Plural Modes Patents (Class 700/40)
  • Patent number: 11650595
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a worksite plan to be executed by at least one machine at a worksite from a computing device of a supervising entity, the controller being located at a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) location with respect to the worksite. The worksite plan may include a boundary of the worksite at which the worksite plan is implemented, at least one task defining the worksite plan, and a selection of at least one machine to perform the task. The method may include receiving a validation signal from a device located at the worksite, the validation indicating that the worksite is ready for implementation of the worksite plan based on at least one parameter of worksite readiness. The method may include selecting a first mode of operation of the machine to perform the task and transmitting first instructions to the machine to perform the task based on the first mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gautham Subramanian, Mark William Whiting
  • Patent number: 11617303
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically controlling a height of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, the height of the implement relative to the ground surface. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, an implement height error by comparing the height of the implement with a predetermined target height. The method may also include calculating, with the one or more computing devices, a proportional signal based on the implement height error raised to a power greater than one. The method may also include adjusting, with the one or more computing devices, the height of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the proportional signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Seiders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10924338
    Abstract: A network control system within an industrial processing facility (IPF) includes a controller platforms coupled to one another by a private path redundancy network providing a controller pool, each controller platform having at least one controller including computing hardware and a memory. An application module (AM) pool includes a plurality of AMs, wherein the controller platforms are coupled by an input/output mesh network to input/output devices coupled to field devices that are coupled to processing equipment in the IPF. A control application module orchestrator (CAMO) coupled to the plant-wide network is for dynamically deploying the AM's to the controller platforms, wherein the CAMO receives resource consumption attribute data regarding the controller platforms including a pool of available storage in the memory and processing resources available for the computer hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John Rosa-Bian, Joseph Pradeep Felix, Paul Francis McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 9851118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for autotuning a HVAC system controller. The method may include receiving a performance coefficient and providing a step-input using an autotuner relay to measure ultimate gain and ultimate period in a controlled HVAC system. The method may also include adjusting the ultimate gain and ultimate period to account for a relay hysteresis, and applying a tuning rule to derive a proportional gain and an integral time for a controller of the HVAC system control loop. The method may further include updating the controller with the proportional gain and integral time, and verifying the proportional gain and integral time. Verifying the proportional gain and integral time may include setting a performance envelope having a tightness related to the performance coefficient, applying a step-input to provoke a closed-loop response, and comparing the closed loop response with the performance envelope to determine whether the closed-loop response is within the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Futao Zhao, Junqiang Fan, Stevo Mijanovic
  • Patent number: 9119652
    Abstract: A medical robotic system has a joint coupled to medical device or a slave manipulator or robotic arm adapted to hold and/or move the medical device for performing a medical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the joint according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes at least one joint controller having a sliding mode control for reducing stick-slip behavior on its controlled joint during fine motions of the joint. The sliding mode control computes a distance to a sliding surface, computes a reaching law gain, and processes the distance and reaching law gain to generate a sliding mode control action that is in absolute value less that a maximum desired feedback control action. The sliding mode control action is then further processed to generate a feedback torque command for the joint motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Giuseppe M. Prisco, David Q. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20150148920
    Abstract: An electronic control unit mounted in an object includes: a rewritable memory of control and reprogramming software; a not-always-on power supply system micro-computer operating in control and reprogramming modes and connected/disconnected with a power source; and an always-on power supply system micro-computer operating in the control and reprogramming modes and constantly connected with the power source. Each micro-computer includes: a first mode determination device determining whether to operate in an on-board mode when the power source starts to supply the electric power; and a second mode determination device determining whether to operate in the reprogramming mode. The always-on power supply system micro-computer includes a first transition device that detects a change in a power supply state of the not-always-on power supply system micro-computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuhiko HARADA, Shizuo MANABE, Satoshi SHIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20150134084
