293results about How to "Solve the lack of precision" patented technology

A novel mechanical system, based on a new cable driven mechanical transmission, able to provide sufficient dexterity, stiffness, speed, precision and payload capacity to actuate multi-DOF micro-manipulators. Besides the possibility of being used in several articulated surgical instruments and robotic systems for surgery or other applications involving remote manipulation, it enables the design of a novel fully mechanical surgical instrument, which offer the advantages of conventional laparoscopy (low cost, tactile feedback, high payload capacity) combined with the advantages of single port surgery (single incision, scarless surgery, navigation through several quadrants of the abdominal cavity) and robotic surgery (greater degrees of freedom, short learning curve, high stiffness, high precision, increased intuition). The unique design of the proposed system provides an intuitive user interface to achieve such enhanced manoeuvrability, allowing each joint of a teleoperated slave system to be driven by controlling the position of a mechanically connected master unit.

A method for constructing a final image using adaptive exposure control in multiple exposure photography, comprising: (a) capturing an exposure; (b) analyzing the exposure at least to determine deficiencies in the exposure; (c) setting exposure parameters for at least one next exposure adapted to construct the final image with ameliorated deficiencies; (d) capturing the at least one next exposure using the set exposure parameters; and, (e) constructing a final image utilizing portions of at least the two exposures.

A system and methods of performing searches within a universe of preexisting documents to extract a subset of relevant documents is disclosed. The user selects search terms or key words, and an application program performs a search of the universe of documents, compiles a subset or collection of documents based upon the search terms or keywords selected, and presents the resulting collection of documents to the user. An abstract marker such as a color highlighter, e.g. a color overlayed upon the key words such that the key word is visible through the colored portion, is associated with the keywords or criterion within a document. A collection of documents is presented as a group of second abstract markers, such as a pie chart, with colored segments representing keywords such that the proportion of instances of a keyword corresponds to the relative size of a segment within the pie chart.

A bidirectional signal processing method uses parallel transmission of digital transmitted data streams in a multiple input-multiple output system. Related art methods generate high bit error rates mostly in singular transmission channels. For this reason, the rank-adaptive signal processing method provides that the number nd of active subchannels are varied according to the actual channel behavior in order to effect a robust data transmission even in singular radio channels based on a transmit-side and receive-side channel knowledge and a modification of the data vector by a linear matrix vector multiplication while introducing a factor gamma for limiting the maximum transmit power. The maximum transmit power is then only distributed to the currently activated subchannels so that no transmit power remains unused. Another optimization of the number of subchannels nd occurs when selecting the modulation and encoding methods. During the optimal rank-adaptation according to the water-filling principle, another power is allocated to each subchannel. Another modulation and encoding method is accordingly selected for each data stream. During the suboptimal rank-adaptation according to the channel inversion principle, all subchannels have the same power whereby enabling the data streams to be modulated and encoded in a common source

A touch-sensitive apparatus comprises a panel configured to conduct signals from a plurality of peripheral incoupling points to a plurality of peripheral outcoupling points. Actual detection lines are defined between pairs of incoupling and outcoupling points to extend across a surface portion of the panel. The signals may be in the form of light, and objects touching the surface portion may affect the light via frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). A signal generator is coupled to the incoupling points to generate the signals, and a signal detector is coupled to the out-coupling points to generate an output signal. A data processor operates on the output signal to enable identification of touching objects. The output signal is processed (40) to generate a set of data samples, which are indicative of detected energy for at least a subset of the actual detection lines. The set of data samples is processed (42) to generate a set of matched samples, which are indicative of estimated detected energy for fictitious detection lines that have a location on the surface portion that matches a standard geometry for tomographic reconstruction. The set of matched samples is processed (44, 46) by tomographic reconstruction to generate data indicative of a distribution of an energy-related parameter within at least part of the surface portion.

A bidirectional signal processing method uses parallel transmission of digital transmitted data streams in a multiple input-multiple output system. Related art methods generate high bit error rates mostly in singular transmission channels. For this reason, the rank-adaptive signal processing method provides that the number nd of active subchannels are varied according to the actual channel behavior in order to effect a robust data transmission even in singular radio channels based on a transmit-side and receive-side channel knowledge and a modification of the data vector by a linear matrix vector multiplication while introducing a factor gamma for limiting the maximum transmit power. The maximum transmit power is then only distributed to the currently activated subchannels so that no transmit power remains unused. Another optimization of the number of subchannels nd occurs when selecting the modulation and encoding methods. During the optimal rank-adaptation according to the water-filling principle, another power is allocated to each subchannel. Another modulation and encoding method is accordingly selected for each data stream. During the suboptimal rank-adaptation according to the channel inversion principle, all subchannels have the same power whereby enabling the data streams to be modulated and encoded in a common source.

