Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a conveying unit conveying a continuous paper; an image forming unit forming an image on an image carrier and printing the image on the continuous paper conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit controlling the image forming apparatus; wherein when a progress state of the image forming apparatus reaches a reference, the control unit performs a maintenance operation by forming an image for maintenance on the image carrier of the image forming unit, after interrupting the printing based on a job when the job is being executed, and when a job is to be executed, the control unit determines whether the progress state of the image forming apparatus exceeds the reference before the job is completed prior to the maintenance operation, and, when the progress state exceeds the reference, issues an alarm regarding the interruption of the printing based on the job.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a housing, a cleaning blade, and first and second sealing members. The housing has formed therein an opening facing an image carrying member. The cleaning blade removes toner that remains attached to the image carrying member while being in contact with the circumferential surface of the image carrying member. The first and second sealing members prevent waste toner inside the housing from leaking out through a gap between the housing and the image carrying member, owing to the first and second sealing members abutting on the circumferential surface of the image carrying member.

Abstract: Provided is a powder recovery device including a recovery container that includes a powder collection chamber therein, recovers used powder transported from a powder processing section that performs a process using powder, and collects the recovered powder in the powder collection chamber, and a transport member that is provided within the recovery container along the longitudinal direction of the recovery container, and evenly transports powder collected in the powder collection chamber, wherein plural recovery ports are provided at positions located higher than a highest location in the recovery container at which powder is collected, and plural air vent ports are at least separately provided at regions with a center of the recovery container in the longitudinal direction of the recovery container interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a detachable component attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body, a secured part that is provided in the detachable component and that is secured to a predetermined securing position on an apparatus body side, and a regulating part that is provided on the apparatus body side and that regulates a movement of the secured part secured to the securing position. During attachment of the detachable component to the apparatus body, the secured part is brought into contact with the regulating part so as to be displaced or set in a state changed from a state before the contact of the secured part with the regulating part, and the secured part that is displaced or set in the changed state becomes able to pass the regulating part so as to reach the securing position.

Abstract: A fuser assembly, including a heat transfer member; a backup member disposed adjacent the heat transfer member so as to form a fuser nip; a frame in which the heat transfer member and the backup member are at least partly disposed; and a cover member pivotably coupled to the frame so as to pivot between a closed position and an open position, the cover member in the open position providing an opening for accessing and withdrawing a sheet of media disposed in the fuser assembly. A latch mechanism selectively latches the cover member to the frame and including a lever member disposed relative to an outer surface of the cover member such that movement of the lever member by a single hand of a user unlatches the cover member from the frame for moving the cover member to the open position.

Abstract: A themed holograph theater system and method for presenting interactive holographic imagery that presents 2D or 3D holographic imagery interactive with physical objects. The themed holographic theater system includes a camera or scanner to obtain data concerning the physical object, a projector to project images on a holographic media and a program to identify the physical object based on the camera or scanner data and control the projection of images interacting with the physical object.

Abstract: A timekeeping, graphical display device and method of operating the same including a movement having a central axis of rotation, a plurality of indicator hands rotationally connected to the movement at the central axis of rotation, and further including a first dial having a plurality of first dial apertures. The plurality of first dial apertures having four first dial apertures, each of the four first dial apertures oriented at an angle of 90 degrees from adjacent ones of the four first dial apertures with respect to the central axis of rotation. The device further including a second dial adjacent the first dial rear side, and a third dial positioned toward the first dial rear side. The second dial and the third dial rotationally connected to the movement to enable independent rotation about the central axis of rotation.

