Abstract: A method for determining the performance of controllers applied to integrating processes requiring only closed-loop data and equipment parameters. A numerical measure is calculated which is a comparison of the actual variation of the manipulated variable to the variation that would be expected if a controller which minimized the maximum rate of change of the manipulated variable while keeping the controlled variable within a specified range was used.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating and optimizing the performance of a combined-cycle power plant. The optimization system combines a plant model that predicts performance of a combined-cycle power plant under varying environmental and operational conditions with an economic model that predicts the operating economics of the combined-cycle power plant. The optimization system predicts the operational control set points (i.e., variables) of a combined-cycle power plant to achieve a profitable operating condition for a particular combination of environmental, operational, and economic conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for generating network performance data. Performance information including a performance time to download a page and execute the page within an application program is received. The received performance information is processed and then performance information output indicating network performance is generated in response to processing the performance information.

Abstract: An intelligent memory system, method, and computer program product for enabling stand-alone or distributed client-server software applications to operate at maximum speeds on a personal computer and the like. An intelligent memory allows the acceleration of computer software processes through process virtual memory, application optimization, multiprocessor control, and system strategies. The intelligent memory includes both control logic and memory. The control logic uses an application database and system database to determine a set of modifications to the computer, application, and/or operating system, while the memory stores the application and allows the control logic to implement the set of modifications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for correction of machine disturbances for run-to-run control of semiconductor device manufacturing processes. At least one external variable is identified. How the external variable impacts a semiconductor device manufacturing process is determined. A determination whether the impact of the external variable causes an appreciable impact on the semiconductor device manufacturing process is made. At least one control parameter of the semiconductor device manufacturing process is adjusted in response to the determination that the impact of the external variable causes an appreciable impact on the semiconductor device manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing or removing the effect of measurement error so that an actual engine operates closer to optimum are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying an engine operation (e.g., acceleration) that is less than optimal, estimating the measurement error associated with the less than optimal operation, adjusting the engine control logic based on the measurement error estimate, and reassessing the engine operation. The method is implemented, in one form, in an engine controller by programming a control processor to execute the above described method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a part temperature profile by optimizing response characteristics based on control parameters acquires part temperature response characteristics at selected conditions to form an index value and calculates linear relationships between the index and its corresponding control parameters. The method searches for the minimum index thereby determining its corresponding optimal control parameters for thermal processing of parts in order that the part temperature profile responds within the target specification range with the greatest margin available. The apparatus determines the minimum index value and its corresponding the optimum control parameters.

Abstract: A method for optimizing overall characteristics optimizes control parameters in at least one control module required for controlling a device, using an optimization method such as a heuristic method. The method includes the steps of: (a) preselecting values of the control parameters and activating the device; (b) on-line changing values of the control parameters within predetermined ranges under predetermined coding rules; (c) on-line evaluating the performance of the device based on signals indicative of the performance; (d) on-line selecting values of the control parameters based on the evaluation outcome; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d) while operating the device until desired performance of the device is demonstrated, wherein the at least one control module is optimized. In the method, when two or more control modules control performance of the device, optimization by steps (a) through (d) may be conducted on each control module in repetitive sequence.

Abstract: A plumbing control system includes a plurality of plumbing fixtures operated by an electronic control board having a microprocessor. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility from a central computer. Network software running on the central computer communicates with the control boards. The software includes a binding feature that requires reporting of a network operating variable at a first control board to the central computer or a second control board. The network software also has site and device setup forms.

Abstract: An evolutionary program is used to calibrate a ship degaussing system with respect to one or more parameters relating to the ship's magnetic signature. Pursuant to the computer program, a mathematical vector lists electrical current values which correlate with the degaussing coils. A genetic algorithm is executed through a certain number of generational iterations in order to find a solution vector which will optimize the parameter(s). Every generational population has the same number of vectors. An initial population is randomly engendered, and successive populations are engendered through a biasedly random process wherein each vector has associated therewith a parenthood selection probability which is commensurate with its fitness. The offspring vectors are given birth to via crossover hybridization of parent vectors, and a small fraction of offspring vectors are randomly modified via mutation. The present invention is suitable for accomplishing optimization (e.g.

