Described herein are methods and systems for generating shared collaborative maps for planting or harvesting operations. A method of generating a collaborative shared map between machines includes generating a first map for a first machine based on a first set of data and generating a second map for a second machine based on a second set of data. The method further includes generating at least one shared collaborative map for at least one of the first and second machines based on the first and second maps.

A method for dispatching a plurality of vehicles operating in a work area among a plurality of destination locations and a plurality of source locations includes implementing linear programming that takes in an optimization function and constraints to generate an optimum schedule for optimum production, utilizing a reinforcement learning algorithm that takes in the schedule as input and cycles through possible environmental states that could occur within the schedule by choosing one possible action for each possible environmental state and by observing the reward obtained by taking the action at each possible environmental state, developing a policy for each possible environmental state, and providing instructions to follow an action associated with the policy.

Arrangements related to operating an autonomous vehicle in view-obstructed environments are described. At least a portion of an external environment of the autonomous vehicle can be sensed to detect one or more objects located therein. An occupant viewable area of the external environment can be determined. It can be determined whether one or more of the detected one or more objects is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area. Responsive to determining that a detected object is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area, one or more actions can be taken. For instance, the action can include presenting an alert within the autonomous vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, the action can include causing a current driving action of the autonomous vehicle to be modified.

A map screen determining method and apparatus, which includes obtaining profile data in a track dimension of a target digital person, where the target digital person is generated by a digital person generation system and consists of multiple dimensions of target user profiles corresponding to a target user, and the target user profiles are generated by processing multiple dimensions of data from multiple data sources, determining map data of a target area, where the target area is a specific map area that needs to be presented to a user, and determining a tracing map screen according to the profile data in the track dimension of the target digital person and the map data, where the tracing map screen represents a track feature of the target digital person in the target area.

A method for quantifying classification confidence of obstructions applied to a perception mergence system of a vehicular computer in a vehicle. The method includes steps of: the vehicular computer receiving obstruction information of at least obstruction, image information corresponding to the obstruction information and vehicle body signals, and using a classifier to classify them; calculating a detection result of each range sensor to calculate a existence confidence; using the existence confidences and precision of the classifier to calculate a classification belief assignment of each range sensor corresponding to each obstruction; performing mergence calculation on the classification belief assignments to respectively quantify an obstruction classification confidence of all the range sensor corresponding to each obstruction; and performing a classification ineffectiveness filtering mechanism to exclude the obstruction whose obstruction classification confidence less than a predetermined value. The present invention quantifies the obstruction classification confidence to improve the classification precision.

A system and method for monitoring operation of vehicle automation systems utilizes an electronic vehicle monitor configured to connect to a computer system of a vehicle via the on board diagnostics (“OBD”) port of the vehicle. The electronic vehicle monitor is configured to obtain operational status information of the activation or use of vehicle automation systems of the vehicle, such as of an automated braking system, automated acceleration system, automated steering system, automated vehicle navigation system, automated collision avoidance system, and an automated cruise control system. The electronic vehicle monitor transmits the obtained operational status information to a computing device, such as a mobile computer of a passenger or the vehicle driver, or to a remotely located computer. The electronic vehicle monitor may include a wireless transmitter, and may include a global positioning system module or be configured to obtain location information from a global positioning system of the vehicle

A method of health management of a monitored system includes collecting component condition indicator data used to calculate a plurality of component health indicators. Component fault severity and potential failure modes are determined utilizing the component condition indicator data. The potential failure modes are ranked in order of likelihood to isolate the failure mode. A system of health management for monitored apparatus includes a fault severity module to derive a plurality of component health indicators from collected component condition indicator data, the plurality of component health indicators indicative of fault severity of a plurality of components. A fault isolation module separately derives a ranked listing of potential fault/failure modes utilizing the component condition indicator data. The system further includes a communication portion to which the plurality of component health indicators and the ranked listing of fault/failure modes are transmitted for review and/or action by cognizant personnel.

