Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for determining rotation invariant feature descriptors for points of interest in digital images for image matching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a point of interest in each of two or more digital images is identified. Further, the digital images are transformed to change location of the point of interest in each of the digital images to a principal point. Furthermore, a rotation invariant feature descriptor is determined for the point of interest in each of the transformed digital images for image matching.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing functionality of a user interface to control directional orientations of a device are provided. An example method includes receiving an input on an interface indicating a command for a directional orientation of a robotic device, and providing an indicator on the interface representing a location of the input. The indicator may include a representation of the command for the directional orientation of the robotic device. The method may further include determining that the location of the input on the interface is within a distance threshold to a pre-set location on the interface, and repositioning the indicator on the interface to be at the pre-set location. In this manner, the indicator may snap to a location if the input is close to a pre-set location, for example.

Abstract: A method of selecting a first image from a plurality of images for constructing a coordinate system of an augmented reality system. A first image feature in the first image corresponding to the feature of the marker is determined. A second image feature in a second image is determined based on a second pose of a camera, said second image feature having a visual match to the first image feature. A reconstructed position of the feature of the marker in a three-dimensional (3D) space is determined based on positions of the first and second image features, the first and the second camera pose. A reconstruction error is determined based on the reconstructed position of the feature of the marker and a pre-determined position of the marker.

Abstract: A method dresses a polishing member with a diamond dresser having diamond particles arranged on a surface thereof. The method includes determining dressing conditions by performing a simulation of a distribution of a sliding distance of the diamond dresser on a surface of the polishing member, and dressing the polishing member with the diamond dresser under the determined dressing conditions. The simulation includes calculating the sliding distance corrected in accordance with a depth of the diamond particles thrusting into the polishing member.

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 installation error estimating device has a predicted pattern acquirer which obtains a predicted positioning distribution pattern, which is obtained by computing a characteristic pattern of a predicted positioning distribution obtained by predicting a logical positioning distribution, at each observation point where a wireless tag is installed for positioning; and an observation data inputter to which positioning results obtained from the wireless tags by a tag reader are input as observation data. A dispersion pattern analyzer computes a characteristic pattern of a measured positioning distribution, which is obtained by statistical analysis of the applicable positioning result, as a measured positioning distribution pattern at each observation point based on the observation. An installation error estimator computes the installation error for the tag reader using the predicted positioning distribution patterns obtained and the measured positioning distribution patterns computed.

Abstract: A method dresses a polishing member with a diamond dresser having diamond particles arranged on a surface thereof. The method includes determining dressing conditions by performing a simulation of a distribution of a sliding distance of the diamond dresser on a surface of the polishing member, and dressing the polishing member with the diamond dresser under the determined dressing conditions. The simulation includes calculating the sliding distance corrected in accordance with a depth of the diamond particles thrusting into the polishing member.

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: An imaging apparatus is provided including an imaging unit configured to obtain image data, a display unit, and a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of external apparatuses. The imaging apparatus further includes a storing unit configured to store person identification information including at least face image data while associating the person recognition information with information relating to the external apparatuses, a collation unit configured to collate a target in the image data with the person identification information, a detection unit configured to detect an external apparatus that is communicating with the imaging apparatus, and a display control unit configured to display a plurality of pieces of face image data on the display unit each as a candidate of a transmission destination of the image data in an order based on a result of collation by the collation unit and a result of detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: A work robot includes a holding unit for holding a work device, holding unit moving means, an information processing unit, a storage unit, and a variable storage unit. The work robot performs work by relatively moving the holding unit and a workpiece in accordance with a program instruction. When execution of the work is in progress, the program successively stores working state information in the variable storage unit. When the program is forced to end in the middle of the work and then the work is to be resumed, the program resumes the work in accordance with the working state information stored in the variable storage unit. Thus, even when the program is forced to end, the work can be resumed from the working state immediately before the forced end.

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: 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: 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 controller for an adjustable bed manages at least one wireless communication function, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.x, and peer-to-peer functions in association with controlling the bed. The controller also can control a second system associated with the adjustable bed.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is associated with a second system and both the bed and the second system are controlled by a common control system. In one embodiment the control system is integrated, in another it is distributed, in yet another it is a programmable logic controller. The common control system accesses preferences that are associated with the adjustable bed and the second system from a plurality of memory locations that are associated with the control system.

