Abstract: A decentralized process controller comprises at least two programmable interface modules in operative communication with each other. Each of the interface modules includes a processor and is configurable for connection to separate field devices comprising at least one sensor device and at least one actuator device. The at least two programmable interface modules are configurable as a stand-alone process control loop when one of the interface modules is connected to the sensor device, and the other of the interface modules is connected to the actuator device.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for controlling a network-type actuator module, and provides a method for controlling a plurality of network-type actuator modules which are connected to a main controller through a multi-drop scheme including the steps of: the main controller transmitting to the actuator module one instruction packet comprising a plurality of IDs; and an actuator module, which corresponds to the ID, transmitting a status packet to the main controller, wherein the actuator module transmits the status packet according to the order of the ID, which is expressed on the instruction packet. Accordingly, unlimited information required from the plurality of actuators can be read from a single transmission of the packet instruction by flexibly expanding limitations due to limitations on the length of each field in accordance with an instruction set and a definition of a parameter.

Abstract: A device control determiner outputs a control information request containing a condition of facility devices in a data possessing device group possessing control information, and a kind of the control information. A connection relationship manager manages information regarding a connection relationship among each of the plurality of facility devices. A connection route database stores information regarding a connection route from a reference device that is a reference among the plurality of facility devices to another facility device. The device grouper creates a data possessing device group based on the control information request, the connection route database and information managed by the connection relationship manager. An information collective obtainer obtains control information from the facility device in the data possessing device group through a communicator, and creates a data array of the obtained control information.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to a controller of a local control loop having a field device and a sensor configured in a closed-loop control system are disclosed. The controller is wirelessly coupled to a control system wherein the controller and the control system execute complementary control over the field device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for controlling a device to perform a function, for example, window washing. A controller device may be adapted to control a controlled device. In response to hand movement, an accelerometer in the controller may obtain acceleration and/or angle signals. The signals may be processed in order to identify a command that may be used to control the controlled device. The controlled device may be secured to, for example, a window. Upon identifying command(s) initiated from the controller device, the controlled device may respond to the commands. The controlled device may include, for example, a cleaning unit. The command(s) may be instructions for the controlled device to move about the window and activate the cleaning system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an appliance system. The system includes an appliance, and a processor connected to the appliance such that the processor places the appliance in one of an enabled state and a disabled state. The processor is configured to track usage of the appliance and to place the appliance in a disabled state when the usage of the appliance exceeds a threshold amount. The system also includes a data receiving device configured to receive a code, wherein upon receipt of a valid code, the processor is configured to adjust the threshold amount to allow additional usage of the appliance.

Abstract: In embodiments of a stability control system, a computing device includes a device housing that is integrated with a display device, and the device housing tilts for multiple display positions. Pivotable components are mechanically-linked and pivot in coordination to position the device housing in a display position, and sensors detect positioning inputs that are received to re-position the device housing. Clutch mechanisms are implemented to limit and/or resist movement of the pivotable components based on the positioning inputs. A stability controller can be implemented to control the clutch mechanisms based on sensor data from the sensors to position the device housing in a display position.

Abstract: A home network device and a method of receiving and transmitting sound information using the same are provided. The home network device includes a reception unit, a display unit and a sound playing unit. The reception unit receives a user interface, which is used to control a control target device, and sound information, which is synchronized with the user interface, from the control target device connected through a home network. The display unit displays the received user interface. The sound playing unit plays the received sound information when the user interface is displayed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an occupancy sensing unit configured to monitor an environment illuminated by a lighting fixture. An inventive occupancy sensing unit may include an occupancy sensor to detect radiation indicative of at least one occupancy event in the environment illuminated by the lighting fixture according to sensing parameters. The occupancy sensor can be coupled to a memory that logs sensor data, which represent the occupancy events, provided by the occupancy sensor. A processor coupled to the memory performs an analysis of the sensor data logged in the memory and adjusts the sensing parameters of the occupancy sensor based on the analysis.

