Abstract: A developing cartridge mountable to a development rotary of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force from a main assembly engaging portion to a developing roller, the coupling member being engageable and disengageable relative to the engaging portion with rotation of the rotary, the coupling member being movable among a rotational force transmitting angular position, a pre-engagement angular position in which the coupling member is inclined relative to that in the transmitting angular position to engage with the engaging portion, and a disengaging angular position for disengaging therefrom; and an inclination regulating member movable between a regulating position for positioning the coupling member to the pre-engagement position and a retracted position, the inclination regulating member being movable from the retracted position to the regulating position by being abutted by a function member of the rotary.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including a mounting section provided with a first connection terminal, and a removable unit provided with a second connection terminal. The second connection terminal is held by a holding member that is mounted on a side surface portion of the removable unit while the holding member is displaceable in a direction that is orthogonal to a movement direction of the removable unit when the removable unit is mounted or removed and while the holding member is pushed towards an outer side of the side surface portion by an elastic member. When the removable unit is mounted, the holding member becomes displaced towards an inner side of the side surface portion, and the holding member becomes pushed towards the outer side of the side surface portion by the elastic member, so that the second connection terminal contacts the first connection terminal.

Abstract: A physical unclonable function (PUF) located on a supply item for an imaging device is disclosed. The PUF is advantageously located on the back side of the supply item opposite a handle. This configuration enables a PUF reader to be located at the end of the insertion path of the supply item where it is protected from damage. Other devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A main body (100A) includes a second movable member (110A) that is movable and that, has a first recess portion (123). The second movable member (110A) is moved from a first position where a first projecting portion (80a) of a first cartridge (70a) can enter a first recess portion (123) to a second position by a movement of the first projecting portion (80a), thereby allowing a second cartridge (70A) to be moved to an attachment position of the main body (100A). The second movable member (110A) also allows a third projecting portion (80A) of a second cartridge (70A) to enter the first recess portion (123) at the first position. The second movable member (110A) is moved to the second position when the third projecting portion (81A) enters the first recess portion (124), thereby allowing the second cartridge (70A) to be moved to the attachment position.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a frame and a handle exposed on a top portion of the frame to allow a user to carry the replaceable unit by holding the handle. The handle is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A latch positioned on the frame is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The handle is operatively connected to the latch such that lifting of the handle from the lowered position to the raised position to carry the replaceable unit moves the latch from the latched position to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A holographic light field imaging device and method of using the same. The holographic light field imaging device may optically compress the light field into a lower-dimensional, coded representation for algorithmic reconstruction by transforming the light field in a known, calculable way. The resulting wavefront may be optically compressed before capture, wherein the compression may later be reversed via software algorithm, recovering a representation of the original light field.

Abstract: Wristwatch comprising a mechanical device for executing a first mechanical function arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal, and an electronic device housed in a bracelet and arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and/or a mechanical vibration, wherein the electronic device is arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal at the moment when the mechanical device for executing the first mechanical function produces the first acoustic alarm signal.

Abstract: The Magic Gluco Wrist Watch (MGW) is a time wrist watch with a capability to measure the blood glucose level. The fix watch clasp plays a role of a lancing device, and is attached to the end of a left strap of the MGW. The movement of a holding member from the left strap to a right strap causes new electric current test strip to be driven in to the test strip port. A test strip port is located in the lug. By opening the valve, the MGW turns from time watch into a blood glucose meter.

Abstract: Processes and systems for preparing pipe for machine processing to form pin and box ends for assembly into pipelines using mechanical press-fit pipe joints that are fully measured and documented during both manufacturing and assembly. Installed pipelines include pipeline data monitoring systems coupled to a pipeline data management center for receiving, archiving, and analysis of the data records to aid in administration, operation and management, and troubleshooting of pipelines.

Abstract: A photovoltaic energy system includes a photovoltaic field configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, cloud detectors configured to detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller uses the cloud detectors to predict a disturbance in the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system. The controller determines a time at which the disturbance is expected to occur and determines an amount by which the electric power output is expected to decrease. The controller can preemptively adjust the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system in accordance with a predetermined ramp rate.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for performance management are provided. The apparatus may be an electronic device. The electronic device detects a change of form factor mode or ambient wind using a detection circuit or at least one sensor. The change of form factor mode may include at least one of folding the electronic device, unfolding the electronic device, rolling the electronic device, changing a flexible shape of the electronic device, or equipping a cover on the electronic device. A set of thermal control parameters may be determined based on the detected change. The set of thermal control parameters may be retrieved from a lookup table or calculated using a mathematical model. The electronic device adjusts the performance based on the set of thermal control parameters.

