13187 results about "Microcomputer" patented technology

PCT No. PCT/JP96/01254 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 2, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 2, 1997 PCT Filed May 13, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/35368 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 14, 1996The present invention relates to a device for diagnosing physiological state based on blood pulse waves detected in the body. It is the objective of the present invention to provide a device which correctly diagnoses the current physiological state based on changes in physiological state measured over a specified period of time in the past while taking into consideration the cyclical variation exhibited in physiological state. In order to realize this objective, the device according to the present invention has as its main components: blood pulse wave detector 381 and stroke-volume-per-beat measurer 382 which respectively detect blood pulse wave and stroke volume in the body; blood pulse wave extraction memory 386 which extracts characteristic information from the detected blood pulse wave; memory 383 in which the physiological state calculated from the stroke volume and this characteristic information is stored; output portion 385 which outputs an alarm; and microcomputer 387 which controls each part inside the device. The microcomputer calculates the circulatory parameters based on characteristic information obtained from the waveform extraction memory, and stores the parameters in memory at specified time intervals. At these times, microcomputer 387 calculates the circulatory parameters from the stroke volume per beat and the characteristic information of the blood pulse wave at specified time intervals, and stores the parameters in memory 383. Further, microcomputer 387 reads out from memory 383 the circulatory parameters from a specified time interval in the past, and calculates the average value and standard deviation. Microcomputer 387 then determines whether or not the current circulatory parameters are within a specified range determined by their average value and standard deviation. When the circulatory parameters are determined to be outside this range, microcomputer 387 controls output portion 385 to sound an alarm.

A method and system for tracking and redeeming smart card loyalty points includes storing loyalty program information related to transactions with at least one merchant in a loyalty register residing on a smart card microcomputer for the customer. Transaction information about transactions with the merchant is stored in a purchase log likewise residing on the smart card microcomputer for the customer. The stored transaction information is compared with the stored loyalty program information, and transaction information about one or more transactions with the merchant which is stored in the purchase log, but which is omitted from the loyalty register, is automatically identified. The stored loyalty program information is then automatically updated with the omitted transaction information. The transaction information includes, for example, a plurality of unique transaction numbers in ascending order, and identifying the omitted transaction information involves identifying one or more transaction numbers in the stored transaction information that is greater than any transaction number stored in the loyalty program information.

Disclosed are an automatic charging apparatus of an autonomous mobile robot and an automatic charging method using the same in that a moving robot can automatically detect infrared signals emitted from a charging station and can automatically induce charging station so as to automatically charge a battery of the robot, whereby improving convenience thereof. The automatic charging apparatus of the autonomous mobile robot, comprises a charging station having connecting terminals for charging the battery and an infrared signal generator for emitting infrared signals on a position information thereof; and a moving robot having an infrared receiving apparatus for receiving the infrared signals from the infrared signal generator in a cast that a remnant capacity of the battery is insufficient or a charging order is inputted, a microcomputer for controlling a traveling of the moving robot by using a detected position information of the charging station through the infrared signals received from the infrared receiving apparatus, and charging terminals for charging the battery with electricity through the contact with the connecting terminal.

A RAM-based interrupt-driven interface device is disclosed for establishing a communication link between a universal serial bus (USB) host and a microcontroller device for providing a control function, the interface device being operative to receive digital information in the form of command, data and control packets from the host and to process the packets and communicate the processed digital information to the microcontroller device, and in response thereto, the microcontroller device being operative to communicate digital information to the interface device for processing and transfer thereof to the host. The interface device includes means for receiving a command generated by the host through a USB bus, means for storing the host-generated command and for generating an interface device interrupt signal upon storage of said host-generated command for use by the microcontroller device in responding to the host-generated command, a microcontroller bus for transferring microcontroller information and the interface device interrupt signal between the interface device and the microcontroller device. The interface device further includes means for receiving a microcontroller command from the microcontroller device in response to said interface device interrupt signal and means for storing the microcontroller command and it is operative to generate a microcontroller device interrupt signal upon storage of the microcontroller command for use by the interface device in developing an address for identification of the interface device to the host during subsequent communications therebetween, wherein during communication between the host and the interface device, the interface device-developed address is used by the interface device to identify host-provided information in the form of packets, and upon processing of the host-provided information, to provide the microcontroller device with the necessary information to allow it to respond to the host thereby allowing a generic microcontroller device to be flexibly interfaced with a USB, host for communication therebetween.

