Abstract: A system is provided, including a plurality of inter-connected premises management devices, each premises management device including a storage device, a memory that stores computer executable components, and a processor that executes the following computer executable components stored in the memory: a primary function component to control a primary function of the premises management device related to managing a premises, a communication component to locate and to communicate with other compatible premises management devices, and a computational component to process system related tasks. Each premises management device is configured to function as part of a unit comprising one or more devices that collectively form a primary system processor when the present primary system processor assigns the respective premises management device to the unit. The primary system processor processes system level tasks.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to: suggesting, automatically implementing, or both suggesting and automatically implementing, one or more household policies to be implemented within a household environment. The household policies include one or more input criteria that is derivable from at least one smart device within the household environment, the one or more input criteria relating to a characteristic of the household environment, a characteristic of one or more occupants of the household, or both. The household policies also include one or more outputs to be provided based upon the one or more input criteria.

Abstract: An irrigation system is contained at a particular site, where the site may be a commercial address or a residential address. The system includes a weather station that generates temperature data, precipitation data, and any other useful data that might be used by other components of the system. The system also includes an irrigation controller that uses electrical signals to open and close valves, thereby turning sprinklers on and off, whether zone-by-zone or sprinkler-by-sprinkler. The system further includes a host device which communicates with the weather station and with the irrigation controller. The host device includes a computer processor and one or more wireless interfaces. The host device receives the weather data from the weather station and calculates an amount of desired irrigation, generating an irrigation schedule. The host device then controls the irrigation controller according to the generated irrigation schedule.

Abstract: A method for initialising control data for a device comprises determining whether an identification value stored in a control storage location of the device has a first value or second value. When the identification value has the first value, space is allocated in the memory for storing the control data and an address of the allocated space in memory is written to a control data pointer storage location of the device. When the identification value has the second value, the allocation of space in memory is omitted and the control data pointer storage location comprises a preset address indicative of a location for storing the control data in local storage provided within the device.

Abstract: A control device is configured to synchronize a second axis with a (real or virtual) first axis. The control device includes a processor configured to use position information for the first axis to compute a position command for the second axis, and to correct the position command when outputting a position command to the second axis to compensate for a delay caused by the transmission of the position command from the control device to the second axis, and a delay on the second axis.

Abstract: A device programming system, and a method of operation thereof, includes: a field programmable gate array unit configured using a programming driver retrieved based on a device type of a first programmable device; and a second programmable device and the first programmable device configured simultaneously using a master image and the field programmable gate array unit.

Abstract: A safety relay configuration system for configuring safety functions to be carried out by a safety relay is provided. The configuration system comprises a number of features that facilitate intuitive and simplified configuration of an industrial safety relay, including but not limited to features that guide the user through the configuration process using an intuitive sequential procedure, enforce design consistency throughout the configuration project by intelligently limiting user selections, and visually organize configuration and status information in a manner that efficiently utilizes display space and allows the user to quickly evaluate available configuration options. The configuration system organizes function blocks into columns according to function block type and uses pass-through blocks and signal flow line drawing rules to yield an organized program visualization that can be easily followed and interpreted.

Abstract: Decentralized methods for computing optimal real and reactive power setpoints for residential photovoltaic (PV) inverters are described. Optimal power flow techniques are described that select which inverters will provide ancillary services and compute their optimal real and reactive power setpoints according to specified performance criteria and economic objectives.

Abstract: A field device commissioning system includes a commissioning tool configured to communicate with a repository and an input-output (IO) device, the IO device is configured to communicate with a field device. The commissioning tool includes a first processor configured to retrieve engineering data for the IO device or the field device from the repository, retrieve a first configuration parameter value for the IO device or the field device from the IO device, determine a second configuration parameter value for the IO device or the field device from the retrieved engineering data, the second configuration parameter corresponds to the first configuration parameter, determine if the first configuration parameter value is the same as the second configuration parameter value; and generate alert on a user interface with when the first configuration parameter value is not the same as the second configuration parameter value, wherein the IO device comprises a second processor.

Abstract: A management system for a work machine includes: a work machine that has a communication terminal device with a communication function, a power source supplying power to the communication terminal device, and a switch interposed between the power source and the communication terminal device; and a management device that is capable of communication with the communication terminal device and transmits to the communication terminal device a request instruction for execution of a process for enabling the communication, wherein the communication terminal device, upon receipt of the request instruction from the management device, continues to receive power supply from the power source until after a lapse of a predetermined period of time since the switch turns from the on position to the off position.