Abstract: A method of causing movement of at least one target device based on at least one of a plurality of motion programs stored on a content server connected to a network. At least one identified characteristic of the at least one target device is identified. At least one selected motion program is selected from the plurality of motion programs stored on the content server. The at least one identified characteristic and the at least one selected motion program are transferred to the motion server. A motion media data set is generated at the motion server for the target motion device based on the at least one identified characteristic of the target device and the at least one selected motion program. The motion media data set is transferred from the motion server to the target motion device to cause the target device to perform the desired sequence of movements.

Abstract: A method for mapping a motion of a first object within a first motion path defined by a path planner based on a second motion path of a second object. The method includes creating the first motion path for the first object using the path planner, initializing a start position of the first object within the first motion path, determining a value for an initial condition for each segment of a plurality of segments in the first motion path created by the path planner, and calculating an elapsed time between a current sample call time to the path planner and a last sample call time to the path planner.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus to generate a position profile using lower-order polynomials. The device includes a pattern coefficient generator to generate pattern and time coefficients of a position pattern that is classified by velocity change, a contour generator to generate a pattern polynomial to define a contour of each section of the position pattern using the generated pattern and time coefficients, and a dual filter for generating a position profile by selectively activating one of a plurality of filters, which receive the pattern polynomial generated by the contour generator. The device uses lower-order polynomials and a small number of coefficients, thereby reducing the number of calculations required in the procedure to generate the position profile. The device generates a seamless and smooth position profile by preventing switching errors due to the difference between filter sizes.

Abstract: A position value, a desired position value and future desired position values as well as, for each future desired position value, a value which is characteristic of the temporal offset between said future desired position value and the respective immediately preceding desired position value are predefined for a position controller for an axle. The position controller uses a model of the axle to determine a manipulated variable and a respective expected manipulated variable and an expected position value for the future desired position values. The position controller determines the manipulated variable, the expected variables and the expected position values in such a manner that a total deviation of the position value and the expected position values from the corresponding desired position values is optimized in accordance with a predetermined assessment function. It drives the axle in accordance with the manipulated variable.

Abstract: A controller for an adjustable bed also provides control functions for a multi media device. The multimedia device may be an MP3 player, an audio/visual player, and the like. The controller controls a function of the bed, such as a bed position selection, and functions of the multimedia device such as on/off, volume, channel, song, content, and the like.

Abstract: Illustrative computer-executable methods, systems, and computer software program products compute orientation alignment transfer tool location. Orientation of at least one aerodynamically significant feature of an as-built airplane is automatically determined. Orientation of an orientation monument for the as-built airplane is automatically determined from the determined orientation of the at least one aerodynamically significant feature of the as-built airplane, and motion to align an orientation alignment transfer tool with the determined orientation of the orientation monument is automatically determined.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern.

Abstract: A control unit for a machine tool at least one vibration detection device attached to a main shaft portion of a machine tool or a movable body; a storage device for storing a vibration signal detected by the vibration detection device being related to operation information of the machine tool; a collision judgment device for judging that a collision has occurred; and an output device for outputting the vibration signal at the time of judging the occurring of the collision. By the above constitution, the control unit is capable of grasping a specific circumstance of collision and quickly determining a cause of collision.

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: 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 system and process uses pheromone propagation to provide direction and/or distance information to a remote destination through the use of localized decision making processes. Locally available information is exchanged and translated with global information through the use of a pheromone vocabulary and multi-layer grid systems. Self-organizing networks of sensors provide remote monitoring of a space.

Abstract: An on-screen calibration system for disc drives and the operating method thereof. The calibration system includes an autocollimator detecting the inclined angle of the stage of a disc drive. A control module is connected to the on-screen display module and a bar code scanner to receive the bar code of the pick-up module and compute a predetermined position data. A monitor displays a moving point according to the inclined angle and a target point according to the predetermined position data through an on-screen display module. The tilt-adjusting mechanism supporting the pick-up module is adjusted to shift the moving point overlapping the target point.

Abstract: An MPU sends pieces of information supplied by the input signals from a hand switch to a semiconductor memory device and the memory device stores these pieces of information. These pieces of information are: input points of an operation start signal and an operation end signal to a bottom drive unit; input points of a drive start signal of each bottom and a drive end signal of each bottom or a bottom drive time, information on lift-up or lift-down of each bottom; input points of a drive start signal and a drive end signal to a frame drive unit, information on lift-up or lift-down of a frame; and the type of an operated button of a hand switch. The data about bottoms is stored for both the back bottom and knee bottom.