A vehicle includes a button switch and a remote controller for setting an autonomous or manual driving mode, a microcomputer which outputs a mask control signal that corresponds to the driving mode, a command control unit which inputs a command to the microcomputer to output the mask control signal that corresponds to the driving mode, and a forward obstacle sensor and a rearward obstacle sensor which detect an obstacle and output a detection signal. A first logic circuit generates an emergency stop control signal that indicates a need or no need for an emergency stop of the vehicle based on the mask control signal from the microcomputer and the detection signals from the obstacle sensors. An emergency stopping operation of the vehicle is controlled based on the emergency stop control signal from the first logic circuit.

A water faucet assembly providing touchless water temperature and water flow adjustment. The assembly comprises a spout, a water mixing valve, at least one proximity sensor, and a microcomputer. The water mixing valve provides a mix and controls the flow of hot water from a hot water supply and cold water from a cold water supply to the spout. The at least one proximity sensor provides a water temperature or water flow input signal having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor. The microcomputer is responsive to the value of the water temperature input signal to control the water mixing valve and generate a mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of the object from the proximity sensor. The microcomputer is also responsive to the value of the water flow input signal to provide a flow of water from the spout corresponding to the distance of the object from the proximity sensor.

An automatic charging system of a robot cleaner includes: a rotating plate installed at a robot cleaner; an infrared ray receiving unit mounted at the rotating plate and receiving an infrared signal generated from a power supply unit while being rotated; a microcomputer for moving the robot cleaner to the power supply unit on the basis of the received infrared signal; and an ultrasonic generator for generating a stop signal when the robot cleaner nears to the power supply unit. A robot cleaner can be accurately and quickly moved to a power supply unit for a rapid charging operation, and a cost for implementing the robot cleaner can be reduced.

A method and apparatus for internal data conveyance within a well from the surface to a downhole tool or apparatus and for returning downhole tool data to the surface, without necessitating the provision of control cables and other conventional conductors within the well. One embodiment involves sending telemetry elements such as tagged drop balls or a fluid having specific chemical characteristics from surface to a downhole tool as a form of telemetry. The telemetry element or elements are provided with identification and instruction data, which may be in the form of data tags, such as RF tags or a detectable chemical constituent. The downhole tool or apparatus is provided with a detector and microcomputer and is capable of recognizing the telemetry element and communicating with it or carrying out instructions that are provided in the telemetry data thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a one-chip microcomputer which permits the access time for an external memory to be equal to that for an internal memory. The one-chip microcomputer 10 includes an internal ROM 11, control circuit 12, output terminals 13, input terminals 14, control circuit 15, selector 16, instruction register 17, delay circuit 18, and fetch control signal select gate 19. For selection of the external ROM 30, a control arrangement 20 and a delay circuit 18 are employed in one embodiment to adjust the time at which ROM data is fetched by the instruction register 17, based on the delay time for accessing the external ROM 30.

The invention is a medical monitor including an electronic circuit configured to receive a signal from the physiological sensor. A microcomputer configured to process the signal from the physiological sensor generates a value representative of the physiological parameter. The microcomputer is also configured to cause the medical monitor to display an in-service help screen on a display on the medical monitor in response to a detection of a predetermined number of out of range values of the physiological parameter. The microcomputer can also be configured to process a second signal from a second sensor representative of a second parameter and the microcomputer configured to cause the medical monitor to display an in-service help screen on a display on the medical monitor in response to a detection of a predetermined number of out of range values of the second parameter.

The present invention relates to a handheld printing device (1) having a print head for printing a printout on a printout surface. The handheld printing device (1) comprises an interface for mechanical and electrical connection to a handheld mobile unit (9) capable of communicating with other units for information retrieval. The entire unit, including the handheld mobile unit (9) and the connected handheld printing device (1) is manually steered over said printout surface with the aid of one or more positioning sensors disposed in the printing device 1 and co-operating with a micro controller circuit. Thereby information retrieved by the mobile unit, or stored therein, can be printed by said printing device (1). The invention also relates to a handheld mobile unit (9) connectable to said handheld printing device (1).