Abstract: A method for determining the performance of non-deadtime compensated controllers (i.e., PID) requiring only closed-loop data and an estimate of the process deadtime. A numerical measure is calculated which is a comparison of the actual variation of the process to the variation that would be expected if the process were controlled by an optimal non-deadtime compensated controller.

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: In a method for reducing sensed physical variables generating a plurality of control commands are generated at a control rate as a function of the sensed physical variables. An estimate of a relationship between the sensed physical variables and the control commands is also is used in generating the plurality of control commands. The estimate of the relationship is updated based upon a response by the sensed physical variables to the control commands. The generation of the control commands involves a quadratic dependency on the estimate of the relationship and the quadratic dependency is updated based on the update to the estimate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication station (S32-S34), which as a passive station in a communication system which is not authorized to transmit but listens in on all communication processes and can receive only data (D) actually intended for it, which fact can be conclusively verified by means of a destination point code (T) assigned to the data (D). According to the invention, said communication station is additionally upgraded to receive data (D), the destination (T) and originating point code (S) of which matches an entry (FT, FS) in a filter table (F) provided for in a communication station (S32-S34) which has been upgraded in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives a process signal. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value. Computing circuitry provides an event output based upon the stored nominal value and the process signal. Output circuitry provides an output in response to the event output.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of at least one motion device, where the motion devices comprise at least one controllable element, includes a setup component and at least one motion command component. The setup component is capable of extracting process information from electronic simulation information, and thereafter formatting the process information into neutral process information. The motion command components are each associated with at least one motion device, and are capable of receiving the neutral process information from the setup component. Each motion command component is capable of interpreting the received neutral process information into operation information for the controllable elements of each respective motion device, where the operation information depends on a type of the at least one motion device. Each motion command component is further capable of distributing the operation information to the controllable elements of each respective motion device.

Abstract: A production control system provides real-time monitoring of process parameters in an automated production line that manufactures contact lenses, the line and having a plurality of process stations with each process station having one or more process control devices that control production operations at each respective process station and generates production parameter data therefrom. The system includes a line monitor device for receiving an externally generated production order including a lot number, product type, and quantity, and further coordinates manufacturing processes at each of the plurality of process stations, and tracks order production. A plurality of cell monitor devices retrieves the production data from one or more process control devices and processes the data to ensure that production parameters are within predefined limits.

Abstract: The invention is directed to acquiring and processing parameters used to adjust and tune a controller used, for example, to govern and compensate for motion, including vibrations and disturbances, in a physical system, such as a piece of manufacturing equipment. The invention may also be used to control, for example, a robot or other spatially dependent machine. Included in the invention are systems and methods for generating a controller, and for controlling motion in a physical system or apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for controlling plating pulse rectifiers are provided by identifying one of the plurality of plating pulse rectifiers as a master plating pulse rectifier and identifying at least one of the plurality of plating pulse rectifiers, other than the master plating pulse rectifier, as a slave plating pulse rectifier. A recipe comprising a pulse pattern is downloaded to the master plating pulse rectifier and the slave plating pulse rectifier. A synchronization signal is transmitted from the master plating pulse rectifier upon initiating the pulse pattern of the recipe to the at least one slave plating pulse rectifier so as to cause the slave plating pulse rectifier to initiate the pulse pattern of the downloaded recipe. Plating pulse rectifiers suitable for use as master/slave plating pulse rectifiers and systems incorporating such plating pulse rectifiers are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method and device which extracts as a running operation history a modification made to an NC program for numerical control of machine tools which has already been completed. After making an NC program, modifications are made to the NC program prior to the actual operation so that experience in field work or results of test machining can be reflected. An optimum NC program can be obtained through such modifications, and contents of the modifications are extracted from the NC program as a running operation history to produce a data base. The running operation history data base is reflected in subsequent preparation of NC programs having similar conditions.

Abstract: The control of emissions from fossil-fired boilers wherein an injection of substances above the primary combustion zone employs multi-layer feedforward artificial neural networks for modeling static nonlinear relationships between the distribution of injected substances into the upper region of the furnace and the emissions exiting the furnace. Multivariable nonlinear constrained optimization algorithms use the mathematical expressions from the artificial neural networks to provide the optimal substance distribution that minimizes emission levels for a given total substance injection rate.

