Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing and/or limiting features based on a determined motion associated with a portable device. When the portable device is determined to be in motion, a feature control application running on the portable device prevents at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) component of the device from communicating with RFID reading devices. When the portable device is still, or not in motion, the feature control application running on the portable device prevents the at least one RFID component of the device from communicating with RFID reading devices. Among other things, this feature control of a portable device can prevent theft of data in an access control system, credit payment system, and/or other data transfer system.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include creating a pressure differential within an interior of a dual-wall component relative to pressure at an exterior of the dual-wall component, fabricating a hole in a first wall of the dual-wall component, while fabricating the hole in the first wall of the dual-wall component, acoustically monitoring the hole fabrication, while acoustically monitoring the hole fabrication, detecting breakthrough of the first wall of the dual-wall component based on an acoustic signal due to gas passing through the fabricated hole, and based on the acoustic signal, ceasing the fabrication of the hole.

Abstract: A laser machining device includes a laser oscillator for oscillating a laser beam to have a variable output according to a machining condition, an optical fiber for propagating the laser beam, a sensor for detecting an intensity of a light leaking from a cladding side face of the optical fiber and outputting a detection signal indicating that intensity, and an oscillation control unit for controlling an operation of that laser machining device based on the detection signal. The oscillation control unit compares a first threshold that is set in correspondence to that output with an intensity or an amount of light obtained from the detection signal, compares a second threshold that is set in correspondence to that output with an intensity or an amount of light obtained from the detection signal, and controls the operation of that laser machining device based on a result of comparing.

Abstract: A method and a device for securing a space crossed by a high-power laser beam. A security laser beam is produced in the form of an envelope surrounding said high-power laser beam and the emission of the latter is forbidden when an object comes into contact with said envelope.

Abstract: A system and method for furniture manufacturing with on demand production. As order opportunities are placed by consumers into the network, backlogs and tooling available for connected factories are considered. Based on these considerations a determination is made of which of the associated factories have cleared paths for producing the on-demand furniture based upon the consumer's requirements. The eligible factories are then notified and allowed with a single entry of a command transmitted over a network to indicate that their factory is available and wishes to pursue the opportunity in manufacturing the consumer's desired on-demand furniture.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for monitoring or regulating a cutting process on a workpiece. A focusing element focuses a high-energy beam onto the workpiece. An image capture apparatus captures a region at the workpiece to be monitored. The region includes an interaction region of the high-energy beam with the workpiece. An evaluation apparatus determines at least one characteristic variable of the cutting process, in particular of a kerf formed during the cutting process, on the basis of the captured interaction region.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatuses and systems for controlling rotational imbalance of a rotary element. In one embodiment, a rotational imbalance reduction apparatus includes at least one heating element for heating a location on a rotary element, a pulsing element configured to pulse actuate the heating element in synchronization with a multiple, fraction, or mixed fraction of the frequency of rotation of the rotary element, and a control system coupled with the pulsing element and the heating element, the control system actuating the heating element and the pulsing element to apply heat to the location of the rotary element in pulses synchronized with the multiple, fraction, or mixed fraction of the frequency of rotation of the rotary element.

Abstract: A vacuum exhaust system which exhausts gas from chambers and which comprises a plurality of branch channels for the exhaustion of the gas from the chambers, a main pipeline in the form of a confluence of the plurality of branch channels, channel open-close valves fitted to correspond with each of the said plurality of branch channels, a channel-switching valve connecting the main channel and a plurality of selection channels and allowing flow between the main channel and any one of the plurality of selection channels, a first pump which functions as a gas exhaust means in the molecular flow region of the gas and is fitted to one of the plurality of branch channels, and second pumps which function as gas exhaust means in the viscous flow region of the gas and are fitted to the plurality of selection channels.

Abstract: Method for generating a shaped laser pulse in a lithotripter characterized in that if the pulse duration is divided into four intervals of equal length, less than 25% of the energy of the pulse is emitted in the first of those intervals, and in that the maximum intensity of the pulse is first reached in the second, third or fourth time interval, and wherein the intensity reached after the start of the third and/or forth interval is at least once the same as or higher than the maximum intensity reached in the second interval.

