided. The network system may include: the air conditioner operating for air conditioning of a set space; a control device for updating set data in the air conditioner, and a control unit equipped in the air conditioner and for receiving update data from the control device. The control unit may include: an external memory for storing update data received from the control device, and an internal memory for selectively storing the update data stored in the external memory based on whether an update execute signal is received from the control device. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103206 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103207 | ADJUSTING PROXIMITY THRESHOLDS FOR ACTIVATING A DEVICE USER INTERFACE - A thermostat includes a user interface that is configured to operate in at least two different modes including a first mode and a second mode. The user interface may require more power when operating in the first mode than in the second mode. The thermostat also includes a plurality of sensors, including at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of a user within a proximity of the thermostat. The thermostat additionally includes a first processing function that is configured to determine a proximity profile and to cause the user interface to be in the first mode one or more sensors provides responses that match the proximity profile. The proximity profile may be computed using a history of responses from the sensors that are likely to coincide with times where users intend to view the user interface. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103208 | CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUBSEA ACTIVITIES - A control system is for completion installation, intervention and testing activities at a subsea location. The control system has a first control circuit at a surface location; a subsea test tree located in a blowout preventer at the subsea location, the second control circuit located within a riser extending from the blowout preventer towards the surface location; and a plurality of sensors monitoring characteristics of the subsea location. The second control circuit communicates with the first control circuit and receives the characteristics of the subsea location. The second control circuit also controls electrically powered subsea valves based upon commands from the first control circuit and based upon the characteristics of the subsea location to complete a completion installation, intervention, and/or testing activity. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103209 | Apparatus and Method for Process Control - A method and a device for open-loop or closed-loop control of a process uses an actuator, a position sensor, a process valve, a process sensor, and a tuning stage. n positions of the process valve are approached, and the associated actual position values are detected. The respective actual process values are detected for each corresponding actual position value to thus obtain value pairs of actual position values and actual process values. Correction values are calculated based on the identified value pairs, and position set values corrected with the correction values are determined to compensate for nonlinearities of the process, such that a linear overall behavior is achieved. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103210 | PROACTIVE COOLING CONTROL USING POWER CONSUMPTION TREND ANALYSIS - A method combines temperature-based and power-based control of a cooling subsystem. In one method, a power consumption of heat-generating electronic devices is sensed, and a power consumption trend over a moving time interval is identified and quantified. A cooling fluid flow rate is proactively increased in response to the power consumption trend exceeding a power consumption trend threshold during a period that a temperature of the heat-generating electronic devices does not exceed a temperature threshold. The magnitude of the power consumption threshold is used to anticipate and respond to imminent heating, before a temperature threshold is reached. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103211 | DYNAMIC SPRAY BUFFER CALCULATION - In one embodiment, a method that comprises retrieving by a processing unit an application plan from memory, the application plan comprising coordinates for a buffer area associated with dispensing a product onto a field; receiving information from a weather station, the information corresponding to substantially current climatic conditions detected by the weather station in the field; responsive to receiving the information from the weather station, adjusting the application plan; and causing an agricultural machine to operate according to the adjusted application plan. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103212 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CONTEXT-BASED POWER CONSUMPTION CONTROL - A method for providing context-based power consumption control may include accessing fused context data. The method may further include determining at least one power consumption control measure for each of a plurality of system layers based at least in part on the fused context data. The method may also include performing multilayered power consumption control by implementing at each respective system layer of the plurality of system layers the at least one power consumption control measure determined for the respective system layer. A corresponding apparatus is also provided. