Abstract: The present invention is related to an holographic probe device for recording a gabor hologram comprising: a coherent optical fiber bundle comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a recording medium optically coupled to the proximal end of the coherent optical fiber bundle; a light source producing in use a single light beam, illuminating the distal end of the coherent optical fiber bundle and the object to be observed.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus includes an optical system dividing light into object and reference beams and causing the object beam and the reference beam to interfere with each other to form interference fringes on an image sensor. A processor performs multiple imaging processes for the interference fringes with different incident angles of the object beam to an object, a first process to acquire a transmitted wavefront for each incident angle and a second process to calculate a three-dimensional refractive index distribution from the transmitted wavefronts. The apparatus includes a modulator changing a phase distribution of light in any one of an optical path from a light source to a dividing element, a reference beam path and an optical path from a combining element to the image sensor and causes the modulator to change the phase distribution in at least one of the multiple imaging processes.

Abstract: A tourbillon mechanism for a timepiece movement includes a balance mechanism, an escapement mechanism and a carriage mounted in a structure of the timepiece movement in rotation about a tourbillon axis. The balance mechanism includes a spring and a balance wheel mounted in the carriage to pivot about the tourbillon axis. The escapement mechanism includes an escape wheel with teeth and a pallet-lever including pallet-stones configured to engage the teeth, the pallet-lever being mounted in the carriage and coupled in rotation to the carriage by a pivot device. The escape wheel encircles the tourbillon axis and is attached to or integral with the structure of the timepiece movement.

Abstract: A timepiece with alternating color rotating dial preferably includes a timepiece housing, at least one mounting plate, a hubbed spiral disc, a hubbed drive system, a geared spiral disc, an outside drive system, a clock module and a control module. The at least one mounting plate is attached to the timepiece housing. The hubbed drive system preferably includes a hubbed motor, a hubbed drive gear and a central gear. The hubbed drive system rotates the hubbed spiral disc. The outside drive system preferably includes an outside motor, at least one outside drive gear and an outside double-wide drive gear. The outside drive system rotates the geared spiral disc. The geared spiral disc rotates within the hubbed spiral disc. The control module controls the rotation of the geared spiral disc relative to the hubbed spiral disc.

Abstract: A watch including a timepiece striking mechanism, including a drive mechanism for driving and controlling the striking mechanism to operate at least one rigid hammer, movable between a first winding position and a second striking position, the hammer being arranged to strike a gong in the second striking position, this hammer including at least one magnetized portion arranged to cooperate with at least one actuator arranged to be driven in motion by the drive mechanism, the actuator including an alternating series of first areas and second areas with different magnetic field characteristics from each other, to whose influence the magnetized portion is successively subjected on order to trigger, as the case may be, the winding of the hammer or the striking of the hammer on the gong.

Abstract: Exterior element for a wristwatch middle part, wherein said exterior element takes the form of a separate cover plate which is fixed to the wristwatch middle part and at least partially covers a connection area between a bracelet strand and the watch middle part.

Abstract: A process for adjusting a device including a first piece and at least one second piece, wherein the at least one second piece is fixed to the first piece by a joint made from a first material arranged between the first and second piece. The first material is an at least partially amorphous metal alloy. The process further includes: heating at least the joint to a heating temperature in a range of between a glass transition temperature and a crystallization temperature of the first material; modifying a position of the at least one second piece until a desired determined position is obtained; cooling at least the joint so that it retains its at least partially amorphous state.

Abstract: Timepiece wheel set (1) including an arbor (3) carrying a wheel (4), and a heart cam (2) in an angularly indexed position with respect to the wheel (4), the heart cam (2) is freely mounted in a radial direction (R) with respect to the axis (D) of the arbor (3), and is returned in a neutral position towards the axis (D) by at least one flexible element (6), which is either a strip (25; 26) incorporated in the heart cam (2), or a spring (60) inserted between the wheel (4) and the heart cam (2), and the flexible element (6) is dimensioned to damp impacts applied to a peripheral cam track (23) comprised in the heart cam (2).

Abstract: A method, executed by a computer, for deferring an alarm includes determining a user's location relative to an appointment, calculating a required alert time, and setting a deferral duration to less than or equal to a difference between a required alert time and a current time. In some embodiments, a final alarm is activated when the deferral duration has elapsed. The alarm may be deactivated when the appointment occurs or when the user arrives at the appointment location. In some embodiments, the travel time to the appointment is calculated and the mode of transportation is determined. The required alert time may correspond to an amount of time the user requires to prepare for the appointment or for departure to the appointment. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a satellite radio-controlled wristwatch, processing ranging from a user's operation through a reception operation to the completion of time adjustment is rapidly accomplished.

