Abstract: A vibration welding system includes vibration welding equipment having a welding horn and anvil, a host machine, a check station, and a welding robot. At least one displacement sensor is positioned with respect to one of the welding equipment and the check station. The robot moves the horn and anvil via an arm to the check station, when a threshold condition is met, i.e., a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or a predetermined number of welds have been completed. The robot moves the horn and anvil to the check station, activates the at least one displacement sensor, at the check station, and determines a status condition of the welding equipment by processing the received signals. The status condition may be one of the alignment of the vibration welding equipment and the wear or degradation of the vibration welding equipment.

Abstract: A Web-based system and method creates one or more qualitatively distinct process plans for machining a part. The surfaces of the part are modeled and parameters for a plurality of CNC machining tools are obtained, including the orientations along which the tool cuts away raw material. A maximal set of translations for each tool is also obtained, where each translation includes a collision-free orientation of the tool and a maximal machinable volume of material removable from the part in that orientation. A search engine navigates through a hierarchically-structured search space that starts at an initial state and transitions to successive states based on actions that satisfy a cost constraint function. Each state and each action includes a tool, orientation of the tool, and a maximal machinable volume. The search ends when a goal condition is satisfied. The actions constitute the process plan.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system architecture for automated modification of computer program code for a manufacturing machine, comprising: an interface for receiving an identification of an item and at least one modification to be made to the item; a memory for storing templates of computer program code, the memory associating each template with an item; and a processor for adjusting at least one template associated with the item by modifying the at least one template with a value associated with the at least one modification.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for managing a part. The method comprises identifying, by a computer system, parameters for the part. Further, the method comprises identifying, by the computer system, a number of additional parameters used in manufacturing the part from a preform. Yet further, the method comprises automatically generating, by the computer system, a preform design for the preform using the parameters for the part and the number of additional parameters, wherein the preform design enables manufacturing the preform using an additive manufacturing system in a manufacturing environment.

Abstract: Certain examples for generating control data for production of a three-dimensional object are described. In one example, the three-dimensional object to be generated is represented using object model data and object property data. This data is processed to generate a rasterized representation of a plane of the three-dimensional object. The rasterized representation of the plane is then mapped to an area coverage representation defines object property data at a given location in the plane as one or more proportions of a set of available object properties at the location, for example material combinations. The area coverage representation is then halftoned to generate the control data for three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: A cell controller of a system includes: a sensor management part that collectively manages information from a sensor; a workpiece management part that monitors at least one of the stroke and the state amount of a workpiece, the stroke and state amount being included in the information from the sensor; and a task management part that selects the workpiece to be handled based on the task request from a machine controller and at least one of the stroke and the state amount of the workpiece, and transmits information on the workpiece to be handled to the machine controller.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an adjustment to a computational speed of a processing device associated with a model predictive controller (MPC) in an embedded execution platform of an industrial process control system. The method also includes receiving an adjustment to a memory footprint required for calculations performed by the processing device during operation of the MPC. The method further includes loading the MPC in the embedded platform, where the loading includes the adjustments to the computational speed and the memory footprint.

Abstract: A method for detecting a steady-state in a process plant, the method includes: receiving a process value of the process plant, determining a recursive mean of the process value, calculating an arithmetic mean of the process value within a pre-determined window, determining a standard deviation of the process value within the pre-determined window and based on the calculated arithmetic mean, determining an upper limit and a lower limit of the process value based on the recursive mean of the process value and on the determined standard deviation, determining whether the calculated arithmetic mean is between the determined upper limit and the determined lower limit, and if the calculated arithmetic mean is between the determined upper limit and the determined lower limit, generating a first index indicating that the calculated arithmetic mean is between the determined upper limit and the determined lower limit.

Abstract: Electronic control units (ECUs) provided with circuits for backing up other ECUs lack versatility and increase costs. In the present invention, motor control ECUs respectively control motors via signal wires that perform motor control. In addition, a dedicated substitute ECU is connected to each motor via signal wires that perform motor control. A substitute control circuit part of the dedicated substitute ECU runs to a network, is continuously receiving malfunction information and stability information via a signal wire, and detects the malfunction of the motor control ECU from said information. Then the dedicated substitute ECU substitutes for the motor control ECU and performs a backup operation to continue control of the motor via the signal wire.

Abstract: A drone system and method. Audio signals are received via one or more microphones positioned relative to a location on a drone and one or more of the audio signals are identified as of interest. Flight characteristics of the drone are then controlled based on the audio signals that are of interest.

