Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications.

Abstract: An emission-based detector for use in conjunction with capillary chromatography or other applications involving a gas sample having a small volume is provided. The detector is based on optical emission from a plasma medium. An optical cartridge or other detection and/or processing means may be provided to receive and analyse the emitted radiation and thereby obtain information on the gas to be analysed. The emission-based detector includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a capillary channel which is in fluid communication with the gas inlet and gas outlet. The capillary channel acts as the plasma chamber. Preferably, the capillary channel has transversal dimensions of the same order as the cross-section of typical chromatography capillary columns and defines a winding path within the detection area. A multi-cell emission-based detector and a method of analysing a gas sample using multiple detection cells are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.

Abstract: A system for disabling or destroying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The system comprises an anti-UAV system and an anti-UAV computing platform. The anti-UAV system comprises: a plurality of laser devices configured to generate a plurality of laser beams at a plurality of different wavelengths; a coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) combiner configured to combine the plurality of laser beams from the plurality of laser devices into a combined laser beam; and a tracking device configured to detect a UAV. The anti-UAV computing platform is configured to: detect, using the tracking device, an object within range of the tracking device; and based on detecting the object, direct, using the anti-UAV system, the combined laser beam from the CWDM combiner onto the detected object.

Abstract: A thermistor element includes: a thermistor film; a pair of first electrodes in contact with one surface of the thermistor film; an insulation film opposite to a contact side of the pair of first electrodes, the contact side on which the pair of first electrodes is in contact with the thermistor film; and at least one opening portion located in a region which overlaps each of the first electrodes when viewed in a plan view and passing through the insulation film. Each first electrode has a first portion located where each of the first electrodes and the opening portion overlap when viewed in a plan view and a second portion outside of where each of the first electrodes and the opening portion overlap when viewed in a plan view and is over the first portion and second portion to be in contact with the one surface of the thermistor film.

Abstract: A flash thermography device is configured to apply a flash of light to a target area on a surface of the battery cell. An imaging device is configured to capture an image of the target area subsequent to the flash of light being applied to the surface of the battery cell. A defect detection control module is configured to receive the image captured by the imaging device, analyze the image to determine whether a defect is present in the battery cell, and selectively generate and output an indication of whether the defect is present based on the analysis of the image.

Abstract: In an optical detection system, features of interest can be identified from ADC circuitry data prior to inter-circuit communication with downstream object or target processing circuitry. In this manner, a volume of data being transferred to such downstream processing circuitry can be reduced as compared to other approaches, simplifying the receive signal processing chain and providing power savings. First-tier signal processing circuitry to identify features of interest can be located on or within a commonly-shared integrated circuit package with ADC circuitry, and downstream processing circuitry for object processing or range estimation can be fed with a data link meeting less stringent requirements than a link between the ADC circuitry and first-tier signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for synchronizing and locking clocks identifies entangled pairs of photons by comparing a first and second list of measured state values of single photons, wherein the first list is compiled by photon arrival times measured using a first clock and the second list is compiled by photon arrival times measured using a second clock. Entangled pairs of photons are identified by a match of the measured state values of single photons in their respective lists. Elapsed times of the first and second clocks are determined by taking the difference between arrival times of respective identified entangled pairs of photons measured using their respective clocks. A rate of one of the first and second clocks is changed based on a difference between the elapsed times, thereby synchronizing the first and second clocks. Clocks are locked by repeating.

Abstract: A method of generating a verification code includes generating a plurality of first photons and a plurality of second photons that are entangled in a first basis, which is time, and entangled in a second basis comprising a first and second state. The plurality of first photons are provided to a first device where the arrival time and an associated first or second state of the plurality of first photons are measured. An ordered list of the measured time of arrival of the plurality of first photons are generated at the first device. The plurality of second photons are provided to a second device. A time of arrival and an associated first or second state of the plurality of second photons are measured at the second device. An ordered list of the measured time of arrival of the plurality of second photons are generated at the second device.

Abstract: A farming system includes a field engagement unit. The field engagement unit includes a support assembly. The support assembly includes one or more work tool rail assemblies. The field engagement unit additionally includes one or more propulsion units which provide omnidirectional control of the field engagement unit. The field engagement unit additionally includes one or more work tool assemblies. The one or more work tool assemblies are actuatable along the one or more work tool rail assemblies. The farming system additionally includes a local controller. The local controller includes one or more processors configured to execute a set of program instructions stored in memory. The program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to control one or more components of the field engagement unit.

