Abstract: A scaffold for tissue reinforcement according to embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of barbs configured to engage the tissue. Such scaffolds may include braids with barbed fibers in the axial positions, braids with flexible barb strips in the axial positions, weaves with barbed fiber in the warp positions, weaves with flexible barb strips in the weft positions, and cerclages or other structures with barbs on one surface to lock the scaffold upon itself. Such barbs may be configured to substantially prevent sliding in one or more directions, depending upon an orientation of the barbs. Flexible tack strips may be biocompatible and/or resorbable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for connecting an artificial limb and a socket, in which a magnetic locking device is mounted on one end of the artificial limb. The magnetic locking device includes an electro-permanent magnet comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and one end of the socket is provided with an attachment member capable of being attached to or detached from the magnetic locking device using magnetic force.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.

Abstract: A prosthetic hard socket has a modified curvature and/or shape that improves rotational control, comfort, and range of motion including even full extension or hyperextension. The hard socket eliminates or de-emphasizes the patellar bar, to eliminate or reduce pressure on the wearer's patellar tendon, and enhances support of the anterior tibial condyle and/or tibial tubercle. Thus, the patellar tendon preferably is not weight-bearing. A lowered socket edge and/or a gap in the socket wall in the region of the patellar tendon prevents the hard structure of the socket from directly supporting or pressing upon the patellar tendon. Inwardly-protruding regions on each side of the lowered edge/gap help “capture” or otherwise press on a portion of the tibia. A flexible and/or cushioning member may be placed in the gap/trough.

Abstract: A master operation input device operates a slave manipulator provided with joints adapted to multiple degrees of freedom. The master operation input device includes a grip portion and a first operation portion. The grip portion is variable in position and orientation while being gripped by an operator. The grip portion is configured to give command values regarding the position and orientation of a distal end of the slave manipulator in accordance with the variation in position and orientation. The distal end is the farthest end when the slave manipulator is viewed from a fixed end thereof. The first operation portion is located to be operable by a fingertip of the operator when the grip portion is gripped. The first operation portion is operable independently of the grip portion.

Abstract: In a method for moving a machine element of an automation machine with separately controlled drive shafts moving in a common direction, a first controller receives a first desired control variable, which is filtered using a filter having a frequency-dependent transfer function. In one embodiment, first desired control variable represents an overall movement of a machine element. A difference is determined between the filtered first desired variable and a first actual variable, and the difference is supplied as a desired control variable to the second controller for controlling the movement of the second drive shaft. In another embodiment, the filtered first desired variable and a second desired variable are added to form a sum, and a difference between the formed sum and the first actual variable is supplied as a desired control variable to the second controller for controlling the movement of the second drive shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an appliance control device for selectively controlling a plurality of appliances having a same or common identifier are provided. A control unit may receive a request to register the appliance control device with any of the plurality of appliances having the same identifier. In response to the request, the control unit may select a first appliance based on a registration priority of the first appliance relative to the remaining appliances. Upon selecting the first appliance, the control unit may transmit a request to the selected first appliance for registering the appliance control device with the selected first appliance. In some aspects, the relative registration priorities may be assigned to one or more of the appliances based on a prior registration history and/or distance to the appliance control device.

Abstract: An automated facilities management system has the ability to predict occupant behavior by identifying recurring patterns in the way that people use buildings and comparing them with environmental characteristics. This technology is not limited to human behavior patterns, but extends to any mechanical systems or data points that tend to vary in recurring patterns. The data processing is carried out by rules engines triggered by relational database modifications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an occupancy sensing unit configured to monitor an environment illuminated by a lighting fixture. An inventive occupancy sensing unit may include an occupancy sensor to detect radiation indicative of at least one occupancy event in the environment illuminated by the lighting fixture according to sensing parameters. The occupancy sensor can be coupled to a memory that logs sensor data, which represent the occupancy events, provided by the occupancy sensor. A processor coupled to the memory performs an analysis of the sensor data logged in the memory and adjusts the sensing parameters of the occupancy sensor based on the analysis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to analysis of movement that is electronically captured and recognition of which movement was performed for purposes of evaluation. This type of motion capture, analysis and evaluation can have applicability across a number of fields, such as healthcare, entertainment, communication, and manufacturing. The recognition can occur once movement information collected from sensors is inputted into the system. The system can then analyze the movement information to determine what the movement is. In some games, such as sports games, movement recognition can provide feedback to a user about what they are doing. In other games, such as dance games, movement recognition can allow for users to dance a move from a set of moves providing for a more entertaining game.