A system for determining hang time for a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The system includes a sensing module associated with the machine. The sensing module is configured to track at least one parameter associated with the machine. The at least one parameter includes a machine heading, a machine speed, or a machine location. The system also includes a control module communicably coupled to the sensing module. The control module is configured to receive tracked information corresponding to the at least one parameter from the sensing module. The control module is also configured to analyze the tracked information corresponding to the at least one parameter, based on the received tracked information. The control module is further configured to determine the hang time for the machine, based on the analysis.

A method is provided for traffic lane and traffic signal control identification and traffic flow management. Methods may identify traffic lights controlling lane movements, cataloging the information through analysis of traffic light signal phase and timing, and analyzing traffic movement through an intersection during specific periods of time. In particular, example methods may include identifying each of a plurality of paths through an intersection; identifying states of one or more traffic lights controlling traffic through the intersection; determining vehicle throughput data for the intersection through a predetermined number of cycles of the one or more traffic lights; and matching the vehicle throughput data to each of the plurality of paths of the intersection. The method may optionally include identifying times of movement and times of non-movement of vehicles across the intersection for each of the plurality of paths.

A method for finding an evasive trajectory for avoiding an obstacle for a vehicle on a roadway. A component of a candidate trajectory parallel to the roadway is determined by selecting weighting coefficients of a first weighted sum of orthogonal functions of time. A component of the candidate trajectory orthogonal to the roadway is determined by selecting weighting coefficients of a second weighted sum of the orthogonal functions. An optimization parameter for the candidate trajectory is calculated. At least one coefficient of at least one of the sums is modified and the procedure is repeated when the optimization parameter does not reach a termination criterion.

The present application provides a system and method for enabling a driver to locate a passenger. In one or more implementations, a graphical user interface is provided that is operable to send and receive information associated with passengers and vehicles. A location of a first vehicle, a location of a first passenger and a location of a second passenger are received. Information associated with the locations of the first and second passenger is transmitted and a representation of at least one of the first passenger and the second passenger and the respective location thereof is provided.

A method for managing avionic data between a flight management system FMS and one or more clients, the FMS comprising resources accessible through avionic services Ci (1,n); the execution of the Ci (1,n) determining an avionic functionality Fj (1,m); each of the Fj (1,m) associated with an intrusiveness parameter Ik and a criticality parameter Ck; the method comprises the steps of receiving a request specifying the call to an Fj (1,m); and determining a predefined execution right for a Ci (1,n), dependent on the predefined intrusiveness and/or criticality parameters associated with the Fj (1,m). Developments describe particularly the comparison of the execution rights, notice of a rejection, various avionic services and functionalities, the management of criticality ranges, consideration of the flight context, etc. Software and system aspects are described (e.g. equipment of EFB type).

The present invention provides a flight control method for an aerial vehicle and a related device. The method may comprises receiving flight indication data under a current environment, the flight indication data including flight indication data detected by another aerial vehicle or provided by an external storage device; generating a flight control instruction according to the received flight indication data to control a flight of the aerial vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention may store and manage the flight indication data acquired by various aerial vehicles, so as to provide the support of related flight indication data to some requesting aerial vehicles, to enable the requesting aerial vehicles to perform operations such as obstacle avoidance, safe path planning and finding landing places based on the flight indication data.

The general field of the invention is that of methods of three-dimensional graphical representation of a landing runway on a viewing screen of an onboard viewing system for aircraft, the said graphical representation being displayed in a synthetic view of an exterior landscape. The graphical representation according to the invention comprises a line disposed along the axis of the runway, the said line being a straight stripe inclined by an angle of between one and a few degrees with respect to the horizontal, the said line beginning at the runway threshold.

A mechanical rotational drive has a bar-like torsion element, whereby the torsion element is firmly clamped with a first end in a bearing device. The torsion element can be pivoted with a second free end with respect to the clamped end about the longitudinal axis, forming a rotation axis, of the torsion element between a relaxed position and a tensioned position, whereby the length of the torsion element is reduced with respect to the relaxed position when the torsion element is brought into its tensioned position. A device for transmitting a torque into the torsion element or out of the torsion element is provided in the area of the free end, and a damping device is arranged in the axial direction of the torsion element at a fixed distance from the bearing device and adjacent to the free end of the torsion element, and a damping part is provided on the torsion element in the area of the free end of the torsion element, which damping part in the relaxed position is in friction engagement with the damping device and which in the tensioned position is not engaged with the damping device.

