1472 results about "Angle of rotation" patented technology

A system 100 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a continuation of overhead X-Y tracking cameras 24 with attached frequency selective filter 24f. Also employed are perspective Z filming cameras sets 30. Objects to be tracked, such as player 17, have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material such as an ink. Typical markers include patches 7r and 7l, sticker 9 and tape 4a as well as additional body joint markers 17af through 17l. System 100 radiates selected energy 23a throughout the predefined area of tracking that is specifically chosen to reflect off said reflective materials used to mark for instance player 17. The reflected energy is then received by tracking cameras 24 while all other ambient light is blocked by filter 24f. Local Computer System 60 continuously captures images from said tracking cameras 24 which include only the minimum information created by said reflected energy. System 60 efficiently locates said markings on said multiple objects and uses this location information to determine for each marking its angle of rotation, angle of azimuth and distance from a designated origin 17o local to player 17. Local origin 17o is then expressed as a three-dimensional coordinate with respect to the origin of the playing venue 2a. The continuous stream of tracked three-dimensional coordinates, defining the body joints on players such as 17, is then transmitted to a remote computer where it can be used to drive a graphic re-animation of the object movement. Along with this re-animation, additional performance measurements may be derived from the continuous stream and automatically made available in real-time.

Automatic registration of an MR image is carried out in an image guidance system by placing MR visible markers at known positions relative to markers visible in a camera tracking system. The markers are carried on a common fixture which is attached to a head clamp together with a reference marker which is used when the markers are covered or removed. The tracking system includes a camera with a detection array for detecting visible light a processor arranged to analyze the output from the array. Each object to be detected carries a single marker with a pattern of contrasted areas of light and dark intersecting at a specific single feature point thereon with an array around the specific location to allow the processor is able to detect an angle of rotation of the pattern and to distinguish each marker from the other markers.

An endoscopic device is proposed. The endoscopic device has a control guiding wire or guiding sleeve and a shape memory hollow catheter to adjust angle of rotation for a front end of the endoscopic device up to 180°, and the hollow catheter can be rotated by an angle up to 360°, such that cavities of the human body can be checked thoroughly. As the endoscopic device is fabricated at a low cost, it can be discarded after use without an infection concern that arises as a result of improper sterilization.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a hand-held distance-measuring device, comprising a housing, a distance-measuring unit for measuring distances to spatial points along an emission direction in a space, an evaluating component, a dimensionally stable referencing support, and an angle-determining unit for determining an angle of rotation (a, between the housing and the referencing support. In some embodiments, the housing and the referencing support are designed in such a way and coordinated with each other in such a way that the referencing support can assume a passive position, in which the referencing support is inserted into an recess of the housing or is fastened such as to lie flatly against the housing. In some embodiments, the referencing support can assume a referencing position in which the referencing support is connected to the housing at a first end of the referencing support by means of a joint.

A portable electronic device adapted to change its operation mode is disclosed. When a rotation of the portable electronic device is detected, the operation mode is changed according to the angle of rotation, and a user interface corresponding to the changed operation mode is output by a display unit. This method intuitively changes the mode based on a rotation of the device without requiring a complicated and unnecessary key input, and provides a more convenient and faster user interface.

An embodiment may comprise a camera based target coordinate measuring system or apparatus for use in measuring the position of objects in manner that preserves a high level of accuracy. This high level of measurement accuracy is usually only associated with more expensive laser based devices. Many different arrangements are possible. Other embodiments may comprise related methods of using a camera based target coordinate measuring method for use in measuring the position of objects. Many variations on the methods are possible. For example, a camera based coordinate measuring system for use in measuring the position of a target relative to at least one frame of reference without requiring use of a laser range finder for measuring distance may comprise at least three or more light sources located on a target wherein the light sources are located on the target at known three-dimensional coordinates relative to each other; at least one rotatable mirror rotatable on about a first axis and a second axis; a camera located to receive light emitted by the light sources that is reflected off the minor; two angular measuring devices to measure the angles of rotation of the mirror about the first and second axes; and a processor for determining up to three positional degrees of freedom and up to three rotational degrees of freedom of the target.

