Author: claimsbot

1. A telepresence robot comprising:
a drive system configured to move the telepresence robot;
a control system configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area;
a status determination system configured to determine a current status for one or both of the telepresence robot and a human; and
a social path component configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to maintain a socially acceptable distance from humans, the socially acceptable distance based on the current status,
wherein the status determination system is configured to determine that the current status of the robot comprises a presence of the human,
wherein the social path component maintains a socially acceptable distance from the human by avoiding a lockout zone surrounding the human,
wherein the status determination system comprises a human classification component configured to determine a classification of a human, and
wherein the social path component determines the lockout zone based on the classification of the human.
2. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the social path component is configured to timeout after a predetermined time period of being unable to drive the telepresence robot around the work area and maintain a socially acceptable distance from humans.
3. The telepresence robot of claim 2, wherein the social path component is configured to stop attempting to drive during timeout and automatically end the timeout after a predetermined time period.
4. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the socially acceptable distance from humans is a larger distance when in a semi-autonomous mode than when in an autonomous mode.
5. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the social path component maintains a socially acceptable distance from the human by maintaining a minimum distance from the human.
6. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the current status further comprises the human involved in a conversation with one or more humans, and wherein the social path component is configured to maintain a socially acceptable distance by avoiding a conversation zone between the human and the one or more humans, the conversation zone comprising a continuous region between the human and the one or more humans such that the telepresence robot cannot pass between the human and the one or more humans without passing through the conversation zone.
7. The telepresence robot of claim 6, wherein the status determination system is configured to determine that the human and the one or more humans are involved in a conversation based on proximity between the human and the one or more humans.
8. The telepresence robot of claim 6, wherein the status determination system is configured to determine that the human and the one or more humans are involved in a conversation based on an orientation of the human and the one or more humans in relation to each other.
9. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the social path component causes the telepresence robot to move out of the way of the human.
10. A telepresence robot comprising,
a drive system configured to move the telepresence robot;
a control system configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area;
a status determination system configured to determine a current status for one or both of the telepresence robot and a human; and
a social path component configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to maintain a socially acceptable distance from humans, the socially acceptable distance based on the current status,
wherein the status determination system is configured to identify an intersection,
wherein the social path component is configured to determine a path at the intersection comprising a reduced speed.
11. The telepresence robot of claim 10, wherein the social path component is further configured to determine an entry angle through the intersection to increase visibility to any approaching humans.
12. The telepresence robot of claim 10, wherein the social path component is further configured to determine whether a crossing human will reach the intersection within a threshold time of the telepresence robot and wherein the social path component is configured to modify a path of the telepresence robot to avoid a lockout zone for the human.
13. A telepresence robot comprising,
a drive system configured to move the telepresence robot;
a control system configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area;
a status determination system configured to determine a current status for one or both of the telepresence robot and a human; and
a social path component configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to maintain a socially acceptable distance from humans, the socially acceptable distance based on the current status,
wherein the status determination system is configured to identify a doorway,
wherein the social path component is configured to determine a path at the doorway comprising a reduced speed.
14. The telepresence robot of claim 13, wherein the social path component is further configured to determine an entry angle through the doorway to increase visibility to any approaching humans.
15. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the social path component is further configured to cause the telepresence robot to indicate a direction of intended travel to nearby humans.
16. The telepresence robot of claim 15, wherein the telepresence robot indicates the direction of intended travel using an indicator light.
17. The telepresence robot of claim 15, wherein the telepresence robot further comprises a gesture component and wherein the telepresence robot comprises one or more body portions, wherein the gesture component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the one or more body portions to perform a gesture to indicate the intended direction of travel.
18. The telepresence robot of claim 17, wherein the gesture comprises turning an upper portion of the telepresence robot in the intended direction of travel.
19. The telepresence robot of claim 18, wherein the upper portion comprises a display screen.
20. The telepresence robot of claim 17, wherein the gesture component is configured to cause the gesture to be performed prior to moving in the intended direction.
21. The telepresence robot of claim 1, wherein the current status comprises a delayed navigation status, wherein the status determination system is configured to determine that the current status comprises a delayed navigation status based on a determination that a path is blocked by one or more individuals and objects for at least a delay time period.
22. The telepresence robot of claim 21, wherein the social path component is configured to cause the telepresence robot to follow a first set of rules during the delay time period and follow a second set of rules following the delay time period.