Abstract: A particular method includes receiving, at a control server from a user terminal, input selecting at least one media device that generates media output in an output format. The method includes sending a signal from the control server to a media switch to couple an output of the at least one media device to the user terminal. The media output of the at least one media device is sent to the user terminal in the output format when the output is coupled to the user terminal. The method includes receiving, at the control server from the user terminal, a command to be performed by the at least one media device. The method also includes sending command data from the control server to one or more controllers associated with the at least one media device. The at least one media device is controlled based on the command data to perform the command.

Abstract: An audio processing system includes user-operable analog controls for real time control of audio, whose outputs are digitized synchronously with the audio to be controlled. Audio and control information sampling rates are 44.1 kHz or higher, resolution of the audio samples is 24-bit, and that of the control samples between 8-bit and 24-bit. Synchronous digitization of analog controller output may be used to control an arbitrary combination of digital and analog audio inputs. The described systems and methods eliminate lag and unresponsiveness experienced by audio control operators using conventional systems, particularly when using a cross-fader in DJ performance systems. The increased sample resolution preserves nuances of performer actions, and eliminates certain quantization artifacts.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a system for processing an augmented reality image. In some examples, an augmented reality system may include an augmented reality engine configured to provide an augmented reality image by integrating a real-world image and a virtual object, and a message processing unit configured to receive a message related to the virtual object and to translate spatial attributes of the virtual object into audio attributes of a sound file.

Abstract: An interactive media playing system and method are presented. The system includes a server and a media playing device. After the media playing device logs in to the server, the server compares personal data of a authenticated member data with matching information of media information, finds at least one target media information, introduces matching information of the target media information and the personal data of the authenticated member data into a weighted distribution rule, in order to find a media playing sequence conforming to both the matching information of the target media information and the personal data of the authenticated member data, and outputs the media information to a media playing device. In this way, a user can perform an operation behavior on the media information through the media playing device.

Abstract: An audio event detection method and apparatus based on the long-term feature is provided. The audio event detection method comprises the step: dividing the input audio stream into a series of slices; extracting the short-term features and the long-term features for each slice; and obtaining the classification result of the input audio stream based on the short-term features and the long-term features.

Abstract: A dental CAD/CAM system forms a custom dental preparation guide for guiding a dental tool that alters a shapes a tooth structure to which a custom prosthetic dental item is to be attached. The system acquires an optical measurement and an x-ray of at least one dental structure. The system correlates the acquired optical measurement and the x-ray to form a model of the at least one dental structure. The system generates a model of a reduced tooth structure based on the model of the at least one dental structure. The system also provides at least one dental preparation guide based on the model of the reduced tooth structure.

Abstract: A rework system for a vehicle having an inconsistency on a component of the vehicle. A rework assessor is configured to examine a rework parameter array to ascertain whether a rework procedure is to be performed. The rework parameter array defines at least volumetric dimensions of the component, a type of the inconsistency, and location coordinates of the inconsistency with respect to the component or the vehicle. A rework interrogator is in communication with the rework assessor. The rework interrogator is configured to, when a rework is to be performed, identify a candidate for addressing the inconsistency. The candidate selected from the group that includes: a candidate part, a candidate rework procedure, and both the candidate part and the candidate rework procedure.

