Abstract: A method and system for autonomously monitoring, evaluating, storing and testing tools and other units operated at a rig-site. The system may include a storage facility communicatively coupled to one or more tools, status flags identifying the health and operational status of the tools, and a computer for performing a self-check for determining the operational status for the one or more tools. The system may further include a remotely positioned computer system in communication with the operational status of the tools, and a user terminal in communication with the computer system.

Abstract: A software workstation and method configured to employ appended metadata in an industrial automation software of an industrial automation environment are provided. The software workstation in one example includes an interface configured to interact with a user and communicate with an industrial automation system including the industrial automation software and a processing system coupled to the interface, with the processing system configured to obtain a metadata information, generate at least one metadata instance from the metadata information, associate the at least one metadata instance with one or more predetermined objects in the industrial automation software, and store the at least one metadata instance and the association as part of the industrial automation software.

Abstract: An information processing method to be executed by a processor, the processing method includes setting an area target amount of reduction in power consumption of a target area; acquiring a predicted value and a measured value of outdoor temperature at each of a plurality of subareas included in the target area; calculating, for each of the plurality of subareas, a prediction error of outdoor temperature by calculating a difference between the predicted value and the measured value; calculating, for each of the plurality of subareas, a utilization rate indicating a rate of assignment of the area target amount of reduction in power consumption by solving an objective function generated based on the area target amount of reduction and a variance of the prediction error of outdoor temperature; and determining, for each of the plurality of subareas, a subarea target amount of reduction in power consumption based on the utilization rate.

Abstract: The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. In a replenishment operation, the system transfers empty bins to an operator station for replenishment. An operator fills the empty bins with product items. The system inserts these bins into drawers in the ISU. In a purge operation, the operator enters an identifier of a class of product to be removed. The system moves the bins containing the affected items to the operator station. After the product items are removed, the empty bins are moved to the ISU.

Abstract: A display device that displays an error between an instructed command position of a specific portion of a control target and a response position of the specific portion in a manner easily understandable to a user is described. The display device acquires a response position of the specific portion and calculates a difference in position of the command position and the response position. The display device displays a spatial trajectory based on the command position or a spatial trajectory based on the response position. The display device also displays each spatial trajectory in a mode where a portion of the spatial trajectory of the command position corresponding to the selected mark and a portion of the spatial trajectory of the response position corresponding to the relevant portion of the spatial trajectory of the command position are enlarged at a same magnification.

Abstract: A production line system includes n operational stations L1, L2, L3 . . . Ln. Each operational station includes: m operational devices Dn1, Dn2, Dn3 . . . Dnm in each operational station, and the operational devices used for processing operated products with m specifications, respectively, in which n=1, 2, 3, . . . n and m?1. An initial terminal of the production line system comprises a signal analyzer and a transport mechanism. The signal analyzer is used for analyzing product information of an operated product and for demanding the transport mechanism to deliver the operated product to a corresponding initial operational station and a corresponding operational device according to the product information The production line system provided can deal with products with more than two different specifications at the same time, and especially can apply to producing a small number of products or an experimental batch of products.

Abstract: The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) for a plurality of product items, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU, and places the bin onto a shelf that moves with the robot. The additional items are handled similarly. Once all the items are on the shelf, the robot transfers them to a dispensing chute to the consumer.

Abstract: A method to determine a risk of failure for a machine including: generating a first value for a risk of failure of the machine, wherein the first value is determined by a first model receiving as an input a condition of the machine and the first model includes a relationship derived from historical machine failures and correlating the input condition of the machine to a value for the risk of failure; generating a second value of the risk of failure of the machine, wherein the second value is determined by a second model receiving as an input information regarding wear or degradation of the machine and the second model includes a relationship correlating the input information regarding wear or degradation to a value for the risk of failure, and determining a total risk of failure based on the first and second values of the risk of failure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing supplemental identification abilities to an autonomous vehicle system. The sensor unit of the vehicle may be configured to receive data indicating an environment of the vehicle, while the control system may be configured to operate the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a processing unit configured to analyze the data indicating the environment to determine at least one object having a detection confidence below a threshold. Based on the at least one object having a detection confidence below a threshold, the processor may communicate at least a subset of the data indicating the environment for further processing. The vehicle is also configured to receive an indication of an object confirmation of the subset of the data. Based on the object confirmation of the subset of the data, the processor may alter the control of the vehicle by the control system.