Abstract: A position control apparatus is configured to perform full-closed control for controlling the position of a driven member. The position control apparatus includes a vibration period and amplitude detector that detects a vibration period and a vibration amplitude included in a difference value between the position command value and the driven member position detection value. The position control apparatus also includes a constant vibration detector that outputs, as a vibration period of the constant vibration, a vibration period obtained while the driven member is not in an acceleration/deceleration state and the vibration period and the vibration amplitude detected by the vibration period and amplitude detector are equal to or greater than a vibration period threshold value and a vibration amplitude threshold value, respectively. The position control apparatus also includes a control parameter changer that changes the control parameter based on the vibration period output from the constant vibration detector.

Abstract: This disclosure involves a method of controlling a safety critical control device, the method comprising: sending user inputs to a first state machine, identifying user inputs by the first state machine, determining the correct state to communicate to a second state machine, the correct state being determined by selecting one state of a plurality of states depending on the user inputs, communicating the correct state to a second state machine through a control bus, and determining the correct state for the second state machine based on communication from the control bus.

Abstract: A method operates an onboard power supply system in a motor vehicle. The onboard power supply system has a master controller and a slave controller, in which the master controller communicates with the slave controller via a subsidiary bus system and a further onboard power supply system component via a main bus system. Present requests are received in the slave controller and in response to the present requests, performing one of: putting the slave controller into an operating mode and switching the master controller to a transmission mode, in which the master controller coordinates communication between the slave controller and the onboard power supply system component; or putting the slave controller into a sleep mode and switching the master controller to an undertaking mode, in which the master controller responds to queries from the onboard power supply system component to the slave controller.

Abstract: An event execution system comprises an ordering component that receives multiple events and dynamically organizes the multiple events based at least in part upon a predefined organization of devices affected by the multiple events. The system can additionally include an execution component that executes the multiple events with respect to the devices according to the organization of the multiple events.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for operating an energy-using device are disclosed. Current data related to operation of the energy-using device is received at a remote device. An operating specification for the energy-using device is received at the remote device from a database. A recommended setting of the energy-using device is determined from the current data and the operating specification. The remote device communicates the recommended setting to the energy-using device. A control unit at the energy-using device receives the recommended setting and implements the recommended setting at the energy-using device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for a “path affinity” engine that may work in the background to discover route information needed to connect industrial control components to control level data using “tag names.” Connections may be established dynamically through the path affinity engine, thereby simplifying the commissioning process and allowing connections to be made on an as needed basis. Accordingly, discovery of tag locations at runtime may be permitted, and implementing hardware changes in industrial control environments may be greatly simplified.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing includes providing a sensor network including sensor nodes having object recognition sensors (ORS's) and building automation network nodes. The ORS's have partially overlapping fields of view in a sensed overlap area in the building. Movement of an individual through the sensed overlap area triggers dynamic synchronizing with the first sensor node waking up and sending a first RF request to join a subnet and for a schedule of wakeup times, the first sensor node receiving a response from any sensor node that receives the first request including synchronization information having times the first sensor node should wake up. The second sensor node is activated by the individual's movement and sends a second RF message to join the subnet and for a schedule of wakeup times. The first sensor node receives the second RF message and in response sends the synchronization information to the second sensor node.

Abstract: This technology relates to systems and methods for effective selection of disparate distributed power sources for smart grid in near real time manner to meet the specific power demand. Power from the plurality of disparate power sources is received and then one or more power sources among the plurality of disparate power sources are selected based on one or more predefined requirements. At least one effective power source is determined from the one or more power sources by applying one or more algorithm based on number and range of the one or more power sources. The one or more algorithm comprise Complete Karmarkar Karp (CKK), pbrute, Heuristic based pbrute. A signal for selection of the at least one effective power source is generated and the signal is sent to a circuit switcher to supply the power from the at least one effective power sources to the smart grid.

Abstract: A power train may have a power train input and a power train output, wherein the power train is configured to transfer electrical energy from the power train input to a load coupled to the power train output in conformity with one or more power train control signals. A scheduler may be configured to receive events from the power train and, responsive to each particular event, schedule execution of a thread of control instructions responsive to the particular event, wherein the thread is selected from a plurality of threads. A processor may be configured to execute the threads of control instructions scheduled by the scheduler, such that for each particular event the processor generates one or more power train control signals responsive to the particular event within a first switching cycle of receipt of the particular event or within a second switching cycle immediately subsequent to the first switching cycle.