Abstract: One of reverse passing parts provided in a substrate passing part comprises a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism are arranged in vertically symmetry with respect to a rotary central axis and rotate 180 degrees about the rotary central axis, to replace each other in position. A transport robot on the loading side passes a substrate to a third holding mechanism or a fourth holding mechanism at a first vertical position. The substrate reversed in the reverse passing part is passed to a transport robot on the unloading side from the third holding mechanism or the fourth holding mechanism at a second vertical position. Before a reverse process on the preceding substrate is finished, the transport robot on the loading side can start the transfer of the following substrate.

Abstract: A controller for a positioning device is constructed and arranged to receive a position signal indicative of a position of the positioning device, compare the position signal to a set-point signal indicative of a desired position of the positioning device to obtain an error signal, selectively modify the error signal based on the amplitude and the frequency content of the error signal to obtain a modified error signal, generate a control signal for controlling the positioning device on the basis of the modified error signal. The controller may be applied to control a positioning device in a lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: A closed-loop feedback system and method for performing a machining operation. A tool's operational properties are measured in real-time. The operating parameters of the machining process are adjusted in real-time based on the measured properties.

Abstract: A machine tool (10) is equipped with a main spindle (24) movable via a machine control (26) and associated measuring systems (26a) relative to a workpiece holder (12) in a coordinate system (27) with a coordinate origin (28), and with a tool magazine (31) having storage spaces (30) for tools (25, 32, 33, 34). The main spindle (24) is moved into a tool change position in which a used tool (25) is exchanged for a new tool (32) to be used. A separate measuring system (43, 46) indicates whether the main spindle (24), in connection with the tool change, has assumed a measuring position (50) in which the position of the main spindle (24) relative to the coordinate origin (28) is determined via a machine control (26) and associated measuring systems (26a). This position is used in order to determine at least one correction value (?y, ?z).

Abstract: A robot positioning method includes the following steps. A optical sensing device is configured at a front end of a robot. Then, the optical sensing device captures a calibration plate image, and a relative position of the optical sensing device with respective to a calibration plate is calculated according to a Bundle Adjustment. A robot calibration method includes the following steps. An optical sensing device is driven to rotate around a reference axis of a calibration plate, so as to calculate a translation matrix between the calibration plate and the robot, and the optical sensing device is driven to translate along three orthogonal reference axes of the calibration plate, so as to calculate a rotation matrix between the calibration plate and the robot.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a program including program instructions for controlling an industrial robot to carry out work at a plurality of target points on a work object. The robot includes a tool having two arms adapted to clamp the work object and at least one of the arms is arranged movable relative the other arm in an opening and a closing direction, a manipulator adapted to hold the tool or the work object, and a controller controlling the movements of the manipulator and the tool arm and configured to switch between a normal control mode and a compliant control mode in which the manipulator has a reduced stiffness in at least one direction. The method includes moving the manipulator and the tool according to the program instructions until one of the target points is reached.

Abstract: A robot and a method for planning a path of the robot. The method includes storing coordinates of a base cell in a queue structure, setting a plurality of cells adjacent to the base cell as scan cells, calculating a movement direction of the robot from the base cell to each of the scan cells, calculating movement cost of each of the scan cells according to the calculated movement direction, comparing the calculated movement cost and movement cost previously stored in each of the scan cells and determining whether or not coordinates of each of the scan cells are stored in the queue structure, and repeatedly performing a process of recording the movement direction and the movement cost in each of the scan cells and building a map of the movement space of the robot if the coordinates of each of the scan cells are stored in the queue structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated steering wheel leveling system and method. Particularly, the automated steering wheel leveling system includes a machine vision, a plurality of motor cylinders, a motor, and a robot, each operated by a process PC. The machine vision photographs a steering wheel to obtain position information of the steering wheel and determines a stroke of a motor cylinder and a grip position of a gripper using the position information. The plurality of motor cylinders move a plurality of grippers to steering wheel to secure the steering wheel. The motor rotates the steering wheel in order to adjust a zero-point of the steering wheel. The robot then moves the machine vision, the motor cylinder, and the motor to the steering wheel to align a shaft of the servo motor with a shaft of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an approach for reproducing a human action with a robot. The approach includes receiving data representing motions and contact forces of the human as the human performs the action. The approach further includes approximating, based on the motions and contact forces data, the center of mass (CoM) trajectory of the human in performing the action. Finally, the approach includes generating a planned robot action for emulating the designated action by solving an inverse kinematics problem having the approximated human CoM trajectory as a hard constraint and the motion capture data as a soft constraint.