Abstract: Various aspects of a system and method for utilization of multiple-camera network to capture static and/or motion scenes are disclosed herein. The system comprises a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Each of the plurality of UAVs is associated with an imaging device configured to capture a plurality of images. A first UAV of the plurality of UAVs comprises a first imaging device configured to capture a first set of images of one or more static and/or moving objects. The first UAV is configured to receive focal lens information, current location and current orientation from one or more imaging devices. A target location and a target orientation of each of the one or more imaging devices are determined. Control information is communicated to the one or more other UAVs to modify the current location and current orientation to the determined target location and orientation of each of the one or more imaging devices.

Abstract: A cleaning robot including a main body, a moving assembly to move the main body, a cleaning tool provided at a bottom part of the main body to collect foreign substances on a floor, and an imager to collect images around the main body. The cleaning robot also including a controller to recognize motion of a hand by performing image processing of the collected images, identify a control command corresponding to the motion of the hand, plan a moving direction and a moving distance of the main body as movement information based on the control command, and control operations of the moving assembly and the cleaning tool based on the planned movement information. Since the user directly controls movement of the cleaning robot, it is possible to improve interactivity between human and cleaning robot, to reduce the effort by the user and increase convenience.

Abstract: An information presenting apparatus is used in an autonomous vehicle capable of switching between autonomous driving control and manual driving control. The information presenting apparatus determines a response action for checking that the driver is ready to take over when the autonomous driving control is switched to the manual driving control, performs control for requesting the driver to perform the response action determined, and detects the response action performed by the driver.

Abstract: Smart luggage systems are disclosed. A smart luggage system includes a luggage bag including one or more wheels, one or more processors, one or more memory modules, one or more wheel actuators, one or more GPS units, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. When executed by the one or more processors, the machine readable instructions cause the smart luggage system to determine a location of a user, determine a location of the luggage bag based on an output signal from the one or more GPS units, and actuate the one or more wheel actuators to move the luggage bag based on the location of the user and the location of the luggage bag.

Abstract: To allow acquisition of information corresponding to running conditions of a vehicle and presentation of the information to a passenger. A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus acquires information on vehicle surroundings while floating a floating body equipped with a sensor including at least an image-taking apparatus in the vehicle surroundings and presents the information to a passenger. The vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus includes processing means for controlling at least one of a method for acquiring the information on the vehicle surroundings and a method for presenting the information to a passenger in accordance with running conditions of a vehicle.

Abstract: A work machine control system is configured to control a work machine that travels in an operation region and includes a position detection unit, a non-contact sensor, and a control unit. The position detection unit detects a position of the work machine. The non-contact sensor detects a position of an object around the work machine. The control unit extracts information on an object to be detected from a detection result of the position detection unit and a detection result of the non-contact sensor, and excludes moving object information that is information on an object to be detected regarding a moving object that moves in the operation region.

Abstract: A navigation control system for an autonomous vehicle comprises a transmitter and an autonomous vehicle. The transmitter comprises an emitter for emitting at least one signal, a power source for powering the emitter, a device for capturing wireless energy to charge the power source, and a printed circuit board for converting the captured wireless energy to a form for charging the power source. The autonomous vehicle operates within a working area and comprises a receiver for detecting the at least one signal emitted by the emitter, and a processor for determining a relative location of the autonomous vehicle within the working area based on the signal emitted by the emitter.

Abstract: A work machine control system is configured to control a work machine that travels on a travel route and includes a position detection unit, a non-contact sensor, and a control unit. The position detection unit detects a position of the work machine. The non-contact sensor detects a position of an object around the work machine. The control unit extracts information on an object to be detected from a detection result of the position detection unit and a detection result of the non-contact sensor, and excludes the information on an object to be detected inside a mask region that is set so as to include a terrain change portion that is a portion in which a terrain changes by use of a machine among portions around the travel route.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode is provided. The vehicle is configured to obtain an indication of a final destination, and, if the final destination is not on a pre-approved road for travel by the vehicle, the vehicle is configured to determine a route from the vehicle's current location to an intermediary destination. The vehicle is further configured to determine a means for the vehicle user to reach the final destination from the intermediate destination.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage, a plurality of rotors, and a sensor, wherein the fuselage includes a control module and a signal processing module, and the control module is connected the arms, which is used to control the rotation of arms. The sensor is configured to the fuselage of the UAV, which is used to detect the rotation change value of the UAV. The signal processing module is connected with the sensor and the control module, which is used to receive and analyze the signal of the sensor, and the control module controls the following flying of the UAV.

