Abstract: A drum cartridge, to which a developer cartridge containing toner therein and including a memory medium with an electric contact is detachably attached, is provided. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum; a drum frame to receive the developer cartridge; a lock lever configured to lock the developer cartridge to the drum frame; a first drum contact configured to be in contact with the electric contact in a state where the developer cartridge is locked to the drum frame; and a spring configured to urge the first drum contact toward the electric contact. In the state where the developer cartridge is locked to the drum frame, the first drum contact is pressed toward the electric contact by an urging force of the spring.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a frame, a drive source configured to generate a driving force, a gear mechanism configured to receive the driving force of the drive source, and a drive source support formed in the frame. The drive source support encloses and supports the drive source. At least an upper portion of the drive source support has a plurality of first openings which are spaced from each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a fuser configured to fuse a print sheet on which toner is developed and a fuser driver configured to supply a heating element of the fuser with a power source supplied from an external alternating current (AC) so as to enable the fuser to have a preset target temperature. The fuser driver performs a control of the number of waveforms hours of an AC power source supplied to the heating element by varying a control cycle according to a temperature of the fuser.

Abstract: A system for acquiring images by means of heterodyne digital holography comprises an image sensor having at least one photodiode coupled to an oversampling analog-digital converter.

Abstract: A sensory hologram system includes a holographic system generating a holographic image, a sensory imparting system augmenting the holographic image, a detector configured to detect a location of a target, and a processor synchronizing the holographic system and the sensory imparting system based on the location of the target.

Abstract: A functional micromechanical timepiece assembly including at least a first component, including a first layer defining a first contact surface configured to come into friction contact with a second contact surface defined by a second layer, the second layer belonging, either to the first component, or to at least a second micromechanical component forming the assembly with the first component. The first and second layers each include carbon with at least 50% carbon atoms and, on the first and second contact surfaces, the layers have different surface crystalline plane orientations from each other.

Abstract: A watch or movement including a timepiece resonator movement including two RCC flexural pivots mounted in series about an intermediate rotary support and having the same virtual pivot axis, each including two straight flexible strips of the same length, whose clamping points opposite to this pivot axis are at the same distance with respect to this axis, and which define linear directions, forming angles, in pairs, with this virtual pivot axis, whose value expressed in degrees is comprised between: 109.5+5/[(D/L)?(2/3)] and 114.5+5/[(D/L)?(2/3)], or more particularly between 107+5/((D/L)?(2/3)) and 112+5/((D/L)?(2/3)).

Abstract: A timepiece regulating mechanism including, mounted to be movable, at least in a pivoting motion, with respect to a plate, an escape wheel configured to receive a drive torque via a gear train, a first oscillator including a first rigid structure, connected to the plate by a first flexible strip and a second flexible strip, crossed with each other, a second oscillator including a second rigid structure connected to the first rigid structure by a third flexible strip and a fourth flexible strip crossed with each other, and the second structure including a guide configured to cooperate with a complementary guide included in the escape wheel, synchronizing the first oscillator and the second oscillator with the gear train.

Abstract: Timepiece movement or watch including one isochronous oscillator mechanism, including only a first sprung balance oscillator including a first balance spring attached to a fixed structure at a first stud and to a first mobile component pivoting about a first axis, and a second sprung balance oscillator including a second balance spring fixed to a second mobile component, coupled to each other by mechanical connection via this second elastic return means attached to the first mobile component, this second balance spring being attached, to a felloe or an arm of the first mobile component at a second stud, and to this second mobile component which pivots about a second axis, and the maintenance of the oscillations is effected on only one of first mobile component or second mobile component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an external timepiece component, including: a metallic base made of a first material including titanium and/or a first titanium alloy; at least one metallic cover plate made of a second material, this second material including a second metal selected from among gold and platinum and palladium, and/or a second alloy including at least gold or platinum or palladium, this at least one cover plate being of a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 millimeters; the at least one cover plate is welded to the base to form a bimetallic blank; and the bimetallic blank is shaped and/or machined to give the structural component its final form.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external part including a first portion based on photostructurable glass, at least one second portion based on at least one second material. According to the invention, one surface of the first portion is made integral with a surface of the second portion so as to form a one-piece external part.