Abstract: A timekeeping device including a first dial including a plurality of first dial display regions, each of the plurality of first dial display regions disposed at an angle of 90-degrees with respect to each adjacent first dial display region and a center of the first dial, a second dial disposed adjacent the first dial and configured to rotate in two directions about a central axis of rotation of the second dial, and a set of two adjacent third dials disposed adjacent the second dial, each dial of the set of two adjacent third dials configured to rotate about a respective central axis of rotation, the set of two adjacent third dials each comprising indicia representing at least one value configured to represent a date of a month.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes: a housing; an attachment portion capable of coupling the housing to a bottom of a wristwatch to be worn by a wearer; one or more physiological sensors included in the housing that measure one or more physical phenomena corresponding to the wearer of the wristwatch and electronic device coupled to the wristwatch; a memory configured to store data corresponding to the one or more physical phenomena; and a wireless communication device included in the housing for communicating the data to a computing device in wireless communication with the electronic device.

Abstract: A timepiece has a solar panel including a plurality of solar cells; a dial disposed on the face side of the solar panel and configured to transmit a light; a molding member disposed to the face side of the dial overlapping the outside edge of the dial when seen from the face side of the timepiece; and an opaque light shield disposed on the face side of the dial on the inside side of the molding member; the solar panel having connectors that connect adjacent solar cells in series, and at least part of each connector is covered by the light shield when seen from the face.

Abstract: Method for testing the water resistance of at least one timepiece, wherein it comprises the following stages: E1—Measuring the rate of the timepiece when subjected to a first external pressure, in particular atmospheric pressure, in order to obtain a first reference rate value; E2—Measuring the rate of a timepiece when subjected to a second external pressure inside a pressurization chamber, in order to obtain a second rate value under pressure; E3—Comparing the rate value under pressure and the reference rate value in order to deduce therefrom the presence or otherwise of a deficiency in the water resistance in the event of a variation in excess of a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A method of time synchronization between a timepiece-equipped electronic device and a cell phone or an IPAD, which includes the steps of: (a) utilizing the universal standard time of the cell phone or IPAD by a time synchronization APP to obtain a synchronization time information; (b) modulating an audio frequency carrier signal or time signal from the digital signal of the cell phone or IPAD based on the encoding rules of audio phase-shifting; (c) transmitting the time information in the audio frequency carrier signal to the timepiece-equipped electronic device through audio or data signal transmission channel by utilizing the Bluetooth module or WIFI of the cell phone or IPAD; and (d) receiving and pairing the audio frequency carrier signal, decoding the time information and displaying the time information, which is the synchronized time with the cell phone or IPAD, onto the display of the timepiece-equipped electronic device.

Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for improving the monitoring of processes. These systems comprise processors co-located with the (physical) processes and which accept certain metrics regarding the processes. These systems also include processors which are located remotely from the processes, but, which are in communication with the co-located processors. The remote processors receive the metrics from the co-located processors and transform these metrics to corresponding probability metrics. Based on the probability metrics, the remote processors determine whether the processes are predictable. They also output the predictability determinations regarding the processes. The processes can be associated with petrochemical wells, food/beverage processes, etc. Additionally, or in the alternative, some systems further comprise memories which store flowchart representations of the processes. In various embodiments, the remote processors associate the metrics with the operations represented in the flowcharts.

