Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable logic controller having an energy supply that provides electric energy to operate the unit and having at least one measurement input, with the measurement input being configured to measure and/or detect an electrical input signal. The programmable logic controller is characterized in that at least some of the electric energy of the input signal is supplied to the energy supply.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods of controlling an encoder principle axis speed synchronization for controlling a motor, which may be executed by a microprocessor. In some embodiments, the microprocessor includes latching a count value to a specific memory at an input time of an encoder pulse signal when a control period is commenced and the encoder pulse signal is received, generating an output pulse using the count value latched to the specific memory, and mapping the output pulse to an output during a next control period. In some embodiments, an interval between encoder pulse signals is calculated using a count value at an input time of the encoder pulse signal and an encoder input speed is measured according to the interval therebetween so that an encoder speed may be exactly measured.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the control of power ramp-rates minimizing energy storage requirements in intermittent power generation plants, such as for example a photovoltaic solar plant, which minimizes the energy storage requirements approximately halving the size of storage systems necessary to comply with a maximum allowable ramp-rate given by a grid code regulation regarding the state of the art, reducing thus investment costs in the plant and/or carrying out a rationalized use of the energy storage system, in such a way that in order to achieve the same maximum fluctuation ramp, a minor use is done of the energy storage system, minimizing the losses and extending its working life, and therefore reducing the plant operational costs.

Abstract: A control device includes a command block timing detection unit for detecting arbitrary timing between adjacent command blocks, based on a machining program, which includes a plurality of command blocks, of a machine tool. A feed axis control unit includes a learning controller, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a current time is in the arbitrary timing between the adjacent command blocks, and stops oscillation of at least one feed axis based on the determination.

Abstract: There is described a method and system for reshaping a component for assembly that may have been deformed pre-assembly and post-fabrication. As-fabricated measurements are used to determine a baseline for the component and as-mounted measurements are used to determine a deformation parameter as a function of the baseline. The component may be reshaped using correction displacements applied to a positioning device of an assembly tool to which the component is mounted for assembly.

Abstract: A warm up operation planning device that generates a warm up operation plan for a machine tool comprises: a warm up operation program memory in which at least one warm up operation program is stored; a machining plan input unit that inputs a machining plan for a work in a predetermined period; a warm up operation program selection unit that selects the warm up operation program responsive to the state of the machine tool; a warm up operation duration determination unit that determines a warm up operation duration in response to the work; and a warm up operation planning unit that calculates start time and finish time of warm up operation based on the machining plan. The warm up operation program selection unit selects the warm up operation program responsive to the work from the warm up operation program memory.

Abstract: Sensor data generated by a sensor of a computer numerically controlled machine can be compared with a forecast. The forecast can include expected sensor data for the sensor, over a course of an execution plan for making a cut with a movable laser cutting head. The sensor data can be generated during execution of the execution plan. During execution of the execution plan, the sensor data can be monitored and a deviation of from the forecast can be detected. It can be determined, based on the detecting, that an anomalous condition of the computer numerically controlled machine has occurred. Based on the determining, an action can be performed.

Abstract: A machine tool collision avoidance method includes: loading multiple processing codes; simulating multiple path traces corresponding to the processing codes; estimating multiple execution periods for running the path traces; selecting the shortest execution period from the execution periods; determines whether the distance between the trace point points on any two of the path traces is less than a safety distance within the shortest execution period; if the distance between a first trace point on a first path trace and a second trace point on a second path trace is less than the safety distance, estimating a first time point at which a first turret runs to the first trace point and a second time point at which the second turret runs to the second trace point; generating a collision warning if the difference between the first time point and the second time point is lower than a tolerance value.

