Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automatically building automations from desktop recordings using program synthesis. The problem of building automations for desktop applications can be lifted to a generalized concept of automations that operate on worlds whose “world state” can change asynchronously to the actions of the automation. Advantageously, in contrast with synthesis systems that take input-output demonstrations to synthesize a function that maps between them, the method presented here can synthesize from time-series traces of actions to automations that generalizes each step.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a stiction condition in a manual steering gear includes transmitting a steering input control signal to a rotary actuator, and rotating a steering shaft with constant acceleration, via the rotary actuator, in response to the steering input control signal. A steering output torque is determined while rotating the steering shaft with the constant acceleration, receiving the steering output torque via the controller, and executing a control action when a rate of the received steering output torque exceeds a threshold rate indicative of the stiction condition. A system includes a rotary actuator, a manual steering gear having a steering shaft connected to the rotary actuator, a torque transducer for measuring a steering output torque imparted to the steering shaft by the actuator, and a controller programmed as set forth above.

Abstract: A test apparatus for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device includes a fixture configured to support the device in a fixed starting position. The test apparatus also includes a tie-rod operatively connected to the device. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a controller configured to command the tie-rod to apply to the device at the starting position a force event defined by a mathematical function continuous in time. The force event is configured to elicit the gear-train rattle from the gear-train. A method for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A test apparatus for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device includes a fixture configured to support the device in a fixed starting position. The test apparatus also includes a tie-rod operatively connected to the device. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a controller configured to command the tie-rod to apply to the device at the starting position a force event defined by a mathematical function continuous in time. The force event is configured to elicit the gear-train rattle from the gear-train. A method for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a stiction condition in a manual steering gear includes transmitting a steering input control signal to a rotary actuator, and rotating a steering shaft with constant acceleration, via the rotary actuator, in response to the steering input control signal. A steering output torque is determined while rotating the steering shaft with the constant acceleration, receiving the steering output torque via the controller, and executing a control action when a rate of the received steering output torque exceeds a threshold rate indicative of the stiction condition. A system includes a rotary actuator, a manual steering gear having a steering shaft connected to the rotary actuator, a torque transducer for measuring a steering output torque imparted to the steering shaft by the actuator, and a controller programmed as set forth above.

Abstract: A method for characterizing steering gear reversal clunk noise in a steering system having a rack and a pinion gear, and electric power steering assist via a steering assist motor, includes transmitting a steering input angle control signal to a rotary actuator to rotate a steering shaft to a fixed steering angle with assist active. A linear actuator applies an axial force at a constant rate along a longitudinal axis of the rack. Axial rack acceleration is measured after imparting the axial force. A control action is executed when peak amplitude of the axial acceleration value exceeds a calibrated threshold axial acceleration value indicative of the clunk noise. A system includes the rotary actuator and steering system, a linear actuator for providing a calibrated axial apply force along the rack axis, an accelerometer for measuring an axial acceleration value of the rack, and the controller noted above.