Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an industrial vehicle are presented. The system includes a first imaging subsystem for acquiring a plurality of load-carrying-portion images. A cargo-detection subsystem is configured for analyzing each of the plurality of load-carrying-portion images to determine whether cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion. A power-detection subsystem is configured for determining when the industrial vehicle is running. A motion-detection subsystem is configured for determining when the industrial vehicle is in motion. An analytics subsystem is configured for calculating the amount of time that the industrial vehicle is running, the amount of time that the industrial vehicle is running while cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion, the amount of time the industrial vehicle is in motion, and the amount of time the industrial vehicle is in motion while cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion.

Abstract: A method for managing inventory carriers using mobile robotic units (MRUs) in a pod that is configured to receive online orders at a replenishment station for pickup by customers at a delivery station includes receiving, by an MRU, instructions that identify a first inventory carrier, moving the MRU to a location of the identified inventory carrier, and using the MRU to transport the identified inventory carrier to the replenishment station for pickup by a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including: a substrate processing unit configured to accommodate a substrate in a processing chamber, and process the substrate; and a control unit including a storage unit, a main storage unit, and a user interface unit. The control unit includes: recipe optimizing means configured to calculate a difference between measurement data obtained by measuring a processing result of the substrate and a target value, and optimize a recipe by changing some of processing conditions of the recipe so that the difference becomes smaller, and recipe batch-optimizing means configured to retrieve a batch-optimizable recipe in the storage unit in connection with the recipe and change some of processing conditions on the retrieved recipe like the recipe, on which the optimization is being performed.

Abstract: A teaching method for an industrial robot may include, while the hand is lifted up and down by the lifting mechanism, detecting, with the first sensor, a position of either the installation unit or a teaching jig to be installed on the installation unit in a vertical direction; while the hand is transferred in the first direction by the transfer mechanism, detecting, with the first sensor, a position of either the installation unit or the teaching jig in the first direction; while the hand is transferred in the first direction by the transfer mechanism, detecting, with the second sensor, a position of either the installation unit or the teaching jig in the first direction; and calculating a position of either the installation unit or the teaching jig in the second direction, in order to teach a position of the transfer object to be installed on the installation unit.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a carbonaceous feed material to be combusted to generate an off-gas and an identifier. The identifier is associated with a predetermined composition, characteristic or property of the feed material or the off-gas.

Abstract: A dispensing device and a method of operating a dispensing device for use in studying a consumable unit used by a clinical study participant are provided. The device comprises a housing that includes a delivery aperture and a compartment configured to store an unconsumed consumable unit therein. The device further includes a dispensing mechanism located within the housing and configured to release the stored unconsumed consumable unit to the clinical study participant via the delivery aperture upon verifying the identity of the clinical study participant and a controller configured to interface with the dispensing mechanism and the user input device. A user input device is also included and is configured to receive input from the clinical study participant corresponding to identification information relating to the clinical study participant and is further configured to receive input from the clinical study participant in response to one or more questionnaires relating to consumption of the consumable unit.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: A method of order fulfilling and replenishment of storage units in a storage facility can be provided. The storage units can be stored in a plurality of storage racking units and levels of a storage racking, with at least one storage-entry feeding line and at least one outbound line being provided for each storage module. Additionally, at least one automatic storage and retrieval device can be provided for retrieval of storage units from the multilevel racking or storage into the multilevel racking, and at least one picking station to which storage units are fed can also be provided for picking for fulfilling orders. Thus, fully or partially deplenished or depleted storage units can be replenished or consolidated on the fly directly at the picking station by the picker.

Abstract: The library server according to certain aspects can manage the use of tape drives according to the data requirements of different storage operation cells. The library server according to certain aspects can also facilitate automatic management of tape media in a tape library by allocating the tapes and slots to different cells. For instance, the library server can manage the positioning and placement of the tapes into appropriate slots within the tape library.

