Abstract: A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plates for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface.

Abstract: A torque control apparatus includes a torque command output unit including a first low pass filter configured to cut off a torque command value by a first frequency, and a switching unit configured to switch, when a first torque value detected by a first torque sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, a second torque value detected by a second torque sensor to the torque command output unit. The switching unit includes a second low pass filter configured to cut off the second torque value by a second frequency which is higher than the first frequency and output the obtained value to the torque command output unit, uses the second low pass filter for a predetermined period of time after the switching, and outputs the second torque value to the torque command output unit without using the second low pass filter after the predetermined period of time has passed.

Abstract: A control device outputs, to a to-be-controlled system which operates based on a control input and from which an observable amount varying cyclically is obtained, the control input based on the observable amount. The control device includes a deviation processing unit performing at least proportional integral control on a deviation between the observable amount and a command value being a target value of the observable amount and varying cyclically, and a totaling unit totaling an output of the deviation processing unit for each cycle of the command value to generate the control input.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a line in which a plurality of machines performs processes in sequence on a workpiece, the control device having a monitoring section that monitors an amount of electric energy of at least a first machine of the plurality of machines, and a power source control section that controls a power source of at least a second machine of the plurality of machines in accordance with the amount of electric energy of the first machine.

Abstract: An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitated improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database.

Abstract: An information processing device according to the present invention, includes: an information accumulation unit which receives and accumulates control-target information that includes information related to a control target and an environment including the control target; a prediction-equation-set learning and generation unit which learns and generates a prediction-equation set to be used for determination of an operation quantity of the control target based on the control-target information accumulated in the information accumulation unit; and an operation-quantity determination unit which receives input information needed for determination of an operation quantity of the control target, constructs a predictive-control model of the control target based on the prediction-equation set, the control-target information accumulated in the information accumulation unit, the control-target information received, and the input information, and determines an operation quantity used for control of the control target.

Abstract: A control system includes a computer and at least one programmable logic controller connected to the computer. When the number of programmable logic controllers connected to the computer is one, the computer communicates with the connected programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A load management system for reducing engine lug during transient conditions is disclosed. The load management system may include a driven component, a power source configured to drive the driven component, and a controller in communication with the driven component and the power source. The controller may be configured to: monitor a current intake manifold pressure of the power source and a current load of the driven component, calculate a ratio based on the current intake manifold pressure and a steady state intake manifold pressure of the power source, and start a predetermined time period based on the ratio and the current load during which the power source builds up power to respond to the current load.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods provide a visual representation to users of data collected from a three dimensional manufacturing process, such as an additive manufacturing (AM) process. In an embodiment, a user device receives process data associated with a three dimensional manufacturing process, transforms the process data into visualization data compatible with a computer-aided design specification, receives a Boolean query, and then renders, in response to the Boolean query, a visual depiction on a display screen of at least one aspect of the three dimensional manufacturing process and/or the three dimensional manufacturing apparatus and/or a object being manufactured.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy using a detection pad coupled a portion of a bed. The detection pad may include an aluminized polymer material, a metalized and/or conductive fabric, an aluminum sheet, a metal screen, an aluminum tape, a wire grid, or other metalized material or fabric. A controller determines the corresponding response based on single-occupancy or dual-occupancy detection by one or more detection pads. A processor receives information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy, or lack thereof, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a self-propelled irrigation system compensates for differences in expected wind drift and evaporative losses for time periods over the course of an irrigation cycle. Speed modifier values are determined for selected time periods to modify the base speed for the pivot arm assembly based on the corresponding expected wind drift and evaporative losses, with offsetting speed modifier values to modify the speed of the pivot arm assembly for other time periods, so that the period of time for completing an irrigation cycle remains unchanged. The pivot arm assembly is then controlled to move at the corresponding modified speed for each time period.

Abstract: There is provided a coating method which can apply a coating solution uniformly onto a substrate surface while reducing the amount of the coating solution supplied. The coating method for applying a coating solution onto a wafer includes the steps of: supplying a solvent for the coating solution onto the wafer to form an annular liquid film of the solvent in a peripheral area of the wafer; supplying the coating solution to the center of the wafer while rotating the wafer at a first rotational speed (time t1-t2); and allowing the coating solution to spread on the wafer by rotating the wafer at a second rotational speed which is higher than the first rotational speed (time t4-t5). The supply of the solvent is continued until just before the coating solution comes into contact with the liquid film of the solvent (time t0-t3).

