Abstract: A process plant uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of the process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. Some of this data, such as data indicative of one or more process parameters associated with a process entity like a furnace, may be used to estimate a degradation level, such as a coking level, of the process entity at a first time. The estimated level of the degradation of the process entity at the first time may then be compared to a predetermined desired level of degradation of the process entity at the first time and the operation of the process entity may be altered based on the comparison to drive the estimated amount of degradation of the process entity at a second time to be approximately equal to a predetermined desired level of degradation at the second time.

Abstract: A system and method is given for minimizing periodic disturbances in electronic systems. Given the input-output characteristics of the system, the present method identifies and cancels the periodic disturbance. The periodic disturbance parameters are identified through the use of a residual generator. The output of the residual generator is fed into an identifier that estimates disturbance parameters. The compensation filter combines the output of the identifier with a set of pre-computed parameters to form a cancellation signal. This signal is then added to the input of the plant to cancel the periodic disturbance.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a system, sub-system or component, a method for controlling the operation of a system, sub-system or component, comprises the steps of a) repeatedly recording an operation time of said system, sub-system or component and at least one further parameter relevant to system, sub-system or component aging b) evaluating a usage profile based on said recorded operation time and said at least one further parameter, said usage profile being indicative of the accumulated stress at the time of the evaluation, and c) if a difference between said evaluated usage profile and a nominal usage value at the time of the evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value, adjusting an operation parameter of said system, sub-system or component.

Abstract: The combustion vibration estimating apparatus comprises an inputting unit for inputting limiting values of plant data, weather data and internal pressure variation, an internal pressure variation characteristic grasping unit for making internal pressure variation of a combustor into a mathematical model from the input plant data and weather data, a combustion vibration region estimating unit for applying a limiting value of the internal pressure variation to the mathematical model obtained by the internal pressure variation characteristic grasping unit to obtain combustion vibration-prone to be generated region, and an outputting unit for outputting a combustion vibration region estimation result by the combustion vibration region estimating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a supply chain network resource may be replenished by purchase in order to meet demand as defined by an order. The system and method is an attribute-based system and method that may be part of an overall system and method for planning the use of supply chain network resources. The system and method may generate a planning output that may indicate the feasibility of replenishment by purchase. The system and method recognizes time events and takes into account the exact sequence of the events in order to obtain an optimal solution.

Abstract: A method for compensating for torque ripple in pulse width modulated machines including providing damping for transient disturbances utilizing a fixed feedback controller and rejecting steady disturbances utilizing an adaptive controller.

Abstract: A portable advisory system for balancing airflows in a paint booth includes a portable airflow sensor to measure airflows in the paint booth, and a portable computer connected to the airflow sensor for collecting data from the airflow sensor and guiding an operator through a process of adjusting multiple fan speeds and duct dampers to achieve desired airflows.

Abstract: A controller for an appliance operated by a microprocessor has a rotatable control knob mounted on a shaft that extends through an outer surface of the appliance. A disk with a plurality of apertures spaced around the circumference thereof is mounted on the inner end of the shaft such that the rotation of the control knob generates a succession of signals readable by the microprocessor. Markings around the circumference of the control knob indicate the cycles that the appliance can perform and the various stages of the cycles. Each of the markings has an indicator such as an LED associated therewith and the microprocessor is configured to successively energize the indicator adjacent the marking as the knob is turned and to indicate the indicated cycle or stage when a stage switch is activated.

Abstract: A multivariable process controller controls a chemical, polymer or other physical process. Slow tuning and over-conservative controlled variable values are employed during step testing. While all controlled process variables are within safe limits, only one manipulated variable (MV) at a time is step changed. Several manipulated variables are moved when process variables exceed safe limits to ensure that the controlled process variables return to the safe range, such that suitable MV targets for step testing are able to be automatically discovered within a closed loop control environment. Thus, the step test is able to be conducted mostly unsupervised and/or remotely via a telephone or network connection.