Abstract: A computerized control system performs controlled pressure drilling in a formation with a drilling system according to a plan. A setup of at least the plan, the formation, and the drilling system is configured in the control system, and the setup is integrated with the drilling system. Functioning of the set up can then be conducted using one of a plurality of control modes, including an operating mode and a simulating mode. The control system functions the setup according to the operating mode for operational interaction with the setup using the integration of the setup with the drilling system. The control system can switch from the operating mode to the simulating mode for simulated interaction with the setup. The control system simulates for at least a time period the functioning of the setup according to the simulating mode using the integration of the setup with the drilling system. Current operations continue as at least one simulated operation or event is projected in the future.

Abstract: Embodiments for assigning tasks to a robot device by a processor. A target region may be selected from a displayed image of an image capturing device. One or more tasks may be defined according to a plurality of objects displayed within the target region such that the defined one or more tasks are arranged according to a task workflow. The defined one or more tasks may be communicated to a self-directed device thereby assigning the self-directed robot to perform the defined one or more tasks according to the task workflow.

Abstract: An automated photomask storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of mobile storage units aligned in a first direction. Each mobile storage unit is movable in the first direction and includes a plurality of storage cells. A gantry is disposed over the plurality of mobile storage units. The gantry includes a supporting frame movable in the first direction. The plurality of mobile storage units interpose a pair of supporting members of the supporting frame. A beam connects the pair of supporting members and is movable along the pair of supporting members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The beam includes a plurality of buffer cells. A robotic arm is disposed adjacent to the plurality of buffer cells and movable along the beam. The robotic arm is configured to transfer a container containing a photomask between a storage cell and a buffer cell.

Abstract: A site-aware controller and various sensors determine if objects are located within a safety dome surrounding a machine such as a construction vehicle. The site-aware controller compares data from the various sensors to determine if the machine or independently moveable implements located on the machine are capable of impacting objects within the safety dome and/or travel of the machine into restricted areas. Detection of objects within the safety dome can trigger alerts (e.g., visual and/or audible) to an operator of the machine of a particular situation. Detection of objects within the safety dome can also prevent further movement of the machine or independently moveable implements located on the machine to prevent impacting the objects. The system can also prevent movement of the machine into restricted areas.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for updating the location information for a gas detector device. A gas detector device may comprise a wireless scanner operable to receive information from one or more passive tags. In some cases, the passive tags may comprise location information. When the gas detector scans a passive tag, the location information stored on the gas detector may be updated accordingly. In some cases, the subsequent readings of the gas detector may be associated with the updated location information. In some cases, the passive tags may be located at critical areas within a facility, such as entrances or exits to locations.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a checked bag reconciliation area of an airport. The method includes transporting a luggage item from an entrance mechanism to one of a plurality of inspection stations. Once the luggage item is at the inspection station, the method proceeds by conducting an inspection of the luggage item by the agent at the inspection station. The step of transporting the luggage item includes transporting the luggage item to the inspection station with the luggage item disposed on an automatic material handling device, and the step of conducting an inspection of the luggage item by the agent includes conducting the inspection of the luggage item while the luggage item is disposed on the automatic material handling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a semiconductor die from a wafer tape to a product substrate. The apparatus includes a wafer frame configured to hold the wafer tape and a support frame disposed adjacent to the wafer frame. A flexible support substrate is secured in the support frame and is configured to support the product substrate. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to position the semiconductor die at a transfer position with respect to the product substrate. An energy-emitting device is configured to direct energy through the flexible support substrate to a portion of the product substrate corresponding to the transfer position at which the semiconductor die is positioned to be affixed to the product substrate.