Abstract: A power management system, power management method, and controller can perform power control that further reduces compensatory payment. In a power management system, a server determines a planned value of demand for power in a consumer's facility, and a controller adjusts a supply/demand balance of power in the consumer's facility by charging/discharging a storage battery in accordance with the planned value. The server provides the planned value to the controller, and the controller calculates a predicted value of actual power usage in the consumer's facility at a unit time expiration, calculates an extent of fluctuation of the planned value and the predicted value, and selects a charging/discharging control algorithm to use for the storage battery for the following day based on the extent of fluctuation.

Abstract: Distributed industrial process monitoring and analytics systems and methods are provided for operation within a process plant. A plurality of distributed data engines (DDEs) may be embedded within the process plant to collect and store data generated by data sources, such as process controllers. Thus, the data may be stored in a distributed manner in the DDEs embedded throughout the process plant. The DDEs may be connected by a data analytics network to facilitate data transmission by subscription or query. The DDEs may be configured as a plurality of clusters, which may further include local and centralized clusters. The local clusters may obtain streaming data from data sources and stream selected data to a data consumer. The centralized cluster may register the local clusters, receive data therefrom, and perform data analytic functions on the received data. The analyzed data may be further sent to a data consumer.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for sub-pixel grayscale three-dimensional (3D) printing are described. A technique includes mapping a 3D digital model onto a 3D grid of voxels associated with a 3D printer; assigning a first intensity level to first voxels that are fully contained within the model, the first intensity level being sufficient to cure photoactive resin during a curing time; determining, based on geometric information provided by the model, containment degrees for second voxels that are partially contained within the model; assigning second intensity levels to the second voxels based respectively on the containment degrees, the second intensity levels being greater than a third intensity level and lesser than the first intensity level; assigning the third intensity level to third voxels that are outside of the model; and generating one or more graphic files based on the first, second, third voxels, and respectively assigned intensity levels.

Abstract: An approach for control of users relative to access to controllers of a site in a hierarchy of controllers and building equipment. When a user of a customer has established a read write connection to a site controller, the customer does not necessarily want any subsequent user to establish a read write connection to the site controller or another controller within the same site and also make changes, for example, to settings of building equipment. Thus, a subsequent user may be allowed a read only connection and just be able to view building equipment information. When the first user has disconnected either intentionally or by inactivity, the site controller may be cleared allowing a subsequent user to obtain a read write connection. If the first user is inactive but fails to disconnect from the controller, an auto log-off provision may disconnect the user after a specified period of inactivity.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to systems and methods for coordinating energy use of disparately-controlled devices based on modeling characteristics of an enclosure. More particularly, this patent specification relates to enabling third party vendors to coordinate operation of third party devices existing within the enclosure with the enclosure's building control system to manage energy consumption.

Abstract: A control circuit detects a trigger event that corresponds to a particular individual and responds by using an additive-manufacturing platform to manufacture an item for that particular individual. By one approach the manufactured item has at least one substantial physical attribute that is unknown (i.e., unexpected) to the particular individual. For example, that substantial physical attribute can comprise an attribute that is readily visually ascertainable. By one approach, the trigger event comprises a visit by the particular individual to a retail shopping facility. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith, the trigger event comprises the particular individual having achieved a particular game-play result.

Abstract: Energy load forecasts are generated via model(s) for the grid hierarchy elements for different forecast time scale periods as a function of different sets of prioritized contextual influencing factors for respective associated combinations of grid hierarchy elements and forecast time scale periods. Relative priority values of the sets of the contextual influencing factors are iteratively weighted until a revised energy load forecast generated as a function of the weighted values via the model(s) is within a threshold value of a historic energy load data value for the associated combination of the grid hierarchy element and forecast time scale period.

