Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a sensor controller configured to collect a variety of machine related operations data may receive operation data from at least one measurement sensor connected to a machine and configured to detect the operation data of the machine and transfer the operation data to a communication module to be transmitted to and collected by a server. Even if a different measurement sensor is connected to a sensor controller, the operation data of the connected measurement sensor can be still recognized.

Abstract: When a transition control section stochastically determines on the basis of a temperature, an energy change, and a random number whether to allow one of a plurality of state transitions according to a relative relationship between the energy change and a thermal excitation energy, the transition control section adds an offset to the energy change and exercises control so as to set the offset at a local minimum, at which an energy is locally minimized, to be larger than an offset at the time of the energy not being minimized.

Abstract: A motion control design system implements a performance specification-oriented design approach. The system allows a designer to define desired performance specifications that are to be satisfied by a motion system, and determines tuning parameters (e.g., controller bandwidth and associated tuning parameters) that will yield performance within the defined performance specifications. An identification process identifies system parameters of interest based on collected system data. After the user has entered the desired performance specifications, an optimization process determines a range of bandwidths that will satisfy all specified performance requirements, and selects an optimal bandwidth within this range. A tuning process generates the corresponding tuning parameters for a systematically designed motion controller.

Abstract: A human collaborative robot system having a function of detecting a force includes a human collaborative robot and a learning unit into which sensing data, internal data, and calculation data are input. The learning unit outputs a first force component applied to the human collaborative robot from outside, a second force component occurring in an operation of the human collaborative robot, and a third force component categorized as noise; and performs learning using supervised data in which inputs and correct labels obtained in advance are collected in pairs, wherein the correct labels of the supervised data are obtained by exerting a force on the human collaborative robot from outside, operating the human collaborative robot over a plurality of paths, and applying noise to the human collaborative robot, and the operation of the human collaborative robot is controlled based on the first force component output from the learning unit.

Abstract: A robot design system, and associated method, that is particularly well-suited for legged robots (e.g., monopods, bipeds, and quadrupeds). The system implements three stages or modules: (a) a motion optimization module; (b) a morphology optimization module; and (c) a link length optimization module. The motion optimization module outputs motion trajectories of the robot's center of mass (COM) and force effectors. The morphology optimization module uses as input the optimized motion trajectories and a library of modular robot components and outputs an optimized robot morphology, e.g., a parameterized mechanical design in which the number of links in each of the legs and other parameters are optimized. The link length optimization module takes this as input and outputs optimal link lengths for a particular task such that the design of a robot is more efficient. The system solves the problem of automatically designing legged robots for given locomotion tasks by numerical optimization.

Abstract: A system for simulating an operation of a gas turbine engine is disclosed, having a computing system and a FADEC in electronic communication therewith, the computer system simulating an engine state. In each delta time, being the FADEC sampling rate (1) the FADEC: senses the simulated engine state from the computing system; determines a difference between the sensed state and a predetermined engine state; and outputs engine control commands intended for achieving the predetermined state; and (2) the computing system: receives the FADEC output; utilizes the output in an m×m Jacobian Block, having m active balances; and performs a reduced balance simulation, wherein: fewer than m columns of the Block are analyzed, the analysis of each column defining a Rolling Jacobian Pass; output from the Rolling Jacobian Passes is integrated into the Block, to define an updated simulated engine state; and the updated state is communicated to the FADEC.

Abstract: A plant control device includes a feedback controller that determines a control input of a plant, and a reference governor that corrects an initial target value and outputs the corrected initial target value to the feedback controller. The reference governor determines a target value satisfying an upper limit constraint to be a target value candidate that minimizes a value of an evaluation function. The reference governor determines the target value satisfying the upper limit constraint to be a value of the upper limit constraint when a value acquired by substituting, with the value of the upper limit constraint, a variable of a differential function acquired by differentiating the evaluation function with respect to the target value candidate is greater than or equal to zero.