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103213 | System and method for operating a turbine farm - A system for operating a wind or water turbine farm comprising a plurality of turbines comprising: a computing device; means for providing operational data relating to the plurality of turbines to the computing device; a computer-readable medium coupled to the computing device and having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the computing device, causes the computing device to: arrange the operational data for each turbine into an array comprising operational data and having a first dimension corresponding to the plurality of turbines; generate a graphical user interface; generate within the graphical user interface a graphical representation of the array. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103214 | Provisioning Aggregate Computational Workloads And Air Conditioning Unit Configurations To Optimize Utility Of Air Conditioning Units And Processing Resources Within A Data Center - Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for provisioning aggregate computational workloads and air conditioning unit configurations to optimize utility of air conditioning units and processing resources within a data center are provided. Embodiments include for each air conditioning unit within the data center, determining a thermal zone generated by the air conditioning unit; for a given aggregate computational workload, identifying a plurality of computational workload configurations, each computational workload configuration indicating spatial assignments of the aggregate computational workload among a plurality of processing resources within the data center; for each computational workload configuration, calculating a total minimum energy consumption of the air conditioning units and the processing resources; and selecting the computational workload configuration with the lowest total minimum energy consumption and the determined lowest power air conditioning unit configuration corresponding with the selected computational workload configuration. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103215 | UTILITY CONSUMPTION DISAGGREGATION USING LOW SAMPLE RATE SMART METERS - Utility meter readings generated at low sampling rates are disaggregated to identify consumer usage activities. Time intervals between readings can include a plurality of consumer usage activities. By employing a model which recognizes associations among consumer usage activities, effective disaggregation is possible using only aggregated consumption data and interval start times. Consumers and utility managers can design and assess conservation programs based on the disaggregated consumption usage activities. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103216 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENERGY DEMAND MANAGEMENT - To manage energy demands of a plurality of appliances, a meter controller apparatus receives a first message from a first appliance controller apparatus coupled to a first appliance of the plurality of appliances. The first message comprises first information regarding a first power demand of the first appliance and a first demand category associated with the first appliance, wherein the first demand category is one of a plurality of demand categories. The meter controller apparatus computes an updated meter controller model for the plurality of appliances based at least in part on the first message received from the first appliance controller apparatus and a present meter controller model for the plurality of appliances. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103217 | POWER DEMAND FORECAST DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM AND POWER FAILURE DETECTION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a power demand forecast device including: an absence detection section adapted to detect whether a consumer is absent at a given location; and a power demand forecast section adapted to forecast a power demand on a forecasted date and time in future based on an absence detection result obtained by the absence detection section. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103218 | PROVISIONING AGGREGATE COMPUTATIONAL WORKLOADS AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT CONFIGURATIONS TO OPTIMIZE UTILITY OF AIR CONDITIONING UNITS AND PROCESSING RESOURCES WITHIN A DATA CENTER - Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for provisioning aggregate computational workloads and air conditioning unit configurations to optimize utility of air conditioning units and processing resources within a data center are provided. Embodiments include for each air conditioning unit within the data center, determining a thermal zone generated by the air conditioning unit; for a given aggregate computational workload, identifying a plurality of computational workload configurations, each computational workload configuration indicating spatial assignments of the aggregate computational workload among a plurality of processing resources within the data center; for each computational workload configuration, calculating a total minimum energy consumption of the air conditioning units and the processing resources; and selecting the computational workload configuration with the lowest total minimum energy consumption and the determined lowest power air conditioning unit configuration corresponding with the selected computational workload configuration. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103219 | PROTECTING ELECTRONIC DEVICES FROM ELECTRICAL SUPPLY DISTURBANCES - Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for monitoring electrical disturbance (e.g., surges, outages, etc.) possibilities, and then automatically isolating electronic devices (also referred to herein as electronics) for the duration of the disturbance (or threat thereof). In a typical embodiment, a probability of an electrical disturbance occurring at a specified location will be determined. Then, a set of device protection profiles will be accessed. The set of device protection profiles comprises a set of thresholds and a corresponding set of device topologies associated with a set of electronic devices positioned. The set of thresholds in the set of device protection profiles will then be compared to the probability to identify a matching device topology from the set of device topologies. According to the matching device topology, at least one electronic device will be isolated from an electrical power source. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103220 | Safe Exposed Conductor Power Distribution System - A power distribution system (that can detect an unsafe fault condition where an individual or object has come in contact with the power conductors) regulates the transfer of energy from a source to a load. Periodically, the source controller opens an S | 2013-04-25 |
