Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for measurement of weight load and other physical variables in vehicles and/or containers, comprising a system of sensing and monitoring of their conditions, instantaneous or not. Consists of an external data collection subsystem (SSI) with module with sensing network (1), signal transduction module (2) and connection module (3); of a data processing and reading subsystem (SSII) with energizing module (4); reading and data acquisition module (5); processing and memory module (6); and data transmission subsystem (SSIII) with data communication module (7). The system has advantages, does not present false sensor measurements, that allow wide multiplexing, no electricity, high signal and there is no electromagnetic interference, they are robust, do not suffer corrosion and do not fail due to vibration and mechanical impacts.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating adapted tuning parameters for target slip estimation, the parameters being adapted to real-time road surface conditions. The method includes, receiving, from a road surface detection module, a road surface condition, Sn, from among N road surface conditions S, range of friction, mu, and a confidence level, Ci. The method receives sensor system data from a sensor system, and determines, as a function of Sn, range of mu, and Ci, initial estimator values including an estimated initial frictional force {circumflex over (?)}(0), an initial gain, P0, and an initial projected range of signal bounds, (Pu) and (Pl). The method tunes (i.e., adapts) the initial estimator values to generate therefrom adapted tuning parameters based on received inputs. The method outputs adapted tuning parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for a hose with degradation monitoring is disclosed. The system includes a sensor having one or more first alignment features, a contactless switch, and a light transmitter configured to transmit a light transfer protocol. A gateway device is configured to wirelessly receive data from the sensor, and includes one or more second alignment features that are configured to align with the one or more first alignment features, a trigger configured to activate the contactless switch only when the one or more second alignment features are aligned with the one or more first alignment features, and a phototransistor configured to capture and record the light transfer protocol transmitted from the light transmitter.

Abstract: A neural network system includes an eyewear device. The eyewear device has a movement tracker, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or an inertial measurement unit for measuring acceleration and rotation. The neural network system tracks, via the movement tracker, movement of the eyewear device from at least one finger contact inputted from a user on an input surface. The neural network system identifies a finger gesture by detecting at least one detected touch event based on variation of the tracked movement of the eyewear device over a time period. The neural network system adjusts the image presented on the image display of the eyewear device based on the identified finger gesture. The neural network system can also detect whether the user is wearing the eyewear device and identify an activity of the user wearing the eyewear device based on the variation of the tracked movement over the time period.

Abstract: In a force sensor, a cylindrical movable body can be moved with respect to a cylindrical main body. A strain body is fixed to the main body and the movable body, and can be deformed in accordance with the movement of the movable body. Strain sensors are provided on the strain body. At least three circular openings are provided in the circumferential surface of the movable body at equal intervals. Stoppers are respectively arranged inside the openings, and each of which includes a first side surface having a first outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the opening, and a second side surface having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. Fixing members fix the stoppers to the main body.

Abstract: A system and method for translating performance characteristics of a system from one system condition to another system condition includes sensing, at a current system condition, a first system performance parameter and a second system performance parameter. The first and second system performance parameters correspond to a measured performance characteristic value of the system. A first reference performance datum associated with the first and second system performance parameters at the current system condition, and a second reference performance datum associated with the first and second system performance parameters at a selected reference system condition are both retrieved from a memory. A difference between the first and second reference performance data is calculated to generate a translation value.

Abstract: Pressure-sensor based arrays are integrated into a control device that detects the position, motion, or movement of a one or more body parts of a user to recognize and translate the motion into a unique user-motion profile. The user motion profile may be independently analyzed or recognized as a discrete motion or gesture and used as input or commands for the control device itself or as a signal or set of signals that yields an output signal to a companion device. The pressure sensors can be attached to any body part of a user, such as the user's wrist or ankle. Motion or position, or changes therein, of the user generates an output signal that may be used to control a companion device. The source of the detectable signal is the pressure-based sensor array that yields a pressure data profile that is translated into an output signal to control the companion device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for installing a bit on and/or deinstalling a bit from a bit holder system of a milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, having at least one initiator with which installation and/or deinstallation of a bit is initiated. Provision is made that the tool comprises a detection device having at least one counting device; and that the detection device is designed to detect a number of bits deinstalled using the tool and/or a number of bits installed using the tool. The invention also relates to a corresponding bit holder system and to a method for monitoring wear. With the tool and the bit holder system, additional information regarding bit changes that have been carried out is made available to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oilfield management system. The oilfield management system comprises: one or more devices for measuring working conditions of oil wells, the one or more devices for measuring working conditions of oil wells are installed on one or more oil wells respectively for measuring working conditions of the one or more oil wells, the working conditions of oil wells at least comprise indicator diagrams of oil wells; one or more remote transmission units, each of the remote transmission units receives the working conditions measured by one or more of the devices for measuring working conditions of oil wells; and server, which determines running status of the one or more oil wells according to the working conditions of oil wells from the one or more remote transmission units; maintenance staff or administrators manage the one or more oil wells according to the running status of the one or more oil wells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatuses and methods of detecting impacts to the head. Accelerometers attached to a user's head and neck or body is used to measure the differential acceleration of the head with respect to the neck or body. A differential acceleration exceeding a certain threshold may be indicative of the user suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of monitoring a structural object includes performing a first set of radar measurements using a first millimeter-wave radar sensor to produce a first set of radar data, extracting a first interferometric phase from the first set of radar measurements, and determining a structural integrity of the structural object based on the extracted first interferometric phase.

