Abstract: The method includes: providing a body value of a patient; setting an operating parameter of a drive chain via a control unit configured to control the drive chain as a function of the body value in such a manner that a speed value of the patient couch is increased and a rocking of the patient couch during the movement of the patient couch is at least partially suppressed; and moving the patient couch via the drive chain in accordance with the increased speed value to perform the medical imaging.

Abstract: A gantry drive system includes: a first motor configured to drive a driving object along a first axis; a second motor configured to drive the driving object along a second axis parallel with the first axis; and a motor control system configured to control the first and second motors. The motor control system includes a mode switch that performs a switching between a first control mode in which a position of the driving object on each of the first and second axes is individually controlled while reducing an inter-axis positional deviation between the first and second axes, and a second control mode in which a rotational state of the driving object is controlled while controlling a position of the driving object, based on detected positions of the driving object on the first and second axes.

Abstract: The design of a novel digital controller for a motor driven aircraft arrestment system of the type used on aircraft carriers is described. The unique control and feedback design of the described controller has many advanced features, which provide many advantages over existing designs for controlling advanced arresting gear systems. Gain scheduling in engage/arrest controllers can be done based on estimated parameters such as speed, effective skew angle, and faults to allow optimized engage/arrest controllers, where the gain scheduling can be defined, discretely, for each “bin” as defined for a range of threshold values, or it can be defined, continuously, using interpolation and/or functions of speed and effective skew.

Abstract: The design of a novel digital controller for a motor driven aircraft arrestment system of the type used on aircraft carriers is described. The unique control and feedback design of the described controller has many advanced features, which provide many advantages over existing designs for controlling advanced arresting gear systems.

Abstract: An operation device according to one or more embodiments may include: a display; a move operation receiving unit that receives, from a user, a move operation to move a table on which a patient can be placed of an operating table; and an operation controller. In a condition in which the table is put in a tilted posture in accordance with the move operation, the operation controller may cause the display to display an elapsed time in the tilted posture.

Abstract: A machine vision system program editing environment includes near real time context generation. Rather than requiring execution of all preceding instructions of a part program in order to generate a realistic context for subsequent edits, surrogate data operations using previously saved data replace execution of certain sets of instructions. The surrogate data may be saved during the actual execution of operations that are recorded in a part program. An edit mode of execution substitutes that data as a surrogate for executing the operations that would otherwise generate that data. Significant time savings may be achieved for context generation, such that editing occurs within an operating context which may be repeatedly refreshed for accuracy in near real time. This supports convenient program modification by relatively unskilled users, using the native user interface of the machine vision system, rather than difficult to use text-based or graphical object-based editing environments.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first machine assembly, a second machine assembly, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control circuit. The second machine assembly is pivoted to the first machine assembly. The first sensor is located on the first machine assembly and configured to generate first sensing data when the electronic device is in a non-normal working state. The second sensor is located on the second machine assembly and configured to generate second sensing data when the electronic device is in the non-normal working state. The control circuit is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to perform a first default operation according to the first sensing data and the second sensing data.

Abstract: An alignment system for permanently marking a workpiece with a marking device includes a camera, a display operatively connected to the camera and configured to generate an image as a function of camera input, a template having a marking area designation located in relation to the display such that the image is displayed against the marking area designation, and an adjustment table configured to allow controllable repositioning of the workpiece relative to the marking device.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging device has: a generating unit that generates image data expressing a radiographic image formed by irradiated radiation; a first communicating unit at which wireless communication is possible selectively in either of a direct communication mode or an indirect communication mode; a storing unit that stores a setting of a communication mode; and a control unit that, if a setting to carry out communication in the direct communication mode has been made, controls the first communicating unit to carry out wireless communication in the direct communication mode, and, if a setting to carry out communication in the indirect communication mode has been made, controls the first communicating unit to attempt wireless communication in the indirect communication mode with a control device that controls the radiographic imaging device, and, if communication is impossible, controls the first communicating unit to carry out wireless communication in the direct communication mode.

Abstract: A position control system to control the position of a movable object, including a position measurement system configured to determine an actual position related quantity of the movable object; a set-point generator to provide a position related set-point signal of the movable object; a comparator to provide an error signal on the basis of a comparison of the actual position related quantity and the position related set-point signal, a controller to provide a control signal on the basis of the error signal, a feed-forward device to provide a feed-forward signal on the basis of the position related set-point signal, and one or more actuators to act on the movable object on the basis of the control signal and the feed-forward signal, wherein the feed-forward device includes a disturbance force correction table including estimations of disturbance forces exerted on the movable object in dependence of a position of the movable object.

