Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming apparatus has a mirror which reflects an optical scanning beam toward a photoreceptor, so as to expose the photoreceptor. The image forming apparatus further has a rotating cam and a stopper. The rotating cam makes contact with the mirror, at an end portion of the mirror, to support the mirror, and rotates, to change a tilt angle of the mirror. The stopper engages with the rotating cam, at a position except a position on a straight line passing through a rotating shaft line of the rotating cam and a contact position of the rotating cam and the mirror, seen from a rotating shaft direction of the rotating cam, to fix a rotation position of the rotating cam.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photoconductive drum, a light scanning unit, a reflection mirror, a support member, and a cam. The light scanning unit forms a light scanning beam with which the photoconductive drum is irradiated. The reflection mirror guides the light scanning beam toward the photoconductive drum. The support member supports both ends of the reflection mirror in a longitudinal direction. The cam is provided in the support member. The cam comes into contact with the reflection mirror in an intermediate portion of the reflection mirror in the longitudinal direction. The cam moves the intermediate portion in a plate thickness direction of the reflection mirror with respect to a support position by the support member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photoconductive drum, a light scanning unit, a reflection mirror, a support member, and a cam. The light scanning unit forms a light scanning beam with which the photoconductive drum is irradiated. The reflection mirror guides the light scanning beam toward the photoconductive drum. The support member supports both ends of the reflection mirror in a longitudinal direction. The cam is provided in the support member. The cam comes into contact with the reflection mirror in an intermediate portion of the reflection mirror in the longitudinal direction. The cammoves the intermediate portion in a plate thickness direction of the reflection mirror with respect to a support position by the support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophotographic member which can prevent generation of fogging while high quality images can be output during long-term use. The present invention is an electrophotographic member including a substrate, and an outermost layer directly or indirectly on the substrate, wherein the outermost layer contains a compound having at least a Si—O—Al bond, and the compound has a structural unit represented by Formula (1) and a structural unit represented by AlO3/2.

Abstract: A container includes a collecting portion in which toner discharged from an apparatus body is accumulated, a conveying member that conveys the toner in the collecting portion in a direction away from an intake portion provided in the collecting portion, and a movable member movable in accordance with an amount of toner in the collecting portion and that causes, when the movable member reaches a first position, a detecting portion to detect an amount of toner in the collecting portion. The movable member includes a guiding portion that guides the toner in a direction away from the first position while the toner is conveyed by the conveying member.

Abstract: A nozzle insertion member arranged in a powder container includes a nozzle insertion opening; an opening/closing member opening/closing the nozzle insertion opening; a supporting member supporting the opening/closing member; and a biasing member provided to the supporting member to bias the opening/closing member toward a closing position. When the powder is supplied to the conveying nozzle along with rotation of a rotary conveyor arranged inside the powder container, the supporting member rotates with the rotation of the conveyor. The opening/closing member is rotated by a drive transmitting mechanism with rotation of the supporting member. The mechanism includes an elongated member arranged on the opening/closing member and penetrating through an opening formed on the supporting member; and a drive transmitted portion formed on the elongated member; and a drive transmitting portion formed on an inner surface of the opening and configured to come into contact with the drive transmitted portion.

Abstract: An intermediate transferring belt and an image-forming apparatus are shown. The intermediate transferring belt is to be mounted in an electrophotographic image-forming apparatus. The intermediate transferring belt includes the following, in sequence, a substrate; an elastic layer; and a surface layer. The surface layer has an elongation of 5% or more and a stress of 5 MPa or more at an elastic limit determined by a stress-strain curve obtained according to JIS K7161.

Abstract: A transfer device includes an image bearer and a transfer rotator. The transfer device further includes an adjuster including a rotatable cam and an opposed member opposed to the cam. The cam alternately contacts and separates the transfer rotator against and from the image bearer, having a continuous sloped surface with a plurality of positions, each position to contact the opposed member to obtain a different amount of separation between the image bearer and the transfer rotator. The transfer device further includes a controller to control the adjuster to adjust the amount of separation between the transfer rotator and the image bearer according to thickness or type of the recording medium when the recording medium starts to enter the transfer nip.

