Abstract: Some examples described herein may involve receiving, via a wireless transmission, a firmware code update that is to be installed in a main memory of the electronic device, determining that the firmware code update is not successfully received; determining, based on determining that the firmware code update is not successfully received, that a secondary memory, of the electronic device, includes a firmware image; and installing the backup firmware image, from the secondary memory, in the main memory to provide the set of functionalities to the electronic device.

Abstract: A reel has a spool member on which the linear material is spooled, an electric motor that rotates the spool member, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor. The controller monitors an unwound length of the linear material based on sensed rotation of the spool member by one or more sensors. The controller causes the electric motor to wind the linear material around the spool member, for example, upon detection of a pulling force on the linear material over a pull distance within a predetermined range, but, for example, does not trigger the winding of the linear material if the pull distance is greater than the predetermined range. The controller can cause the electric motor to stop winding of the linear material upon detection of a force on the linear material that holds the linear material in place.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed that includes a room controller transmitting signals to both a shade control network and a light control network, directing that motorized roller shades and dimmable lights be set to desired intensity levels. The control system further includes an intelligent hub that provides a trickle-charge re-charge current via power-over-Ethernet cables to batteries associated with each of the motorized roller shades for re-charging the batteries, thereby eliminating power supplies being installed within walls. The intelligent hub provides for communication with the room controller based on streaming protocol and with the shade control network based on event-based protocol. A computer running user interface software may be connected to the system to facilitate programming.

Abstract: An adaptor for providing remote control of a mechanical actuator includes a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a portion of the mechanical actuator. At least one engagement mechanism extends into the bore such that the at least one engagement mechanism engages the portion of the mechanical actuator. A motor is coupled to the at least one engagement mechanism and a sensor is operably coupled to the motor such that the motor is configured to actuate the mechanical actuator via the at least one engagement mechanism in response to a signal detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining position of a mobile device using magnetic beacons including detecting, by a sensor in the mobile device, a magnetic signal having a unique signature associated with a given magnetic beacon; storing location and an associated signature for each of a plurality of magnetic beacons in a data store of the mobile device, where each of the magnetic beacons is assigned a different signature; extracting the unique signature from the magnetic signal; comparing the extracted signature to each of the signatures stored in the data store; identifying a given magnetic beacon from the plurality of magnetic beacons, where signature for the given beacon matches the extracted signature; and retrieving the location for the given magnetic beacon for the data store and correlating location of the mobile device with the location of the given magnetic beacon.

Abstract: A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for performing a control on a micro-robot using a transfer robot. The system includes a magnetic field control unit configured to control a movement of a micro-structure or a micro-robot within a working area according to an output magnetic field, a transfer robot connected to the magnetic field control unit to transfer the working area in space, and a control unit configured to receive position information about the micro-structure or micro-robot and position information about the transfer robot, and transmit a control signal based on the received position information.

Abstract: A method for sending a message is provided. The method includes: detecting whether a user is located in a target place; if the user is not located in the target place, detecting whether an entrance of the target place is opened; and if the entrance of the target place is opened, sending a prompt message to a device carried by the user.

Abstract: An I/O module includes a base plate, a plurality of universal circuits, and an option module. The base plate includes a plurality of connection terminals. A plurality of field devices is electrically connectable to the connection terminals. The universal circuits correspond to the connection terminals. The universal circuits are provided on the base plate, and configured to perform an input of analog signals from the field device, an output of analog signals to the field device, an input of discrete signals from the field device, and an output of discrete signals to the field device. The option module is detachably provided in the base plate. The option module is provided between a first connection terminal of the connection terminals and a first universal circuit of the universal circuits. The option module includes a first circuit configured to performing transmitting and receiving of signals between the first connection terminal and the first universal circuit.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a luminaire (100) comprising: a light source (104) operable to emit a beam of light; and a radio module (106) operable to emit a radio beam comprising a radio signal, using a frequency band of 60 GHz; wherein the light source (104) and radio module (106) are operable to emit the light beam and radio beam so as to be substantially coincident in space. According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising using a spatial extent of the light beam to indicate an approximate spatial extent of the radio beam, or vice versa using a spatial extent of the radio beam to indicate an approximate spatial extent of the light beam.