Abstract: The drone (10) comprises an onboard video camera (14) picking up a sequence of images to be transmitted to a remote control. The user selects an exposure mode such as forward or sideways, panoramic or boom plane, tracking, defining a trajectory to be transmitted to the drone. Corresponding setpoint values are generated and applied to a processing subsystem controlling the motors of the drone. Once the drone is stabilized on the prescribed trajectory (38), the exposure by the video camera (14) is activated and the trajectory is stabilized by an open loop control avoiding the oscillations inherent in a servocontrol with feedback loop.

Abstract: Various techniques are described to facilitate controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and viewing feedback received from a UAV. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that allows a user to view a display window. The display window may indicate structures or portions of structures in which additional image data is desired by highlighting these portions within the display window. Static imagery may be leveraged to provide smooth and consistent feedback transitions. When a delay exists between the time the UAV sends live video data and the time it may be displayed in the GUI, the static images may be shown in the display window initially until the live video data may be displayed. The opacity of structures included in an initial display window may also transition to a greater opacity over time, with the live video eventually being displayed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a head-mounted display apparatus to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example, hands-free. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.

Abstract: Buoyant sensor networks are described, comprising floating buoys with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities. The buoys can control their buoyancy and motion, and can organize communication in a distributed fashion. Some buoys may have tethered underwater vehicles with a smart spooling system that allows the vehicles to dive deep underwater while remaining in communication and connection with the buoys.

Abstract: A method for processing object detection-related information may include receiving information indicative of an encounter between a robotic vehicle and an object responsive to communication received from a sensor of the robotic vehicle while the robotic vehicle transits a parcel, determining a location of the robotic vehicle at a time corresponding to occurrence of the encounter, determining whether the location corresponds to a location associated with a known object associated with the parcel, and classifying the object as an unknown object based on the location not corresponding to the location associated with the known object.

Abstract: A mobile robot can include an elongated body no more than two meters high and no more than one meter wide; at least one securable container; at least one depth sensor mounted near or at the top of the body to have a downward field of view (FOV), the at least one depth sensor comprising a video camera in combination with another distance sensor; and a drive mechanism configured to provide linear and rotational movement for the robot.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of demand management for fluid networks. The method includes the steps of providing a computer controlled fluid network for delivery of fluid to at least one customer (14), maintaining a real time database (16) within the computer controlled fluid network of predetermined parameters, requesting a flow rate and time of delivery of said fluid from the fluid network through a user interface (22) to a customer (20), determining, using predetermined parameters from the real time database (16), the availability (24) of providing delivery of fluid from the fluid network to the customer (14) based on hydraulic capacity of the fluid network, and, if the hydraulic capacity is available, calculating parameters (38) using the real time database (16) to deliver fluid to the customer (14) through the computer controlled fluid network.

Abstract: A positioner is provided with a control calculating portion 1 including first and second calculating portions. The first calculating portion, a valve opening detecting portion, and a first pressure sensor are contained in a first case. The second calculating portion, an electropneumatic converting portion, a pneumatic circuit portion, and a second pressure sensor are contained in a second case. The first case is assembled together with the valve, and the second case is located in a position away from the valve. Output signals from the first calculating portion, which are a control signal MV (a PWM signal) and a detected pressure signal S1? (wherein a detected pressure signal S1 has been converted into a digital signal, are sent to the second calculating portion through cables 16.

Abstract: A raw material gas supply method for use in a film forming apparatus which forms a film on a substrate, includes supplying a carrier gas to a gas phase zone defined inside a raw material container accommodating a liquid or solid raw material, vaporizing the raw material, supplying a raw material gas containing the vaporized raw material from the raw material container to the film forming apparatus via a raw material gas supply path, measuring a flow rate of the vaporized raw material flowing through the raw material gas supply path, comparing the flow rate of the vaporized raw material obtained by the flow rate measurement unit with a predetermined target value, and controlling an internal pressure of the raw material container to be increased when the flow rate is higher than the predetermined target value, and to be decreased when the is lower than the predetermined target value.

Abstract: A power converter for a load with varying power requirements dynamically adjusts its supply voltage to the load so as to track the radio frequency (RF) envelope of the signal being carried by the load. The supply voltage can be provided by a multiple-output charge pump providing multiple output voltage levels concurrently, and a switch to provide a selected one of the different output voltage levels as the supply voltage to the load. A controller controls the switch to dynamically modify the voltage level selected for output as the supply voltage such that the supply voltage tracks the RF envelope of the signal being carried by the load. As the switching losses of transistors of the power converter may exceed the power savings achieved through envelope tracking, the power converter employs a peak following frequency divider circuit that limits the switching frequency of the power converter to a threshold frequency.