Abstract: A dye-based, multilayer time-indicating label without initial gray time comprises a multilayer first part and a multilayer second part. The first part comprises a topsheet in contact with an enhancement layer and an optional reference layer, and the enhancement layer is in contact with a timing layer. The second part comprises a dye layer, an optional dark layer, and a substrate layer. The timing layer and the dye layer are separate from one another, and are optionally protected by one or more release liners. To activate the indicator, the timing and dye layers are separated from the one or more release liners and then joined to one another.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a position detector for detecting the position of a rotor of a motor, a speed detection unit for calculating a speed detection value based on a position detection value detected by the position detector, a speed command generation unit for generating a speed command which commands a rotation speed of the rotor of the motor, a correction amount calculation unit for calculating a correction amount based on the position detection value detected by the position detector, a correction processing unit for correcting the speed detection value by using the correction amount, and a torque command generation unit for generating a torque command which commands a rotational torque of the motor based on the speed command and the speed detection value corrected by the correction processing unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrical actuator is disclosed. The method may include driving an electrical actuator at a power level during each of a plurality of actuation attempts and determining whether the electrical actuator actuated during each of the plurality of actuation attempts. The method may also include counting a number of failed actuation attempts, counting a number of successful actuation attempts. In addition, the method may include adjusting the power level based on at least one of the number of failed actuation attempts and the number of successful actuation attempts, and driving the electrical actuator at an adjusted power level.

Abstract: A parameter tuning method of an unknown proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is provided. The unknown PID controller is replaced with the control algorithm of the generic controller to perform the optimal parameter tuning to obtain the target parameter of the generic controller. The unknown PID controller is set with a first parameter group so that the corresponding input signal, the control signal and the output signal are measured for performing the parameter identification procedure of the generic controller to obtain a second parameter group of the generic controller. When the second parameter group is not within a specification range of the target parameter, the first parameter is re-calculated and modified by a direct search method in accordance with the difference between the second parameter group and the target parameter for setting the unknown PID controller again, and then the input signal, the control signal and the output signal are measured again.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a system includes a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing data for an operation and a control of the system and at least one processor operatively connected to the memory for determining a control signal transitioning a state of the system from a current state to a next state. At least two instances of the data are stored in the memory with different precisions defined by numbers of bits storing the instance in the memory. The processor determines the control signal using the instances of the data with the different precisions.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for remotely controlling a household appliance. The method includes: sending, by a social application client, a control command for a target household appliance, wherein the control command includes an account of the target household appliance, and the account of the target household appliance is a unique social account registered in a social application server when the target household appliance leaves a factory; and controlling, by the social application client, the target household appliance corresponding to the account of the target household appliance according to the control command. A user can directly control the household appliance through the social application client, thus improving the efficiency of controlling the household appliance and reducing the cost.

Abstract: A system and a method for configuring an intelligent electronic device are described. A baseline configuration of the IED and a delta configuration are processed by a configurator to thereby obtain a target configuration for the IED. The delta configuration is responsive to a target operation of the IED, and the target operation is dependent on the target configuration. The baseline configuration is defined by default parametric values of the IED and the delta configuration is defined by delta parametric values. The delta parametric values are differences between the default parametric values of the IED and respective target parametric values of the target operation.

Abstract: A management system has a topology display screen of a management target system with an area, where icons of system components are typically displayed in the related art, which is embedded and displayed with a graph of a monitor value of the system component. A band having a predetermined width is displayed to show a relation between system display objects indicating the system components. The width of the band is determined by the number of requests which are transmitted or received by the system components. When a time-sequential graph of the monitor value of a system component is displayed, a vertical bar which can be operated by an input/output device is displayed in the graph. When the operation of the vertical bar is detected, an icon indicating integrity of the management target system at a time indicated by the vertical bar is displayed in the vicinity of the vertical bar.

Abstract: A method for energy management is described. In one embodiment, an aspect of a dwelling is monitored. The monitored aspect of the dwelling is compared to an energy policy to determine a deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from a setting of the energy policy. A notification is sent to an occupant, the notification comprising the deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from the setting of the energy policy.

Abstract: A method of operating a storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device, a controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory device and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the nonvolatile memory device. The method includes calculating an average sensing temperature of a sensing temperature measured by the temperature sensor for a period of time, and periodically calculating an elapsed time of data after the data is programmed in the nonvolatile memory device based upon the average sensing temperature.