An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic endoscope having ultrasonic transducers for scanning ultrasonic wave in a living body three-dimensionally, an ultrasonic image creating portion of an ultrasonic observing apparatus for creating ultrasonic volume data based on an ultrasonic signal captured by the ultrasonic endoscope, a two-dimensional image select knob, keyboard, trackball, computing / control portion and display control portion for selecting a tomographic plane from the ultrasonic volume data by designating the angle of rotation about the straight line through two points designated on the ultrasonic volume data as the axis of rotation, and a monitor for displaying the tomographic plane selected during a scanning operation as a two-dimensional ultrasonic image.

The integrated computing wireless communication device offers the added flexibility of conventional mobile computing devices while offering optional portability of the wireless communication device. The integrated computing wireless communication device includes an information input / output device connected to a wireless communication device at a universal joint. The information input / output device includes a display and at least one input device. The wireless communication device includes a processor and at least one separate input device. The processor receives the input and presents an output image on the display. The information input / output device and the wireless communication device are electrically connected by electrical contacts of the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pivot for rotating the information input / output device over a vertical axis and a swivel for rotating the information input / output device over a horizontal axis. The universal joint includes mechanical latch positions for latching the integrated computing wireless communication device into a variety of positions for inputting information into the device. The mechanical latch facilitates single-hand operation of the integrated computing wireless communication device by latching the device into angles of rotation of the pivot and the swivel. The information input / output device and the wireless communication device detach at the universal joint so that the wireless communication device may be used independently of the information input / output device. In an alternative embodiment, the information input / output device might be replaced by a mobile computing device which, when separated, may be used independently of the wireless communication device.

An IVUS catheter is advantageously provided with a particular radio-opaque pattern enabling detection of catheter rotation angle with respect to an X-ray imaging source for co-registering IVUS image data with angiographic X-ray or CT image data, for example. An ultrasound catheter system supports orientation and display of intra-vascular ultrasound imaging data. The system comprises an ultrasound catheter for acquiring ultrasound images comprising a body having a pattern of radio-opaque material on the external surface of the catheter body. The pattern varies with angular rotation of the catheter and indicates an angle of rotation of a predetermined reference orientation of the catheter relative to an X-ray radiation source, so that an X-ray image of the catheter body indicates the pattern and the pattern is analyzable by an image data processor to determine the angle of rotation.

The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.11) interposed between two arm segments, one of which receives an angle encoder measuring the angle of rotation about the longitudinal axis of said arm, said hollow tube presenting at each of its ends respective abutment configurations complementary to abutment configurations at the adjacent arm segment ends so as to ensure alignment on the axis of the arm that is accurate, stable, and repeatable independently of the clamping of the abutting ends in question one against the other, coupling between said hollow tube and said arm segment being provided at said abutting ends by demountable clamping means (10) enabling the hollow tube to be replaced on site by another hollow tube of different length without it being necessary to recalibrate the entire apparatus.

A polarization-modulating optical element (1) consisting of an optically active crystal material has a thickness profile where the thickness, as measured in the direction of the optical axis, varies over the area of the optical element. The polarization-modulating optical element (1) has the effect that the plane of oscillation of a first linearly polarized light ray and the plane of oscillation of a second linearly polarized light ray are rotated, respectively, by a first angle of rotation and a second angle of rotation, with the first angle of rotation and the second angle of rotation being different from each other.

The invention relates to an oscillatory drive having an output shaft that can be driven to perform a rotationally oscillating movement about its longitudinal axis and that comprises a free end, a holding fixture at the free end of the output shaft comprising a contact surface for attachment of a tool, a mounting section on the holding fixture, raised relative to the contact surface, that projects to the outside in the direction of the longitudinal axis and that is designed for form-locking connection with a mounting opening of a tool placed in contact with the contact surface, and having a securement for fixing the tool with its mounting opening on the holding fixture, the securement permitting the tool to yield in axial direction under the action of a torque, against a pre-stress, and the mounting section permitting the tool to rotate by a certain angle of rotation when the tool gives way axially.

