Abstract: A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of base color ink containers, each for containing a different base color ink, and a custom color ink container for containing a custom color ink, the printing apparatus being configured to print any of the custom color ink and the different base color inks, from the custom color ink container and the plurality of base color ink containers, respectively, to a print medium. The printing apparatus is configured to mix a custom color ink for the custom color ink container using a combination of any of the base color inks.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an exposure part forming an electrostatic latent image on a charge region, a developer carrier developing the electrostatic latent image into two types of development images (printing developer image and no-printing developer image), a supply member supplying developer to the developer carrier, a first detection part detecting a first physical quantity correlating to the density of the no-printing developer image, a setting part performing a setting, based on the first physical quantity, for a development voltage applied to the developer carrier or a supply voltage applied to the supply member, a second detection part detecting a second physical quantity correlating to a number of rotations after the print of the printing developer image starts, a correction part correcting, based on the second physical quantity, the development voltage or the supply voltage set by the setting part, and a power source part applying the development voltage to the developer carrier and applie

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, the apparatus including: a first helical gear and a second helical gear that are engaged with each other; and a driving portion that applies a driving force to the first helical gear, wherein at least one of the first helical gear and the second helical gear is a helical gear in which torsional rigidity in a tooth width direction of one side end in a width direction of the gear is larger than torsional rigidity in a tooth width direction of the other side end, and wherein a twist direction of helical teeth and a rotational direction of the first helical gear due to the driving portion are set such that the other side end is engaged earlier than the one side end.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming unit that includes: an image supporting member including a photosensitive layer configured to support a latent image; a developer supporting member configured to support a developer, and perform a development process on the latent image with use of the developer; and a developer feeding member including a surface that comes into contact with the developer supporting member, and configured to feed the developer to the developer supporting member. The developer feeding member includes an elastic layer. The elastic layer has a plurality of cells each including an opening that is exposed on the surface, and an area occupancy rate of the openings in area of the surface is in a range from 40% to 85%.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller; a first frame; and a second frame. The first frame includes: a first melt-bonding surface extending in a first direction; and a second melt-bonding surface positioned closer to the developing roller than the first melt-bonding surface. The second melt-bonding surface forms an obtuse angle with the first melt-bonding surface. The second frame is melt-bonded to the first frame. The second frame includes: a first wall having a third melt-bonding surface melt-bonded to the first melt-bonding surface and extending in parallel to the first melt-bonding surface; a second wall having a fourth melt-bonding surface melt-boned to the second melt-bonding surface and extending in parallel to the second melt-bonding surface; and a protruding portion having a surface intersecting the fourth melt-bonding surface and protruding in the first direction from the second wall toward the developing roller.

Abstract: A toner supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a toner case configured to contain toner; and a mounting member on which the toner case is detachably mounted. The mounting member includes: a toner receiving portion configured to receive the toner discharged from the toner case; and a toner holding portion configured to hold the toner received by the toner receiving portion. The toner holding portion includes a movable portion disposed below the toner receiving portion. The movable portion is provided so as to be able to lift and lower relative to the toner receiving portion.

Abstract: A developer supply container and a developer supplying system include a feeding portion 2c for feeding a developer T in a developer accommodating portion 2 toward a developer discharging portion 4c in accordance with rotation, a gear portion 2d for receiving a rotational force for rotating a feeding portion 2c, a pump portion 3a provided to act at least toward the developer discharging portion 4c and having a volume with changes with reciprocation, a drive converting portion for converting the rotational force inputted to the gear portion 2d into a force for operating the pump portion 3a, a reciprocating member 3b provided at the drive converting portion and reciprocable to convert to the rotational force into a force for operating the pump portion 3a, a rotation regulating portion 3f for regulating movement in a direction crossing with a direction in which the reciprocating member 3b reciprocates, an elastically deformable urging portion 3g1, 3g2, provided on the reciprocating member 3b, for urging the recip

