Abstract: Provided is a package sorting method, a sorting area layout, a sorting system, and a path optimization method. The package sorting method includes: dividing a sorting area into at least a first logical partition close to a first item collecting area and a second logical partition close to a second item collecting area, where the first logical partition includes a first item dropping area, and the second logical partition includes a second item dropping area. By this method, a total path of package delivery is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method comprises marking or identifying an object to be perceptible to robot, while being invisible or substantially invisible to humans. Such marking can facilitate interaction and navigation by the robot, and can create a machine or robot navigable environment for the robot. The machine readable indicia can comprise symbols that can be perceived and interpreted by the robot. The robot can utilize a camera with an image sensor to see the indicia. In addition, the indicia can be invisible or substantially invisible to the unaided human eye so that such indicia does not create an unpleasant environment for humans, and remains aesthetically pleasing to humans. For example, the indicia can reflect UV light, while the image sensor of the robot can be capable of detecting such UV light. Thus, the indicia can be perceived by the robot, while not interfering with the aesthetics of the environment.

Abstract: A system and method of documenting condition, repair, and overhaul of aircraft parts. The system and method include searching a database for an electronic file of an aircraft part; creating an electronic file of the aircraft part if the electronic file is not found on the database; generating a maintenance report data package that is linked to the electronic file; capturing, using a camera or a microphone, aircraft part data including a single or plurality of pictures, a video recording, and a voice recording; linking the aircraft part data to the maintenance report data package; and saving an updated version of the electronic file to the database.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a control method of a moving body and a control system of a moving body, which allow a control part to calculate a fragment of a moving path between the moving body and a target according to position information of the moving body and the target, and transmit the fragment to the moving body. The above steps are repeatedly executed in sequence until the moving body reaches the target.

Abstract: A system may sense the contents of a closed container, by analyzing a wireless signal that reflects from an RFID tag on the outside of the container. The frequency response of the tag's antenna may be affected by the relative permittivity of the contents and by the tag's environment. The frequency response may be measured in a line-of-sight environment and in a multipath environment. Channel estimates may be calculated, based on the measurements. Channel ratios may be calculated by dividing line-of-sight channel estimates by multipath channel estimates. The resulting channel ratios may be fed into a variational autoencoder, which in turn generates synthetic data that contains information about multipath environments but not the contents. The output of the variational autoencoder may be converted into synthetic channel estimates, which may in turn be employed for anomaly detection, or to train a classifier to classify contents of the container.

Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.

Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.

Abstract: A system may sense the contents of a closed container, by analyzing a wireless signal that reflects from an RFID tag on the outside of the container. The frequency response of the tag's antenna may be affected by the relative permittivity of the contents and by the tag's environment. The frequency response may be measured in a line-of-sight environment and in a multipath environment. Channel estimates may be calculated, based on the measurements. Channel ratios may be calculated by dividing line-of-sight channel estimates by multipath channel estimates. The resulting channel ratios may be fed into a variational autoencoder, which in turn generates synthetic data that contains information about multipath environments but not the contents. The output of the variational autoencoder may be converted into synthetic channel estimates, which may in turn be employed for anomaly detection, or to train a classifier to classify contents of the container.

Abstract: The invention discloses a computer-implemented method for tracking production in a production facility and for obtaining searchable production records. The method comprises providing a production site with communication access to a central server configured to: a) receive status and location data pertaining to tagged central key assets of said production facility, from tracking readers located in the production facility. b) record the status and location data in a searchable database of digital threads. The digital threads describe time-related status and information particulars related to production of a manufactured product. c) allow execution of a search to detect the particulars of the digital threads. The invention also describes a system for execution of the method.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes receiving a textile in a washer system. The textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles. The method also includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag. The method further includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent includes a metallic ion. The method also includes washing the textile with a detergent, and, after washing the textile with the detergent, treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring and operating a dishwashing machine includes providing a remote appliance monitoring and control unit. The unit has a portable housing having an indicator, a wireless network interface, a processor, and a memory having machine readable instructions configured to be executed by the processor. The instructions are executed to determine an attribute of the dishwashing machine and to control the indicator based on the determination of the attribute. The method includes communicatively coupling the unit to the dishwashing machine, and using the unit to determine the attribute of the dishwashing machine. The method comprises causing the unit to wirelessly communicate the determined attribute to a remote user computer together with a geographic location of the dishwashing machine. The method includes taking a responsive action in response to the determined attribute.

Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed disc having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed disc, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a sensor that addresses the seed cells in a way that enables prediction of imminent seed starvation of the seed meter.

Abstract: An infeed module of a valuable media depository is configured to track media edge detection during ejection processing. When sensors of the infeed module report conditions that would otherwise indicate that media has exited or been retracted back into the infeed module during ejection processing, reporting of the conditions are delayed or modified based on a tracked edge detection status. Thereby permitting the infeed module to perform proper ejection processing on both windowed and non-windowed media regardless of the dimensions present for any windowed portions of the media.

Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.

Abstract: A computing device determines the contents of one or more assortment packs for an online distribution center (“DC”) based on pre-defined store assortment packs. The computing device selects a group of store assortment packs that fulfill the requirements of an online distribution center for a first set of items that are offered for sale at both the retail stores and the online store. The computing device may further identify a second set of items that are not offered for sale at the retail stores, such as “online only” items, and which therefore are not included within any of the store assortment packs. The computing device optimizes the contents of the selected group of store assortment packs to ensure that the second set of items can be fit into the selected group of store assortment packs.

Abstract: A method comprising placing a wafer assembly in a wafer cassette, wherein the wafer assembly includes a wafer and an electrostatic carrier attached to the wafer. In addition, the electrostatic carrier is charged through the wafer cassette, the wafer cassette is transported to a next process stage, and the wafer assembly is removed from the wafer cassette.

Abstract: An integrated intelligent system includes a first intelligent electronic device, a second intelligent electronic device, a transferable intelligent control device (TICD) and a cross product bus. The first intelligent electronic device performs a first function and the second intelligent electronic device performs a second function. The cross product bus couples the first intelligent electronic device to the transferable intelligent control device. The TICD partially controls behaviors of the intelligent electronic device by sending commands over the cross product bus to the first intelligent electronic device and the TICD partially controls behaviors of the second intelligent electronic device to perform the second function. The TICD is first attached to the first intelligent electronic device to partially control the behaviors of the first electronic device, then detached from the first electronic device, and then attached to the second intelligent electronic device to perform the second function.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for delivery of items in connection with social networks. For example, in various embodiments, a customer can register with a carrier and identify participation is various social networks. The carriers may then use the social network contacts of the customer to facilitate improved delivery efficiency.

Abstract: A method of one aspect may include receiving an encapsulated image acquisition device having an internal memory. The internal memory may store images acquired by the encapsulated image acquisition device. The images may be transferred from the internal memory to an external memory that is external to the encapsulated image acquisition device. An image analysis station may be selected from among a plurality of image analysis stations to analyze the images. The images may be analyzed with the selected image analysis station. Other methods, systems, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of one aspect may include receiving an encapsulated image acquisition device having an internal memory. The internal memory may store images acquired by the encapsulated image acquisition device. The images may be transferred from the internal memory to an external memory that is external to the encapsulated image acquisition device. An image analysis station may be selected from among a plurality of image analysis stations to analyze the images. The images may be analyzed with the selected image analysis station. Other methods, systems, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of one aspect may include receiving an encapsulated image acquisition device having an internal memory. The internal memory may store images acquired by the encapsulated image acquisition device. The images may be transferred from the internal memory to an external memory that is external to the encapsulated image acquisition device. An image analysis station may be selected from among a plurality of image analysis stations to analyze the images. The images may be analyzed with the selected image analysis station. Other methods, systems, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a load port into and out of which the transport container is carried; and an apparatus controller that controls operations in the load port. The apparatus controller includes a storage unit that stores transition data of parameter values sent from outside based on a transport container identification code. The transition data of the parameter values each comprises a usage count of the transport container and a corresponding parameter value that quantifies a result of at least one of an operation performed to remove the lid after the transport container is carried into the load port and an operation performed to carry the container out of the load port.

Abstract: A method includes printing a readable and writeable memory on an object, using a seed to generate an original value, writing the original value to the memory, and sending the object to a recipient. The method may also include receiving the object at the recipient, determining the seed from a characteristic of the object, generating an authentication value using the seed value, and comparing the authentication value and the original value.

Abstract: An interactive personal robot includes a basal body, a memory set in the basal body, a rotating mechanism connected to the basal body, a camera and a microphone assigned on the basal body and a control system set in the basal body. The camera is used to capture an image of a user's eyes. The microphone is configured to record audio of the user. The control system is used to process the image and the audio, to compare the image and the audio processed with the image and audio stored in the memory to gain a corresponding instruction, and to control the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism in turn the interactive personal robot to move.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing a mail item part are provided. A receiver may receive an image of the mail item part. A processor may decompose a segment of the mail item part into a string vector; quantify a first closeness between the string vector and a first library vector that corresponds to a first mail item part destination; and quantify a second closeness between the string vector and a second library vector that corresponds to a second mail item part destination; and link to the image routing information to route the mail item part to that of the first and second mail item part destinations that corresponds to the greatest of the first and second closeness. A transmitter may transmit the image to that of the first and second mail item part destinations that corresponds to the greatest of the first and second closeness.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a media playback device to present a user with the option to add items referenced in a media object, such as a movie, ebook, song, game, or application, to a wishlist for later purchase or sharing. An example system performs content analysis of the media object to determine which items are referenced in the media object and where they are located within the media object. Further, the system can query an electronic marketplace for more information about which specific types, sizes, colors, or other variations of the item are available, as well as information such as price, shipping cost, shipping time, and so forth. In a video media object, for example, the system can present a custom miniature storefront for various scenes or frames in the video that represents items present or referred to in the scenes or frames.