    Abstract: In automatic control systems, the Integral action term is used primarily to prevent any continued deviation from the set-point, and concomitantly to secure a bump-less transfer from manual control to automatic control. However, there are serious set-backs when using this term. Hence, unless the control system is required to maintain a process at the exact set-point, it is preferable not to have this term merely to secure a bump-less transfer from manual control to automatic control. The present invention is a novel method of securing a bump-less transfer for proportional action controllers that prefer not to have the integral action term for level controls when the system is on continuous control, due to its propensity to cause overflows, which can sometimes lead to disastrous oil-spills. The method used calls for an additional term, which I have called as a Bump-less Transfer ‘BT(t)’ term, to be included in the control algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Jesubatham Pakianathan
  • Publication number: 20150120006
    Abstract: Provided are a communication apparatus, a communication relay apparatus, a communication method and a communication system, which prevent an apparatus from continuing to operate in an undesired operation state, if a communication failure occurs when remote control is performed. The communication apparatus which is connectable with a server through a wired or wireless network and remotely operable by the server, includes a holding unit that holds information as to whether the communication apparatus is in a state of being remotely operated by a certain method; a determination unit that determines whether communication between the communication apparatus and the server is possible or not; and a control unit that causes the communication apparatus to be shifted to a predetermined operation state, when the holding unit holds information indicating a state of being remotely operated and the determination unit determines that communication between the communication apparatus and the server is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Terashima, Takayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9008807
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of Advanced Process Control for optimal operation of multi-unit plants in large scale processing and power generation industries. The invention framework includes the following components: continuous real time dynamic process simulation, automatic coefficient adjustment of dynamic and static process models, automatic construction of transfer functions, determination of globally optimal operating point specific to current conditions, provision of additional optimal operating scenarios through a variety of unit combinations, and calculation of operational forecasts in accordance with planned production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Statistics & Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Shapiro, Ilya Markevich, Dmitriy Khots
  • Publication number: 20150088278
    Abstract: An electronic device including a physical button, a processing unit and a sensing unit is provided. The processing unit is coupled to the physical button and the sensing unit is coupled to the processing unit. When the electronic device enters a hibernation mode or in a shutdown state, the sensing unit continuously detects a wake-up signal. When receiving the wake-up signal, the sensing unit wakes up the processing unit. The sensing unit further receives an instruction signal externally, generates an instruction information according to the instruction signal, and sends the instruction information to the processing unit. When receiving the instruction information, the processing unit adjusts a corresponding function of the physical button according to the instruction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Yen Chang, Chia-Jen Shu
  • Publication number: 20150081047
    Abstract: A central processing unit of a control device includes: a control calculation unit that performs calculation on the basis of storage content of a nonvolatile storage unit and controls a machine; an update unit that accepts operation input in a first maintenance mode or a second maintenance mode, which has a narrower operable range than the first maintenance mode, and updates the storage content of the nonvolatile storage unit in accordance with the operation input; a security management unit that determines permission or prohibition of the operation input in the first maintenance mode with the use of a hardware key; and a security management unit that determines permission or prohibition of the operation input in the second maintenance mode without the use of the hardware key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yumie KUBOTA, Kiyoshi HIRAKAWA, Yuichi HARUKI
  • Publication number: 20150051716
    Abstract: A control signal protection device protects a current-receiving field device from an undesirable interruption in a control signal provided to the field device. The control signal protection device includes a first terminal to connect the signal protection device to a control system and a second terminal that connects the control signal protection device to a field device. The control signal device further includes a power storing element for temporary accumulation of electric energy and a switching circuit for controlling operational mode of the signal protection device. Electric energy is stored in the power storing element in a first operational mode. Electric energy stored in the power storing element is supplied to a positive terminal in the second terminal pair in a second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Seberger
  • Publication number: 20150002866
    Abstract: A media processing system 91 includes a host computer 92 having a control device control unit 108 as an application execution unit that runs an application that generates and outputs information for processing a medium, and a transmission unit that transmits the information output by the application; and a printer 1 having a communication unit that receives information transmitted by the transmission unit, a print mechanism 64 that based on the information performs an operation in a first operating mode or a second operating mode that is different from the first operating mode, and a media processing device control unit 100 that selects the first operating mode or the second operating mode based on the application that generated the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Toshiaki Koike, Takako Kasuga, Yuya Iwasa, Kiyomi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20140324194