Abstract: A method and system for vector limiting of a rotor control volume for a helicopter with one or more controllers configured to issue a displacement command during a flight maneuver and a computer operably connected to the one or more controllers and configured to receive signals with a processor indicative of a displacement command for a rotor during a flight maneuver; determine with the processor an origination point for a command vector in a reference frame; determine with the processor the command vector in the reference frame; determine with the processor a command radius for the command vector; compare with the processor the command radius with values of estimated command radii in a look-up table; and determine with the processor a control volume limited command in response to the comparing of the command radius with the estimated command radius.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rotary wing aircraft includes accelerating the aircraft in a fore direction independently of cyclic control of the main rotor and pitch of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for guiding a store, represented by a dynamic system having transitory nonlinear characteristics, between release from a platform and an activation of a mission autopilot along an optimal path. A nominal reference trajectory is determined that optimizes a desired performance index for the dynamic system using optimal control theory. A feedback control system is implemented that optimizes an original performance index to second order in a presence of disturbances along the optimal path using neighboring optimal control. The feedback control system converges to a linear time invariant regulator approaching the desired operating condition along the optimal path. Finally, control of the store is transitioned to the mission autopilot.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to determine proximity to fluid flow regime transition zones at a location in an internal fluid flow based on weighting function values in a continuous parameter space associated with the location, and physical parameter values associated with the fluid flow at the location that are determined by at least one of measurement or simulation. Further activity may include operating a controlled device based on the proximity to a selected one of fluid flow regimes defined by the fluid flow regime transition zones. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a flow rate adjusting device includes an ultrasonic flow metering portion, a flow rate adjusting portion, and a control portion for controlling the flow rate adjusting portion. The flow rate adjusting portion includes a drive portion configured to cause a valve body portion to advance or recede along an axis line parallel to an installation surface. A straight tube-shaped measurement flow channel is disposed along an axis line parallel to the axis line. A control board is disposed along an axis line parallel to the axis lines. The flow rate adjusting portion is disposed between the ultrasonic flow metering portion and the control portion in an axis line Y direction orthogonal to the installation surface.

Abstract: An attachable, detachable pressure reducing regulator for use with a primary high-pressure gas source, wherein the high-pressure chamber of said regulator includes a secondary gas IN portal, with a one-way valve, through which the primary container source may be refilled from an external gas source, via the high-pressure chamber of the said regulator, either independently of or concurrently during its use as a pressure reducing regulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Hybrid High Integrity Pressure Protection System (H-HIPPS) for severe services, the hybrid system includes a quick isolation subsystem between an overpressure zone and a normal pressure zone and a quick releasing subsystem between the overpressure zone and a lower pressure zone with quadruple redundancies for 30 year service without repair more particularly, the hybrid system has a novel valve and a novel pilot each with two independent plugs with metal to metal seal—(buckling seal) B ring assemblies and a novel (attachable)) A seal ring assembly to block or release over pressurize fluids without actuators for protecting the pipelines or the pressures vessels from surge pressure at the highest level of a system reliability with a fast block off time, redundant sensing valves, redundant releasing methods, redundant pressure protections, and cavitations and erosion suppressor.

Abstract: A pressure balance valve of an internal retention structure includes a control head, a valve housing, a balance valve assembly, and a valve seat assembly. The balance valve assembly includes a balance valve body, a piston, and sealing elements. The valve seat assembly includes a valve seat, two water stop sleeves, and a plug cap. The valve seat is integrally formed with a valve core chamber receiving therein balance valve assembly and closed by the plug cap. The valve seat assembly forms sealed and movable engagement with the control head by means of the water stop sleeves. Positioning between the valve core the valve seat and the valve housing can be made more accurate and more reliable and sealing performance of the valve core is improved.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure regulating shut-off valve comprising a valve body, at least one piston serving as a regulating piston and/or a shut-off piston, a solenoid valve, and a pressure relief valve; wherein the valve body defines an inlet and an outlet, and comprises at least a portion formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided, including at least a first valve unit and a second valve unit. The first valve unit is movably mounted within the second valve unit, and includes a first valve housing defining a first valve volume. The second valve unit includes a second valve housing defining a second valve volume different from the first valve volume. The second valve housing includes at least one first port and at least one second port. The first valve unit includes a first valve element reciprocably movable with respect to the first valve seat to selectively open and close a first fluid path through the first valve volume, and a first mechanical biasing element. The second valve unit includes a second valve element reciprocably movable with respect to the second valve seat to selectively open and close a second fluid path through the second valve chamber, the second valve element being affixed to first valve housing for reciprocal movement therewith; and a second mechanical biasing element.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) mitigation system reduces undesired AC current induced in a pipe section by the electromagnet field of a nearby electrical utility power line. An active feedback system processes samples of the undesired AC signal from a current sensor located at the pipe section. A feedback controller generates a current compensation signal that is applied to the pipe section at a current coupler to cancel out the undesired AC signal. Corrosion of the pipe section caused by the undesired AC current may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A significant reduction of the amplitude of the transient response is obtained by keeping a low dropout regulator circuit in a closed loop condition. This is achieved by manipulation of the reference voltage level when an open loop condition arises due to a falling input voltage. In this case, the reference voltage level is tracked with the input voltage level, keeping the output voltage regulated. As a consequence, the power pass element of the regulator is not forced into the linear region (in the case of a MOSFET) or deep saturation (in the case of a bipolar transistor).