Abstract: A technique to provide dynamic modeling, parameter estimation and optimization for processes having operating targets. The technique has an optimization cycle and a simulation cycle. The simulation cycle runs at a rate that is equal to or faster than the run rate of the optimization cycle. Both cycles obtain data from the field about the process. The optimization cycle provides a simulation execution of a dynamic process model and the results of that simulation are used to match the model response to the actual plant response. This matching determines if a dynamic parameter estimation and data reconciliation is needed for the model parameters. Optimized operating targets are determined using either the estimated and reconciled parameters and data or if the same is not needed the collected process data. Mathematical and heuristic assessment tools are used to determine if the optimized operating targets should or should not be invoked.

Abstract: A method for generating a predictor of failure of a manufacturing process. The predictor is generated by generating a candidate solution for the predictor and then determining a fitness of the candidate solution using fitness cases pertaining to the manufacturing process and a set of costs associated with the manufacturing process. The fitness may then be used to formulate a next generation of candidate solutions for a design method modeled on evolution.

Abstract: In a control method, the setting for a setting device (5), comprising a device (9) for reporting the setting, is regulated in a range between two end positions by using a measured parameter, given by the device (9) for reporting the setting, depending on the setting of the setting device and a characteristic curve, whereby, during the regulation a set value or an actual value for the setting is monitored. The characteristic curve is adapted when the set value or the actual value for the setting lies within a given separation from a given value for an adaptation setting.

Abstract: A controller and method for efficient tracking and optimizing of a machine set-point, to correct for changes in machine characteristics, can include: (a) defining allowed ranges for output product properties and possible machine set-points, and optimal set-point criteria; (b) finding updated constants for the machine model by calibrating the model; (c) using the updated constants to find all set-points providing a product with properties within the allowed ranges; (d) determining an optimized set-point; (e) operating the machine at the optimized set-point, and obtaining a new output product; (f) comparing the properties of the new output product to the allowed ranges; (g) successfully finishing the procedure as finding a new set point if the properties of the output product are within allowed ranges; and, (h) if the properties of the output product are out of said allowed ranges, repeating the procedure from b.

Abstract: A learning control apparatus in a reversing rolling mill is disclosed. The learning control apparatus adds a learning calculation means that performs learning calculations based on actual values in the previous pass so as to be able to cope with the pass schedule composition peculiar to the reversing rolling mills. Furthermore, by storing learning calculation values of model errors that depend on materials and product dimensions in tables prepared group division by group division that can assimilate intrinsic model errors, the learning control apparatus of the present invention makes possible stable operation and improves accuracy of the product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process determines optimum configuration parameters for a buffered industrial process. A population size is initialized by randomly selecting a first set of design and operation values associated with subsystems and buffers of the buffered industrial process to form a set of operating parameters for each member of the population. An availability discrete event simulation (ADES) is performed on each member of the population to determine the product-based availability of each member. A new population is formed having members with a second set of design and operation values related to the first set of design and operation values through a genetic algorithm and the product-based availability determined by the ADES. Subsequent population members are then determined by iterating the genetic algorithm with product-based availability determined by ADES to form improved design and operation values from which the configuration parameters are selected for the buffered industrial process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer application in the field of control, monitoring, modification and/or optimization of processes which comprise real process sequences of discrete events, so-called “discrete event dynamic systems”, which cannot usually be described by systems of (differential) equations. Such processes occur for example in technical developments as well as in other business activities in the industrial or tertiary sector. Such a real process is reflected in a process model which is connected to the real process via at least one interface. If the interface(s) is/are bi-directional, real process data can be transmitted into the model directly, i.e. without data conversion, and thus the real process can be monitored; in the model, simulations can be carried out with changed process data; and finally if the result of the simulation is successful, process modifications can be transferred directly to the real process.