Abstract: A wafer cassette includes a main body having space to hold at least one wafer assembly. Each of the at least one wafer assembly includes a wafer and an electrostatic carrier attached to the wafer. An electrical contact structure inside the main body is arranged to contact an electrical pad of the electrostatic carrier.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a magazine including a plurality of partially-finished products. The apparatus is configured to inspect a stopper of the magazine before providing the magazine to a packaging process, and further configured to classify the stopper into a normal product. The magazine comprising the stopper classified as the normal product is into the packaging process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a visual-assist robot includes a housing defining a base portion, an imaging assembly, a motorized wheel assembly positioned at the lower surface of the base portion, a processor disposed within the housing and communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the motorized wheel assembly, and a non-transitory memory device disposed within the housing. The imaging assembly generates image data corresponding to an environment, and at least a portion of the imaging assembly is configured to be disposed above the upper surface of the base portion. The non-transitory memory device stores machine-readable instructions that cause the processor to provide a drive signal to the motorized wheel assembly such that the motorized wheel assembly moves the visual-assist robot to a desired location within the environment, determine objects from the image data received from the imaging assembly, and transmit message data for receipt by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for applying a mailing label are provided. The apparatus may include a mail receipt conveyor; a mail registration station that is configured to receive from the mail receipt conveyor a mail item that includes on an exterior surface of an envelope a printed message indicating that a customer name appearing on the mail item does not correspond to an address on the mail item; an imaging device that is configured to capture a delivery error segment of the surface; a processor device that is configured to identify an electronic mail address that corresponds to a customer name in the addressee segment of the surface; and a transmitter device that is configured to transmit to the email address an electronic form for electronically receiving a different address.

Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces, in which they are fed in series into a sorting machine comprising a sorting conveyor and sorting outlets, an image of each mailpiece is formed in the machine, processing is applied to the image for automatically recognizing address information for the purpose of automatically directing the mailpiece towards a determined sorting outlet, a digital model of running mailpieces or a “run” is built in a database prior to feeding the mailpieces into the machine, the model being built on the basis of an image of a mailpiece, and being defined by data characterizing the graphical appearance of the mailpiece in the image formed from an interactive acquisition terminal located remote from the machine, and the run model is associated in said database with indications usable by the recognition processing, which indications are also input from said interactive acquisition terminal.

Abstract: A system for verifying whether an item retracted into a self-service terminal is the same item that was output from the self-service terminal, wherein the signature data sets generated prior to output and following retraction of the item are compared. A method of verifying whether an item retracted into a self-service terminal is the same item that was output from the self-service terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A workflow system for streamlining a sequence of connected steps between a plurality of parties in an organization, such as a restaurant. The parties have different, but interconnected roles. The communication system enables communication between the parties with wireless technology, such as radio frequency identification. Each party has a role in an organization. Each party comprises an attribute for defining the role. The attribute include a function, a position, and a location of each party. Each party has a tag, such as a radio frequency identification tag, for identification and accessing the attribute. The tag enables a transfer of data between the parties and a data storage portion. The data storage portion stores the attribute. The attribute is accessible by the parties. The attribute is viewed by predetermined parties through a communication device. A scanning device scans the tag to enable access and viewing of the attribute.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling containers, with at least one handling device which handles the containers in a pre-set manner, a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path, with a control device for controlling the apparatus, with an input unit, by way of which information is capable of being entered in the apparatus by a user. The apparatus has an information output unit for delivering information to the user, wherein this information unit is made portable and is capable of being brought into at least indirect communication connection with the input unit.

Abstract: There is proposed a unit including a station for preparing orders, controlled by a control system. The station has a first circuit that includes a first outward conveyor, which receives containers for storing products, and an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined quantity of storage containers received on the first outward conveyor. The accumulator includes: at least one first shaft comprising superposed mobile positions that can each receive and downwardly move at least one storage container, the at least one first shaft vertically accumulating and sequentially dispensing storage containers previously placed in the positions; and at least one first elevator moving vertically along the at least one first chute up to each of the locations of the at least one first chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling containers, with at least one handling device which handles the containers in a pre-set manner, a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path, with a control device for controlling the apparatus, with an input unit, by way of which information is capable of being entered in the apparatus by a user. The apparatus has an information output unit for delivering information to the user, wherein this information unit is made portable and is capable of being brought into at least indirect communication connection with the input unit.