Abstract: A controller, which can be operated wirelessly by a remote transmitter using PIN-based authentication, has some switch-controlled channels and at least one channel that does not have a corresponding switch. The switch-controlled channels can be used for applications where simple switch-driven manual control is desirable, such as opening and closing a garage using a switch inside the garage (in addition to using the remote transmitter). The channel(s) without switch(es) can be used in applications where simple switch-driven manual control is unwanted and only PIN-authenticated control (e.g. by using the remote transmitter) is desired, such as arming and disarming a home alarm.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tool clamping system comprising a tool holder for clamping a tool, said tool holder being configured for being driven rotatingly; a tool secured to the tool holder; a tool shaft carried by the tool; at least one cutting edge carried by the tool; at least one piezo element for generating a voltage from mechanical vibration energy of the rotating tool clamping system; and at least one delay element selected form the group consisting of an inductor and a capacitor being connected to the at least one piezo element so as to form an electrical oscillating circuit, wherein the oscillating circuit is configured for monitoring at least one operating parameter of the tool clamping system.

Abstract: A method of controlling vibration is provided. The method includes determining whether the electronic device is located on a flat surface if a vibration event of an electronic device occurs, measuring a first noise signal level before driving a vibration motor by using a microphone of the electronic device if the electronic device is located on the flat surface, measuring a second noise signal level after driving the vibration motor at a minimum vibration intensity, and controlling a driving intensity of the vibration motor by comparing the first noise signal level and the second noise signal level. Accordingly, an excessive noise may be avoided if a portable terminal vibrates on a hard surface such as a desk.

Abstract: A virtual encounter system includes a mannequin coupled to a camera for receiving a video image. The camera sends the video image to a communications network. The virtual encounter system also includes a processor for overlaying a virtual environment over one or more portions of the video image to form a virtual scene and a set of goggles to render the virtual scene.

Abstract: A garage door status indicator system that has a controller coupled to a garage door and a remote device remotely located from proximity with the controller. The system further has a first processor residing on the controller and configured to detect when a garage door is open and transmit an open status signal indicative of the garage being open and a second processor residing on the remote device and configured to receive the open status, the second processor further configured to activate an output device indicating that the garage is open.

Abstract: A roll shade system is disclosed. The roll shade system includes a motor configured to remain stationary during operation of the motor, a support shaft supporting the motor wherein the support shaft is configured to remain stationary during operation of the motor, and a roll shade tube configured to be rotatable about the motor and the support shaft during operation of the motor. The roll shade system further includes stationary components including a wiring connector, an input wiring system, a bearing, an antenna, a coaxial cable, a motor controller, a counterbalance spring. The roll shade system also includes rotatable components including a bearing housing and one or more O-rings.

Abstract: An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided.

Abstract: A trashcan assembly can include a body portion, a lid portion pivotably coupled with the body portion, and a sensor assembly configured to generate a signal when an object is detected within a sensing region. The sensor assembly can include a plurality of transmitters having a first subset of transmitters and a second subset of transmitters. A transmission axis of at least one transmitter in the first subset of transmitters can be different from a transmission axis of at least one of the transmitters in the second subset of transmitters. An electronic processor can generate an electronic signal to a power-operated drive mechanism for moving the lid portion from a closed position to an open position, such as in response to the sensor assembly detecting the object.

Abstract: The fixed and variable speed induction motor and light controller has a dual isolated low voltage power supply including timing control that utilizes the zero crossing detector of a microcontroller (MCU) to chop the voltage. This permits quiet on the fly variable speed control. The MCU is connected to a pulse width modulation (PWM) module including two pairs of MOSFETs connected back-to-back to form two AC switches for motor control. A TRIAC phase control output controls the lighting. A reverse switch (which may be a part of the existing ceiling fan) or an on-board reverse relay is included. An RF receiver (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is configured for remote access to the controller.

Abstract: A power tool assembly includes a drop arm assembly movable along a drop path between a first drop arm assembly position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the drop arm assembly extends above a workpiece support surface and a second drop arm assembly position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the workpiece support surface, an actuator housing configured to house a first actuating device at an active location at which a force from the first actuating device is transferred to the drop arm assembly, the actuator housing including a slit configured to position a second actuating device at an inactive location, and a control system configured such that when the first actuating device is housed, the control system controls the first actuating device to transfer the force to the drop arm assembly when an unsafe condition is sensed.

Abstract: A multi-joint robot using substantially one sensor, capable of performing a proper repositioning motion of an arm of the robot. The controller has a disturbance torque estimating part which estimates a first disturbance torque and a second disturbance torque, by calculating a torque generated by a mass and motion of the robot and subtracting the calculated torque from the first torque and the second torque detected by a torque detecting part. The controller has a repositioning commanding part which generates a motion command for rotating each axis so that the disturbance torque is reduced, when the disturbance torque exceeds a torque threshold. Since the axis is repositioned based on the motion command, a portion of the robot pushed by the operator is repositioned, whereby the operator can easily perform one's work without using a teaching board, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power module (9) for converting an electric current flowing between an accumulator and an alternating-current motor, said module (9) comprising switching means (10) that can be controlled to authorize the powering of the motor and/or the charging of the accumulator, and an intrinsic control unit (13) connected to said switching means (10) and capable of delivering opening and/or closing signals to said switching means (10), said intrinsic control unit (13) being further capable of exchanging data with a remote control unit, with a potential barrier.