A system for measuring a metabolic parameter. The system includes an integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, O2 concentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO2, N2O, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO2, N2O, and anesthetic agents.

A touch-sensing apparatus is based on frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). The apparatus comprises a panel, in which sheets of light are propagated by internal reflection between a touch surface and an opposite surface. A light sensor arrangement is optically connected to the panel to measure transmitted light energy on detection lines across the touch surface. Each detection line represents a light path across the touch surface from a light source to a light sensor. An object that touches the touch surface will frustrate the propagating light and cause a local attenuation among the detection lines. A data processor is connected to the light sensor arrangement and configured to execute a process for extracting touch-related data.

Methods and systems for determining position of one or more portions of a seismic streamer, which portions may be seismic receivers, are disclosed. One method includes measuring one or more characteristics of one or more steering devices positioned at known distances along a marine seismic streamer; using the measured characteristic to calculate a force on at least a portion of the streamer exerted by one or more steering devices from the characteristics; and using the calculated force to estimate position of at least a portion of the streamer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

The invention discloses a high-precision vehicle positioning method for fusing multi-source information under a GPS (global positioning system) blind area and a device. By a strap-down matrix algorithm of the method, INS (inertial navigation system) vehicle position information and position information obtained by a pavement matching technology are calculated according to angular rate information output by a gyroscope and acceleration information output by an accelerometer and are fused by a kalman filtering algorithm to output final fused positioning information. As an INS positioning algorithm has an accumulated error, vehicle position information is recalibrated by arranging an anchor node beside a road. According to the method, stable and reliable high-precision vehicle position information can be obtained; the method is suitable for non-GPS-signal environments such as urban roads with dense buildings, mountain areas and tunnels.

Catching grooves (34) extending in the axial direction are formed in the cylindrical outer surface of a brush base (35) that has a slender, substantially cylindrical shape and made of a twistable material. Brush attaching portions (43) of brush members (41) and blade attaching portions (47) of scraping members (42) are respectively secured in the catching grooves (34) so that axially aligned bristles (44) of each brush member (41) and an axially extending blade (46) of each scraping member (42) project from the cylindrical outer surface of the brush base (35). Receiving members (53) are respectively fitted to both ends of a shaft (51) inserted through a shaft insertion hole (39) of the brush base (35). By rotating the receiving members (53) in opposite directions, the brush base (35) is twisted in a spiral and secured. By eliminating the necessity of forming the brush base (35) in a twisted shape beforehand by means of twist extrusion molding, the invention facilitates production of the brush base (35). Adjusting the degree of twisting the brush base (35) ensures a sufficient twisting precision.

The invention discloses an image navigation-based parallel robot-assisted artificial cervical intervertebral disc replacement surgery positioning method, which belongs to application of a parallel robot in the field of surgical operation and is used for making sure that the pose relation between a practical surgery abrasive drilling and a patient is consistent with the pose relation between a virtual abrasive drilling and a patient model determined by a doctor in a virtual environment. According to technical key points, the method comprises the following steps of: performing three-dimensional reestablishment on a CT (Computerized Tomography) image by using a VTK (Visualization Tool Kit) software package to obtain a three-dimensional model of the silk cervical vertebra of a patient; introducing the virtual abrasive drilling into an image space and making the doctor complete virtual positioning on a computer; establishing a position and pose mapping relation among the image, the patient and the robot by using an optical positioning system and an ICP (Iterative Closest Point) algorithm; and controlling the parallel robot to move to finally complete positioning of the abrasive drilling of the parallel robot and the patient.

Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals of the area from which the focus signals are extracted at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted focus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the focus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

An X-ray thin film inspection apparatus including a sample table on which an inspection target such as a product wafer or the like is mounted, a positioning mechanism for moving the sample table, a goniometer having first and second swing arms, at least one X-ray irradiation unit that are mounted on the first swing arm and containing an X-ray tube and an X-ray optical element in a shield tube, an X-ray detector mounted on a second swing arm, and an optical camera for subjecting the inspection target disposed on the sample table to pattern recognition.