Abstract: A method of providing data from a process control system to remote computing devices includes obtaining, at a data server via a first network from a mobile server, one or more lists including indications of requested process data parameters indicating process data for communication from the server to the remote devices via a second network. The method includes receiving, from a plurality of controllers within the process control system via a third network, a stream of process data parameter values associated with process data parameters included in one or more configuration files. The configuration files describe a configuration of the process control system. The method includes identifying, by processors of the data server, a subset of the received parameter values corresponding to the requested process data parameters of the lists, and communicating, from the data server to the mobile server via the first network, the identified subset of parameter values.

Abstract: A system communicates process data to a remote computing device. The system includes a processor, a communication unit, and a memory storing instructions for modules. The modules include a scanner interfacing with the communication unit to enable communication with a server via a first network. The scanner enables communication by receiving data from the server, identifying polling requests in the data received, and transmitting request lists to the server in response to the polling requests. The modules also include a data stream processor determining a set of process data values in the data received, the set of process data values corresponding to view list data to be communicated to the remote computing device. Another module is an application program interface (API) interfacing with the communication units to enable communication with the remote computing device a second network by transmitting the set of process data values to the remote computing device.

Abstract: A modular data center includes a controller; a data center control system configured to collect data center data associated with the modular data center via communication with one of the controller and a plurality of sensors; and a data module connected to a power supply source. The power supply source includes at least one of a power grid, a backup power source and a power module. The power module includes electronics equipment for conditioning and distributing power to the one or more data modules. The data module includes a first enclosure defining a first internal space; and a first sensor in the plurality of sensors. The first sensor is in communication with at least one of the controller and the data center control system. A second sensor in the plurality of sensors is in communication with the power supply source.

Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD) device including a display configured to display an image; a communication processor configured to communicate with a massage chair; a sensor configured to acquire data about a gaze direction of a user wearing the HMD device; and a controller configured to select a massage part of the massage chair among a plurality of massage parts based on the gaze direction of the user, and transmit a control command to the massage chair for controlling the massage chair to massage the selected massage part.

Abstract: A pre-trained convolutional network is trained to accurately distinguish between video images of different types of drones. In addition, a neural network is also trained to distinguish between the drones based upon their audio signatures.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.

Abstract: Method for automatic switching of a communication resistor of a HART device in or out, wherein the method comprises steps as follows: transmitting a test signal on an electrical current loop; reading from the electrical current loop a test voltage signal, which is based on the transmitted test signal; comparing the test voltage signal with a reference signal; connecting the communication resistor into the electrical current loop when the test voltage signal exceeds the reference signal.

Abstract: A fraction collection system includes one or more chromatography columns. The system also includes one or more fraction collectors for collecting effluent from the columns. The fraction collectors include several racks, each holding a set of collection receptacles. A control system interfaces with the fraction collectors to implement experiments. The control system provides a user interface with which users can schedule runs. The user interface includes a graphical representation of the racks and tubes of the fraction collectors. Users can schedule runs to groups of tubes, and a visual attribute of the representation of the tube in the user interface is updated to indicate that the tubes are assigned to a run.

Abstract: A method for automated manufacturing strategy generation can include: identifying features of a desired part from a virtual model; and determining a tactic strategy based on the identified features. The method can additionally include: determining a toolpath primitive for each tactic; combining the toolpath primitives for the tactics to generate a master toolpath; and translating the master toolpath into machine code.

Abstract: A smart electronic device management system is a device that is utilized to manage and control electronic devices. The device includes a housing structure that may be mounted to a surface such as a wall. A video capture device provides a live video feed of the surrounding areas while at least one environmental sensor allows monitoring of conditions in the surrounding areas. A wireless communication module allows the device to be associated with an external computing device. Various electronic devices may be connected to the device through a plurality of electrical outlets on the housing structure. A control unit allows the device to monitor and manage electronic devices that are wirelessly connected to the device or connected through the plurality of electrical outlets. The control unit is configured to calculate a sprinkler schedule using data retrieved through the wireless communication module.

