Optical Patents (Class 901/47)
  • Patent number: 7801645
    Abstract: A robot uses an infrared sensor including an infrared light source which produces pulses of infrared light. Optics focus reflections of the infrared light pulses from different portions of the environment of the robot to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce an indication of the distance to the closest object in an associated portion of the environment. The robot can use the indications to determine features in the environment. The robot can be controlled to avoid these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau, Eric C. Blair, Andrew Heninger, Eric Ng, Patricia I. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20100228394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot and a controlling method of the same. An entire movement region is divided into a plurality of regions, and a partial map is gradually made by using feature points of a plurality of images of the divided regions. Then, the map is compensated into a closed curved line, thereby making an entire map. Furthermore, when the mobile robot is positioned at a boundary of neighboring regions of the cleaning region, the boundary where a closed curved line is formed, the mobile robot compensates for its position based on a matching result between feature points included in the map, and feature points extracted from images captured during a cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Dong Hoon YI, Young Gie KIM, Jeong Suk YOON, Seong Soo LEE, Jei Hun LEE, Seung Min BAEK, Yoo Jin CHOI, Sang IK NA, Su Uk CHOE, Yie Bin KIM
  • Patent number: 7792606
    Abstract: A partial surface of a total surface, divided into several partial surfaces, is allocated to one of several mobile units by determining the partial surface of the total surface and allocating one of the several mobile units with a reservation. The mobile unit transmits allocation information indicating the allocation of the partial surface. The reservation is lifted and the allocation of the partial surface is validated when the one of the several mobile units receives no allocation rejection information from at least one of the other mobile units, indicating a rejection of the allocation of the partial surface. If rejection information is received, the reservation is lifted and the allocation of the partial surface is invalidated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Jäger
  • Publication number: 20100217439
    Abstract: Disclosed are a map building apparatus and method using a distance measurement. According to an aspect, by creating a first map and a second map respectively using the characteristics of different characteristic areas based on a distance-voltage characteristics of a distance measurement sensor, and combining the first map with the second map, a grid map is created. Accordingly, since a map regarding a peripheral environment is created using plural areas of the distance-voltage characteristics, a more accurate map may be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-ho Park, Woo-yeon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7783386
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Rolf Merte, Björn Matthias, Sönke Kock
  • Publication number: 20100211537
    Abstract: Efficiently simulating an Amari dynamics of a neural field (a), the Amari dynamics being specified by the equation (1) where a(x,t) is the state of the neural field (a), represented in a spatial domain (SR) using coordinates x,t, i(x,i) is a function stating the input to the neural field at time t, f[.] is a bounded monotonic transfer function having values between 0 and 1, F(x) is an interaction kernel, s specifies the time scale on which the neural field (a) changes and h is a constant specifying the global excitation or inhibition of the neural field (a). A method for simulating an Amari dynamics of a neural field (a), comprising the step of simulating an application of the transfer function (f) to the neural field (a). According to the invention, the step of simulating an application of the transfer function (f) comprises smoothing the neural field (a) by applying a smoothing operator (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Gepperth
  • Patent number: 7771146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. In particular, the present invention relates to reconditioning used wine barrels by shaving the inside surface to a predetermined depth, ready for re-crozering, toasting, and re-use. Conventional shaving methods typically involve routing the internal surface by hand, but this technique is problematic in that it is a very slow process, the quality of the wood is often adversely affected, and there is no way of ensuring that the surface will be shaved to the same depth across the entire surface. Therefore, the resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a scanning device adapted to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting device adapted to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Southern Cross Cooperage Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Breck Waterman
  • Patent number: 7769490
    Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: F Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
    Inventors: Shai Abramson, Shalom Levin, Ran Zaslavsky
  • Publication number: 20100191375
    Abstract: A robotic system that is used in a tele-presence session. For example, the system can be used by medical personnel to examine, diagnose and prescribe medical treatment in the session. The system includes a robot that has a camera and is controlled by a remote station. The system further includes a storage device that stores session content data regarding the session. The data may include a video/audio taping of the session by the robot. The session content data may also include time stamps that allow a user to determine the times that events occurred during the session. The session content data may be stored on a server that accessible by multiple users. Billing information may be automatically generated using the session content data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy C. Wright, Fuji Lai, Marco Pinter, Yulun Wang