Abstract: A system 10 for analyzing a component such as an air filter. System 10 may be created by and/or comprise software which resides within a conventional computer aided engineering (“CAE”) system. The system 10 utilizes a CAE model 12 to analyze the functionality or performance of an air filter based on certain attributes of the filter, such as the size, shape and media of the filter, and/or to determine certain attributes of the filter, such as the size of the filter, based on certain desired performance requirements of the filter.

Abstract: A control method and system are provided to sustain chaos in a nonlinear dynamic system. A sustained transient that is tracked as a system parameter is substantially varied thereby allowing sustained chaotic transients to exist far away from the crisis parameter values. The method includes targeting points near a chaotic transient once the iterates reach a neighborhood of an undesired attractor. Targeting is done so that the natural dynamics of the system would not engage again the iterations and chaotic motion. A brief parameter fluctuation forces the attractor to be a repeller so that a point which lies on the previously existing chaotic transient can be targeted. Consequently, instead of landing on the attractor, the iterations will reach a region of phase space where a chaotic transient is present, causing the chaotic motion to be reexcited.

Abstract: Plant parameters and performance of an industrial plant such as a boiling water nuclear reactor plant can be assessed over a global network. Plant parameter and performance data are compiled from a plurality of operating plants, and this data is stored in a categorized historical database. Users are provided access to the historical database over the global network to perform self-assessments and generate comparison graphics showing percentile ranking, trending, etc. Data generated at a particular plant can be downloaded to a server site for more detailed engineering analyses using conventional methods. Reports and commentary on the analyses can be returned to the user via the global network.

Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. The bi have a direct effect on the gain of a dynamic model (22). This is facilitated by a coefficient modification block (40). Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.

Abstract: A processing unit (processor) performs processing of programs. A monitoring unit measures the rate of operation of an instruction processor in the processing unit. Information which is a standard for judging modification of the performance is stored in a control information memory unit. A control unit judges on the basis of the operation rate of the processor collected by the monitoring unit and the control information stored in the control information memory unit whether it is necessary to modify the performance or not and controls to modify the performance of the processor on the basis of the judged result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a non-linear mill. A linear controller is provided having a linear gain k that is operable to receive inputs representing measured variables of the plant and predict on an output of the linear controller predicted control values for manipulatible variables that control the plant. A non-linear model of the plant is provided for storing a representation of the plant over a trained region of the operating input space and having a steady-state gain K associated therewith. The gain k of the linear model is adjusted with the gain K of the non-linear model in accordance with a predetermined relationship as the measured variables change the operating region of the input space at which the linear controller is predicting the values for the manipulatible variables.

Abstract: A DC transfer curve of a circuit is determined for determining the global dynamics of a circuit and a stability analysis is conducted for points of the DC transfer curve. The results of the stability analysis are at least one stable region and at least one unstable region of the DC transfer curve. This makes it possible to determine sensitivity, speed and process tolerance of the circuit.

Abstract: A method of modeling a heat exchanger is disclosed and comprises assigning input temperatures, assumed output temperatures, and a set of flow rates, inputting the parameters into a set of equations arranged to calculate a heat transfer coefficient, inputting parameters into a second set of equations arranged to calculate output temperatures, substituting actual output temperatures for the assumed output temperatures, and again calculating the heat transfer cooefficient. The new heat transfer coefficient is then used to obtain revised actual output temperatures, and the initial actual output temperatures and the revised actual output temperatures are compared to determine whether they differ by less than a desired variance. If not, a new iteration is performed until the output temperatures converge.

Abstract: Performance of a device manipulated by a user is controlled essentially by at least one control module having an input-output relationship regulated by control parameters. Optimization of overall characteristics of the performance can be conducted by (a) preselecting values of the control parameters and activating the device; (b) changing values of the control parameters within predetermined ranges under predetermined coding rules; (c) evaluating the performance of the device based on signals indicative of the performance; (d) displaying to the user the evaluation outcome in the form of intuitively recognizable symbols which are preselected to represent various evaluation outcomes; and (e) selecting values of the control parameters based on the selected symbol(s) by the user. By repeating steps (b) through (e) while operating the device, the at least one control module is optimized.

