Abstract: Disclosed are a ball-pitching control method of a pitching machine in a baseball practice system that is capable of automatically compensating for inclination of the pitching machine, which may occur depending on the installation environment of the pitching machine, based on the result of sensing performed by a sensing device for sensing a pitched ball or a hit ball without using a separate sensor or measurement device and that is capable of automatically self-correcting the displacement of the pitching machine from the original position thereof or the corrected position thereof over time due to external impact applied to the pitching machine or a manager's inaccurate correction of the pitching machine by analyzing the results periodically sensed by a sensing device and the cumulative results of set ball pitching information of the pitching machine, and a baseball practice system using the same.

Abstract: A communication system and method that provides predictive and prescriptive analytics for a system running at an edge. In one embodiment, the communication system includes an architect subsystem configured to build, test and deploy a model based on sensor characteristics of the system. The sensor characteristics are from at least one of an operator input, a historical input, a specification input, and a subject-matter expert input. The communication system also includes an edge subsystem configured to receive said model and perform predictive and prescriptive analytics on sensor data from said system running on said model deployed at said edge.

Abstract: An abnormality detection system, support device, and model generation method for generating a more highly accurate abnormality detection model before an actual operation are provided. A model generation part includes a section for generating feature values from state values provided from a state value storage part; a section for calculating importance levels respectively for the generated feature values based on plural methods, wherein the importance levels indicating a degree that is effective for abnormality detection; and a section for integrating the importance levels calculated based on the plural methods for each of the generated feature values and determining rankings of the importance levels of the generated feature values.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing containers, wherein the containers are processed by. a first processing device in a first predetermined manner and are transported by. a transport device to a second processing device and are processed by this second processing device in a second predetermined manner, and wherein the processing devices are in each case controlled by at least control devices, wherein for the control parameters are used which are characteristic of the containers and/or the processing of the containers. According to the embodiment, predetermination parameters are output on at least one and preferably on several control devices, and said output predetermination parameters are compared with parameters required by at least one processing device, and it is checked whether the parameters required by the at least one processing device can be derived at least from the predetermination parameters.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a discrete object from an additively manufactured body of material including a precursor to a discrete object and at least a reference feature is disclosed. The system includes an automated manufacturing device, the automated manufacturing device including at least a controller configured to receive a graphical representation of precursor to a discrete object, receive a graphical representation of at least a reference feature on the precursor to the discrete object, and generate a computer model of the body of material, wherein the computer model of the body of material includes the graphical representation of the precursor to the discrete object and the graphical representation of the at least a reference feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for controlling operation of a numerically controlled machine tool (100), the system comprising a back-end control device (300) and a front-end control device (200) communicably connected to the back-end control device (300). The back-end control device (300) comprises a numerical controller (310), a programmable logic controller (320), a first communication interface (330) being communicably connected to the numerical controller (310) and the programmable logic controller (320), and an interface server module (410) of a second communication interface (400) being communicably connected to the first communication interface (330).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for proximity detection in a fabrication environment. One embodiment is a method for reporting proximity in an assembly environment. The method includes inserting an arm of a bracket into an interior of a part that is held by a cradle, and that is worked upon by a robot, placing indexing features at the bracket into contact with indexing features of the cradle, operating sensors at the bracket to directly detect a location of a first proximity detector worn by a technician and a location of the second proximity detector at the robot, and directing the first proximity detector to provide a warning to the technician if a distance between the first proximity detector and the second proximity detector is less than a threshold.

Abstract: A data providing apparatus includes a field data acquisition unit configured to acquire field data relating to field equipment, and a data providing unit configured to transmit and receive information to and from a service providing unit, the service providing unit being a communication target and configured to use the field data as service data, in which the data providing unit manages information on a conversion rule defining a relationship between the field data and the service data, acquires the field data specified in a data acquisition request from the service providing unit, from the field data acquisition unit, converts the acquired field data to service data according to the conversion rule when there is a difference between a specification of the field data and a specification of the service data, and transmits the data obtained by the conversion to the service providing unit.