Abstract: Associative templates for machining operations and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The methods include defining an electronic model for a feature and defining a tool path to be traveled by a cutting tool to form the feature. The methods further include recording an associative template as program code. The program code is configured to program an electronically controlled machine tool to automatically define the electronic model of the feature and to automatically define the tool path responsive to user selection of the program code on the electronically controlled machine tool. The electronically controlled machine tool further is configured to automatically form the feature within the workpiece responsive to executing the program code. The systems include electronically controlled machine tools including machine controllers that are programmed to execute the program code.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and correcting a spatial position of a workpiece held in a positioning device, wherein a machining head having at least one sensor and position sensor is fed into at least one measuring position. Contactless sensing of an actual position of a measuring point of the workpiece is carried out at the measuring position using the machining head and the sensed actual position is compared with an expected nominal position and deviation values between the actual position and the nominal position are ascertained. The ascertained deviation values are compared with an admissible tolerance value and the machining head is fed to a contour when the ascertained deviation is within the admissible tolerance value, or the machining head and the workpiece are oriented with respect to one another and to the contour such that a deviation of the actual position is within the admissible tolerance values following orientation.

Abstract: A numerical controller for controlling a machine receives an instruction to reestablish a machine coordinate value of a movable part of the machine and stops a servo motor driving the movable part. When the servo motor is stopped, the numerical controller acquires position information of a position detector provided to the servo motor. Then, the numerical controller updates the machine coordinate value of the movable part based on the position information, and further updates the absolute coordinate value of the movable part based on the updated machine coordinate value.

Abstract: A numerical controller estimates a machining continuable time before a currently controlled motor overheats if an output of the motor exceeds a continuous rated output and predicts respective execution times of command blocks and the machining continuable time for each command block, for a currently running block and its subsequent command blocks. Based on these predicted data, the numerical controller identifies a command block (alarm generation block) in which the motor overheats and a command block (stop block) in which driving control can be safely stopped, within the range of command blocks from the currently running command block to the alarm generation block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring industrial systems, in particular machine tools, robots or similar, by means of sensors which determine at least one state of the industrial system, convert into signals and transfer corresponding signals in to an electronic evaluation device. In addition to the actual operational process of the industrial system, an analysis programme should be requested and performed, said analysis programme capturing and processing the signals in the electronic evaluation device.

Abstract: A system may include at least one sensor, at least one machining device, and a computing device. The computing device may be operable to control the at least one sensor to inspect at least a portion of a coversheet of a dual walled component to generate dimensional surface data for the at least a portion of the coversheet and compare the dimensional surface data to surface model data. The comparison may indicate portions of the coversheet that include additional material. The computing device also may be operable to generate a compromise surface model based on the comparison between the dimensional surface data and the surface model data and control the at least one machining device to machine the dual walled component based on the compromise surface model to remove the additional material.

Abstract: One variation of a method for implementing design-for-manufacturing checks during construction of a virtual model of a real part includes: in response to insertion of a virtual feature into the virtual model, estimating a minimum stock geometry for the real part based on the virtual feature; selecting a first material stock cross-section from a set of available material stock cross-sections of a material designated for the real part based on the minimum stock geometry; at a first time, prompting a user to adjust a dimension of the virtual feature to enable production of the real part with a second material stock cross-section in the set of material stock cross-sections, less than the first material stock cross-section; at a second time succeeding the first time, submitting, to a manufacturing facility and over a computer network, an order for production of a unit of the real part according to the virtual model.

Abstract: A method of guiding deposition of a material to form a Three Dimensional (3D) structure is disclosed. The method includes generating a tool path based on a digital model of the 3D structure via a controller and communicating the tool path to a guiding device. The method further includes generating a guiding path on a work surface via the guiding device based on the tool path and depositing the material along the guiding path via a tool member.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for modeling a three-dimensional (3D) shape. The apparatus for modeling a 3D shape includes a stacker configured to generate a skinned 3D model by forming an empty space inside a target 3D model and stack a plurality of 3D unit objects in the empty space; an influence calculator configured to calculate an influence of a change in a characteristic value of each of the plurality of 3D unit objects on mechanical properties of the target 3D model; a grouper configured to group the plurality of 3D unit objects into a plurality of groups according to the calculated influence; and a characteristic value calculator configured to determine an optimal characteristic value of the 3D unit object for each of the plurality of groups.

Abstract: A control system for controlling actuators comprises a central processor, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of servo systems for controlling the respective actuators. Each servo system is operable, independently of the central processor, to control a controlled parameter (Y) in accordance with a reference value (R). The servo systems and the central processor communicate via a non-deterministic communications system. The central processor and the servo systems provide, to the central processor via the non-deterministic communications system, offset signals representing offsets (R?Y) measured by the servo systems between reference R and actual Y values of the controlled parameter. The central processor compares the offsets (R?Y) measured by the respective servo systems one with another.