Abstract: A method of providing batch process data from a process control system of a process plant to a remote computing device includes receiving a request to create a list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, presenting a selection interface to facilitate selection of batch data to be provided, and receiving, via the selection interface, a selection of a batch executive from which to provide the batch process data. The method also includes receiving, via the selection interface, one or more filter criteria, applying the filter criteria to data available from the batch executive to determine a set of data to be included on the list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, and transmitting to a mobile server an indication of the set of data associated with the list of batch data to be provided to the mobile device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for preparing a cutting path for machine cutting of a plurality of parts from a sheet material using beam cutting technology. Each one of the plurality of parts is formed by one of a plurality of two dimensional free form shapes, comprising at least a first shape. The method comprises a step of identifying at least one segment of the first shape, which segment prevents a part of the first shape to be positioned and cut so close to another shape in the plurality of shapes so that only one cut of the cutting beam is found between the parts. The method further comprises a step of modifying the segment to provide a modified first shape. The modified first shape comprises a modified segment, which is configured such that the modified segment allows a part of the first shape to be positioned so close to another shape in the plurality of shapes so that only one cut of the cutting beam is found between the parts whenever the shape of the parts allows it.

Abstract: A method is described for analysing probe data collected by a scanning probe carried by a machine tool. The probe data is collected as the machine tool moves or scans the scanning probe along a scan path relative to a workpiece. The method includes a step of identifying a property of the scan path used by the machine tool from a characteristic of the collected probe data. In this manner, the scan path can be identified from the probe data alone without having to receive any position data from the machine tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring tool device usage and, in particular, methods and systems including at least one sensor mechanism configured to detect at least one operational parameter of the tool device. Information regarding usage of the tool device may be communicated to a processing unit and further communicated to a network-connected storage and/or to a display device.

Abstract: An information processing device displays an NC machining program and a physical state of a machine tool that is operated based on the NC machining program. The information processing device acquires, during execution of a block in a machining block, data indicative of the physical state of the machine tool, associates the block that was being executed with the acquired data and stores the block and the data that have been associated. In addition, the information processing device refers to the database and draw the block using a color according to an intensity of the data, and displays the NC machining program.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aircraft part for an assembly includes creating a 3D geometry model for an aircraft part having surface features and holes represented by the 3D geometry model and sized to nominal dimensions. The method includes generating a NC machining program directly from the 3D geometry model, with instructions for a single NC machining apparatus to machine the aircraft part, and including instructions to machine the holes to nominal. And the method includes machining the aircraft part utilizing the NC machining program. For this, the NC machining apparatus utilizes a hole-forming tool set at substantially the nominal, instead of at a high or low side of a related hole-diameter tolerance range to allow for tight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements, whereby the holes are machined to substantially the nominal. This method enables the full process capability of the CNC machines while utilizing inspection tolerances that are measureable.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described below include methods, systems and computer readable media for cross discipline data validation checking in a multidisciplinary system. One or more multidisciplinary validation rules are used to perform cross discipline data validation checking to determine whether multidisciplinary data is consistent across engineering disciplines. The multidisciplinary validation rules define the scope of the validation checking within the engineering application (307) associated each engineering discipline. The results of the validation check are provided to the user.

Abstract: A method of detecting a status of a home appliance control system comprises collecting communication data transmitted on a communication bus of the home appliance bus control system and judging in real-time and online whether the collected communication data meet a preset alarm condition. The collection of the communication data is terminated if the collected communication data meet the preset alarm condition and the collection of the communication data is continued if the collected communication data do not meet the preset alarm condition. The method further comprises graphically displaying the collected communication data to obtain an actual test diagram of the collected communication data and analyzing the collected communication data based on the actual test diagram of the collected communication data to obtain an analysis result.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: for each of a plurality of machine tools, a machine information database configured to store machine configuration information and tool information of each of the plurality of machine tools, in association with each of the plurality of machine tools; an information collection unit configured to collect and store the machine configuration information and the tool information into the machine information database; a manufacturing planning work information input unit configured to receive manufacturing planning work information; a machine information collation unit configured to collate the manufacturing planning work information with the machine configuration information and the tool information to give a score to each of the plurality of machine tools, based on a result of the collation; and an optimum machine selection unit configured to select an optimum machine tool for machining, based on the score given to each of the plurality of machine tools.