Abstract: A damping apparatus that supports and dampens a stage apparatus that positions and drives a stage to a target position is provided herein. The damping apparatus including a support plate part, a support force generating means, and a first controlling means. The support plate part supports the stage apparatus. The support force generating means exerts a damping action by applying a support force to the support plate part in the vertical directions. The first controlling means uses the acceleration of the stage, which is derived from a target track, to the target position, to control the support force generated by the support force generating means so as to compensate for forces that both occur as a result of the acceleration of the stage and cause the support plate part to tilt. The present invention controls vibration and the tilt of a base plate with high precision.

Abstract: Methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a structure is supported at a number of support locations. An upward force is applied to the structure by the force application devices to counteract an equivalent downward force from the structure at each support location. The forces applied by the force application devices are monitored to detect whenever one or more of the upward forces deviates outside of a threshold range of force values, which includes a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure. Each force may be adjusted to ensure no deviation outside of the allowed threshold range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a positioning mechanism comprising a smaller scale positioning mechanism for moving a tool within a smaller scale work space and a larger scale positioning mechanism for changing a position of the smaller scale work space within the larger scale work space. A commanded position for the tool is received by a processor unit. An error component is determined using a difference between the commanded position and a current position of the tool in the larger scale work space. A restoring component configured to move the tool toward a selected position in the smaller scale work space is determined. Control signals for controlling the smaller scale positioning mechanism and the larger scale positioning mechanism together to move the tool from the current position to the commanded position are generated using the error component and the restoring component.

Abstract: A method for use in a part tracking system including a camera and a motion controller, the method comprising the steps of time synchronizing the motion controller and the camera at a trigger time when it is anticipated that a part is within the field of view of the camera, causing the camera to obtain an image, using the obtained image to determine an actual location of the part at the trigger time, comparing the actual location and the anticipated location of the part to identify a position difference and at the motion controller, using the position difference at the trigger time to adjust at least one operating characteristic of the automated system.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for controlling stage position errors based, in some embodiments, on a selection of frequency components in a stage position error signal. An error frequency representation of a position error signal may be generated in the frequency domain and filtered by selecting one or more desired frequency components. The filtered error frequency representation can then be manipulated according to a control law and transformed back into the time domain to generate a current control signal. The current control signal can then be used to adjust the position of the stage to reduce positioning error.

Abstract: A system for assembling aircraft is disclosed. An example system for moving components of an airplane into assembly alignment includes a jacking system including assembly jacks for supporting and moving components of the airplane into assembly alignment; a measurement system independent of the jacking system for determining locations of a plurality of features the components of the airplane while the components are supported on the assembly jacks; and a computer system for determining the relative positions of the components in a coordinate system of the airplane and for controlling the movement of the assembly jacks to bring the components into assembly alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gingiva former (1), which has a connecting geometry (5) to an implant (10) and comprises a tailor-made edge (2), a tapering lower part (4) that is located beneath and has a tailor-made shape, and a tapering upper part (8) having a lateral surface (9), wherein the lateral surface (9) has an angle of inclination (?) of between 0.5° and 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis (A) of the connecting geometry (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact motorized rotational stage for microscopy applications and control methods for automated sample orientation/rotation. The rotational stage includes a motor, a rotational motion transmission mechanism, and a rotating sample holder for accommodating a holding device such as glass slides/Petri dishes of different sizes. Mouse embryos are used as an example to explain the control methods. A pattern recognition utility was developed for identifying mouse embryo structures. The transformation between the holding device rotational coordinate frame and the translational positioning stage coordinate frame is calibrated during image-based visual servo control. The polar body of an embryo is oriented through purely image-based visual servo control or through coordinate transformation and closed-loop position control.

Abstract: In an origin setting method for a machine in which a single mechanical movement axis is servo-controlled and driven cooperatively by two control shafts, structural shaft parts of the control shafts, which are moved by driving the control shafts, are moved until the structural shaft parts are brought into contact with mechanical end stoppers, a contact detection position of each control shaft is read and memorized and a droop amount of each control shaft is cleared under a condition that each structural shaft part is in contact with the mechanical end stopper, and then, the structural shaft parts are moved apart from the mechanical end stoppers by a predetermined amount, and positions moved by the predetermined amount are set as origins on a basis of the memorized contact detection positions; whereby, even if a mechanical part bridging the two shafts and movably placed thereon has a deviation in perpendicularity, the origins are precisely set with references to the mechanical end stopper positions for the two

Abstract: A technique for efficient processing of annotations in images such as panoramic images is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a first user annotation is received for a feature in a first panorama, and a second user annotation for the same feature is received in a second panorama. The coordinates for the feature can then be generated by computing the intersection between data generated for the first user annotation and for the second user annotations.