An improved meter and its operation is described. The meter can be a part of a larger automated meter reading process that allows for remote reading of the meter though power line communication. Using a microcomputer core, the meter processes incoming analog data and can calculate several relevant data values need by utility providers. The meter can also be used to monitor and detect tampering dry connect/voltage free devices, such as gas and water meters, connected to the meter.

Disclosed is a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) system for image-sensing, reading and transmitting metering values. The AMR system includes an AMR terminal, a collector and an AMR server. The AMR terminal includes an image sensing module for sensing an image signal of a metering value displayed on a display panel of the meter. A character recognition module performs pattern recognition of the image signal, and a communication module transmits digital data from the character recognition module to the AMR server side. The character recognition module may include a microcomputer and an ID setting During power saving mode, the microcomputer wakes up and decodes received data; and when a meter reading command is received, the image sensing module receives the image signal of the metering value, performs pattern recognition, generates the numeral code to form a packet together with the terminal ID, and transmits the packet to the communication module.

A payment card comprises a plastic card with a magnetic stripe for user account data. Internal to the plastic card, and behind the magnetic stripe, a number of fixed-position magnetic write heads allow the user account data to be automatically modified. For example, a data field that counts the number of times the card has been scanned is incremented. A payment processing center keeps track of this usage-counter data field, and will not authorize transaction requests that come out of sequence. For example, as can occur from a magnetic clone of a card that has been skimmed and tried later. A card-swipe detector embedded in the plastic card detects each use in a scanner, and it signals an internal microcomputer which changes data bits sent to the write heads. Once scanned, the payment card can also disable any reading of the user account data for a short fixed period of time.

A battery capacity measuring device in accordance with the present invention has a fully-charged state detector (80e), a detected current integrator (80a), a divider (80b), and a corrector (80c) incorporated in a microcomputer (80). The fully-charged state detector detects that a battery is fully charged. The detected current integrator integrates current values that are detected by a current sensor during a period from the instant the battery is fully charged to the instant it is fully charged next. The divider divides the integrated value of detected current values by the length of the period. The corrector corrects a detected current using the quotient provided by the divider as an offset. Furthermore, a remaining battery capacity calculating system comprises a voltage detecting unit (50), a current detecting unit (40), an index calculating unit, a control unit, and a calculating unit. The voltage detecting unit detects the voltage at the terminals of a battery. The current detecting unit detects a current flowing through the battery. The index calculating unit calculates the index of polarization in the battery according to the detected current. The control unit controls the output voltage of an alternator so that the index of polarization will remain within a predetermined range which permits limitation of the effect of polarization on the charged state of the battery. When the index of polarization remains within the predetermined range, the calculating unit calculates the remaining capacity of the battery according to the terminal voltage of the battery, that is, the open-circuit voltage of the battery.

Disclosed are a moving distance sensing apparatus for a robot cleaner and a method therefor capable of determining a precise moving distance with respect to the robot cleaner by setting a long distance sensor and a short distance sensor having respectively different sensing method from each other on the same sensing line in the robot cleaner to sense the long distance and the short distance for the same direction, and then by determining coherency to each moving distance on the basis of information provided by the two different sensors, the moving distance sensing apparatus comprising: a long distance sensor for sensing a moving distance with respect to a long distance; a short distance sensor mounted on the same sensing line in one-to-one correspondence with the long distance sensor, for sensing a moving distance with respect to a short distance; and a micro computer for determining a moving distance error on the basis of moving distance information with respect to the same direction provided by the long distance sensor and the short distance sensor.

A thermostat includes a present lifestyle activity comfort level corresponding to each of at least three thermostat user interface buttons. The thermostat user interface buttons can be preset using a “radio preset” style of setting. A method of selecting a comfort level includes the step of presetting user operable buttons labeled with a lifestyle activity comfort choice to a comfort level choice using a “radio preset” style of presetting. Also, a thermostat for controlling the comfort level in a building space includes a receiver coupled to a microcomputer, wherein the receiver reacts responsively to a signal indicating the presence of a person in the building space such that on detection of the presence of the person by the receiver, the thermostat sets a comfort level preferred by that person according to a preset comfort level.