Abstract: Even when a user wants to easily operate a plurality of load devices in his or her home using an information terminal device, dedicated application software needs to be started for each load device, which makes the operation complex. A device controller capable of controlling a plurality of load devices, includes: a controller; and a display unit having a first screen and a second screen, wherein the controller is configured to cause the display unit to display, in the first screen, a selection object that instructs a user to select at least one of the plurality of load devices and a first operation object that instructs a user to perform a first type of operation relating to the plurality of load devices, and display, in the second screen, a second operation object including a second type of operation not included in the first operation object.

Abstract: System and method for the distributed control and management of a microgrid. The system comprises a plurality of intelligent devices in communication through a network with a data model unit for storing global parameters of the microgrid, an input profile generator module and an exchange manager module. When a global parameter is updated in a data model unit, it is replicated in every data model unit. A first set of intelligent devices is associated and in communication with different power devices of the microgrid, the data model units collecting data monitored by the power device and the input profile generator module iteratively calculating an available range of power that the power device can produce or consume. The exchange manager module iteratively calculates power exchanges between different power devices of the microgrid considering the available ranges of power of the power devices and at least one input parameter.

Abstract: A mixer controller includes a housing for audio processing equipment having a device surface and a front edge, and a plurality of audio processing devices mounted on the device surface. The plurality of audio processing devices include at least a first channel and a second channel. The mixer controller includes a cross-fader that controls an amount of audio output from the first channel and output from the second channel by sliding the cross-fader between a first position and a second position. The cross-fader includes an extension, the extension having an end that extends forward of the front edge of the housing.

Abstract: A method for specifying and fabricating non-homogeneous, anisotropic, truly functionally graded objects. The objects may have defined spatial heterogeneity (e.g., a gradient in material concentration) with local randomized distributions. This local randomness is designed in such a way that global averaging results in the specified spatial heterogeneity. The fabrication of structures is an additive process in which a material is deposited in defined patterns.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing at least a first product and a second product with at least a first machine and a second machine at minimum cost in an environment in which a cost of energy used by the first machine and the second machine varies as a function of time may include generating multiple chromosomes, determining fitness scores of each of the chromosomes, randomly generating, with probabilities based on the fitness scores, new chromosomes, determining fitness scores of the new chromosomes, selecting one of the new chromosomes with an optimal fitness score, and manufacturing at least the first product and the second product with at least the first machine and the second machine according to a schedule based on the selected new chromosome.

Abstract: An automation operating and management system consolidates and analyzes inputs from multiple machines within an automated enterprise to predict failures and provide instructions for counteractions to prevent failures during machine operation, and to identify opportunities for efficiency improvement, including actions for reduction in peak power consumption demand within a facility including multiple machines. A machine can include a machine controller and at least one base layer controller, where the base layer controller acts as a low level controller to directly control the motion of elements in communication with the base layer control, according to parameters set by the machine controller. The base layer controller collects timing data for the elements under its control, compares the timing data with the parameters and sets an alarm when the timing data is outside of tolerance limits defined by the parameters.

Abstract: A control method according to an aspect of the invention includes a process for setting target fastening torque, a pulse interval of neighboring pulses, and an elevated value of torque per pulse, detecting last fastening torque at an Nth pulse (N is a natural number of 1 or more) after seating of a fastening member, setting pulse loading time at an N+1th pulse and pulse strength at the N+1th pulse based on the last fastening torque at the Nth pulse so that fastening torque at the N+1th pulse coincides with a multiple of the elevated value, controlling a fastening tool based on the pulse interval, the pulse loading time, and the pulse strength so that last fastening torque at an N+Mth pulse (M is a natural number of 1 or more) reaches target fastening torque.

Abstract: To provide a motor control device that prevents from becoming excessive correction, upon adding a backlash correction amount to a position command for a motor.

Abstract: A BOP system for use in a high pressure subsea environment, including a BOP stack including a lower marine riser package and a lower stack portion, the lower stack portion having a plurality of BOP rams attached to a subsea wellhead. The system also includes a riser subsystem extending from a drilling vessel to the BOP stack and providing fluid communication therebetween, a ship board subsystem electronically, mechanically, and hydraulically connected to the BOP stack and the riser subsystem to control the functions of the BOP stack and the riser subsystem, and a safety instrumented system having a surface logic solver and at least one subsea logic solver, the safety instrumented system in communication with at least a portion of the BOP rams to act as a redundant control system in case of failure of the ship board subsystem.