The arrangement for contactless determination of an angular position of a rotatable element, such as a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, which includes a magnet arranged to rotate with the rotatable element; a magnetic field sensor stationary in relation to the rotatable element and including a first sensor element (IC1) and a second sensor element (IC2), wherein the first sensor element generates a first output signal linearly dependent on an angle between the magnetic field and the magnetic field sensor according to a magnetoresistive effect, whereby the first output signal has respective values between 0° and 180° that repeat between 180° and 360°, and the second sensor element generates a second output signal having a high value between 0° and 180° and a low value between 180° and 360° according to a Hall effect; and an evaluation circuit (A) for analyzing output signals of both sensor elements to determine the angular position of the rotatable element between 0° and 360°. The evaluating circuit finds that the absolute angular position is either of two angular orientations spaced 180° from each other only from the signal from the first sensor element and selects one of them as the absolute angular position according to the second output signal.

The invention relates to an oscillatory drive having an output shaft that can be driven to perform a rotationally oscillating movement about its longitudinal axis and that comprises a free end, a holding fixture at the free end of the output shaft comprising a contact surface for attachment of a tool, a mounting section on the holding fixture, raised relative to the contact surface, that projects to the outside in the direction of the longitudinal axis and that is designed for form-locking connection with a mounting opening of a tool placed in contact with the contact surface, and having a securement for fixing the tool with its mounting opening on the holding fixture, the securement permitting the tool to yield in axial direction under the action of a torque, against a pre-stress, and the mounting section permitting the tool to rotate by a certain angle of rotation when the tool gives way axially.

A method for controlling a flying projectile which rotates during flight, comprising: determining an angle of rotation of an inertial mass spinning about an axis during flight; and controlling at least one actuator for altering at least a portion of an aerodynamic structure, selectively in dependence on the determined angle of rotation and a control input, to control aerodynamic forces during flight. An aerodynamic surface may rotate and interact with surrounding air during flight, to produce aerodynamic forces. A sensor determines an angular rotation of the spin during flight. A control system, responsive to the sensor, produces a control signal in dependence on the determined angular rotation. An actuator selectively alters an aerodynamic characteristic of the aerodynamic surface in response to the control signal.

A system and method for precision fastening of a fastener. The fastening system includes a motor and a sensor that provides a feedback signal from the motor to a controller. The controller compares the feedback signal to a threshold value to determine if an error condition exists. If the error condition exists, the controller oscillates a rotor to the motor between a first and a second position. In one construction, a resolver provides a signal to the controller representing a position of the oscillating rotor. The oscillating rotor vibrates the housing, thereby alerting an operator of the error condition. In one construction, the fastener device can alert the operator that the fastener is not tightened to a proper torque, and that the fastener is not rotated through a proper angle of rotation.

An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, includes a handle, a stem, and an applicator head coupled to the stem and supported for rotation relative to the handle. An actuator moves the applicator head in a rotational oscillating motion, in which the applicator head automatically rotates in both a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to operation of the actuator. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may also radially translate the applicator head, move the applicator head through an angle of rotation less than 360 degrees, and vary the rotational speed-of the applicator head. The applicator head may include protrusions that are spaced to define gaps during rotation, thereby to promote coverage and separation of eyelashes.

A system and method to determine earth formation properties by positioning a logging tool within a wellbore in the earth formation, the logging tool having a tool rotation axis and a first, a second, and a third tilted transmitter coil, and a tilted receiver coil; rotating the logging tool about the tool rotation axis; energizing each transmitter coil; measuring a coupling signal between each transmitter coil and the receiver coil for a plurality of angles of rotation; determining a coupling tensor; and determining the earth formation properties using the coupling tensor.

Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace. The angle of rotation is consistent with the requisite pitch of the roofing system.

The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.11) interposed between two arm segments, one of which receives an angle encoder measuring the angle of rotation about the longitudinal axis of said arm, said hollow tube presenting at each of its ends respective abutment configurations complementary to abutment configurations at the adjacent arm segment ends so as to ensure alignment on the axis of the arm that is accurate, stable, and repeatable independently of the clamping of the abutting ends in question one against the other, coupling between said hollow tube and said arm segment being provided at said abutting ends by demountable clamping means (10) enabling the hollow tube to be replaced on site by another hollow tube of different length without it being necessary to recalibrate the entire apparatus.