Abstract: Example systems and methods allow for runtime control of robotic devices during a construction process. One example method includes determining at least one sequence of robot operations corresponding to at least one robot actor, causing the at least one robot actor to execute a portion of the at least one sequence of robot operations during a first time period, receiving an interrupt signal from a mobile computing device indicating a modification to the at least one sequence of robot operations, where the mobile computing device is configured to display a digital interface including one or more robot parameters describing the at least one robot actor and one or more tool parameters describing operating characteristics of at least one physical tool, and causing the at least one robot actor to execute a portion of the at least one modified sequence of robot operations during a second time period.

Abstract: A control device and a control method capable of realizing control based on a sequence program and control based on a numerical control program with a smaller number of process steps are provided. The control device that is capable of controlling a plurality of motors includes: a first program executing unit that executes a sequence program for each control cycle; a second program executing unit that calculates an instruction value for each motor in accordance with a numerical control program; and a state managing unit that manages a control state correlated with a group including a plurality of predetermined motors of the plurality of motors. The state managing unit updates the control state based on at least one of an instruction from the first program executing unit and an execution state of the numerical control program in the second program executing unit.

Abstract: Techniques to facilitate visualization of an application associated with an industrial automation environment are disclosed. In at least one implementation, a display composer interface is presented that enables a user to design a customized display layout for the application associated with the industrial automation environment. Data display instructions are received comprising a user selection of at least one data item associated with an operation of a machine in the industrial automation environment. Position information that identifies where to display the at least one data item is also received. The data display instructions and the position information are processed to generate the customized display layout for the application. Based on the customized display layout, a graphical user interface is rendered to the application having the at least one data item positioned according to the position information.

Abstract: A complete model numerical solver resides on an embedded processor for real time control of a system. The solver eliminates the need for custom embedded code, requiring only model equations, definition of the independent and dependent variables, parameters and input sources information as input to solve the model equations directly. Through elimination of the need for custom code, the solver speeds up the model deployment process and provides the control application sophisticated features such as Automatic Differentiation, sensitivity analysis, sparse linear algebra techniques and adaptive step size in solving the model concurrently.

Abstract: A layered industrial analytics architecture enables the flow of information from intelligent assets into tools and engines that perform analytics and enable decision-making in substantially real-time. The analytics architecture comprises analytic nodes that are distributed across multiple layers of an industrial enterprise, and includes system features that optimize movement of data across this layered architecture. Each analytic node includes base architectural constructs that host various analytic, data acquisition, and storage elements. These base constructs can operate autonomously, or in conjunction with other instances of base constructs or other elements of the control system. The system design uses a multi-platform compatible implementation that allows the base elements to be deployed on various different computing platforms.

Abstract: To perform reinforcement learning that enables selecting action information for shortening a cycle time while also avoiding the occurrence of overheating.

Abstract: A manufacturing management apparatus includes an operation information acquisition unit, a trace information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a manufacturing device determination unit, and a transfer destination indication unit. The storage unit stores inspection information on each article in association with the trace information. The manufacturing device determination unit creates combinations of the manufacturing devices that can perform manufacturing processes in consideration of operation information and trace information, determines a quality index from the inspection information for each of the created combinations, and determines, based on the quality index determined for each of the combinations, a combination of the manufacturing devices to be used. A transfer destination indication unit indicates a transfer destination of a part to a transfer device based on the determined combination of the manufacturing devices.

Abstract: A control system for an autonomous driving vehicle comprises an operation device configured to be operated by a driver; a notification device configured to give notification to the driver; and an electronic control unit. Autonomous driving is performed. When the driver operates the operation device during autonomous driving, autonomous driving is terminated and vehicle driving is switched to manual driving. Further, when the driver should be requested to terminate autonomous driving during autonomous driving, the notification device is controlled to first notify a request for preparing for manual driving to the driver and then notify a request for terminating autonomous driving to the driver.