Abstract: A self-assembling learning system and apparatus determines self-assembling actions that are expected to reduce uncertainties that are embodied as probabilities and then updates the probabilities in accordance with information that results from the performing of the self-assembling actions. The updated probabilities inform the determination of subsequent self-assembling actions. Neural networks, simulations of multiple potential self-assembling actions, and expected values of information may be applied in determining the self-assembling actions that are to be performed. Sensors may be applied to receive information that inform the updating of probabilities, and the self-assembling apparatus may be a robotic device. Self-assembling actions may comprise modifications to relationships between elements of a computer-implemented system.

Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for determining a work to be picked by a robot from a plurality of works, using an image, captured by an image capture device, of an area on which the plurality of works are placed. The apparatus selects a pickable candidate work based on the image, and determines a picking target work positioned in a partial area assigned with a highest priority among the partial areas where candidate works are respectively positioned. The apparatus selects a next pickable candidate work whose position and orientation have changed within allowable ranges before and after picking, and determines a next picking target work positioned in the partial area assigned with the highest priority among the partial areas where the next pickable candidate works are respectively positioned.

Abstract: A polarization measuring device (10) for determining the polarization of a light beam (16, 46) that includes a reflector (12, 58) and a detector (14, 20). The reflector (12, 58) is configured such that the plane of incidence of the light rays in the light beam (16, 46) varies in a location-dependent manner, such that the reflector (12, 58) reflects differing polarization components of the light beam (16, 46) to different extents depending on the plane of incidence. The detector (14, 20) serves to detect the differing polarization components.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a retail environment robotic system including a vertically oriented/scanning LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) unit mounted to a mobile base which travels along the aisles of a retail environment such as a store. According to an exemplary embodiment, the LIDAR unit vertically scans product display units along the aisles to generate a depth map associated with detected objects which is further processed to detect missing products, product/shelving tags, shelves, etc.

Abstract: A method according to one aspect of the present invention includes receiving patient information, analyzing the patient information to identify a condition for the patient, formatting a report based on the patient information and the patient condition, and storing at least one of the patient information, the patient condition, and the formatted report as part of a medical record for the patient. The stored information can be processed and analyzed to perform a risk assessment for the patient, as well as compared to other data. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to monitor any appropriate medical device from essentially any location from which a communications signal can be sent and received. This enables patients to enjoy an active lifestyle by not being tied to medical device monitoring equipment that is difficult or impossible to transport or having to routinely visit health care facilities.

Abstract: A substrate conveyance robot has an end effector provided to a robot arm and including a substrate holding unit configured to hold a substrate, arm drive unit configured to drive the robot arm, a robot control unit configured to control the arm drive unit, and a holding force detection unit configured to detect a substrate holding force exerted by the substrate holding unit. The robot control unit controls the arm drive unit based on an upper limit value of at least one of acceleration and speed of the end effector which are determined in accordance with the substrate holding force detected by the holding force detection unit.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus, containing a controller that acquires a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of a driving motor or a driven member driven by the motor based on a predetermined signal, compare the predetermined data with a threshold value, and determine whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of a sheet based on the comparative result.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a post-processing apparatus comprises a memory that stores a threshold value and a first accumulated data of a physical quantity of one of a motor or a driven member driven by the motor; and a controller that acquires a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of the driving motor or the driven member driven by the motor, acquires a second accumulated data by adding the predetermined data to the first accumulated data read from the memory, compares the second accumulated data with the threshold value, and transmits a request for increasing a discharge interval of the sheet if the second accumulated data is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical order verification system and method for an automated pharmacy system is disclosed. A computerized line control application controls a dispensing line, facilitates automated dispensing of drugs into vials, and collects and records data for dispensed drug as well as each verification step performed by a pharmacist. In an example embodiment, pharmacist verification occurs in connection with replenishing the drugs in automated tablet counters and in connection with verifying a specified percentage of orders for each automated tablet counter. During the replenishment process, the pharmacist verifies that a replenishment canister has been loaded with the correct drug in the appropriate dosage and strength. During the order verification step, a pharmacist verifies the contents of vial matches the prescription order data.