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 system for managing quality control in a manufacturing plant for processing lots of work in process (WIP) for at least one product, comprises a manufacturing process which includes a manufacturing executive system (MES) which provides inspection data to a statistical process control (SPC) database, and an SPC analyzer for analyzing the inspection data and providing a sampling rate rule output to a sampling rate database. A server supplies the sampling rate rule to the MES. The MES tests a condition as to whether a lot of WIP should be sampled. If the condition is met, then provide an inspect control signal for inspection to the plant for inspecting the lot. If the condition is not met, then branch away from the control signal to provide an alternative control signal to pass on to the next process step in the plant.

Abstract: A plurality of charging devices 30 may be connected to a computer 10, 110 via a network 60. When computer 10 receives chewing information from a charging device 30 before performing a charging operation, computer 10 may compute the optimal charging period based upon the charging information. Parameters defining the optimal charging period may be transmitted to the respective charging devices 30. Each charging device 30 may perform the battery charging operation based upon the transmitted parameters. Thus, a network system can manage and control the charging operations for the plurality of charging devices in order to optimize charging period, optimize the number of charging devices 30 and battery packs 50 in use and maximize battery life.

Abstract: In distributed system for operating devices in association with one another, a device responsible for determining whether or not an access is permitted, and criteria for determination are hidden from accessing device or user, and flexible access control is provided among devices without need for previously defining accessible devices or user's identifiers. Communication process opens data communications which are interactions between devices to permit indefinite number of other devices to monitor data. A behavior monitoring process acquires interaction within particular device or between other devices in system for storage in behavior log table. Access control process matches the behavior log table with access control policy to determine whether or not device should be associated with target device from which process request is received, or with a target device to which a process program of the particular device attempts to access.

Abstract: An improved empirical model-based surveillance or control system for monitoring or controlling a process or machine provides identification of transitions between operational states. Empirical model-based estimates generated in response to receiving actual operational parameters are compared using a global similarity operator to the actual parameters to indicate whether the process or machine is operating in a stable state, or is in transition from one state to another.

Abstract: A multi-purpose controller for variables which closely controls such variables to set point by making sequential corrections to the level of input to the system of the variable based on: system response time, relationship of controller output to the variable, deviation of the variable from set point, and change in system load as determined by change in error and change in system input. The controller has a self tuning capability and can provide generation of the set point according to a set of variable parameters. It can be configured as a stand alone controller, as an intelligent Input/Output device for another intelligent device, or be resident in another intelligent device such as a programmable controller, computer or other microprocessor based device.

Abstract: When the driver of a step motor is executed in a personal computer, its speed will be varied in response to the speed of the CPU. To provide a constant and stable speed of the step motor, the present invention automatically detects the system model and the CPU model of the personal computer when the host computer is power-on. In addition, the present invention establishes a lookup table which records a proper delay times for a corresponding system model and CPU model. After obtaining the CPU model and the system model, the proper delay times can be found by looking up the lookup table. The delay times obtained can be provided for the delay subroutine for the driver, thereby to update the delay parameter required for the delay subroutine. Consequently, the speed of the step motor will be automatically updated in response to the system performance of a personal computer to guarantee a smooth and stable stepping motion for a step motor.

Abstract: The present invention is a program to monitor the actual, expected and predicted output performance of a process unit in an oil refinery.

Abstract: A programmable command module for inputting a surface foot rating parameter into a device for controlling the spindle speed of a cutting tool. Based upon the surface foot rating, the proper speed of the spindle is determined with respect to a particular cutting tool parameter, such as the tool's diameter. The spindle speed setting is transmitted to an AC inverter which in turn controls the operation of an AC motor for rotating the spindle at its proper speed. Alternatively, a second embodiment of the present invention would include a programmed memory provided with the surface foot rating of a plurality of materials. Once the type of material, the type of tool operation, as well as the diameter of the cutting tool is inputted into this embodiment, the proper RPM speed of the spindle would be determined.