Abstract: When a machining system that includes a machine tool and a robot detects that an operator is present in a dangerous area in the system, a robot controller that controls the robot determines an operation restriction on the machine tool and notifies a numerical controller that controls the machine tool of the determined operation restriction. The numerical controller restricts the operation of the machine tool in accordance with the notified operation restriction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a numerical controller that performs interference check based on a look-ahead position before a feedrate varies by taking the variation in the feedrate into consideration and controls the change of an override safely. To achieve this object, the numerical controller is configured such that, when calculating a coordinate value of a look-ahead position which a movable part subjected to interference check reaches after a look-ahead period elapses from a current position at a current time, the numerical controller calculates the look-ahead position assuming that the movable part moves at a predetermined feedrate of which the upper limit is the maximum feedrate.

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 numerical controller decodes a block read out from a machining program, calculates execution data to be used for control over a machine tool, and determines whether a travel amount resulting from travel instructions for control axes of the machine tool is existent or not based on the calculated execution data. If the travel amount resulting from the travel instructions for the control axes is not existent as a result of such determination, processes for the present block are omitted and cycle time is thereby shortened.

Abstract: A numerical controller for controlling a machine tool for machining a work on the basis of an NC program for execution including a variable includes NC program reading unit, NC program analyzing unit, and a variable value table sequentially holding a variable value assigned to a variable at time of execution of a predetermined unit of program read by the NC program reading unit, and the NC program analyzing unit includes a character string for variable-check creating unit for replacing a character string included in an instruction affected by the variable in the predetermined unit of program with a character string for variable-check on the basis of the predetermined unit of the program read by the NC program reading unit and the variable value obtained from the variable value table and an NC program for variable-check writing unit.

Abstract: A manufacturing process management (MPM) computer device is provided. The MPM computer device is configured to store a first version of a product and a second version of the product. The second version includes the first plurality of parts, the second plurality of parts, and a third plurality of parts associated with the plug. The first location is between the first plurality of locations and the second plurality of locations. The MPM computer device is also configured to calculate a first numbering system, calculate a second numbering system for a third plurality of locations associated with the third plurality of parts, determine a first grid overlay for the first version of the product based on the first numbering system, determine a second grid overlay for the second version of the product based on the first numbering system and the second numbering system.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot including a robot arm, and a first hand and a second hand which are connected to the robot arm and which are provided to independently rotate about an axis on the robot arm; and a controller configured to control an operation of the robot. When the robot arm and the first hand are operated so that the first hand reaches a predetermined target position, teaching values for the first hand in the target position is generated. When the first hand and the second hand are rotated based on the teaching values for the first hand, a relative error in rotation amount around the axis between the first hand and the second hand is acquired and stored in a memory. Teaching values for the second hand is generated from the teaching values for the first hand based on the acquired relative error.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system.

Abstract: A mobile robot system for allowing a user to easily input a control command of a mobile robot, and a remote control method for the same are disclosed. The mobile robot system and the remote control method thereof can allow a user to easily input control commands regarding the movement and operation of the mobile robot using the jog-dial interface, such that the possibility of causing input errors can be reduced and desired commands can be quickly and efficiently transmitted, resulting in increased user manipulation of the mobile robot system. When the user enters the rotation command of the mobile robot, the mobile robot system can allow the user to perform intuitive interfacing through shuttle manipulation, such that the mobile robot system can facilitate transmission of a movement command having a circular trajectory and the same mobile robot control as in the user-intended control is achieved, resulting in implementation of emotional interface capable of increasing user accessibility.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus or a process may be configured to implement an application that applies artificial intelligence and/or machine-learning techniques to predict an optimal course of action (or a subset of courses of action) for an autonomous vehicle system (e.g., one or more of a planner of an autonomous vehicle, a simulator, or a teleoperator) to undertake based on suboptimal autonomous vehicle performance and/or changes in detected sensor data (e.g., new buildings, landmarks, potholes, etc.). The application may determine a subset of trajectories based on a number of decisions and interactions when resolving an anomaly due to an event or condition. The application may use aggregated sensor data from multiple autonomous vehicles to assist in identifying events or conditions that might affect travel (e.g., using semantic scene classification). An optimal subset of trajectories may be formed based on recommendations responsive to semantic changes (e.g., road construction).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to manage deployed drones are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include detecting, by a first drone, whether the first drone is in communication with a command center via a first communication network to determine a configuration parameter of a first message to broadcast discovery information associated with the first drone. Disclosed example methods also include, in response to the first drone being in communication with the command center via the first communication network, broadcasting, from the first drone, the first message configured with a first value for the configuration parameter. Disclosed example methods further include, in response to the first drone not being in communication with the command center via the first communication network, broadcasting, from the first drone, the first message configured with a second value for the configuration parameter different from the first value.

