Patents Examined by Christopher W Carter
  • Patent number: 11119451
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus including a plurality of agents that each set some devices among a plurality of devices provided in a facility to be target devices, wherein each of the plurality of agents includes a state acquiring section that acquires state data indicating a state of the facility; a control condition acquiring section that acquires control condition data indicating a control condition of each target device; and a learning processing section that uses learning data including the state data and the control condition data to perform learning processing of a model that outputs recommended control condition data indicating a control condition recommended for each target device in response to input of the state data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: Yokogawa Electric Corporation, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Takamitsu Matsubara, Yunduan Cui, Lingwei Zhu, Hiroaki Kanokogi, Morihiro Fujisaki, Go Takami, Yota Furukawa
  • Patent number: 11118802
    Abstract: A method and system for indoor environmental weighted preference management are provided. The method includes determining, by a processor of a weighted preference processing system, a plurality of occupant indoor environmental setting preferences for a plurality of users at a location and a complaint history of the users. The processor of the weighted preference processing system determines one or more weighted set points for at least one building system operable to adjust an indoor environment at the location based on the occupant indoor environmental setting preferences for the users as weighted with respect to the complaint history of the users. One or more control devices of the at least one building system are operated based on the one or more weighted set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ke Xu, Dang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11111901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for optimal yaw control of a wind turbine, comprising a tower carrying a rotatable nacelle rotated by a yaw motor, which nacelle comprises at least one generator connected by a shaft to a rotor, comprising one or more wings, which nacelle further comprises means for detecting wind direction and wind velocity, which system performs measurement and storing data related to power production, wind velocity and wind direction. The object of this invention is to optimize the yaw position of a nacelle to the wind direction. The object can be fulfilled by power production measured in a positive direction to actual yaw position is accumulated in a first storages related to measured wind direction and that power production measured in a negative direction to actual yaw position is accumulated in a second storages related to measured wind direction. By this system the power production of the wind turbine is optimized by self-calibrating yaw control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Mita-Teknik A/S
    Inventors: Martin Brorsen, Lars Risager, Morten Bro
  • Patent number: 11112775
    Abstract: A system for determining a processing procedure including a plurality of processes for controlling an object, the system includes a learning unit for performing a learning process for determining a processing condition of each of a plurality of processes, and the learning unit acquires a physical quantity correlating with a state of the object on which a process has been performed under a predetermined processing condition, from a device for controlling the object on the basis of the processing procedure, calculates a pseudo state corresponding to the state of the object on the basis of the physical quantity, performs a learning process using a value function, and determines a processing condition of each of the plurality of processes to achieve a target state of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hyakka Nakada, Takeshi Ohmori, Tatehito Usui, Masaru Kurihara
  • Patent number: 11073812
    Abstract: A system and method of configuring monitor blocks and effect blocks associated with a process control system for a process plant includes causing a display device to display a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface indicating a first monitor block, a second monitor block, and an effect block. The system and method further includes enabling a user to input configuration data via the input device, including: (i) configuring one of the outputs of the first monitor block to serve as one of the inputs of the second monitor block, (ii) configuring an additional one of the outputs of the first monitor block and one of the outputs of the second monitor block to serve as inputs to the effect block, and (iii) designating at least one of the plurality of cells of each of the first monitor block, the second monitor block, and the effect block as a trigger associated with the respective input/output pair for the respective cell and corresponding to a condition in the process plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary K. Law, Godfrey R. Sherriff
  • Patent number: 11042148
    Abstract: In the disclosure, a scheduled route of a lot may be rescheduled to another fabrication tool performing the same fabrication processes as to expand the production line and throughput. The controlling method includes at least the following steps. The lot is scheduled with a predetermined route having a plurality of fabrication tools configured to process the lot with a plurality of fabrication processes in a sequence. The lot is monitored as the lot is being processed by the fabrication tools in each of the fabrication processes, and inspection data is generated for each fabrication process. The lot is rescheduled to another fabrication tool outside of the predetermined route for one of the fabrication processes according to a release rule and the inspection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin-Kai Huang, Wei-Chi Su, Yi-Ching Liu, Cheng-Hsuan Liu