Abstract: A portable communicator for operating a field device. The portable communicator is configured to communicate with the field device to configure and/or analyze performance of a field device in an efficient manner. In some embodiments, the portable communicator includes an intuitive user interface that allows the user to perform a relatively limited set of preconfigured procedures on a field device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wire and/or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the portable communicator is a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, a PDA, a pocket PC, or any Bluetooth-enabled generic mobile communication device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wireless communication unit (e.g., Bluetooth modem) coupled to the field device. In a process plant environment, in which the field device is coupled to a controller, the portable communicator may communicate with the field device without communicating with the controller.

Abstract: A controlling device includes: controlling sections configured to control respective of a plurality of devices; and a master controlling section configured to determine, by referring to information obtained from one of the plurality of devices, a control matter concerning another one of the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conditioning a tool for configuring a freely programmable control device for integrating intelligent field devices in a control or automation system having a flexibly expandable hardware structure, in which device-related information is visualized as objects of a branched tree structure. To improve user-friendliness, recording use of these objects by the user over the service life of the control or automation system allows for determining usage frequency. Objects with a high usage frequency which are subordinate to a hierarchically superordinate object are allocated to an object list assigned to the respective superordinate object. When using the hierarchically superordinate object, the object list containing the objects with a high usage frequency which are hierarchically subordinate to this superordinate object is displayed in the tool and offered to the user for selection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conditioning a tool for configuring a freely programmable control device for integrating intelligent field devices in a control or automation system having a flexibly expandable hardware structure, in which device-related information is visualized as objects of a branched tree structure. To improve user-friendliness, recording use of these objects by the user over the service life of the control or automation system allows for determining usage frequency. Objects with a high usage frequency which are subordinate to a hierarchically superordinate object are allocated to an object list assigned to the respective superordinate object. When using the hierarchically superordinate object, the object list containing the objects with a high usage frequency which are hierarchically subordinate to this superordinate object is displayed in the tool and offered to the user for selection.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.

Abstract: Two water heaters may be installed in series at a customer location, such that an output of a first (or storage) water heater is coupled to the input of a second (or primary) water heater, the output of which provides hot water to the customer location. During normal operation, only the primary water heater may actually heat water for use at the customer location. However, during periods of excess capacity, the electrical service provider may enable the storage water heater to store the excess electrical power that is generated by operating the power plant at higher output (which may be more efficient). Later, during hours of greater demand, the electrical service provider may disable the storage water heater used to store the excess capacity, whereas the primary water heater may operate normally. However, during the time of greater demand, the storage water heaters may provide pre-heated water to the primary water heater, which in-turn, may need to heat the water less or perhaps not at all.

Abstract: An intelligent interactive control system for lighting, appliances, office equipment, medical equipment, and other devices that provides for information to be exchanged in such a way that the devices can be made to operate according to a configurable way that may vary over time and according to the environment and power supply situation to save energy and increase safety.

Abstract: A system for control logic management may include a first control element and a second control element in communication over a network. The first control element and the second control element may be identified as operable within at least one control group. The control group may include a number of control elements communicating over the network. The first control element may be operable to execute control logic as part of a control loop included within the control group. The second control element may be operable within the control group to dynamically join the control loop and assume execution of at least part of the control logic previously executed by the first control element in response to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to controlling electronic devices in a target control area based on a footstep pattern of a registered member. Such controlling may be performed through identifying a person detected by a sensor based on footstep information received from the sensor, obtaining control information associated with the identified registered member, and controlling target devices in the target control area based on the obtained control information.

Abstract: A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enables a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, control program management device includes storage, transmitting unit, updating unit, and retaining unit. The transmitting unit transmits control program to first device. The updating unit updates, when the control program is transmitted to the first device, permission so as to prohibit second device from editing the control program. The retaining unit retains, based on information transmitted from the first device when the control program is transmitted to the first device, unique information identifying the first device and the control program. The transmitting unit further transmits, to the first device, inquiry of whether the first device is editing the control program. The retaining unit deletes the unique information when the first device is not editing the control program. The updating unit releases the permission so as to permit the second device from editing the control program when the first device is not editing the control program.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a public device that provides services that are shared by a plurality of users. The plurality of users may control an operation of the public device in order to provide a public service desired by the users.