Abstract: A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental prosthetic item, including providing a 3D model of the item. The providing includes determining an esthetically relevant designed subregion of a 3D model of the item as part of an exterior surface of the item. The subregion corresponds to a labial surface and/or incisor edge, or to a buccal and/or occlusal surface. Further steps include selecting a suitable blank, specifying a blank having a prefabricated esthetically relevant terminal subsurface of a surface of a tooth, a terminal subsurface of the blank being such as at least approximates the subregion. A further step includes forming the item from the selected blank such that a prefabricated terminal subsurface of the blank remains unmachined in at least a central region thereof. The forming includes machining the blank only in a marginal area of the terminal subsurface and on at least some surfaces outside of the terminal subsurface.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning multi-sheet collations including a conveyance system having a transport deck for supporting and conveying the multi-sheet collation along a feed path. The system includes a first pair of registration members disposed orthogonal to the feed path and defining a processing station along the feed path. The registration members further define registration surfaces which are repositionable from an active position above the transport deck to an idle position below the transport deck. A first displacement mechanism raises and lowers the registration members into and out of the active and idle positions, and oscillates at least one of the registration surfaces forward and aft in a direction parallel to the feed path when the registration member is in its active position.

Abstract: A control device includes an iterative learning control circuit that includes first and second learning filters to which a synchronization error is input and is configured to feed forward a control input to a first control target based on an output of the first learning filter and to feed forward a control input to a second control target based on an output of the second learning filter. Each of the first and second learning filters includes transfer functions of the first and second control targets and transfer functions of controllers of the first and second control circuits.

Abstract: One aspect relates to combining an at least one primary general illumination lighting with an at least one LED-based secondary general illumination lighting. The aspect further comprises sensing an at least one sensed electric characteristics used to produce the at least one primary general illumination lighting. The aspect further comprises controlling an optical characteristic of the at least one LED-based secondary general illumination lighting at least partially responsive to the sensing the at least one sensed electric characteristics used to produce the at least one primary general illumination lighting.

Abstract: An intelligent shelving system integrates touch sensors, displays, lighting, and other components into shelves. Touch sensors can be used as limit switches to control shelf motion, to monitor items borne on shelves, to detect spills, and to control lighting and other devices and functions. Displays can provide information relating to objects stored in the shelving system and the operation and status of the shelving system.

Abstract: A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a stent with a stent support involves taking two images of the stent that has been placed on the stent support and determining from the two images whether the stent is aligned with the stent support. The stent can be rotated so that the two images are of different views of the stent. A computer can be configured to receive the images and to determine the whether the stent is aligned. A backlight can be used to take images of the stent in silhouette. A portion of the stent support can be re-positioned based on an image taken of the stent.

Abstract: A mechanical system selectively imparts a prescribed motion to an output load using two or more actuators, including at least one having an active material element. The output load can be a locking member when the system is a vehicle transmission, a shuttle car of a linear system, or another device. A controller determines a total motive force required for imparting the prescribed motion, and selectively commands a combination of the actuators to provide the total motive force, apportioning the total motive force between the various actuators to optimize the performance of the system. An algorithm determines which combination of the actuators is the most suitable in moving the output load, and continuously modified this combination as needed as the output load is moved. The other actuator or actuators are then selectively energized as needed to provide the total motive force depending on this suitability determination.

Abstract: The vibrations of a second table supported on a first table that is movable in one horizontal direction can be controlled. A stage device includes an XY axis table movable in the X-direction, a Z-axis table supported by a support portion on the XY axis table, a pair of scales that are arranged apart from each other in the X-direction and detect the Z-direction velocity on the Z-axis table, a pair of motors that are arranged apart from each other in the X-direction and drive the Z-axis table in a vertical direction on the Z-axis-table, and a controller controls the drives of the motors based on the Z-direction velocity detected, in which the behavior of pitching vibrations in the Z-axis table is determined by detecting the Z-direction velocity with the scales, and the motors are driven and then the Z-axis table is rotated in a pitching direction so that the pitching vibrations are cancelled.

Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.

Abstract: In a control method for a power assist apparatus, a pressing force acting on a workpiece held by a workpiece holding apparatus is detected, a determination is made as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds a preset threshold, a determination is made as to whether or not a dead man switch provided on the workpiece holding apparatus is ON, and a determination as to whether or not to release a rotation restriction applied to a joint portion for connecting the workpiece holding apparatus rotatably to an arm is made in accordance with a result of the determination as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds the preset threshold and a result of the determination as to whether or not the dead mean switch is ON.