Abstract: A laser cutting apparatus includes a laser oscillator; an output control unit for a laser beam; a cutting head configured to emit the laser beam; a gap sensor; an axial mechanism configured to activate the cutting head; an axial control unit; a detection unit configured to detect reflected light intensity; a storage unit configured to store an output value of the laser beam, reflected light intensity, a detection value of the gap sensor, and positional information of the axial mechanism; and a correlation table generation unit configured to output an instruction to operate the axial mechanism and the laser oscillator, and generates a correlation table configured to obtain a correlation between the output value of the laser beam and the reflected light intensity, a correlation between the positional information and the reflected light intensity, and a correlation between the detection value and the positional information.

Abstract: A laser control device includes: an averaging circuit that applies a primary delay filter to an actual instantaneous value; a data processing unit that applies a primary delay filter to an actual average value H, thereby calculating an actual average value S; a reference value generation unit that generates an reference value; and an output reduction determination unit that determines output reduction. In a case in which pulse on time in the output command value exceeds a sum of the processing period and start-up time of a power supply, if the actual instantaneous value falls below the reference value, it is determined that an output is reduced; and in a case in which the pulse on time is equal to or less than the sum, if the actual average value S falls below the reference value, it is determined that an output is reduced.

Abstract: A method for forming a laser processed hole in a workpiece configured by bonding a transparent first member formed of a first material and a second member formed of a second material. The method includes holding the workpiece by a chuck table with a side of the first member directed upward; applying a pulsed laser beam to the workpiece from the upward side of the first member; detecting a wavelength of plasma light generated by applying the pulsed laser beam to the workpiece; and controlling the laser beam according to a detection signal from the plasma light. The plasma is detected by: passing only the wavelength of plasma light generated from the first material, and detecting the plasma light generated from the first material and outputting a light intensity signal based on the detection. The processed hole extends entirely through the first member without melting the second member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and systems for piercing, drilling, or cutting metal workpieces in a laser processing operation. The methods include focusing a pulsed laser beam onto a processing location on a workpiece; detecting process radiation emitted from the processing location; determining an intensity of the process radiation at a plurality of temporally sequential times during pulse pauses; determining an intensity gradient of the process radiation; comparing the intensity gradient with a gradient threshold value; and detecting a spontaneous material removal on the workpiece when the number of times the gradient threshold value has been exceeded is above a predetermined limit value. When a spontaneous material removal is detected, the system changes one or both of a laser parameter and a processing parameter of the laser processing operation. The disclosure also relates to processing machines for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: A power source system including plural power sources, wherein each of the plural power sources is adapted to provide a configurable power output to an implement, and wherein each of the plural power sources has an onboard controller; a central controller that is remote from the plural power sources; the central controller being in communication with respective onboard controllers via one or more networks, the central controller being adapted to communicate a signal to at least one onboard controller to selectively alter an operating condition of an associated power source.

Abstract: Methods and systems are implemented for forming a through hole in a workpiece using a laser beam and a process gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, coming from a gas nozzle. A hole is formed in the workpiece using the laser beam and a process gas emerging from a gas nozzle, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece. A bulge deposited while forming the hole partially through the workpiece is removed from the workpiece surface by directing a flow of gas through the nozzle toward the workpiece surface as the nozzle is moved with the laser beam switched off, the flow of gas being delivered to the nozzle at a higher pressure than the process gas is delivered to the nozzle during forming the hole partially through the workpiece. Then, the hole is fully pierced through the workpiece by the laser beam using the process gas.

Abstract: Method of laser hardening of a surface area of a workpiece, such as a surface of a journal of a crankshaft, comprising: generating a relative movement between the surface of the workpiece and a laser source to allow a laser spot to subsequently be projected onto different portions of said surface area, and during said relative movement, repetitively scanning the laser beam (2) so as to produce a two-dimensional equivalent effective laser spot (5) on said surface area. The energy distribution of the effective laser spot is adapted so that it is different in a more heat sensitive subarea, such as in an area adjacent to an oil lubrication opening, than in a less heat sensitive subarea, so as to prevent overheating of said more heat sensitive subarea.