Abstract: An operator defines a process, such as a process for the manufacturing of a product, using templates that may be edited graphically. Each process includes a set of steps that a user must perform in order to accomplish the process. Each step in the process may be associated with one or more pieces of machinery on the floor to achieve the execution of the process, either in advance or at execution time. Each step may also provide various forms of instruction, monitoring, and feedback to aid the user of the associated machinery in performing the process. Data may be collected regarding the user's performance, analyzed, and used to inform the operator who may in turn edit the process with the goal of improving its execution.

Abstract: A program optimization system is provided with a CNC simulator configured to sequentially read out a machining program and perform a machining simulation, a machining program storage unit configured to successively transfer the machining program to the CNC simulator, and a transfer speed control unit configured to control a transfer speed to be a predetermined lower limit value. The CNC simulator optimize the machining program when a state of buffering deficiency in which the machining program to be read out is insufficient is detected in a cutting section and create optimized machining program free from a buffering deficiency.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a hazard of a software control system which is operated by a computer and based on STPA (System Theoretic Process Analysis) is provided. The method includes determining an attribute and function demands of the system, analyzing tasks of the system based on the determined attribute and the function demands, generating specification of a relation between the tasks using CTT (Concur Task Tree) method, the CTT method representing a hierarchical relation of a control flow between the tasks, determining at least one of the hazard of the system based on the specification and generating a safety constraint of the system based on the determined hazard. The determining at least one of the hazard of the system uses a guide word mapping table of CTT based STPA.

Abstract: An engineering tool for testing a process control system includes one or more test manager instances. Each test manager instance includes circuitry that receives test cases and associated test requests. The circuitry also identifies a target for each test request, translates each test request into instructions to the identified target, checks each test request for validity, initiates execution of each test case, monitors subscribed data generated by the target, computes a difference between the subscribed data at a first point in time and a second point in time, and generates a notification when the computed difference is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A detection method includes: aligning, by a processor, first data with second data according to steps, in which the first data and the second data are associated with equipment for fabricating semiconductor devices; determining, by the processor, a first virtual area according to the first data; determining, by the processor, a second virtual area according to the second data; and displaying, by a display, a result of comparing the first virtual area and the second virtual area, to distinguish whether a fault event exists during the process.

Abstract: A system and method for debris particle detection with adaptive learning are provided. The method includes receiving oil debris monitoring (ODM) sensor data from an oil debris monitor sensor and fleet data from a database, detecting a feature in the ODM sensor data, generating an anomaly detection signal based on detecting an anomaly by comparing the feature in the ODM sensor data to a limit defined by system information stored in the fleet data, selecting a maintenance action request based on the anomaly detection signal, and adjusting one or more of the feature, the anomaly, the limit, and the maintenance action request by applying an adaptive learning algorithm that uses the ODM sensor data, fleet data, and feedback from field maintenance of one or more engines that evolves over time.