Abstract: In an assignment apparatus, it is provided to generate a plant model for an industrial plant with the aid of a computer, components being represented by structural elements, and to allocate the structural elements to nodes of a navigation tree, in each case it being checked, with computer assistance, whether the allocation matches structurally, in order to provide operative-control and/or output elements for the components in the navigation tree.

Abstract: A method for elaborating work orders to be performed by a system capable of driving manufacturing machinery, in particular a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or Manufacturing Operation Management (MOM) includes providing work orders containing a series of part programs, the part programs containing information regarding tools to be employed and/or information about a priority of execution. The part programs are read and ordered according to an order of execution, on the basis of the information.

Abstract: Operating a substrate processing system includes receiving a plurality of sets of training data, storing a plurality of machine learning models, storing a plurality of physical process models, receiving a selection of a machine learning model from the plurality of machine learning models and a selection of a physical process model from the plurality of physical process models, generating an implemented machine learning model according to the selected machine learning model, calculating a characterizing value for each training spectrum in each set of training data thereby generating a plurality of training characterizing values with each training characterizing value associated with one of the plurality of training spectra, training the implemented machine learning model using the plurality of training characterizing values and plurality of training spectra to generate a trained machine learning model, and passing the trained machine learning model to a control system of the substrate processing system.

Abstract: An industrial automation system may include an automation device and a control system communicatively coupled to the automation device. The control system may include a first module of a number of modules, such that the first module may receive an indication of a target variable associated with the industrial automation device. The first module may then receive parameters associated with the target variable, identify a portion of data points associated with controlling the target variable with respect to the parameters, generate a model of each data point of the portion over time with respect to the parameters based on the data points, determine functions associated with the model. The functions represent one or more relationships between the each data point of the portion with respect to controlling the target variable. The first module may then adjust one or more operations of the automation device based on the functions.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for providing a standard operating procedure associated with a monitoring system of facility are described herein. One method includes determining a plurality of parameters associated with a facility having a monitoring system, accessing a library of SOP templates to determine a particular SOP template having a correlation with the plurality of parameters, allowing a user to create an SOP by customizing the particular SOP template, and associating the created SOP with the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A method for testing software of an electronic control unit of a vehicle includes, in a first step, executing a driving cycle, whereby input quantities and output quantities of the electronic control unit are recorded. In an additional step, the driving cycle in accordance with the first step is repeated without once again executing the driving cycle with the vehicle on the testing device so that additional output quantities are made available. It is ascertained that the software comprises a function that recognizes whether a driving cycle is being executed with the vehicle, based on there being a deviation between at least one output quantity that had been recorded in the first step and the corresponding output quantity provided in accordance with the additional step. Based thereon, a function of the electronic control unit is excluded from being further developed or processed during a subsequent development step.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for data collection in an industrial environment. A method can include providing a plurality of sensors to components of an industrial system, interpreting the data values from the sensors in response to a sensed parameter group, the group including a fused plurality of sensors. The method may also include determining a recognized pattern value comprising a secondary value determined in response to the data values, updating the sensed parameter group in response to the recognized pattern value, and adjusting the interpreting the data values in response to the updated sensed parameter group.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling agriculture equipment which combines geographical coordinates, machine settings, machine position, path plans, user input, and equipment parameters to generate executable commands based of a variety of different in-field agricultural operation objectives for a vehicle equipped with an automatic or electronically controlled locomotion systems capable of reading and executing the commands.