Abstract: An imbalance correction position of a turbine wheel head is irradiated with a laser beam so that an outer peripheral portion of the turbine wheel head is left, and a groove provided by the laser irradiation is provided so that a depth of the groove is shallower toward a side closer to an outer periphery of the turbine wheel head. This makes it possible to secure a strength of a base part of an outer peripheral portion (an outer wall) of the groove, thereby making it possible to restrain deformation of the outer peripheral portion of the groove due to a centrifugal force acting by rotation of the turbine wheel head.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for laser quenching. The method utilizes a scanning galvanometer, and involves laser quenching via irradiation with intermittent, repeated scans, rather than a single scan as in the prior art. The method results in increased laser energy absorbed by the metal base and improved depth of thermal conduction, while avoiding melting at the metal surface, thus providing a significantly improved laser quenching process. The apparatus can include a laser, a control system, a light guiding system, a mechanical motion device and a galvanometer.

Abstract: A first source of radiation generates a first radiation to remove a coating from a component. An amount of the first radiation generated by the first source of radiation depends on an amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation. A controller receives feedback regarding removal of the coating from the component by the first radiation and regarding the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation, and adjusts the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation based on the feedback. A second source of radiation generates a second radiation capable of detecting whether the coating is encountered again. The controller restarts the first source of radiation to generate the first radiation in response to the coating being detected by the second radiation, and sets the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation based on the feedback.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for monitoring and for controlling a laser cutting process on a workpiece, and a method of using the same. The device includes an image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of a region of the workpiece to be monitored, in which the region of the workpiece to be monitored includes a region of interaction of a laser beam with the workpiece, and an evaluation apparatus for detecting material boundaries of the workpiece using the captured image. The evaluation apparatus is configured to determine at least one characteristic value of the laser cutting process based on a geometric relationship between at least two of the detected material boundaries, the region of interaction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention exemplarily described herein relate generally to saving XYZ stage coordinates for intended laser locations as well as a kernel image of an ablation pattern placed during a scan placement process, and comparing the kernel image to a current image of the current field of view of a camera/microscope that includes the location a laser would be fired at. This comparison is used during an experimental run to correct for any built up error. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for software based image recognition to correct errors in open looped systems for positioning a sample relative to a laser in analysis systems for zircon crystal grain dating.

Abstract: A spacer fabric may include a hinge layer, a top layer, and an intermediate layer. The hinge layer may include a first tensile strength and at least one perforation. The top layer may include a second tensile strength. The intermediate layer may include a third tensile strength, and may be arranged between the hinge layer and the top layer. The first tensile strength may be higher than the second tensile strength, and the first tensile strength may be higher than the third tensile strength.

Abstract: A food packaging system including a film dispensing device and a perforation device configured to create perforations in a film dispensed by the film dispensing device. The system also includes a wrapping device configured to wrap a food product in the film, and a controller configured to control the perforation device to produce a predetermined perforation pattern in the film. The film extends continuously while moving from the dispensing device to the wrapping device. The perforation device is positioned so that the film is perforated after leaving the dispenser and prior to the food product being wrapped in film.

Abstract: A welded portion inspection method accurately identifies emitted light from a molten portion during inspection laser light irradiation, enabling reliable inspection. When transitioning from welding laser light irradiation to inspection laser light irradiation, the welding laser light irradiation is interrupted and then the welding laser light is switched to the inspection laser light. In inspecting a welded portion, two points in time at which the emitted light intensity is equal to or less than a certain threshold value are extracted from an intensity waveform of the emitted light as an inspection start point in time and an inspection end point in time. The interval between the inspection start and end points is estimated as being a irradiation period of the inspection laser light. The welded state is inspected based on the intensity waveform of the emitted light in the irradiation period.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mask assembly includes forming, via an electroforming process, a base material including at least one opening on an electrode plate; and reprocessing the at least one opening using a laser to form at least one reprocessed opening.