Abstract: A heating device includes a belt member that is rotated, plural heating elements that are arranged in a width direction of the belt member and generate heat so as to heat the belt member, plural resistance elements that have positive temperature coefficients and are connected to the plural heating elements such that each of the plural resistance elements is connected in series with a corresponding one of the plural heating elements, and a base material that includes a heat-conductive metal layer and a pair of heat-resistant metal layers between which the heat-conductive metal layer is interposed and has a surface on which the plural heating elements and the plural resistance elements are disposed. A temperature of the belt member is reduced by an increase in resistances of the plural resistance elements caused by an increase in temperatures of the plural resistance elements.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes first and second rotatable members configured to form a nip for heating a toner on a sheet; a compressor; an air nozzle configured to blow air which is compressed by the compressor, to the first rotatable member; and a supplying mechanism configured to supply the air which is compressed by the compressor, to the air nozzle. The supplying mechanism includes a pressure adjusting valve configured to adjust an inside pressure and a metal pipe configured to form at least a part of an air supply passage from the compressor to the pressure adjusting valve.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a heat source, a controller, a pressure rotator, and a nip formation pad. The controller controls the heat source such that a temperature of the fixing rotator is equal to a preset fixing temperature. The nip formation pad abuts the pressure rotator via the fixing rotator and forms a nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator. When a print time of a previous job is longer than a prescribed time A and a next job is started within a prescribed time B after an end of the previous job, the controller corrects the preset fixing temperature during a time from a start of the next job to an entry of a print sheet into the nip and during a time from the entry of the print sheet into the nip to a lapse of a prescribed time C after the entry.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator and a heater disposed inside the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator with radiant heat. A pressure rotator presses against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator. A reflector is disposed opposite the heater to reflect the radiant heat radiated from the heater to the fixing rotator. The reflector includes a first parallel plane, a second parallel plane, and a third tilt plane. The second parallel plane is parallel to the first parallel plane and stepped with respect to the first parallel plane. The second parallel plane is disposed closer to the fixing nip and the heater than the first parallel plane. The third tilt plane bridges the first parallel plane and the second parallel plane and is disposed opposite the heater.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a primary heater and a secondary heater that heat a fixing rotator. The primary heater includes a primary major heat generation portion and a primary minor heat generation portion. The primary minor heat generation portion includes a major heat generator that generates an increased amount of heat and a minor heat generator that generates a decreased amount of heat smaller than the increased amount of heat generated by the major heat generator. The major heat generator has a width in an axial direction of the fixing rotator that is not smaller than 30 percent and not greater than 35 percent with respect to a width of the primary minor heat generation portion in the axial direction of the fixing rotator. A temperature detector is disposed opposite the minor heat generator of the primary heater to detect a temperature of the fixing rotator.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a belt member that moves circularly and has an inner peripheral surface to which an oil is applied, a pressure member that is disposed in such a manner as to be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the belt member and that applies pressure to a recording material on which an image has been formed, a heating member that is disposed in such a manner as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the belt member and that heats the belt member, the heating member having an upstream side end portion that is located on an upstream side in a rotation direction of the belt member and separated from the inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a belt member that performs a circular motion by rotating in a predetermined belt rotation direction; a pressure-applying member that is pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the belt member and applies a pressure to a recording medium on which an image is formed; and a pressing member that extends in a belt width direction, which is a direction that crosses the belt rotation direction, inside the belt member and that is arranged so as to be deformed such that a central portion thereof in the belt width direction is convex toward an upstream side in the belt rotation direction, the pressing member pressing the pressure-applying member with the belt member interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a door, an elastic member to generate a pressing force of a nip portion of the fixing unit, and a switching member to change a pressing state of the elastic member. The switching member is placed in any one of first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the pressing force is defined as a first level. The second position has a second level different from the first level. The pressing force of the third position is equal to or lower than the smaller one of the first and second levels. While the door is closed from open state, an interference member of the door does not interfere with the switching member in the first or second position but interferes with the switching member in the third position to move the switching member to the first position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.

Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a rotation shaft, a drive transmitter attached to the rotation shaft to slide in an axial direction and including an engaging portion extending in the axial direction, and a coil spring to bias the drive transmitter to one side in the axial direction, and a shaft-side drive transmitter disposed on the rotation shaft. The coil spring includes a sparse portion and a dense portion. The shaft-side drive transmitter engages the engaging portion to prevent the drive transmitter from disengaging from the rotation shaft. The coil spring and the engaging portion satisfy C>A?B where A represents a length of the coil spring in a state in which the shaft-side drive transmitter retains the drive transmitter, B represents a compressed height of the coil spring, and C represents a length of the coil spring in the axial direction.

Abstract: A developer detector includes a sensor housing portion, an Optical sensor, and a cleaning portion. The sensor housing portion can be installed on a wall surface of a hopper storing a developer. The sensor housing portion includes a detection surface, and a step surface protruding a smaller amount from the wall surface than the detection surface to form a step height from the detection surface. The optical sensor is housed in the sensor housing portion and detects the developer through the detection surface. The cleaning portion moves in a moving region including a first region facing the detection surface and a second region facing the step surface and cleans the detection surface on the way of moving. The cleaning portion includes a flexible member and makes the flexible member slide on the detection surface while making the flexible member contact the detection surface under pressure in the first region.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing having a plurality of frames. At least one of the plurality of frames is a box-shaped frame with bent portions. The box-shaped frame has a first surface and a second surface overlapping the first surface, where the first surface has an insertion portion and the second surface has a receiving portion into which the insertion portion is configured to be inserted. The first surface and the second surface are connected to each other by insertion of the insertion portion in the receiving portion.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a main casing, a belt accommodated in the main casing, developing units arranged along the belt, a drawer configured to detachably support the developing units, the drawer configured to move to a position inside the main casing and to a position outside the main casing, and the drawer having a leading end and a trailing end in a pulling direction from the inside position to the outside position; and a guide configured to guide the drawer and to move between a first position and a second position when the drawer is at the inside position, the second position being farther from the belt than the first position from the belt. When the guide is at the second position, the guide is configured to be tilted downward relative to a horizontal direction such that the leading end is lower than the trailing end.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion for mounting a process cartridge, the process cartridge including a first unit having an image bearing drum, and a second unit having a developing roller, the second unit being movable between a contact position in which the roller contacts the drum and a spaced position in which they are mutually spaced; an engageable member engageable with a force receiving portion provided on the second unit; wherein the engageable member is movable between a first position for maintaining the second unit in the spaced position by engaging with the force receiving portion, a second position for permitting movement of the second unit from the spaced position to the contact position; and a third position for permitting the process cartridge to be mounted, by being pressed by the process cartridge to retract, when the process cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, endless belt, photosensitive drums, setting unit, contacting/separating mechanism, transmitting mechanism, and coupling members. The photosensitive drums are disposed in confrontation with the endless belt and are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The setting unit sets the image forming apparatus to a monochrome mode or color mode. The contacting/separating mechanism controls at least one photosensitive drum to contact or separate from the endless in accordance with the set mode. The transmitting mechanism selectively transmits drive power to photosensitive drums. Each coupling member is selectively coupled to the corresponding photosensitive drum and has a coupling axis extending in the second direction.

Abstract: A cooling device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a cooling device including an air blower, an airflow divider, an air flowing passage, and an air exhaust opening. The air blower blows air toward a cooling target device. The airflow divider divides the air exhausted from the air blower into at least two airflows such that an air flowing direction of the air is changed to a direction perpendicular to an air exhausting direction of the air. The at least two airflows pass through the air flowing passage. A wall of the air flowing passage is disposed facing the cooling target device. The air exhaust opening is disposed on the wall of the air flowing passage to cause the air to pass through toward the cooling target device disposed in a direction intersecting the air flowing direction in the air flowing passage.

Abstract: A data encoding method for 3n number of symbol data, n being a natural number is provided. The method includes mapping, according to a first mapping rule, 2n number of symbol data out of the 3n number of symbol data into a first group, converting, according to a second mapping rule, n number of symbol data out of the 3n number of symbol data into a second group, arranging the first group and the second group in each of the plurality of modulation units, each of the symbol data of the first group being not adjacent to one another, and each of the symbol data of the second group located between the adjacent symbol data of the first group, and outputting a modulation page having 2N×2M pixels, each of N and M being a natural number. Each of a plurality of modulation units includes the first group and the second group.