Abstract: A robot controller having a function for mitigating damage to a robot when the robot is brought to an emergency stop, and for facilitating restoration of the robot from the emergency stop. The robot controller has a controlling part which controls a motion of a robot based on a predetermined robot program; a first detecting part which detects a predetermined abnormality which does not require the robot to be immediately stopped; a stopping condition judging part which judges as to whether or not a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied when the first detecting part detects the abnormality; and a stopping process executing part which executes a stopping process of the robot when the stopping condition is satisfied, and does not execute the stopping process when the stopping condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: An air bed system including a plurality of peripheral devices and a pump unit configured to adjust a firmness of an air mattress, the pump unit including a pump. The system further includes a controller configured to execute instructions that cause the pump unit to wirelessly pair with at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices. The pump unit is configured to receive at least one control signal addressed to the at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices, and transmit the at least one control signal to the addressed device.

Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes an adjustable bed system that includes first and second adjustable foundations, at least one first motor to adjust the first adjustable foundation, at least one second motor to adjust the second adjustable foundation, a configurable device having a first state and a second state, and a central controller in communication with the device, the controller configured to receive an input representing one of the first state and the second state, the controller including a processor configured to control the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor based on the received input.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: A barrier opening system for emergency escape and rescue comprises a vertical acting barrier device, an escape device, and a rescue device, the vertical acting barrier device winds a barrier via a winding shaft; a prestressed spring preloaded on the winding shaft for storing a restoring force when the barrier is unwound by the winding shaft; a brake mechanism for stopping the winding shaft from rotating; a brake release mechanism for releasing the winding shaft under an abnormal condition; an escape device comprising an identification unit and a master key for activating the brake release mechanism; the identification unit identifies a rescue personnel's identity before allowing the personnel to use the master key to activate the brake release mechanism; when the emergency button and/or the master key activate(s) the brake release mechanism to release the winding shaft, the barrier can be lifted up by the restoring force.

Abstract: A controller, which can be operated wirelessly by a remote transmitter using PIN-based authentication, has some switch-controlled channels and at least one channel that does not have a corresponding switch. The switch-controlled channels can be used for applications where simple switch-driven manual control is desirable, such as opening and closing a garage using a switch inside the garage (in addition to using the remote transmitter). The channel(s) without switch(es) can be used in applications where simple switch-driven manual control is unwanted and only PIN-authenticated control (e.g. by using the remote transmitter) is desired, such as arming and disarming a home alarm.

Abstract: An architectural covering is presented that can be manually moved as well as moved through motorized manipulation. The system includes a header, a bottom bar and shade material and suspension cords extending therebetween. The header has an open interior compartment which includes a spring housing, a drive shaft assembly, spool assemblies and a motor assembly. The architectural covering can be manually moved by pulling on the shade material. The shade can also me moved via motorization by actuating the motor assembly through tugging, a remote control device, a voice actuation device or through the internet. In this way a novel architectural covering is presented that is easier to use than the prior art and has a plurality of methods of operation.

Abstract: An electric motor and a motor control unit exchange information using at least one transfer signal, the information including motion state information of the electric motor and additional information transmitted via a transmission channel, where the motion state information is in the form of at least one base signal and the additional information is transmitted with the aid of the base signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reliably transmitting data in a network. The method includes: performing by a module, monitoring data from an output drive module for errors; and when an error is detected, generating a first signal based on the monitoring, and adjusting an input voltage to at least one of a pull-up resistor and a pull-down resistor for a predetermined time based on the first signal, to emphasize the error.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing a battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights. The battery powered remote control can be installable over an existing wall switch without hard wiring into electrical system at the switch box. The remote control housing is decorative in nature and has functional fan and light buttons for remotely controlling operation of the fan and light fixture. The remote housing attaches to the hard wired wall mounted switch using existing hardware that previously held the switch plate in place. The remote housing has a door that opens to allow the original fan/light switch to still be used in an on/off power control for the device being controlled by the battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights.