Abstract: A control circuit includes: a comparing circuit, having a first input terminal and second input terminal, configured to operably generate a comparison signal according signals received by the first and second input terminals, wherein the first input terminal is utilized for coupling with a reference signal and the second input terminal is utilized for coupling with a feedback signal; a periodic signal generating circuit configured to operably generate a periodic signal and to operably apply the periodic signal to the first input terminal or the second input terminal of the comparing circuit; and a control signal generating circuit configured to operably control an on time of a power switch according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: Techniques for trimming an on chip ZQ calibration resistor are disclosed. The on chip ZQ calibration resistor alleviates the need for an external ZQ calibration resistor. The on chip ZQ calibration resistor allows for a faster ZQ calibration. The trimming of on chip ZQ calibration resistor may be used to account for process variation. A correction mechanism may be used to account for temperature variation. Some of the circuitry that is used for ZQ calibration is also used for trimming the on-chip calibration resistor. This circuitry may include operational amplifiers, current mirrors, transistors, etc. The dual use of the circuitry can eliminate offset errors in an operational amplifier. The dual use can eliminate current mirror mismatch. Therefore, the trimming accuracy may be improved. The dual use also reduces the amount of circuitry that is needed for trimming the on chip ZQ calibration resistor. Thus, transistor count and chip size is reduced.

Abstract: A power supply device has an output portion that generates an output voltage from an input voltage and supplies the output voltage to a load, an output feedback controller that drives the output portion by performing output feedback control, and a first detector that detects, by means of an electromagnetic induction method, a change in a first monitoring target current due to a load change. The output feedback controller reflects a detection result from the first detector into the output feedback control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiplicity of grid elements and devices for supply and/or load curtailment as supply, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption and/or supply, and wherein messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements and devices, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Techniques for managing power loads of a data center include electrically coupling a data center infrastructure power load and a data center IT power load in a power distribution system having a specified power capacity, the infrastructure power load including a plurality of infrastructure power loads associated with at least one of a data center cooling system, a data center lighting system, or a data center building management system, and the IT power load including a plurality of IT power loads associated with a plurality of rack-mounted computing devices; determining that a predicted amount of the IT power load is about equal to or greater than a threshold power value; throttling the infrastructure power load to reduce a portion of the power capacity used by the infrastructure power load; and based on throttling the infrastructure power load, increasing another portion of the power capacity available to the IT power load.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power to a facility includes a generator, and a controller configured to determine whether electrical power to the facility has been interrupted, and automatically determine a generator initial start and restart time delay based at least on a prediction of when an electrical system within the facility needs to be cycled.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of voltage measurement using paired t statistical analysis applied to calculating a shift in average usage per customer from one time period to another time period for a given electrical use population where the pairing process is optimized using a novel technique to improve the accuracy of the statistical measurement.

Abstract: A system and method of coordinating power states between two detachable units is disclosed. Only the primary unit has a user-controllable power control. The secondary unit is not directly user controllable. The power states of the two units are coordinated using an actuator mechanism when the units are attached. When the two units are detached, the state of the secondary unit is dependent upon the state of the primary unit and any subsequent commands transmitted by the primary unit to the secondary unit.

Abstract: A device includes an integrated circuit programmed with an operating surface equation. The operating surface equation may define an operating point as a function of operating voltage, operating frequency, leakage current, and one or more additional operating factors. The additional operating factors may be, for example, an operating temperature of the integrated circuit, a number of active execution units in the integrated circuit, and/or an age of the integrated circuit. The operating surface equation may be adjusted based on changes in one or more of the additional operating factors. Changes in the operating surface equation may change the operating surface of the integrated circuit. Thus, operating points (e.g., operating voltage) of the integrated circuit may be adjusted in response to changes in the additional operating factors.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a first through-electrode penetrating the substrate and connected to a power source or a reference potential point; a second through-electrode penetrating the substrate; a power section connected between the substrate and the second through-electrode and configured to output a DC voltage between the substrate and the second through-electrode; a voltage control section configured to control the DC voltage to be output by the power section; and a measurement section connected to the first through-electrode and configured to measure a power impedance of the first through-electrode, wherein the voltage control section is configured to control a value of the DC voltage output by the power section, such that the power impedance of the first through-electrode measured by the measurement section is equal to or less than a predetermined value within a predetermined frequency range including a frequency of noise occurring in the first through-electrode.