23. The telepresence robot of claim 22, wherein the first set of rules prohibit entering a first lockout zone of an object and wherein the second set of rules prohibit entering a second lockout zone of the object, wherein the first lockout zone is larger than the second lockout zone.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An array substrate for a fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display device, comprising:
a gate line on a substrate;
a gate electrode connected to the gate line;
a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the gate electrode;
a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer and corresponding to the gate electrode;
source and drain electrodes on the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from each other, the source electrode having first and second sub-source layers, the drain electrode having first and second sub-drain layers, wherein one side portion of the first sub-source layer has an identical end line with one side portion of the semiconductor layer, and one side portion of the first sub-drain layer has an identical end line with the other side portion of the semiconductor layer, and wherein the second sub-source layer covers an upper surface and a side surface of the first sub-source layer, and the second sub-drain layer covers an upper surface and a side surface of the first sub-drain layer;
a data line having a double-layered structure and crossing the gate line to define a pixel region;
a pixel electrode in the pixel region and extending from the second sub-drain layer;
a passivation layer on the pixel electrode; and
a common electrode on the passivation layer and having at least one opening corresponding to the pixel electrode.
2. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein the gate electrode overlaps a portion of the gate line.
3. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein the second sub-source layer covers a side surface of the one side portion of the semiconductor layer, and the second sub-drain layer covers a side surface of the other side portion of the semiconductor layer.
4. The array substrate according to claim 1, further comprising a semiconductor pattern being disposed under the data line.
5. The array substrate according to claim 4, wherein a lower layer of the data line has an identical end line with semiconductor pattern.
6. The array substrate according to claim 5, wherein an upper layer of the data line covers side surfaces of the lower layer and side surfaces of the semiconductor layer.
7. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein each of the second sub-source layer, the second sub-drain layer, an upper layer of the data line, the pixel electrode and the common electrode includes a transparent conductive material.
8. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein an exposed portion of the semiconductor layer between the first sub-source layer and the first sub-drain layer perfectly overlaps an exposed portion of the semiconductor layer between the second sub-source layer and the second sub-drain layer.
9. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein the pixel electrode has a substantially plate shape, and wherein the at least one opening has a substantially bar shape.
10. The array substrate according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor layer includes amorphous silicon.
11. A method of fabricating an array substrate for a fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display device, comprising:
forming a gate line and a gate electrode on a substrate, the gate electrode connected to the gate line;
forming a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the gate electrode;
forming a first semiconductor pattern on the gate insulating layer, a metal pattern on the first semiconductor pattern and a first sub-data line over the gate insulating layer, the first semiconductor pattern corresponding the gate electrode, the metal pattern having an identical end line with the first semiconductor pattern, the first sub-data line connected to the metal pattern and crossing the gate line to define a pixel region;
forming a first sub-source layer, a first sub-drain layer, a second sub-data line and a pixel electrode, the first sub-source layer and the first sub-drain layer disposed on the metal pattern and spaced apart from each other, the second sub-data line disposed on the first sub-data line, the pixel electrode disposed in the pixel region and extending from the first sub-drain layer;
etching an exposed portion of the metal pattern between the first sub-source layer and the first sub-drain layer to form a second sub-source layer under the first sub-source layer and a second sub-drain layer under the first sub-drain layer;
forming a passivation layer on the pixel electrode; and
forming a common electrode on the passivation layer and having at least one opening corresponding to the pixel electrode.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of forming the first semiconductor pattern, the metal pattern and the first sub-data line comprise:
sequentially forming an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer, an impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer and a metal layer on the gate insulating layer; and
etching the metal layer, the impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer and the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer by a single mask process to form the first semiconductor layer, which includes an active layer on the gate insulating layer and an ohmic contact pattern on the active layer, the metal pattern, a second semiconductor pattern, which includes a first layer from the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer and a second layer from the impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer, and the first sub-data line on the second semiconductor pattern.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of forming the first sub-source layer, the first sub-drain layer, the second sub-data line and the pixel electrode comprise:
forming a transparent conductive material layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the metal pattern;
forming first, second and third photoresist (PR) patterns on the transparent conductive material layer, the first PR pattern corresponding to the first sub-source layer having a width greater than the second sub-source layer, the second PR pattern corresponding to the first sub-drain layer and the pixel electrode, and the third PR pattern corresponding to the second sub-data line and having a width greater than the first sub-data line, wherein a portion of the transparent conductive material layer corresponding to the gate electrode is exposed between the first and second PR patterns; and
etching the transparent conductive metal layer using the first, second and third PR patterns as an etching mask.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising etching an exposed portion of the ohmic contact pattern between the second sub-source layer and the second sub-drain layer to expose a portion of the active layer.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first sub-data line has an identical end line with the second semiconductor pattern, and the second sub-data line covers side surfaces of the first sub-data line and side surfaces of the second semiconductor pattern.