Abstract: Laser systems and methods improve the processing velocity of the routs or other features to avoid exceeding the laser system's dynamic limits. A laser processing system divides laser processing commands corresponding to a plurality of features to be processed on or in the workpiece into process segments. Laser processing parameters and beam trajectories are simulated to determine a maximum processing velocity for each of the process segments. The laser processing system selects one or more of the maximum processing velocities for processing the plurality of features on or within the workpiece. A slowest processing velocity of the maximum processing velocities may be used to process each of the plurality of features. Alternatively, each continuous rout sequence may be processed using a different processing velocity. In other embodiments, each process segment is processed using its corresponding maximum processing velocity.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum scattered from a surface are disclosed. The disclosed method involves scanning an EM source to at least one EM source position. The method further involves illuminating, with the EM source, spectral energy to at least one target area on the surface for each of the EM source positions. Also, the method involves scanning a detector to a plurality of detector positions for each of the EM source positions. Additionally, the method involves detecting, with the detector, the EM spectrum scattered from at least one target area on the surface at each of the plurality of the detector positions for each of the EM source positions. Further, the method involves processing the EM spectrum detected at each of the plurality of the detector positions for each of the EM source positions to characterize the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the 3-dimensional measurement of a sample with a measuring system having a 3-dimensional measuring space and comprising a laser scanning microscope, characterised by—providing the measuring system with a 3-dimensional virtual reality device,—creating the 3-dimensional virtual space of the measuring space using the 3-dimensional virtual reality device,—allowing for selecting an operation in the virtual space,—providing real-time unidirectional or bidirectional connection between the measuring space and the virtual space such that an operation selected in the virtual space is performed in the measuring space and data measured in the measuring space is displayed in the virtual space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device for a laser processing system, for carrying out position measurements by means of a measurement beam on a workpiece, which is intended for processing by means of a high energy processing beam, which can be moved relative to the workpiece along a predetermined main processing path. The measurement device can be coupled to a processing device and includes an optical coherence tomograph. The measurement device is equipped to shift the measurement beam on the workpiece in the direction of the main processing path in at least one first measurement position and one second measurement position in order to scan measurement positions transversely to the direction of the main processing path in the measurement positions.

Abstract: A laser processing machine arrangement includes a laser processing head for laser processing a workpiece, the workpiece comprising a processing zone from which laser radiation is emitted radially during operation of the laser processing head, a laser protection wall that surrounds the laser processing head and a danger region disposed around the laser processing head, the laser protection wall shielding the laser radiation that is emitted radially from the processing, and at least one opening in the laser protection wall, through which the danger region can be entered, wherein the laser protection wall and the at least one in the laser protection wall are arranged in such a manner that the at least one opening is completely shadowed by the laser protection wall or is completely shadowed with cooperation of the laser protection wall from the laser radiation during operation of the laser processing head.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim system such as an instrument panel or a door panel includes a panel substrate defining a deployment aperture. An inflatable device such as an air bag is adapted to deploy through the aperture during a crash. A natural, tanned leather skin covers the substrate, wherein the skin has a tear seam corresponding to the aperture on a hidden surface of the skin. An aperture door may be fitted within the deployment aperture which is adapted to open against the skin in response to deployment of the inflatable device. The tear seam is comprised of a region on the hidden surface of the skin having a disrupted fiber matrix from exposure to an alkaline solution such as ammonia, bleach, sodium tetraborate, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, trisodium phosphate, potassium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicon-based component with at least one reduced contact surface which, formed from a method combining at least one oblique side wall etching step with a “Bosch” etch of vertical side walls, improves, in particular, the tribology of components formed by micromachining a silicon-based wafer.

Abstract: A laser processing method for forming a laser processed hole in a workpiece having a first member including a first material and a second member including a second material, the laser processed hole extending from the first member to the second member, the laser processing method including: applying a pulsed laser beam to the workpiece; using a plasma detecting means to detect the wavelength of plasma light generated by applying the pulsed laser beam to the workpiece; controlling, via a controller, a laser beam applying means according to a detection signal from the plasma detecting means; and stopping the application of the pulsed laser beam when both: (i) the light intensity detected by a first photodetector is decreased, and (ii) the light intensity detected by a second photodetector is increased to a peak value and next decreased to a given value that is slightly less than the peak value.