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer storage chamber configured to store developer to be supplied to the development chamber, a partition configured to separate a development chamber and the developer storage chamber and having an opening allowing communication between the developer storage chamber and the development chamber, and a protruding portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the developer storage chamber from the partition on a downstream side of the opening in the rotation direction of a rotating shaft, and within one turn of rotation of the rotating shaft, a receiving member moves while contacting the protruding portion according to the rotation of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A toner container includes a container main body, a cylindrical portion, an opening/closing member, and a conveyance member. Container main body includes a storing chamber. Opening/closing member is provided in a inner space of cylindrical portion and, operates to open and close a toner discharge outlet of cylindrical portion. Conveyance member includes rotation shaft and blades along rotation shaft and when rotated, allows blades to convey the toner that is present inside storing chamber and the inner space toward toner discharge outlet. The plurality of blades include a first blade and a second blade. First blade is disposed in storing chamber at a position near a boundary between storing chamber and the inner space and is larger in outer diameter than the other blades. Second blade is disposed in the inner space and is larger than first blade in inclination angle with respect to rotation shaft of conveyance member.

Abstract: Provided is a remanufacturing method of a developer accommodating unit including a flexible container provided with an opening and configured to accommodate developer, and a frame member configured to accommodate the flexible container. The remanufacturing method includes refilling the developer into the flexible container.

Abstract: An end seal for removable attachment to a doctor blade assembly is provided. The end seal comprises a seal body having a bottom wall, opposite first and second sidewalls and a top edge configured to include a radius adapted to seal against a roller surface. At least one abrasion resistant insert is integrally secured within the seal body. The insert includes a bottom wall, opposite first and second sidewalls and a top edge configured to coincide with the body top edge so as to seal against the roller surface. The seal body and the at least one abrasion resistant insert each further comprise respective first and second upper angled sidewalls extending from respective opposite first and second sidewalls, the respective first upper angled sidewall having a different length and tapering from the top edges at a different angle than the respective second upper angled sidewall.

Abstract: An ITM module for an imaging device, including a frame; a tension roll disposed in the frame; an ITM belt rotatably coupled to the frame and formed as an endless loop around rolls of the ITM module, including the tension roll; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end portion of the frame and to the tension roll, the adjustment mechanism setting an amount of skew of the tension roll relative to the frame. The amount of skew is in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a process direction of the ITM belt. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam member rotatably coupled to the frame and having a cam surface coupled a first end portion of the tension roll such that rotating the first cam member sets an amount of elevation of the first end portion of the tension roll relative to the frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer bias output device and an information receiving device. The transfer bias output device outputs a transfer bias including a superimposed bias composed of an AC bias superimposed on a DC bias to form a transfer electric field in a transfer nip between an image bearing member bearing a toner image and a nip forming member, to transfer the toner image onto a recording medium in the transfer nip. A controller operatively connected to the information receiving device and the transfer bias output device causes the transfer bias output device to change a target output of a peak-to-peak voltage of the AC bias based on information received by the information receiving device that affects transfer of the toner image and to reduce a target output of the DC bias as the target output value of the peak-to-peak voltage of the AC bias increases.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing belt of a multi-layer structure, a toner image forming device, a nip forming device, a transfer power source, an environment-condition detector, and a controller. The toner image forming device forms a toner image on a surface of the image bearing belt. The transfer power source outputs a transfer bias including a superimposed voltage, in which a direct current voltage is superimposed on an alternating current voltage to transfer the toner image from the image bearing belt onto a recording medium at a transfer nip. The environment-condition detector detects an environment condition. The controller controls the transfer bias output from the transfer power source to perform a bias switching process to switch the transfer bias between a transfer bias including the superimposed voltage and a transfer bias including a direct current voltage based on a detected result of the environment-condition detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming apparatus has an image carrier, a transfer unit, and a spacer. The image carrier has a toner image carrying surface. The transfer unit transfers a toner image from the toner image carrying surface to a recording medium. The transfer unit includes a transfer roller which forms a nip with the image carrying surface and a contact roller provided coaxially with the transfer roller. The spacer is detachably provided on the transfer unit to separate the image carrier and the transfer unit. The transfer roller forms the nip with the toner image carrying surface when the spacer is detached from the transfer unit.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a first rotator rotatable in a given direction of rotation and a second rotator contacting the first rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heater is disposed opposite and heats at least one of the first rotator and the second rotator. An abutment separably contacts the first rotator to refresh an outer circumferential surface of the first rotator. A mover is connected to the abutment to move the abutment with respect to the first rotator. A degradation estimator is operatively connected to the mover to estimate a degradation level of the outer circumferential surface of the first rotator and control the mover to move the abutment with respect to the first rotator according to the degradation level of the first rotator.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit having a heater, a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a conveyance control unit that controls conveying a recording material. The conveyance control unit executes, when the maximum power is greater than a threshold power, a first mode where conveyance is performed according to a time, and executes, in a case where the maximum power is less than the threshold power, a second mode where conveyance is performed according to the detected temperature. The power control unit sets a larger value to the threshold power when an option device is connected to the image forming apparatus as compared to when the option device is not connected to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a first heat generator and a second heat generator that heat the fixing rotator, and a support disposed inside the fixing rotator. A reflector, interposed between the support and each of the first heat generator and the second heat generator, reflects light radiated from the first heat generator and the second heat generator toward the fixing rotator. The reflector includes a body mounted on the support and a shield portion projecting from the body toward the first heat generator and the second heat generator to shield the fixing rotator from the first heat generator and the second heat generator. An electric circuit is connected to the first heat generator and the second heat generator. A heat generation restrainer is provided in the electric circuit to restrict heat generation in the electric circuit.