Abstract: A management method capable of making an accurate decision about a malfunction of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment includes sampling a plurality of data of at least one parameter under normal operating conditions of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment; generating a Mahalanobis space A from a group of sampled data; calculating a Mahalanobis distance D2 from measured values of the parameter under ordinary operating conditions of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment; and deciding that a malfunction occurred in the semiconductor manufacturing equipment when the value of the Mahalanobis distance exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The systems and the methods relating to process control optimizations systems useful to manage oilfield hydrocarbon production. The systems and the methods utilize intelligent software objects which exhibit automatic adaptive optimization behavior. The systems and the methods can be used to automatically manage hydrocarbon production in accordance with one or more production management goals using one or more adaptable software models of the production processes.

Abstract: Process for setting controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) of a state controller (SC) which, together with a plant (PL), forms a closed control circuit (C). The controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) are variable only in such manner that, in a representation of the poles (P1 . . . P5) of the closed control circuit (C) in a complex frequency range plane (FP, IM, RE), the setting of the controller parameters causes a shift of the poles (P1 . . . P5) approximately along semi-circular arcs (K) and/or origin rays (A1 . . . A3). It is advantageous that according to the process of the invention the setting of the controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) of the state controller (SC) can be performed by setting predetermined setting parameters that are, from a control-technological standpoint, easily understandable and recognizable. Such parameters are, for example, amplitude factor (&kgr;), rise time (&mgr;), or transient recovery time (t).

Abstract: A method for dispatching available lots to unallocated machines is provided that includes receiving metrics data (26) providing performance measurements for a plurality of machines (18). The method next provides for determining a state for each of the machines (18) based on the metrics data (26). The method next provides for receiving one or more lots (22) to be dispatched where each lot (22) has a lot type and each lot type is associated with one of a plurality of models. The method next provides for selecting a preferred lot type (50) for each of the plurality of models associated with each of the machines (18) based on the state of the machine. The method next provides for selecting a preferred model (52) based on a time since a last run of the model, a cost of switching to a new model and lot type, and the state of the machine (18).

Abstract: An automated turnout system is provided for controlling water flow through a turnout gate. The system determines the water flow parameters of the open channel and adjusts the size of the gate opening accordingly. The turnout system includes a flow measurement structure such as weir or flume, a water level sensor for measuring the water level at the flow measurement structure, a flow control gate, an actuator for adjusting the gate and a position sensor for determining the gate setting. A controller determines the proper gate setting based on inputs from the water level sensor and position sensor. The system provides a low cost, practical way to control outflow under varying canal water levels so as to improve irrigation operations.

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: In order to perform precise time-gain control using a small manual setting device, one of two-dimensional coordinates of a position on a surface of a tablet pointer 215 which an external object touches is defined as a coordinate on a time axis, and the other as a coordinate on a gain axis; and the time gain is controlled based on the two-dimensional coordinates. In order to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that responds to the requirement for both portability and versatility, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises a portable imaging apparatus 100 comprising ultrasonic imaging means, and a support apparatus 500 which comprises supporting means for supporting extension of functions of the imaging apparatus, and which is electrically connected to and mechanically joined to the imaging apparatus so that it can be removably combined with the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that predicts operational parameters for all unit operations in water treatment plants or the like. Initial training with historical operations data, for example, allows the system and method to develop equations that can in turn predict the present and future performance of the plant in real time. In addition, the system and method can control operations of the plant in real time. The system improves the performance of the plant to meet predetermined subpoints of various parameters. For example, the predetermined subpoints can be used to enable the plant to meet regulatory needs while controlling for other parameters such as cost, chemical fees, flow rates and power consumption. The system and method include a non-linear predictive model for turbidity. The system considers the influent water quality and analyzes treatment options available to predict the dose of various chemicals required to get desired treatment.

Abstract: A constrained non-linear approximator for empirical process control is disclosed. The approximator constrains the behavior of the derivative of a subject empirical model without adversely affecting the ability of the model to represent generic non-linear relationships. There are three stages to developing the constrained non-linear approximator. The first stage is the specification of the general shape of the gain trajectory or base non-linear function which is specified graphically, algebraically or generically and is used as the basis for transfer functions used in the second stage. The second stage of the invention is the interconnection of the transfer functions to allow non-linear approximation. The final stage of the invention is the constrained optimization of the model coefficients such that the general shape of the input/output mappings (and their corresponding derivatives) are conserved.