Abstract: A rubber adhesion test method in accordance with the present embodiment has step(s) in which rubber test member is pressed against prescribed road surface for a prescribed contact time and is thereafter pulled away therefrom, the pulling force acting thereon when this is pulled away therefrom being measured, this being performed a plurality of times, with the contact time being varied each time, and step(s) in which a relational expression relating adhesive force and contact time in correspondence to pulling force is derived based on the results of the plurality of measurements.

Abstract: A rotation angle detection device includes: a rotating body having magnetic tracks on which magnetic pole pairs are arranged at even intervals in concentric ring shapes; magnetic sensors each configured to detect a magnetic field of a corresponding one of the magnetic tracks and output a sine signal and a cosine signal; storage configured to store magnetic sensor correction information; a correction calculator configured to correct the sine signal and the cosine signal based on the magnetic sensor correction information; a phase detector configured to calculate a phase of the corrected sine signal and the corrected cosine signal; a phase difference detector configured to calculate a phase difference between a plurality of the phases; and an angle calculator configured to convert the phase difference into an absolute angle.

Abstract: A keyboard device applicable to various kinds of applications with high responsivity is provided. The keyboard device includes keys to which key addresses are assigned and a memory in which data for determining whether a key has been depressed is writable and readable at an memory address corresponding to each of the key addresses. The device also includes a key capacitance detecting unit to detect a capacitance of the key corresponding to a selected key address, a capacitance-voltage converting unit to convert the capacitance of the key detected by the key capacitance detecting unit into a voltage, a data converting unit that reads threshold data in the memory address in the memory corresponding to the key address that is selected to convert the threshold data into analog data, and a depression determining unit that compares the analog data with the voltage to determine whether the key has been depressed.

Abstract: A deflection angle detection device includes an input shaft encoder, a disk attached to an output shaft of a speed reducer, an output shaft encoder having detection elements disposed at mutually different positions with respect to the disk to detect angular positions of the disk. A basic angular position of the output shaft is calculated based on an angular position of the input shaft detected by the input shaft encoder, a first, a second, and a third angular positions of the output shaft are calculated based on the angular positions of the disk detected by a plurality of detecting elements, and the deflection angle of the output shaft is calculated based on a first, a second, and a third differences, which are differences between the basic angular position and the first, the second, and the third angular positions, respectively, and positions of the detection elements with respect to the disk.

Abstract: An information processing device is provided that enables an operator to efficiently carry out revision of an amount of removal of a workpiece at each block of a machining program. The information processing device includes a design data storage unit configured to store at least information relating to a workpiece, a simulation unit configured to carry out a simulation process of reproducing a positional relationship between the tool and the workpiece in a virtual space, a removal amount calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of removal of the workpiece by each block included in the machining program, the amount of removal being calculated on a per-block basis, and a display unit configured to display the blocks included in the machining program in a machining program display field in different display modes in accordance with the amounts of removal of the workpiece by the blocks.

Abstract: To provide high-accuracy assessment of a remaining life of a composite material structure. A remaining life assessment system 5 for composite material structure includes: a load history assessment part 7 that calculates a history of load on a composite material based on output from a first sensor attached to the composite material; a state quantity assessment part 10 that calculates a state quantity of the composite material based on output from the first sensor or a second sensor; a state quantity change database 13 that holds previously recorded relation between the load history and the state quantity of the composite material; and a comparative assessment part 12 that compares the calculated load history and state quantity with the load history and state quantity stored in the state quantity change database 13.