Abstract: A control system for an autonomous driving vehicle is provided with a notification device 10 for giving notification to a driver and an electronic control unit 20. Autonomous driving is performed and an autonomous driving reliability value expressing a degree of reliability of autonomous driving is calculated during autonomous driving. If the autonomous driving reliability value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined preparation request value, the notification device is controlled to notify a request for preparing for manual driving to the driver.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device that is capable of switching between a state in which a device is carried and a state in which the device is not carried in a more suitable form in accordance with a state or situation in which the device is used. The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information on a user and a controller that executes a control process for moving a device that can be carried by the user so that the device changes between a carry state in which the device is carried by the user and a non-carry state in which the device is not carried by the user on the basis of the information on the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the use of detected objects for image processing are described. A computing device autonomously controlling a vehicle may receive images of the environment surrounding the vehicle from an image-capture device coupled to the vehicle. In order to process the images, the computing device may receive information indicating characteristics of objects in the images from one or more sources coupled to the vehicle. Examples of sources may include RADAR, LIDAR, a map, sensors, a global positioning system (GPS), or other cameras. The computing device may use the information indicating characteristics of the objects to process received images, including determining the approximate locations of objects within the images. Further, while processing the image, the computing device may use information from sources to determine portions of the image to focus upon that may allow the computing device to determine a control strategy based on portions of the image.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device is configured to, in response to a location signal from a fire detector: move to a first reference location; detect a fire and generate a thermal image, and calculate a target direction based on a line of sight and the thermal image; rotate such that the line of sight is aligned with the target direction, and detect the fire and generate a first reference image; move in the target direction to a second reference location, and detect the fire and generate a second reference image; calculate a distance to fire and a height of the fire; move to a location within a predetermined range from the fire, move a tube to a spraying position based on the height of the fire, and discharge an extinguishing agent.

Abstract: A controller of a mobile object causes the mobile object to move by a first control amount corresponding to a first velocity absolute value and a first velocity direction. If the controller detects that first information indicating a first velocity of a first communication-partner mobile object is ceased to be received, the controller decides on a second control amount by which the mobile object is to be moved based on the first information that has already been received, the second control amount corresponding to a second velocity absolute value and a second velocity direction. The controller decides on, based on the first control amount and the second control amount, a third control amount corresponding to a third velocity absolute value and a third velocity direction, and causes the mobile object to move by switching from the first control amount to the third control amount.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling competition of an autonomous vehicle may include an autonomous drive determination device that determines whether the autonomous vehicle is capable of entering a competitive space in a situation where the autonomous vehicle is required to move into the competitive space during autonomous driving, a vehicle control device that controls the autonomous vehicle such that the autonomous vehicle enters the competitive space when the autonomous vehicle is capable of entering the competitive space, and when the autonomous vehicle fails to enter the competitive space after attempting to enter the competitive space, a vehicle competition control device that controls such that the attempt to enter the competitive space is held for a first competition waiting time.

Abstract: Provided is a disclosure for a vehicle platform that includes acquiring information, analyzing the information, and controlling the vehicle, as well as sharing the acquired information and infotainment in the vehicle with other vehicles and electronic devices.

Abstract: A drive planning processor plans a driving operation plan for a subject vehicle traveling on a route. The drive planning processor determines an action for each of a plurality of events which the subject vehicle encounters in a time-series manner when traveling on a first route and plans a series of driving operation plan for a scene which the subject vehicle encounters using content of each action determined for each of the plurality of events.

Abstract: A learning system for an automated vehicle to learn local traffic customs includes a location-detector, and object-detector, and a controller. The location-detector indicates a location of a host-vehicle on a digital-map. The object-detector detects a lane-marking and other-vehicles proximate to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the location-detector and the object-detector. The controller is configured to determine when an observed-behavior of the other-vehicles is not in accordance with the lane-marking present at the location, and operate the host-vehicle in accordance with the observed-behavior.