Abstract: A system comprising, a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles and a single controller for controlling said plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, wherein the single controller is configured such that it can broadcast a command to all of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles so that each of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles receive the same command; and wherein each of the unmanned aerial vehicles comprise a memory which stores a plurality of predefined flight paths each of which is assigned to a respective command; and wherein each of the unmanned aerial vehicles comprise a processor which can, (i) receive a command which has been broadcasted by the single controller to said plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, (ii) retrieve from the memory of that aerial vehicle the flight path which is assigned in the memory to that command, and (iii) operate the aerial vehicle to follow the retrieved flight path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for new paradigms for user interaction with an unmanned aerial vehicle (referred to as a flying digital assistant or FDA) using a portable multifunction device (PMD) such as smart phone. In some embodiments, a user may control image capture from an FDA by adjusting the position and orientation of a PMD. In other embodiments, a user may input a touch gesture via a touch display of a PMD that corresponds with a flight path to be autonomously flown by the FDA.

Abstract: A flight aiding method for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes receiving a flight aiding instruction to execute a flight aiding function, recording a position of a point of interest, recording a current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and defining a forward flight direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the position of the point of interest and the current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes providing a control of the autonomous vehicle to a user associated with a vehicle service. The method includes identifying one or more release signals indicative of one or more actions of the user. The method includes releasing the control of the autonomous vehicle from the user, based at least in part on the release signals.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a vehicle, and an autonomous driving vehicle are provided. The method includes that: historical weather information of a present driving road planned for a vehicle is acquired; a slippery parameter of the present driving road is determined according to the historical weather information; and an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle is controlled according to the slippery parameter.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic driving control device advantageous for a vehicle or the like in which a route can be changed during movement to a destination. An automatic driving control device, wherein a navigation device is provided with a route generation unit for generating a second route which is difference from a first route on the basis of predetermined conditions, and a determination unit for determining whether to change from the first route to the second route when an automatic driving permissible interval included in the second route is different from the automatic driving permissible interval included in the first route. When the route has been determined by the determination unit to be changeable from the first route to the second route, a control unit executes an automatic driving mode in the automatic driving permissible interval included in the second route.

Abstract: A method of controlling an autonomous vehicle may include receiving destination information before autonomous driving, providing parking space information corresponding to the destination information, receiving first parking selection information related to the parking space information, and performing the autonomous driving based on the destination information and the first parking selection information, and the autonomous driving includes movement of the autonomous vehicle to a first position corresponding to the destination information and the first parking selection information.

Abstract: One or more aspects of utility decomposition with deep corrections are described herein. An entity may be detected within an environment through which an autonomous vehicle is travelling. The entity may be associated with a current velocity and a current position. The autonomous vehicle may be associated with a current position and a current velocity. Additionally, the autonomous vehicle may have a target position or desired destination. A Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) model may be built based on the current velocities and current positions of different entities and the autonomous vehicle. Utility decomposition may be performed to break tasks or problems down into sub-tasks or sub-problems. A correction term may be generated using multi-fidelity modeling. A driving parameter may be implemented for a component of the autonomous vehicle based on the POMDP model and the correction term to operate the autonomous vehicle autonomously.

Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to processions. For instance, sensor data identifying two or more objects in an environment of a vehicle may be received. The two or more objects may be determined to be disobeying a predetermined rule in a same way. Based on the determination that the two or more objects are disobeying a predetermined rule, that the two or more objects are involved in a procession may be determined. The vehicle may then be controlled autonomously in order to respond to the procession based on the determination that the two or more objects are involved in a procession.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate movement of a pedestrian or bicyclist along a route. In the context of a method, routes of one or more autonomous vehicles and of a pedestrian or bicyclist are synchronized. The method includes receiving a route of the pedestrian or bicyclist that extends at least partially along a road network comprised of a plurality of road segments. The method also includes accessing routes to be driven by the one or more autonomous vehicles. The method further includes synchronizing the route of the pedestrians or bicyclists with the route of the one or more autonomous vehicles such that the one or more autonomous vehicles drive alongside the pedestrian or bicyclist while the pedestrian or bicyclist proceeds along with at least a portion of the route.