Objects touching a surface portion attenuate transmitted signals. A data processor processes an output signal from a detector coupled to the outcoupling points, to generate a set of data samples indicative of detected energy for the actual detection lines. The set of data samples is further processed to generate a set of matched samples indicative of estimated detected energy for fictitious detection lines that extend across the surface portion in parallel groups at a plurality of different angles. The individual spacing between the fictitious detection lines in each group and the individual difference in angle between said groups are selected such that the set of matched samples transforms to Fourier coefficients arranged as data points on a pseudo-polar grid in a Fourier domain. The set of matched samples is processed by tomographic reconstruction to generate a two-dimensional distribution of an interaction parameter within the surface portion.

The invention relates to a multi-line lidar and camera joint calibration method based on fine radar scanning edge points, which mainly relates to the technical fields of robot vision, multi-sensor fusion and the like. Because of the influence of the resolution of lidar, the scanned edge points are often not accurate enough, so the calibration results are not accurate enough. According to the characteristic that the range of the lidar point is abrupt at the edge, the invention searches and compares for many times, and takes the point closer to the edge as the standard point. By detecting the circle in the camera image and radar edge points, the translation between the camera and the lidar is calculated according to the pinhole camera model. The calibration parameter C is searched in the neighborhood space of the obtained translation vector to find the calibration result that minimizes the projection error. The invention can extract the points swept by the lidar on the edge of the objectwith high precision, avoids the problem of insufficient precision caused by low resolution of the lidar, and improves the calibration precision.

A pattern inspection method includes the steps of: obtaining first image data by optically picking up an actually formed pattern such as a reticle; aligning a position of the first image data with second image data of a pattern at a different layer from that of the first image data; and performing a first pattern inspection using the first and second image data. Defect inspection can be executed in a short time with a practically sufficient precision.

The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

A touch-sensitive apparatus comprises a panel configured to conduct signals from a plurality of peripheral incoupling points to a plurality of peripheral outcoupling points. Actual detection lines are defined between pairs of incoupling and outcoupling points to extend across a surface portion of the panel. The signals may be in the form of light, and objects touching the surface portion may affect the light via frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). A signal generator is coupled to the incoupling points to generate the signals, and a signal detector is coupled to the outcoupling points to generate an output signal. A data processor operates on the output signal to enable identification of touching objects. The output signal is processed (40) to generate a set of data samples, which are indicative of detected energy for at least a subset of the actual detection lines. The set of data samples is processed (42) to generate a set of matched samples, which are indicative of estimated detected energy for fictitious detection lines that have a location on the surface portion that matches a standard geometry for tomographic reconstruction. The set of matched samples is processed (44, 46) by tomographic reconstruction to generate data indicative of a distribution of an energy-related parameter within at least part of the surface portion.

A management device for an image forming apparatus including a status data collection unit where multiple types of status data are received from the image forming apparatus and stored in a status database, a target data creation unit where multiple types of target data are created based upon the multiple types of status data, a first stage determination unit where the multiple types of target data are identified as being above or below reference values set for each type, and a second stage determination unit where a weight value set for each status data type is attached to the determination results of the multiple types of status data of the first stage determination unit and as a whole of the multiple types of status data determined with majority logic for abnormal occurrence prediction.

A micro-optical element is produced through vapor deposition techniques, such as atomic layer deposition. An optical structure having a surface with uneven structures is exposed to one or more precursor vapors to create a self-limiting film growth on the surface of the optical structure. The film thickness may be increased and controlled by subsequent exposures. The resulting film conforms to surface structures having varying complex dimensions.

A differential amplifier circuit includes: a differential transistor pair composed of first and second transistors; a first resistance connected to a junction point of the first and second transistors at one terminal and to a first voltage node at the other terminal; second and third resistances provided between the first and second transistors, respectively, and a second voltage node; and first and second passive circuits respectively connected to the second and third resistances, the load characteristics of the passive circuits changing according to a control signal supplied. A ring oscillator is composed of a plurality of such differential amplifier circuits connected in a loop.

The present invention relates to laser marking articles. In particular it relates to laser marking articles by laser ablating a coating applied to the article which reveals the surface of the article underneath, thereby forming the mark by the contrasting appearance between the revealed surface of the article and the adjacent remaining coating. Laser parameters are selected to provide uniform, commercially desirable appearance and avoid damage to the underlying surface while maintaining acceptable system throughput. In particular the laser pulse envelope is tailored to provide desirable appearance while maintaining acceptable system throughput.