The invention relates to a fixing device for quickly fastening and releasing a mechanical part that bears on a support base, the device comprising a latching mechanism of the bayonet type and an associated clamping mechanism of the screw-and-nut type that is organized coaxially therewith, the mechanisms being actuated one after the other by actuating a common rotary drive member in the same direction, and the device having a temporary coupling means interposed between that member and the mechanisms so that over a first angle of rotation of the drive member said drive member actuates the latching mechanism, and then over a second angle of rotation, said drive member is uncoupled from the latching mechanism and actuates the clamping mechanism.

An apparatus comprises a moveable arm for positioning an optical transducer adjacent to a storage medium, a stationary light source, and a moveable mirror mounted at a pivot axis of the arm for reflecting light from the light source to the optical transducer. An actuator can be provided for rotating the moveable mirror through an angle of about one half of an angle of rotation of the moveable arm.

A control device is provided for a technical system (17), e.g. for a shift-by-wire vehicle transmission. The control device includes a control (actuating) element, e.g. a rotary knob (1), with at least two shifting positions. The control element (1), itself, can rotate without limitation, whereas the control device has at least one stop device (2, 3), which can be adjusted in a controlled manner and which limits the angle of rotation (W) of the control element (1).

The invention relates to a robot provided with a rotation actuation tail end. The rotation actuation tail end of the robot is driven by a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism comprises a base plate, a rotation base pivoted to the base plate and an internal gear provided with a section of teeth. In the normal state, the section of teeth of the internal gear does not make contact with a gear of the rotation base, and a brake pad stops the rotation base. During operation, the rotating internal gear drives the rotation base to rotate by a preset angle through the section of teeth, and when the rotation base rotates, an unlocking device on the internal gear relieves braking of the brake pad on the rotation base. The rotation actuation tail end is fixedly connected with the rotation base, so that the rotation actuation tail end rotates by a certain angle each time, and the technical problem that the rotation angle of rotation actuation tail ends of robots in the prior art is inaccurate is solved.

A drive motor control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a motor and rotation detecting unit. In the apparatus, the first difference computing unit computes one of multiple first differences every time an actual detected angle of rotation of the motor becomes a corresponding representative angle during the one cycle. The first difference indicates an advancing amount of an estimated angle relative to the actual detected angle. The second difference computing unit computes multiple second differences based on the first differences of the one cycle. The second differences are adjusted in accordance with a degree of acceleration and deceleration of the motor. The adjusted second differences are used for correcting the actual detected angle of rotation of the motor.

In a handheld electronic device, a motor is controlled to adjust, according to input received at a user-input element of the device, an angle of rotation of a camera module about a rotation axis of the camera module. The camera module is partially embedded in a housing of the device. An image sensor is embedded in the camera module and senses an image in a field of view that is centered around a line of sight. The line of sight is perpendicular to the rotation axis. An orientation of the housing relative to a direction of gravity is sensed, and the motor is controlled to rotate the camera module and hence the line of sight about the rotation axis to achieve a particular angle between the line of sight and the direction of gravity.

An embodiment may comprise a camera based target coordinate measuring system or apparatus for use in measuring the position of objects in manner that preserves a high level of accuracy. This high level of measurement accuracy is usually only associated with more expensive laser based devices. Many different arrangements are possible. Other embodiments may comprise related methods of using a camera based target coordinate measuring method for use in measuring the position of objects. Many variations on the methods are possible. For example, a camera based coordinate measuring system for use in measuring the position of a target relative to at least one frame of reference without requiring use of a laser range finder for measuring distance may comprise at least three or more light sources located on a target wherein the light sources are located on the target at known three-dimensional coordinates relative to each other; at least one rotatable mirror rotatable on about a first axis and a second axis; a camera located to receive light emitted by the light sources that is reflected off the mirror; two angular measuring devices to measure the angles of rotation of the mirror about the first and second axes; and a processor for determining up to three positional degrees of freedom and up to three rotational degrees of freedom of the target.