20130103221 | REMOTE ENERGY MANAGEMENT USING PERSISTENT SMART GRID NETWORK CONTEXT - A device may include a memory to store control policies set for a network of smart grid. devices connected to a power grid, the control policies including an energy consumption threshold associated with the network of smart grid devices; and a processor configured to obtain network content including energy consumption data associated with the network of smart grid devices, compare the energy consumption data to the energy consumption threshold associated with the network of smart grid devices, generate a first instruction with respect to energy consumption associated with network of smart grid devices, and generate a second instruction with respect to replenishment of unforced capacity associated with the network of smart grid devices. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103222 | DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT MODULE - A household appliance system comprising an appliance control system having a common appliance interface provided on an appliance and a demand side management module connected to the common appliance interface. The module corresponds to one select utility of a plurality of utilities and is configured to communicate with the one select utility of the plurality of utilities. The appliance control system operates the appliance based on communications with the one select utility through the module. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103223 | SWITCHING ON END DEVICES ACCORDING TO NETWORK LOAD - An electrical device for connecting to an electrical distribution network of a building. The electrical distribution network is connected to an electrical energy supply network. The electrical device has a switching device for switching on and off an electrical load. For the purpose of relatively simple demand control of the electrical load, the electrical device has a monitoring device for monitoring the voltage and/or frequency at the electrical device on the distribution network side and to generate a switch-on signal if the monitored voltage and/or frequency exceeds an upper threshold value and to generate a switch-off signal if the monitored voltage and/or frequency falls below a lower threshold value. The switching device establishes a current flow between the distribution network and the electrical load when a switch-on signal is present and interrupts a current flow between the distribution network and the electrical load if a switch-off signal is present. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103224 | METHOD FOR SEQUENTIALLY MEASURING IMPEDANCE, MEASUREMENT DEVICE, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM - Provided are a sequential impedance measurement device and a method for sequentially measuring impedance. While applying a signal having a power output fluctuation similar to that of normal operation, it is possible to carry out a quick measurement with relatively high precision and in a broad frequency range. Also, the device and the method can simultaneously determine phenomena which occur in different frequency ranges. Disclosed is a sequential impedance measurement device in which impedance of a fuel cell is sequentially measured in a control system, the control system controlling the fuel cell by using a power indication value of a control processor, the device including: an M-sequence-signal-generating section; a superimposed-signal-generating section; a signal-processing section; a signal-adding unit; a current and voltage measuring unit; and an impedance calculator, wherein a method for controlling the fuel cell by the control processor is modified according to a calculation result of the impedance calculator. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103225 | TRAIN SPEED MEASURING DEVICE AND METHOD - Provided are a train speed measuring device and method. The train speed measuring device includes: at least one first tachometer disposed at an axle of a trailer car and for outputting a pulse signal according to a wheel revolution of the trailer car; at least one second tachometer disposed at an axle of a motor car and for outputting a pulse signal according to a wheel revolution of the motor car; at least one speed measuring unit for measuring speed values on the basis of pulse signals outputted from the at least one first tachometer and the at least one second tachometer; and a speed calculating unit for calculating the speed of the train on the basis of the measured speed values. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103226 | REHABILITATION DEVICE - A rehabilitation device includes a moving body, a motor, a control system and a sensor module. The moving body has a housing and a moving mechanism. The motor, disposed in the housing, connects to the moving mechanism and drives the moving mechanism. The control system is disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103227 | LEFT-RIGHT WHEEL DRIVE FORCE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus is provided for improving the handling of a vehicle when a steering wheel of the vehicle is being returned toward a center position. The vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus executes a distributed output of a wheel drive force to left and right drive wheels in accordance with a control. The apparatus has a left-right drive force transient control amount computing section that computes a left-right drive force difference transient control amount based on a driver transient turn response. This control amount computed is used in the aforementioned control and is made smaller as the steering wheel is being turned away from a center position than as the steering wheel is being returned toward the center position. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103228 | LEFT-RIGHT WHEEL DRIVE FORCE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - A calculating section finds a left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control computation value, which is a basic target value for a turning response transiently requested by a driver through a steering speed at current wheel speeds (vehicle speed). A computing section finds a left-right drive force difference transient control gain based on a target yaw rate change rate such that the control gain is smaller than 1 in a high target yaw rate change rate region. The computing value is multiplied by the control gain to calculate a left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control amount for a left-right wheel drive force distribution control. As a result, during high-speed steering when the yaw rate gain tends to increase, the left-right drive force difference transient control amount is revised to a decreased value such that the transient control amount causes less of an increase in the yaw rate. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103229 | LEFT-RIGHT WHEEL DRIVE FORCE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - In a transient control computing section, a left-right drive force difference transient control gain computing section finds a left-right drive force difference transient control gain α that is smaller than 1 in a region where a target yaw rate change rate is small, i.e., a low speed steering region, and a left-right drive force difference transient control computation value calculating section finds a left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control computation value. The transient control computing section then multiplies the left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control computation value by the left-right drive force difference transient control gain α to calculate the left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control amount and contributes the same to a drive force distribution control for left and right wheels (left and right rear wheels). | 2013-04-25 |
20130103230 | CONTROL DEVICE - A program delivery center is a program update device which updates a program of an ECU mounted in a vehicle, wherein a right holder specification unit specifies a right holder who has a right to execute the update of the program on the basis of information regarding the vehicle, and a reprogramming guide execution unit sets and outputs program update guide notification to the right holder. Accordingly, the update of the program by a person other than the right holder can be avoided, thereby improving security. Furthermore, since the update of the program is notified to the right holder which can execute the update of the program, a program update execution frequency increases compared to a case where a user who cannot execute the update of the program is notified, thereby prompting the execution of the program update. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103231 | SENSING SYSTEM FOR FOLLOWING A STRINGLINE - A sensing system for providing string line vehicle automation. The system includes a master controller that is electrically connected to a receiver that has a transceiver that provides over-the-air communication to a plurality of sensors that are aligned along a string line. The transceivers receive information from the plurality of sensors in order to automate the control of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle drives in a straight line. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103232 | AIRCRAFT COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - An aircraft collision avoidance system comprising (a) at least one separation monitoring device connectable to at least a portion of an aircraft, the separation monitoring device comprising (1) at least one transmitter and (2) at least one receiver and (b) a master unit. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103233 | AUTOMATIC LANDING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AN AIRCRAFT ON A STRONG SLOPE RUNWAY - The device ( | 2013-04-25 |
20130103234 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVELINE NOISE CONTROL IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN - A hybrid powertrain includes an engine and electric motors configured to transfer torque through a transmission. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain includes determining a transition window associated with torque output of one of the electric motors coupled to an element of the transmission. A noise reduction control scheme is executed when the torque output of the one of the electric motors coupled to the element of the transmission is within the transition window. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103235 | CREEP CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - Disclosed is a creep control system and method for a hybrid vehicle, which controls the driving of a motor according to the distance to a preceding vehicle in order to provide creep driving when the hybrid vehicle has come to a complete stop. In particular, driving information is detected and a determination is made as to whether the hybrid vehicle is in an idle stop and completely stationary state. Then when the hybrid vehicle is in the idle stop and completely stationary state, a determination is made as to whether a distance from a preceding vehicle is more than a predetermined distance. When the distance to the preceding vehicle is more than the predetermined distance, a motor is driven to perform creep driving. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103236 | USE OF SMARTPHONES, POCKET SIZE COMPUTERS, TABLETS OR OTHER MOBILE PERSONAL COMPUTERS AS THE MAIN COMPUTER OF COMPUTERIZED VEHICLES - This invention features a solution to use a pocket size pc, smartphone, or tablet or any other type of mobile personal computer as the main computer of a vehicle, in the highly computerized future vehicles. By connecting the smartphone/tablet/etc to the car interface, the phone/tablet/etc will become the brain of the machine, and acts as a vehicle computer system. By the use of the car manufacturer application software, or use of 3 | 2013-04-25 |
20130103237 | METHOD FOR OPERATING DRIVE CONTROL UNITS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE - In a motor vehicle having two different drives, in particular an internal combustion engine and an electric drive, there are two control units for the respective drives and a leading control unit (Hybrid), which preferably controls the internal combustion engine and assigns torque to the individual drives when there are torque requests. Corresponding request signals are sent and implemented only if the existence of a certain situation (key inserted, “terminal | 2013-04-25 |
20130103238 | ENERGY CONSERVATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103239 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A vehicle includes: an engine; an electric motor connected to the engine via a gear; and a controller configured to perform control that includes at least one of increasing a rotational speed of the engine to a value that is equal to or higher than a given value and changing an output torque of the electric motor to a value that is out of a given range including zero, provided that a target output torque of the electric motor is within the given range including zero and a target rotational speed of the engine is lower than the given value, during deceleration accompanied by motoring of the engine. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103240 | Battery Temperature Control Device - A battery temperature control device for an electric vehicle is provided which is capable of maintaining both the range of the electric vehicle and the battery life at a high level without drastically reducing either of them. A recommended temperature range suitable for battery use and a usable temperature range in which a battery is usable and which is wider than the recommended temperature range are included, and while the battery temperature is basically controlled to converge to the recommended temperature range to maintain the battery life, in a situation where the power consumption necessary for controlling the battery temperature to converge to the recommended temperature is increased, making it difficult to travel a desired travelling distance, the recommended temperature range is switched to the usable temperature range and the battery temperature is controlled to converge to the usable temperature range, and the power consumption necessary for controlling the battery temperature is suppressed and the range of the vehicle is maintained. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103241 | VEHICLE CONTROL UNIT AND CONTROL METHOD - A control unit for use in a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, and a transmission that transmits a driving force from at least one of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to drive shafts prohibits a gear change in the transmission at least while the vehicle is cornering when a cornering of the vehicle is detected by a cornering detection device and permits an assist increase by the electric motor with the gear change in the transmission kept prohibited when a storage state of the battery satisfies a first storage condition. Consequently, a smooth re-acceleration can be realized during a cornering of the vehicle which involves acceleration and deceleration thereof. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103242 | HYBRID VEHICLE CONTROL UNIT AND CONTROL METHOD - With a hybrid vehicle driven at extremely low speeds only by power from the electric motor, when a state-of-charge of the battery becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined level or when a rotational speed required on the air conditioner compressor is less than a desired rotational speed, power from the internal combustion engine is transmitted to the output shaft by engaging the first engaging and disengaging mechanism, starting the internal combustion engine by power from the electric motor, and thereafter, engaging the first engaging and disengaging mechanism or the second engaging and disengaging mechanism between a fully applied state and a fully released state. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103243 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, HYBRID VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A purge control implementation determination unit determines whether or not to implement purge control in accordance with predetermined implementation conditions. If it is determined to implement the purge control, a purge control unit actually implements the purge control. A throttle opening degree upper limit switching unit switches an upper limit value of an opening degree of a throttle based on a determination result of the purge control implementation determination unit. A throttle opening degree control unit controls the opening degree of the throttle so as not to exceed the upper limit value set by the throttle opening degree upper limit switching unit. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103244 | DRIVING FORCE CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Disclosed is a driving force control device that includes a determination section ( | 2013-04-25 |