Abstract: A method for controlling formation of glass bumps in a glass article with laser-irradiation without the use of a growth-limiting structure. Standard deviation of height between the glass bumps on the article is less than 1 micron by controlling the laser radiation dose provided on the glass article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for laser cutting comprising a nozzle body (1) comprising an axial housing (5) and a first outlet orifice (11) situated in the region of the front face (1a) of the nozzle body (1), a mobile element (2) arranged in the axial housing (5) of the nozzle body (1), comprising a skirt-forming front part (2a) and comprising a second outlet orifice (12), said mobile element (2) being able to be moved in a translational movement inside the axial housing (5) toward the first outlet orifice (11) under the effect of a gas pressure applied to the mobile element (2) until such time as the skirt-forming front part (2a) of the mobile element (2) projects out from the axial housing (5) through the first outlet orifice (11), and an elastic element (8) arranged in the axial housing (5), between the nozzle body (1) and the mobile element (2), applying an elastic return force to the mobile element (2).

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece with a processing device which has a processing head which can be moved at a defined speed and distance from a surface of the workpiece, the method comprising at least partially detecting a surface topography of the workpiece to be processed, determining a minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece with reference to the detected surface topography of the workpiece and a trailing spacing of the processing head associated with the defined speed, and processing the workpiece with the processing head at the established minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece.

Abstract: A removal system is configured for removing a coating from a substrate of a component. A first and second energy source are each configured to direct electromagnetic radiation onto the component the electromagnetic radiation produces a respective first and second property. A sensor detects the first and second properties produced by the first and second stream of electromagnetic radiation. A controller is configured to receive the detected first and second property from the sensor and the associated first and second power levels from the respective first and second energy sources. The controller transmits an updated power level to at least one of the first and second energy sources in response to the first and second property received from the sensor and the associated power level received from the first and second energy sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning the coupling an optical laser fiber using an alignment structure. The disclosed alignment structure accepts an optical fiber having a beam and a detection apparatus. According to one aspect of the teachings, the detection apparatus has a tapered form having a circular cross section at one end to match the laser aperture, and a circular cross section at the other end to match the fiber core.

Abstract: A low cost, high reliability system for correcting aberrations in optical signals is disclosed. A foreoptic assembly, such as a telescope, receives an incoming optical signal and directs it to an active optical element, such as a fast steering mirror. The incoming optical signal is diffracted by a diffractive optical element to shape the image that is formed at a wavefront sensor, such as a quad-cell. The wavefront sensor measures a tip-tilt aberration of the incoming optical signal and the active optical element is adjusted to correct the measured aberration. An outgoing optical signal can be transmitted along substantially the same optical path as the incoming optical signal, but in the opposite direction. Thus, the aberration measured from the incoming optical signal can be automatically accounted for in the outgoing optical signal.

Abstract: A combination probe is positioned at a location in a stationary portion of a turbo machine that defines a gas flow path and is configured to detect a moving portion of the turbo machine within the gas flow path. The combination probe includes a tip timing sensor configured to sense when the moving portion is located proximate to the location of the probe, and an optical component configured to have a field of view that includes the moving portion when the moving portion is located proximate to the location of the probe. There is also an image capture device coupled to the optical component to capture an image of the field of view. The image can be used to determine the particular blade tip location within the field of view which is also the blade tip location sensed by the tip timing sensor.

Abstract: A laser machining system (20) employs a fast positioner (68), such as a pair of galvanometer mirrors (70), that directs a beam axis (24) at a specified velocity to a start position of a cutting path (92) in coincidence with one of multiple laser pulses emitted from a laser (28) a constant laser pulse repetition rate, which runs independently of the relative position of the beam axis (24) with respect to the workpiece (26).

Abstract: The laser machining apparatus includes a transmission fiber that transmits laser light emitted from a laser oscillator through the fiber, a machining head that emits the laser light, which is sent from the transmission fiber, vertically to a main surface of a machining object and sends reflected light, which is reflected coaxially with the laser light by the machining object, to the transmission fiber, a reflected light monitoring unit that detects a reflected light intensity of the reflected light sent from the transmission fiber, and a control device that controls the laser oscillator and the machining head, in which the control device includes a determining unit that, at a time when laser machining is started, determines whether the machining object corresponds to a machining condition or not in laser machining on the basis of the reflected light intensity.