Abstract: In a reference signal distribution system, a first subsystem is configured to distribute a reference signal to a second subsystem. The first subsystem includes multiple diode-connected devices biased by a reference current and configured to establish a differential voltage between a first node and a second node. The second subsystem includes multiple diode-connected devices driven by the differential voltage and configured to generate a copy current associated with the reference current.

Abstract: A current mirror circuit is provided that has a feedback loop that includes a current mirror that provides base current compensation to the bases of the input and output transistors of the current mirror circuit. By employing a current mirror in the feedback loop to provide base current compensation, the minimum power supply voltage of the current mirror circuit is very low, typically less than or equal to about 1.5 V.

Abstract: Controlling a photovoltaic system includes providing a photovoltaic device having a variable DC voltage output and a variable DC current output. The photovoltaic device has a combination of a voltage output level and a current output level corresponding to a predetermined, desired power point. A DC power supply is connected in a parallel and/or series combination with the photovoltaic device. A DC load is connected in series to the combination of the DC power supply and the photovoltaic device such that the load is powered by the combination. A characteristic of the DC power supply is adjusted such that the voltage output and the current output of the photovoltaic device substantially match the voltage output level and the current output level corresponding to the desired power point.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal bracket includes a plate-like base plate portion fixed to a vehicle cabin side of a dash panel that separates an engine room and a vehicle cabin from each other, a support portion that is fixedly fitted to the base plate portion and by which a pedal arm is pivotably supported, and a plurality of tubular spacers fixedly fitted to the base plate portion, the vehicle pedal bracket is fixed to the dash panel with a plurality of screw members respectively inserted through the plurality of spacers, a plurality of tubular holding portions is disposed so as to project from a back side of the base plate portion, the back side is on the dash panel side, and so as to be in close contact with outer peripheral faces of the plurality of spacers, and a sound absorbing structural portion having a large number of bottomed holes.

Abstract: A clock frequency is controlled by determining a cumulative duty cycle according to a ratio of a cumulative time, during an interval, that the clock frequency has a frequency greater than or equal to a design frequency threshold value to a duration of the interval. A frequency of the clock frequency is controlled to be a first frequency value when the cumulative duty cycle is less than a first duty cycle threshold; and controlled to be a second frequency value substantially less than the first frequency value when the cumulative duty cycle is greater than a second duty cycle threshold. The second duty cycle threshold is greater than or equal to the first duty cycle threshold.

Abstract: A modulated clock device is provided that includes an update device for updating a phase of the modulated clock device. In one example, the update device includes an update phase multiplexer coupled to an output phase multiplexer of an output clock generator and configured to receive an input clock signal and one or more phases of the input clock signal; an output phase fractional counter coupled to the update phase multiplexer and configured to receive an update clock signal and to generate an output phase; and an update phase device coupled to the output phase fractional counter and to the update phase multiplexer. The output phase fractional counter is further configured to send the output phase to the output phase multiplexer and to the update phase device. The update phase device is configured to generate an update phase and to send the update phase to the update phase multiplexer.

Abstract: A memory controller includes a clock generator to generate a first clock signal and a timing circuit to generate a second clock signal from the first clock signal. The second clock signal times communications with any of a plurality of memory devices in respective ranks, including a first memory device in a first rank and a second memory device in a second rank. The timing circuit is configured to adjust a phase of the first clock signal, when the memory controller is communicating with the second memory device, based on calibration data associated with the second memory device and timing adjustment data associated with feedback from at least the first memory device.

Abstract: A portable computer that is configurable between a plurality of display modes including a laptop mode (in which the portable computer has a conventional laptop appearance) and an easel mode in which the base of the computer and its display component stand vertically forming an inverted “V.” The portable computer includes a hinge assembly that couples the display component to the base of the computer, and allows the display component to be rotated about an axis along an interface between the display component and the base to configure the portable computer between a closed position, the laptop mode and the easel mode. The portable computer further comprises a scroll wheel and optional navigation buttons that permit a user to control or manipulate various aspects of operation of the portable computer (such as volume or display brightness) and/or content displayed the computer.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a front frame with an opening, a display panel, and a back frame. The display panel is mounted between the front frame and the back frame. The front frame includes a front frame body and a side frame portion surrounding the front frame body. A groove is defined in the side frame portion. The back frame includes a receiving portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion includes an outer frame body surrounding the receiving portion and one or more flanges protruding from the outer frame body. The receiving portion defines a receiving section for receiving the display panel. The back frame includes one or more resisting blocks protruding from the receiving section. The resisting blocks resist the display panel. The flanges engage in the groove to secure the front frame to the back frame.