Abstract: A table saw in one embodiment a swing arm movable along a swing arm path between a first swing arm position adjacent a latch hold mechanism and a second swing arm position spaced apart from the latch hold mechanism, a blade supported by the swing arm, a charge coupling plate mounted in close proximity to the blade so as to form a capacitor, an actuating device configured to transfer a force to the swing arm when the swing arm is maintained at the first swing arm position resulting in a bias on the latch hold mechanism, and a control system configured to control the actuating device to transfer the force to the swing arm in response to a sensed change in capacitance of the capacitor.

Abstract: A laser scanner device for optically scanning and measuring an environment includes a base, a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, and a mirror which is rotatably relative to the measuring head, wherein, in at least one operating mode, the laser scanner is mounted on a cart by a mounting device, the cart moves the base which is fixedly connected with the mounting device, the measuring head rests relative to the base, the mirror rotates, and the measuring head is locked with the mounting device by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of mounting portions extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. The seal includes a flexible protrusion that can conform to an irregular surface or for accommodating walls of different thicknesses. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room.

Abstract: A method for positioning a welding head or welding torch of a robot welding system over a workpiece sends microwaves as a measuring signal from a transmitter arranged on the welding head to the workpiece. The microwaves reflected on the workpiece are received by at least one receiver arranged on the welding head, and the received microwaves are evaluated by an evaluation module for determining the position of a workpiece edge. The microwaves are sent from at least one transmitter in different positions on the welding head, and the reflected microwaves are received, with a change of polarization, by the at least one receiver, having a polarization plane arranged at an angle to the polarization plane of the transmitter. The position of the edge is determined by the evaluation module at least on the basis of a phase change of the respective microwaves reflected on the different positions.

Abstract: A method includes providing an adjustable bed frame including an articulating portion, a data port that transceives Internet Protocol traffic, a touch screen interface, and a controller; coupling a remote-controllable air purification device to the controller in a communicating relationship through the data port; coupling a wireless remote control device to the controller in a communicating relationship; and controlling at least one of the articulating portion and the remote-controllable air purification device with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to: interchangeably receive a command from either the touch screen interface of the adjustable bed frame or the wireless remote control device, determine whether the command provides control of the articulating portion or the remote-controllable air purification device, and transmit a first control signal to the articulating portion when the command provides control of the articulating portion, and transmit a second control signal to the remote-

Abstract: A household fan for providing the feel of a natural breeze includes a motorized impeller for providing airflow, a controller, an interface, and a breeze setting. The controller is coupled to the motorized impeller for changing one or more characteristics of the airflow. The interface is in communication with the controller for receiving human instructions for the controller. The breeze setting may be selected by way of the interface and implemented via the controller to operate the motorized impeller. The breeze setting varies at least one of the characteristics of the airflow, where one of the characteristics varied via the breeze setting is intensity of the airflow that is output by the motorized impeller.

Abstract: A pool access apparatus for moving a disabled person between a pool deck and a pool includes an arm supported for pivotal motion about a base axle and a seat supported for pivotal motion about a seat axle carried by the arm. A driver pivots the arm between a deployed position suspending the seat at least partially within the pool, and a stowed position suspending the seat in a position displaced laterally from the pool. The apparatus may include a chain-driven seat attitude maintenance linkage, an anchoring system comprising a sub-plate embedded in or disposed below the deck to which a base plate of the apparatus is removably connectable, and/or a wheeled portability kit that is removably connectable to the base plate.

Abstract: In a power supply device, the bridge circuit including a plurality of switching arms which is an inverse-parallel circuit of a semiconductor switch and a diode. The power supply device includes a control unit. The control unit switches the semiconductor switch such that a voltage v between AC terminals becomes a positive-negative voltage whose peak value is the voltage Vo between the DC terminals only during prescribed time periods before and after a point that has deviated from each zero crossing point ZCP of a current i by a prescribed compensation period ? and such that the voltage v between the AC terminals becomes a zero voltage during the other time periods, and sets the compensation period ? such that a time period during which the voltage v between the AC terminals becomes a zero voltage is the shortest.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and to a device for the optimized transmission of remote control signals particularly but not exclusively used to open or close gates, doors and automatic barriers, in which the method (100) for the optimized transmission of remote control signals comprises a phase consisting of transmitting (110) a remote control signal at a carrier frequency through a via-ether transmission interface (11) and it is characterised in that it comprises in addition the phases consisting of receiving (120) through a via-ether receiving means (12) the transmitted remote control signal and measuring its radiated power, and varying (130) the transmitted remote control signal so as to maximize said measured radiated power.