Abstract: A system for providing drone piggybacking on vehicles is disclosed. In particular, the system may enable drones or other unmanned mobile connected devices to piggyback onto various types of hosts, such as vehicles, in a symbiotic fashion. Through the symbiotic relationship created between the drones and hosts, the drones may utilize the hosts as a means for transport, such as while delivering a good to an intended destination, and the hosts may receive certain incentives in exchange for transporting the drones. Drones may be paired with hosts based on any number of factors, such as whether the host is traveling on a route that corresponds with reaching the intended destination, whether the host is capable of recharging the drone, and whether the drone has sufficient power to reach the intended destination. By enabling drones to piggyback with hosts, the required traveling range for a drone may be reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a rescue operation of an individual. The method comprises maintaining, by an individual engaged in an activity, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) associated with and in proximity to the individual. For storage at the UAV, the individual records at a recording device a message. A sensor device is configured to detect a situation requiring a need to rescue the individual at a current location, and generates a trigger signal in response to a detection. In response to the receipt of the trigger signal, a current GPS location of the individual is recorded and a launching of the UAV to traverse a flight-path to a destination location. At or before arriving at the destination location, the UAV contemporaneously provides the stored recorded message and current GPS location of the individual to an emergency response authority to inform of the individual's situation and location.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device that assists a maneuvering procedure of a motor vehicle. The device comprises an operator control unit, and is configured to bring about a continuation of the maneuvering procedure only for as long as a predetermined actuation of the operator control unit is performed by an operator who is monitoring the maneuvering procedure. The operator control unit includes a plurality of inertial sensors. A continuation of the maneuvering procedure is brought about on the basis of sensor signals of said inertial sensors.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic parking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The automatic parking system includes: a smart key recognition processor recognizing a smart key positioned in a first area; a sensor unit acquiring images around a subject vehicle if the smart key is recognized, and converting the acquired image into external images and synthesizing the images; a parking space recognizing sensor periodically receiving the external images and sequentially comparing the consecutive external images using an image recognition technology to recognize parking areas; and a controller calculating a moving path between a current position of the subject vehicle and an optimal parking area among the parking areas and controlling the subject vehicle based on the moving path, in which the parking space recognizing sensor may detect the parking areas in consideration of a length and a width of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and one or more processors. The first communication module is configured to directly receive control data from a controlling terminal via a first communication link and the control data is used to control operations of the UAV. The second communication module is configured to transmit feedback data to a monitoring terminal via a second communication link. The monitoring terminal is located remotely from the UAV. The one or more processors are, individually or collectively, configured to terminate and reactivate the first wireless communication link based on one or more predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Embodiments for managing drones by one or more processors are described. An aerial drone is controlled to fly to a first location outside of a restricted airspace. The aerial drone is enabled to detachably couple to a ground vehicle at the first location outside of the restricted airspace. The ground vehicle travels through the restricted airspace from the first location outside of the restricted airspace to a second location outside the restricted airspace. The aerial drone is enabled to detach from the ground vehicle at the second location outside of the restricted airspace. The aerial drone is controlled to fly from the second location outside of the restricted airspace to a third location outside of the restricted airspace.

Abstract: Many different types of systems are utilized or tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of unmanned vehicles, or drones, that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more unmanned vehicles can be integrated with a dedicated marine electronic device of a marine vessel for autonomous control and operation. Additionally or alternatively, the unmanned vehicle can be manually remote operated during use in the marine environment. Such unmanned vehicles can be utilized in many different marine environment systems or tasks, including, for example, navigation, sonar, radar, search and rescue, video streaming, alert functionality, among many others. However, as contemplated by the present invention, the marine environment provides many unique challenges that may be accounted for with operation and control of an unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: An example method may include receiving, from a client computing device, an indication of a target drop-off spot for an object within a first virtual model of a first region of a delivery destination. A second virtual model of a second region of the delivery destination may be determined based on sensor data received from one or more sensors on a delivery vehicle. A mapping may be determined between physical features represented in the first virtual model and physical features represented in the second virtual model to determine an overlapping region between the first and second virtual models. A position of the target drop-off spot within the second virtual model may be determined based on the overlapping region. Based on the position of the target drop-off spot within the second virtual model, the delivery vehicle may be navigated to the target drop-off spot to drop off the object.