Abstract: A novel electronic system provides fast three-dimensional model generation, social content sharing of dynamic three-dimensional models, and monetization of the dynamic three-dimensional models created by casual consumers. In one embodiment, a casual consumer utilizes a dedicated real-time 3D model reconstruction studio with multiple camera angles, and then rapidly create dynamic 3D models with novel computational methods performed in scalable graphics processing units. In another embodiment, uncalibrated multiple sources of video recording of a targeted object are provided by a plurality of commonly-available consumer video recording devices (e.g. a smart phone, a camcorder, a digital camera, etc.) located at different angles, after which the uncalibrated multiple sources of video recording are transmitted to a novel cloud computing system for real-time temporal, spatial, and photometrical calibration and 3D model reconstruction.

Abstract: A system for surface patterning using a three dimensional holographic mask includes a light source configured to emit a light beam toward the holographic mask. The holographic mask can be formed as a topographical pattern on a transparent mask substrate. A semiconductor substrate can be positioned on an opposite site of the holographic mask as the light source and can be spaced apart from the holographic mask. The system can also include a base for supporting the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A timepiece or watch includes at least one resonator, which includes at least one weight that oscillates with respect to a connecting element fixed to a structure of a timepiece movement. The weight is suspended from the connecting element by resilient crossed strips which extend at a distance from each other in two parallel planes. The projections of the strips on one of the parallel planes intersect at a virtual pivot axis of the weight, and define a first angle which is the apex angle opposite which there extends the portion of the connecting element that is located between the attachments of the crossed strips to the connecting element. The first angle is between 68° and 76°.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method can include setting an alarm on a computing device. The setting can include setting a predetermined time to trigger the alarm, indicating a target application to launch when the alarm is triggered, and identifying content for access by the target application when the target application is launched. The method can include launching the target application based on the triggering of the alarm, identifying an external device for execution of the identified content, and providing the identified content for execution on the external device.

Abstract: System configuration management using encapsulation and discovery is provided. The configuration management may include requesting, by a first electronic control unit comprising a processor, feature information associated with a second electronic control unit. The feature information may include data related to a set of features implemented by the second electronic control unit. The configuration management may also include loading, by the first electronic control unit, an internal control for a first feature of the set of features based on a determination that the first feature is not loaded on the first electronic control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for artificially intelligent physical and virtual actors including pseudo-genetic information and configured to retain meta-knowledge are described. The actors are adapted with unique behavioral and physical attributes which may independently evolve over time. The attributes may include reproduction based attributes which direct how, when, and with whom the actor reproduces and may be subject to mutation and reproductive forces. The attributes may include evaluation attributes which dictate when and how each actor evaluates their performance. The evaluation attributes may also be subject to mutation and reproductive forces. The attributes may consider meta-knowledge which is a reflection of information gathered by an actor. What and how much meta-knowledge is collected may also be expressed as one or more evolvable attributes.

Abstract: Operating an application in response to spatial status of objects within a physical environment in which the application operates. A system detects the spatial status (e.g., orientation, movement, position, and so forth) of multiple environmental objects that operate within a physical environment from which input is provided to, and to which output is provided from, an application. The relationship between at least some different environmental objects result in altered a behavior of the application. The spatial status of at least some of the environmental objects is subject to change. Thus, a mechanism is described that allows an application to adjust in a manner that is highly responsive to the physical environment in which the application interfaces.

Abstract: [Object] Components which influence a measured value of a measurement item, which is an examination object, are calculated appropriately on the basis of the correlation between the pluralities of measurement items. [Solution] A measured value analysis apparatus includes a controller and a memory wherein the controller: selects one examination object item, which is an examination object, and a plurality of related items which are directly or indirectly related to the examination object item; creates a correlation model between measured values from past measured values of the examination object item and the plurality of related items; and calculates a predicted value of the examination object item by applying the measured values of the related items to the correlation model and calculates divergence between an actual measured value of the examination object item and the predicted value.