A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

A concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion includes a main body unit of a concentric cross mechanism, a main body unit of the torsion-driven mechanism, a main body unit of the force-generating mechanism, and a restriction device. A center point is defined by crossing a vertical concentric axis and a horizontal concentric axis. The axle of the driven bevel gear and the scroll springs spin reversely with the axle of the torsion-generating bevel gear. The first bevel gear is provided for outputting the torsion on the upper and bottom ends thereof. Furthermore, when the rotary rod connected with one side of the torsion output axle is disposed between the positioning block and the positioning post, the door is driven by the other side of the torsion output axle to swing in a predetermined angle.

An actuator comprises an elongated shape-memory element wound around a first element and having one first end connected to the first element and one second end connected to a second element. Heating means are provided for heating the shape-memory element in order to obtain a displacement of one of the ends thereof. The elongated shape-memory element is guided so that it can slide within a closed channel made of a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example defined by a sheath.

An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

The invention provides an operational mechanism for a movable body in which, after a movable body is in an opened state, the movable body can return to a closed position, including a movable body rotatably attached to a support and rotatable between an engaged position, a closed position, and an open position; a rotating member rotatably attached to the support, that rotates due to movement of the movable body to the engaged position; a biasing member, one end of which is attached to the movable body, and the other end of which is attached to the rotating member; and an operation member, which rotates the rotating member, changes the biasing position of the biasing member with respect to the center of rotation of the movable body, and generates in the biasing member a rotational force that moves the movable body to the closed position or the open position.

An inexpensive apparatus for powering a toy plane including a rubber band motor which is connectable to the plane's propeller and to a winding mechanism, including a gear mechanism which is activated by a handle. As the handle is repeatedly squeezed and released by the user, the motor is wound up. An anti-reversing ratchet is coupled with the motor to prevent unwinding until the user wishes to launch the plane.

An actuator assembly having a housing, at least one rotating gear member including a cam, and an actuator device operably connected to the rotating gear member, operably contained in the housing, for rotating the gear member. Also included is a bearing member operably associated with the cam such that when the actuator device is actuated for rotation of the gear member, the bearing member moves on the cam for providing relative motion between the bearing member and the rotating gear member. The actuator device is selected from a torque generating device or a device having linear movement.

A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.

A mechanical energy storage system includes a containment vessel, a drive shaft operatively connected to a generator/motor and supported for rotation in the containment vessel. A support structure is attached to the drive shaft and configured for radial extension from a rest position proximate the drive shaft. A resilient member having a mass and extending circumferentially around the drive shaft is connected to free ends of the support structure and configured to store elastic energy when the support structure extends radially from its rest position. Upon rotation of the drive shaft, the resilient member stores both elastic and rotational energy commensurate with its mass and elastic properties.

An actuator for a wheel guiding element of motor vehicle wheel suspensions, with a first, preferably electrically driven actuating drive which selectively changes the length of the wheel guiding element, in the actuator there being a compensation spring which counteracts the compressive forces acting on the wheel guiding element. According to the invention, the pretensioning force of the compensation spring can be changed by means of a second, preferably electrically driven actuating drive.

In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for generating mechanical movement that includes a resilient member having an original shape. A bulwark is connected to the resilient member. A system is provided to selectively apply a torsional force to the resilient member using capillary forces to rotate the resilient member with respect to the bulwark. This places the resilient member in a deformed shape. The system also selectively terminates the capillary forces allowing the resilient member to return to the original shape. These and other embodiments are described more fully below.

A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.