Abstract: A method for processing data for an automated vehicle, including operating at least two processing units, the at least two processing units being monitored by a monitoring device having at least two self-monitoring monitoring units. Defined monitoring of the processing units is carried out with the aid of the at least two monitoring units. A master functionality of the monitoring units is assumed by a defined monitoring unit. In the event of a fault of the monitoring unit carrying out the master functionality, the master functionality is taken over by a downstream monitoring unit.

Abstract: A controller in an unmanned aerial vehicle determines whether the unmanned aerial vehicle is beyond a visual range within which the unmanned aerial vehicle is visible to an operator. When the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined to be beyond the visual range, the controller determines whether the operator is controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle using the control device while viewing video on a head-mounted display. When the operator is determined to be controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle using the control device while viewing video on the head-mounted display, the controller controls flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle in accordance with control information for controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle. When the operator is determined not to be controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle using the control device while viewing video on the head-mounted display, the controller does not control flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle in accordance with the control information.

Abstract: A system for sensor fusion for autonomous driving transition control includes a sensor fusion module and a decision making module. The sensor fusion module fuses a plurality of steering sensor data from one or more sensors of a steering system with a plurality of driver state data from a plurality of driver state sensors as a plurality of fused state data aligned in time. The decision making module determines whether to transition from an autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode based on the fused state data.

Abstract: A neural network may be utilized for autonomously driving a self-driving vehicle (SDV). The neural network can establish a destination location in local coordinates relative to the SDV. The neural network may then identify one or more navigation points in a forward operational direction of the SDV, and process sensor data from a sensor system of the SDV, the sensor data providing a sensor view of the forward operational direction of the SDV. Utilizing the sensor data, the neural network can operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV to continuously follow the one or more navigation points along an established route to the destination location.

Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus and methods for matching activities with one or more segments. A series of road segments, which may form a route to at least one destination, are identified. A road property for at least one of the segments is accessed. An activity or activity sequence is selected based on the road property for the at least one of the segments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for navigating a mobile robot through a crowded pedestrian environment based on a trained navigation model are described herein. The trained navigation model receives measurement data identifying nearby pedestrians and the velocity of each nearby pedestrian relative to the mobile robot, and the current position and desired endpoint position of the mobile robot in the crowded pedestrian environment. Based on this information, the trained navigation model generates command signals that cause the mobile robot to adjust its velocity. By repeatedly sampling the velocities of surrounding pedestrians and current location, the navigation model directs the mobile robot toward the endpoint location with a minimum of disruption to the pedestrian traffic flows. The navigation model is trained to emulate desirable pedestrian walking behaviors in a crowded pedestrian environment by tracking the movement of a behavioral trainer through a crowded pedestrian environment.

Abstract: An example method includes determining a target area of a ground plane in an environment of a mobile robotic device, where the target area of the ground plane is in front of the mobile robotic device in a direction of travel of the mobile robotic device. The method further includes receiving depth data from a depth sensor on the mobile robotic device. The method also includes identifying a portion of the depth data representative of the target area. The method additionally includes determining that the portion of the depth data lacks information representing at least one section of the target area. The method further includes providing an output signal identifying at least one zone of non-traversable space for the mobile robotic device in the environment, where the at least one zone of non-traversable space corresponds to the at least one section of the target area.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of an autonomous drone for refueling. The autonomous drone may comprise a fuel storage area; a fuel delivery mechanism coupled to the fuel storage area; a delivery connection coupled to the fuel delivery mechanism; a drive mechanism; and a central controller. The central controller may be configured to receive a refueling location; and control the drive mechanism to pilot the autonomous drone to the refueling location.

Abstract: A parking system includes a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces for parking motor vehicles. In the parking system, a motor vehicle is able to be controlled in an autonomous manner on a route between a parking area and one of the parking spaces. A verification method for the parking system includes steps of the autonomous travel of the route by a test vehicle, determining whether the travel of the route is taking place correctly, and clearing the parking system for use by vehicles that correspond to the vehicle type of the test vehicle.