Abstract: A speed control portion of a motor driving device performs a deceleration control of decelerating a rotation speed of a driving motor based on a first pulse signal for the deceleration control that includes a plurality of pulses whose pulse width corresponds to each commanded speed to the driving motor. A pulse signal output portion generates the first pulse signal and a second pulse signal and outputs the second pulse signal to the speed control portion after outputting the first pulse signal to the speed control portion, wherein the pulse width of the first pulse signal changes by obeying a predetermined rule that corresponds to a deceleration tendency of the rotation speed during the deceleration control, and the second pulse signal does not obey the predetermined rule. When a determination processing portion determines that the second pulse signal is included in an input signal, the deceleration control is ended.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a robot including a hand configured to transfer a substrate, a transfer chamber within which the robot is disposed, a plurality of substrate-storing cassettes disposed side by side on a sidewall of the transfer chamber in a plan view, and a robot control device configured to control an operation of the robot based on teaching information. The robot control device includes an operation controller configured to cause the robot to transfer the substrate to a storage position while slanting a hand centerline toward the robot away from a storage centerline with respect to a first cassette and while superimposing the hand centerline on the storage centerline with respect to a second cassette.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of locating overstock items at a retail sales facility include receiving an indication that a product at the retail sales facility is out of stock and determining whether the product is located on a sales floor or in the stock room at the retail sales facility; then, in response to a determination that the product is not located on the sales floor or in the stock room, tracking a location of the product based on at least one inventory management factor associated with the retail sales facility and at least one worker task event associated with the product; and outputting to a worker at the retail sales facility, based on the tracking of the location of the at least one product, an indication of a perceived location of the least one product.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the inventory of a medical storage container that has a required inventory of medical articles. An enclosure is used to isolate, scan, and take an inventory of a tray or other container of medical articles each of which has an RFID tag. The enclosure having a size smaller than the size needed for a resonant frequency at the RFID frequency of operation of the tags. An injection device is used to create a robust electromagnetic field standing wave of constructive interference in the enclosure and a program compares the scanned present inventory of the tray to the required inventory database and indicates any differences. Expired and recalled articles are identified.

Abstract: A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping to perform simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Inventory systems may include one or more sensors capable of detecting spatial positioning of inventory holders and an arm of a worker interacting with the inventory holder. Data can be received from a sensor, a gesture of the arm can be determined from the data, and a bin location or other information can be determined based on the gesture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for delivering a shipment by an unmanned transport device to a receiving container for said shipment, the method comprising the following and additional steps: moving the unmanned transport device into a destination area associated with the receiving container, on the basis of geographical co-ordinates; once the unmanned transport device has reached the destination area, pairing of the transport device with the receiving container and exchanging electronic authorization information between the receiving container and the unmanned transport device.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus includes: a robot model arranging unit that arranges a robot model on a virtual space; a configuration information storage unit that stores configuration information of a robot system; a transport device arrangement position calculating unit that calculates a transport device arrangement position based on a follow-up operation reference coordinate system related to a follow-up operation of a robot, included in the configuration information; and a detection unit arrangement position calculating unit that calculates a detection unit arrangement position based on the follow-up operation reference coordinate system.

Abstract: An article alignment apparatus includes an interval setting unit configured to specify a distance between articles aligned along a movement direction of a conveyor, a movement amount acquisition unit configured to acquire a movement amount of a placement portion of the conveyor from a detector, a virtual target generation unit configured to generate a virtual target which serves as a reference in positioning the article on the placement portion, before a robot executes a placement operation of the article, and a placement operation execution unit configured to place the article within the virtual target by tracking the virtual target moving together with the conveyor based on information detected by the detector.

Abstract: A radiographic system includes a photographic unit; an operating panel including a button configured to be pressed to indicate that a movement direction of the photographic unit is to be limited to a specific movement direction; a measurement unit provided between the operating panel and the photographic unit and configured to measure a magnitude and a direction of an external force applied to the operating panel; and a drive unit configured to move the photographic unit only in the specific movement direction based on the magnitude and the direction of the external force measured by the measurement unit in response to the button being pressed.