    Abstract: Arrangement and methods for communicating data between a control system (100) of a power tool (10) and a computing device (20). The arrangement (1) comprises a control system (100) with a plurality of electronic control units, ECUs (110, 120), a computing device (20), and a connecting unit (30) comprising a data connection (32). The plurality of ECUs (110, 120) are connected to a common bus of the control system (100). Each of the plurality of ECUs (110, 120) has a passive service mode (201) and an active service mode (202). The computing device is operable of transmitting a wake-up communication signal to the plurality of ECUs (110, 120), which wake-up communication signal comprises an ID of a selected ECU (110, 120) out of the plurality of ECUs (110, 120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Mikael Larsson, Björn Lundblad, Johan Assargård, Henrik Eklund
  • Patent number: 8868250
    Abstract: In one implementation, an environmental controller operates a cooling system in an electronic device. The environmental controller includes a closed loop control system for operating a cooling fan at a target speed. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on one or more temperature sensors. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on the speeds of additional fans or the fans may be controlled in unison. The closed loop control system includes a proportional weight. When a measured cooling fan speed deviates from the target speed by more than a threshold error value, the proportional weight is constant. As the measured cooling fan speed approaches the target speed, and the threshold error value is crossed, the proportional weight is variable. The variance may be a function of time such as a periodic stair step function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels-Peder Mosegaard Jensen, Joseph Dean Jaoudi
  • Publication number: 20140297003
    Abstract: An input device includes a touch panel and a control unit. The touch panel is configured to be switched between a normal operation mode and a special operation mode. The control unit is configured to control the touch panel. In the special operation mode, the control unit is configured to: generate a special-operation-mode-based input portion based on a continuous contact with the touch panel; and accept a release of the continuous contact with the touch panel as an input to the special-operation-mode-based input portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi NAKAO
  • Patent number: 8718799
    Abstract: A method and system for process control configuration changes are described. In one embodiment, a method for switching from a first control algorithm to a second control algorithm in a continuous process control system is described. The method, in the one embodiment, includes executing the first control algorithm, determining to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm, and executing the second control algorithm. For at least a first execution of the second control algorithm, at least one state variable used in the second control algorithm is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith George McNab
  • Publication number: 20140088735
    Abstract: A control device capable of appropriately switching operating modes when multitasking is being performed is provided. A CPU unit is provided with a task executing unit for executing a plurality of tasks in parallel, and for executing each task in cycles based on each task; and a mode switching unit for switching operating modes. The task executing unit is configured in such a manner that when in operation mode, a user program is executed for each task, and when in program mode, a user program is not executed for each task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Hamasaki, Shigeyuki Eguchi, Akiro Kobayashi, Yukio Iname, Koji Yaoita
  • Patent number: 8676356
    Abstract: A system and method for determining unknown values of certain motor parameters includes a motor input device connectable to an electric motor having associated therewith values for known motor parameters and an unknown value of at least one motor parameter. The motor input device includes a processing unit that receives a first input from the electric motor comprising values for the known motor parameters for the electric motor and receive a second input comprising motor data on a plurality of reference motors, including values for motor parameters corresponding to the known motor parameters of the electric motor and values for motor parameters corresponding to the at least one unknown motor parameter value of the electric motor. The processor determines the unknown value of the at least one motor parameter from the first input and the second input and determines a motor management strategy for the electric motor based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Bin Lu, Ting Yan
  • Patent number: 8649884
    Abstract: A model predictive controller (MPC) for controlling physical processes includes a non-linear control section that includes a memory that stores a non-linear (NL) model that is coupled to a linearizer that provides at least one linearized model, and a linear control section that includes a memory that stores a linear model. A controller engine is coupled to receive both the linearized model and linear model. The MPC includes a switch that in one position causes the controller engine to operate in a linear mode utilizing the linear model to implement linear process control and in another position causes the controller engine to operate in a NL mode utilizing the linearized model to implement NL process control. The switch can be an automatic switch configured for automatically switching between linear process control and NL process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ward MacArthur, Ranganathan Srinivasan, Sriram Hallihole, Madhukar Madhavamurthy Gundappa, Sanjay Kantilal Dave, Sujit Gaikwad, Sachi Dash
  • Patent number: 8644992
