Abstract: A camera system has a neural network for calibration of image distortion. The neural network learns the conversion from image coordinates with distortion to image coordinates with substantially reduced distortion, whereby the neural network provides image coordinates having substantially reduced distortion. In a learning process of the neural network, a relatively simple camera model is used to provide an instruction signal to the neural network according to sample data provided from the real camera.

Abstract: A synchronous operation control system for a numerically controlled machine such as a gear grinding machine or a hobbing machine includes a first motor for rotating a master shaft supporting a tool, a second motor for rotating a slave shaft, and a workpiece shaft operatively coupled to the slave shaft for supporting a workpiece which is to be machined by the tool. First and second encoders are coupled respectively to the master and slave shafts. Processors are provided for differentiating output signals from the first and second encoders with respect to time and thereafter calculating at least positional errors between the master, slave, and workpiece shafts. In addition, an adder is provided for adding output signals from the processors and applying an output signal to the second motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying incumbent persons comprises a main body and a plurality of loading mechanisms movably supported on the main body for insertion between an incumbent person and a surface on which the person is supported. Each loading mechanism consists of a pipe structure and a bag-like loading sheet which constantly covers the outer surface of the pipe structure and one part of which is contained inside the pipe structure. The loading sheet is paid out from the inside of the pipe structure when the loading mechanism is being inserted between the person and the supporting surface and is drawn back into the inside of the pipe structure when the loading mechanism is being retracted.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a person lying on a support member includes a main body, a plate member, a guide frame for accommodating therein and causing the plate member to slide therealong toward and away from the person, a loading unit provided on the main body for supporting the plate member rotatably about a shaft, and a controller for controlling the rotation of the plate member. The plate member is controlled by the controller so that it is rotated about the shaft to slide along the guide frame toward the person until a forward end thereof abuts on the person, whereupon the forward end follows the contour of the person and advances into a gap between the person and the support member. Consequently, the person is loaded onto the plate member easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically causing a workpiece to engage a rotary tool. A pulse signal generated by rotating a reference workpiece is stored, and then a pulse signal generated by rotating a mounted workpiece is counted. The counted pulse signal and the stored pulse signal are compared, and when they coincide with each other, the workpiece is brought into engagement with the rotary tool. When the rotary tool is shifted, the stored pulse signal information is updated, and then a pulse signal generated by rotating a mounted workpiece is counted. If the updated stored pulse signal information land the counted pulse signal information are equal to each other, then the workpiece is taken into engagement with the rotary tool.

Abstract: A machine for automatically grinding a helical gear. The machine comprises a first rotational drive source for rotating a grinding wheel, a second rotational drive source for rotating a helical gear in mesh with the grinding wheel, a third rotational drive source for displacing the helical gear and the second rotational drive source in unison. Pulse generators are operatively connected to the first and third rotational drive sources. An output signal from one of the pulse generator is subtracted from an output signal from the other pulse generator to produce differential pulses which serve as drive pulses for the second rotational drive source.

Abstract: A grinding machine including a grinding wheel spindle motor for rotating a grinding wheel, a workpiece spindle motor for rotating a workpiece such as a gear to be ground in mesh with the grinding wheel, and a traverse motor for moving a table supporting the workpiece spindle motor. A power detector and a comparator are connected to a driver circuit for the grinding wheel spindle motor. When a load on the grinding wheel in mesh with the workpiece is increased, such a load increase is detected by the power detector and applied to a comparator. If the load signal is in excess of a reference level, then the application of a drive signal to the traverse motor is interrupted or a speed at which the workpiece is traversed relatively to the grinding wheel is reduced.

Abstract: A synchronous operation control apparatus for rotating a grinding wheel and a gear to be ground thereby in synchronism to grind teeth of the gear to a nicety. A pulse generator is connected to a rotational drive source for rotating the grinding wheel, and a counter is connected to an output terminal of the pulse generator. A division error is calculated from the number of teeth of the grinding wheel and the number of teeth of the gear which have been supplied in advance, to produce data for correcting the division error. A rotational drive source for rotating the gear is energized by frequency-divided pulses issued from the counter with a count as corrected by the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for bringing a rotary grinding tool into mesh with a workpiece while minimizing a grinding resistance by the workpiece when the workpiece is to be ground by the rotary grinding tool. An electric power detector is associated with the rotary tool and a sensor is associated with the workpiece. A gate is opened by a peak current detected by the power detector when the workpiece and the grinding tool engage each other and a pulse signal from the sensor, engaging a clutch to connect the workpiece directly to a drive source in response to a signal supplied upon elapse of a prescribed interval of time through a delay circuit.