Abstract: A system for on line inference and control of physical and chemical properties of polypropylene and its copolymers is described. The system comprises models for the inference of physical and chemical properties that are not continuously measured and relevant models to control these properties as well as production rate, density of the reaction medium and other process variables of interest. The described control system allows to maximize production rate as well as catalyst yield in the producing process.

Abstract: A method for controlling the functioning of a tire includes the steps of determining estimations or measurements of the slip Gi and the coefficient of friction &mgr;i prevailing at such slip for at least one pair “i” of values (Gi, &mgr;i); determining the corresponding values of the slope &agr;i of the straight line passing through the origin and through each pair (Gi, &mgr;i); calculating a coefficient B by direct calculation or by a regression from a sufficient number of pairs of (&agr;i, Gi) so as to estimate the value of slope &agr;0 at the origin; and using &agr;0 in an indicator of the longitudinal stiffness of the tread pattern.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating the cam data capable of realizing such a smooth cam profile that an acceleration at a designated point is zero without necessitating a special technique, comprising the steps of first obtaining an inclination at each designated point when an optimum cam profile is realized for each designated point by an automatic set value generating section (15), automatically obtaining, by using the inclination value and a preset equation, such a cam profile that the acceleration at the designated point is zero for each district between two designated start and endpoints, and lastly obtaining an entire cam profile by synthesizing the cam profiles obtained for each district.

Abstract: A method is provided of adaptively controlling a paint system for painting vehicle bodies. The method includes the steps of obtaining an estimated Jacobian that identifies characteristics of the paint system and using the estimated Jacobian to determine initial conditions to be implemented for the next vehicle body to be painted in the paint system. The method also includes the steps of storing a database of appropriate initial conditions that resulted in satisfactory transient response in a rule-base and using the rule-base at start-up of the paint system or if the paint system fails to be satisfactorily controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for controlling a process, such as a chemical reaction, that emits a multi-component mixture of gases; and for controlling a device to which is transmitted a product of a chemical reaction that emits a multi-component mixture of gases.

Abstract: A shaking table having: a feedback controller for generating a drive signal for actuators so that an inputted second command signal is agreed with a response signal indicating a vibration state of the table; an adaptive filter having variable filter coefficients which is supplied with an external first command signal indicating a target value of the response signal and generates the second command signal by compensating the transfer characteristics from the feedback controller to the table loading the specimen; a mask signal generator; a first adder for adding the mask signal to the second command signal; a second adder for adding the mask signal to the response signal; and an identification unit which is supplied with the outputs of the first and the second adders, for calculating the filter coefficients of the adaptive filter to compensate the transfer characteristics, and supplying the calculated coefficients to the adaptive filter.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an anomaly diagnosis apparatus of a machine installation for eliminating the need for the user to have a dedicated analytical instrument or a skill required for anomaly diagnosis of a sliding member and enabling the user to easily make an anomaly diagnosis request with a small burden and get the diagnosis result promptly.

Abstract: A method for controlling a solenoid using a single coil solenoid for both course and fine adjustment. A resistor or series of resistors may be used in parallel/for current controlled solenoids or in series for voltage controlled solenoids for allowing course or finite control of the solenoids.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatic synthesis of multi-variable controllers. A design sequence for designing a controller for a system is selected, wherein the controller includes one or more controller components. A first set of parameters associated to the one or more controller components is then selected. A second set of parameters associated to the first set of parameters is subsequently selected. One or more parameters of the second set are then iteratively modified to obtain a set of modified parameters, until a plurality of performance characteristics calculated using the second set of parameters meets a performance objective for the system.