Abstract: An applied load acting on a tire is varied by alternately moving a load drum in a direction of approaching and leaving the tire. A phase difference between a variation of a position of the load drum and a variation of the applied load is calculated. A tire having an abnormality in rolling resistance is sorted out based on the calculated phase difference.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient includes a sensor unit having a housing and sensors disposed in or around the housing; and a base having a shell and configured and arranged to be adhesively attached to skin of the patient. The sensors can be used to monitor physical therapy and rehabilitation of the patient. The sensor unit can provide information to a patient or clinician device to facilitate the monitoring. The sensor data can be used to determine measurements such as tilt angle of the sensor unit and range of motion measurements (such as extension, flexion, or forces associated with movement) of the anatomical region to which the sensor unit is attached. The sensor data can also be used for automated identification or classification of exercises performed by the patient.

Abstract: A technique for generating one or more maneuver points includes determining a first location at which a maneuver is initiated by a vehicle and determining a difference between the first location and a stored location that corresponds to the maneuver. The technique further includes, in response to determining that the difference exceeds a threshold value, transmitting the first location to an update application. The update application modifies the stored location based on the first location to generate an updated location.

Abstract: A method of aeroservoelastic coupling suppression, and particularly, the field of real time adaptive cancellation of elastic modes in discrete-time signals which measure the dynamics of a flexible structure. The flexible structure comprises a structure with elastic variable characteristics, and more particularly, a structure with non-linear aerodynamics. A method is disclosed for adaptively cancelling, in real time, N elastic modes in discrete-time signals which measure the dynamics of the flexible structure. Also disclosed is a computer program implemented on a computing device, a system and an aircraft implementing the mentioned method.

Abstract: To provide a motor control device capable of determining a rotor position with high accuracy not only in normal control but also in flux-weakening control.

Abstract: There is provided a feedback provision method including specifying, by a processor, an action generated in a target and a generation time of the action on the basis of sensing data of the target, determining feedback to be provided in accordance with the specified action, and providing the feedback at a time corresponding to the generation time.

Abstract: An inventive approach is disclosed to integrate Digital Image Correlation (DIC) with the Acoustic Emission method that may be used for structural health monitoring and assessment of critical structural components in civil, mechanical, and aerospace industries. The inventive approach relies on passively recording acoustic emission across the specimen being tested and activating the DIC cameras automatically to measure deformation on the specimen's surface. The resulting acousto-optic system can be used to determine damage initiation, progressive damage development, identify critical regions and make lifetime predictions of the tested specimen.

Abstract: A control panel is used to monitor events within a security system or other automation system. In the event an intruder enters a physical location, the intruder may attempt to damage the control panel to disrupt its operation. One or more sensors of the control panel may detect disruption in the operation of the control panel. Example sensors may detect an impact force, sudden acceleration, removal from a mounted location, or disruption of communication with an input/output element, such as a display device. When an event is detected at the control panel itself, the control panel can send a signal to a remote service provider, and the remote service provider can follow-up with the customer. The control panel and/or remote service provider may also determine when the control panel loses partial or complete power loss to identify the disruption as a potential crash-and-smash entry.

Abstract: Lighting may be provided using light sources such as lighting systems with arrays of light-emitting diodes. A lighting system may be integrated into a seat, a door panel, a dashboard, or other interior portions of a system such as a vehicle. The interior portions of the vehicle may be illuminated using lighting systems to provide ambient light, to provide custom surface textures and other decorative patterns, to provide icons, text, and other information, and to provide custom gauges and other illuminated regions. Illuminated regions may overlap sensors such as capacitive touch sensors, force sensors, and other sensors. The light-emitting diodes in a lighting system may supply light that passes through openings in a cover layer. The layer may be formed from fabric, leather, or other materials. Lens structures may guide light through the openings.

Abstract: An encapsulated pressure sensor includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing surface and a mounting surface. The mounting surface is attached to a mounting substrate. A fluid contacts the pressure sensing surface of the pressure sensor. A deformable encapsulating member is attached to the mounting substrate and encapsulates the pressure sensor and the fluid.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for surgical robotic arm admittance control. In one aspect, there is provided a system including a robotic arm and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a force at a reference point on the robotic arm based on an output of a torque sensor and receive an indication of a direction of movement of the reference point. The processor may also determine that a component of the force is in the same direction as the direction of movement of the reference point, generate at least one parameter indicative of a target resistance to movement of the robotic arm, and control the motor, based on the at least one parameter, to move the robotic arm in accordance with the target resistance.