A tensioner as well as a method for fitting a safety line cable on the tensioner. The tensioner designed for the safety of personnel attached to the cable while working under dangerous conditions. The tensioner has a fixing element configured to couple to an external element such as a wall and has two sections capable of separating and absorbing energy as a result of a fall of a worker while attached to the safety line cable. A section of the cable passes through and is crimped in a sleeve of the tensioner while the cable is kept under tension.

A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction.

A window cover system includes an extendible window cover with a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift cord pulleys. A spring drive unit has a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft extends through the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith.

A barrel including a box for receiving a pivot arbour and at least one spring, wherein the at least one spiral spring is mounted between an internal wall of the box and an external wall of the pivot arbour , and can be wound to supply mechanical energy. The barrel further includes a device for increasing torque of the at least one spring including supplementary energy accumulation curves made on the spring so that the barrel torque is customized according to a winding tension of the at least one spring. The barrel can be a timepiece barrel.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head unit that has a plurality of nozzles that discharge a column-shaped liquid; a liquid droplet generating unit that applies cyclically changing energy to positions of the column-shaped liquids discharged from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, which are separated from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, and that generates liquid droplets; and a direction changing unit that changes a flying direction of at least some liquid droplets of the generated liquid droplets.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head unit that discharges a liquid from each of a plurality of nozzles and causes a liquid column to extend downwardly; a liquid droplet generating unit that irradiates the liquid column with a laser beam from a position separated from the plurality of nozzles and separates liquid droplets from the liquid column; and a direction changing unit that applies energy to the liquid droplets and changes a flying direction of the liquid droplets.

A printing apparatus includes a plasma treatment unit that performs plasma treatment on a surface of a treatment object to acidify at least the surface of the treatment object; and a recording unit that performs inkjet recording on the surface of the plasma treatment subjected to the plasma treatment by the plasma treatment unit.

A printer includes a controller configured to execute a printed matter producing process including printing page images on a medium in a first position on a conveyance path while conveying the medium along the conveyance path, storing a cut target position for each page image and cutting the medium in a second position downstream of the first position in a conveyance direction when the cut target position reaches the second position, an interrupting process including interrupting the printed matter producing process and storing an uncut position as a cut target position located between the first and second positions when the printed matter producing process is interrupted, when an error occurs during the printed matter producing process, and a resuming process including resuming the printed matter producing process when the error is settled during the interruption of the printed matter producing process, and cutting the medium based on the uncut position.

A printer includes a controller configured to execute a printing process including sequentially printing a plurality of page images on a print medium based on print data while conveying the print medium in a conveyance direction, execute a first interruption process including, when a next cut distance is equal to or less than a printable distance, interrupting the printing process and stopping the print medium such that the next cut position coincides with a cutter position, and cutting the print medium, and execute a second interruption process including, when the next cut distance is more than the printable distance, interrupting the printing process and stopping the print medium such that the next cut position coincides with a position that is located an offset upstream of the cutter position in the conveyance direction.

A printing device includes a roller; a stepper motor; a head; and a controller, The roller is for conveying a printing medium in a conveying direction. The stepper motor is configured to rotate in synchronization with a pulse signal and rotate the roller. The head is configured to perform printing on the printing medium conveyed by the roller. The controller is configured to perform: decelerating the stepper motor from a first speed to a second speed; identifying a rotational speed of the stepper motor during deceleration of the stepper motor; performing synchronous printing in which the head is driven at timing in synchronization with the pulse signal when the rotational speed is greater than or equal to a prescribed speed; and performing timer printing in which the head is driven at a prescribed period when the rotational speed is less than the prescribed speed.

Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink.

An assembly of a large format media handling system, including a planar longitudinal cross structure; and a support structure, the support structure including two side supports comprising a number of fixed references and at least one adjustable reference, wherein the side supports are supported by the longitudinal cross structure at said references; wherein the at least one adjustable reference is formed by a wedge element slidably attached to the support structure; and the side supports are fixed to the planar longitudinal cross structure wherein the cross structure is in contact with all of the references.