Abstract: An electrophotographic member includes a rubber layer having a lightness of 15 or less and including a marked portion formed so as to have a depth of 35 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less, a fluorine-based resin layer having a light transmittance of 60% or more, and an adhesive layer disposed between the rubber layer and the fluorine-based resin layer. The adhesive layer has a lightness of 60 or more and has a thickness of 3 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less in a portion surrounding the marked portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of preventing printing from being performed with a duplex unit incompletely attached. The duplex unit is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus. Execution of one-sided printing and double-sided printing by a printing unit is inhibited based on that a detection unit does not detect attachment of the duplex unit in a state where information to an effect that attachment of the duplex unit has been detected previously by the detection unit.

Abstract: When trial printing is executed in a repeat printing mode, trial printing is performed in size of an image of one piece in a layout in which a plurality of images are supposed to be printed in the repeat printing mode normally. A user who has checked a finished state of the trial printing sets, when the finished state is in a desired state, the recording paper on which the trial printing is performed to the paper feed portion again and executes the repeat printing. Thereby, in a blank space excluding a print image which is printed with a first time trial printing, a scheduled quantity of a plurality of images are repeatedly printed.

Abstract: In a case where a sheet for sample printing is fed from a feeding deck after an instruction for executing the sample printing is received, a long period of time is required to discharge the sheet which has been subjected to the sample printing to a sample tray. Control is performed such that the sample printing is performed on a specific one of a plurality of sheets fed from sheet holding units for executing main printing, when an instruction for executing the sample printing is received from the user.

Abstract: In a method to adjust print quality of print images in an electrophoretic digital printer with at least one print group, the print group generates charge images of the print images. The charge images are developed with a developer station into toner images using liquid developer having carrier fluid and toner. The toner images are transfer-printed onto a carrier medium in a transfer station. A first control marking is generated on the recording medium with elements of the first control marking being aligned transverse to a printing direction. A shape of the elements of the first control marking is measured to generate a first measurement signal. The first measurement signal is compared with a predetermined nominal value, and given a difference, an adjustment signal is generated via which an amount of the carrier fluid in the liquid developer is modified so that the first measurement signal approaches the predetermined nominal value.

Abstract: If a sheet is jammed while conveyed, whether the jammed sheet and a sheet preceding the jammed sheet have been generated by cutting an uncut sheet from which the jammed sheet is derived is determined. If generated, a printing apparatus re-prints a plurality of images including an image of the jammed sheet on a sheet, and the cutting apparatus cuts the re-printed sheet. If the jammed sheet and the preceding sheet have been generated, the printing apparatus re-prints a plurality of images including an image of the jammed sheet on a sheet, the cutting apparatus cuts the re-printed sheet, and a sheet that includes the same image as the preceding sheet is discharged to a different discharge destination from that of the preceding sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a recording material transporting apparatus including a transport member that transports a recording material in a transport direction, a linkage portion that moves in an intersection direction in connection with movement of the transport member in the direction intersecting the transport direction, and a rotating member that rotates about a rotating shaft disposed along the intersection direction, that includes a helical cam on a circumference of the rotating shaft, and that presses the linkage portion via the cam to move the linkage portion and the transport member in the intersection direction, wherein a common driving source supplies a driving force that the transport member uses to transport the recording material, and a driving force for rotating the rotating member.