  • Publication number: 20100185329
    Abstract: The vision aided case/bulk palletizer system of this invention is a process and apparatus for: providing a camera positioned over the dunnage supply line; initiating a frame grab of the dunnage supply line with the camera; using the frame grab to determine the position of the dunnage; using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the dunnage; feeding the dunnage from the dunnage supply line to the load building area; and controlling the steps with the single programmable robot, microprocessor and software. This system provides for transfer of the dunnage when the position of the dunnage is skewed by using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the skewed dunnage. In another embodiment, the camera is used to determine any void in the tier of product during the build of a tier of product, and also provides for error-proofing the transfer of dunnage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Parker
  • Publication number: 20100185327
    Abstract: A technique to wholly recognize the surrounding environment may be provided by excluding unknown environment which arises due to parts of a body of a robot hindering the sight of the robot during operations. The robot of the present invention is provided with a body trunk including head and torso, at least one connected member that is connected to the body trunk by a joint in which a driving mechanism is provided, a body trunk side camera that is arranged on the body trunk, and a connected member side camera that is arranged on the connected member. Further, the robot is provided with a composite image creation unit that creates composite image of a body trunk side image taken by the body trunk side camera and a connected member side image taken by the connected member side camera, such that a part of the body trunk side image is replaced with a part of the connected member side image so as to exclude the connected member from the body trunk side image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nakajima, Haeyeon Lee, Hideki Nomura
  • Publication number: 20100180672
    Abstract: Method for safely inspecting an atmospheric storage tank, located above ground or on a floating vessel, without having to empty the tank. The method employs an explosion proof robot whose explosion proof character is assured by explosion proof design and monitoring the pressure within and outside the robot throughout the inspection. Operation of the robot will cease if the pressure within the robot falls below the pressure external the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: William Thor Zollinger
  • Patent number: 7761231
    Abstract: An outside monitoring device of a mobile robot for measuring a direction of a target object using a tag, which is provided on a target object and replies a receipt signal to the mobile robot in compliance with a light signal from the mobile robot, the outside monitoring device including a plurality of light emitters each irradiating the light signal to an assigned detectable region among detectable regions established around the mobile robot are provided on the mobile robot, wherein light emitters are arranged around a reference axis orthogonal to a ground plane of the mobile robot to allow the detection of the tag within detectable regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kawabe, Satoki Matsumoto, Norihisa Kobayashi, Takeshi Koshiishi
  • Publication number: 20100174422
    Abstract: A remote operator console provides point and go navigation of a robotic vehicle. The remote operator console provides a display for visual representation of the environment in which the robotic vehicle is operating based on sensor information received from the robotic vehicle. An operator may designate a target point on the display. The robotic vehicle is automatically navigated toward a location in the environment corresponding to the designated target point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier
  • Publication number: 20100172733
    Abstract: The invention concerns an intelligent interface device for grasping an object comprising: a manipulating robot comprising a hinged arm provided with a clamp at its free end and equipped with at least one camera, a computer with a display screen and an input unit, means of controlling the clamp, means of displaying the video image of the object taken by a camera on the display screen, means of graphically identifying a selection area surrounding the object in this image using the input unit. The invention also concerns a method for implementing this device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Gerard Chalubert, Christophe Leroux
  • Publication number: 20100168947
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and determining a source azimuth for gamma radiation includes at least two scintillation crystals at angular offsets and directed toward a common plane of detection, photodetectors adjacent to each of the scintillation crystals for converting the light response of the scintillation crystals into distinct electrical signals, and a digital processing system configured to analyze spectral data from each electrical signal produced for each crystal. The digital processing system monitors a finite number of spectral windows corresponding to a selected set of radioisotopes, and uses one or more of the electrical signals to determine a signal intensity and a likely source azimuth for a detected radioisotope in the plane of detection. Another scintillation crystal directed outside of the common plane of detection may be used for three-dimensional detection. Related methods for detection and location of gamma ray sources are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: James H. Winso, Michael D. Fennell