Abstract: A control system of a stage of a microscope includes: a stage transfer unit for transferring the stage for loading a sample perpendicular to an optical axis of the microscope; a transfer command acquisition unit for obtaining command information for a transfer of the stage; a stop position direction storage unit for storing stop position direction information which is information generated according to the command information obtained from the transfer command acquisition unit, and the information about a position and direction when an operation of the stage transfer unit is stopped; and a stage transfer control unit for controlling an operation of stage transfer unit according to the stop position direction information stored in the stop position direction storage unit.

Abstract: An image processing method is disclosed for more effectively displaying movements of an object composed of a plurality of polygons. The image processing method displays a moving object by displacing backward given vertices of polygons composing the moving object, imparting an afterimage representation that makes the object look as if it leaves a trail in the direction opposite to their direction of movement. This allows for display of movements of the object in a more emphasized manner and display of the moving object with richer expression.

Abstract: In one aspect and one example, a method for calibrating robotic picker mechanisms in automated storage library systems includes detecting a calibration mark with at least one sensor from a first position and a second position, where the first position and the second position are separated by an offset distance. Further, the method includes determining a shift in the calibration mark between the first position and the second position, and determining a distance between a reference position and the calibration mark based on the shift in the calibration mark, the offset distance, and the focal length of the sensor.

Abstract: In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, a control method comprises monitoring a position of a motion control axis and controlling an output device responsive to the position of the motion control axis. The controlling step further includes latching a cam element that controls the output device, and unlatching the cam element that controls the output device. The manner in which the latching step is performed and the manner in which the unlatching step is performed are configurable in a programming interface. The programming interface is capable of receiving a latch position for the cam element and an unlatch position for the cam element. The programming interface is further capable of receiving additional configuration information to configure the manner in which the latching step is performed and different additional configuration information to separately configure the manner in which the unlatching step is performed.

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) communicates with at least one cell defining an active set. A velocity vector including position, speed, and direction is associated with the UE. A radio network controller receives information related to the velocity vector and creates a filtered neighbor cell list by filtering a neighbor cell list associated with the active set. The filtering depends on the velocity vector related information. The controller transmits the filtered neighbor cell list to the user equipment so that pilot signal strength is measured for cells in that list.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position for work devices (41) of mobile machines (40). The inventive device comprises a measuring device (1,2) for measuring an angle (?) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device also comprises an angle transmitter (5) for predetermining an angle (??) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device further comprises a controller (3, 4, 6–16) for controlling the angle (?) between the level (42) of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g) in such a way that the measured angle (?) matches the predetermined angle (??).

Abstract: A method and device that controls one or more apparatus in relation to the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the location of the apparatus. The operator enters a geographic location identifier, such as a zip code or telephone area code, and the controller computes the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the corresponding geographic location. The controller is configured to translate the entered geographic location code into the offset times, based upon the latitude and longitude of the location. The controller is able to either directly retrieve stored time offsets or it retrieves the latitude and longitude that corresponds to the entered geographic location code and determines the time offset from that latitude and longitude.

Abstract: A control system (102) operates within a dynamic range, and a follow-up system (104) is commanded to reduce a positional error between the follow-up system and the control system when the dynamic range is exceeded. A linear follow-up command may be initially provided once a dead band value (208) is exceeded. The follow-up system (104) is driven relative to its base mount (103) in a direction to reduce the positional error to within a null value range (214). The follow-up command may also implement a decay function to control the follow-up system (104). A control variable transfer function may also be utilized to gradually subtract the dead band value from the follow-up system position error command as a function of time. The decaying function may include linear as well as non-linear decaying functions. In one embodiment, a figure eight-type hysteresis control function may be implemented to control the inertial position of an inertial element.

Abstract: A room occupancy sensor, a home automation system and a method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room states, which dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller.