Abstract: A method for providing a real-time testing of a control system or a part thereof to control a process or a part thereof of a real world system. The method includes connecting the control system or the part thereof to a real-time simulator to simulate the real world system, providing a simulation of the real world system in real-time by applying a modified variable step-size solver, and monitoring a real-time performance of the real-time simulator and adapting step-sizes used for the modified variable step-size solver to run the simulation by comparing a time used by the modified variable step-size solver to simulate the real world system with a real-time clock, setting a maximum step-size of the modified variable step-size solver based on a sample rate of the control system, and forcing the modified variable step-size solver to return a simulation result when demanded by the control system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a remote controlled system includes the steps: A. measuring a specific physical quantity with a detector; B. transmitting a signal to the relay apparatus; C. receiving the signal by the relay apparatus, and transmitting the detector ID code corresponding to the detector at the near end and the home appliance ID codes corresponding to the home appliances at the near end to the electronic device; D. obtaining an interactive link information by matching the corresponding relations in the database based on the received detector ID code and the received home appliance ID codes; E. sending the interactive link information to the relay apparatus; and F. transmitting a control command to the relevant home appliances base on the received interactive link information, whereby the relevant home appliances are controlled to perform a corresponding operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more scent delivery units includes maintaining one or more scheduled events, maintaining one or more scheduled anti-events, and generating, based on the one or more scheduled events and the one or more scheduled anti-events, command data to be communicated to the one or more scent delivery units to control their activation and deactivation. Generating the command data includes identifying a conflicting period of time during which control specified by the one or more scheduled events differs from control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events and also includes generating command data that gives priority to control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events. Control for the one or more scent delivery units during the conflicting period of time is in accordance with control logic of the one or more scheduled anti-events and not the one or more scheduled events.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more scent delivery units includes maintaining one or more scheduled events, maintaining one or more scheduled anti-events, and generating, based on the one or more scheduled events and the one or more scheduled anti-events, command data to be communicated to the one or more scent delivery units to control their activation and deactivation. Generating the command data includes identifying a conflicting period of time during which control specified by the one or more scheduled events differs from control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events and also includes generating command data that gives priority to control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events. Control for the one or more scent delivery units during the conflicting period of time is in accordance with control logic of the one or more scheduled anti-events and not the one or more scheduled events.

Abstract: A method for applying stress conditions to integrated circuit device samples during accelerated stress testing may include partitioning each of the integrated circuit device samples into a first region having a first functional element, partitioning each of the integrated circuit device samples into at least one second region having at least one second functional element, applying a first stress condition to the first region having the first element, applying a second stress condition to the at least one second region having the at least one second element, determining a first portion of the integrated circuit device samples that functionally failed based on the first stress condition, and determining a second portion of the integrated circuit device samples that functionally failed based on the second stress condition. An acceleration model parameter is derived based on the determining of the first and second portion of the integrated circuit samples that functionally failed.

Abstract: The invention is a system that facilitates integration of laser or dot peen marking systems into factory automation networks using the standard EtherNet/IP protocol. Built-in support for the EIP protocol greatly simplifies the PLC programming task, and lowers the cost of integrating the marking system into factory operations.

Abstract: A turret tool rest includes a main shaft, a turret turning shaft, a turret, a joint base, a mill housing connection shaft, and an engagement member. The main shaft rotates a tool. A part of the main shaft is provided in the turret turning shaft. The turret turning shaft has a first coupling hole. The turret is connected to the turret turning shaft via which the turret is rotated. The joint base has a second coupling hole. The mill housing connection shaft is connected to the joint base. The mill housing connection shaft is provided between the main shaft and the turret turning shaft. Each of the mill housing connection shaft, the joint base, the part of the main shaft, and the turret turning shaft are disposed to rotate around a rotation axis of the turret. The engagement member moves in the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to facilitate tool failure analysis associated with fabrication processes are presented. A monitoring component determines a candidate tool failure associated with one or more fabrication tools based on sensor data generated by a set of sensors associated with the one or more fabrication tools. A signature component generates a signature dataset for the candidate tool failure based on data associated with the one or more fabrication tools. A comparison component compares the candidate tool failure to at least one previously determined tool failure based on the signature dataset and at least one other signature dataset associated with the at least one previously determined tool failure.

Abstract: A method of fabrication for a component to be installed in a facility, the facility being represented by an electronic design model, the method including extracting, at a computing device and from the model, details of the component and controlling a plurality of stations with the computing device to fabricate and track the component.