  • Publication number: 20100168913
    Abstract: A robot and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The robot determines a presence or absence of a non-registration object if a registered object is not present in a photographing area, obtains an object name by communicating with a user if the presence of the non-registration object is decided, and additionally registers the object name in a database. Therefore, the robot recognizes the non-registration object present in the photographing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hyo Lee, Woo Sup Han
  • Publication number: 20100158644
    Abstract: A semiconductor-processing apparatus includes: a wafer transfer chamber provided with a wafer transfer robot having an end effector therein, at least one reactor connected to the wafer transfer chamber, and a robot diagnostic module connected to the wafer transfer chamber for diagnosing the transfer robot. The robot diagnostic module includes at least one sensor for detecting a position of the end effector when the end effector is located inside the robot diagnostic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ASM JAPAN K.K.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takizawa, Teruhide Nishino
  • Publication number: 20100157057
    Abstract: Provided is a person detecting apparatus and method in an intelligent mobile robot. The person detecting apparatus includes a camera, an observation system status input unit, an encoding unit, a decoding unit, and a person detection unit. The camera is mounted on a robot to output image information. The observation system status input unit determines whether the robot or the camera is in motion. The encoding unit receives the image information to output a bit stream including mode information. The decoding unit decodes the bit stream, extracts a block mode value of each macro block, and stores the same in a two-dimensional array. The person detection unit outputs detection information about a moving person using the determination information provided from the observation system status input unit and the block-mode two-dimensional array provided from the decoding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRONIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Eul Gyoon Lim, Dae Hwan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100161129
    Abstract: An image capturing device is robotically positioned and oriented in response to operator manipulation of a master control device. An unused degree-of-freedom of the master control device is used to adjust an attribute such as focusing of the image capturing device relative to a continually updated set-point. A deadband is provided to avoid inadvertent adjusting of the image capturing device attribute and haptic feedback is provided back to the master control device so that the operator is notified when adjusting of the attribute is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: MICHAEL COSTA, David Robinson, Michael L. Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Paul Millman
  • Publication number: 20100152897
    Abstract: A robot movement control device is connected to a communications network in a remote location relative to a robotic device that is also connected to the communications network. The robot movement control device is an electronic device with a video display for displaying a real-time video image sent to it by a camera associated with the robot. A robot movement control mechanism is included in the robot control device and robot movement control commands are generated by the movement control mechanism which commands include speed and directional information. The control commands are sent by the robot control device over the network to the robot which uses the commands to adjust its speed and direction of movement of the robot. A relationship between the motion of the robot and the attitude of the camera associated with the robot is establish and used in conjunction with the detected motion of the robot to automatically adjust the attitude of the video camera associated with the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: JEFFREY MULLER
  • Publication number: 20100149337
    Abstract: Among other disclosed subject matter, a system includes a first camera generating a live image of a scene, the first camera configured for being placed in a plurality of locations by robotic motion. The system includes a handheld device that includes a display device for continuously presenting the live image, wherein movement of the handheld device causes the handheld device to generate an output that controls the robotic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Domenico Porcino
  • Publication number: 20100152870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling robots for welding three-dimensional workpieces, comprising the following steps: positioning and tacking profiles to a plate in order to form the workpiece to be welded, depicting the workpiece by means of a three-dimensional imaging system in the form of three-dimensional pixels, determining the geometric data of the plate and profiles, including the allocation of cutouts and final cutting shapes from the three-dimensional pixels, determining the weld seam data from the geometric data while considering the profile placement lines and the contact lines of profiles, allocating the weld seam data to parameterizable specifications for the weld plan into stored predefined movement patterns of the robot, and into commands for the control of the welding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicants: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V., UNIVERSITAET ROSTOCK