Abstract: A data processing device includes: a first controller requiring a first activation time; a second controller requiring a second activation time, which is shorter than the first activation time; and a data processor for switching a mode, in which data is processed, between a first processing mode without collaboration with the first controller, and a second processing mode in collaboration with the first controller. The data processor processes data in the first processing mode after completing the activation of the second controller and before completing the activation of the first controller; processes data in the second processing mode after completing the activation of the first controller; and processes data in the first processing mode after a fault occurs in the first controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating consumer electronics using a Universal Box Build (UBB) are disclosed herein. The method may include entering specifications of a product comprised of a printed circuit board (PCB), additional components (such as Central Processing Units (CPUs), memory modules, and heatsinks) into a chassis module, inserting a set of required components in the UBB, and generating the PCB assembly based on the entered specifications, wherein a robot is operatively connected to the interface module to automatically generate a product assembly.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a “loadable module” architecture for industrial controllers in which new control program modules which provide updated functions or features may be loaded to extend or modify the underlying operating system and/or other services without updating the firmware and without disrupting or otherwise compromising the ability of the industrial controller to maintain continuous control over the controlled process. Control program modules and libraries may be delivered to the industrial controller in object code format and an embedded linker in the industrial controller may be used to efficiently create fully linked and executable files locally. Loadable libraries may be provided to the industrial controller during runtime to extend functionality and/or provide desired fixes. As a result, a system is provided that is more efficient and that enables significant flexibility in adding new capabilities.

Abstract: A method can include acquiring data via a receiver mounted in a drill string during tripping of the drill string downward into a wellbore (e.g., including a casing and a cement annulus about the casing) where the acquired data can be for evaluation of at least one characteristic of cement; buffering at least a portion of the acquired data to a memory device mounted in the drill string; and while pumping drilling fluid through a passage in the drill string, as disposed in the wellbore, transmitting at least a portion of the buffered data via mud-pulse telemetry.

Abstract: An energy management system is disclosed having an in situ processing unit with a measuring unit capable of measuring a set of power related parameters over a main electricity cable. The system has a first processing unit capable of processing the power related parameters by applying a signature detection algorithm, for detecting an event relating to turning ON or OFF an electronic and/or electric appliance and for characterizing the event. The system also has means for transferring to a server a data packet having an output of said signature detection algorithm. The processing unit triggers the transfer of a data packet only in case such an event is detected. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the use of electronic and/or electric appliances.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows an apparatus for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container, having an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for gripping and removing the workpiece from the container and having a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for path planning and for controlling the gripper. In this respect, the apparatus is set up in a modular manner by a handling module and a feed module, wherein the handling module has the gripper kinematics, in particular a robot or an area gantry, and the feed module has an arrangement for providing a container having workpieces.

Abstract: A runtime coordination subsystem allows programmers of multi-mover, linear motion systems to provide simple commands to the movers without concern for the presence of other movers on the track. The runtime coordination subsystem manages proper separation distances to prevent collisions and automatically queue movers in contention situations. In addition the runtime coordination subsystem permits a specialized multi-mover command controlling movers in unison with constant separation.

Abstract: A numerical controller stores tool data (including information on an inclination and length of a linear blade of a tool), reads an instruction block from a program, analyzes the instruction block, and generates instruction data indicating a movement amount of the tool on each axis instructed by the instruction block. Further, when performing taper machining, the numerical controller calculates a compensating amount for compensating an instructed path, based on the stored tool data, such that an actually-machined taper angle matches a taper angle instructed by the instruction block, compensates the generated instruction data based on the calculated compensating amount, and outputs the compensated instruction data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic measurement of parts are provided. One system includes one or more omni-directional ground vehicles configured to move within a facility defined work zone to a setup calibration station and an engineering defined work space, wherein the engineering defined work space includes a part to be measured. The system also includes a multi-axis robot removably coupled to each of the omni-direction ground vehicles and configured to move a laser scanner, wherein the laser scanner of each of the multi-axis robots is configured to move in at least two linear directions and one rotational direction. The system further includes a processor configured to automatically generate a surface ready output file from measurement data received from the laser scanners, wherein the surface ready output file is configured to command a machine to manufacture a mating component to the part.