20130103245 | Tracking foldable cart - A foldable cart assembly which is arranged to provide trackable transportation to a product or a person. The cart contains sensors and computer-controlled drive wheels to enable that cart assembly, when fully opened, to follow a safe path as directed by received electronic signals. That cart assembly is also tri-foldably collapsible, so as to have multiple portions pivoted into nesting configuration with one another thus containable in a minimal volume and even carried by an individual. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103246 | PARKING SYSTEM HAVING LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE GUIDANCE - A method in a parking system for supporting parking using a longitudinal guidance and a transverse guidance, and to such a parking system. The method includes: calculating a parking trajectory having at least one stopping point; detecting, independently of the driver's actions, that the calculated stopping point has been reached; and, in reaction to the detection, providing a signal for a steering change for a steering controller. On a time axis there consequently takes place an initiation of a steering change in time period before a time at which the driver changes gear and independently of it. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103247 | Apparatus and Method for Controlling Work Trajectory of Construction Equipment - The present disclosure relates to a apparatus and method for controlling work trajectory of construction equipment, and particularly, to a trajectory controlling device and a method for construction equipment, capable of automatically operating with the most suitable work trajectory at the point when an automated task is selected. The trajectory controlling device and method for construction equipment may control a task starting point and the following of a trajectory in order to compensate for a positioning error when playback is selected to follow a teaching trajectory, and may minimize positioning errors by compensating for changes related to gravity due to changes in the posture of a work device. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103248 | AUTOMATIC WAREHOUSE AND WAREHOUSING METHOD INTO AUTOMATIC WAREHOUSE - An automatic warehouse includes multiple guided vehicles disposed at different heights along a rack and a storage shelf with a hoist in line with the rack. The storage shelf includes an intra-shelf conveyor that stores articles, and multiple shelf frames configured to vertically pass the transportation surface of the intra-shelf conveyor. The interval between the plurality of shelf frames may be varied. In parallel with the storage of articles using the intra-shelf conveyor, the shelf frames are caused to pass the transportation surface of the intra-shelf conveyor upward from below, and the articles are sequentially transferred from the intra-shelf conveyor onto the shelf frames. After the articles have been transferred to all the corresponding shelf frames, the guided vehicles store the articles on the shelf frames into the rack at simultaneously. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103249 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY POSITIONING A VEHICLE RELATIVE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MOTION - A computer-implemented method is provided for automatically guiding a first vehicle to maintain a position relative to a second vehicle traveling in a given area. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving location data on the first and second vehicles; (b) determining a legal travel path in the given area from the first vehicle toward an expected position of the second vehicle; (c) automatically controlling the first vehicle to travel along the legal travel path; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) to automatically move the first vehicle to a relative position from the second vehicle and then to automatically maintain the relative position as the first and second vehicles travel through the given area. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103250 | DYNAMICALLY RECONFIGURABLE CODE EXECUTION ARCHITECTURE FOR BUILDING DIAGNOSTIC ALGORITHMS - Methods and apparatus are provided for building and executing reconfigurable algorithms in on-board environments which require pre-certification of the compiled code, such as avionics, flight control, and military applications. The code execution architecture includes a library of reusable function modules in the form of pre-compiled code blocks; an algorithm execution utility (AEU) for processing a user-assembled string of code blocks; and a customer interface for selecting code blocks, defining their associated parameters and sequence (execution order), structuring inputs and outputs, and for providing the integrated, machine readable application to the AEU at run time. The various sequences, permutations and combinations of functions and their associated parameters, inputs and outputs are pre-approved or certified a priori; consequently, the on-board reconfiguration and execution of complex algorithms may be performed in real time without the need for recoding, verification, or redeployment of the code base. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103251 | Method for Monitoring a Pedestrian Detecting Device for a Vehicle - A method is provided for monitoring a pedestrian detecting device for a vehicle, wherein an absorber is provided on a bumper of the vehicle. The absorber can deform in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The deformation is transferred to a connecting element, and the connecting element actuates a sensor that generates a sensor signal. The functionality of the pedestrian detecting device can be monitored by saving the current sensor signal as a target value every time the vehicle is parked, and saving the current sensor signal as an actual value every time the vehicle is restarted. The actual value is compared to the target value, and a deviation of the target value from the actual value is detected and/or displayed. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103252 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECOGNIZING A DEVIATION OF A YAW-RATE SIGNAL OF A YAW-RATE SENSOR - A method for recognizing a deviation of a yaw-rate signal of a sensor of a vehicle is proposed which includes a step of receiving a piece of information regarding a linear acceleration of the vehicle, and a step of receiving the yaw-rate signal, which represents a yaw rate of the vehicle. A step of analyzing the yaw-rate signal takes place when the linear acceleration is smaller than a first threshold value, in order to recognize the deviation of the yaw-rate signal. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103253 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL - UTILIZING VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY - An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103254 | OZONE CONVERTING CATALYST FAULT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for a vehicle includes a conversion efficiency module, a threshold determination module, and a catalyst fault indication module. The conversion efficiency module generates an ozone conversion efficiency of a catalyst that converts ozone into oxygen based on a first amount of ozone in air measured upstream of the catalyst and a second amount of ozone in air measured downstream of the catalyst. The threshold determination module generates an efficiency threshold based on ambient humidity. The catalyst fault indication module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the catalyst when the ozone conversion efficiency is less than the efficiency threshold. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103255 | MONITORING SYSTEM FOR TRACKBOUND GOODS OR PASSENGERS TRANSPORTED IN A RAILCAR - A monitoring system for rail-borne transportation of goods or people in at least one car. The one or more cars may, for example, be railway cars or tram cars which are moved in the public rail system. The monitoring system according to the invention first of all includes a generator mount, which is integrated in at least one wheel bearing of the car. The generator mount is therefore used on the one hand as the bearing for a wheel of the car, and on the other hand to produce electrical energy, as a result of which it forms a power supply unit. The components which are required to produce the electrical voltage in the generator mount are integrated in the mount. One of these components is formed by a conductor arrangement which is used for induction of an electrical voltage to be generated. The monitoring system according to the invention furthermore includes sensor electronics, which are electrically connected to the conductor arrangement, for determining measurement variables which act on the conductor arrangement. As a result, the generator mount furthermore forms a sensor. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103256 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle display apparatus, which is coupled to a terminal device having a terminal display section, includes an in-vehicle display section equipped to a vehicle and a display controller. The display controller controls the in-vehicle display section to display a pseudo terminal display window, which indicates a terminal display window displayed on the terminal display section of the terminal device. The display controller controls the in vehicle display section to display the pseudo terminal display window, which includes a specified region and another region other than the specified region in such a manner that the specified region is scaled up compared with the another region. Thus, the specified region is easily confirmed and the pseudo terminal display window displays a broader scope thereby reducing display loss of necessary information. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103257 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE BY DETECTING WEATHER-RELATED VISIBILITY LIMITATIONS - The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle by detecting weather-related visibility limitations, wherein image data of the surroundings of the vehicle and of the windshield are generated by a camera that is directed toward the windshield. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103258 | CREATION OF COST FUNCTION - Disclosed is a cost function that depends on at least a first term and a second term which have a mutual relationship between them. The cost function is also so configured that it is easy to expand to cover one or more further terms. The cost function is created such that when it is expanded to depend on the first term, the second term and at least one further term the cost function still maintains the same mutual relationship between the first term and the second term. The cost function also indicates a mutual relationship between the at least one further term and the first and second terms. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103259 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A system and method that may inspect an upcoming road segment and use that information to control certain aspects of a vehicle suspension system. In an exemplary embodiment, several cameras are used to evaluate an upcoming road segment and to provide road information to a control module so that damping and/or other aspects of an active or semi-active suspension system can be controlled in a feed-forward manner. Because the vehicle suspension system assesses a segment of the road that is ahead of the vehicle, as opposed to one currently being encountered by the vehicle, the system may improve ride performance by anticipating and preparing for road conditions before they are actually encountered. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103260 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC USER-CONFIGURABLE STEERING PARAMETER CONTROL - A vehicle guidance system and method for automatically adjusting an amount of a user-configurable steering parameter applied to at least one steerable wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system may comprise a computing device for receiving a desired angle of the steerable wheel, measuring the actual angle of the steerable wheel, and comparing the actual angle with the desired angle. The computing device may then decrease the user-configurable steering parameter automatically if over-steering has occurred, meaning the actual angle of the wheel is determined to be greater than the desired angle of the wheel and angled in the same direction as the desired angle, or the computing device may increase the user-configurable steering parameter automatically if under-steering has occurred, meaning the actual angle of the wheel is determined to be less than the desired angle of the wheel or is angled in the opposite direction as the desired angle. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103261 | METHOD FOR GENERATING REQUEST COMMAND OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT APPARATUS USING MOTOR-DRIVEN POWER STEERING - The present invention relates to a method for generating a request command of a wheel alignment apparatus using a motor-drive power steering (MDPS). After a vehicle having the MDPS mounted therein is parked, a steering angle is detected, and an MDPS motor is controlled through a request command of a motor angular velocity to align a wheel with the center. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103262 | VEHICLE STEERING APPARATUS - A vehicle steering apparatus for setting a target steering reaction force to be applied to a steering wheel on the basis of a steering angle and a vehicle speed and for performing reaction force control to apply the target steering reaction force, is provided with: a steering speed specifying device for specifying a steering speed of the steering wheel; and a target steering reaction force changing device for changing magnitude of the target steering reaction force in accordance with magnitude of an absolute value of the steering speed specified by the steering speed specifying device. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103263 | VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - A vehicle stability control method is to be performed by a vehicle stability control system of a motor vehicle, and includes the steps of: detecting an actual yaw rate, and obtaining a plurality of detection values by detecting a vehicle speed and a steering wheel angle, and at least one operation status selected from a lateral acceleration status, a load status and a steering wheel angular speed status; obtaining a plurality of intermediate weight values, from which a steering characteristic value is determined, based on the obtained detection values; obtaining a target yaw rate based on the vehicle speed, the steering wheel angle and the steering characteristic value; and controlling steering of road wheels according to difference between the target and actual yaw rates. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103264 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle which is provided with a braking/driving force varying device capable of individually changing a braking/driving force acting on each of wheels (FL, FR, RL, RR) with respect to each wheel. The control apparatus includes a target state quantity setting device for setting a target state quantity corresponding to a target motion state of the vehicle; and a target braking/driving force setting device for setting a target braking/driving force, which is a target value of the braking/driving force, such that a state quantity corresponding to the target state quantity and a steering reaction force transmitted to a steering apparatus from the wheel are the set target state quantity and a predetermined target steering reaction force, respectively, on the basis of a relative relation, which is set in advance, between the state quantity and the steering reaction force, and a left-right braking/driving force difference of front wheels and a braking/driving force difference of rear wheels. | 2013-04-25 |
20130103265 | VEHICLE GRILLE SHUTTER - A method of acknowledging a presence of an individual relative to a vehicle having a grille opening includes detecting that the vehicle is stationary. The method also includes sensing the presence of the individual relative to the vehicle. The method additionally includes setting an adjustable shutter in motion in response to the sensed presence of the individual when the vehicle is stationary. The shutter is arranged relative to the grille opening and is operable to selectively open and close the grille opening to present an appearance of a “wink”. A system using a controller configured to regulate the shutter and perform such a method is also provided. | 2013-04-25 |