Abstract: The utility model discloses an EEFIT-based electromagnetic wave energy conducting equipment, having an enclosure, a skeleton, main emission sources, conveying devices and a PLC. The skeleton is arranged in the enclosure, the main emission sources are arranged on the skeleton, the conveying devices are arranged beside the main emission sources, and the conveying devices are electrically connected with the PLC. Each conveying device has a conveyor belt and limit rods. Two limit rods are arranged on each conveyor belt. The limit rods are respectively driven by two independent stepping motors. The EEFIT-based electromagnetic wave energy conducting equipment has the advantages of wider application range, more functions and lower cost, can be applicable to the irradiation of common or fragile materials, and can handle the materials on the same equipment according to different references. The manufacturing and maintenance costs are lower, and the failure rate is smaller as well.

Abstract: To provide a machine tool and a control device for the machine tool that can smoothly cut a workpiece while segmenting chips by feeding a cutting tool in a feed direction while reciprocally vibrating the cutting tool along the feed direction on the basis of a condition set by a user.

Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.

Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.

Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for integrated real-time monitoring and control of microstructure and/or geometry in thermal material processing (TMP) technologies. The method includes obtaining real-time thermal dynamic variables, such as, but not limited to the cooling rate, peak temperature and heating rate, and geometry of the thermal material process. These real-time thermal variables are then analyzed along with a thermal model to determine a microstructure/geometry model. This microstructure/geometry model can then be used to provide the real-time monitoring and control of a finished state for the material being processed by the thermal material processing procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to design collaborative automation systems based on Data Distribution Service middleware are described, which include a clustered automation platform having one or more control servers connected to a local area control network, and a plurality of self-contained process interface systems configured to receive electrical signals from one or more field instruments and forward resulting data via an uplink to a local area input/output network. The clustered automation platform also includes an input/output processing and inferential modeling server connected to the local area input/output network and configured to process input/output signals of the plurality of self-contained process interface systems.

Abstract: A clustered automation platform includes a plurality of distributed autonomous junction boxes connected to a master autonomous junction box, wherein each of the distributed autonomous junction boxes is configured to connect to one or more process measurement and control devices. The clustered automation platform also includes a fault-tolerant local area Ethernet network configured to interconnect the master autonomous junction box with a fault-tolerant input/output system server and a fault-tolerant control server. The clustered automation platform also includes a plurality of virtual local area networks partitioned from the fault-tolerant local area Ethernet network, a plurality of virtual control modules virtualized from the fault-tolerant control server, and a plurality of virtual operation areas virtualized from the fault-tolerant input/output system server.

Abstract: A collaborative automation platform includes a control server connected to a local area control network, and a plurality of distributed autonomous process interface systems. Each distributed autonomous process interface system is configured to receive measurement data from one or more field instruments and forward converted measurement data via an uplink to subscribers. Each distributed autonomous process interface system includes a standalone data distribution system-enabled input/output system and associated hardware for connection to the one or more field instruments. The collaborative automation platform also includes real-time DDS middleware configured to interconnect process control applications of the control server with the plurality of distributed autonomous process interface systems.

Abstract: A data analytics service for performing data analytics functions within a distributed process control environment is provided. The service may provide a user interface for creating a first diagram, representing a data model. The first diagram may be configured, compiled, and evaluated using off-line (i.e., historical) data from a distributed process control system, which may include data stored in distributed data engines (DDEs). Following evaluation, the first diagram may be automatically converted into a second diagram that is bound to on-line (i.e., real-time) data sources within the process control environment, which may then be compiled and executed to generate performance or predictive analytics data for the process. The diagrams may comprise a plurality of configurable function blocks or modules, connected logically via wires conveying outputs or inputs of the blocks or modules.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and analyzing data in a distributed process control system is provided. The system includes a user interface having a set of user controls for selecting and configuring data blocks to create a data diagram representing a data model. The data blocks are associated with data operations, such as data analytics functions, and may be configured by the user for particular instances of general blocks. The data blocks are interconnected by wires conveying outputs or inputs of the blocks, which may also connect data sources to the data blocks. The data sources may include on-line data (i.e., data streams) or off-line data (i.e., stored data) from the process control system. Additional user controls may be used to evaluate the data diagram or convert the data diagram from an off-line to an on-line version.

Abstract: A process plant management system with asset health normalization and aggregation. Aspects of the system include asset monitoring components that sense operating parameters and determine the condition of assets using a number of disparate asset condition assessment methodologies based on those parameters. The system calculates normalized component health scores from the reported asset condition information and evaluates the normalized component health scores to produce an overall asset health score for each asset. The system maintains a hierarchical representation that organizes assets using physical and logical relationships. The system generates virtual health scores for parent objects in the hierarchy from the health scores of the children of each parent object.