Abstract: A substrate structure has an obtuse portion formed between a side surface and a bottom surface of a substrate body. The obtuse portion includes a plurality of turning surfaces to disperse the stress of the substrate body generated in the packaging process. Therefore, the substrate body is prevented from being cracked. A method for fabricating the substrate structure and an electronic package including the substrate structure are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to count objects in an area. The techniques include operations comprising: receiving, from a first sensor, data that identifies a location of a first object in an area at a given point in time; receiving, from a second sensor, data that identifies a location of a second object in the area at the given point in time; and aggregating the data from the first sensor and the data from the second sensor to compute a count value indicating how many objects are present in the area at the given point in time.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a thermographic sensor configured to capture thermographic data of a component having holes as a fluid is pulsed toward the holes, and one or more processors configured to temporally process the thermographic data to calculate temporal scores and spatial scores for the corresponding holes. The scores can be used to obtain a reference dataset and a test dataset. A performance score can be assigned to the component based on the difference between the datasets.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gas concentration calculation device including a housing made of a synthetic resin and configured to include a cylindrical portion including first and second openings, respectively, at axial both ends thereof, and first and second mirrors, respectively, arranged facing each other at the first and second openings to form an optical path of infrared light inside the cylindrical portion. The method includes a step of preparing a precursor including respective sticking-out portions made of a synthetic resin sticking more outward than respective installation positions of first and second mirrors in a cylindrical portion and a step of bonding the first and second mirrors to the respective installation positions by arranging the first and second mirrors, respectively, at the respective installation positions of the precursor and then bending the sticking-out portions while melting with heat to cause them to adhere to the first and second mirrors.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for detecting moving object trajectories is provided. The temperature-measuring device includes a signal control module, a temperature-sensing module and a motion detection module. The temperature-sensing module is electrically connected to the signal control module, for measuring a temperature of each of a plurality of moving objects in an object temperature-measuring range. The motion detection module is electrically connected to the signal control module, for capturing a motion trajectory of each of the moving objects in an object motion detection range. The object temperature-measuring range is smaller than or equal to the object motion detection range, and the object temperature-measuring range falls entirely within the object motion detection range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motion sensor device (10), comprising: a PIR sensor (11) having a plurality of sensor elements (12) arranged adjacent to each other, the active sensor surfaces of which form a detection region (13) of the PIR sensor (11); an optical unit (15), which is designed to image a detection region (16) of the PIR sensor (11), which comprises detection zones (17), on the detection region (13) of the PIR sensor (11); wherein the detection zones (17) in the detection region (16) of the PIR sensor (11) have a spatially periodic arrangement having direction-dependent periodicity. The invention also relates to a lighting system (20) having the motion sensor device and a method (30) for operating the motion sensor device.

Abstract: An analyzer analyzes a measurement sample on the basis of spectrum data obtained by irradiating light to the measurement sample. The analyzer includes a main analysis part, a correlation data storage part and a concentration calculation part. The main analysis part calculates a concentration of a predetermined hydrocarbon component contained in the measurement sample on the basis of the spectrum data of the measurement sample. The correlation data storage part stores therein a plurality of correlation data each indicating a correlation between a concentration of the predetermined hydrocarbon component or the spectrum data and a THC concentration. The concentration calculation part selects at least one correlation data from among a plurality of correlation data stored in the correlation data storage part according to the concentration of the predetermined hydrocarbon component, and calculates a concentration of the total hydrocarbon components in the measurement sample by using correlation data thus selected.

Abstract: A system, method and mirror are provided in order to more reliably detect the presence of an object, such as a person. In the context of a system, the system includes a sensor configured to emit signals having a predefined wavelength and to detect a reflection of the signals having the predefined wavelength. The system also includes a reflective panel positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are directed toward the reflected panel. The system further includes a filter associated with the reflective panel and positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are also directed toward the filter. The filter is configured to attenuate at least signals having the predefined wavelength.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a proximity sensor, a device, a storage medium and a mobile terminal. The method comprising outputting a driving signal, to a transmitting end and a receiving end of a proximity sensor, controlling the transmitting end to be in a sleep mode, an off mode, and an on mode periodically, controlling the receiving end to be in a sleep mode and a sampling mode periodically; controlling an analog-digital converter to store a first input signal, in a sampling period of the receiving end corresponding to the off mode, and controlling the analog-digital converter to clear the first input signal from a received second input signal, outputting a first intensity value corresponding to the second input signal after the clearing process, in a sampling period of the receiving end when it is in the on mode.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a cabinet; a light emitting diode module provided in the cabinet; a communicator configured to receive an ambient atmospheric measurement value of the cabinet from an external device; a temperature sensor provided in the light emitting diode module; and a temperature controller configured to control a temperature of the light emitting diode module; and a controller configured to control the temperature controller so that the temperature of the light emitting diode module is greater than a dew point temperature when the measured temperature based on the output of the temperature sensor in a standby mode in a power saving state is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature based on the ambient atmospheric measurement value, and drives the light emitting diode module so that the temperature of the light emitting diode module is greater than the dew point temperature when the measured temperature is below the dew point temperature based on the ambient atmospheric measurement val