Abstract: A heterarchical device control system is provided, comprising a plurality of computer-implemented cells. At least one cell is a control cell having software arranged to communicate instructions to the device being controlled in a language native to the device so as to perform a predetermined task. Also, at least one cell is a sensor cell configured to generate sensor data for input to the control cell to facilitate performance of the predetermined task. The sensor data might be environmentally-related data e.g. position of the device, speed of travel, angle of elevation etc. Messages sent between the cells are formed in accordance with a common format, which might be a high-level programming language, a low level programming language or a protocol. This arrangement provides a fault-tolerant, scalable and autonomous control system.

Abstract: A system for conducting a real-time power capacity assessment of an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine is configured to store and process patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output, forecasting power capacity of the electrical system subjected to a simulated contingency event.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to perform pre-operations at a media device in anticipation of an occurrence of a user action. An exemplary embodiment receives an in-use signal from an electronic device that is remotely proximate to the media device, wherein the received in-use signal corresponds to a user interaction with the electronic device; and performs the pre-operation at the media device. The pre-operation is performed prior to receiving an initial user action configured to operate at least one of the media device and a media presentation device coupled to the media device.

Abstract: A control method includes: displaying candidate information on a user interface region of a display unit in an information terminal; obtaining, via a network, an operation history of each of apparatuses which indicates an operation performed on the corresponding apparatus; displaying, on the user interface region, a dialog for prompting a user to confirm whether or not to perform predetermined control on a target apparatus which is extracted according to at least one of (a) selected apparatus information (b) selected place information and (c) selected operator information, and has an operation history that satisfies a predetermined condition; generating a control signal for performing the predetermined control on the target apparatus, when the user confirms in the dialog that the predetermined control is to be performed on the target apparatus; and transmitting the control signal to the target apparatus via the network.

Abstract: A system that facilitate broadcast of a device discovery beacon by a dynamic physical device wishing to bind to one or more control systems are provided. If the dynamic physical device comprises of server that is configured to bind to multiple master controllers, the dynamic physical device may include a device Type Flag and set the value of the device Type Flag to indicate the dynamic physical device comprises a server. On detection of the beacon, a master controller evaluates the device Type Flag if it is present in the device discovery beacon. If the device Type Flag is present and indicates the dynamic physical device comprise a server which may bind to multiple master controllers, the master controller may automatically load a device Module for the dynamic physical device and commence communications with the dynamic physical device with no manual intervention.

Abstract: A controller node for an entertainment control network, comprises controller logic arranged to be paired with at least one controlled device over a wireless interface. The controller logic is further arranged to provide pairing information for the at lease one controlled device with which it is paired to a further node within the entertainment control network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arbitrating sensor and actuator signals in various devices. One system includes input/output (I/O) circuitry, redundant computation circuits coupled to the I/O circuitry, and an arbitration circuit coupled between the I/O circuitry and the redundant computation circuits. The I/O circuitry is configured to be coupled to multiple non-redundant systems, and the redundant computation circuits are configured to be coupled to one of multiple system buses. One such device is an aircraft including multiple non-redundant systems and a plurality of system buses that are configured to transmit redundant messages to the non-redundant systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that are capable of synchronizing an industrial process. The industrial process may include a plurality of process levels. A visualization group may be displayed, showing the various levels of a process. A transition group may be graphically defined that allows for the linking of the transitions between the various process levels. In certain embodiments, sequential function charts (SFC) may include expanded capabilities that allow for the visual definition, editing, and review of the transition groups. Such SFC embodiments may be capable of process flow synchronization across any levels of the modeled process.

Abstract: In order to acquire suitable information related to an apparatus, an electronic apparatus has a first acquisition unit that acquires usage status of a first apparatus that belongs to a given category, and a second acquisition unit that acquires information about a second apparatus that belongs to the given category and is different from the first apparatus on the basis of the usage status of the first apparatus acquired by the first acquisition unit.