Abstract: In a canned cycle, a straight path is set from a cutting completion position in a cycle to a cutting start position in a next cycle. Furthermore, when there is a possibility that the set straight path interferes with a workpiece, a region for which the workpiece has been already cut is determined, and a path not interfering with the workpiece is set with as short length as possible.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a machining error calculation apparatus for calculating the machining error more precisely through analysis.

Abstract: A numerical controller includes a commanded movement-amount adjustment section, in addition to a position command section and a positional deviation counter but also. The commanded movement-amount adjustment section calculates an adjusted command movement amount based on a commanded movement amount output from the position command section, positional deviation acquired from the positional deviation counter, and an actual velocity of a control axis, and outputs the calculated adjusted command movement amount to the positional deviation counter. When a load acts on a servo motor so that positional deviation is accumulated and the load is abruptly removed, a situation in which the servo motor abruptly accelerates with its maximum torque in an attempt to eliminate the accumulated positional deviation is avoided.

Abstract: A method of notifying a user of a status of an electronic appliance is presented. Examples of the electronic appliance may include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, and clothes washers and dryers. In the method, an entertainment system device receives a message from the appliance via a communication link, wherein the message indicates the status of the appliance. In response to receiving the message, the device transmits a command to a second device of the entertainment system to select an input of the second device associated with the first device. The first device transmits data indicating the status over a media content interface to the selected input of the second device for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A system manages human machine interface (HMI) applications for industrial control and automation. Software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory media and executable by a processor receive data indicative of a manufacturing/process control system being monitored and display a user interface indicative of a status of the manufacturing/process control system being monitored wherein the status is based on the received data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for predictive shimming of large structures. Systems may include a remote device configured to move along a first path relative to a first vehicle structure. The remote device may be configured to move a sensor device along a plurality of measurement points included in the first path. A base device may be configured to identify a position of the sensor device at each measurement point. The base device may be configured to generate measurement data including a first plurality of measurements identifying at least one structural dimension of a first surface of the first vehicle structure. A controller may be configured to control operation of the base device and the remote device based on engineering data associated with the first vehicle structure. The controller may be further configured to determine at least one shim dimension associated with the first surface.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a vehicle-mounted device mounted to a vehicle and a portable device portable by a user, and performs a control to the vehicle corresponding to a collation result performed based on a wireless communication established between the vehicle-mounted device and the portable device. The vehicle-mounted device includes a vehicle-mounted transmission unit which simultaneously transmits radio waves having a predetermined phase difference using at least two transmission antennas disposed orthogonal to each other. The portable device includes a triaxial reception antenna receiving the at least two radio waves, and a magnetic field strength detection unit detecting a magnetic field strength on each of three axes of the triaxial reception antenna. One of the vehicle-mounted device or the portable device includes an illicitness determination unit determining, based on the detected magnetic field strength, whether the wireless communication is established through an illicit repeater.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carries a camera, sends data from the camera, and receives commands. The UAV is connected to a messaging platform. Pictures or video clips received from the UAV are selected and placed in messages broadcast by an account associated with the UAV. Video footage from the camera is live-streamed in a card-type message. Account holders of the messaging platform may control the UAV with commands embedded in messages and directed towards an account associated with the UAV. Controllable elements of the UAV include UAV location, camera orientation, camera subject, UAV-mounted lighting, a UAV-mounted display, a UAV-mounted projector, UAV-mounted speakers, and a detachable payload. UAV control may be determined through democratic means. Some UAV functionality may be triggered through aggregated engagements on the messaging platform. The UAV may include a display screen and/or a microphone to provide for telepresence or interview functionality.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an automated control system having a memory and a processor system communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor system is configured to perform a method including determining that a body area network of an occupant of a vehicle has reported, during operation of the vehicle, a medical emergency event, and controlling operation of the vehicle based at least in part on the determination that the body area network of the occupant has reported an emergency event.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot is configured to move across a floor area in accordance with a floor covering strategy and includes: based on a topological map of the floor area, designating a location of a current cell that is bounded by a primary boundary; executing a series of double strokes into and within the current cell, while mapping obstructive objects within the current cell onto an obstacle map; from the obstacle map, determining a secondary boundary of the current cell that encloses an area of the current cell covered by the executed double strokes, and distinguishes between secondary boundary portions thereof at which an obstructive object is located, and secondary boundary portions thereof at which no obstructive object is located; and adding the determined secondary boundary to the topological map of the floor area.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile carrier and an auto following system using the mobile carrier. The mobile carrier is capable of capturing at least an image of a guiding light source and automatically following the guiding light source based on the captured image of the guiding light source. The mobile carrier is further disposed with a mobile light source for a remote image sensing device to capture an image of the mobile light source while the mobile carrier cannot capture the image of the guiding light source, so that the mobile carrier can be guided by a control signal provided according to the captured image of the mobile light source.