Abstract: A device implemented on solid-state chips for an autonomous machine with sensors. The device includes a neural network on the autonomous machine, trained with a first training data set that includes training data generated by a sensor located remote from the autonomous machine, and configured to generate output data after processing input data. The device also includes a processor coupled to the neural network, and a detector to receive the output data and determine whether the output data breaches a predetermined condition, and a neural network manager coupled to the neural network and adapted to re-train the first neural network using another training data set if the detector determines the output data breach the first predetermined condition; and another neural network structured and trained identical to the first neural network to generate a second output data by processing the set of input data, wherein the neural networks are executed simultaneously.

Abstract: A photogrammetry analysis unit of an analysis device associates the survey result obtained by a surveying device with a photographing position of each image taken by a camera, recognizes the surveying device from the image containing the surveying device, corrects the photographing position based on the known point coordinates of the surveying device, and generates the data for photogrammetry.

Abstract: A method includes accepting inputs to a marine vessel's control module, the inputs defining first and second waypoints and a desired heading, and defining a desired track between the first and second waypoints. Ideal steering and thrust commands required to orient the vessel at the desired heading and to maneuver the vessel from the first to the second waypoint are generated and carried out. The method includes measuring a current position and heading of the vessel; calculating a cross-track error based on the current position as compared to the desired track; and calculating a heading error based on the current heading as compared to the desired heading. The method includes generating corrective steering and thrust commands that are required to minimize the cross-track error and the heading error. The propulsion system propels the marine vessel according to the corrective steering and thrust commands, as appropriate.

Abstract: A method for receiving autonomous vehicle (AV) driving path data associated with a driving path in a roadway of a geographic location. The driving path data associated with a trajectory for an AV in a roadway and trajectory points in a trajectory of the driving path in the roadway for determining at least one feature of the roadway positioned a lateral distance from a first trajectory of the one or more trajectories of the driving path of an AV based on the map data. The method includes receiving map data associated with a map of a geographic location, determining a driving path for an AV in a roadway, generating driving path information based on a trajectory point in a trajectory of the driving path, and providing driving path data associated with the driving path to an AV for controlling the AV on the roadway.

Abstract: A moving system comprising a master controller for monitoring and controlling a master operation comprising one or more individual movers such that each mover arrives at predefined end point at selected times. Each mover includes a mover control system that interacts with the master controller and has a predefined virtual vector path with one or more defined end points. The predefined virtual vector path comprises a plurality of discrete points, wherein each discrete point has a vector axis for use by the master controller and the mover control system to direct the mover to move such that it arrives at each defined end point at a selected time. In operation, the master controller functions to modify the predefined virtual path and sends commands to the mover control system in response to changes in the master operations.

Abstract: Drivable path plan systems and methods for autonomous vehicles disclosed herein may receive original path plan data, including a first path element tangentially connected to a second path element at a transition connection point. A drivable path plan may be calculated for the autonomous vehicle between the first path element and the second path element using a clothoid spline. An initial connection point may be identified, as well as an initial heading and an initial curvature along the first path element, and a final connection point, a final heading, and a final curvature along the second path element. The clothoid spline may be inserted between the initial connection point along the first path element and the final connection point along the second path element.

Abstract: A travel assist apparatus includes a calculator that calculates rear lane shape information in a section from a current position of the own vehicle to a rear position, on the basis of a lane information group and a traveling trajectory of the own vehicle. The lane information group includes pieces of lane information detected on the basis of images captured by an imaging unit successively during a data acquisition period. The pieces of lane information each includes information regarding relative positions of lanes with respect to an own vehicle. The data acquisition period is a predetermined period from a current time to a certain time in past. The traveling trajectory of the own vehicle is that during the data acquisition period and is calculated on the basis of a result of detection of both a vehicle speed and a yaw rate of the own vehicle during the data acquisition period.