    Inventors: Martin Christoph Wanner, Alexander Zych, Uwe Pfletscher
  • Patent number: 7734377
    Abstract: A gait generator determines a desired motional trajectory and a desired object reaction force trajectory of an object 120 for a predetermined period after the current time by using an object dynamic model while supplying, to the object dynamic model, a model manipulated variable (estimated disturbance force) for bringing a behavior of the object 120 on the object dynamic model close to an actual behavior, and provisionally generates a gait of a robot 1 for a predetermined period by using the aforesaid determined trajectories. Based on the gait and an object desired motion trajectory, a geometric restrictive condition, such as interference between the robot 1 and the object 120, is checked, and a moving plan for the object 120 or a gait parameter (predicted landing position/posture or the like) of the robot 1 is corrected as appropriate according to a result of the check, so as to generate a gait of the robot 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadaaki Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20100131102
    Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: John Cody Herzog, Blair Whitney, Yulun Wang, Charles S. Jordan, Marco Pinter
  • Publication number: 20100131235
    Abstract: In a work system which measures 3D information of a target object by a light-section method, high measurement precision is realized. The invention includes a robot arm, a hand position detection member which is arranged at the distal end portion of the robot arm, a slit laser projector which irradiates slit light, a camera which is fixed at a position independent of the robot arm, and senses an image of the target object, and a computer which calculates a light-section plane of the slit light based on a light-section line formed on the hand position detection member which is included in image data of the target object obtained by image sensing by the camera, and calculates the position and orientation of the target object based on the calculated light-section plane and the light-section line formed on the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Aoba
  • Publication number: 20100131103
    Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: InTouch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Cody Herzog, Blair Whitney, Yulun Wang, Charles S. Jordan, Marco Pinter
  • Publication number: 20100119146
    Abstract: A robot system includes a robot having a movable section, an image capture unit provided on the movable section, an output unit that allows the image capture unit to capture a target object and a reference mark and outputs a captured image in which the reference mark is imaged as a locus image, an extraction unit that extracts the locus image from the captured image, an image acquisition unit that performs image transformation on the basis of the extracted locus image by using the point spread function so as to acquire an image after the transformation from the captured image, a computation unit that computes a position of the target object on the basis of the acquired image, and a control unit that controls the robot so as to move the movable section toward the target object in accordance with the computed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro INAZUMI
  • Publication number: 20100114374
    Abstract: Technology for creating a feature map for localizing a mobile robot and extracting feature information of surroundings is provided. According to one aspect, feature information including a reflection function is extracted from information acquired using a 3D distance sensor and used as a basis for creating a feature map. Thus, a feature map that is less sensitive to change in the surrounding environment can be created, and a success rate of feature matching can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joon-Kee Cho, Yeon-Ho Kim, Dong-Ryeol Park
  • Patent number: 7711450
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-deuk Im, Il-kyun Jung
  • Publication number: 20100106285
    Abstract: A system and method for the welding of drill bits using an automated robot or robots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Alan J. Massey
  • Publication number: 20100103106
    Abstract: Universal Video Computer Vision Input Virtual Space Mouse-Keyboard Control Panel Robot has computer system use video vision camera sensors, logical vision sensor programming as trainable computer vision seeing objects movements X, Y, Z dimensions' definitions to recognize users commands by their Hands gestures and/or enhance symbols, colors objects combination actions to virtually input data, and commands to operate computer, and machines. The robot has automatically calibrated working space into Space Mouse Zone, Space Keyboard zone, and Hand-Sign Languages Zone between user and itself. The robot automatically translate the receiving coordination users' hand gesture actions combinations on the customizable puzzle-cell positions of working space and mapping to its software mapping lists for each of the puzzle-cell position definition and calibrate these user hand and/or body gestures' virtual space actions into entering data and commands to computer meaningful computer, machine, home appliances operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Hsien-Hsiang Chui
  • Patent number: 7703349