Abstract: A server obtains a message that an authorization for requesting an action via a first apparatus is allocated, wherein the action can be caused by a separate control unit. The server compiles information that identifies the action and that allows the first apparatus to check the authorization. The compiled information is transmitted to a second apparatus. The first apparatus can obtain a message from the second apparatus, which is used to request the causing of the action. The first apparatus checks the authorization for the request on the basis of the obtained message and whether the action is an action that is to be caused by the first apparatus or by the control unit. If it is established that authorization exists and that the action is to be caused by the control unit, then the first apparatus transmits a request to the control unit to cause the action.

Abstract: An electric appliance includes a driving unit operating on the basis of energy information including information with respect to an energy price, a communication unit requesting the energy information to an external component, a memory unit for storing the energy information received through the communication unit, and a control unit controlling the communication unit such that the communication unit receives first energy information corresponding to a present time of the energy information and receives second energy information that is information except for the first energy information.

Abstract: A position sensor system includes a position encoder component and a magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor may be a diamond nitrogen vacancy material magnetic field sensor, and may be capable of resolving a magnetic field vector.

Abstract: It is a problem to be solved to provide Electric power control systems and methods which do not require one-to-one communications in both directions, in which the communications traffic does not rapidly increase even if the number of electric power consumption elements increases and which have good expandability. In addition, it is also a problem to be solved to provide information transfer capability control systems and methods which can be worked by the similar principles. In over to solve the problems, information representing an indication value for adjusting total consumed electric power which is a function of the difference between a current value and a reference value of the total consumed electric power in the group is transmitted by broadcast.

Abstract: A method for configuring hardware modules in an automation system includes the steps opening or creating a project in a project configuration software package, opening or generating, in the project, where a station has a number of slots, opening a hardware catalog that includes a plurality of hardware module master data records, inserting at least one hardware module master data record for a hardware module from the hardware catalog (into the station, wherein a customization step is performed for the at least one hardware module master data record, where at least one environmental parameter is specified which represents the ambient conditions at the deployment location of the at least one hardware module, and saving the station having the at least one hardware module master data record inserted into the station and with its at least one environmental parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement transducer (1) comprising a sensor module (10), having a sensor (11) and sensor electronics (12), wherein the sensor (11) emits sensor signals, and wherein the sensor electronics processes the digitized sensor signals with a transmission function and provides processed sensor measurement values on a digital interface. The measurement transducer further comprises a main electronics module (20), which is functionally connected to the sensor electronics and a logic unit (22), and a communications interface (36), wherein the logic unit (22) is configured to receive the sensor measurement values provided on the digital interface and to cause the output of a measurement signal corresponding to the sensor measurement values through the communications interface (36).

Abstract: A method of managing energy consumption which is applied to a wireless control system is provided, wherein the wireless control system includes a plurality of appliances and a relay device. The method includes the steps below: first, obtain an amount of energy consumption from a start time point to a predetermined time point in an energy monitoring period; next, compare the amount of energy consumption with a second threshold during the energy monitoring period, which is lower than a first threshold; finally, if the amount of energy consumption exceeds the second threshold, determine whether to start an energy conservation mode; if the energy conservation mode starts, the relay device sends an energy conservation command to at least one of the appliances to control said appliance to consume less energy. Whereby, in the energy conservation mode, the energy consumed by the appliances would be reduced without stopping the energy supply.

Abstract: A cutting method in which a workpiece is cut on the basis of a plurality of tool paths parallel to one another into a shape having a corner that protrudes outward. A machining step for machining the workpiece on the basis of one tool path and a moving step for moving to the starting point of the next machining step after the completion of the one machining step are repeated. In the machining step, a cutting step for cutting the workpiece in the one tool path and a removing step for removing a burr by moving a tool relatively to the workpiece in the same tool path as that of the cutting step in a region forming the corner are successively performed.