Abstract: A roller member includes an endless belt elastically deformable and configured to convey a sheet and a holding unit holding the endless belt. The holding unit includes a first holding portion being in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt, a second holding portion being in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt and movable with respect to the first holding portion, and an engage portion engaging with an engaged portion. The second holding portion is moved with respect to the first holding portion by resilient force of the endless belt in a state in which the second holding portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt in response to a disengagement of the engage portion from the engaged portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a paper sheet feeder, an image forming circuit, a paper sheet discharge unit, and a high voltage circuit board. The paper sheet feeder is located in the apparatus main body to feed a sheet. The image forming circuit is located in the apparatus main body to form an image on the sheet fed by the paper sheet feeder. The image formed sheet with is discharged to the paper sheet discharge unit. The high voltage circuit board is located along a horizontal direction over the image forming circuit in the apparatus main body to supply a high voltage to the image forming circuit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with: an apparatus body; a photosensitive member; a developing cartridge configured to have a developer supporting body; a cleaner configured to collect developer remaining on the photosensitive member; and a waste developer container configured to contain developer collected by the cleaner. The apparatus body is configured to have an installment passage, through which the developing cartridge passes when the developing cartridge is installed into and removed from the apparatus body. The waste developer container is configured to be movable between a first position at which at least a part of the waste developer container is located within the installment passage and a second position at which the waste developer container is located away from the installment passage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a casing, a cover configured to pivot between a covering position and an exposing position, a shaft portion provided to one of the casing and the cover, a bearing portion provided to the other one, and a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover at the exposing position. The cover includes a contactable portion configured to, when the cover pivots between the covering position and the exposing position, contact the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member configured to restrict the cover from pivoting from the exposing position to the covering position, and an urging member urging the retaining member toward the contactable portion. The casing includes a frame, the frame including a guide section configured to guide a sheet. The frame of the casing includes one of the shaft portion and the bearing portion and supports the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording medium storage unit that stores therein a recording medium; an image forming unit that is arranged above the recording medium storage unit and that forms an image on the recording medium transferred from the recording medium storage unit; a storage-unit exterior member that covers a front side of the recording medium storage unit; an image-forming-unit exterior member that covers a front side of the image forming unit and that protrudes forward relative to the storage-unit exterior member; and a fresh air supply path that is arranged on a back side of the image-forming-unit exterior member, through which fresh air introduced from outside the image forming apparatus flows.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member closer to and further from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a first unit including a first side plate, a second side plate and a photosensitive drum; and a second unit including a developing member and an electrical terminal for supplying power to the developing member. The second unit is pivotally movable relative to the first unit about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The electrical terminal is rotatably supported by the first side plate and is positioned on the pivot axis.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes: a first rotary body having at least one detected part; and a second rotary body. The first rotary body is configured to rotate between a first position, in which a transmission part is disposed opposite the second rotary body, and a second position, in which a non-transmission part is disposed opposite the second rotary body. The first rotary body includes a contacted part. A photosensitive body cartridge includes a moving member. When the moving member is in a third position, the moving member contacts the contacted part of the first rotary body disposed in the second position, causing the first rotary body to rotate to the first position. Thereafter, in association with rotation of the first rotary body, the moving member moves to a fourth position, in which the moving member is unable to contact the contacted part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a support body provided in an apparatus body to be drawn out from the apparatus body while supporting a supported body, and having a support portion on a front side of the supported body in a drawing direction, and an image forming body on which an image to be transferred on the supported body or a recording medium transported by the support body is formed, the image forming body being provided in the apparatus body to be drawn out from the apparatus body in the drawing direction of the support body and being positioned relative to the apparatus body in an intersecting direction intersecting the drawing direction with an end portion on a front side in the drawing direction abutting on the support portion in the intersecting direction.