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for controlling operation of a washing machine motor. Different control algorithms may be used during different time periods of operation of the motor where each algorithm is configured to provide different operating characteristics of the motor based on the needs of the washing machine system. The method and apparatus both provide for changing from one motor control algorithm to another algorithm while the motor is spinning. For certain type motors, a time period may be established between operation of the motor under a first or second control algorithms where no energy is supplied to the motor but the motor is permitted to continue to spin. During this period of time for these type motors, magnetic fields in the motor are permitted to subside prior to application of the second control algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Dean Suel, II
  • Publication number: 20130331957
    Abstract: The invention discloses an information control method and an electronic device. The information control method is applied to a first electronic device, and the first electronic device is connected with a second electronic device. The method includes: detecting feature information of the first electronic device according to a connection relation between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and controlling the first electronic device according to the feature information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Xiang Shao, Jinping Yang, Qing Liu
  • Patent number: 8606377
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system for process control has two operating modes: normal mode and active procedure mode, with automatic transition between them. In normal mode, the operating system, firewall and anti-virus are fully operational. When entering a time-critical phase of a process, a process control application signals the operating system and utilities, whereupon transition to active procedure mode automatically occurs, in which access by the system services and by other applications to the resources of the computer is selectively limited in favor of the process control application. Upon completion of the procedure, the system automatically returns to normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Mati Amit, Yitzhack Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20130325150
    Abstract: At least one electrical device with a control unit can be operated in a recording mode and an operating mode. In the recording mode, the point in time and the form in which the at least one electrical device is operated are recorded. Corresponding operating data are provided and saved with the time data corresponding to the point in time. The time data lie within a memory time interval. A switch point is recorded at which the control unit is switched from the recording mode to the operating mode, and a changeover point within the memory time interval is assigned to this switch point. In the operating mode, the saved operation data and time data are read and the at least one electrical device is operated, dependent on the saved operation data and time data starting at the changeover point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Henryk Bury
  • Patent number: 8554421
    Abstract: A vehicle having a dynamics control system, the vehicle comprising: a first set comprising multiple adjustable sub-systems that affect the performance of the vehicle's powertrain; a second set comprising multiple adjustable sub-systems that affect the vehicle's handling; a dynamics user interface including a first input device and a second input device; and a dynamics controller coupled to the user interface and configured to adjust the operation of the sub-systems of the first set in dependence on the first input device and to adjust the operation of the sub-systems of the second set in dependence on the second input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: McLaren Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Antony Sheriff, Mark Vinnels, Richard Felton
  • Patent number: 8532891
    Abstract: A system for control of one or more gearshift points, including at least one control unit for controlling a gearbox in a motor vehicle. The engine is connected to, in order to drive, the gearbox, wherein the speed of the engine is controlled by an accelerator pedal which is connected to the engine and gearbox and can assume a plurality of positions. A shift point is controlled by the accelerator pedal and represents an engine speed at which the gearbox effects a downshift or upshift. The system operates in a first mode in which the one or more shift points are controlled on the basis of movements of the accelerator pedal, and also applies a limitation upon the change in the one or more shift points per unit time. Also a method, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product for the system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Swartling
  • Patent number: 8463457
    Abstract: To provide feedback control in a simulation framework, any one of plural output metrics from a simulator of a subterranean structure is selected. A value for the selected output metric is received from the simulator. In response to the received value of the selected output metric and a target value of the selected output metric, at least one setting of the simulator is adjusted by a feedback controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Baris Guyaguler, Andreas Theodoros Papadopoulos, Jonathan Anthony Holmes
  • Patent number: 8406919
    Abstract: A quality regulating apparatus and method is disclosed which operates on a product stream having an incoming product stream quality level so that an outgoing product stream quality level provided by the apparatus follows a target quality level so that it is better than the target quality level providing a maximum yield. The apparatus includes a conveying device, a product stream imager, an inspection engine, a routing engine, and an object diverting station. In operation, the inspection engine and routing engine cooperate in a manner so that objects classified as defective are intentionally passed to the output product stream when their inclusion maintains the quality level of the first output product stream at a level that is better than or equal to the target quality level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Russel A. Hill, Rodney J. Fazzari, Timothy Reardon