Abstract: In an example method, a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode could have a radar system used to aid in vehicle guidance. The method could include a plurality of antennas configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. The method may also include a one or more sensors configured to measure a movement of the vehicle. A portion of the method may be performed by a processor configured to: i) determine adjustments based on the movement of the vehicle; ii) calculate distance and direction information for received electromagnetic signals; and iii) recover distance and direction information for received electromagnetic signals with the adjustments applied. The processor may be further configured to adjust the movement of the autonomous vehicle based on the distance and direction information with adjustments applied.

Abstract: A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial command; transmitted from the network data bridge.

Abstract: A device for automatically engaging an automated emergency descent of an aircraft. The device comprises a monitoring unit configured to automatically compare, repetitively, a current cabin altitude of the aircraft to an engagement threshold representing an altitude value, an activation unit configured to automatically engage the automated emergency descent when the current cabin altitude reaches the engagement threshold called main engagement threshold, and a unit for generating at least one engagement threshold configured at least to adapt the main engagement threshold according to the terrain, the main engagement threshold corresponding to the sum of a terrain altitude and a predetermined margin.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: A system and method is described for controlling flight trajectories of at least two flying vehicles towards goal positions. The system includes at least two flying vehicles with onboard inertial measurement units for determining and updating orientation, angular velocities, position and linear velocities of the at least two flying vehicles, a motion capture system to detect current position and velocity of each of the at least two flying vehicles, and a base controller in communication with the motion capture system and in communication with the plurality of flying vehicles. The base controller calculates for each of the flying vehicles, at predetermined intervals of time, optimum trajectory paths using piece-wise smooth polynomial functions, applying weighting factors, and enforcing overlap constraints.

Abstract: Collisionless flight is achieved by overlaying a circulant digraph with certain characteristics over a model of the area to be flown. Each UAV then executes a flight path corresponding to a directed cycle of the circulant digraph where each vertex of the circulant digraph corresponds to two waypoints. The circulant digraph includes more vertices than the number of unmanned aerial vehicles and the number of vertices is divisible by the number of UAVs. Additionally, the circulant digraph has a first jump of 1, a second jump of one less than then number of UAVs. To maximize coverage, each of the vertices of the circulant digraph may then be individually updated such that they satisfy two tests: a convexity test and an isosceles avoidance test. The updated flight path of each UAV may then be relayed from a control station to each UAV.

Abstract: A kite system includes a kite and a ground station. The ground station includes a sensor that can be utilized to determine an angular position and velocity of the kite relative to the ground station. A controller utilizes a fuzzy logic control system to autonomously fly the kite. The system may include a ground station having powered winding units that generate power as the lines to the kite are unreeled. The control system may be configured to fly the kite in a crosswind trajectory to increase line tension for power generation. The sensors for determining the position of the kite are preferably ground-based.

Abstract: A method to be used for controlling a screen (1) including a load bar (2), a flexible element (4) supporting the load bar, and at least one controlled member for winding the flexible member, in order to move the load bar (2) between a first high or low position and a second low or high position, the movement resulting from an angular movement of the winding member. The method includes at least one step in which the angular movement of the of the winding member (52) is controlled with a temporal set value (?(t)) of the instantaneous angular position (?(t)) of the winding member (52).

Abstract: A feedback-controlled fluid valve and methods of using the same are described herein. One feedback-controlled fluid device includes piston within a valve associated with a conduit, a position sensor to determine a position of the piston relative to a metering cone, a coil to generate a magnetic field within the valve, wherein the magnetic field moves the piston, and wherein a rate of fluid flow through the valve is configured to adjust based on the position of the piston relative to the metering cone.

Abstract: A grain pipe valve assembly maintains a desired level of flow restriction through a grain pipe. The assembly includes a valve couplable to a downspout. The valve is positionable proximate a lower end of the downspout. The valve has a swivel gate selectively extendable into the downspout wherein the swivel gate inhibits flow of grain through the downspout. A sensor is couplable to the downspout in spaced relationship to the valve towards the upper end of the downspout to detect when backflow of grain reaches a predetermined level in the downspout. The sensor is operationally coupled to the valve wherein the swivel gate is controlled and extended into the downspout to maintain backflow of grain to the predetermined level in the downspout.