Abstract: An automated driving system 100 of a vehicle comprising: a surrounding environment information acquiring device 10; a vehicle information acquiring device 20; a driver information acquiring device 30; an automated driving executing part 90; a package determining part 91, a package proposing part 92; and an emergency condition judging part 93. The automated driving executing part performs automated driving of the vehicle based on an emergency driving assistance package packaging permissions of the plurality of driving assistance operations when the driver is in an emergency condition, if the emergency condition judging part judges that the driver is in an emergency condition, and performs automated driving of the vehicle based on the driving assistance package proposed by the packaging proposing part and approved by the driver, if the emergency condition judging part judges that the driver is not in an emergency condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to autonomously navigate a vehicle by selecting sensors from which to obtain measurements for navigation are disclosed. An example method to navigate a vehicle includes determining environmental data associated with an area in which the vehicle is to navigate; based on the environmental data, automatically ranking a plurality of sensors that are available to the vehicle by respective costs of using the sensors to generate a navigation solution; automatically determining a subset of the sensors from which to obtain measurements based on the ranking and based on comparisons of a) first importance values of the sensors for navigating the vehicle with b) second importance values of the sensors for performing a non-navigation task; obtaining measurements from the subset of the sensors; calculating a navigation command to navigate the vehicle; and executing a first navigation action to implement the navigation command.

Abstract: A system for operating a mobile platform using distance and speed information and methods for making and using same. The system includes a time-of-flight sensor and an ultrasound sensor for measuring a distance between the mobile platform and an obstacle and a processor for integrating the sensed measurements and controlling the mobile platform. The distance measured by the time-of-flight sensor can be determined via a phase shift method. The time-of-flight sensor can also be used to measure a speed of the mobile platform by imaging a reference point at different times and using stereopsis to ascertain the displacement. Distances and speeds measured using the time-of-flight and ultrasound sensors can be integrated to improve measurement accuracy. The systems and methods are suitable for use in controlling any type of mobile platform, including unmanned aerial vehicles and advantageously can be applied for avoiding collisions between the mobile platform and the obstacle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for automated dynamic lane definition are presented. One example method includes the steps of accessing vehicle information for a vehicle travelling on the road; accessing road information for a road; and defining at least one lane for the road based on the road information and the vehicle information.

Abstract: An unmanned surface vehicle for underwater investigation that is free from negative effect of a thruster is provided. A position control system for an unmanned surface vehicle includes: at least one mooring device fixed on the ground; a wire fed and wound from the mooring device; an unmanned surface vehicle connected at the tip end of the wire; and at least one rudder equipped on the unmanned surface vehicle, wherein the mooring device includes a mooring device control device for controlling the feeding and winding of the wire, and a rudder control device for drive-controlling the rudder, the mooring device control device and the rudder control device control the position of the unmanned surface vehicle to reach the target.

Abstract: A method of controlling two or more propulsion devices on a marine vessel includes receiving a vessel speed, determining that the vessel speed is below a first vessel speed threshold, receiving an operator thrust demand, and determining that the operator thrust demand is below a first demand threshold. At least one of the two or more propulsion devices is then turned off, and a thrust output of at least one remaining propulsion device is adjusted based on the operator thrust demand.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for distinguishing roadway surface lane markings for a vehicle to follow. Automated driving or driving assist vehicles utilize sensors to help the vehicle navigate on roadways or in parking areas. The sensors can utilize, for example, the painted surface markings to help guide the vehicle on its path. When ambiguity is detected between roadway surface markings, decision making algorithms identify a set of roadway surface markings for a vehicle to abide by. The sensors can also identify the location and trajectory of neighboring vehicles to increase confidence with respect to an identified set of roadway surface markings.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle travel system and vehicle travel control method for guiding a haulage vehicle to a loading point without interference with obstacles. The vehicle travel system is provided with a direction input device (102), travel route calculating unit (1507) and vehicle control unit (205). Through the direction input device, an operator of a loading machine (10) inputs the direction of a body of a haulage vehicle (20-1) at a loading point (LP-L or LP-R). The travel route calculating unit calculates a travel route on which the haulage vehicle (20-1) is to be stopped in the inputted direction at the loading point (LP-L or LP-R). The vehicle control unit performs vehicle control to allow the haulage vehicle (20-1) to travel along and stop on the travel route.