Abstract: Illustrative computer-executable methods, systems, and computer software program products compute assembly jack locations to align parts for assembly. Initial locations of at least one component to be moved and a desired final location for the at least one component to be moved are determined from initial position measurement data for the at least one component to be moved and the final location. Motion to align the at least one component to be moved with the final location is automatically determined. Optimal displacements of assembly jacks to produce the determined motion are automatically determined. After movement, location of the at least one moved part at a final assembled position is automatically determined. If applicable, data regarding additional assembly jack displacement can be inputted, the determined optimal location for the at least one part to be moved can be adjusted, and additional motion due to additional assembly jack displacement can be determined.

Abstract: An operating time reducing method in which a processing procedure of a component mounting order determination method can be changed depending on the type of an operation loss that affects a component mounting time for mounting components onto the board is an operating time reducing method for a component mounter, wherein the method includes: an operation loss identifying step of identifying an operation loss to be resolved in the component mounter; a processing procedure selecting step of selecting, based on the identified operation loss, a processing procedure for reducing an operating time of the component mounter; and a processing procedure executing step of executing the selected processing procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact motorized rotational stage for microscopy applications and control methods for automated sample orientation/rotation. The rotational stage includes a motor, a rotational motion transmission mechanism, and a rotating sample holder for accommodating a holding device such as glass slides/Petri dishes of different sizes. Mouse embryos are used as an example to explain the control methods. A pattern recognition utility was developed for identifying mouse embryo structures. The transformation between the holding device rotational coordinate frame and the translational positioning stage coordinate frame is calibrated during image-based visual servo control. The polar body of an embryo is oriented through purely image-based visual servo control or through coordinate transformation and closed-loop position control.

Abstract: A method for aligning a stent with a stent support includes the steps of (1) placing a stent support and a stent mounted on the stent support in a vertically position with the stent support's first support element at a lower position and the stent support's second support element at an upper position; (2) obtaining a digital image of the stent support and stent; (3) analyzing the digital image of the stent support and stent to compute the vertical position of the stent's upper end; (4) computing a desired position of the second support element based on the position of the stent's upper end; and (5) using a positioning device to move the second support element to the desired position. The movement of the second support element causes the conical sections of the first and second support elements to engage the respective ends of the stent to center the stent around a core element of the stent support and to secure the stent in a longitudinal direction of the stent support.

Abstract: A flexible/adjustable fixing system (100) for fixing a workpiece (40) includes an information management module (10), a plurality of driving devices (20), and a positioning device (30). The information management module receives and processes the position information of the workpiece. The driving devices electronically couple with the information management module. The positioning device includes a platform (31) and a plurality of positioning pins (32). One end of the workpiece is positioned in a certain area of the platform. Each respective pin is attached to a corresponding driving device. When the driving device receives an order/signal from the information management module, the positioning pin is selectably driven relative to (e.g., toward, away from) the workpiece by the driving device.

Abstract: To be able to restrain a height of a machine even when the machine is large-sized and smoothly move a table in XY? directions. An alignment apparatus includes two translational freedom degree guide portion (13), one rotational freedom degree guide portion (12), a translational drive/translational/rotational freedom degree mechanism module (6) including a linear motor provided at one of the translational freedom degree guide portion (13), a machine base portion (7), a reference generator portion (8), a two-dimensional position sensor (9), a calculating portion of compensation value (10). At least three of the translational drive/translational/rotational freedom degree mechanism modules (6) are uniformly arranged to a table (4).

Abstract: Stage assemblies and control methods are disclosed. An exemplary stage assembly includes a movable stage and a control system. The stage-control system has first and second control loops. In the first control loop a first controller is programmed with a feedback-control transfer-function that determines a feedback-control output from an input including a following-error of the stage. The second control loop includes an inverse closed loop having an inverse plant model and a second controller programmed with an adaptive transfer-function connected to receive inputs including the following-error and the feedback-control output. The second controller determines, from the inputs, an adapted control output to the stage. The adaptive transfer-function can be, e.g., an AFC transfer-function producing an AFC controlled output or an ILC transfer-function producing an ILC controlled output.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism to align a microelectronic device to a socket, the device including an array of contact pads thereon. The mechanism includes a socket system having a socket and a device positioning mechanism disposed adjacent the socket and adapted to position the device in the socket. The mechanism also includes a control system adapted to receive alignment data on a position of the array of contact pads relative to two reference sides of the device, the control system further being adapted to control the device positioning mechanism as a function of alignment data to align the device in the socket.