Abstract: A developer container includes: a developer accommodating container for accommodating developer; a feeding member for feeding the developer, the feeding member being rotatable about an axis of a feeding shaft inside the developer accommodating container; and a drive transmission member rotatably mounted to the developer accommodating portion. The feeding shaft and the drive transmission member are bonded to each other at an engaging portion.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: a fixing unit fixing a toner image to a paper sheet after image formation; a conveying path conveying the paper sheet toward and from the fixing unit; a cooling fan disposed at a position facing the conveying path that is downstream relative to the fixing unit in a paper conveying direction; a casing where the cooling fan is accommodated; a first discharge port discharging cooling air from the cooling fan toward a part of the conveying path that is upstream in the paper conveying direction relative to an end portion of the conveying path in the conveying path, which is downstream relative to the fixing unit; and a duct guiding the cooling air from the cooling fan in a direction toward the end portion of the conveying path, which is different from a direction that the cooling air flows in the first discharge port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital hologram recording system and a numerical reconstruction method for a hologram, which are used for capturing an image of an object and recording it as a holographic data. Said system comprises: signal light, formed after irradiating the object with a light source; an image detector, for recording interference fringes of the signal light; and a light pipe, arranged in a path of the signal light and located between the object and the image detector, wherein the light pipe has a reflection surface, and a part of the signal light enters the image detector after reflected by the reflection surface of the light pipe. The present invention can make the collected signal equivalent to several times of the pixel counts of the image detector, thereby able to break through the spatial bandwidth limitation and shortening the amount of time required to measure the hologram.

Abstract: An electronic holographic display device includes: a beam emitting device; a plurality of polarizing beam splitters; a plurality of spatial light modulators, each of which is disposed with prescribed distances therebetween and modulates a beam vertically made incident from the corresponding polarizing beam splitter; a magnifying optical system; and a reducing optical system. The magnifying optical system includes a first lens array and a second lens array. The reducing optical system includes a third lens array and a fourth lens array. A distance “a” between the spatial light modulator and the first lens is represented by a=(k+2)f0/(k+1), wherein a ratio “k” is a distance between two adjacent spatial light modulators, to a size of the spatial light modulator, and f0 is a focal point distance of the first lens.

Abstract: A timepiece indicates the sunrise and sunset taking into account seasonal variations. The timepiece includes a sphere representing the Earth, a shell arranged concentrically to the sphere and arranged to delimit a part of the globe where it is night time from another part where it is daytime by indicating the position of the Earth's terminator. The shell can pivot around the globe along two perpendicular axes. The shell is driven by the movement in order to revolve at the rate of one revolution every 24 hours around the polar axis. A differential mechanism is controlled by a year cam that has a profile representing the inclination of the sun in relation to the equatorial plane. The differential mechanism controls the inclination of the shell around the axis by a drive shaft concentric to the polar axis.

Abstract: A watch is delimited by a case formed of a back cover and of a middle part. A timepiece movement is disposed in a casing ring housed inside the watch case. The watch also includes a dial disposed on top of the casing ring and held by a fixing ring. The fixing ring has an S-shaped cross-section. An upper branch of the fixing ring is supported on the dial and a lower branch of the fixing ring is supported on the casing ring. The lower branch of the fixing ring is clamped between the middle part and the casing ring, so as to grip the dial between the upper branch of the fixing ring and the casing ring.

Abstract: A method for adapting a timepiece movement includes measuring a loss of energy for each free oscillation of the balance at atmospheric pressure; measuring the loss of energy for each free oscillation at a given low pressure corresponding to a working pressure intended for a modified movement; using i) the measured loss of energy at atmospheric pressure and ii) the measured loss of energy at the given low pressure, determining a percentage of energy gain of the balance between respective i) measurements of the measured loss of energy at atmospheric pressure and ii) measurements of the measured loss of energy at the given low pressure; and reducing a torque delivered to the escapement by a value corresponding to the determined percentage of energy gain.