Abstract: A milking robot for teat cup attachment includes a robot arm having a gripper for holding at least one teat cup at a time; an image recording device mounted on the robot arm and provided to record at least one image of the teats of a milking animal; and a control device provided to control the robot arm to position the teat cup at a teat of the milking animal based on the at least one image of her teats. The image recording device is, before being provided to record the at least one image of the teats of the milking animal, provided to record at least one image of her hind legs; and the control device is, before being provided to control the robot arm to attach the teat cup to the teat of the milking animal, provided to control the robot arm to move the teat cup between her hind legs, from her rear and towards her udder, based on the at least one image of her hind legs.

Abstract: A walking robot having joints which move using a torque servo, a posture of the robot being stably controlled, and a method of controlling a posture of the robot. It is possible to maintain a stable angle of the upper body while keeping an erect posture and balance using the COG of the robot and the inclination and the direction of the upper body and the pelvis of the robot, even in an external variation including external force or an inclination angle of the ground. Even in a state in which terrain information is not known in advance, the robot may keep an erect posture in a direction of gravity. Even when a plane where the robot stands is gradually inclined, the postures of the upper body and the legs of the robot may be kept while actively changing the angle of the ankle joint.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a process for burning lime containing mixture (CaCO3) and converting it to calcinated lime (CaO) in a rotary kiln, the rotary kiln having an elongated cavity surrounded by a wall and a burner arranged to heat the cavity. The method includes collecting measurement data of the temperature in the wall at a plurality of measuring points along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, predicting the actual temperature gradient along the longitudinal axis of the cavity based at least on the measurement data of the temperature in the wall, and by means of a thermal model describing the temperature along the cavity of the kiln, determining a desired temperature gradient along the cavity based on the predicted temperature gradient along the cavity and a predetermined control strategy controlling the temperature in the kiln.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing and controlling multiple automation components coupled via a building automation network. The computer implemented method includes receiving, via the building automation network, a first operational schedule from a first automation device where the first operational schedule is formatted according to a first protocol, receiving, via the building automation network, a second operational schedule from a second automation device where the second operational schedule is formatted according to a second protocol, converting the received second operational schedule from the second protocol to the first protocol, generating a unified schedule that includes the first operational schedule and the converted second operational schedule, and displaying the unified schedule in a user accessible manner.

Abstract: A control method for an air compressor including a compressor body for compressing air and an item to be replaced used during the operation of the compressor body. The method includes computing a service time of the item to be replaced, being based upon an operating time of the compressor body, discriminating whether the item to be replaced is a manufacturer's recommended item or not, determining whether or not the service time of the item to be replaced discriminated as the manufacturer's recommend item is not longer than a first reference time, but determining whether or not the service time of the item to be replaced discriminated as one which is not the manufacturer's recommended item is not longer than a preset second reference time which is shorter than the first reference time, and issuing an alarm when determining that the reference time is exceeded.