Abstract: A system for laser-induced plasma micromachining of a work-piece includes a dielectric fluid, a dielectric fluid supply device, a laser, a processor, and a memory. The dielectric fluid supply device is arranged to hold a work-piece in the dielectric fluid or to direct the dielectric fluid onto the work-piece. The laser is arranged to emit a pulsed laser-beam. The processor is in electronic communication with the laser. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is programmed to direct the laser to deliver the pulsed laser-beam into the dielectric fluid to create a plasma generated at a focal point of the pulsed laser-beam in the dielectric fluid to micromachine, using the plasma, the work-piece disposed adjacent to the focal point.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cutting processing on a workpiece whereby a part of the workpiece is separated from a remainder of the workpiece along a desired cut contour, wherein, after the cutting processing, the following steps are carried out: irradiating the workpiece with a laser beam at a location within the desired cut contour, detecting radiation generated by an interaction between the laser beam and the workpiece, and evaluating the detected radiation to determine whether, during the cutting processing, the part of the workpiece was completely separated from the remainder of the workpiece. The invention also relates to a laser processing machine for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The head (9) of the cutting apparatus (4) of the laser comprises a gas supply through a device such as a barrel dispenser which chops the blowing flow rate, which produces a better discharge of the liquid slag melt by the laser beam (16, 18) out of the plate (19) to be cut. A measurement (36) of backscattered light is made in order to check the good quality of cutting, the amount measured being smaller if the cutting actually passes through the plate (19), and the frequency or the pressure of the blowing pulses is adjusted by a controlling device (39) to keep the measure to a minimum by optimizing the slag discharge conditions.

Abstract: A method of laser processing a mold surface may include a first stage of extracting mapping data for forming an embossing pattern on the mold surface using laser processing, a second stage of extracting scanning data obtained by scanning the mold surface and matching the scanning data with the mapping data so as to extract processing data for laser processing, a third stage of performing a reverse engineering process for verifying error between the mold surface and the processing data when processing the mold surface to form the embossing pattern using the processing data, and a fourth stage of, when the error may be within an allowable tolerance, performing the laser process using a verified processing data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pulling tubular glass, such as pipettes, is disclosed. The invention is generally directed apparatus and techniques for precisely scanning a laser beam on the selected surfaces of the glass tube to uniformly, controllably and programmably soften the tube prior to and during pulling. The invention has application to both vertical and horizontal pullers.

Abstract: Laser processing machines and methods for adjusting focused laser beams. Laser processing heads have nozzle with openings admitting primary laser beam. An orientation device is included, as well as at least one sensor to mutually center primary beam and opening of nozzle. A first beam handling unit is arranged near the nozzle opening and may convert primary beam into a secondary wide-band heat beam, and then may emit this secondary beam towards a sensor; or may reflect/scatter at least a portion of the primary beam towards sensor. The sensor detecting the converted secondary beam is arranged within the laser processing head. In an adjustment process, a primary beam may be converted into a wide-band heat radiation as secondary radiation at the beam handling unit, and emitted and/or diverted into a scattered/reflex beam towards the sensor.

Abstract: Variation in hole diameter due to heating effects is minimized even if the shortest machining route is set, and machining quality is improved. A printed circuit board to be scanned by a laser beam is divided into a plurality of scan areas (S1). An order of drilling within the scan area is sorted to obtain a scanning route with the shortest distance (S2). The order of the (N+1)th hole and the (N+2)th hole is swapped in each scanning area if it is determined that the distance between the Nth hole and the (N+1)th hole (here, N is an integer in a range of 1?N?“the maximum number of holes to be drilled in the area”?1?) is less than a predetermined threshold value, and that N+1 is not correspond to the maximum number of holes to be drilled in the scanning area (S3).

Abstract: A terminal mode of at least a part of terminals in a centralized control area and terminals in a distributed control area is set to a time division control mode for performing communication in a time division manner. The terminals in the centralized control area, the terminal mode of which is other than the time division control mode, are set in a centralized control mode. The terminals, the terminal mode of which is other than the time division control mode, are set in a distributed control mode. The terminals set in the time division control mode perform transmission in a communication period in which communication is permitted. The terminals set in the centralized control mode and the terminals set in the distributed control mode perform communication without depending on the communication period.