Abstract: A vehicle control device according to an embodiment includes a recognition unit recognizing surrounding vehicles of a subject vehicle and a potential setting unit setting a target object potential based on the surrounding vehicles recognized by the recognition unit for a plurality of separate areas acquired by dividing a road area and differently setting the target object potential in accordance with whether or not the subject vehicle or the surrounding vehicles are running in a predetermined running environment.

Abstract: An automatic turning control system for a work vehicle having a ground engaging traction device directed by a manual steering device. The automatic turning control system includes an electronic control unit (ECU), a traction device angle sensor configured to generate an angle signal representative of an angle of the traction device with respect to an axis of the work vehicle, and a vehicle guidance system. The ECU is configured to generate a manual path signal representing an actual path of the work vehicle based on the angle signal. The ECU is operatively connected to a vehicle guidance system and determines a learned path signal based on the manual path signal. The vehicle guidance system automatically directs the work vehicle along the learned path signal when the vehicle moves from a working area, to a non-working area, and back to the working area of a field.

Abstract: A system includes an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of inspection sensors, each of the inspection sensors coupled to one of the plurality of sleds such that each sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface; and wherein the plurality of sleds are horizontally distributed on the inspection surface at selected horizontal positions, and wherein each of the arms is horizontally moveable relative to the corresponding payload.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a peripheral image acquisition unit adapted to acquire peripheral image data including a lane marking on a road in a travel direction of a host vehicle, a lane marking recognition unit adapted to recognize the lane marking from the image data, and a specified region determining unit adapted to determine, within the image data, the presence or absence of a specified region where continuity of the road is interrupted. In the case that the specified region exists, the lane marking recognition unit performs recognition of the lane marking on a side closer to the host vehicle than the specified region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating an autonomous vehicle using reinforcement learning techniques.

Abstract: An automatic driving control apparatus includes a controller. Upon execution of an automatic driving control of a vehicle, the controller determines, on the basis of a result of positioning and map information, presence or absence of a tollgate within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. The controller makes a transition to a tollgate passing mode, on a condition that the presence of the tollgate is determined within the predetermined distance and an increase in width of the road is further recognized on the basis of a result of recognition of an outside environment. In the tollgate passing mode, the controller sets a first target path on the basis of position information, of the tollgate, that is recognized on the basis of the result of the recognition of the outside environment. The first target path is a target path along which the vehicle is to pass through the tollgate.

Abstract: Provided is a robot, including: a first actuator; a first sensor; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the first actuator and to the first sensor; and memory storing instructions that when executed by at least some of the one or more processors effectuate operations comprising: determining a first location of the robot in a working environment; obtaining, with the first sensor, first data indicative of an environmental characteristic of the first location; and adjusting a first operational parameter of the first actuator based on the sensed first data, wherein the adjusting is configured to cause the first operational parameter to be in a first adjusted state while the robot is at the first location.

Abstract: A network device receives input from an operator that selects parameters associated with issuing at least one remote control command to at least one autonomous vehicle. The network device generates an autonomous vehicle control token based on the selected parameters, and transmits the control token, via a wireless network, to the at least one autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for flight control and a control apparatus for flight control. In an example, a first aircraft includes the control apparatus for flight control and the control apparatus includes interface circuitry and processing circuitry. The interface circuitry receives a first flight control instruction and a flight parameter. The first flight control instruction and the flight parameter are sent by a mobile terminal device. The flight parameter is indicative of a preset flight altitude. In response to the first flight control instruction, the processing circuitry controls the first aircraft to fly to the preset flight altitude. Further, the processing circuitry detects an existence of a second aircraft within a surrounding of the first aircraft, and adjusts a flight posture of the first aircraft according to the existence detection of the second aircraft within the surrounding of the first aircraft.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and/or system for facilitating event-based vehicle operation can include routing a vehicle along a route in a three-dimensional space; detecting an event based on the external signal; determining that the event is of interest based on a parameter associated with the vehicle; and re-routing the vehicle towards the event, including modifying a vehicle locomotion component to move the vehicle toward the event along a shortened route.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow-rate adjustable valve for adjusting a flow rate of liquid flowing through a flow path. The flow-rate adjustable valve includes: a main valve body; a back pressure chamber; an inlet hole; an outlet hole; a pilot valve body for opening and closing an end of the outlet hole on a side of the back pressure chamber; an elongated member holding the pilot valve body; and a lifter rotatable and also movable in the axial direction of the elongated member by the rotation of the rotatable member. The lifter and the elongated member are integrally movable in the axial direction. The elongated member is connected to the lifter under a condition in which the elongated member is biased to the lifter in a one-way direction of the axial direction by a biasing-connecting member.