Abstract: A technique is provided for providing early fault detection using process control data generated by control devices in a process plant. The technique determines a leading indicator of a condition within the process plant, such as a fault, abnormality, or decrease in performance. The leading indicator may be determined using principal component analysis. A process signal indicating a process variable corresponding to the leading indicator is then obtained and analyzed. A rolling fast Fourier transform (FFT) may be performed on the process signal to generate time-series data with which to monitor the process plant. When the presence of the leading indicator is detected in the time-series data, an alert or other prediction of the condition may be generated. Thus, process faults may be identified using fluctuations and abnormalities as leading predictors.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a vehicle function to control using a wearable electronic device includes: receiving, at a vehicle, an identity of a gesture that is associated with two or more vehicle functions and made using the wearable electronic device; identifying which of the two or more vehicle functions to control in response to receiving the identity of the gesture; and controlling the vehicle function.

Abstract: A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is configured to receive an RF signal from a remote control device. The RF signal contains command data in accordance with a first coordinate system that is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensor is configured to generate motion data. A processor is configured to transform the command data into control data based on the motion data and in accordance with a second coordinate system that is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices are configured to control motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

Abstract: A system may include a communication subsystem to receive image data from a drone; an object detection and recognition module to generate a model representation of the image data, the model representation identifying at least one actionable object in the image data; a display device to present the image data; and a control module to: detect a control input associated with an object of the at least one actionable object; and transmit a control instruction to the drone based on the control input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing adaptive transitioning between operational modes of an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a land-based passenger-carrying vehicle that travels on a road network and has an automatic mode in which one or more systems control travel of the vehicle on the road network. A system provides a modification of the operation of the vehicle to defer a transition time at which a transition occurs from the automatic mode to a manual mode to extend a period of time during which the vehicle is operated in the automatic mode beyond an earlier possible time at which the transition could occur.

Abstract: System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, throttle, brake, accelerator, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. The behaviors include action sets ranked by priority, and the action sets include alternative actions that the vehicle can take to accomplish its task. The alternative actions are ranked by preference, and an arbiter selects the action to be performed and, optionally, modified.

Abstract: An entry availability determination system including a detector that detects a current position of a work machine that performs predetermined work while traveling a work target zone along a predetermined travel route; and a determination information generation unit that generates determination information indicating whether entry is possible by determining whether the work machine can enter from a current position for preparing entry of the work machine only by forward movement along an entry route formed so that the work machine enters at an entry position in a same direction as a traveling direction when the work machine travels the travel route, at the entry position positioned on an opposite side of the traveling direction of the work machine with respect to a work complete position or a work incomplete position on the travel route, when the work machine gets out of the travel route.

Abstract: An approach is provided for comparing experienced curvatures with geometry-based curvatures to identify road environments. The approach involves causing, at least in part, an aggregation of a plurality of curvature samples collected from one or more vehicles traversing one or more travel segments. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the curvature samples to determine at least one experienced curvature for the one or more travel segments. The approach further involves determining at least one geometry-based curvature for the one or more travel segments. The approach also involves determining one or more differences between at least one experienced curvature and the at least one geometry-based curvature.

Abstract: An object-detection system suitable for an automated vehicle includes an object-detection device and an accelerometer. The object-detection device is configured to be installed on a vehicle. The object-detection device is operable to detect an object proximate to the vehicle. The accelerometer is coupled to the object-detection device. The accelerometer operable to determine an orientation-angle of the object-detection device relative to a gravity-direction.

Abstract: A gap selection method performed by a gap selection system for a vehicle. The vehicle travels on a road having a first lane and a second lane adjacent to the first. The vehicle travels in the first lane, a first surrounding vehicle travels in the second lane, a second surrounding vehicle travels in the second lane ahead of the first surrounding vehicle with a first gap between the first and second surrounding vehicles. The method includes determining a first minimum safety margin between the first surrounding vehicle and the vehicle, determining a second minimum safety margin between the second surrounding vehicle and the vehicle, evaluating the first gap by determining a minimum limit for a longitudinal position of the vehicle, determining a maximum limit for a longitudinal position of the vehicle, and determining a lane change appropriateness value of the first gap utilizing the minimum limit and the maximum limit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: Detecting environmental data relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle by environmental sensors of the motor vehicle as well as ego data relating to the motor vehicle, Determining several trajectories that respectively describe a possible future movement of the motor vehicle depending on the environmental data and the ego data, Selecting a reference trajectory from the determined trajectories by analyzing several evaluation criteria, wherein at least one of the evaluation criteria is a detection range criterion that analyzes at least one predicted detection range of one of the environmental sensors or of a group of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle during a predicted movement of the motor vehicle along the respective determined trajectory, Controlling vehicle systems in order to move the motor vehicle along the reference trajectory.