Abstract: Provided is a pyroelectric sensor including: an Si substrate; a laminated portion in which a heat absorption layer formed of an inorganic material, a lower electrode, a piezoelectric film, and an upper electrode are laminated in this order from one surface side of the Si substrate on the one surface; and an optical filter that is provided at a position of the other surface of the Si substrate corresponding to the laminated portion and selectively transmits an infrared ray, in which an infrared ray incident to the laminated portion from the optical filter side through the Si substrate is sensed.

Abstract: An image capture device 1001 captures an image by using a terahertz wave and includes a generating unit 112 that includes a plurality of generation elements each of which generates the terahertz wave and rests on a resting plane 117, an irradiation optical system 111 that irradiates an object with the terahertz wave, an imaging optical system 101 that images the terahertz wave that is reflected from the object, and a sensor 102 that includes pixels. The plurality of generation elements include at least a first generation element 113 and a second generation element 114 that have different angles of radiation to the object. There is an overlap region in which a region of radiation of a first terahertz wave 156 from the first generation element to the object overlaps a region of radiation of a second terahertz wave 157 from the second generation element to the object.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and correction of white balance and/or fixed pattern noise at startup or at any other time during a procedure.

Abstract: An optical member to be arranged in an optical path of a light, includes an optical medium made of an insulator or a semiconductor; a first element provided at a first position in the optical medium and made of a first electric conductor having a width approximately same as or smaller than a wavelength of the light, the first position being a position in the optical path; and a second element provided at a second position, in the optical medium, different from the first position, and made of a second electric conductor having a width approximately same as or smaller than the wavelength of the light, the second position being a position in the optical path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling devices, including controller and actuators are disclosed. Actuators may be devices where remote control of the device or devices is convenient, such as lights, window shades, fans and similar items. In one method, controllers are adapted to send commands from a first controller to an actuator and to a second controller, and from the second controller to the actuator and to the first controller, where the controllers store a state of the actuator as a result of the actuator executing the command.

Abstract: An encoder includes a layered structure including a metal plate, a dielectric layer arranged on the metal plate, and a plurality of metallic components arranged on the dielectric layer to form a pattern of resonant circuits. The encoder includes an emitter to emit a waveform of a resonant frequency to the layered structure and a receiver to measure amplitudes of the waveform reflected from the layered structure. The processor operatively connected to a memory storing data relating positions of the emitter with amplitudes of the reflected waveform determines a position of the emitter from the measurements of the amplitudes based on the data. The encoder includes an output interface to render the position of the emitter.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting open or closed state in windows and doors includes a passive infrared sensor configured to produce a change in an electrical signal based on a change in infrared radiation incident on the passive infrared sensor. A lens is operatively connected to the passive infrared sensor. At least a portion of the lens is configured to be mounted in an interface between a frame and a door or window mounted to open and close within the frame. The lens is configured to guide ambient infrared radiation to the passive infrared sensor at a first level when the door or window is closed and at a second level when the door or window is open or ajar.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area, a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area, and a first display to face the first area. The first display is to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first display is to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first signal is different than the second signal.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a controller to determine an emissivity of a portion of a layer of build material based on a measured optical property of the portion, or based on object design data representing a degree of intended solidification of the portion. The controller may be to determine a temperature of the portion based on the determined emissivity and a measured radiation distribution emitted by the portion.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one transmitter module, at least one receiver module, and at least one communication network. The transmitter module is placed on a barrier, wherein the transmitter module comprises a position detector. The receiver module is placed in a close proximity to a user, wherein the receiver module comprises a user alert feature. The receiver module may include a mobile device. The communication network is capable of providing a working communication between the transmitter module and the receiver module. The system is capable of monitoring and providing an alert if the barrier is left open by a user.

Abstract: A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.

Abstract: A spheromak is a plasma of ions and electrons formed into a toroidal shape. A spheromak plasma can include electrons and ions of nearly equal amounts such that it is essentially charge neutral. It contains large internal electrical currents and their associated internal magnetic fields arranged so that the forces within the spheromak are nearly balanced. The spheromak described herein is observed to form around an electric arc in partial atmosphere, and is observed to be self-stable with no external magnetic containment.