Abstract: Remote controlling of a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, may sometimes be more efficient and/or reliable. Such control, however, may require processes for ensuring safety of surrounding persons and objects. Aspects of this disclosure include using onboard sensors to detect objects in an environment and alter remote commands according to such objects, e.g. by reducing a maximum permitted velocity of the vehicle as a function of distance to detected objects. In some examples described herein, such remote controlling may be performed by using objects in the environment as control objects, with movements of the control objects resulting in movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating a vehicle. The vehicle has a predefined at least partially autonomous control mode and is designed to provide an identification indicating the predefined control mode to a vehicle-related component that has information relevant for the predefined control mode and/or one or more control command(s) relevant for the predefined control mode. To make the information and/or the control commands available to the vehicle, the providing takes place only when the vehicle is in the predefined control mode.

Abstract: A movable body control system includes a movable body including a beacon receiver for receiving beacon radio waves from a plurality of beacon transmitters installed around a traveling road, and at least one processing equipment configured to generate a model for determining a position of the movable body based on a distribution of time-series measurement values of beacon radio wave reception intensities in the beacon receiver and to control travel of the movable body while determining an area in which the movable body travels at present based on a distribution of time-series measurement values of the beacon radio wave reception intensities at present and the model.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes: an imaging device, a ranging device, a data storage element to maintain calibration data associated with a relationship between the imaging device and the ranging device, one or more actuators, and a controller. The controller obtains image data from the imaging device, classifies portions of the image data as ground, obtains ranging data from the ranging device, identifies a ground subset of the ranging data corresponding to the portions of the image data using the calibration data; and operates the one or more actuators onboard the vehicle in a manner that is influenced by the ground subset of the ranging data.

Abstract: A computer system configured to use emergency response system (EMS) vehicle telematics data to reduce risk of accidents may be configured to (1) receive, when the EMS vehicle is en route to an emergency location, the EMS vehicle telematics data associated with the EMS vehicle and including GPS location, speed, route, heading, acceleration, and/or lane data; (2) determine that a current route of an autonomous vehicle will interfere with the route of the EMS vehicle; (3) determine an alternate route for the autonomous vehicle to avoid interfering with the route of the EMS vehicle; and (4) direct the autonomous vehicle to (i) travel along the alternate route or (ii) pull over to a side of a road on the current route to allow the EMS vehicle to pass unimpeded. Insurance discounts may be generated based upon the risk mitigation or prevention functionality.

Abstract: An aircrew automation system relates to the field of flight control systems, methods, and apparatuses; even more particularly, to a system, method, and apparatus for providing aircraft state monitoring and/or an automated aircrew employing a robotic arm with integrated imaging and force sensing modalities.

Abstract: A system for landing a mobile platform, such as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (“UAV”) and methods for making and using the same. The system can land the UAV by applying a magnetic levitation force upon the UAV and adjusting the applied magnetic levitation force. The system can initiate a landing process to a designated docking station and can guide the UAV to an adjacency of the designated docking station. Once the UAV has entered the adjacency, the magnetic levitation forces can take control of the landing process. During the landing process, certain magnetic sensitive devices installed on the UAV and/or on the designated docking station can be protected by turning them off or by shielding them. The system overcomes disadvantages of currently-available landing systems by restricting a size and weight of the landing arrangements, as well as, avoiding potential damage to the UAV and the designated docking station.

Abstract: Inspections of towers with unmanned aerial vehicles is challenging because judging the distance to narrow tower members, phase conductors, or guy wires is very difficult for people. These flights may be automated by first creating a three dimensional model of the tower from a scan; determining a safe standoff distance for the unmanned aerial vehicle; generating flight segments to provide complete inspection coverage of the tower while maintaining the standoff distance; and then safely and accurately flying the segments in most wind conditions by using location correction messages from remote reference stations.

Abstract: A three-dimensional path finding system bifurcates path finding operations between horizontal paths and vertical paths. Horizontal paths are identified according to the Theta* algorithm that produces direct, efficient paths that are viable in a horizontal plane. Vertical paths are identified according to the A* algorithm that produces paths that are viable for an aircraft changing altitude. The horizontal and vertical components are combined to produce a viable, efficient path in three dimensions.