Abstract: An inventive method and inventive configuration system are used for producing an application-specific functional module from a predefined functional module for a programmable controller. In this context, a marking device is useable to mask out subfunctions of the predefined functional module, so that just the software code for those subfunctions which is required in order to satisfy the functionality of the application-specific functional module are readable into the programmable controller. In this case, it is simultaneously necessary to ensure that only that software code which is not imperatively required for calculating a result for at least one of the unmarked subfunctions is masked out and is therefore not read in.

Abstract: Methods for error proofing, which also improve material, or information, flow through a process, are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying a process responsible for at least one error, process mapping the identified process, identifying at least one step in the identified process at which scrap and/or nonconformance occurred, and razing the identified process. The step of razing, in the one embodiment, is performed by determining whether a plurality of errors throughout the identified process occurs, and if a plurality of errors are identified throughout the identified process, determining whether a different process can be substituted for the identified process, and if the different process can be substituted for the identified process, then substituting the different process for the identified process.

Abstract: A multivariable analysis tool is provided wherein an orthogonal decomposition method such as a Partial Least Squares algorithm is applied to a disturbance model, which relates the known loop disturbances to the loop model residue. The tool according to the invention first extracts the most dominant correlation to the loop model residue and then uses the residue to search for secondary dominant correlation in an orthogonal space, and repeats this process until no further output variation can be significantly attributed by the next dominant correlation. In this way, the analysis tool of the present invention is able to estimate the performance potential of each control loop under different disturbance conditions and provide a control performance index by comparing the achieved performance to the performance potential in a multi-variable environment. This index indicates whether or not a given loop is under optimal operation and shows variance of the loop from the best achievable loop performance.

Abstract: Performance measurement and analysis of local exchange carrier interconnections. Performance measurements can be used to establish that an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) is providing interconnections to one or more competitive local exchange carriers (“CLEC's”) that are at least equal in quality to the interconnections provided to itself. Performance measurements are defined to measure the timeliness, accuracy and availability of the interconnections provided to the CLEC's. A performance measurement is based upon performance data that us collected from one of the ILEC's processes (preordering, ordering, provisioning, collocation, billing, maintenance and repair, emergency 911, operator service/directory assistance and trunk blockage). A performance report is defined to specify the types of performance measurements and dimensions that are included, as well as the reporting period.

Abstract: A method for parity analysis and remedy calculation is provided. The method uses performance measurements that measure the timeliness, accuracy and availability of the services provided by an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) to determine whether parity exists between services provided to the ILEC and services provided to a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”). The performance measurements are compared at an appropriate level so that a like-to-like comparison is made. The difference between the average of the ILEC performance measurements and the average of the CLEC performance measurements is computed. An aggregate difference measurement is also computed and is used to determine whether parity exists. If parity does not exist, then a remedy is calculated.

Abstract: A method for the automatic selection of computer system parameter values to improve system performance as workload on the system changes. Methods are disclosed for automatically making minor adjustments to computer system parameters and comparing long-term associated performance changes in order to set parameter values so as to obtain improved system performance. The time frame over which a change in a system parameter and the associated system performance change is averaged is adjustable, thus permitting evaluation over shorter or longer periods of times as deemed appropriate. An objective measure of system performance is defined prior to implementation of the present methods. For transaction based systems, average system response-time for a given demand on the system could be, for example, such a measure. For systems executing batch-type workloads, system throughput may be used as the indicator of how well the system is performing.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus has a controller (100) provided with a temperature estimator (110) for estimating a temperature of a wafer by detection signals of temperature sensors (Sin, Sout) and a temperature calibrator (120) for correcting the estimated temperature of the wafer. In order to calibrate the temperature, an offset value stored in an offset table (122) is used. The offset value is determined based on the relationship between film-thickness of films formed in an experimental heat treatment process and process temperatures.