Abstract: A method and system for removing mortar from a plurality of joints between a plurality of masonry units in a masonry structure is provided. The steps for accomplishing the method include sensing the location of at least one of the plurality of joints between the plurality of masonry units and transmitting joint location data to a computer control system. Next, the computer control system computes a work path based upon the joint location data. In a further step, the computer control system controls the position and operation of at least one work tool such that the work tool moves along the work path to remove mortar from a portion of one of the plurality of joints along the work path. Finally, the dust and debris generated when the work tool removes mortar from a portion of one of the plurality of joints along the work path is contained and removed.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an aquatic habitat. The system for includes a server, a bridge, and a habitat component. The server includes a database containing information associated with a habitat component. The server also includes a communication interface for transmitting operating data for the habitat component. The bridge has a first communication unit configured to communicate with the server communication interface and transmit the operating data received from the server to the habitat component. The habitat component has a second communication unit for receiving operating data from the bridge.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing an oxy-fuel power plant comprises an optimizer in communication with the oxy-fuel power plant; the oxy-fuel power plant being operative to recycle carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream to a boiler; a control platform; the control platform being operative to control the oxy-fuel power plant; and a simulator; the simulator being operative to simulate performance of the oxy-fuel power plant.

Abstract: Utility units each have a pole, a solar engine, lighting or other loads, and a controller. The controller senses and controls processes mainly on-pole, but a unit/pole may additionally communicate and/or receive/send control signals from/to poles with which they are networked and/or from a control station. Each pole/network may be adapted for energy-efficient operation of various loads; energy-metering; grid-cooperation; self-diagnostics; overriding of errors/signals to prevent abnormal operation; and/or coordinated activities between poles. Networks may be wireless or wired, or a portable temporary device may monitor pole(s). Active control includes detection of sensor signals or other operational data, which triggers the controller to modify operation of one or more devices/systems on the pole to maintain energy efficiency and operability in spite of malfunctions, abnormal signals or environments, cloudy/diffuse-light weather, or other non-standard conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, each of a plurality of sites may produce surplus power. All or a fraction of the surplus power may be supplied to the power grid according to an agreement between the user of a site and an electric utility. A computer of the utility is in communication with a computer at each of a plurality of sites having a local power source. Terms of power provision that include an amount of power to be provided during a specified time of day is communicated between a site and the utility.

Abstract: A computing architecture that facilitates autonomously controlling operations of a microgrid is described herein. A microgrid network includes numerous computing devices that execute intelligent agents, each of which is assigned to a particular entity (load, source, storage device, or switch) in the microgrid. The intelligent agents can execute in accordance with predefined protocols to collectively perform computations that facilitate uninterrupted control of the microgrid.

Abstract: A method of controlling the connection of a collection of a plurality of electricity providing devices to an electrical power network is described. In this, the plurality of electricity providing devices having a communication line therebetween and the method comprises receiving a message at a first electricity providing device from a controlling device and, in response to the message: connecting the first electricity providing device to the electrical power network; and sending, from the first electricity providing device to a second electricity providing device, a second message containing data in response to which the second electricity providing device is connected to the electrical power network.

Abstract: An appliance network connectivity apparatus includes a voltage sensor that generates a signal at an output that is proportional to a voltage provided to the appliance. A current sensor generates a signal at an output that is proportional to a current flowing through the appliance. A processor determines the electrical characteristics of power consumed by the appliance and executes web server software for communicating data through a network. A relay controls power from the power source to the appliance. A memory stores the electrical characteristics. A network interface provides the electrical characteristics to the network.

Abstract: Segmenting a power distribution network comprising AC power generating stations synchronously interconnected by AC power transmission paths. The stations operate within market sectors and are subject to market rules. The method includes identifying all transmission paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors and segmenting the path by inserting a controllable DC link in the path. Each of the sectors is then operated asynchronously. Power flow and counter-flow between the sectors is controlled by controlling the DC links. A power transmission network is disclosed comprising AC power generating stations operable within market sectors subject to market rules; power transmission paths interconnecting the stations, at least some of the paths extending between differing ones of the sectors, including a controllable DC link in the path for desynchronizing the differing sectors; and, control means operatively connectable to each of the DC links for controlling power flow between the differing sectors.