Abstract: Method and systems for sorting are described. In one embodiment, a container is released into a pocket section, with the pocket section being at a first alignment stage. The pocket section is rotated with the container away from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage. Attributes of the container are acquired at the second alignment stage. An order to which the container belongs is identified with the acquired attributes. The pocket section with the container is rotated to a third alignment stage. The location of the third alignment stage is selected based on the identified order. The container is received to group with one or more containers in the identified order. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Objects are sorted according to predetermined groups of sorting feature values. In particular, postal items are sorted according to groups of delivery addresses. A sorting system sorts the objects into a sequence so that all objects with sorting feature values belonging to the same predetermined value group are situated one directly behind another in this sequence. The sorting system has x1 storage subregions, x2 sorting subregions and a sorting plan. The objects are apportioned to the x1 storage subregions. For each storage subregion, an apportionment step is then carried out, in which the objects from this storage subregion are apportioned to the x2 sorting subregions. The apportionment steps are performed one after the other. Each apportionment step, is followed by a sorting and output step for each sorting subregion, in which the objects from this sorting subregion are brought into a sequence in accordance with the sorting feature values and this sequence is output.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system information indicating contact of the unit with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location for desired loading.

Abstract: An adjustable speed control system includes a reader, databases, processors and a conveyor controller. The databases store data concerning conveyor stops and failed attempts by the reader to identify conveyed items. Based on the failed attempts and the conveyor stops, the processors calculate an optimal speed of the conveyor. The controller adjusts the conveyor speed towards the optimal speed to increase the conveyed items successfully identified by the reader. Also disclosed are a corresponding method and computer readable medium on which is stored instructions to, upon execution, adjustably control the conveyor speed.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination.

Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces for sorting mailpieces into sequence in a sorting machine depending on delivery points of delivery rounds, in which method the mailpieces are grouped together into batches associated with delivery rounds and are sorted as a function of various sorting plans each associated with a respective batch of mailpieces and defining a list of delivery points of delivery rounds, which method includes the following steps, assessing the batches of mailpieces before the machine sorting to detect those that will under-use the sorting capacities; aggregating the batches of mailpieces detected as under-using the capacity so as to constitute aggregated batches of mailpieces; computing an associated sorting plan resulting from the aggregating; feeding each aggregated batch of mailpieces into the postal sorting machine and controlling the sorting of the mailpieces as a function of the sorting plan computed for said aggregated batch of mailpieces.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes pickup unit which picks up a plurality of sheets loaded in a loading unit, a first determining unit which determines a type or a state of the sheet picked up by the pickup unit, a data collecting unit which collects handling amount data for respective types of the sheets or respective states of the sheets, a second determining unit which determines a distribution destination of the sheet based on the handling amount data for the respective types or the respective states of the sheets which are determined by the first determining unit, a distributing unit which distributes the sheet based on a determination result of the distribution destination of the sheet by the second determining unit, and a stacking unit composed of a plurality of cassettes to stack the distributed sheets.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for applying a mailing label are provided. The apparatus may include a mail receipt conveyor; a mail registration station that is configured to receive from the mail receipt conveyor a mail item that includes on an exterior surface of an envelope a printed message indicating that a customer name appearing on the mail item does not correspond to an address on the mail item; an imaging device that is configured to capture a delivery error segment of the surface; a processor device that is configured to identify an electronic mail address that corresponds to a customer name in the addressee segment of the surface; and a transmitter device that is configured to transmit to the email address an electronic form for electronically receiving a different address.

Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: The disclosed method, and corresponding system, for controlling items on a production/distribution line relies on secure identification of items transported arranged in a given disposition along a transport path at a site of collection and packaging of the items, and association of ID data of some of the packed items with corresponding packaging ID data so as to ensure reliable identification of package content delivered on the line.

Abstract: Systems and methods of associating data to an item being transported by a conveying system are disclosed. The item and data associated with the item are received at a first zone of the conveying system. The data is stored in a first computer-readable storage medium associated with the first zone. The item is transported to a second zone of the conveying system, and the data stored in the first computer-readable storage medium is transferred to a second computer-readable storage medium associated with the second zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing items such as pieces of meat, comprising the steps of providing a stream of items 10 by means of a primary conveyor means 4, allocating at least partly by means of a computer system 8, 20 one or more of said items 10 to one of at least two workstations 1 where said items 10 are processed, e.g. cut and/or trimmed, resulting in one or more processed items 11, registering in said computer system 8, 20 information about a return of at least one of said one or more processed items 11 to said primary conveyor means 4, and returning said at least one of said one or more processed items 11 to said primary conveyor means 4 in accordance with said information about a return. The invention further relates to a system for processing items such as pieces of meat, said system comprising the means essential to carry out the above-mentioned method.