Abstract: The invention includes an adaptive control system used to control a plant. The adaptive control system includes a hedge unit that receives at least one control signal and a plant state signal. The hedge unit generates a hedge signal based on the control signal, the plant state signal, and a hedge model including a first model having one or more characteristics to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt, and a second model not having the characteristic(s) to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt. The hedge signal is used in the adaptive control system to remove the effect of the characteristic from a signal supplied to an adaptation law unit of the adaptive control system so that the adaptive control system does not adapt to the characteristic in controlling the plant.

Abstract: A controlling method and apparatus for positioning a robot that can output an optimal speed instruction for controlling residual vibration after completion of a moving operation, achieve reduction in tact time for the moving operation, and shorten the length of setting time. The method is a controlling method for positioning a robot (1) for performing a point-to-point moving operation comprising: performing a test operation to measure a frequency of a residual vibration that is stopped at a target position; measuring a magnitude of the residual vibration based on the frequency during each of different lengths of moving time for a predetermined moving distance to find a relationship between the length of moving time and the magnitude of the vibration; calculating a shortest moving time at which vibration magnitude is minimized; and performing the point-to-point operation for the calculated shortest moving time, thereby to position the robot (1) at the target position.

Abstract: A control system for an extrusion plant is produced with the aid of a mathematical model of the plant in question. Having established a mathematical model of the plant, a controller is designed and tested. The establishment of the model based controller enables the plant to be controlled in a more efficient manner by correcting for the effects of disturbances produced while the plant is operating before the effect of these disturbances manifest themselves in the product at the downstream end of the plant.

Abstract: A method of fault classification in a plasma process chamber powered by an RF source comprises initially running a plurality of different baseline plasma processes on the chamber. For each baseline process, the magnitudes of a plurality of Fourier components of delivered RF power are determined and stored as an impedance fingerprint for that baseline process. In the case of a fault, one or more of the baseline processes is repeated according to a predetermined decision tree to determine the current fingerprints and classify the fault by comparing the current fingerprints with the original fingerprints.

Abstract: An accessible parameter of a chaos embodying system of a physical or biological type is monitored by extraction of measurement data and recordation thereof on a return map as a dynamic representation of the system activity, from which the magnitude and timing of intervention is determined and applied to the system in order to sustain chaos behavior.

Abstract: A machining program is read in and interpreted and a determination is made as to whether the amount of movement called for by a block of commands is larger or smaller than a minimum amount of movement that is established by a feed speed and a one sampling period of a numerical control apparatus. If the amount of movement called for is greater than the minimum amount of movement, feed control is performed in accordance with the current block. If the amount of movement called for by the current block of commands is smaller than the minimum movement amount, an immediate subsequent block of commands is concatenated with the current block, and this concatenation of command blocks is continued until a synthesized block calling for an amount of movement greater than the minimum amount of movement is obtained, this synthesized block then being used to perform feed control.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for effectively utilizing universal feature detectors to generate closely-correlated universal feature information for use in various content-retrieval procedures. In certain embodiments, the universal feature detectors may generate a multi-scale gaussian pyramid based upon selected original image data by iteratively performing a series of summing transforms. The universal feature detectors may also calculate multi-scale histograms corresponding to the multi-scale gaussian pyramid, and may then perform Radon transforms upon the multi-scale histograms to produce and store corresponding Radon transform lines. The universal feature detectors may also generate a multi-scale laplacian pyramid from the multi-scale gaussian pyramid by iteratively performing a series of difference transforms. The resultant universal feature information may then advantageously provide various types of required feature information with optimal binding characteristics.

Abstract: A computation processing is repeatedly executed in a control program. In the processing, a preceding computation result RamA that is represented as a floating point mode is used for computation of a current result RamA. Whether the preceding computation result RamA is either of non-numeral and infinity is determined. When the preceding computation result RamA is either non-numeral or infinity, the processing does not proceed to next computation but substitutes a default value for a variable RamA. Here, the processing substitutes a target value for the variable RamA if the variable RamA has a characteristic of converging on the target value in the computation processing.