Abstract: A control unit of a system stabilization device uses a fluctuation detection block (60) to determine fluctuation components included in the active component and reactive component currents of a system current and fluctuation components included in the frequency signal and the amplitude signal of a system voltage. The high frequency cut-off of the fluctuation detection block (60) is set to be f1; the low frequency cut-off is set to be f2. The fluctuation detection block (60) is composed of a low-pass filter (61) with a time constant of T1, a low-pass filter (62) with a time constant of T2, a subtracter (63) which outputs the difference, between the output signals of the filter (61) and the filter (62), and a feedback circuit (64) which provides feedback on the output of the subtracter (63) to the filters (61, 62). Thus, stability is ensured without using a current detector.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. The control system including both a combustion optimization system and an oxygen optimization system. Both the combustion optimization system and oxygen optimization system each including a model for predicting values of controlled variables and an optimizer for determining optimal setpoint values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing a business's profitability. A system for analyzing customer profitability includes an interface for receiving customer, revenue and cost data from external business operating systems. Customer, revenue, and cost data are stored on a database. A data transformation module operates on the customer data, allocating revenue and costs to individual customers. A customer profitability engine calculates the profitability of customers based on the allocated revenue and cost data. A report module generates reports illustrating the profitability results and other key performance indicators. Optionally, an average customer lifetime value may be calculated based on the customer profitability results. A method for analyzing customer profitability includes identifying sources of revenue, identifying sources of costs, and establishing rules for allocating revenue and costs to individual customers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimization of facility locations are disclosed, for example, wireless telecommunications facility locations. Among a plurality of cluster points, corresponding to wireless customers, optimal locations are determined for a predetermined number of cluster centers, each cluster center having a predetermined cluster radius that defines a cluster area. Among a plurality of cluster points, optimal facility locations are determined for a variable number of cluster centers, each cluster center having a minimum acceptable economic value.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for aggregating an energy service from a group of loads with time-varying operating cycles are described. This aggregation may be performed by an aggregator, which provides the energy service to a power-system operator. In particular, for a desired demand response, a demand-response mechanism may modify a demand response of a given load by mapping an initial operating cycle of the load before a demand-response event to a final operating cycle. In addition, the demand-response mechanism may transition the given load to a new operating cycle associated with the demand-response event using a temporal set-point trajectory. This aggregation technique may ensure that a distribution of phases of the group of loads is, on average, uncorrelated with each other, either by preserving or modifying the distribution of phases prior to the demand-response event.

Abstract: A utility consumption optimization mechanism may determine an optimized period for consuming a utility based on several input parameters and several constraints. The optimization mechanism may determine an optimum consumption time and cause a device to consume the utility during that time. A schema may define various parameters that may be passed to a rate calculation mechanism, and the optimization mechanism may use the rate calculation mechanism to find an optimized consumption schedule for a particular application. The optimization mechanism may be implemented as an embedded controller in a consuming device, as a web service that may be available through an Internet connection, or in other embodiments.

Abstract: One method includes obtaining a preliminary model associated with a system to be controlled and constructing a weighted model using one or more weighting factors. The method also includes identifying a final model of the system using the preliminary and weighted models, where the final model has a stability margin that is greater than an uncertainty associated with the final model. The method further includes controlling the system using a controller designed based on the final model. Another method includes identifying a first model associated with a system to be controlled, performing model order reduction to identify a second model, and controlling the system using a controller designed based on the second model. Performing the model order reduction includes reducing a weighted coprime factor model uncertainty between the first and second models.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling police pursuing a vehicle to slow the vehicle down via short range wireless communication with the vehicle. The process can be carried out with or without involvement of a call center that provides telematics services to the vehicle. The method involves configuring the vehicle to accept a slowdown command, confirming the target vehicle at a pursuing police vehicle, establishing the short range connection between the police vehicle and target vehicle, and slowing the target vehicle by sending it the slowdown command over the wireless connection. The call center can enable or disable the slowdown service according to the vehicle owner's wishes.

Abstract: A method and system of determining tuning parameters for use in tuning a controller used in a process control loop for a motor and associated load. The method includes providing tuning parameters, applying an excitation test signal, receiving frequency response data to determine phase and gain margins, creating an instability region defined by a bounded area that connects the phase and gain margins with a boundary on a gain vs. phase plot, assigning and applying cost functions, and computing stability determinations.