Abstract: A re-configurable item of furniture is provided, and includes at least a first reconfigurable portion having in turn a plurality of deformable cells, each having electrically operated valves to control a gas inflow to the respective cells from a gas inflow source, and a gas outflow from the respective cells, to thereby modify the pressure within respective cells. The gas inflow source includes a high-pressure reservoir cell among the plurality of deformable cells. The item of furniture also includes a control unit arranged to transmit control signals to a plurality of the electrically operated valves, including a valve of the high-pressure reservoir cell, to modify the pressure within a plurality of the cells in a coordinated manner selected to generate a new configuration of support for a user of the furniture.

Abstract: A reticle purging system includes an automated pod opener, a reticle holding device, a reticle transporting device and at least one purging device. The reticle holding device has a reticle occupiable zone thereon. The reticle transporting device is assigned with a transportation path from the automated pod opener to the reticle holding device. The reticle occupiable zone is exposed to the purging device.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one environmental condition within a data storage library, including providing at least one enclosure configured to surround at least one ventilation opening of the data storage library and to form a chamber around at least the at least one ventilation opening, and providing at least one enclosure environmental conditioning unit fluidly connected to the at least one enclosure to provide conditioned air into the chamber. The method may also include providing air from the at least one enclosure environmental conditioning unit into the chamber such that air provided into the chamber enters the data storage library through the at least one ventilation opening.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a flow meter, a mechanical pressure-regulating valve disposed adjacent to and on an upstream side of the flow meter, and a flow control valve disposed on a downstream side of the flow meter. The mechanical pressure-regulating valve is embedded in a base of the mass flow controller. The mass flow controller also includes a compulsive valve-opening mechanism configured to compulsorily open the mechanical pressure-regulating valve. Thereby, the mass flow controller can instantly recover pressure on the upstream side of the flow meter to its original pressure even in a case where the pressure changes, and can raise measurement accuracy of a flow rate measured by the flow meter.

Abstract: A valve system having a vacuum valve with a valve seat having a valve opening defining an opening axis and a first sealing surface around the valve opening, a valve closure having a second sealing surface and a drive unit coupled to the valve closure. A control and regulating unit preforming a pre-regulating step and a regulating step for the valve closure in a regulating cycle, the pre-regulating step moves the valve closure to a defined position and the regulating step the closure position is varied based on a determined control variable and a target value. The regulating and control unit updates at least during a part of the regulating cycle and a regulating profile is derived, the regulating profile is compared with a reference regulating profile and a regulating deviation is derived, an adapted pre-regulating position is provided as the actual pre-regulating position for the regulating cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch device that includes or is formed by a switchgear. Two sensors of the switchgear monitor two measured values and a switch of the switchgear is switched depending on these measured values. The adjustable thresholds for the measured values are displayed on a digital display integrated in the switchgear or arranged on an external input device. Both thresholds are adjusted digitally via the input device. The input device can be a commercially available smartphone with an app or a laptop.

Abstract: A temperature controller for a substrate support in a substrate processing system includes memory that stores a first model correlating temperatures of a plurality of first thermal control elements (TCEs) arranged in the substrate support and first temperature responses of the substrate support. The first temperature responses correspond to locations on a surface of the substrate support. A temperature estimation module calculates resistances of the first TCEs, determines, based on the calculated resistances, the temperatures of the first TCEs, and estimates, using the stored first model and the determined temperatures of the first TCEs, an actual temperature response of the substrate support. The temperature controller is configured to control the first TCEs based on the actual temperature response of the substrate support.

Abstract: Methods, systems and circuits for controlling the power available to the load, by reducing the power available to the load, and additionally or alternatively, limiting the current available by pre-establishing a maximum reference current. The reference current is compared to the actual or estimated current drawn by the load or part of the load. The comparison result is used to control a device or switch which disconnects the power supply or power supply regulator, whether connected directly to the load or connected via voltage dropping device, to one or more or a plurality of the load blocks when the maximum current is exceeded.