Abstract: A path of travel used by an autopilot operation system for auto-guidance of a mobile machine is defined, transparently to a human operator, in response to the human operator engaging and disengaging operation of an implement coupled with the mobile machine. The auto-guidance of the mobile machine is activated, transparently to the human operator, in response to the human operator engaging the implement a second time.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first transmitting unit transmitting a signal including first identification information with directivity of a predetermined width, and a first receiving unit receiving a signal with directivity wider than directivity of the first transmitting unit. A charger includes a second receiving unit receiving the signal including the first identification information, and a second transmitting unit transmitting a signal including second identification information when the second receiving unit receives the signal including the first identification information. A first control unit controls, when the signal including the second identification information is received by the first receiving unit, drive of a motor to allow a body case to travel based on a direction that the signal including the first identification information is transmitted.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a charging unit including first and second light emitting parts arranged in positions separated from each other. The light emitting parts transmit respective guide signals to guide a vacuum cleaner body. The charging unit includes a charging unit controller to make the light emitting parts transmit the respective guide signals that are same guide signals and transmitted according to respective timings. The vacuum cleaner body includes a third light emitting part to transmit a demand signal. The vacuum cleaner body includes a light receiving part capable of receiving the respective guide signals transmitted from the first and second light emitting parts. A controller makes the body case travel toward the charging unit depending on respective receiving statuses at the light receiving part of the two guide signals transmitted from the first and second light emitting parts and according to the respective timings.

Abstract: An intelligent lens masking system for a camera array of an autonomous vehicle (AV) can include an array interface to receive real-time data from the camera array as the AV travels along a given route, where each camera of the camera array may include a masking layer on its lens. The intelligent lens masking system can dynamically identify, in the real-time data, a number of light sources in the field of view for each respective camera in the camera array. Once the light source(s) for the respective camera is detected, the intelligent lens masking system can dynamically block the lights source(s) for the respective camera by activating a number of pixels of the masking layer.

Abstract: A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.

Abstract: A method for guiding a motor vehicle in a parking facility encompasses steps of ascertaining, externally to the motor vehicle, a trajectory in the parking facility from a starting position to a destination position; transmitting at least a segment of the trajectory to the motor vehicle via a communication network; and monitoring the motor vehicle, by way of a monitoring system external to the motor vehicle, as the segment is traversed, to determine a deviation, the trajectory being ascertained as a function of a property of the motor vehicle. Also described are a corresponding apparatus, a parking system, and a computer program.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: a storage apparatus configured to store a steering modification point of a vehicle and a vehicle speed target point of the vehicle that are associated with map information; and an electronic control unit configured to: detect a position of the vehicle; detect a travel direction of the vehicle; calculate a lane travel distance, the position of the vehicle, and the travel direction of the vehicle; generate, lane travel map data, a target direction of the vehicle, and a target vehicle speed of the vehicle, on the basis of the map information, the steering modification point, the vehicle speed target point, the position of the vehicle, and the travel direction of the vehicle; and output a control signal to control the vehicle on the basis of the position of the vehicle, the lane travel distance of the vehicle, and the lane travel map data.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for obtaining environmental data and operational data from autonomous vehicles in a roadway. A vehicle state of the autonomous vehicles can be updated using data that is obtained from nearby vehicles or other vehicles that are on the roadway. The roadway management system can also generate updates to the vehicle state based upon data obtained from sources external to autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a pump controller, features a signal processor configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a linear set point control curve based at least partly on an adaptive set point control curve related to fluid being pumped by a pump in a pumping system, and determine a control set point based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide a control signal containing information to control the pump based on the control set point determined.

Abstract: Controlling release of earthquake energy, in one aspect, may include a controller device injecting fluid into bore holes at dynamically regulated levels to cause controlled seismic events. The bore holes are placed along a fault line with a potential for hazardous earthquakes, and installed with sensors and fluid flow controls communicating with the controller device. The seismic events caused by injecting the fluid are monitored via the sensors. Based on the monitoring, the injecting of the fluid to one or more of the bore holes may be regulated dynamically to control the sizes of the seismic events along the fault line.