Abstract: A distributed control system having system components (1, 2, 3). The positions of the system components (1, 2, 3) are stored in respective memories (11, 12, 13) as component-specific data, which represent the spatial coordinates of the positions. The system components (1, 2, 3) transmit their respective positions to a configuration unit (4) via a communications channel (5). By means of a layout plan, e.g., in the form of a piping and installation diagram, the component-specific data of the individual system components (1, 2, 3) is assigned to the configured system components. In addition, a respective physical address is assigned to each of the system components (1, 2, 3). This achieves simple and reliable configuration of the system components (1, 2, 3). The distributed control system is used, in particular, in process apparatuses.

Abstract: A device (22, 24) for actuating a seat element comprises an actuator (26, 28) equipped with a transducer designed to supply a crude measurement value representing the current position of the actuator. The actuator provides for calculation of a corrected value of the current position of the actuator, from each crude measurement value supplied by the transducer, and calculation of a refining correction function. The device also provides for processing the corrected value of the current position of the actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching a person how to perform a specific body motion in a consistent manner is based on electronically measuring one or more parameters of an actual body motion, comparing the one or more measured parameters with corresponding parameters of a target body motion, and providing a sensible feedback to the user based on a degree of correspondence between the one or more measured parameters and the corresponding target parameters. In a particular embodiment, the feedback is audible. More specifically the feedback is a musical tune that has a particular characteristic (such as rhythm) that is particularly suited to a particular body motion (such as a golf swing). The feedback may be in the form of electronically causing the musical tune to go off-key in proportion to a discrepancy between the actual body motion and the target body motion.

Abstract: A method and system of projecting light on a planar surface to produce an image for tracing is disclosed. The system includes a projector that has a light source and a signal conditioner that is operably connected to the projector. A computer is operably connected to the signal conditioner. A scanner is connected to the projector. A test pattern from the computer is projected from the projector through the scanners to visually align an image to a sector on a work surface. A grid is operably aligned with the work surface. A geometric pattern from the computer is then projected by the projector on the planar work surface for tracing. The method comprises the steps of creating a pattern, tracing lines along the pattern on the planar work surface, cutting the pattern along the traced lines, discarding pieces of the planar surface outside the pattern, and placing edging along an outer edge of the pattern.

Abstract: A gamma camera system is described having a user interface by which protocols can be set up for the simultaneous acquisition of different views. Pull-down menus prevent the selection of incompatible simultaneous views for acquisition. The protocol being assembled, including its sequential steps and multiple simultaneous views, are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of an object in three dimensions uses two cameras interconnected with a machine vision search tool. The search tool is capable of registering transformation of a pattern in at least two translational degrees of freedom, along the image plane, and at least one non-translational degree of freedom along a camera axis perpendicular to the image plane. The tool can be a rotation/scale-invariant (RSIS) search tool. A nominal position for each camera's acquired image of the object is determined and a set of uncertainty vectors along each of the degrees of freedom is generated. The vectors are weighted, with the respective vectors along the camera axis being weighted more-highly than orthonormal vectors within the image plane. The weighted vectors are combined to define an error.

Abstract: A position display system for displaying a position of a device, the system including a device, a position measuring device that measures a position of the device and a host readout device that is mounted at a first location. The host readout device receives a signal from the position measuring device that is representative of a position of the device, wherein the host readout device includes a display that displays an image representative of the position of the device. A remote readout device that is mounted at a second location, wherein the remote readout device includes a display that displays the image.

Abstract: A positioning system including a sensor, a drive sequencer and an actuator. The sensor senses the actuator position and provides position signals to drive the sequencer which responsively computes and drives the actuator in open loop moves containing dwell intervals of position. The actuator positions a mirror or other load means to reflect an optical beam as desired. Either preprogrammed or non-repeating sequences of actuator stopping positions can be synchronized with a laser. During dwell times, mirror position accuracy better than 10 microradians is suitable for tuning CO2 pulse burst or CW lasers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for adjusting the origins of module heads of a surface mounting apparatus for a dual gantry, the adjusting apparatus, and method therefor.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: A method for compensating signals from an absolute angular position sensor assembly is used in conjunction with an absolute angular position sensor assembly having an input gear coupled to a rotating shaft. The input gear is meshed with an output gear that rotates as the input gear and the shaft rotate. The sensor assembly includes an input gear sensor and an output gear sensor placed in proximity to the input gear and output gear, respectively. The gears are configured so as to be sensed by the sensors. The method includes determining an angular position compensation value that is used to adjust an absolute position of the input gear, which in turn is used to compute the absolute position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to