A generalization of consecutive-k-out-of-n:Fsystems

A linear (m, n)-lattice system consists of m ·n elements arranged like the elements of a (m ,n)-matrix, i.e. each of the m rows includes m elements, and each of the n columns includes m elements. A circular (m,n)-lattice system consists of m circles (centered at the same point) and n rays. The intersections of the circle and the rays represent the elements, i.e. each of the circles includes n elements and each of the rays has m elements. A (linear or circular) (m, n)-lattice system is a (linear or circular) connected-X-out-of-(m,n):F lattice system if it fails whenever at least one subset of connected failed components occurs which includes failed components connected in the meaning of connected-X. The paper presents some practical examples and the reliability formulas of simple systems using results of consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systems     

Bin-picking with a solid state range camera

In this paper we present new work done on the bin-picking problem. The work was triggered by the advent of a new solid state range camera which enables the economic and robust use of range imagery in industrial robotic automation tasks. The application presented is that of pick-and-place of randomly oriented but known polyhedral objects in an industrial robotic work cell. The algorithms for segmentation, pose estimation, and grasp point determination are presented along with practical results from a real industrial grade work cell.     

Reliability of consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systemswith nonidentical component reliabilities

A system with n components in sequence is a consecutive- k-out-of-n:F system if it fails whenever k consecutive components are failed. Under the supposition that component failures need not be independent and that component failure probabilities need not be equal, a topological formula is presented for the exact system reliability of linear and circular consecutive-k -out-of-n:F networks. The number of terms in the reliability formula is O(n⁴) in the linear case and O(n⁵) in the circular case     

Failure Probability of Strict Consecutive-k-out-of-n:F Systems

A system with n components in sequence is a strict consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system if and only if it fails when at least k consecutive components are failed, but isolated strings of component failures of length less than k do not occur. This paper gives the failure probability function of a strict linear consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system in a closed form. The calculation of the failure probability of a strict circular consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system is reduced to the linear case.     

Bilateral synchronous testicular torsion: a case report

A man presented to the emergency room with testicular pain and swelling. Bilateral synchronous testicular torsion was diagnosed and treated. Physical and radiographic findings are discussed as well as differential diagnosis. Avoiding the confusion between torsion and epididymitis with the help of the nuclear scan is stressed.     

Reliability of linear consecutively-connected systems withmultistate components

A linear consecutively-connected system with multistate components (LCCSMC) consists of n+2 linear ordered statistically independent multistate components C_i, i∈[0,n], and the sink C_n+1 (which is absolutely reliable in a certain sense). System failure is caused by the C_i. If C_i is in state 0 then it is failed, if it is in the state j (1⩽j⩽k_j for a given k_j) then there are paths from C_i to the next min(j,n-i+1) components. The system fails if there is no path from C₀ to C_n+1. This system generalizes the linear consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system and the consecutively-connected system of Shanthikumar (1987). The paper gives recursive algorithms for determining the LCCSMC reliability     

Zuverlässigkeitsanalyse konsekutiver Systeme — eine Übersicht

Zusammenfassung Ein konsekutives-k- aus-n:F System besteht aus einer Folge vonn Elementen. Das System ist genau dann ausgefallen, wennk aufeinanderfolgende Elemente ausgefallen sind. Konsekutive-k-aus-n:F Systeme können zur Modellierung von Gurtbandförderern, Telekommunikationssystemen, Ölpipelinesystemen, Straßenbeleuchtungsanlagen usw. herangezogen werden. Diese Arbeit faßt Formeln und Algorithmen für die Zuverlässigkeit von konsekutiven-k-aus-n:F Systemen mit identischen und nichtidentischen Elementen zusammen.

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Summary A system withn elements in sequence is called a consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system if it fails wheneverk consecutive elements are failed. Consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systems can be used to model belt conveyor systems, telecommunication systems, oil pipeline systems, street lightings and other more. This paper presents formulas and algorithms for the reliability of consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systems with identical and nonidentical elements.