  • Patent number: 11029673
    Abstract: Robust machine learning predictions. Temporal dependencies of process targets for different machine learning models can be captured and evaluated for the impact on process performance for target. The most robust of these different models is selected for deployment based on minimizing variance for the desired performance characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: PDF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomonori Honda, Rohan D. Kekatpure, Jeffrey Drue David
  • Patent number: 11010504
    Abstract: Design of lattice structures for additive manufacturing The present embodiments relate to additive manufacturing, such as three-dimensional printing. By way of introduction, the present embodiments described below include methods and systems for designing, modeling and manufacturing lattice structures. Lattice cells are modeled as parametrized representative unit cell (RUC) models providing a virtual material characterization for a lattice structure. The parametrized RUC models include phase functions for the virtual material characterization and identification of corresponding normalized material curves fit with polynomial functions for each lattice cell structure. Parametrized lattice models with underlying normalized lattice material curves provide design and simulation of true lattice material behavior for use in topology optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY SOFTWARE NV
    Inventors: Dirk Frederik De Lange, Hunor Erdelyi, Wim Van Paepegem, Alain Remouchamps
  • Patent number: 11009841
    Abstract: A method for initialising control data for a device comprises determining whether an identification value stored in a control storage location of the device has a first value or second value. When the identification value has the first value, space is allocated in the memory for storing the control data and an address of the allocated space in memory is written to a control data pointer storage location of the device. When the identification value has the second value, the allocation of space in memory is omitted and the control data pointer storage location comprises a preset address indicative of a location for storing the control data in local storage provided within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ARM Limited
    Inventors: Håkan Persson, Matthew Lucien Evans
  • Patent number: 10996646
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to the monitoring and control of heating devices in multiple units in one or more buildings. An intelligent node, containing a monitoring module and a controlling module, is installed for each unit in a building. The monitoring module monitors the activation and deactivation of the heating device or, alternatively, directly measures the amount of power used by the heating device. This monitoring data is transmitted to a central server and is sent to a user. The user can control the duty cycle of the heating device and, as such, can directly cause savings in energy. The duty cycle for each heating device is adjusted by the controlling module based on the user's commands. The system can also be used so that the duty cycle is set such that energy settings for adjacent units are similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Trevor Boicey
  • Patent number: 10998754
    Abstract: To effectively determine premises as a counterpart for transmission or reception of power in a case of interchanging direct-current power between respective premises A control device (110) according to the present invention includes a power control unit (114) configured to determine a node that performs transmission or reception of direct-current power to or from an own node by using profile information indicating a power usage state of each of the nodes exchanging direct-current power with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Alexis Andre, Annette Werth
  • Patent number: 10990084
    Abstract: A control apparatus that controls a control target is provided. The control apparatus includes: a time manager configured to manage time; a counter configured to synchronize with at least one device; a control computation unit configured to execute control computation according to timing indicated by the counter; and a record generator configured to generate a record that includes an observation value that is available to the control computation unit and is related to the control target, time that is indicated by the time manager and is associated with the observation value, and a counter value that is indicated by the counter and is associated with the observation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Nishiyama, Shigeyuki Eguchi, Masanori Ota
  • Patent number: 10969133
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for managing the comfort of building occupants. The system utilizes a model-based approach for targeting occupant comfort levels. The system allows for voting input from building occupants regarding their respective comfort. Additionally, the system provides a user interface to gather occupant input and use said input as a parameter in a comfort model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PASSIVELOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: Troy Aaron Harvey
  • Patent number: 10969129