Abstract: A control device selects two systems or more from a plurality of systems based on a parameter setting of a system group setting unit to set the systems as a system group, selects one system in the system group as a master system to be a reference of operation based on a parameter setting of a master system selection unit, classifies other systems in the system group as a slave system group, and controls the operation of the slave system group so as to be synchronized with the operation of the master system by referring to a program command, a control signal, and a control parameter stored in a control information storage unit as master control information.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method for monitoring operation of automation system control loops includes an evaluation device and a data memory storing sequences of actual-value data of the control loops. An absolute value maximum of a cross-correlation function, for an excitation resulting from changes in a setpoint setting of one control loop, is determined as a first quantitative measure for positive time lag of the sequence of actual-value data of another control loop, and a numeric parameter evaluating an interaction effect of the one control loop on the other is determined as a function of the first quantitative measure. Strength and direction of the interaction effect are displayed. The calculations are repeated for all pairs of monitored control loops and a matrix of the numeric parameters is displayed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system witlessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

Abstract: The proposed method outlines a new control mechanism well-suited for small, unmanned aerial vehicles traversing in a GPS-denied areas. It has the strong advantage of simplifying the interface, so that even an untrained operator can handle the difficult, dynamic problems encountered in closed quarters. The proposed system seamlessly integrates point-and-click control with way-point navigation, in an intuitive interface. An additional advantage of the proposed system is that it adds minimal hardware to the payload of the UAV, and can possibly, strongly diminish the bandwidth and delay effects of the communication channel.

Abstract: A central computer system receive a voice input comprising a motorized transport unit command from a system user via a particular user interface unit that is associated with a particular motorized transport unit at a shopping facility. In response the central computer system transmits to the user interface unit a motorized transport unit instruction that corresponds to the motorized transport unit command, such that the user interface unit can then provide that motorized transport unit instruction to the motorized transport unit for execution by the motorized transport unit. By one approach these components can interact with one another to facilitate a verbally-based authentication procedure by which the system user is associated with the motorized transport unit.

Abstract: A ride control system uses logic to define and track a virtual space, or bubble, in real time around a plurality of ride vehicle deployed along a predefined vehicle path to operate each independently of, and safely with respect to, the other ride vehicle deployed along the same predefined vehicle path at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A system for landing a vertical take-off and landing aircraft includes a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the aircraft having a light signal emitter. A landing station, has a camera including a lens for receiving the light signal emitted from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The landing station determines a normal line to the lens. The vertical take-off and landing aircraft communicates with the base The base receives the light signal at the camera and determines a lateral distance between the normal line and the aircraft. The landing station sends a control signal to the aircraft causing the aircraft to reduce the lateral distance between the aircraft and the normal line.

Abstract: A vehicle control device is capable of switching a driving state of a host vehicle between manual driving and autonomous driving, and determines whether or not another vehicle exists in a driver's blind area set in advance diagonally behind the host vehicle in a case where the driving state of the host vehicle is autonomous driving and when the host vehicle reaches a check timing set in advance. In addition, the vehicle control device executes the control in a case where it is determined that the other vehicle exists in the driver's blind area and when the other vehicle exists, which can be removed from the driver's blind area by the control of at least one of a vehicle speed of the host vehicle and a lateral position of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A travel control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a frontward environment recognition unit that obtains frontward environment information by recognizing a frontward environment of the vehicle; a frontward environment information reliability calculator that calculates a reliability of the frontward environment information; a map information storage unit that stores map information relating to a travel region of the vehicle on the basis of position information indicating a position of the vehicle; a map information updating unit that updates the map information while calculating a reliability of the map information; a control information selector that compares the reliability of the frontward environment information with update information relating to the map information, and selects either one of the frontward environment information and the map information as information to be used during automatic driving control; and an automatic driving control execution unit that executes the automatic driving control ba

Abstract: Proposed are a robot cleaner having an improved wheel structure to escape from being stuck in various travel conditions, and a control method thereof. The robot cleaner may smoothly escape from a door sill or an obstacle to stably travel irrespective of a state of a floor by providing an optimal frictional force of the floor through the control of an electric current of a motor when the robot cleaner escapes from being stuck. Also, the robot cleaner may stably travel without shaking by controlling an electric current flowing through the motor after the robot cleaner escapes from being stuck and before the driving wheel returns to a normal mode. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a wheel mechanism such as a gear from being damaged by an external shock (e.g., which is caused by a pet or an object drop) or a shock caused by autonomous vibration when the robot cleaner crosses over an obstacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface identification device for the movement of a vehicle at a distance from that surface, the device comprising a detection head, the head including at least one sensor of a property depending on the distance of the center of the head from the surface, each sensor covering a detection zone centered on a line of sight, an orientation system for the detection zone of each sensor, and a controller processing the signals from each sensor and controlling the system based on said signals. The controller estimates the direction of the perpendicular to the surface, and uses said system to rotate the line of sight of each sensor in a separate direction by a reorientation angle of the direction of said perpendicular.