Abstract: A regulator circuit includes a comparison unit outputting a voltage signal based on a difference between a reference voltage and a first voltage corresponding to an output voltage of the regulator circuit. An amplification unit is configured to amplify the voltage signal and output an amplified voltage signal. A supply unit is configured to supply an output current to a load, the output current being supplied according to the amplified voltage signal. A current source is connected between the amplification unit and the supply unit. The current source is configured to increase current flowing through the amplification unit when the output voltage drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus supplies a power supply voltage VDD. The power supply apparatus includes a compensation circuit in addition to a main power supply. The compensation circuit receives, via its input, as a feedback signal, a detection signal VS that corresponds to the power supply voltage VDD. The compensation circuit has input/output characteristics fIO that correspond to the characteristics of the main power supply and the characteristics of a target power supply to be emulated. The compensation circuit injects or otherwise draws a compensation current iCOMP that corresponds to the detection signal VS to or otherwise from a node for generating the power supply voltage VDD.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intelligent data center power management and energy market disaster recovery comprised of data collection layer, infrastructure elements, application elements, power elements, virtual machine elements, analytics/automation/actions layer, analytics or predictive analytics engine, automation software, actions software, energy markets analysis layer and software and intelligent energy market analysis elements or software. Plurality of data centers employ the systems and methods comprised of a plurality of Tier 2 data centers that may be running applications, virtual machines and physical computer systems to enable data center and application disaster recovery from utility energy market outages.

Abstract: Techniques are described in which a processor determines how busy a graphics processing unit (GPU) was in rendering a current fame based on a time interval between when the GPU completed the rendering of the current frame and when the GPU completed the rendering of a previous frame that immediately precedes the current frame. The processor sets a clock rate of the GPU based on the determination of how busy the GPU was in rendering the current frame.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes a substrate having first, second, third, and fourth lateral sides and a connector interface on the first lateral side, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory disposed on a surface of the substrate between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, which is opposite to the first lateral side, a memory controller disposed on a surface of the substrate between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and a support for the memory controller disposed on a surface of the substrate to support at least one side of the memory controller.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) headset includes a plurality of marker groups each corresponding to a different location on the VR headset. Each marker group includes one or more passive locators having positions relative to each other. Passive locators included in a marker group are configured to reflect one or more bands of light emitted by a source device. A VR system determines positions of passive locators relative to each other in a marker group and bands of light reflected by the passive locators included in the marker group to determine a location on the VR headset. Based on the location on the VR headset, the VR system determines a position of the VR headset and identifies content to provide to the VR headset.

Abstract: A case for a laptop computer, the case comprising upper and lower shells which are entirely separate from one another. Each shell comprises an outer layer of a first injection moulded polymer and an inner liner of a second injection moulded polymer softer than the first. Each shell defines a cavity having a back surface and upstanding side walls, the cavity being arranged to receive, in use, one half of the laptop computer. The second polymer comprises a plurality of inwardly extending clips which protrude across the cavity from an edge of the side wall furthest from the back surface to, in use, retain the shell on the laptop half.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing including an antenna, and a hinge member including a first shaft on a side of the first housing, and a second shaft parallel to the first shaft and on a side of the second housing, the hinge member coupling the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing and the second housing are rotatable 360 degrees, wherein, in a state where a rotation angle between the first housing and the second housing is 360 degrees, the second shaft is located at a position nearer than the first shaft to a free end side of the first housing, and the antenna protrudes beyond the first housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a case includes at least one exterior surface, at least one compartment internal to the exterior surface and in which at least one system component cars be placed, a strap removably engageable with the exterior surface, and a cable coupled to the strap that is useable to transmit at least one of data and power between two devices.