Abstract: An electro discharge machining system, and manufacturing method therefor, including: providing an electro discharge machining unit and control; providing a workpiece holder; providing a tool holder for a tool having an electrode array; and operatively connecting the workpiece holder and the tool holder to the electro discharge machining unit and control for batch electro-discharge machining of a workpiece to a configuration compatible with the electrode array.

Abstract: The robot of this embodiment moves a work tool to points where multiple work-pieces are placed, and executes a process specified at each point where the work-piece is placed. A point sequence memory stores the point where the work-piece is placed. A work-instruction-sequence memory stores a work instruction executed at the point where the work-piece is placed. A work-piece-correction-level memory stores, in association with each other, a work-piece correction level at each point and a parameter of each point where the work-piece is placed. A work-piece-correction counter memory stores a counter indicating to which point the work-piece correction level at the point is reflected.

Abstract: To provide a motor control device, motor control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium recording a motor control program, which add a backlash correction amount to a position command for a motor at the appropriate timing. Included are a first position detection part that detects a first position which is a position of a movable part; a second position detection part that detects a second position which is a position of a driven part; a positional error calculation part that calculates positional error, which is deviation between a converted first position detected value and a second position detected value; and a backlash correction part that adds a backlash correction amount when the absolute value for the variation of the positional error since reversal of a position command was detected exceeds the predetermined reference value.

Abstract: Methods and systems allow for creating a variable spatial framework for use in designing and manufacturing an architectural component. The spatial framework can define a three-dimensional space having a plurality of boundaries. The system can receive an input to divide the three-dimensional space into multiple independent cells. Each independent cell can comprise an independently executable software object. A plurality of boundaries of the spatial framework can automatically adjust upon receiving an input defining a manufacturing constraint.

Abstract: Methods and devices for computer-assisted milling of a pocket region of a workpiece by computing a blend arc radius, where the blend arc radius is based on a maximal variation of a Tool Engagement Angle (TEA), and smoothing at least one offset, where the smoothing is based on the computed blend arc radius and/or a prior computed blend arc radius with a stepover.

Abstract: An industrial control system may receive data associated with at least one component within an industrial automation system. The industrial control system may then determine whether the data is associated with at least one of a plurality of data tags, such that the at least one of the plurality of data tags describes at least one characteristic of the data. The industrial control system may then broadcast the data and the at least one of the plurality of data tags in a data feed channel when the data is associated with the at least one of the plurality of data tags.

Abstract: Provided is a production control system of a factory including: a plurality of machines; an air conditioner; a power computation unit for monitoring power consumption of an entire factory; a temperature information generation unit for generating information on temperature inside the factory; wherein running status and processing condition of the machines and running status of the air conditioner are controlled to produce the products dictated by the production plan by a delivery deadline; and a machine learning unit that learns a relationship of operational status including the running status and the processing condition of the machines and the running status of the air conditioner to environmental status including production completion time according to the operational status, the temperature inside the factory, and the power consumption of the factory, and outputs operational status that brings the environmental status to a desired condition in accordance with the production plan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an industrial robot relative to an intuitive motion coordinate system. The current 3D position of a touch-screen teach pendant relative to the robot is sensed, and an operator-centric frame of reference is developed relative to the robot-centric frame of reference. A simulacra of the robot is generated, oriented so as to correspond with an operator view of the robot from the current position of the controller, and displayed on the pendant. A motion-control construction, generated and displayed on the pendant, is adapted to receive jog commands from the operator indicative of a respective incremental movement of the simulacra in the operator-centric frame of reference. Each jog command is transformed from the operator-centric frame of reference to the robot-centric frame of reference, and the robot moved in accordance with the transformed jog command.

Abstract: A device for use in monitoring operation of a system asset includes an interface for receiving sensor data representative of an operating condition of the system asset, a memory device for storing the sensor data, and a processor coupled to the interface and to the memory device. The processor is configured to create a hierarchy of sensor data within the memory device, wherein the hierarchy comprises a first tier and a second tier, store a first level of the sensor data in the first tier, and store a second level of the sensor data in the second tier.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computer software and systems, and wired and wireless network communications to provide an autonomous vehicle fleet as a service. More specifically, systems, devices, and methods are configured to manage a fleet of autonomous vehicles. In particular, a method may include determining destination locations for autonomous vehicles, calculating, at an autonomous vehicle service platform, delivery locations to which the autonomous vehicles are directed, identifying data to implement a delivery location associated with an autonomous vehicle, and transmitting data representing a command to the autonomous vehicle. The command may be configured to cause navigation of the autonomous vehicle to the delivery location.