Abstract: A travel control device which allows a vehicle to travel along a lane of a travel path recognizes lane markers on the right and left of a lane, sets a travel area of the vehicle between the lane markers, selects a travel path candidate having high straightness among a plurality of travel path candidates with priority and determines the selected travel path candidate as a target travel path, and performs travel control according to the target travel path.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide apparatuses and methods useful to providing control over movement of motorized transport units. In some embodiments, an apparatus providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a shopping facility comprises: a central computer system comprising: a transceiver; a control circuit; a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from one or more of the communications received from the motorized transport unit, route condition information comprising information corresponding to an intended route of travel; obtain additional route condition information detected by one or more detectors external to the motorized transport unit; detect an object affecting the intended route of travel; identify an action to be taken by the motorized transport unit with respect to the detected object; and communicate one or more instructions.

Abstract: A central computer system is configured to simultaneously task various ones of a plurality of motorized transport units to temporarily attach to a corresponding mobile item container and to move the temporarily-attached mobile item container in a retail shopping facility in correspondence to the movement of an authorized consumer while also receiving and analyzing video input provided by video cameras that are included with at least some of the motorized transport units to identify security and safety anomalies in the retail shopping facility. By one approach, the central computer system identifies security and safety anomalies in the retail shopping center by characterizing contents of images as being either expected or unexpected and as being either potentially harmful or not potentially harmful. So configured the central computer system is able to not only identify anomalies but assess a degree of threat posed by a given anomaly.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for providing passenger transport are provided. A system for providing passenger transport includes a plurality of passenger carriers, a plurality of motorized transport units each configured to mechanically couple at least one of the plurality of passenger carriers, and a central computer system communicatively coupled to the plurality of motorized transport units. The central computer system being configured to receive a ride request from a customer, instruct a motorized transport unit to travel to a passenger carrier and couple to the passenger carrier, and instruct the motorized transport unit coupled to the passenger carrier to travel to the customer to provide transportation to the customer.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a shopping facility, comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer system, wherein the central computer system comprises: a transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed cause the control circuit to: receive an override command, from a worker associated with the shopping facility, to cause a first motorized transport unit of the multiple motorized transport units to implement one or more actions; confirm a valid authorization of the worker to override one or more operating limits of the first motorized transport unit; and override the one or more operating limits and communicate one or more instructions to the first motorized transport unit configured to cause the first motorized transport unit to implement the one or more actions in accordance with the override command.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods to assist product stocking on a sales floor of a retail shopping facility. In some implementations, a system comprises a plurality of motorized transport units that are each configured to perform multiple different types of tasks at a retail shopping facility; and a central computer system configured to coordinate the plurality of motorized transport units in performing the multiple different tasks comprising instruct a motorized transport unit to retrieve a specified stocking cart that is carrying a plurality of products that are to be restocked onto product supports that are positioned on the sales floor where customers travel in shopping for products, and further instruct the motorized transport unit to autonomously transport the stocking cart to a specified stocking location on the sales floor corresponding to at least one of the plurality of products carried by the stocking cart.

Abstract: A shopping facility assistance system comprises a plurality of motorized transport units and a plurality of corresponding user interface units. The central computer system wirelessly communicates with those user interface units via a network interface and controls movement of those motorized transport units through a retail shopping facility while also receiving a voice input from a user via a particular one of the user interface units that is associated with a particular one of the motorized transport units. The central computer system then determines, using voice recognition, that the voice input comprises, at least in part, an inquiry regarding product pricing. The central computer system then responsively provides a voiced output via the corresponding user interface that is responsive to the inquiry.