Abstract: An impact resistance test method of a glove having a protective material includes applying an impact force, with an impactor, to the glove at a plurality of locations on a section of the glove, measuring, with a load cell, a transferred impact force transferred through the section of the glove, and determining an impact resistance of the glove based on the measured transferred impact force. The impactor has a predetermined weight and is dropped from a predetermined height to apply the impact force to the section of the glove. An apparatus for carrying out the test method is also provided.

Abstract: A system includes an acquisition section that acquires information from a sensor section attached to each player who is practicing an action in a target area, a processing section that generates area situation information on smoothness of movement of the players in the area based on the information from the sensor sections, and a display apparatus that notifies the area situation information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for training a variational auto-encoder (VAE) to generate disentangled latent factors on unlabeled training images. In one aspect, a method includes receiving the plurality of unlabeled training images, and, for each unlabeled training image, processing the unlabeled training image using the VAE to determine the latent representation of the unlabeled training image and to generate a reconstruction of the unlabeled training image in accordance with current values of the parameters of the VAE, and adjusting current values of the parameters of the VAE by optimizing a loss function that depends on a quality of the reconstruction and also on a degree of independence between the latent factors in the latent representation of the unlabeled training image.

Abstract: Redundant wireless sensor networks include a plurality of wireless sensors and a wireless data concentrator. The plurality of wireless sensors sense a parameter and transmit sensor signals representative of the parameter sensed. The wireless data concentrator receives the sensor signals and adjusts the transmission schedules of at least one of the plurality of wireless sensors based on a change in operating status of one or more of the plurality of wireless sensors.

Abstract: A dosimetry apparatus includes at least one sensor in a housing, a cover configured to permit compression waves to pass through, the cover is seated over the at least one sensor, and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimetry processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the at least one sensor; storing the readings with a time and date stamp when obtained; conducting an analysis based on the obtained readings; and outputting at least one of the stored readings or the conducted analysis.

Abstract: Various approaches are discussed for using four-side buttable CMOS tiles to fabricate detector panels, including large-area detector panels. Fabrication may utilize pads and interconnect structures formed on the top or bottom of the CMOS tiles. Electrical connection and readout may utilize readout and digitization circuitry provided on the CMOS tiles themselves such that readout of groups or sub-arrays of pixels occurs at the tile level, while tiles are then readout at the detector level such that readout operations are tiered or multi-level.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and controlling curvature of a glass plate for an optical touch sensitive system is described. The assembly comprising a first frame element extending in a first plane and configured to extend at least partially around a panel; at least one second frame element extending in a second plane and forming a support portion for the plate, and at least one spacing element positioned at least partially between the support portion and the first frame element. The spacing element us configured to control a curvature of the first frame element and wherein the at least one second frame element is configured to engage the plate at the support portion, is attached to the first frame element, and is tiltable, by controlling the curvature of the first frame element with said spacing element, to control a curvature of the plate.

Abstract: A method for servicing a landing gear strut in service supporting an aircraft including: determining a current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut; determining a required amount of the damping fluid for correct servicing of the landing gear strut; and adjusting the current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut so that the current amount of damping fluid complies with the required amount of damping fluid.

Abstract: An endolumenal robotic system provides the surgeon with the ability to drive a robotically-driven endoscopic device to a desired anatomical position in a patient without the need for awkward motions and positions, while also enjoying improved image quality from a digital camera mounted on the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A tool track display device includes a position information acquisition unit which acquires position information of at least one drive axle from a numerical control device and a position sensor provided on the at least one drive axle, a tool coordinate calculation unit which calculates coordinate values of the tool based on the position information of the at least one drive axle and information regarding the mechanical structure of a machine tool, a display attribute modification unit which modifies the display attribute of the tool track in accordance with the motion direction of the tool, and a display unit which displays the tool track based on the coordinate values of the tool calculated by the tool coordinate calculation unit and the display attribute modified by the display attribute modification unit.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one of state health and performance information associated with at least one vehicle actuator; processing, by the processor, the state of health and performance information to determine an acceleration value; and controlling the vehicle based on the acceleration value.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to alter clutch pressures in preparation for an upcoming shift between discrete gear ratios (e.g., input-to-output ratio). For example, the clutch pressures may spike to a heightened magnitude to prepare for the upcoming shift. The electric machine is configured to selectively propel the vehicle and perform regenerative braking. If regenerative braking demands occur during the clutch pressures being heightened during shift preparation, the controller is programmed to stop the preparing of the clutches. This can be done by reducing the clutch pressures back to their pre-preparation magnitude. The upcoming shift can be cancelled or delayed.