Abstract: A machine controller intercommunicates with, and issues machining program commands to, a plurality of peripherals. The controller receives work status information on the peripherals, calculates the total power consumption by the plurality of peripherals based on the received information, and decides the work start timing for the peripherals such that the total does not reach a preset upper limit.

Abstract: An interference preventing method applied on a machining machine includes the following steps. Firstly, a control command is provided in response to an operation event. Next, protection information corresponding to a protection target component is provided. Then basic envelop of the protection target component is obtained. Then the basic envelop is segmented into a number of sub protection blocks according to a multi-hierarchical protection parameter and sub protection blocks not linked with the protection target component are removed, so as to determine a multi-hierarchical interference protection area. Next, whether an interference event of the multi-hierarchical interference protection area and other components occurs, so as to determine whether interference event of the protection target component occurs; if so, control signal is provided to control the processing operation of the machining machine.

Abstract: This invention includes a control device and a maintenance support device. The maintenance support device included in the plant monitor and control device selects temporary setting target logic element among logic elements contained in a control logic data, generates a temporary setting target logic element data, and generates a temporary setting logic element parameter data in accordance with a value of logic element parameter inputted by an operator. The control device memorizes the temporary setting target logic element data sent from the maintenance support device as the temporary setting target logic element data, and also the logic element parameter data before the temporary setting corresponding to the logic element designated by the temporary setting target logic element data among the logic element parameter data.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to automation systems and methods of use thereof to control devices. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including function-based controls and methods of assigning function-based controls to allow a user to add, relocate, and/or remove a device without requiring the user to reprogram the system.

Abstract: Providing a registry of sensor devices may comprise obtaining a device, determining one or more information types returned by the device, determining one or more communication protocols used by the device for transmitting information, determining one or more encoding schemes used by the device to format the information, adding the device to the registry of sensor devices including at least the one or more information types, the one or more communication protocols and the one or more encoding schemes, and allowing access to the registry of sensor devices.

Abstract: A control device and a corresponding control method for controlling one or more electrical devices, each having a device profile including energy usage-related information of the device. The control device includes a profile input that obtains device profiles of electrical devices to be controlled from a device-specific storage location identified by a device-specific location identifier, an identifier input that receives device-specific location identifiers and/or device identifiers usable for generating respective device-specific location identifiers, a control unit that processes obtained device profiles and generates control commands for controlling the one or more electrical devices based on the obtained device profile, and a control output that provides the control commands.

Abstract: A machine control system, comprises at least first and second nodes of a wireless network in communication with each other, each node including a three axis accelerometer having a data output coupled to a respective sensor input of the node; and a hydraulic machine having a manifold and a plurality of hydraulic mechanisms coupled to respective outputs of the manifold, the manifold being responsive to electrical actuating signals provided from respective electrical outputs of the first node.

Abstract: A mounting-line power control device (100) includes: a target value obtaining unit (110) which obtains, for each mounting line, a target value for demand power for a first period; a priority obtaining unit (120) which obtains a first priority level of each mounting line; a target value changing unit (130) which decreases the target value for the demand power of a second mounting line in the first period when the demand power of a first mounting line in the first period exceeds its target value, the second mounting line having the lower first priority level than the first mounting line; and a power usage changing unit (140) which reduces power used in the first period by the component-mounted board production apparatus included in the second mounting line, such that the demand power of the second mounting line in the first period does not exceed the decreased target value.