Abstract: An improved reference current generator for use in an integrated circuit. A voltage difference generator generates two voltages that are separated by a relatively small electrical potential. The two closely separated voltages are applied across a resistive element with relatively large impedance value resulting in a small and stable reference current. The stable reference current is mirrored and, if desired, amplified for use on the integrated circuit. A driver selectively drives state information off chip for assisting in post-silicon correction of unwanted sensitivities. A configuration memory stores values used to adjust effective device widths and lengths for correcting unwanted sensitivities.

Abstract: A first voltage scaling power switch is coupled to a first power supply terminal for providing power to a first circuit portion, and a second voltage scaling power switch is coupled between the first power supply terminal providing power to a second circuit portion. A common power rail is coupled the first and second power input nodes during respective voltage scaling modes of the first and second circuit portions. A feedback circuit coupled to the common power rail provides a feedback signal to a control input of the first voltage scaling power switch to regulate a voltage provided by the first power switch, and to a control input of the second voltage scaling power switch to regulate a voltage provided by the second voltage scaling power switch.

Abstract: A profiling-based energy-aware recommendation method for a cloud platform at a cloud mediator interface may include: collecting usage data of a cloud node over predetermined intervals of time; generating and storing an energy usage profile for each node by using the collected usage data; acquiring real-time usage data from the cloud node; and comparing the real-time usage data with the generated energy usage profile so as to calculate a recommendation value.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a reference circuit, comprising a current control sub-circuit, a voltage control sub-circuit and a voltage adjustment sub-circuit, wherein the current control sub-circuit outputs current to a first terminal and a second terminal of the voltage control sub-circuit and a first terminal of the voltage adjustment sub-circuit at a ratio of 1:1:n respectively, and the first terminal and the second terminal of the voltage control sub-circuit may cause a voltage at a second terminal of the voltage adjustment sub-circuit to be equal to a voltage at a third terminal of the voltage adjustment sub-circuit upon receiving equal current output by the current control sub-circuit, and the voltage adjustment sub-circuit may adjust a voltage output at an output terminal of the reference circuit to be independent of a temperature when the voltage at the second terminal is equal to the voltage at the third terminal.

Abstract: A current mirror arrangement for duplex bidirectional communication between two circuit units may include in each circuit unit two identical transistors with their bases (36, 37) connected together and their bases and their collectors connected to each other respectively. Further, each of the connections between the bases and the collectors may be formed via a MOSFET. The MOSFETs of both circuit units may be connected together. More specifically, the MOSFETs' parasitic diodes of each circuit unit may be arranged in opposite directions with respect to the current system. The pair of MOSFETs in a first of the two circuit units may comprise n-channel enhancement-mode MOSFETs, and the pair of MOSFETs in a second of the two circuit units may comprise p-channel enhancement-mode MOSFETs.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements (60) and at least one remote control device (10) and one or more remote controllable actuators (50); said remote control device (10) being configured for transmitting signals for controlling said one or more remote controllable actuators (50); said toy construction elements (60) comprising coupling members for detachably interconnecting the toy construction elements to create spatial structures comprising said one or more remote controllable actuators (50); said remote control device comprising one or more control units (21) configured such that a user may activate the remote control device by activating said one or more control units (21); wherein said one or more control units (21) are adjustable, such that a user can change the orientation of the control unit with respect to the housing of the remote control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a random clock generator comprising an input receiving a master clock signal MCIk, and a clock signal reduction circuit (101) receiving the master clock signal MCIk and a whole number N and supplying an output signal corresponding to a train of N pulses every M clock pulse, M being a whole number higher than 1 and N being a whole number higher than 1 and lower than or equal to M. A number generator (102) and (103) supplies a new number (N) to the clock signal reduction circuit every P pulse of a master clock signal, N and/or P being produced randomly.