Abstract: A 3D printer management application collects execution history of a job executed by a 3D printer, and generates, based on the collected execution history, a report including an actual result of use of a specific setting for control of 3D object creation and an actual result value related to productivity according to the setting.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing; a treating chamber located within the housing and having an access opening; a closure element movable relative to the access opening between opened and closed positions to selectively provide access to the treating chamber through the access opening; a controller associated with the housing and implementing a treating cycle on at least one item in the treating chamber; and a human-machine interface. The HMI includes a first portion associated with the housing and a second portion associated with the closure element. The first portion includes non-touch sensitive indicia. The second portion includes an electrically conductive layer having a touch-sensitive area corresponding to the indicia of the first portion and is arranged to be in register with a corresponding selection area when the closure element is in the closed position.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting system, when a change in a recipe (setting data) for a control computer are input in any one of a plurality of circuit board working machines, such as component mounting machines, the control computer reports changed content to a host computer. The host computer, which receives the report, updates the data, which is stored in the DB server, based on the changed content of the recipe. The control computer, which receives input of the change in the recipe, executes a process in which only the partial data, which is updated by the host computer, is acquired among the data items, which are stored in the DB server.

Abstract: An automation facility and method for expanding the automation facility with at least one field device, wherein expansion of the expansion of the automation facility with a further field device occurs in a simplified manner such that no disruptive influence on process control during the expansion occurs.

Abstract: To provide a start-up control device and a start-up control method for a power plant capable of changing the start-up completion estimated time to a desired time simply and safely while starting the power plant.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of an HVAC unit by receiving outdoor temperature data from an outdoor temperature source and indoor temperature data from an indoor temperature source, tracking performance data of the HVAC unit based at least in part on the outdoor temperature data and the indoor temperature data, receiving power consumption data from the power measuring device, tracking the power consumption data based at least in part on the outdoor temperature data, determining whether there is a change in the performance data and the power consumption data, and generating a fault signal based at least in part on the change in the performance data and the power consumption data.

Abstract: A method is provided for starting up a function implemented in distributed manner on a number of computation devices in a control system having at least two computation devices coupled via a data communication connection. Output parameters are provided for a number of output variables of the respective computation device, wherein the output variables form function variables for the function. For each input variable of one of the computation devices that has an associated output variable from one of the further computation devices, the output parameters of the output variables are checked for correspondence with prescribed input parameters of the respective input variables. The function is started-up if the output parameters of the output variables correspond to the prescribed input parameters of the respective input variables.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method including: prior to an initial period of operation of an appliance, storing in memory a first set of characteristics of the appliance; during an initial period of operation of the appliance, learning a second set of characteristics of the appliance; during subsequent operation of the appliance: detecting an adverse operating condition of the appliance; and based on the first set of characteristics, the second set of characteristics and the detected adverse operating condition, determining a corrective action to be taken with regard to the appliance, the corrective action comprising at least one of: switching off the appliance and warning a user of the detected adverse operating condition. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for on-board sensing and control of robotic vehicles (e.g., MAVs) using commercial off-the-shelf hand-held electronic devices as a sensing and control system are provided. In one aspect, a system for controlling a micro aerial vehicle may include one or more sensors, a state estimation module in communication with the one or more sensors, the state estimation module being configured to generate an estimated pose of the micro aerial vehicle based on inputs from the one or more sensors, and a position controller in communication with the state estimation module and configured to communicate attitude commands to an attitude controller of the micro aerial vehicle. Each of the one or more sensors, the state estimation module, and the position controller may be contained in a commercial off-the-shelf hand-held electronic device that is configured to be coupled to the micro aerial vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices related to target tracking by UAVs. The UAV may be configured to receive target information from a control terminal related to a target to be tracked by an imaging device coupled to the UAV. The target information may be used by the UAV to automatically track the target so as to maintain predetermined position and/or size of the target within one or more images captured by the imaging device. The control terminal may be configured to display images from the imaging device as well as allowing user input related to the target information.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle over a cellular network provides capability for UAV operators to control the UAV without requiring the operator to be within a limited range of the UAV, enabling non-line-of-sight control. A command and control station is communicatively coupled to the cellular network, which is in turn communicatively coupled to the UAV. Video streaming capability is provided, in addition to a modular circuitry unit capable of accepting a wide variety of customizable circuitry units designed for various specific purposes and capabilities.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system comprises a track comprising one or more sections, the track including track indicators readable by a track indicator sensor and used to determine a dolly's position on the track, and the dolly including one or more sensors and a processor, the one or more sensors including the track indicator sensor, the processor executing instructions that control an operation of the dolly including moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously along the track based on the track indicators, wherein moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously includes one of moving the dolly autonomously and moving the dolly semi-autonomously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning aircraft based on images of mobile targets are disclosed. An example method includes identifying, by executing first instructions via a processor, a mobile target in an image obtained by a camera mounted on a first aircraft and obtaining, by executing second instructions via the processor, current coordinates of the first aircraft. The example method includes determining, by executing third instructions via the processor, coordinates of the mobile target based on the coordinates of the first aircraft and the image. The coordinates of the mobile target are within an area of uncertainty. The example method includes determining, by executing fourth instructions via the processor, a first position for the first aircraft that reduces the area of uncertainty of the coordinates of the mobile target.

Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a cleaning surface for maneuvering the robot across the cleaning surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a bumper movably supported by a forward portion of the robot body and a obstacle sensor system disposed on the bumper. The obstacle sensor system includes at least one contact sensor disposed on the bumper, at least one proximity sensor disposed on the bumper and a auxiliary circuit board disposed on the bumper and in communication with the at least one contact sensor, the at least one proximity sensor, and the robot controller.

Abstract: An autonomous moving object includes: at least one distance sensor configured to detect distances to first and second positions located in a moving direction of the autonomous moving object on a road surface; and a determination unit configured to calculate a difference between a differential time between a time when the distance value to the first position detected by the at least one distance sensor is greater than a first threshold value and a time when the distance value to the second position is greater than a second threshold value and a moving time in which the autonomous moving object moves between the first and second positions and to determine that the distance sensor is abnormal only when the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an imaging system, and a mapping module. The mapping module may access a map of an area and tags associated with the area. In various embodiments, each tag may include tag coordinates and tag information, which may include a tag annotation. A tag identification system may identify tags within a predetermined range of the current position and the control system may execute an action based on an identified tag whose tag information comprises a telepresence robot action modifier. The telepresence robot may rotate an upper portion independent from a lower portion. A remote terminal may allow an operator to control the telepresence robot using any combination of control methods, including by selecting a destination in a live video feed, by selecting a destination on a map, or by using a joystick or other peripheral device.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle support system, including a lighting network (100) having, a plurality of light units (106-1, . . . , 106-N) wherein at least one light unit includes at least one sensor type (110-1, . . . , 110-N), and a centralized or distributed controller (102, 105-1, . . . , 105-N), wherein a first light unit (106-1, . . . , 106-N) receives sensor data from its sensor type (110-1, . . . , 110-N), wherein the controller (105-1, . . . , 105-1) forms a local environmental perception of an area local to the first light unit (106-1, . . . , 106-N), using the received sensor data from light unit, and receives sensor measurement data from an autonomous vehicle relating to at least a portion of the area, and cross-validates the local environmental perception of the area and the sensor measurement data from the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A flight control system includes a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly with substantially redundant sensor capabilities as the first sensor assembly. A flight control system is operatively connected to the first and second sensor assemblies to control each assembly individually. Sensors of the first and second assemblies can include LIDAR and EO/IR sensors. The first and second sensor assemblies can be each mounted in a respective gimbal such that the first and second sensors rotate varying degrees to obtain a desired field of view.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a plurality of unmanned vehicles configured to complete cleaning tasks with little or no human involvement by identifying objects, operating washing/drying cleaning machine(s) as needed, and transporting objects to and from cleaning machine(s). The unmanned vehicles may also return objects to designated locations after cleaning, or simply arrange objects within rooms based on an ideal room arrangement state.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle having a vision based navigation system for capturing an arresting cable situated at a landing site may comprise a fuselage having a propulsion system; an arresting device coupled to the fuselage, the arresting device to capture the arresting cable at the landing site; a camera situated on the aerial vehicle; an infrared illuminator situated on the aerial vehicle to illuminate the landing site, wherein the arresting cable has two infrared reflectors situated thereon; and an onboard vision processor. The onboard vision processor may (i) generate a plurality of coordinates representing features of the landing site using an image thresholding technique, (ii) eliminate one or more coordinates as outlier coordinates using linear correlation, and (iii) identify two of the plurality of coordinates as the two infrared reflectors using a Kalman filter.