Abstract: A drive assist apparatus includes a data collection part that collects driving behavior data representing driving maneuvers and vehicle behaviors caused by the driving maneuvers for each drivers, a classification part that classifies the driving behavior data into a plurality of clusters each showing a tendency of driving behavior of the drivers by clustering the driving behavior data, a storage part that stores cluster information representing a driving behavior characteristic of each of the clusters, a subject data acquisition part that acquires, as subject data, the driving behavior data for a subject driver to be assisted, an estimation part that estimates, as a corresponding cluster, one of the clusters to which the subject driver is assumed to belong by comparing the subject data with the cluster information stored in the storage part, and an assist providing part that provides a drive assist depending on the estimated corresponding cluster.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a robot cleaner and a control method of the robot cleaner, more particularly, to a robot cleaner configured to correct position information of the robot cleaner by acquiring a position of a docking station during the robot clear drives and to correct a map by using corrected position information, and a control method of the robot cleaner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaning robot with vision navigation function and navigation method thereof The vacuum cleaning robot comprises a cleaning body and a vision navigation controller. The cleaning body comprises a sense unit, a drive unit, and a drive control unit. The vision navigation controller comprises a vision capture unit, a storage unit, and a path navigation control unit. The vision capture unit is configured to capture the related vision information, and the related vision information constitutes the map information comprising the partial map and the global map of the current room; the path navigation control unit is configured to make a path navigation instruction according to the vision information, the map information, and the sense information; and the drive control unit is configured to control the drive unit according to the path navigation instruction.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving instructions to pick up an object with one or more lift elements of an autonomous vehicle. Based on a current positioning of the vehicle, the method further includes identifying the object to be picked up and a particular side of the object under which to place the one or more lift elements of the vehicle. The method additionally includes determining an approach path toward the object for the vehicle to follow to place the lift elements of the vehicle under the particular side of the object. The method further includes causing the vehicle to move along the determined approach path toward the object. The method additionally includes determining that the lift elements of the vehicle are placed under the particular side of the object. The method also includes causing the vehicle to lift the object with the lift elements.

Abstract: Described embodiments relate to a receiver device for controlling agricultural machinery. The receiver device comprises a receiver module for communicating with an external device; throttle control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in throttle control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of a throttle function of the machinery; ignition control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in ignition control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an ignition function of the machinery; and auxiliary apparatus control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in auxiliary apparatus control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an auxiliary apparatus function of the machinery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of determining a vessel-relative off-deck waypoint (VRODW) location comprising the steps of providing an aircraft in flight; determining vessel range and vessel bearing relative the aircraft; and determining the VRODW location using the range and bearing measurements of the vessel. The present invention is further directed to methods of landing an aircraft on a vessel.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus includes a main body and an anti-drop system. The main body includes an aperture located at a bottom portion thereof and communicative with an interior thereof. The anti-drop system located inside the main body respective to the aperture includes an infrared detection module and an angle-limiting unit electrically coupled with the infrared detection module. The infrared detection module detects a distance between the bottom portion and a first detection surface. The infrared detection module includes an infrared emitting unit and an infrared receiving unit. The infrared emitting unit emits an infrared signal to the first detection surface. The infrared signal produces a first boundary signal and a second boundary signal after the infrared signal passes through the angle-limiting unit. The infrared receiving unit receives a reflected signal of the first boundary signal with respect to the first detection surface.

Abstract: An autonomous flying device that tracks a moving object and flies includes a sensor that obtains first information related to a velocity of the moving object, a controller that controls flight of the autonomous flying device, and a driver that drives the autonomous flying device, the controller setting a velocity of the autonomous flying device in accordance with the first information so that the velocity of the autonomous flying device increases as a distance between the moving object and the autonomous flying device increases, the driver causing the autonomous flying device to fly at the velocity set by the controller.