    Abstract: A cable laying structure for a robot, which does not interfere with external devices in a periphery of a forearm. Camera and hand control cables and motor control cables are drawn into a robot mechanism through a connection panel of a base of a robot main body. While allowing the motor control cables to sequentially diverge, the control cables are arranged in a robot arm along an upper arm portion and guided to the forearm. The control cables are introduced into the forearm with a shield and a sheath removed. After reaching an end effector-mounting face, the control cables are connected to a camera and a hand. The forearm is formed of conductive material and grounded on the base of the robot main body to have the same electric potential as the base by using an earth cable, and therefore the forearm is utilized in replacement of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Ryo Nihei, Toshihiko Inoue, Jun Ibayashi, Takatoshi Iwayama
  • Publication number: 20100100240
    Abstract: A remote controlled robot with a head that supports a monitor and is coupled to a mobile platform. The mobile robot also includes an auxiliary camera coupled to the mobile platform by a boom. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote control station. By way of example, the robot can be remotely moved about an operating room. The auxiliary camera extends from the boom so that it provides a relatively close view of a patient or other item in the room. An assistant in the operating room may move the boom and the camera. The boom may be connected to a robot head that can be remotely moved by the remote control station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Charles S. Jordan, Kevin Hanrahan, Daniel Steven Sanchez, Marco Pinter
  • Publication number: 20100094447
    Abstract: An operation sequence creating apparatus creates an operation sequence of a workpiece processor using an industrial robot carrying a workpiece between a plurality of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiki YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20100086131
    Abstract: A system for remote signature acquisition, includes a local computer located in a first position where a document is needs to be executed, a remote computer located at a second position, a camera connected to the local computer, a tablet connected to the remote computer, and a plotting instrument connected to the local computer. The remote computer is connected to the local computer via a network. The camera presents information of the document to the remote computer via the local computer and network for display at the second position. The tablet records the corresponding input thereon and converts the input to a digital signal which is capable of being transmitted to the local computer via the remote computer and network. The local computer directs the plotting instrument to inscribe the corresponding input on the document according to the digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO.,LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: CHIN-WEN YEH, ZHEN-NENG LIN
  • Publication number: 20100080417
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking, identifying, and labeling objects or features of interest is provided. In some embodiments, tracking is accomplished using unique signature of the feature of interest and image stabilization techniques. According to some aspects a frame of reference using predetermined markers is defined and updated based on a change in location of the markers and/or specific signature information. Individual objects or features within the frame may also be tracked and identified. Objects may be tracked by comparing two still images, determining a change in position of an object between the still images, calculating a movement vector of the object, and using the movement vector to update the location of an image device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Shehrzad A. Qureshi, Kyle R. Breton, John A. Tenney
  • Publication number: 20100070078
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for building a map are provided. According to the apparatus and method, a path is generated on the basis of the degrees of uncertainty of features extracted from an image obtained while a mobile robot explores unknown surroundings, and the mobile robot travels along the generated path. The path based on the degrees of uncertainty of the features is generated and this may increase the accuracy of a feature map of the mobile robot or accuracy in self localization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Geon Kong, Hyoung-Ki Lee
  • Publication number: 20100063626
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle is comprised of a machine controller, a steering system, a propulsion system, a braking system, a sensor system, and a knowledge base used by the machine controller. The machine controller identifies a dynamic condition and sends commands to the steering system, the propulsion system, and the braking system to move the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100049368
    Abstract: An exemplary robot includes an information collecting module, a controlling system and a driving module. The information collecting module comprises a voice identifying device, a detecting device and a motion sensing device. The information collecting module is configured for identifying identities of robot users, detecting distances between the robot and objects located therearound thereof and sensing motion states of the robot. The controlling system is configured for generating a controlling signal and sending the controlling signal to the driving module. The driving module is configured for receiving the controlling signal, and driving the robot to move and adjusting the movement of the robot based on the controlling signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: GA-LANE CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100046708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a goniometer and a method for measuring stresses and characterizing microstructure of particles. The goniometer comprises a base (1), and a measurement head (12) including both an X-ray tube and a detector arc (11) movably adapted to the base (1) by a robot capable for three-dimensional movement. In accordance with the invention the robot has means for creating arc-formed movement of the measurement head (12) during the measurement with rotating (5, 7, 15) and tilting (3, 16, 9) joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Lasse Suominen