A touch-sensitive apparatus comprises a panel for conducting signals from incoupling points to outcoupling points. Detection lines are defined between pairs of incoupling and outcoupling points. A signal generator is coupled to the incoupling points to generate the signals. A data processor processes the output signal to generate a set of data samples, which are non-uniformly arranged in a two-dimensional sample space. Each data sample is indicative of detected energy on a detection line and is defined by a signal value and first and second dimension values defining the location of the detection line on the surface portion. Adjustment factors are obtained for the data samples, each adjustment factor being representative of the local density of data samples in the sample space. The data samples are processed by tomographic reconstruction, while applying the adjustment factors, to generate a reconstructed distribution of an energy-related parameter within the surface portion.

A touch-sensing apparatus is based on frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). The apparatus comprises a panel, in which sheets of light are propagated by internal reflection between a touch surface and an opposite surface. A light sensor arrangement is optically connected to the panel to measure transmitted light energy on detection lines across the touch surface. Each detection line represents a light path across the touch surface from a light source to a light sensor. An object that touches the touch surface will frustrate the propagating light and cause a local attenuation among the detection lines. A data processor is connected to the light sensor arrangement and configured to execute a process for extracting touch-related data.

An X-ray thin film inspection apparatus including a sample table on which an inspection target such as a product wafer or the like is mounted, a positioning mechanism for moving the sample table, a goniometer having first and second swing arms, at least one X-ray irradiation unit that are mounted on the first swing arm and containing an X-ray tube and an X-ray optical element in a shield tube, an X-ray detector mounted on a second swing arm, and an optical camera for subjecting the inspection target disposed on the sample table to pattern recognition.

A MEMS apparatus for scanning an optical beam comprises a mirror operative to perform a rotational motion to a maximum rotation angle around a mirror rotation axis, and a bouncing mechanism operative to provide a bouncing event and to reverse the rotational motion. The bouncing event provides the mirror with a piecewise linear response to actuation by intrinsically nonlinear electrostatic forces. The bouncing mechanism includes an element chosen to impart an overall nonlinear stiffness to the system and is selected from the group of elements consisting of a bouncer and a pre-curved nonlinear stiffness element.

The invention relates to glucocorticoid replacement therapy and provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits designed to deliver one or more glucocorticoids to a subject in need thereof in a manner that results in serum levels of the glucocorticoid that essentially mimic that of a healthy subject for a clinically relevant period of time. The pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more glucocorticoids, wherein a first part of one or more glucocorticoids is substantially immediately released and a second part of one or more glucocorticoids is released over an extended period of time of at least about 8 hours, and the amount of the one or more glucocorticoids of the first part, expressed as hydrocortisone equivalents, is in a range of from about 15 to about 50% of the total hydrocortisone equivalents. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a first and a second component, the first component designed to release one or more glucocorticoids substantially immediately and the second component is designed to release one or more glucocorticoids over an extended period of time of at least 8 hours. The invention also relates to a method for treating diseases requiring glucocorticoid treatment such as in subjects having a glucocorticoid deficiency disorder. In another aspect the invention relates to the use of a first and a second amount of one or more glucocorticoids for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition or kit for the treatment of a glucocorticoid deficiency disorder.

The invention relates to a phase-shift diffraction / interference measuring instrument and a phase-shift diffraction / interference measuring method for detecting a three-dimensional shape of a microsphere, and belongs to the technical field of optical detection of three-dimensional shapes of space objects. Through the instrument and the method, the problems that the detection range of single measurement is narrow and an ideal sphere which serves as a reference surface is difficult to manufacture in the conventional way for detecting the microsphere are solved. The measuring instrument comprises a short-coherence laser, a half wave plate, a polarizer, a first quarter wave plate, a second quarter wave plate, a right angle delay prism, a polarization beam splitter, a polarization analyzer, an optical fiber coupler, a single-mode single-core optical fiber, a right angle phase-shift prism, a converging lens, a pinhole sheet, a knife-edge reflector, a microscope objective, a large-size charge coupled device (CCD) and a computer. According to the measuring method, a light path is formed by the measuring instrument, and the detected microsphere is adjusted to rotate so as to acquire shape parameters of the corresponding microsphere to ensure that the shape of the microsphere is detected. The measuring instrument and the measuring method are suitable for detecting three-dimensional shapes of microspheres.