A luminance characteristic of inputted video data is determined by input video image characteristic detection sections, and polygonal line point master data and polygonal line point correction data are calculated based on the luminance characteristic so as to provide a satisfactory display state using a microcomputer and are outputted to the polygonal line generation sections. The polygonal line point data determining the output gradation characteristic is calculated in polygonal point generation sections and outputted to inter-point gradation operation sections, and operation processing is conducted by using the polygonal point data and the inputted video data in the inter-point operation sections to determine the inter-point gradation and outputted to a display panel.

A format converter includes: a microcomputer for receiving horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from a host, determining a video mode, and generating data that indicates the number of dots per a period of a horizontal output signal; a W-PLL and time generator for receiving the data from the microcomputer, and generating a write clock signal; an R-PLL and time generator for receiving the data and the horizontal synchronizing signal respectively generated by the microcomputer and the host, and generating a read clock signal; an AD converting section for sampling an analog picture signal received from the host according to the write clock signal of the W-PLL and time generator, and converting it to a digital picture signal; and a format converting section for storing the picture signal received from the AD converter according to the period of the write clock signal of the W-PLL and time generator, and converting the format of the stored picture signal according to the read clock signal received from the R-PLL and time generator.

The invention relates to a system for three-dimensionally modeling and restitution a subject, the system comprising a housing suitable for being carried in the hand by an operator, the housing having an optical unit with stereoscopic digital video cameras co-operating with an inertial navigation unit having a trihedron of optical fiber gyros and a trihedron of accelerometers for generating position and displacement signals in a frame of reference. The housing may also include, in particular, a telemeter laser, an infrared video camera, a GPS unit, inclinometers, and tri-flux magnetometers. A second subassembly connected to the housing by an optical and/or electrical connection cable contains an electrical power supply, electronic circuits, and a microcomputer for processing signals delivered by the housing and for generating a three-dimensional model of the subject, implementing a photogrammetric technique.

This is an iontophoresis device preferred to detect abnormal conductivity at the beginning of energization and during energization. The iontophoresis device has a device (50) as a power source and the device (50) comprises an electric energy generating portion (60) generating electric energy, an output portion (70) outputting the electric energy, and an abnormal conductivity detecting portion (80) detecting whether or not the electric energy is supplied normally. The detecting action of the abnormal conductivity detecting portion (80) is carried out at the time of the non-output action of the output portion (70). During the energization, the output action by the output portion (70) and the detecting action by the abnormal conductivity detecting portion (80) are alternated in response to a command received from the microcomputer (12).

The invention relates to a multifunctional home service robot. The multifunctional home service robot is characterized by comprising an intelligent control system, a mechanical structure and a remote control terminal, wherein the intelligent control system is installed on the mechanical structure, the remote control terminal can regulate and control the intelligent control system, and thus the mechanical structure is driven to execute corresponding commands. The multifunctional home service robot can carry out voice-image feedback and limb feedback according to human voice commands and meanwhile has the functions of dust removing, disinfecting, organic-matter decomposing, gas detecting, air purifying, self-navigation traveling, self-action charging and the like. All-dimensional camera shooting and projection entertainment can be controlled through an intelligent microcomputer. The multifunctional home service robot can be used for information storage and voice, text and image intelligent interaction. The multifunctional home service robot also has the functions of indoor security inspection under remote control, emergency alarming and the like.

A camera body (3) includes a display unit (20) and a body microcomputer (10). The display unit (20) is able to display a zoom display bar (105) that expresses the focal length of the optical system (L). The body microcomputer (10) controls the display unit (20) so that the direction in which a zoom ring (64) moves when the user operates the zoom ring (64) substantially coincides with a change direction in which the zoom display bar (105) shown on the display unit (20) changes according to the operation of the zoom ring (64).

A user-configurable and/or self-configurable System on a Chip (SoC) device and corresponding remote programming method enabling the SoC to be reprogrammed multiple times from a remote chip file server. Once programmed with the desired SoC design, the device can be debugged remotely in real-time by one or more users. The device includes a helper microcontroller/programmer, and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabric which is divided into a plurality of programmable logic and clock driver domains that may be independently programmed by way of the helper microcontroller. Once programmed, the helper microcontroller can serve as a real-time monitor/data exchange sub-controller and/or may be used by the end application.