  • Patent number: 7664569
    Abstract: A ZMP equilibrium equation stating the relationship of various moments applied to a robot body of a robot, based on desirable motion data made up by trajectories of respective parts, imaginarily divided from the robot body, is generated, and moment errors in a ZMP equilibrium equation are calculated. A priority sequence of the parts, the target trajectories of which are corrected to cancel out the moment errors, is set. The target trajectories are corrected from one part to another, in a sequence corresponding to the priority sequence, to compensate the moment errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Shimizu, Jinichi Yamaguchi, Yoshihiro Kuroki
  • Publication number: 20100036393
    Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TITAN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventor: John Unsworth
  • Patent number: 7660665
    Abstract: Autonomous mobile equipment includes a position-of-object and own position detecting system and a moving unit, and autonomously moves. The position-of-object and own position detecting system includes a database in which pieces of information on the superficial shape and position of an object are recorded. The superficial shape of the object detected by a position measuring unit is collated with the superficial shape of the object recorded in the database. If the collated superficial shapes agree with each other, the pieces of information on the object recorded in the database are transmitted to a traveling planning unit. If the collated superficial shapes disagree with each other, the information on the object acquired by the position measuring unit is transmitted to the traveling planning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Tamamoto, Yuji Hosoda, Saku Egawa, Toshihiko Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20100030379
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling an autonomous device (1), which autonomous device records ambient data and optionally transmits the recorded ambient data, which method comprises positioning an indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) at a boundary (B) between a private area (P) and a non-private area (N) to optically distinguish the private area (P) from the non-private area (N) for a user of the autonomous device (1). The indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) is detected by the autonomous device (1) and interpreted to determine whether the autonomous device (1) is in a private area (P) or a non-private area (N). Subsequently, recording or transmission of ambient data is restricted while the autonomous device (1) is within the private area (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Georgios Parlantzas, Jens Friedemann Marschiner
  • Patent number: 7657346
    Abstract: The system includes a detecting section detecting an object to be picked, among a plurality of objects placed in a manner as to be at least partially superimposed on each other; a storage section storing appearance information of a predetermined portion of a reference object having an outward appearance identical to an outward appearance of the object to be picked; a determining section determining whether an inspected portion of the object to be picked, corresponding to the predetermined portion of the reference object, is concealed by another object, based on the appearance information of the reference object stored in the storage section; a control section deciding a picking motion for the object to be picked and outputting a control signal of the picking motion; and a picking mechanism performing the picking motion on the object to be picked in accordance with the control signal output from the control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Kazunori Ban, Ichiro Kanno
  • Patent number: 7654348
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 7649620
    Abstract: A method and a system for synchronising angles of at least two displaceable working means (2, 2?) at a predetermined point of action (4) is disclosed. The working means are, in particular, a robot-controlled tool or a robot-controlled radiation emitter and/or radiation receiver. In order to synchronise angles in a precise manner, the directions of the action (1, 1?) of the working means (2, 2?) are, in particular represented in a continuous manner, detected and united at a predetermined point of action (4). The angle (a) between the directions of the action (1, 1?) of the working means (2, 2?) is determined by, in particular, an optical angle measurement and is adjusted to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Hessert, Wilhelm Satzger, Juergen Bosse, Bernhard Thaler
  • Publication number: 20100010672
    Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot with a robot camera and a battery plug module, and a remote control station that transmits commands to control the mobile robot. The system also includes a battery charging module that mates with the mobile robot battery plug module, and an alignment system that aligns the battery plug module with the battery charging module. The battery modules may also be aligned with the aid of video images of the battery charging module provided to the remote station by a camera located within the battery plug module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Charles S. Jordan, Marco Pinter, Daniel Steven Sanchez, James Rosenthal, Amante Mangaser
  • Publication number: 20090325309
    Abstract: The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Favuzzi, Merritt M. Martin, Jonathan R. Sweda, Lauren Bland, Robert L. Lathrop, John E. Van Bosch, Kristopher S. Buchanan