Abstract: A shopping facility assistance system includes a plurality of motorized transport units, a plurality of user interface units, and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the motorized transport units and the user interface units. The central computer system is configured to control movement of the motorized transport units through a shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the user interface units. More particularly, the central computer system controls movement of the motorized transport units such that a given one of the plurality of motorized transport units selectively leads a user to a destination within the shopping facility or follows the user within the shopping facility as determined by the central computer system. By one approach, the motorized transport units move through the shopping facility via a plurality of preferred pre-determined path segments.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a motorized transport unit providing customer assistance at a shopping facility, comprises: a transceiver; a control circuit; a motorized wheel system; a lift system; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: activate a motorized wheel system, while continuing to monitor location information, to position the motorized transport unit under the item container and aligned, based on the location information, relative to a frame of the item container; and activate the lift system to lift on the frame of the item container lifting a first portion of the item container such one or more wheels of the item container are lifted off of a floor while two or more other wheels of the item container remain in contact with the floor.

Abstract: In a movement control apparatus manipulation can be carried out while watching the movement of the moving body, without needing to watch one's hands, so even a novice operator can perform the manipulation easily, safely, reliably, and quickly. The apparatus can include a signal transmission cable, a casing of a manipulation remote controller disposed at one end of the cable, a rotary encoder that produces a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing, and a motor drive control circuit that is disposed on the other side of the cable and controls the movement of a moving body on the basis of a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing. The signal corresponding to the direction of the casing can be supplied from the rotary encoder, through the cable, to the motor drive control circuit.

Abstract: A chemical controller for an aquatic application comprising at least one output relay. The chemical controller further includes a current detection circuit configured to detect current on an output of the at least one output relay and a current fault detection device configured to output a current fault signal indicative of the occurrence of a current fault condition. The chemical controller further comprises at least one relay latch configured to receive the relay enable signal and the current fault signal and to decouple the relay enable signal from a corresponding relay latch output when the current fault signal indicates the occurrence of a current fault condition. A relay drive circuit is configured to receive a signal from the corresponding relay latch output to and to responsively activate and deactivate the at least one output relay.

Abstract: A double port regulator assembly includes a first fluid port and a second fluid port. A fixed valve seat assembly is disposed proximate the first fluid port and a floating valve seat assembly is disposed proximate the second fluid port. A first valve plug cooperates with the fixed valve seat assembly to open and close the first fluid port and a second valve lug cooperates with the floating valve seat assembly to open and close the second fluid port. The floating valve seat assembly includes a floating valve seat that is movable with respect to the fixed valve seat.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for limiting DC voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, a DC voltage limiting circuit generally includes a current supply portion configured to receive a voltage input signal and provide a voltage output signal. A protective portion of the circuit is configured to limit or halt, at least temporarily, operation of the current supply portion based on a magnitude of the voltage input signal. A voltage level control portion is configured to limit the voltage output signal to a predetermined voltage level. In some embodiments, the DC voltage limiting circuit is provided in a climate control system controller.

Abstract: Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes. Each intelligent register controller automatically determines how much conditioned air to allow into its region, or how much return air to allow to be withdrawn from its region. Each register controller automatically determines when and to what extent to operate its respective controllable damper.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of one embodiment includes semiconductor chips. While the semiconductor device is receiving a power supply and a chip enable signal which is negated, all external terminals of the semiconductor chips are at the same logic level.

Abstract: A power combining technique includes receiving a first voltage at a first input and a second voltage at a second input. The power combining technique further includes combining, with at least two power converters, power received from the first and second inputs into a single power rail. A power balancing technique further includes controlling the at least two power converters such that a first one of the power converters outputs an amount of current to the single power rail that is proportional to and/or equal to the amount of current output by another of the power converters.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first feedback loop to generate a control signal for regulating an output voltage provided to a load; and a second feedback loop, separate from the first feedback loop, to receive the control signal from the first feedback loop, the second feedback loop to regulate the output voltage provided to the load.

Abstract: A comparator circuit is described, which is configured to provide a control current and a control voltage based on a first input voltage and a second input voltage. The comparator circuit comprises an input amplifier configured to generate an output signal based on the first input voltage and the second input voltage, and offset means configured to generate a first offset. Furthermore, the comparator circuit comprises a first output circuit configured to generate the control current based on the output signal and based on the first offset. In addition, the comparator circuit comprises a second output circuit configured to generate the control voltage based on the output signal and not based on the first offset.

Abstract: A power system is provided for a machine, such as a marine or petroleum drilling vessel. The power system may have a plurality of power sources, each with an operating range divided into a plurality of power zones. The power system may also have at least one power consumer driven by the plurality of power sources, a load manager associated with the at least one power consumer and configured to create a load demand for the plurality of power sources, and a controller in communication with the load manager and the plurality of power sources. The controller may be configured to determine a current operational mode of the power system, and to selectively cause the plurality of power sources to operate in particular zones of the plurality of power zones based on the current operational mode and the load demand.