16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first sub-source layer covers one side surface of the second sub-source layer and one side surface of the first semiconductor pattern, and the first sub-drain layer covers one side surface of the second sub-drain layer and the other side surface of the first semiconductor layer.
17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pixel electrode has a substantially plate shape, and the common electrode includes a transparent conductive material, and wherein the at least opening has a substantially bar shape.

1. A pushbutton configuration, comprising:
at least two neighboring pushbuttons connected by at least one connecting web to form a pushbutton unit;
said connecting web having a constriction; and
each of said pushbuttons having at least two spring legs to be supported at a bearing surface.
2. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said spring legs on each of said pushbuttons laterally offset with respect to one another.
3. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
each of said spring legs have a free end and a flat-profiled shape; and
said free end supports each of said spring legs at the bearing surface.
4. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein each of said spring legs has:
a free end; and
a portion at said free end offset parallel to the bearing surface and to be supported at the bearing surface.
5. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
each of said pushbuttons has a base; and
said spring legs are disposed on said base.
6. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said pushbutton unit has an underside;
each of said pushbuttons has a base; and
said spring legs extend from said base at said underside.
7. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said spring legs exert a restoring force on each of said pushbuttons when a respective pushbutton is actuated.
8. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 7, wherein:
said connecting web having a center; and
said constriction is disposed at said center.
9. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one connecting web is at least one planar connecting web having:
a center; and
a thickness;
each of said pushbuttons is connected to one another by said at least one planar connecting web; and
said constriction is a constriction in said thickness at said center.
10. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 8, wherein:
said connecting web has an upper side facing said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on said upper side of said connecting web.
11. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 9, wherein:
said connecting web has an upper side facing said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on said upper side of said connecting web.
12. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 8, wherein:
said connecting web has a lower side facing away from said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on said lower side of said connecting web.
13. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 9, wherein:
said connecting web has a lower side facing away from said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on said lower side of said connecting web.
14. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 8, wherein:
said connecting web has:
an upper side facing said pushbuttons; and
a lower side facing away from said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on both of said upper and lower sides of said connecting web.
15. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 9, wherein:
said connecting web has:
an upper side facing said pushbuttons; and
a lower side facing away from said pushbuttons; and
said constriction is disposed on both of said upper and lower sides of said connecting web.
16. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said constriction is formed on said connecting web as a film hinge.
17. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said constriction is a film hinge.
18. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said connecting web is a constricted film hinge.
19. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said connecting web has a length, a width, an end with an end thickness, and a center with a center thickness;
said length is between 3 and 7 mm;
said width is between 0.5 and 2 mm;
said end thickness is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm; and
said center thickness is between 0.15 and 1 mm and is less than a thickness of said end thickness.
20. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 19, wherein:
said length is between 5 and 7 mm;
said width is between 0.8 and 1.2 mm;
said end thickness is between 0.75 and 0.85 mm; and
said center thickness is between 0.25 and 0.45 mm.
21. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said pushbuttons include:
one pushbutton; and
at least one pushbutton neighboring said one pushbutton; and
when said one pushbutton is pressed down by approximately 1.25 mm, said at least one neighboring pushbutton is moved with said one pushbutton by less than 0.63 mm.
22. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said pushbuttons include:
one pushbutton; and
at least one pushbutton neighboring said one pushbutton; and
when said one pushbutton is pressed down by approximately 1.25 mm, said at least one neighboring pushbutton is moved with said one pushbutton by less than 0.5 mm.
23. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said pushbuttons include:
one pushbutton; and
at least one pushbutton neighboring said one pushbutton; and
when said one pushbutton is pressed down by approximately 1.25 mm, said at least one neighboring pushbutton is moved with said one pushbutton by at most 0.35 mm.
24. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein:
said pushbuttons each have an underside and a base at said underside; and
said spring legs respectively extend from said base.
25. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said pushbuttons and said connecting web are of polyacetal.
26. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 25, wherein said pushbuttons and said connecting web are of one of the group consisting of a polyoxymethylene homopolymer and copolymer with a melt flow index of at least 12.
27. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said pushbuttons and said connecting web are of a polyoxymethylene copolymer with a comonomer content of less than 3.4% by weight.