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor network, machine type communication (MTC), machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and technology for internet of things (IoT). A method of a server is provided. The method includes determining a target temperature range to be applied to a first zone; predicting an indoor temperature for each of a plurality of zones included in a second zone in which the first zone is included; predicting efficiency of at least one first outdoor unit connected to first indoor units installed at the second zone; and controlling operations of the first indoor units based on the target temperature range, the indoor temperature for each of the plurality of zones, and the efficiency of at least one first outdoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kyung-Jae Kim, Kwan-Woo Song, Byeong-Chan Lee, Woon-Sik Lee, Je-Hyeon Lee, Hye-Jung Cho, Soon-Heum Ko, Sung-Geun Song, Jae-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 10955829
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a comprehensive system that integrates automatically gauging and correcting stations operating in a machine environment with a universal machine monitoring for detecting defective articles, quarantining the defective articles, ensuring the defective articles are safely quarantined, analyzing the machine and article related data for providing contextual information for the defective articles produced, predicting one or more necessary actions to be taken for minimizing defects in future and achieving near zero defect quality in machine production. The comprehensive system provides such contextual information about the defects/faults in the article or the machine operations in real time and locally and remotely to any human resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Gaurav Sarup
  • Patent number: 10955158
    Abstract: A venue occupant comfort system, comprises a processor that stores computer executable components stored in memory. A plurality of sensors sense ambient conditions associated with exterior and interior conditions of a venue. A context component infers or determines context of an occupant of the venue. A crowd estimation component infers, based at least in part on mining social networks, size of crowd expected at the venue. A comfort model component implicitly and explicitly trained on occupant comfort related data analyzes information from the plurality of sensors, the crowd estimation component and context component. A comfort controller adjusts environmental conditions of the venue based at least in part on output of the comfort model component. The adjustments to venue environment can optionally be differentiated by zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karan Ahuja, Heena Bansal, Kuntal Dey, Seema Nagar, Roman Vaculin
  • Patent number: 10955814
    Abstract: A robot system is configured to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) objects using closed-loop, computer vision-based control. The robot system initiates fabrication based on a set of fabrication paths along which material is to be deposited. During deposition of material, the robot system captures video data and processes that data to determine the specific locations where the material is deposited. Based on these locations, the robot system adjusts future deposition locations to compensate for deviations from the fabrication paths. Additionally, because the robot system includes a 6-axis robotic arm, the robot system can deposit material at any locations, along any pathway, or across any surface. Accordingly, the robot system is capable of fabricating a 3D object with multiple non-parallel, non-horizontal, and/or non-planar layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Atherton, David Thomasson, Maurice Ugo Conti, Heather Kerrick, Nicholas Cote
  • Patent number: 10954812
    Abstract: A flutter control system for a turbine includes a processor. The processor is configured to detect blade flutter of a turbine. The blade flutter indicates that blades of the turbine are in a deflected position different from a nominal operating position. The processor is configured to control operational parameters of the turbine that reduce or eliminate the blade flutter to improve the reliability and efficiency of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Forrester Seely, Xu Fu, Mustafa Tekin Dokucu, Ronghui Zhou
  • Patent number: 10955804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking a compatibility of a functional module for an installation for process automation. An input specification is provided for an input interface of the functional module, the input specification indicating for an input signal all input values that the functional module respectively accepts as valid. An output specification is provided, the output specification indicating for an output signal of the functional module all output values that the functional module provides as intended when the input specification is fulfilled. Operation of the functional module on the installation is preceded by an analysis device checking whether the functional module produces, for each input signal produced on the input interface in accordance with the input specification, the output signal on an output interface in accordance with the output specification. When an output value of the output signal violates the output specification, a module error is signaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellchaft
    Inventor: Martin Richard Neuhäusser
  • Patent number: 10927811
    Abstract: A start control method for wind turbines (102), comprising: a master control determines whether its real-time wind speed reaches a preset start wind speed when a wind speed of at least one wind turbine (102) or anemometer tower in a wind farm reaches or exceeds the preset start wind speed; the master controller updates a corresponding number simulative start times when determining that its real-time wind speed reaches or exceeds the preset start wind speed, and starts the wind turbine (102) when the number of simulative start times reaches a preset count value. The present invention also relates to a master controller, a system, and a central controller for wind turbines (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Ma, Qingjiang Li, Yong Lu