Abstract: A digitizer panel for input with an electronic pen is detachably attached a laptop PC. The laptop PC includes a touch screen housed in a display housing. The display housing is formed of material having electromagnetic wave transmissivity such as GFRP or CFRP. On the back face of the display housing, an electromagnetic induction type digitizer panel can be detachably attached. The digitizer panel and the laptop PC are able to wirelessly communicate with each other. When the digitizer panel is attached, an electronic pen is brought close to the touch screen for input. When the digitizer panel is not attached, the electronic pen is directly brought close to the digitizer panel for input.

Abstract: The wrist-mounted device to assist pilgrims is an electronic device worn on the wrist that provides functions to assist a pilgrim, particularly a pilgrim on a pilgrimage to a holy site. The device includes a heart rate monitor that alerts the user when his or her heart rate is too high, a GPS unit showing the location of holy sites of interest, a monitor for keeping a count of the number of perambulations around a holy site, e.g., when performing a Tawaf, an audio playback device that will play back a prayer or scripture, such as the Dua'a, and an annunciator for announcing prayer times.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic component configured to receive electric current and a plated contact electrically coupled to the electronic component and configured to carry the electric current to the electronic component from a system external to the device. The plated contact includes a copper-alloy layer, a platinum-group metal (PGM) layer plated over the copper-alloy layer, and a gold-alloy layer plated over the PGM layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing and using wearable computing devices. A wearable computing device with a device body and a removable face portion, where the removable face portion is removable yet operatively coupled with the device body. A display and sensor or sensors can be provided on the fact portion. The face portion, or a bezel of the face portion, can be rotated relative to the device body or the face portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wearable device, including a main body including a central processing unit and a display panel; and a connection member electrically connected to the main body and including a plurality of functional modules, at least one of which is provided with a control assembly configured to control an operational state of the functional module where the control assembly is located.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed an adjustable tension wrap end hinge. A hinge assembly includes a first wrap end component and a second wrap end component; a first axle and a second axle, the wrap section of the first wrap end component being wrapped at least in part around a first portion of the first axle adjacent to a first end of the first axle, and the wrap section of the second wrap end component being wrapped at least in part around a first portion of the second axle adjacent to a first end of the second axle; and a first tension screw to adjust a tension of the first wrap end component on the first axle and a second tension screw to adjust a tension of the second wrap end component on the second axle.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes: a touch pad configured to detect a touched position on an input surface; a click button provided on a rear surface of the touch pad; and a touch pad cover including a through hole through which the click button passes, the touch pad cover being attached to the rear surface of the touch pad, wherein the touch pad cover includes: a mount configured to reduce deflection on an upper end of the touch pad cover; and a plurality of ribs, arranged at intervals on a rear surface of the touch pad cover, configured to distribute depression force to a first side of the touch pad cover when the depression force is applied on the input surface.

Abstract: A fixing member is used for fixing a plate to a frame. The fixing member includes a body and a fixing plate extending from the body. The body can lock with the frame along a first direction substantially parallel to the body. The fixing plate is configured to deform along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and lock with an aligning portion of the plate. An electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: Examples of computing devices and assemblies for mounting computer components to an enclosure or other structure of the computing device are described. In some examples, the mounting assembly may include a compliant member having a plurality of corner portions configured to engage the corners of the component. The mounting assembly may also include a bracket configured to enclose at least a portion of the compliant member. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount the component at an angle relative to the enclosure or other structure, and may include one or more features adapted for improved cooling of the component mounted therein. The compliant member may include a plurality of ribs or other retaining elements for maintaining the component in a spaced apart position relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Electronic device includes an enclosure, a motherboard received in the enclosure, a first bracket securing a first electronic module, a transfer card electronically coupled to the motherboard, and a securing member securing the transfer card to the first bracket. The transfer card is substantially perpendicular to the motherboard, the first electronic module is electronically connected to the transferring card, and thereby the motherboard is electronically connected to the first electronic module.

Abstract: A power supply device disclosed in the present specification has an output portion which generates an output voltage from an input voltage by means of on-off control of an output transistor and feeds the output voltage to a load, an output feedback controller which drives the output portion by performing output feedback control, and a detector which detects, by means of an electromagnetic induction method, a ripple component in a monitoring target current resulting from the on-off control of the output transistor. The output feedback controller performs the output feedback control based on the result of detection by the detector.