Abstract: A method for automatically converting print jobs stored in printshop job description language (PSDL) files into workflow for a specific printshop is disclosed. A print job stored in a PSDL file is extracted from the PSDL file and used to generate a proposed workflow and accompanying job cost estimate. The workflow generated by the illustrated embodiment merges the job resource requirements of the print job with the resource and material availability of the printshop. The generated workflow and an accompanying job cost estimate for producing the workflow in the printshop are transmitted to the original job submitter for approval prior to beginning the printing process. Alternately, the job submitter is capable of submitting the print job in PSDL format to a printshop via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices, program products for optimizing the response of a process system comprising K variables (x, y), wherein the invention comprises the steps of using an optimization algorithm to calculate the vertices of a simplex, polyhedron or hyperpolyhedron; defining a minimum step size (xmin, ymin) and/or a maximum step size (xmax, ymax) for at least one of said variables (x, y); repositioning said calculated new vertices (R,C, CR, CW, E) if a step size projected in the direction of said least one variable (x, y) between said new vertex or vertices (R, C, CR, CW, E) and a predefined or calculated or selected point or line or plane or hyperplane is less than said minimum step size (xmin, ymin) and/or greater than said maximum step size (xmax, ymax); and setting the control variables to the values of the calculated vertex or values of the calculated vertices which give a step size greater than the minimum step sizes and/or give a step size less than the maximum step sizes.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives process signals. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value and a rule. Computing circuitry calculates a statistical parameter of the process signal and operates on the statistical parameter and the stored nominal value based upon the stored rule and responsively provides an event output based upon the operation.

Abstract: A supply chain system including a first interface operable to allow a first individual to input first information associated with an item and a second interface operable to allow a second individual to input second information associated with a first processing of the item, wherein the first interface and the second interface are coupled to each other via a network connection. Further, a method for tracing an item as the item progresses along a supply chain including associating first information with the item at a stage in the supply chain and associating second information and the first information with another item including the item at another stage in the supply chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a process control system, in which displays describing the status of a process (1) can be selected with a terminal (4). A display-specific text field (6a) is connected to one or more displays or display portions, in which text field (6a) additional information related to the display can be written with the terminal (4) in the operating environment of the process control system. The invention also relates to a process control system, which is connected in a control communication with a process (1) and which comprises a terminal (4) which is in connection with user interface software (3) for selecting displays (5) describing the status of the process, display-specific text fields (6a) being connected to the displays.

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: In the present invention, control amounts are input from plural sensors. Good/bad determination is performed to determine whether all deviations of control amount variables are within tolerable ranges. If a determination result is “bad”, it is determined whether a position in a control amount deviation space is present in success experiences learnt at this time point. If there is the experience, a learning control using the operation amount of the success experience is executed. Otherwise, the operation amount is determined based on an adaptive control.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a system and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines.

Abstract: The control unit sets up the center and an insensitive zone of a zoom seesaw switch provided in a drive unit of an ENG lens by an electrical processing. The control unit is capable of dispensing with a mechanical adjustment of the center and the insensitive zone of the zoom seesaw switch in assembling the product, and the assembly of the product is thus simplified. On turning on a center setting switch while the zoom seesaw switch is released from the operation, an operational position of the zoom seesaw switch at that time is accurately set as the center that brings the moving rapidity of the zoom lens to zero. On setting an insensitive zone size by an insensitive zone setup device, the moving rapidity of the zoom lens becomes zero whenever the operational position of the zoom seesaw switch is within the insensitive zone. Any of these settings is carried out by a processing of a CPU.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing unwanted vibration in motion system are provided using a Robust Vibration Suppression (RVS) methodology, in which acceleration frequency spectra are obtained for each of a number of command input functions developed for moving a load a specified distance within a specified move time interval using an actuator. The frequency spectra comprise peaks, with notches defined between adjacent peaks. A desirable command input function is one with a frequency spectra having either a notch with a maximum width or a peak with a minimum magnitude relative to frequency spectra associated with other command input functions, or, alternatively, a peak with a magnitude of less than or equal to a pre-established magnitude or a frequency notch having a width greater than or equal to a pre-established width. A suitable command input function may be characterized by a ramp function, a cosine function, a sine function, or a combination thereof.