Abstract: A computer apparatus runs a hydraulic model using real-time or near-real-time data from an Automated or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), to improve model accuracy, particularly by obtaining more accurate, higher-resolution water demand values for service nodes in the model. Improving the accuracy of water demand calculation for the service nodes in the model stems from an improved technique that more accurately determines which consumption points in the water distribution system should be associated with each service node and from the use of real-time or near-real-time consumption data. The computer apparatus uses the water demand values to improve the accuracy and resolution of its water flow and pressure estimates. In turn, the improved flow and pressure estimation provides for more accurate control, e.g., pumping or valve control, flushing control or scheduling, leak detection, step testing, etc.

Abstract: A method for regulating a volume flow rate, and a test stand with a liquid circuit for carrying out the method is provided. A pump and a flow control valve are connected in series in the liquid circuit, and the orifice width of the flow control valve is set as a function of a setpoint value of the volume flow rate of the liquid, in order to specify, on the basis of the orifice width, a characteristic curve of the pump that plots the volume flow rate over the differential pressure. Once a characteristic curve has been specified, the differential pressure of the pump is set such that the volume flow rate corresponds to the setpoint value of the volume flow rate.

Abstract: A unit for regulating or controlling a fluid pressure has a valve housing with an inlet and an outlet. A switching film is disposed in the valve housing and switches at pressure differences of 1 mbar to 250 mbar for regulating, opening or blocking a flow of a fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The switching film is formed of a fluorine and carbon containing polymer material. The switching film has a plate-shaped flat body with a bending region and has a central closure region surrounded by the bending region. The bending region, when switching the switching film, moves the central closure region relative to a valve seat of the valve housing in an axial direction of the plate-shaped flat body toward or away from the valve seat by a low-stretch bending movement. A switching film for such a unit is provided also.

Abstract: The mixing unit for a mixer tap has a generally cylindrical shape defining a main axis and comprises a cartridge comprising a mixing chamber traversed by the main axis, wherein the mixing chamber comprises intakes of the incoming stream and an outlet for an outgoing stream. The mixing unit comprises means for mixing the incoming steams to form the outgoing stream contained in the mixing chamber, and an additional casing extending out of the mixing chamber. According to the invention, the mixing unit comprises a single-piece common part which delimits the mixing chamber, while forming at least a portion of the additional casing. The common part forms a separation wall between the cartridge and the additional casing, extending in a plane that is orthogonal to the main axis, wherein the intakes and the outlet are formed through the separation wall.

Abstract: A hot water faucet system can include a housing, an outlet, a heating chamber, a valve assembly, and a handle. The valve assembly can include a valve assembly inlet, a valve body, a flow selector, and a valve cap. A handle is connected to and can rotate the flow selector within the valve body. The valve body includes a valve body aperture and the flow selector includes a notch. As the handle is rotated from zero degrees to approximately 90 degrees, the alignment of the notch, the valve body aperture, and the valve assembly inlet increases so that the flow of water from the valve assembly inlet increases. As the handle is rotated from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 160 degrees, the alignment of the notch, the valve body aperture, and the valve assembly inlet decreases so that the flow of water from the valve assembly decreases.