Abstract: A door regulation apparatus positions a door mounted in a freely rotatably state in a vehicle body at a reference position in a gap/step measuring process, makes a step of a preset portion of the door to zero, and includes: i) a frame installed outside of a vehicle body transfer line; ii) a moving member reciprocating in the frame through a driving unit; iii) a clamping unit installed in the moving member vacuum adsorbs a skin surface of the door; iv) a sensor installed in the clamping unit senses a vacuum pressure operating at the skin surface; v) a vision photographing unit installed in the moving member photographs a preset portion of the door; and iv) a control unit analyzes and processes a sensing signal from the sensor and vision data that acquires from the vision photographing unit to control the driving unit.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement for conveying containers in a container treatment system, including a conveyor track, at least one conveyor element movably arranged on the conveyor track and used for conveying one or a plurality of containers, a conveyor element servicing device connected to the conveyor track, and an open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit, where the conveyor track and the conveyor element are configured such that the conveyor element can be guided along the conveyor track in an individually controllable manner by means of the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit, and where the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit is configured to supply the conveyor element to the servicing device depending on at least one state parameter of the conveyor element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to staging manufactured items and provide a method, system and computer program product for staging items in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for staging items in a manufacturing environment can be provided. The method can include defining attributes of staging locations in a distribution area of the manufacturing environment, defining a set of staging strategies for use in the distribution area of the manufacturing environment, receiving a manufactured item in the distribution area and obtaining characteristics of the manufactured item, and comparing the obtained characteristics of the manufactured item to the set of staging strategies to select the staging strategy to apply to the manufactured item.

Abstract: A structure is provided which reduces erroneous estimation when a state of a work is estimated. An image processing apparatus includes: a camera which inputs an image of a work; a work state estimation unit which estimates a state of the work from the image which has been input by the camera; an occurrence probability storage unit which stores an occurrence probability that is previously associated with each state of the work; and a reliability calculation unit which calculates reliability for the estimated state of the work, based on the state of the work estimated by the work state estimation unit and the occurrence probability which corresponds to the state of the work.

Abstract: A Packaging System having a Packaging Line designed to produce Packaged Consumer Products; a Marking System designed to mark individual or packs of Packaged Consumer Products with graphical information, and a Line Controller designed to control the Packaging Line and the Marking System. The Marking System includes: Marking Equipment and a Marking Server. The Marking Server is designed to receive Production Batch Data and associated Template Identifier(s); and a Marking Device Controller. The Line Controller is designed to: receive Production Batch Data and generate Marking Instruction(s) for associated Marking Device Controller(s). The Marking Device Controller is designed to: receive Marking Instruction(s) from the Line Controller, fetch out from a Repository in the Marking Server stored Mark Layout Template(s) and Production Batch Data, and generate Marking Command(s) for Marking Device(s) controlled by the Marking Device Controller based on fetched Mark Layout Template(s) and Production Batch Data.

Abstract: An article transport carriage includes a carriage main body configured to travel along a travel path, a support portion configured to support a bottom surface of an article from below, a projecting and retracting actuator for projecting and retracting the support portion between a projected position and a retracted position, a pressure applying portion located directly above the article supported by the support portion in the retracted position, and a distance changing actuator for changing the distance in the vertical direction between the support portion and the pressure applying portion between a pressure applying distance and a spaced apart distance.

Abstract: A gimbal assembly may include an imbalance compensation system having a driver operatively connected to a movable weight. A controller may determine a compensating position for the movable weight to counterbalance an effective moment imparted on the gimbal assembly by one or more movable components therein. The controller may command the driver to relocate the movable weight to the compensating position.