An assembly of a large format media handling system comprises a planar cross structure, and a support structure, the support structure including two side supports, wherein the two side supports extend perpendicularly to the cross structure and are connected to the cross structure at respective side edges of the side supports. A tensioning component is associated with each of the side supports, wherein the tensioning component transmits a tensioning force between the cross structure and the side edges of the side supports in a direction parallel to the side supports.

A first score line camera captures an image of one sides of a plurality of tablets being conveyed by a conveyor drum. During transfer from the conveyor drum to a first conveyor belt, all the tablets are turned upside down while their directional properties are maintained. A second score line camera captures an image of opposite side of the tablets being conveyed by the first conveyor belt. Based on image data about both the front sides and back sides of the tablets acquired by the first and second score line cameras, a first ink-jet head performs front-side printing process on a front side of a tablet to conform to a predetermined direction relative to a score line in this front side. The second ink-jet head performs back-side printing process on a back side of a tablet to conform to a direction on the back side same as the predetermined direction.

A RIP device which receives image data and print media designation from a PC performs a data generating process by adopting a process parameter corresponding to the designated print media among process parameters stored in a loop-up table (LUT). A printer performs a printing process by adopting a printing parameter corresponding to the designated print media among the printing parameters stored in the LUT. The process parameter and the printing parameter are associated by a media number which is applied by a management server.

The print management device includes a print management information acquisition unit that acquires print management information including first information indicating quality of a printed material printed in a print job during execution and second information indicating an evaluation index of the printed material, different from the first information, in the print job during execution, a print management request acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request relating to print management of the printed material in the print job, a request evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of satisfaction of the printed material printed in the print job for the request relating to the print management indicated by the request information, based on the print management information, using one or more evaluation references, and a printing condition change determination unit that determines whether change in printing conditions in the print job during execution is necessary, based on an evaluation result.

In accordance with an embodiment, a thermal printer comprises a first thermal head, a first sensor and a control section. The first thermal head prints a first mark on a first surface of an image receiving medium. The first sensor detects a printing density of the first mark. The control section determines whether or not the printing density of the first mark is in a predetermined range, and adjusts the printing density by the first thermal head in the predetermined range in response to determining that the printing density of the first mark is out of the predetermined range.

An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to control a first image former to form a first test pattern on a recording medium, the first test pattern including figures arranged in a first direction on a two-dimensional lattice defined with an X-axis direction intersecting a Y-axis direction parallel to a conveyance direction, the first direction being inclined relative to the X-axis direction, control a conveyor to convey the recording medium in the conveyance direction, and in response to the recording medium being conveyed to a position where a second test pattern intersects or is in proximity to the first test pattern, control a second image former to form the second test pattern on the recording medium, the second test pattern including figures arranged in a second direction on the two-dimensional lattice, the second direction being inclined relative to each of the X-axis direction and the first direction.

The image recording method includes the following steps (a) to (c): (a) forming a barrier layer on a recording medium by using a solution which contains an acidic group-containing polymer in a nonaqueous medium;(b) forming an organic acid-containing layer on the barrier layer; and(c) forming an image by jetting an aqueous ink onto the organic acid-containing layer by an ink jet method.

Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink.

The present disclosure is drawn to a pigment-based inkjet ink and methods. The inkjet ink includes water; from 2 wt % to 9 wt % pigment solids; from 0.05 wt % to 2 wt % of an acetylenic diol non-ionic surfactant; from 0.05 wt % to 2 wt % of a second surfactant. The second surfactant can be a polysorbate having at least 50% lipophilic oleic acid groups and having an HLB value of less than 15, or a C12-C18 polyoxyethylene glycol ether having an ethylene oxide number less than 20, or a perfluoropolyether including a polyethylene glycol primary alcohol or diol. The inkjet ink also includes from 5 wt % to 50 wt % of an organic solvent system comprising triethylene glycol and a cyclic amide.

An aqueous ink for ink jet containing a self-dispersible pigment, a compound represented by General Formula (I): where in General Formula (I) each R1 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.

An aqueous ink for ink jet containing a self-dispersible pigment, an aromatic sulfinic acid or a salt thereof and an aromatic sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.