Abstract: A method determines a link force within a power-steering mechanism of a vehicle, the method including a step (a) of determining an actuation force, which involves determining the actuation force that results from the assistance force exerted by the assistance motor and the driver force exerted by the driver of the vehicle on the steering mechanism; a step (b) of assessing dry friction; and a step (c) of calculating the link force, which has a summation sub-step which involves calculating an expression representing the link force, which uses the algebraic sum of the actuation force and the dry friction force, and a filtering sub-step which involves applying a low-pass filter in order to smooth the result of the expression when the expression is calculated upon a steering reversal of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve actuator configured to determine, during operation of a valve by an alternating current (AC) motor of the valve actuator, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor. A process for measuring the amount of torque produced by the AC motor includes actuating a valve using the AC motor of the valve actuator, measuring, by a microcontroller of the valve actuator and during the actuating of the valve, a time interval between: (i) a first zero crossing of a waveform of AC voltage applied to the AC motor, and (ii) a second zero crossing of a waveform of AC current drawn by the AC motor, and determining, based on the time interval, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor during the actuating.

Abstract: To provide a dynamometer control device whereby excitation control can be performed so that a resonance phenomenon does not occur even when the moment of inertia of an engine is unknown. A dynamometer control device 6 is provided with an excitation signal generating unit 61 for generating a randomly or periodically fluctuating excitation signal, a speed controller 62 for generating an input signal to a dynamometer whereby a dynamo rotation speed matches a predetermined dynamo command rotation speed, a shaft torque compensator 64 for generating an input signal to the dynamometer whereby vibration of a shaft for connecting an engine and the dynamometer is suppressed using the detection value of a shaft torque sensor, and an adder 65 for generating a torque electric current command signal by adding the input signals generated by the speed controller 62 and the shaft torque compensator 64 to the excitation signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting a structural fault in a structure includes the steps of, (a) performing a Brillouin measurement at a point along a sensing optical fiber which operably cooperates with the structure, to obtain a Brillouin gain spectrum at that point; (b) identifying at least two curves which, when added together, best fit the Brillouin gain spectrum; (c) identifying if peaks of the least two curves occur at different frequencies so as to determine if the structure has a structural fault. There is further provided a corresponding apparatus for detecting a structural fault in a structure.

Abstract: A system for providing interaction between a virtual human and a user, the system comprising: a tangible interface providing a physical interface between the user and the virtual human, an imaging system directed towards the physical interface to provide images of the user interacting with the tangible interface; a tracking system tracking at least one position or the user; a microphone capturing speech from the user; a simulation system receiving inputs from the tangible interface, the imaging system, the tracking system and the microphone, the simulation system generating output signals corresponding to the virtual human; and a display presenting the output signals to the user.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of objects through non-destructive means. The objects are evaluated for flaws and defects through the use of applied acoustic energy. The applied acoustic energy creates a dynamic response of the object being evaluated to determine the location of any flaws or defects in the object. During excitation, the flaws and defects in a sample object generate heat at the damaged or defective regions through frictional interactions of the discontinuities. A flaw detection system includes, a plurality of acoustic energy sources to excite an object, a camera to record metrics of the response of the object and a processor configured to receive and analyze the response of the object.

Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.

Abstract: A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by physical contact with an end surface thereof, wherein the sensor unit includes: a support casing, a sensor element with forward contact surface for engaging the fastener end surface and movable relative to the support casing between rest and active positions, and a bias spring between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into the rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the fastener end surface in the active position. The support casing includes a positioning socket, engaged by the sensor element in the rest position, having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape and congruent with an outer shape of the sensor element.

Abstract: In a method for recognizing a load state and for removing problems that may result from such a load state of a vehicle, measures are provided for recognizing the overall vehicle mass and/or load mass of a vehicle as well as for detecting a non-uniform load of a vehicle, and reaction possibilities are provided for the functionality, impaired by such a load, of a distance sensor situated on the vehicle.