Abstract: An article transport carriage includes a carriage main body configured to travel along a travel path, a support portion configured to support a bottom surface of an article from below, a projecting and retracting actuator for projecting and retracting the support portion between a projected position and a retracted position, a pressure applying portion located directly above the article supported by the support portion in the retracted position, and a distance changing actuator for changing the distance in the vertical direction between the support portion and the pressure applying portion between a pressure applying distance and a spaced apart distance.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product dynamically configures a delivery system for delivering products to smart mats. A delivery coordination server determines a location of multiple smart mats. Each of the smart mats includes a positioning system and a transmitter that transmits a message describing the real-time geophysical location of the smart mats. The delivery coordination server receives a message describing a location of a first delivery vehicle that is transporting a first package addressed for delivery to a first smart mat. The delivery coordination server determines that the first smart mat has moved to a location that is within a predetermined distance of a second smart mat, to which a second delivery vehicle is scheduled to deliver a second package. The delivery coordination server directs the first delivery vehicle to transfer the first package to the second delivery vehicle for delivery to the first smart mat.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and method for managing and tracking controlled material movements receive significant movement information items at a controlled material movement control server and allow a plurality of users to readily access all or portions of the information items. The systems and methods apply predetermined rules to the movement information items to flag features of interest and facilitate the employment of limited real-world time and resources.

Abstract: In a method for detecting a position of a substrate transfer device including a substrate supporting unit, the light-transmitting optical sensor is moved with respect to a detection target provided at a predetermined relative position with respect to a position where a substrate is to be transferred by the substrate transfer device, and a vertical dimension of the detection target that blocks the optical axis is measured by setting the substrate supporting unit in a first orientation and relatively moving up or down the optical sensor with respect to the detection target. A vertical dimension of the detection target that blocks the optical axis is measured by setting the substrate supporting unit in a second orientation and relatively moving the optical sensor with respect to the detection target. Horizontal coordinates of a reference position of the detection target are obtained based on the measured vertical dimensions in the respective orientations.

Abstract: An adaptive probabilistic computer-controlled method and system determines computer-controlled actions that are expected to reduce uncertainties that are embodied as probabilities and then updates the probabilities in accordance with the results of the computer-controlled actions. The updated probabilities inform the determination of subsequent computer-controlled actions. Expected values of information may also be applied in determining the subsequent computer-controlled actions. The computer-controlled actions may comprise analysis of content and generating recommendations that are delivered to users, and inferences from the analysis of content and usage behaviors may inform the updating of the probabilities. Statistical learning functions and/or neural networks may be applied in determining the computer-controlled actions.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for connecting Machine-to-Machine (M2M) components of trucks. The system includes at least one base station, a central computer, and trucks that are part of a wireless network. Each M2M component calculates metrics. The metrics are transmitted to a central computer that identifies M2M components that are suitable for communicating to a base station over the wireless network. The identified M2M components that are suitable are configured to send package delivery information stored by the M2M component on each truck over a wireless network to the central computer.

Abstract: Disclosed non-destructive inspection methods comprise non-contact determination of the location of a non-destructive inspection probe and identification of the location on a test structure where test data is acquired by the probe. Determination may include capturing the positions of the probe and the test structure with one or more electronic cameras. Identification may include associating the acquired test data with the location of the probe relative to the test structure. Further, methods may comprise visualization of the test data relative to the identified location. Disclosed non-destructive inspection systems comprise a probe, one or more electronic cameras, a computer, and a display, together configured to determine the location of the probe, to acquire test data with the probe, to identify a location on a test structure associated with the test data, and to visualize the test data in relation to the test structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross-dock management system comprises: a plurality of movable platforms configured to hold one or more pallets or parcels; at least one barcode or RFID tag positioned on each of said movable platforms, pallets, or parcels, wherein the barcode readers are configured to read the barcodes and RFID readers are configured to read the RFID tags. The data scanned by the barcode readers and RFID readers is stored in a local warehouse database and is used to determine an optimized placement and load for each movable platform in the warehouse.