Abstract: Approximating cycle times within a material flow network is disclosed. One embodiment includes assigning an approximate cycle time for completion of a part number PN within the material flow network by using a model that rounds the approximate cycle time to a nearest aggregate time period and adjusting the assigned approximate cycle time based on a mathematical function representing an aggregate accuracy of an aggregation of cycle times throughout the material flow network.

Abstract: A control system and method to create an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled automatic gain control loop for encasing a desired cost value in a utility derived consumer controlled pricing envelope. A customer uses a web browser to view billing estimates for the current month as well as related months. The customer can set limits on the actual billing amount for the upcoming month and make adjustments to this amount if it seems unrealistic in the coming month. Control event actions are carried out to limit power usage within preferences set by the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process-optimizing device, particularly a manufacturing execution system device. Such a process-optimizing MES device is mounted between an enterprise production planning system, especially an enterprise resource planning device, and a control system, particularly a process instrumentation and control device. The inventive MES device comprises at least one optimization unit for influencing one or several process parameters of the control system, especially the PLT device, at least one data-determining unit for monitoring the process parameter/s, and at least one evaluation unit for automatically determining an optimization of the process parameter/s, which is created by the optimization unit/s.

Abstract: Predictive cost reduction based on a thermodynamic model, in which parameters associated with a process are accessed. The parameters include a quantity of units of work-in-process at first and second times, and first and second constants respectively indicative of growth between the first and second times, and of a translated reduction of the work-in-process to a reduction of cost. A thermodynamic model is applied to the accessed parameters, and a predictive cost reduction associated with an improvement of the process based on applying the thermodynamic model is output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring performance of an industrial process includes a service portal for collecting, transmitting and analyzing parameter data from process field devices that includes a network connection that connects to a process control system of the industrial process, a remote collector that collects parameter data from process field devices, a processor that identifies, sorts, and stores the collected parameter data and a communications module for transmitting the stored parameter data to a remote monitoring station for analysis.

Abstract: A factory, an apparatus, and methods of using an in situ finishing information for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Changes or improvements to cost of manufacture of a workpiece using current in-process cost of manufacture information, tracked current in-process cost of manufacture information, or current cost of manufacture parameters are discussed. Appreciable changes to quality or cost of manufacture of a workpiece using tracking, using in-process tracked information, networks including a multiplicity of apparatus, and using in situ finishing information are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve real-time process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve feedforward and feedback control are discussed. The workpieces can be tracked individually or by process group such as a process batch.

Abstract: A method for creating a generated data set(s) for use in process capability calculations that mimics the statistics of a raw data set is presented. The method includes the steps of inputting desirable statistics and generating numbers from theoretical statistical distributions. This generated data can be combined with other generated data and used to calculate global process capabilities. In addition, the global process capabilities can be used to accept or reject supplier(s) from a list of suppliers. An apparatus for implementing the method outlined above comprising raw data statistics, number generating algorithm(s) and storage medium(s) is also presented.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for controlling and optimizing the operation of a process having a plurality of independently controlled, manipulated variables and at least one controlled variable dependent on the manipulated variables. The system, method and program input specified constraints for a linear program optimizer to target, calculate a set of objective function coefficients based on the inputted specified constraints, and generate a plurality of combinations of manipulated and controlled variables. The system, method and program also test each generated combination for changed values that cause the linear program optimizer to target different constraints than the inputted specified constraints, and adjust the calculated set of objective function coefficients so that the linear program optimizer targets the specified constraints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parameter associated with operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. An optimizer determines optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables used to operate the power generating unit by accessing a model that predicts a parameter sensed by a plurality of sensors. The optimizer uses the model to minimize a cost valve of a cost function while observing at least one constraint associated with operation of the power generating unit.

Abstract: A method includes determining how to adjust one or more manipulated variables using at least one model. The one or more manipulated variables are associated with a supply of conditioned air for drying one or more objects. The method also includes generating one or more control signals to control one or more controlled variables associated with the supply of conditioned air. The one or more controlled variables include temperature, dewpoint, and/or humidity of the conditioned air. The one or more manipulated variables include a flow of heated material (like steam) used to condition the conditioned air. The one or more manipulated variables could also include a number of active units in a humidifier. Generating the one or more control signals could include accumulating adjustments associated with the humidifier and generating a control signal to alter the number of active units in the humidifier when the accumulated adjustments exceed a threshold.