Abstract: A communication apparatus to interconnect a plurality of devices using multiple protocols includes a protocol layer having a plurality of protocol objects obtained by objectifying the protocols used by the devices, and a control layer to check a protocol used for data transmission if data is transmitted, to convert a protocol object corresponding to the checked protocol into a preset control object, to convert the preset control object into another protocol object, and to transmit the data to a device connected to the converted other protocol object. Since operatively coupled control is allowed between devices using different protocols, extensibility and flexibility may be achieved. Besides, since an abstraction layer is divided into a control layer and a protocol layer, an interface may not be changed even when protocols are added, protocol conversion may be easily performed, and routing between multiple protocols may be performed using, for example, a logic editor.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for configuring a controlled device in a control system are provided. A self-describing device Module associated with a controlled device provides capabilities of a controlled device both at runtime and before installation. The controlled device Module includes a capabilities component that provides a description of the controlled device's capabilities both as a capabilities object that can be queried at runtime and in a self-describing capabilities file implemented in a format prior to operational configuration of the Module or controlled device. The Module is configured to generate its runtime capabilities object and self-describing capabilities file.

Abstract: A method is provided for the control of valves for flow path control, in particular in a medical treatment machine, having a plurality of processes for the manufacture of flow paths by control of a group of valves, with each process claiming a group of valves suitable for its carrying out for itself so that other processes cannot change the switching state of these valves and with each process itself making a decision on the release of the valves claimed by it. In addition, a method is provided for monitoring the then current and/or scheduled state of a plurality of valves in the flow path control, determining the connections resulting from the switching state of the valves, and comparing the resulting connections with a predetermined number of non-permitted connections.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to control fluid flow in a data center are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein comprises sensing a condition of a fluid in a first contained aisle on a first side of data center equipment, the fluid in the first contained aisle substantially isolated from a second contained aisle on a second side of the data center equipment, and controlling a vent to alter the fluid flow between the first contained aisle and the second contained aisle based on the sensed condition.

Abstract: A graphical user interface enables a user to create and modify graphical schedules for a wide variety of devices that may be controlled by a programmable multimedia controller. A graphical schedule graphically depicts a relationship between time and at least one user-selected condition to be satisfied or at least one user-selected action to be taken. The user may create or modify graphical schedules using familiar techniques such as taps and swipes, drag and drop and the like.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a function control device includes an interface, an acquisition module, and a controller. The interface is connectable to at least one of multiple types of function adding devices. The acquisition module acquires, from the function adding device connected via the interface, function information indicating a function executed by the function adding device. The controller accesses, upon controlling the function indicated by the function information acquired by the acquisition module, an address which is determined as a common address for the function identified by the function information and which is in a storage module comprised in the function adding device connected via the interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an appliance control device for selectively controlling a plurality of appliances having a same or common identifier are provided. A control unit may receive a request to register the appliance control device with any of the plurality of appliances having the same identifier. In response to the request, the control unit may select a first appliance based on a registration priority of the first appliance relative to the remaining appliances. Upon selecting the first appliance, the control unit may transmit a request to the selected first appliance for registering the appliance control device with the selected first appliance. In some aspects, the relative registration priorities may be assigned to one or more of the appliances based on a prior registration history and/or distance to the appliance control device.

Abstract: A computing apparatus is configured to operate under multiple operational policies. In a method for controlling the computing apparatus, a plurality of sensors are correlated with a plurality of actuators. An operational policy of the multiple operational policies is selected to implement and input from the plurality of sensors is received. The inputs are analyzed to identify at least one of the plurality of actuators to be manipulated based upon the correlation and the selected operational policy to implement. In addition, at least one of the identified plurality of actuators is manipulated based upon the selected operational policy.

Abstract: Control devices in a motor vehicle, having first sequence-controlled control devices being connected to a first data bus and second sequence-controlled control devices being connected to a second data bus, are networked. A first control device sends a first message via the gateway device into the first and second data buses. At least a second control device receives the first message and checks whether the receiving of the first message is required for the corresponding control device. The second control device sends out a response message, which indicates whether the second control device has a corresponding need to receive the first message. In the event of such a need, a routing default is established and/or an existing routing default is changed in a gateway device.

Abstract: A control device and method for preventing the start and stop of heat source machines from being frequently repeated. Whether or not basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is increased by one is determined if a current operational status satisfies basic conditions for increasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is started if it is determined that the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are not satisfied. Additionally, whether or not the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is decreased by one are satisfied if a current operational status satisfies the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is stopped if it is determined that the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are not satisfied.