Abstract: A numerical controller controlling a five-axis machining machine having three linear axes and two rotation axes acquires a linear-axis-caused compensation amount associated with a combination of an instructed linear axis position and linear axis movement direction and an rotation-axis-caused compensation amount associated with a combination of an instructed rotation axis position and rotation axis movement direction, calculate a translation/rotation compensation amount based on the linear-axis-caused compensation amount and the rotation-axis-caused compensation amount, and adds the calculated translation/rotation compensation amount to the instructed linear axis position.

Abstract: An electronic operator interface based controller and device automatic downloads are provided. An electronic operator interface can determine if control logic or content used by an industrial controller has been updated, changed, or otherwise modified. If the content has been modified, then the electronic operator interface can automatically obtain the content and store a back-up copy in memory. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic operator interface can periodically update a backup copy of the content. Furthermore, the electronic operator interface can determine if the controller has lost its content, and restore the content from the most recent version saved in memory.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus according to the present invention includes a speed command generator; a torque command generator; a speed detector; a speed control loop; a speed control loop gain setting unit; at least one filter for filtering a specific band of a torque command value; a sinusoidal disturbance input unit for performing a sinusoidal sweep on the speed control loop; a frequency characteristics calculator for estimating the gain and phase of speed control loop input and output signals; a resonance frequency detector; a filter adjuster for adjusting the filter in accordance with a resonance frequency; a gain adjuster; a sequence controller for online and automatically performing the detection of the resonance frequency, the adjustment of the speed control loop gain, and the adjustment of the filter; and an adjustment state display unit. The adjustment state display unit displays a stage and progress in the adjustment by the sequence controller.

Abstract: A method of generating a topographic map of a region of a body for the manufacture of a body fitting article to be fitted to the region of the body. The method allows for the resultant topographical map of the body feature to be coupled to an anatomical and functional datum on the body. The method involves use of a contact probe which is configured to generate positional data which defines the surface it is drawn across. The method comprises the steps of urging a contact probe towards the outer surface of the body such that the contact probe is touching the outer surface of the body or separated from the outer surface of the body only by a barrier layer which is flattened against the outer surface of the body by the probe. The contact probe is drawn over the region of the body where the body fitting article is to be located such that the contact probe generates 3D positional data of the surface of the outer surface of the body in the region of the body where the body fitting article is to be located.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operating panel device for a machining center having a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction. The operating panel device includes an operating interface having a panel that communicates with the machining center and a panel support that supports and secures the panel, a linear transfer arranged at a longitudinal side of the machining center and extending in the first direction, and a rotating coupler coupling the operating interface to the linear transfer and conducting a linear motion along the first direction and a rotating motion with respect to a third direction perpendicular to the first and the second directions such that the operating interface is selectively positioned at one of the longitudinal side and a latitudinal side of the machining center.

Abstract: A method of controlling a delivery to a working station comprises processing first carrier of wafers at a working station for a processing step, checking location of a second carrier at a predetermined checking time to obtain a checking result. The predetermined checking time is a predetermined period of time ahead of an end of the processing step. The method further comprises removing the first carrier from the working station after the processing step is completed, delivering a second carrier of wafers to the working station and processing the second carrier of wafers at the working station.

Abstract: In order to capture production data capture process or machine data of a cyclically operating production machine in a simple manner, it is provided that a measurement signal (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) is used in order to determine the working cycle of the consumer unit (21, 22, 23, . . . , 2n) and the measurement signal (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) is simultaneously mathematically analyzed in order to determine a working cycle of the consumer (21, 22, 23, . . . , 2n) and with the determined cycle duration of the working cycle to determine at least one variable of the production data capture process or machine data capture process.

Abstract: A remotely controlled robotic sensor ball and method of operation thereof. The robotic sensor ball includes an outer shell forming a ball, control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, a propulsion system inside the outer shell, and one or more connectors. The control circuitry includes at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface. The camera is configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell. The propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface. The one or more connectors are configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry. The one or more sensors are connectable in a modular manner.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a track system comprising: an elevated track system comprising a series of elevated tracks that are positioned elevated above a sales floor and products distributed over at least a portion of the sales floor of a shopping facility, and configured such that multiple motorized transport units travel along the series of elevated tracks in traversing at least portions of the shopping facility.