Abstract: The invention is provided with means for detecting a situation of rotating a rotary work lifter at any time, and a determining portion for determining whether operation of the rotary work lifter is to be stopped by a state of rotating the rotary work lifter detected by the means, thereby, operation of the rotary work lifter can be stopped when rotation of the rotary work lifter is interrupted by pinching a work piece or the like between the rotary work lifter and a working table or the like, or when the rotation is interrupted by some other influence. Therefore, the rotary work lifter, the working table or the like can be prevented from being finally destructed by continuing to generate a torque by a drive source even after interrupting rotation of the rotary work lifter as in a background art.

Abstract: A positioning device (11) comprises a stationary frame (2), and at least two scales (20, 30) for measuring the location of the platform with respect to the frame, the scales having mutually different pitches (P1; P2), and respective scanners (23, 33) providing respective scanner output signals (SM 1, SM2)—A controller (6) receiving both scanner output signals is capable to uniquely calculate the position (X) of the platform with respect to the frame in a measuring range (MR) that is larger than the largest of said two pitches (P1; P2).

Abstract: To facilitate an intuitive operation of an adjustable device of a medical apparatus, a system for the automatic setting of an operating configuration of the portable control module controlling the adjustable device is provided. Different operating configurations regarding the directional control of the movement of the movable device differ are based on the relative spatial position of the adjustable device with respect to the control module. The system includes at least one signal sender unit for sending a signal. The signal sender unit may be arranged on the control module. The system further includes at least two signal converter units for converting and retransmitting or for converting and reflecting the signal. The signal converter units may be arranged on different positions on the device. A signal receiver unit is used for receiving the converted signal, and the receiver unit may be arranged on the control module.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a movable part and a controller to control a position quantity of the movable part. The controller includes a first controller transfer function and a second controller transfer function. A selector selects the first controller transfer function or the second controller transfer function depending on a state of the movable part. The first controller transfer function may be chosen in a substantially stationary state of the movable part, while in a substantially non-stationary state of the movable part, the second controller transfer function may be chosen.

Abstract: A measurement point is approached with a probe head arranged on a displacement mechanism having at least two supports. An actual difference value between the displacement positions of a first and a second support is determined. A static difference value representing is provided and subtracted from the actual difference, in order to obtain a dynamic difference value representing a static difference between the first and the second displacement positions is subtracted from the actual difference value in order to obtain a dynamic difference value. The space coordinate of the measurement point is determined as a function of the dynamic difference value.

Abstract: A method for aligning a stent with a stent support includes the steps of (1) placing a stent support and a stent mounted on the stent support in a vertically position with the stent support's first support element at a lower position and the stent support's second support element at an upper position; (2) obtaining a digital image of the stent support and stent; (3) analyzing the digital image of the stent support and stent to compute the vertical position of the stent's upper end; (4) computing a desired position of the second support element based on the position of the stent's upper end; and (5) using a positioning device to move the second support element to the desired position. The movement of the second support element causes the conical sections of the first and second support elements to engage the respective ends of the stent to center the stent around a core element of the stent support and to secure the stent in a longitudinal direction of the stent support.

Abstract: A medical examination table for accommodating a patient is provided. The medical examination table includes a table top. The table includes at least one measuring device which measures a tilting of the table top induced by weight load. The value of the measured tilt is used for automatic tilt compensation of the table top or for setting a predefinable tilt of the table top. Load-dependent deformations of the medical examination table, caused for example by the weight of the patient, can be automatically corrected.

Abstract: A mechanism for determining the position of a point relative to a coordinate system defined by coordinate scales aligned along coordinate axes includes a coordinate reference plane and a coordinate read plane and a read mechanism associated with each coordinate scale. Each read mechanism is engaged with the coordinate read plane and the coordinate reference plane to be responsive to relative motion between the coordinate read plane and the coordinate reference plane to indicate a position of the point on the along the corresponding coordinate scale, and is coupled to the coordinate read plane and to the coordinate reference plane to allow relative transverse motion between the coordinate read plane and the corresponding coordinate axis. Each read mechanism includes a guide mechanism for retaining the read mechanism at a predetermined position along an axis transverse to the corresponding coordinate axis with transverse motion between the coordinate read plane and the coordinate reference plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyance method for transporting a plurality of unprocessed/processed objects between an automatic transporting device (AGV) and a semiconductor manufacturing device (prober). The prober has a load port to/from which the objects are delivered from/to the AGV. The method comprises the steps of: making a communication between the AGV and the prober to decide respective timings of deliveries of the objects to/from the load port; and transporting the objects between the AGV and the prober via the load port, with the timings of the deliveries of the objects to/from the load port shifted from each other by using a holding site for provisionally holding the object. The holding site is at least one of components of the AGV and the prober other than the load port.