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems, and computer-readable media for a multispectral band system are described herein. One or more embodiments include a filter comprising a first designated transmittance value for a first wavelength range and a second designated transmittance value for a second wavelength range, a sensor to receive transmitted radiation from the filter, and a computing device coupled to the sensor to detect any radiation within the first and second wavelength ranges from the received transmitted radiation from the filter and wherein the detected radiation in the first wavelength indicates a particular type of radiation source and detected radiation in the second wavelength range indicates one or more other items within a field of view of the received radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a smart lighting system and a control method for the smart lighting system. The smart lighting system includes: an environment acquisition module being configured to acquire environment information and at least one lighting module, and where the environment acquisition module includes: a color detection unit configured to acquire color information in an environment; an auxiliary detection unit configured to acquire auxiliary information in the environment, wherein the environment information is determined by using the color information and/or the auxiliary information; an operational unit and a control unit configured to determine a control signal according to the environment information; and where the at least one lighting module includes: a driving unit configured to determine a driving signal according to the control signal; and at least one light source configured to receive the driving signal and emit light according to the driving signal.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle may be used to monitor and/or track airborne material in a plume. The unmanned aerial vehicle may be configured to eject a tracer material into the plume. The unmanned aerial vehicle may include a sensor for detecting the tracer material. The sensor may detect the position, the velocity, the concentration, amount reacted, etc. of the tracer material. The unmanned aerial vehicle and/or a remote vehicle or facility may include an electromagnetic radiation emitter to irradiate the tracer material. The sensor may measure the interactions of the electromagnetic radiation with the tracer material. The unmanned aerial vehicle and/or a remote system may determine characteristics of the plume and/or a substance of interest based on measurements by the sensor.

Abstract: A lighting system includes: a lighting apparatus including a first human detection sensor unit that detects a person in a first detection area, and a light source that turns ON when the first human detection sensor unit detects the person; and a support apparatus including (i) a second human detection sensor unit that detects a person in a second detection area, and (ii) an emission unit that emits, when the second human detection sensor unit detects the person, infrared rays to cause the first human detection sensor unit to react as if the person is present in the first detection area.

Abstract: Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first display facing a first direction; a second display facing a second direction; a third display facing a third direction; and a processor, in response to a first input being received indicative of traffic approaching the first display and no traffic approaching the second display and the third display, the processor to cause the second display and the third display to display a first signal and for the first display not to display the first signal or a second signal, the first signal providing a first warning level, the second signal providing a second warning level greater than the first warning level, the first signal illuminatable on the second display, the second signal illuminatable on the second display, the first signal, when illuminated, disposed within a perimeter of the second signal, when illuminated.

Abstract: The capacitance value of the input node is set to a first capacitance value when a first potential is supplied to the switch. The capacitance value of the input node is set to a second capacitance value which is smaller than the first capacitance value when a second potential is supplied to the switch. The potential supplied to the switch is kept at a third potential which is a potential between the first potential and the second potential in a part of at least one of a period until the potential is set to the first potential from the second potential and a period until the potential is set to the second potential from the first potential.

Abstract: A heating device for a spectrometry measurement apparatus, wherein it is in the form of a supple optical article, the article comprising a supple flexible support having a top face and a bottom face, the top face being covered with a reflective material in order to form an optical-reflection layer, a flexible heating element being disposed on at least one of the faces of the support.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to sense presence and motion in a monitored space is presented. The apparatus includes a dual-element assembly with a first thermal sensing element and a second thermal sensing element configured to produce a direct current output that is sustained at a level substantially proportional to an amount of thermal energy being received at the thermal sensing elements. A lens array (or equivalent optics) is coupled to the elements, having a plurality of lenses directing incident thermal energy from a plurality of optically-defined spatial zones onto the sensing elements. An electronic circuitry is configured to read a resulting signal of the dual-element assembly and an individual output signal of each the first thermal sensing element and the second thermal sensing element.

Abstract: The sensor comprises a reference bolometer and a plurality of sensing bolometers. Each sensing bolometer is arranged adjacent to the reference bolometer. Each bolometer comprises (i) a substrate, (ii) a cap structure connected to the substrate, the cap structure configured to define a cavity between an inner surface of the cap structure and a first surface of the substrate, (iii) an absorber connected the substrate and arranged within the cavity, the absorber configured to absorb infrared radiation within the cavity, and (iv) a readout circuit connected to the absorber and configured to provide a signal that indicates an amount of infrared radiation absorbed by the absorber. The cap structure of the reference bolometer blocks infrared radiation from entering the cavity from outside the cap structure. The cap structure of each sensing bolometers allows infrared radiation to enter the cavity from outside the cap structure.