Abstract: A method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, including: receiving from a customer a first data request, the first data request having: a first geographic coverage area; and a refresh rate for the first geographic coverage area; planning a first plurality of flight missions to accomplish the first data request; uploading flight missions data representing the first plurality of flight missions into a UAV pod; and deploying the UAV pod

Abstract: A diagnostic device and diagnostic method for monitoring the operation of a control loop with a controlled system having a valve as an actuator, wherein in the case of a substantially stepped profile of a setpoint, a linear submodel is identified, which is subsequently used, with a substantially constant setpoint, in order to identify a nonlinear submodel, which is arranged upstream of the linear submodel in a Hammerstein model for the controlled system so as to facilitate a quantitative assessment of the friction behavior of a valve with a comparatively low level of computing complexity.

Abstract: A device that includes a flow controller system that comprises one or more sensors, a flow measurement sensor that comprises one or more sensors. The flow measurement sensor is configured to generate a signal based on determine the difference between the flow as measured by the flow controller system and the flow measurement system in real time.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device comprising a control component and a communication interface is provided. The control component controls operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device in instances in which a flow of air through at least a portion of the at least one housing is detected. The communication interface is coupled to the control component and enables wireless communication. The control component further detects a predefined trigger, and automatically in response thereto, causes the communication interface to broadcast availability of the aerosol delivery device for connection with a capable wireless device. The predefined trigger includes at least one instance in which the flow of air is detected, and excludes user-actuation of any button on the aerosol delivery device.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling the open and close states of a manifold diaphragm type valve includes using an actuator mechanism with feedback control. A pressure transducer and/or force gauge located on the contact end of the actuator mechanism monitors the pressure and/or force applied to the end of the actuator mechanism. A controller instructs the actuator mechanism to move forward or backward an appropriate distance based on the monitored pressure and/or force. Temperature and pressure changes in the system and material changes to the diaphragm are sensed immediately and positioning correction is applied to the actuator in real-time, thereby maintaining the same valve state while monitoring pressure separately. The linear actuator functions as a ‘smart’ actuator, capable of fine tune adjustments without additional outside monitoring and providing a more accurate and reliable method of closing the valve in a dynamic environment.

Abstract: A method of limiting control pressure provided to an actuator of a valve coupled to a valve positioner, a drive signal is provided to a pneumatic stage of the valve positioner. The pneumatic stage is arranged to control output pressure of the valve positioner in accordance with the drive signal. A pressure measurement from a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the valve positioner is obtained, and an abnormal pressure is detected based on the pressure measurement. In response to detecting the abnormal pressure, the drive signal is controlled so as to limit the output pressure of the valve positioner, wherein the output pressure provides control pressure to the actuator.

Abstract: An HVAC switching circuit may comprise a current source circuit charging a capacitor used to power an HVAC DC power relay coil. The power relay coil terminal is connected to an activation control circuit which comprises at least one of (1) each of (a) a threshold circuit which activates a first transistor to energize the power relay coil when the voltage across the threshold circuit reaches a first threshold value and (b) a regenerative feedback circuit configured to lower the first threshold value to a second threshold voltage, and (2) a voltage divider connected between a first terminal on the power relay coil and the negative DC supply, and a programmable shunt regulator, configured as a level triggered switch, programmed by the voltage divider and connected between the second power relay coil terminal and the negative DC supply.