Abstract: A chronograph mechanism including an energy accumulator, a regulating system, a chronograph counter train including a minute-counter having a minute wheel set and at least one minute indicator member, and a seconds-counter having a seconds wheel set and a seconds indicator member, a chronograph zero-reset mechanism including a minute zero-reset mechanism. The minute zero-reset mechanism is arranged to cooperate with the minute wheel set, the minute indicator member being permanently integral with the minute wheel set, and the chronograph counter train includes an uncoupling device between the minute-counter and the seconds-counter, arranged to kinematically connect the minute wheel set and the seconds wheel set during the counting and to uncouple the seconds wheel set from the minute wheel set when the chronograph mechanism is reset to zero.

Abstract: A method for generating a real time attribute mark of a picture comprises: extracting a first time from picture data corresponding to the picture; obtaining a current time; calculating a time interval between the first time and the current time; and generating a real time attribute mark indicating the time interval. An apparatus for generating a real time attribute mark of a picture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intelligent total air climate conditioner (iTACC) that includes an optically programmed adaptive system controller in electrical communication with at least one sensor and at least one fan motor that is capable adaptive operation of the fan motor based input signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A universal control system is provided for a room air conditioner or heat pump that has a number of sensor inputs. An electronic control system with a microcontroller and microcomputer are used to provide a large number of operations that can be performed by (1) manufacturer, (2) end users and (3) maintenance personnel. The manufacturer can load different versions of a software program to match the unit. The end user can program in a large number of different conditions or schedules the end user finds desirable, plus the end user is advised of maintenance requirements or faults. The maintenance personnel may perform diagnostics, determine fault history, upload improved or replacement software, as well as the numerous maintenance functions normally performed by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the startup, shutdown, and running operation of a multiple receiver concentrated solar power (CSP) plant comprising a predicted variable from at least one receiver model, a predicted variable from a plant model, and a determined target from an optimizer based on the predicted variable from the at least one receiver model and the predicted variable from the plant model.

Abstract: A method for controlling a portable power system, comprising: using a processor, selecting an engine efficiency range for an engine of a generator set of the portable power system, the engine efficiency range corresponding to a power output range of the generator set and to a power demand range of a load coupled to the portable power system; while a power demand of the load is less than a power output of the generator set, storing excess energy from the generator set in a battery bank of the portable power system; while the power demand of the load is greater than the power output of the generator set, providing additional power to the load from the battery bank; when a first predetermined depth of discharge threshold is reached by the battery bank, increasing the power output of the generator set to allow the battery bank to recharge; and, when a predetermined state of charge threshold is reached by the battery bank, ceasing the power output of the generator set and providing power to the load from the batte

Abstract: A method of controlling energy consumption in a building. The method includes receiving occupant request data including a plurality of requests, wherein each of the plurality of requests corresponds to one of a plurality of zones in the building wherein the occupant request data is received via a cloud computing resource. The method also includes receiving weather data including at least one of current weather measurement data and weather forecast data wherein the weather data is received via a cloud computing resource. In addition, a facility management rule is received via a cloud computing resource. Further, the method includes generating a plurality of output control signals via cloud computing resource, wherein each of the plurality of output control signals is based on one of a plurality of requests and predicted occupant schedules, energy price data and the facility management rule.

Abstract: An electrical assembly is provided for selectively operating a household appliance in a demonstration mode or a standard mode. A logic unit (2) is adapted to control the electrical and/or electronic components of the household appliance (1), and to make the household appliance (1) perform a standard mode or a demonstration mode. A power supply device (5), external to the household appliance (1), is adapted to deliver electric power to the household appliance (1). The household appliance (1) comprises a power supply circuit (3) adapted to be connected to the power supply device (5) or directly to the supply mains (4), in order to energize the logic unit (2) and the other electrical and/or electronic components of the household appliance (1). The household appliance (1) further comprises a detection device (9) adapted to detect if the power supply circuit (3) is connected to the power supply device (5) or directly to the supply mains (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for automatically binding device parameters to an input and output interface. Doing so enables dynamic parameters to be available to the core firmware engine. More specifically, there is no input and output data in the configuration software domain required for mapping the parameters. Rather, the configuration software may directly access the device parameters during the logic execution. This is achieved in a library by representing the parameter repository and the EPATH pointing to each parameter from the configuration software domain.