Abstract: The solution from a multivariable predictive controller (MPC) is analyzed and described by providing quantitative input to operators regarding the effect of changing controller limits on the MPC controller solution. This information allows a rapid operator response to changes and more optimal process operation.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing a manufacturing process so as to reduce toxic waste in the process. In an embodiment, the method includes: describing the manufacturing process using a plurality of nodes, each node representing a component or a process; connecting the plurality of nodes with directed edges to form a directed graph, the directed graph representing possible manufacturing process flows from a begin node to an end node; assigning to each edge a value representative of a cost resulting from toxic waste generated by a component or process; and determining a shortest path from the begin node to the end node in the directed graph to identify manufacturing process flow having a minimum cost.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for optimizing consumption of one or more resources are presented. For example, a method that may be implemented on a processor device and includes obtaining user preferences for the consumption of resources that include water and electricity, predicting the consumption of, and a first metric for the consumption of, the resources for each of a plurality of first time periods, determining a projected second metric for the consumption of the resources during a second time period according to the predicted consumption and the predicted first metric, and optimizing the consumption of the resources according to the projected second metric and the user preferences. The second time period includes the plurality of first time periods. The first metric is associated with the user preferences and at least one of the plurality of first time periods. The second metric indicates full or partial projected attainment of the preferences during the second time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: A method for determining the seam location for each layer of a multilayer radome for use with an array antenna includes the steps of quantizing the radome thickness, and forming an image of the quantized thickness vs. line array position. Seam locations are assigned for an original population, and a genetic algorithm is iterated to optimize a cost function. The cost function is the level of all sidelobes other than the main lobe. The result of the genetic algorithm is an optimized set of seam locations. The radome is built with the seam locations corresponding to the optimized locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer program product for managing granularity of a computing infrastructure, wherein the program, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to: identify at least one set of service functions suited to characterization by one or more sets of metrics; create a representation of at least one supplied functionality for the set of service functions for input to a formal process; characterize at least one rule and at least one constraint for input to the formal process; determine at least one set of metrics for evaluating the service functions; quantify benefits associated with at least one of the sets of service functions using the set of metrics; and provide one or more of the sets of service functions as output, wherein the output is based on the metrics determining the output by use of the formal process. Systems and infrastructure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for designing a video processor with a variable and programmable bitwidth parameter. The method comprises selecting logical operations having propagation delay that scales linearly with the bitwidth; determining a desired tradeoff curve; and grouping instances of a logic operation having same properties; for a single instance of each logic operation, matching an actual curve of the logic operation to the desired tradeoff curve, wherein the actual curve is determined by the propagation delay and bitwidth of the logic operation.

Abstract: A goal or desired output can be stated in terms of a high-level overview in a natural language or other format. The high-level overview can be automatically partitioned into steps to be performed in order to achieve the stated goal, such as by interpreting terms within the overview, analyzing definitions, historical data or other information. Each step can be dynamically assigned to various resources distributed throughout an environment. Such resources can include agents or other machinery that are selected based on a multitude of criteria including location, availability, performance level as well as other factors. If needed, the resources can be dynamically balanced in order to achieve the desired output while mitigating wasted resources.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming a print shop configuration with a first set of equipment, the first set of equipment being derived from a second set of equipment from a first print shop and a third set of equipment from a second print shop. The system includes a manager and application, the manager and application working together to generate a list of at least some of all possible print shop configurations that could be formed with a selected number of cells. The cells are populated with selected pieces of equipment from the second and third sets of multiple pieces of equipment. A criterion is used to select, from the list of possible print shop configurations, the print shop configuration with the first set of equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: Battery charging control methods, electrical vehicle charging methods, battery charging control apparatus, and electrical vehicles are described. In one arrangement, battery charging control methods include accessing price information for electrical energy supplied by an electrical power distribution system and controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy from the electrical power distribution system used to charge a rechargeable battery at different moments in time using the price information. Other arrangements are described.

Abstract: A process control system includes economic models disposed in communication with process control modules, as well as with sources of economic data, such as cost, throughput and profit data, and uses the economic models to determine useful economic parameters or information associated with the actual operation of the process plant at the time the plant is operating. The economic models can be used to provide financial statistics such as profitability, cost of manufactured product, etc. in real time based on the actual current operating state of the process and the business data associated with the finished product, raw materials, etc. These financial statistics can be used to drive alarms and alerts within the process network and be used as inputs to process plant optimizers, etc. to provide for better or more optimal control of the process and to provide a better understanding of the conditions which lead to maximum profitability of the plant.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product for adjusting cooling settings. The computer implemented method comprises analyzing a set of instructions of an application to determine a number of degrees by which a set of instructions will raise a temperature of at least one processor core. The computer implemented method further calculates a cooling setting for at least one cooling system for the at least one processor core. The computer implemented method adjusts the at least one cooling system based on the cooling setting. The step of analyzing the set of instructions is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core. The step of adjusting the at least one cooling system is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming a print shop configuration with a first set of equipment, the first set of equipment being derived from a second set of equipment from a first print shop and a third set of equipment from a second print shop. The system includes a print shop configuration manager for determining whether a selected relationship exists between (1), one or more sets of job requirements and at least one of a set of print processing related cells or (2) two sets of print processing related cells. A possible print shop configuration may be discarded or prioritized, based on the existence of the selected relationship.