28. The pushbutton configuration according to claim 1, wherein said connecting web is of an elastomer preparation.
29. The pushbutton configuration according claim 1, wherein said connecting web is of a thermoplastic elastomer preparation.
30. In a household appliance, a pushbutton configuration, comprising:
at least two neighboring pushbuttons connected by at least one connecting web to form a pushbutton unit;
said connecting web having a constriction; and
each of said pushbuttons having at least two spring legs to be supported at a bearing surface.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A sensor for detecting and measuring a load pressure applied to a support device, the sensor comprising at least one capacitive cell including a flat condenser comprising at least one layer of a compressible dielectric insulating material interposed between two layers of conductive material.
2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein said capacitive cell is integrated in an oscillator capable of generating a periodic electric signal, wherein the frequency of said periodic electric signal varies as a function of said load pressure within a range of 15 to 30 kHz, with a variation of at least 45 Hzkg for a weight of 0 to 80 kg applied to the surface of said flat condenser.
3. The sensor of claim 2, wherein said oscillator is coupled to a converter for converting the frequency of the periodic electric signal output by the oscillator to a voltage signal.
4. The sensor of claim 1, wherein said layer of compressible dielectric material has a thickness of between 0.3 to 1 mm.
5. The sensor of claim 4, wherein the layer of dielectric insulating material comprises a sheet of a synthetic elastomer with a Shore hardness of 45 to 55 Sh.
6. The sensor of claim 1, wherein said conductive layers comprise sheets of fabric comprising, at least partially, metallic threads of a non-oxidizing metal.
7. The sensor of claim 6, wherein said conductive sheet comprises woven material made from threads of nickel and threads of a plastic that is at least one of polyester and polypropylene.
8. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer of compressible dielectric insulating material and the two layers of conductive material are applied directly against each other without interposed connecting layers, wherein the at least one layer of compressible dielectric insulating material and the two layers of conductive material are solidly connected to each other by tack welds that are capable of keeping the at least one layer of compressible dielectric insulating material and the two layers of conductive material in a superimposed position relative to each other.
9. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor is used to regulate the inflation air pressure inside a mattress comprising air-filled cells, wherein the at least one layer of compressible dielectric insulating material and the two layers of conductive material have the same rectangular shape of between about 600 and 900 mm long and between about 400 and 600 mm wide, and wherein the total thickness of the at least one layer of compressible dielectric insulating material and the two layers of conductive material when superimposed together is less than 10 mm.
10. A support device capable of supporting the body of a person, the support device comprising
at least one top layer having a plurality of air-filled inflatable cells communicating with inflation elements, and
a sensor for detecting and measuring a load pressure applied to at least some of the air-filled inflatable cells of the plurality of air-filled inflatable cells, the sensor comprising at least one capacitive cell including a flat condenser comprising at least one layer of a compressible dielectric insulating material interposed between two layers of conductive material, said condenser being disposed under said at least one top layer and connected to an electronic control and regulation device designed to control the inflation or deflation elements for filling or emptying, respectively, said plurality of air-filled inflatable cells of said top layer in such a way that the internal inflation pressure of the air inside the cells is equal to an ideal set point pressure predetermined relative to the load pressure of the body of a person resting on said top layer, measured by said sensor.
11. The support device of claim 10, wherein said flat condenser is situated on top of a support layer that is more rigid than said top layer, said support layer comprising a closed-cell foam layer with a density greater than 50 kgm3.
12. The support device of claim 10, wherein said top layer comprises a central zone corresponding to the sacral region of the body of a person reclining on said top layer, of which said cells are individualized and narrower than the adjacent cells of a head zone and a foot zone on either side of said central zone.
13. The support device of claim 10, wherein said top layer is supported by an air-filled bottom layer constituted from a single parallelepiped cell, wherein said flat condenser is disposed under said bottom layer.
14. The support device of claim 13, wherein the pressure of the air inside said bottom layer is adjusted by said control and regulation device to the same regulation pressure as said top layer, and said bottom layer comprises a safety valve that is automatically closed by said control and regulation device in order to keep said bottom layer sealed when a leak is detected in said top layer.
15. The support device of claim 10, wherein said flat condenser rests on a rigid support layer with a thickness less than or equal to 10 mm, and said flat condenser extends appreciably across the entire width of the support device and in relation to a central zone of the support device corresponding to the sacral region of a person reclining on said top layer, and over a length of about 400 to 600 mm in the longitudinal axis of said support device.