Abstract: A method includes providing an adjustable bed frame including one or more articulating portions, associating an air inflatable mattress with the adjustable bed frame, and associating the air inflatable mattress with an air pump to regulate air pressure in the air inflatable mattress, wherein the air inflatable mattress includes flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex. The method also includes providing a touchscreen Bluetooth remote control adapted to control at least one aspect of the adjustable bed frame, wherein the at least one aspect includes operation of the air pump. The method also includes establishing a unique communication link between a controller and the touchscreen Bluetooth remote control, the controller configured to control both the adjustable bed frame and the air pump. An aspect of the adjustable bed frame may be controlled by via communication over the unique communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive furniture drive (100) for adjusting a movable part (4, 5) of a piece of furniture (1) by means of an output element, comprising a) at least one adjusting drive (7, 8) with respectively at least one electric motor, a speed reducing mechanism which is coupled thereto and which ensures that the output element is drivenly coupled and can be linearly displaced and/or rotatably moved, and when said output element reaches a predetermined position, said output element actuates an end switch and/or reference switch and/or switching means, b) at least one control device (9) and c) at least one control unit (10), said control device (9) comprising a positioning device for the output element provided with a control block with a counter and a recording device for evaluating impulses of a counter EMK of the at least one electric motor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display apparatus which may be selectively used in a flat state or a curved state. The display apparatus includes a display module that displays an image and is provided to be bent, and a bending device that is provided to enable the display module to be transformed into a flat state or a curved state. Here, the bending device includes a frame that is provided at a rear side of the display module and a hinge unit that connects between the frames and is provided to enable curvature of the frame to vary by torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture arrangement (200) comprising at least two pieces of furniture (1, 1?), each respectively having an electromotive furniture drive (100, 100?) for adjusting at least one movable part (4, 5) of each at least two pieces of furniture (1, 1?), wherein each electromotive furniture drive (100, 100?) comprises a) at least one adjusting drive (7, 7?; 8, 8?) with respectively at least one electric motor, a speed-reducing gear mechanism coupled thereto and to which an output element is drivingly coupled, said output element being linearly displaceable and/or can be rotated, and b) at least one control device (9, 9?), wherein c) the furniture arrangement (200) comprises an operating unit (10) for actuating all the electric motors of the adjusting drive (7, 7?; 8, 8?) of the electromotive furniture drive (100, 100?).

Abstract: An electromagnetic field measuring apparatus capable of measuring an electromagnetic field for a minuscule area in which electronic devices are densely packed with a high sensitivity is provided. In an electromagnetic field measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the amplitude level of signal light (pf) is adjusted by the analyzer (34) by adjusting its angle with respect to the plane of polarization of the signal light (pf) based on an amplitude level control signal (eb) supplied from the calculation control unit (40). An amplitude level control signal (eb) is supplied from the calculation control unit (40) to the analyzer (34) based on the spectrum (ea) of an electric signal (ed) measured by an RF spectrum analyzer (39). The amplitude level ration between the carrier and the sideband contained in the signal light (ph) incident on the optical receiver (38) is controlled to a fixed value.

Abstract: There is provided a motor drive system in which an inverter integrated motor unit 200 and an upper control device 100, which controls an inverter 205 and a motor 207, are formed separated from each other. Various commands for controlling the inverter 205 and motor 207 are wirelessly transmitted to the motor unit 200 from the upper control device 100. The motor unit 200 stores information indicating an operation condition and/or operating history of the motor unit 200 and wirelessly transmits the information to the upper control device 100 in accordance with a command transmitted from the upper control device 100. By transmitting and receiving commands and data using a wireless LAN, or the like, between the upper control device 100 and the motor unit 200, the upper control device 100 can control a plurality of the motor units 200.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric motor unit. Information is received from the electric motor unit over a wireless communications link between the controller and the electric motor unit. Commands are identified for the electric motor unit from the information received. The commands identified are sent to the electric motor unit over the wireless communications link.

Abstract: A wireless motor control system includes a connection device and a remote control device. The connection device has a pair of motor connection terminals and a pair of power connection terminals for connecting a motor and an electric power source. The connection device contains a second control circuit board having a processing element, and the processing element has a digital identity for interconnecting the connection device with a control element of the remote control device to form a unique signal transmission channel, and a Zigbee transmission method complied with IEEE 802.15.4 standard forms a group control network. With a relay and a current detector installed in the connection device, the power of the motor is disconnected immediately when there is an over-current.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solar powered energy module are provided wherein a solar powered module maybe added to a building or vehicle which is self-powered and need not be connected to the existing power system of the building or vehicle. The solar powered energy module may be utilized to power an awning or other desirable features.