Abstract: An adapter for use with vehicle-mounted electronics includes an adapter body further including an input section having at least one main input terminal to which a video signal or audio signal is supplied and at least one secondary input terminal to which a video signal or audio signal is supplied, an output section having an output terminal from which a video signal or audio signal is delivered, a switching element switching an output signal from the input section between the main input terminal side and the secondary input terminal side, and a control section controlling the switching element. The control section includes a detector detecting a signal supplied to the secondary input terminal side. The control section controls the switching element based on signal detection by the detector so that the output signal from the input section is switched from the main input terminal side to the secondary input terminal side.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-goal path planning of welding robots with automatic sequencing. Input parameters associated with a number of goal points are obtained. The robot is moved through the multiple goal points based on the obtained inputs. One or more allowed cyclic paths are identified based on the obtained inputs. Weights are assigned to pre-defined attributes for path segments for each of the allowed cyclic paths. A cumulative score based on the values and assigned weights of the pre-defined attributes is calculated. An optimal path for the movement of robot across the goal points is identified based on the cumulative score.

Abstract: A method for revenue management using location based services includes setting a static offering price of an offered product and monitoring a geographic sales region for at least one potential customer. The offering price may be optimized into a targeted price based on at least one dynamic attribute of the one potential customer and distributed to the at least one potential customer. A system for implementing the disclosed method includes a communication network, at least one communication device operable therewith and associated with a potential customer, and a processor configured to communicate with the communication device using the communication network that has a computer readable medium including instructions for controlling the processor.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computerized method for determining customer service impact. The method includes receiving item orders having a requested completion date. The method also includes scheduling a scheduled completion date for each item order. The method also includes selecting at least one item order, each item order having a scheduled completion date. The method also includes comparing the scheduled completion date with the requested completion date for each selected item order. The method also includes deriving a customer service measurement for each selected item order based on the comparing step. The method can include the optional step of reporting and/or displaying customer service measurement data. In general, in another aspect, the invention relates to a system for determining customer service impact that performs the method steps just described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a power generating plant using artificial intelligence techniques. One or more decisions D are determined for at least one consecutive time increment, where at least one of the decisions D is associated with a discrete variable for the operation of a power plant device in the power generating plant. In an illustrated embodiment, the power plant device is a soot cleaning device associated with a boiler.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having computer-controlled equipment, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for generating an optimized solution for a process in a manufacturing under a set of constraints. A solution is evaluated under the set of constraints and first violation metrics and first states corresponding to one or more solution elements are generated, based on at least one constraint. At least one candidate solution is generated from the solution. Thereafter, the candidate solution is evaluated at one or more change-points and the solution elements positioned subsequent to the change points. Subsequently, the candidate solution is accepted based on the acceptance criterion. The selected candidate solution is then evaluated again a pre-defined number of times to generate the optimized solution.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having computer-controlled equipment, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having computer-controlled equipment, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having computer-controlled equipment, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: A control system and method for achieving economic operation of CHP systems. A plurality of factors, including power source prices and operational needs, are assessed using multiple strategies. The solutions achieved by each strategy are compared, and the best performing strategy is selected. The solution can then be implemented. The assessment of factors and strategies can be updated periodically. A further embodiment includes a method of designing a CHP system using similar methods applied to simulated or estimated future loads and costs.

Abstract: A method for negotiating a purchase price for an assembled good to be delivered to a purchaser is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes storing a value representing an estimated number of assembled goods desired for delivery in a particular time period, and using a computer program to estimate an optimal number of setups per the time period and an optimal order quantity per setup, based on the value and other stored information, and based on automatic calculations by the computer program. The method further includes automatically estimating an optimal should-cost purchase price for the assembled good based on the value, the estimated optimal number of setups, and the estimated optimal order quantity, and using the estimated optimal should-cost purchase price to negotiate a final purchase price for the assembled good.