Abstract: An autonomous driving system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a location unit configured to determine a current location of the vehicle; a database storing mapping information; and a control unit coupled to the location unit and the database, the control unit configured to selectively generate autonomous driving commands for the current location in view of the mapping information.

Abstract: A drone-based system determines a user cohort for one or more users to assemble an object. The drone-based system assesses a task for the one or more users to assemble the object. Based on the determined user cohort and the assessed task, a drone of the drone-based system provides help to the one or more users as the one or more users assemble the object. The drone-based system may comprise a drone and one or more memories and computer readable code and one or more processors. The one or more processors, in response to execution of the computer readable code, cause the drone-based system to perform operations. The drone-based system may be only the drone or the drone and one or more servers.

Abstract: An improved monitoring and control system capable of providing automatic control of ground movement in an aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to enhance airport ground safety and efficient ground travel is provided. The monitoring and control system is installed on aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means controllable to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground and includes monitoring means positioned in locations on the aircraft selected to obtain a maximum amount of information relating to an aircraft's ground position and operation, processor means, data transmission means, and manual or automatic control means to control and direct operation of an aircraft's non-engine drive means to move the aircraft autonomously, safely and efficiently on the ground. The improved monitoring and control system can be employed with one or a number of aircraft simultaneously to increase safety and efficiency of airport ground operations.

Abstract: A moving object controller efficiently generates an environmental map and performs highly accurate state estimation in a short time to appropriately control a moving object. An observation obtaining unit obtains observation data from an observable event. A landmark prediction unit generates a landmark prediction signal including predictive information about a landmark at a current time. A landmark detection unit detects information about the landmark at the current time, and generates a landmark detection signal indicating the detection result. A state estimation unit estimates an internal state of the moving object to obtain data indicating an estimated internal state of the moving object at the current time, and estimates the environmental map based on the landmark detection signal to obtain data indicating an estimated environmental map at the current time.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying an object along a road, where the object may be represented by a bounding box, and projecting a set of obstacle points within the bounding box corresponding to the identified object. In one aspect, a two-dimensional plane oriented perpendicular to a direction of the movement of the vehicle may be identified. In another aspect, the areas of the plane that may be occupied based on the set of obstacle points may be determined to generate a contour of the identified object. Thereafter, the height profiles of the identified object and the vehicle may be determined and identified, respectively. Based on the height profiles, a minimum clearance may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for non-mechanical assistance for autonomous vehicles. An unknown environmental condition may be detected that affects a navigation of the autonomous vehicle. A passenger and/or other source may be presented an inquiry requesting identification of the unknown environmental condition. A response to the inquiry may be used as an input by the vehicle control system in determining appropriate navigation of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product controls operations of a vehicle based on a condition of cargo being transported. One or more processors receive output from cargo sensors and cameras on a first cargo vehicle. The processor(s) determine that the cargo has shifted beyond a calculated risk amount in the first cargo vehicle based on the output from the cargo sensors and cameras based on historical trips. The processor(s) determine that the movement of the first cargo vehicle has caused the cargo to shift beyond the calculated risk amount in the first cargo vehicle, and instructs a second cargo vehicle to adjust operations of the second cargo vehicle based on determining that the movement of the first cargo vehicle has caused the cargo to shift beyond the calculated risk amount in the first cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A method for coordinating path planning for one or more automated vehicles is described, including querying an online path planner for possible solutions for at least one executable task for each of the one or more automated vehicles, examining the results of the query, deciding a coordinated path plan for each vehicle, and communicating the coordinated path plan to a traffic manager, wherein the traffic manager ensures that the one or more automated vehicles perform each executable task according to the coordinated path plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aircraft attitude control. The aircraft attitude control may take physical parameters of the aircraft into account. For example, one or more aircraft configuration parameters, such as moment of inertia, motor lift curve, and/or axial distance may be calculated and/or taken into account based on the aircraft physical parameters. The aircraft configuration parameters may include non-linear parameters. The control systems may include feedback control systems, and may optionally use a feedforward and feedback control for angular acceleration.