Abstract: A method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device is proposed, wherein the cleaning device comprises a preferably hinged cover and a distance meter for measuring the distance of the cleaning device from objects in its environment. According to the invention, the distance meter is used to detect an open position of the cover.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a state in a vehicle, which has a CAN communications bus to which electronic control units of the vehicle are connected, includes providing a rest state of the vehicle; coupling a diagnostic testing device to at least one diagnostic terminal of the vehicle; monitoring of the CAN communications bus by the diagnostic testing device with regard to CAN messages sent out after entry into the rest state; detecting of a CAN message sent out on the CAN communications bus after entry into the rest state, and assigning of the detected CAN message to an electronic control unit sending out the CAN message; providing information regarding a chronological appearance of the detected CAN message in a series of CAN messages appearing on the CAN communications bus after entry into the rest state; and providing information for identifying the electronic control unit sending out the detected CAN message.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method detect the presence of solid particles in a liquid phase, where an at least partially transparent container encloses the solid particles and the liquid phase. The apparatus includes a camera to make digitized images in the form of arrays of pixels with their associated pixel values. The apparatus also includes an agitator device to hold the container and to impart movements to the container, transmitting kinetic energy to the mixture. The camera is aimed at a transparent portion of the container to take images of the mixture in motion. A processor unit, in electronic communication with the camera, receives and processes the digitized images of the mixture in motion, resulting in the generation of an analytical representation of the solid particles in the liquid. In this manner, the state of dissolution of the solid particles may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method detect the presence of solid particles in a liquid phase, where an at least partially transparent container encloses the solid particles and the liquid phase. The apparatus includes a camera to make digitized images in the form of arrays of pixels with their associated pixel values. The apparatus also includes an agitator device to hold the container and to impart movements to the container, transmitting kinetic energy to the mixture. The camera is aimed at a transparent portion of the container to take images of the mixture in motion. A processor unit, in electronic communication with the camera, receives and processes the digitized images of the mixture in motion, resulting in the generation of an analytical representation of the solid particles in the liquid. In this manner, the state of dissolution of the solid particles may be determined.