Abstract: A protective case for use with a mobile device is provided. The protective case includes an attachment device that is configured to couple to one of a handle assembly, a battery source, and a fascia plate when a void is provided on the protective case. When the handle assembly is coupled to the protective case, the handle assembly is configured to pivot about the protective case for moving the handle assembly from a closed configuration to an open configuration. When the battery source is coupled to the protective case, the battery source is configured to charge the mobile device, and, when the fascia plate is coupled to the protective case, the fascia plate is configured to fill the void, that is otherwise filled by one of the handle assembly and the battery source.

Abstract: A method for controlling a docking apparatus using a portable electronic device permits enhanced functionality for the portable electronic device. In the control method, the docking apparatus receives I2C messages in a first byte format from the portable electronic device over a first I2C bus. The docking apparatus translates the I2C message from the first byte format to a second byte format and transmits the translated I2C message over a second I2C bus to an I2C-compatible device.

Abstract: Provided is a system for attaching an external hard drive to a portable or laptop computer. The system comprises a laptop case with a built-in hard drive enclosure. The case also includes a SATA to USB converter for interfacing between the hard drive and the laptop. The hard drive enclosure may be sized to accommodate a 2.5 inch hard drive of various dimensions. The hard drive enclosure may have sloped sides to limit snagging and/or catching.

Abstract: A portable computing device such as a laptop computer has a base unit (2) and a display screen unit (3) coupled together by a hinge assembly (7) configured to allow rotation of the base unit and the screen unit relative to one another. The display screen unit has a display panel on a first face of the display screen unit and a fuel cell array (12a, 12b) disposed adjacent to a second face of the display screen unit. Ventilation apertures through the second face of the display screen unit provide air flow to the fuel cell array. A fuel conduit extends between the base unit and the display screen unit across the hinge assembly for delivering fuel from the base unit to the display screen unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for a foldable electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a foldable display module for an electronic computing device. The foldable display module includes a left display module portion that is foldable relative to a right display module portion. The apparatus further includes a foldable input module for the electronic computing device. The foldable input module includes a left input portion that is foldable relative to a right input portion. The apparatus further includes a connector that pivotally connects the foldable display module to the foldable input module such that the foldable display module is capable of pivotally opening and closing relative to the foldable input module.

Abstract: Electronic device housings including deformation channels can, for example, include a rigid exterior member (REM) and a semi-rigid interior member (SRIM) disposed within an internal volume of the REM and including a cavity to house an electronic device, where the SRIM includes shock adsorbing spacers projecting from a main body of the SRIM to form a deformation channel between the REM and the main body of the SRIM.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including at least one electronic component, and an electrically conductive enclosure surrounding the at least one electronic component to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for the at least one component. The electrically conductive enclosure may include a frame, made of a resilient, electrically conductive material, on a mounting surface of the PCB, surrounding the at least one component, and an electrically conductive shielding cover extending across an open top area defined by the frame. The frame may be attached to the PCB and the cover by an electrically conductive material to provide for electrical continuity. The frame may be made of a resilient, electrically conductive material so that the frame may compress in response to an externally applied force, and may return to an original, non-compressed form upon removal of the externally applied force.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes a base member, a support member rotatably connected to the base member at a first end of the support member, and a display member rotatably connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end of the support member. The computing device includes a kickstand rotatably connected to a back surface of the display member at a first end of the kickstand, and magnetic members to magnetically couple the support member with a second end of the kickstand opposite the first end of the kickstand. When the device is to change from a first operation mode to a second operation mode, the kickstand is to move along the support member via the magnetic coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a computer dock that can engage a friction element upon receiving a computing device, such as a tablet. The computer dock includes a housing coupled to the computer dock, the housing comprising a cradle to receive a computing device, the housing coupled to the computer dock by a hinge pin and configured to rotate about the hinge pin about a first axis; a friction hinge rigidly affixed to the computer dock; a pivot arm affixed to the housing, the pivot arm configured to rotate about a pivot point. The pivot arm includes a first portion comprising a computing device engagement part to receive the computing device; and a second portion comprising a friction hinge engagement part to engage with the friction hinge upon receiving the computing device in the cradle.