Abstract: A method for early detection and anticipatory control of consumer-end load shedding in a single-phase or polyphase electrical grid supplied with single phase or polyphase by at least one generator driven by at least one rotating machine includes measuring a current and a voltage between the at least one generator and the electrical grid and/or a current and a voltage in the electrical grid, deriving at least one signal from the measured current and voltage and using the at least one derived signal to act on the at least one rotating machine.

Abstract: A method and a device are based on the application of an active correcting system with central corrector and Youla parameter for the attenuation of essentially monofrequency mechanical vibratory perturbations generated in a material structure by a rotating machine. Previously, a control law corresponding to a block modeling of the system is established and calculated, the blocks being, on the other hand, those of the central corrector and, on the other hand, a Youla parameter block, the modeling being such that only the Youla parameter, in the form of an infinite impulse response filter, has coefficients dependent on the vibratory perturbation frequency. During a phase of use, in real time, the frequency of the current perturbation is determined and the control law is calculated using for the Youla parameter the stored coefficients of a determined perturbation frequency corresponding to the current perturbation frequency.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used in purging and loading applications. In some examples, a device configured to purge a sorbent tube until a desired water level is reached is provided. In other examples, a device configured to load a sorbent tube with a desired water level is provided. Systems and methods using the devices are also described.

Abstract: An electronic device controls a driving condition based on an operating state. The device includes a function block, a function monitoring agent, and a driving control module. The function block includes a plurality of function modules. The function monitoring agent is configured to identify one or more activated function modules among the function modules in the function block. The driving control module is configured to determine the driving condition required for an operation of the activated function modules, and based on the determined driving condition, to drive the activated function modules.

Abstract: A cooperative voltage sensor (CVS) issues a target voltage change request when a voltage moving average at an end thereof deviates from a proper voltage upper or lower limit value. A cooperative voltage controller (CVC) also can issue a target voltage change request when a voltage moving average at an end thereof deviates from the proper voltage upper or lower limit value. The target voltage change request issued by the cooperative voltage sensor (CVS) or the cooperative voltage controller (CVC) is transferred between cooperative voltage controllers (CVCs) via a communication network and notified to all the cooperative voltage controllers (CVCs), and a cooperative operation of voltage control is realized.

Abstract: An electric power system including an on-load tap changing (OLTC) transformer is provided. The OLTC transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. A portion of the at least one primary winding and at least one of the secondary windings are inductively coupled to each other. Further, the electric power system includes at least one on-load tap changer coupled to the at least one primary winding or the at least one secondary winding of the OLTC transformer. The on-load tap changer is configured to regulate the portion of the at least one primary winding or the at least one secondary winding that are inductively coupled to each other. Furthermore, the system includes at least one controller coupled to the on-load tap changer. The controller is configured to determine a permissible voltage range defined by a bandwidth around a voltage set-point at the at least one on-load tap changer, where the bandwidth is a function of one or more electrical network states.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit that is used for a stabilizing power supply circuit which supplies an output power supply voltage to a parallel connection of a smoothing capacitor and a load, from an input power supply voltage, includes an error amplifier that detects an error of the output power supply voltage, an output control circuit that is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, a phase compensation circuit that is connected to the error amplifier, and a detection control circuit that is connected to the phase compensation circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator having a simple circuit configuration in which a protection circuit is not erroneously operated, and delay time of activation of the protection circuit is short. The voltage regulator includes: a protection circuit configured to control an output transistor when an abnormality of the voltage regulator is detected; a first constant current circuit configured to supply operating current to the protection circuit; and a detection circuit configured to detect output current flowing through the output transistor, to thereby control the first constant current circuit. The detection circuit is further configured to detect the output current with a predetermined reference current value. The protection circuit is further configured to control the output transistor so that the output current does not fall below the reference current value.

Abstract: A regulator for converting a DC input voltage into a DC output voltage includes: a control module generating a predetermined regulated voltage associated with the DC output voltage, and further generating a control signal based on a feedback voltage associated with the DC output voltage; a switching module outputting, in response to the control signal, one of the reference voltage and the regulated voltage as a switching voltage; and a conversion module generating the DC output voltage and the feedback voltage based on the DC input voltage, a reference voltage output from the reference voltage generation module and the switching voltage.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an energy supply of a utility provider include calibrating one or more climate controlled spaces for a controller. The calibrating may include calculating a heating/cooling ratio for the one or more climate controlled spaces. After this calibration occurs, the system may determine if an energy supply surplus exists. If an energy supply surplus exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy sinks for expending energy according to the heating/cooling ratio. The system may also determine if an energy supply deficit exists and if an energy supply deficit exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy “sources,” in which a direct load control algorithm is used to reduce energy consumption by the one or more climate controlled spaces.