Abstract: A computing device and method controls at least three fans installed in the computing device. Rotational speed of each of the fans is according to the temperature of a specific fan. The computing device reads the temperature of each of the fan by a baseboard management controller (BMC).

Abstract: To provide a vacuum pump capable of performing temperature control using one or more heating devices or cooling devices fewer than the number of temperature sensors arranged in the pump. One temperature sensor is arranged for each target in the pump, while only one set consisting of a heater 147 and a magnetic valve 163 is arranged. One set consisting of a heater and a magnetic valve is controlled based on output signals from a plurality of temperature sensors, based on the priorities set for the temperature sensors. As stated above, by setting priorities for the temperature sensors, the temperature of a target provided with a temperature sensor given a higher priority is settled within a control range by performing quick ON/OFF control, and then the temperature of a target provided with a temperature sensor given a lower priority is settled within the control range.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing communication options, including determining one or more driving factors, being provided with one or more HMI tailoring options, and analyzing the one or more driving factors and the one or more HMI tailoring options to determine an optimum HMI tailoring option.

Abstract: An input control signal is adjusted to account for a portion of the input control signal that may be attributable to unintended forces. Such unintended forces may include, but are not limited to, one or more of operator initiated unintended forces, vehicle-generated unintended forces, and extra-vehicular unintended forces. The amount by which the input control signal is adjusted correlates to a determined probability. The probability is an indicator as to how likely the input control value is affected by unintended forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor as well as a system having a controller for vehicle state determination and at least two vehicle sensors, as well as a method for operation of a system such as this, are proposed. At least one first vehicle sensor is connected only by radio to the controller and/or to at least one second vehicle sensor for a first data transmission. The at least one second vehicle sensor is connected by cable to the controller for a second data transmission.

Abstract: A drive supporting device includes a GPS, a front camera, and a communication device that acquire traffic signal information related to the time-series on/off state of a traffic signal and an ECU that supports the driving of a vehicle on the basis of the traffic signal information acquired by, for example, the communication device. The ECU changes a driver support aspect on the basis of the level of proficiency of the driver of the vehicle in a region in which the vehicle is currently located. In this way, even when the driver is in a strange place, it is possible to appropriately support the driving of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether a vehicle on standby is in a transported situation, the vehicle including a course control device, wheel speed sensors, a yaw rate sensor, a processing unit processing data managing vehicle operation modes and a device for immobilizing the vehicle. The method includes detecting a vehicle standby mode after installing the vehicle on a transport support, detecting a zero vehicle speed using the wheel speed sensors, the speed sensor of at least one wheel able to be on the verge of oscillating over a predefined time period, detecting a non-zero yaw rate using the yaw rate sensor over a predefined time period, and under these conditions determining the vehicle is in a transported mode, in which data from at least the wheel speed sensor on the verge of oscillating is filtered, and allowing the vehicle to be put in a wake-up state.

Abstract: An asset tracking system includes a central control station with an associated datastore for storing asset information. The stored information includes multiple unique identifiers, each identifier being associated with an asset tracking unit in the form of a mobile base station asset tracking unit or a beacon asset tracking unit. The two types of tracking unit are fitted to assets such as vehicles. The mobile base station asset tracking units include GPS modules and can determine their position, and can also communicate with the central control station. The beacon asset tracking units can communicate with the mobile base station asset tracking units via short range radio transmissions and their positions can thus be determined from the position of nearby mobile base station asset tracking units. The control station includes a communication module which can receive, over an existing communication network, location data messages from a mobile base station asset tracking unit fitted to a first asset.

Abstract: In a vehicle control system, an index used to set a running characteristic of a vehicle is obtained based on a running condition of the vehicle. A change of the index that makes behavior of the vehicle crisper is more likely to occur than a change of the index that makes the behavior of the vehicle milder. When it is determined that the vehicle is in a turning condition, the change of the index or a change of the miming characteristic based on the index is less likely to occur than when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the turning condition.