The invention discloses a bionic intelligent air purification robot, comprising a vehicle body. A robot head is arranged on the vehicle body; a camera and an illumination lamp are arranged at the front end of the head; an infrared sensor is arranged around the vehicle body; a toxic gas sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are arranged at the two sides of the vehicle body; a universal arm is arranged at the front end of the vehicle body and a dust absorption head is connected with the front end of the universal arm; an air purification filter is arranged at the rear part of the vehicle body; and a nozzle is arranged at the rear end of the head which is internally provided with a control circuit and a language communication circuit board. The bionic intelligent air purification robot has the functions of dust absorption, dust removal, sweeping, sterilization, organic matter decomposition, temperature and humidity sensing and adjusting, toxic gas detection, toxic gas elimination, particulate matter sensing, illumination, free walking, mobile charging, infrared sensing, omnibearing photographing, digital storage, language communication and the like; an intelligent microcomputer is used for control, therefore, the bionic intelligent air purification robot has the advantages of good work effect, stable equipment performance, convenient operation, high efficiency, simple and compact structure, light weight and convenient transportation.

A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information. A method and system for detecting the presence of dry-wood termites concealed in a structure, involving use of a heat source to warm up the wooden structure of interest and then using a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure for suspicious dry-wood infestation, followed by the use of an acoustic sensor and pattern recognition software to more precisely and accurately locate potential area of dry-wood termite infestation. Additionally, structural damage can be evaluated by the methods discussed herein, including live trees. Additionally, the method can be used to manipulate termite infestation behavior.

A one or multiple axis digital joystick using incremental optical encoding with mechanical means for magnifying motion of the encoded medium to achieve higher resolution than otherwise attainable with the same optoelectronic components. Excellent linearity between shaft rotation and digital output results from elimination of backlash and preservation of rotary-only motion in the mechanical linkage between shaft and encoder disc. All electronic functions are implemented in a low-cost internal microcomputer that interfaces in serial or parallel mode with many system computers or microcomputers without additional circuitry. The microcomputer converts the incrementally encoded signals from the optoelectronic devices into absolute shaft-position information in a fail-safe manner. The joystick can be operated very rapidly without error because the encoded pulses to be counted are applied to microcomputer inputs that store the occurrence of each pulse until the microcomputer can process them. The stored program also ensures that each joystick has the same full-scale outputs despite minor mechanical variations from one joystick to another. In addition, it corrects errors caused by hysteresis in some of the optoelectronic components. The resulting joystick is field replaceable without any adjustments or recalibration.

The invention provides a method for integrating the mobile vehicle with existing or future Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN). The PLMN may be any existing cellular networks (GSM, CDMA, HSPDA, HSUPA) or future 4G network and future high speed data network WiMAX. Based on the wireless connection with existing public networks, mobile vehicle provides in-vehicle wireless connection. With unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as the system ID number, the vehicle (including the in-vehicle microcomputer), the public network PLMN, and the management Distributed Database System form a so called Universal Vehicle Communication & Management System (UVCMS). The UVCMS provides a unified management for all vehicles nationwide, some exemplary managements include: 1) Registration; 2) Insurance; 3) Billing (Toll, parking, and fine); 4) User tracking, and stolen car tracking; 5) Speed management; 6) Emergency management; 7) Traffic management; 8) Dangerous driver protection; and 9) Vehicle operational statistics management.

An electronic control unit is disclosed. The electronic control unit includes: a resin board; a power device that is surface-mounted on the resin board; a microcomputer that is configured to control the power device; first heat radiation means for radiating heat, the first heat radiation means being disposed on an opposite side of the resin board from the power device; and first heat conduction means for conducting the heat generated by the power device to the first heat radiation means.

In a collision damage reduction system, a microcomputer obtains a first performance limit data of the own vehicle according to the detected speed thereof by a first detecting unit and a second performance limit data of the object according to the relative position data detected by a first detecting unit, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the detected turning angle thereof by a third detecting unit. The microcomputer calculates a total collision probability representing a probability that the own vehicle and the object will collide with each other on a runnable space according to the first performance limit data, the second performance limit data, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the relative position data. In addition, the microcomputer instructs the operation unit to operate at least one of the first operation and the second operation according to the total collision probability.