Abstract: A side looking occupancy sensor is incorporated in a conventional wall switch mounted into a switch box adjacent to a door. The side-looking proximity sensor preferably is mountable to either side of the doorjamb to make the side-looking proximity sensor face the door opening. During operation, the side-looking sensor monitors the door movement or senses the passage of a person for indication that a person is entering or leaving the space. Entry and exit determination is made based on activation of the side-looking sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating terahertz signals, the system comprising a pump source, a two-wire waveguide; and at least one terahertz source, wherein the terahertz source is embedded within the two-wire waveguide and the pump source is configured to illuminate the terahertz source, the terahertz source generating terahertz signals directly within the two-wire waveguide. A terahertz source, embedded within a two-wire waveguide, said source being configured to be illuminated within the two-wire waveguide with a pump source for generating terahertz signals directly inside the two-wire waveguide. A two-wire waveguide system is thus provided, comprising a two-wire waveguide and a terahertz source embedded between the wires of the two-wire waveguide and configured to be illuminated within the two-wire waveguide with a pump source for generating terahertz signals directly inside the two-wire waveguide.

Abstract: An interferometric device: includes a separator, for separating a collimated beam (F0) into first (F1) and second (F2) incident beams; at least one transducer; and a transparent optical system, including at least three planar diopters (D1, D2, D3). The the transducer is based on plasmon resonance and in contact with the diopter (D1); the diopter (D2) has a network of nanostructures; the optical system and the separator being configured such that the beam (F1) and the beam (F2) undergo total internal reflection on the diopter (D1) and on the diopter (D3), respectively, prior to interfering on the diopter (D2) by total internal reflection and to forming an interferogram in which the central fringe is located at a convergence point (ZOPD).

Abstract: A method for occupancy based energy optimization can include determining a size and speed of a number of objects within an area, determining a number of human occupants within the area based on the size and speed of the number of objects within the area, and altering a number of environmental settings for the area based on the determined number of human occupants.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring hot glass containers at the hot end as they stream from an I.S. machine manufacturing them to enable their quality to be monitored, enhanced, and controlled. The system monitors radiation from the hot glass containers, extracts images of each hot glass container, analyzes the images of the hot glass containers, and provides the images of the hot glass containers together with information indicative of the quality thereof to a display screen viewable by an operator to enable the quick identification of glass forming process deviations and to occasion continuous improvements in glass container quality. The system and method are independent of conditions and parameters that have hampered previously known attempts to monitor hot glass containers, and make possible the production of glass containers of both high quality and substantially increased consistency.

Abstract: A gas sensor system is provided, comprising: a gas cell operable so as to receive a sample gas; a vacuum system fluidically coupled to the gas cell operable to maintain the sample gas within the gas cell at a sub-ambient pressure; a pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the sample gas; a thermally insulated enclosure having the gas cell therein; a heat source or heat exchanger operable to influence an interior temperature of the thermally insulated enclosure; a light source within the thermally insulated enclosure operable to provide a mid-infrared (mid-IR) light into and through the gas cell; a photodetector within the thermally insulated enclosure operable to receive the attenuated mid-IR; and a control system electronically coupled to the vacuum system and to the pressure sensor operable to maintain the sample gas within the gas cell at the predetermined pressure to within one torr (1 Torr).

Abstract: A video search system provides a user with a list of videos that are similar to a reference video selected by the user. A client device operated by the user may receive the reference video and transmit it to the video search system. The video search system generates a reference textual representation of actions depicted in the reference video based on an analysis of the contents of the reference video. The video search system further compares the reference textual representation with a plurality of textual representations generated based on videos stored in a library of videos. Based at least partly on the comparison, the video search system generates video search results that are provided to the client device. In certain functions, the client device may generate the reference textual representation and transmit the reference textual representation to the video search system for comparison.

Abstract: A motion sensor includes an infrared detector with a first set of detector elements and a second set of detector elements. The motion sensor also includes an optical system to direct electromagnetic energy from a first set of monitored volumes spaced at a pitch in a first direction onto the first set of detector elements and to direct electromagnetic energy from a second set of monitored volumes spaced at the pitch in the first direction onto the second set of detector elements. The second set of monitored volumes have an offset from the first set of monitored volumes in the first direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling evaporator defrost in a refrigeration appliance having a cooling circuit with a variable cooling capacity compressor is disclosed. The method includes assessing the cooling capacity of the cooling circuit and calculating the defrost time on the basis of such cooling capacity. Defrost time is preferably assessed on the basis of the inverter frequency driving the compressor and/or the percentage of insertion of the compressor.