  • Patent number: 8373868
    Abstract: A method and device for invoking a set of services corresponding to a plug-in application installed on an image handling device. The method including launching a host application of an image handling device, accessing a configuration file of the image handling device, launching the at least one plug-in based on the information regarding the activation of each service and presenting a graphical interface that includes a graphical indicia of each activated service corresponding to each activated plug-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Ricoh Americas Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kitada
  • Patent number: 8355825
    Abstract: Wind farm, of the kind that comprises a series of wind turbine generators, which consist of a rotor, a generator, a control unit and means of connection to the computing network for the wind farm of which they form part, in such a way that at least two of the wind turbine generators in the farm can assume a leader hierarchy for the wind farm, accessing the operating data of the rest of the wind turbine generators, calculating and sending instructions to the rest of the wind turbine generators making up that wind farm, and a subject hierarchy, receiving and following the instructions coming from the leader wind turbine generator of the wind farm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Oscar Alonso Sádaba, Ricardo Royo García, Miguel Núnez Polo
  • Publication number: 20130004159
    Abstract: A control device includes: a first computing circuit which manipulates a parameter that changes a first characteristic in a processing device on the basis of a result of detecting the first characteristic of the processing device; an updating control circuit which stops the first computing circuit from manipulating the parameter when updating a function of the first computing circuit; an acquisition circuit which acquires relationship information indicating a relationship between an amount to be manipulated for the parameter and the amount of change in a second characteristic of the processing device that changes the first characteristic; and a second computing circuit which manipulates the parameter by an amount to be manipulated based on the relationship information acquired by the acquisition circuit and the amount of change in a result of detecting the second characteristic, while the first computing circuit is stopped from manipulating the parameter by the updating control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takahiro MAKIMOTO, Noriaki Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 8229580
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an operation control module 107p controls an operation status of an electronic apparatus in response to an operation signal from an operation module. A power saving status setting module 107a sets the electronic apparatus into the power saving status when a sensing module 108 does not acquire a preset detection output (user detection). A first power saving status releasing module 107b releases the power saving status of electronic apparatus when the sensing module has acquired the preset detection output (user detection). A second power saving status releasing module 107c releases the power saving status when the operation signal is input from the operation module in the power saving status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuya Ohno
  • Publication number: 20120065745
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for controlling operation of a washing machine motor. Different control algorithms may be used during different time periods of operation of the motor where each algorithm is configured to provide different operating characteristics of the motor based on the needs of the washing machine system. The method and apparatus both provide for changing from one motor control algorithm to another algorithm while the motor is spinning. For certain type motors, a time period may be established between operation of the motor under a first or second control algorithms where no energy is supplied to the motor but the motor is permitted to continue to spin. During this period of time for these type motors, magnetic fields in the motor are permitted to subside prior to application of the second control algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard Dean Suel, II
  • Patent number: 8015334
    Abstract: The invention discloses a power-on signal transmitting system, which includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device and a cable coupled between the two electronic devices. The first electronic device includes a power-on control unit. The second electronic device includes a power-on detection unit. The cable includes at least one information wiring and a signal level wiring. The at least one information wiring is used for transmitting an information signal between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. When the second electronic device is at a power-off state, the power-on control unit of the first electronic device is used for transmitting a power-on signal through the signal level wiring to the second electronic device. The power-on detection unit senses the power-on signal and turns on the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Promise Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Cheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20110125515
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of a mode server is disclosed. The method includes authenticating a medical instrument based on an identifier associated with the medical instrument using a processor. The method includes authenticating a user of the medical instrument based on a password using the processor. The method also includes generating a graphical representation of the medical instrument, and providing a set of rules associated with the medical instrument based on the identifier and the user. In addition, the method includes generating a custom mode of operation of the medical instrument based on a response of the user and creating a name associated with the custom mode of operation. The method further includes automatically programming the medical instrument based on the custom mode, and sharing the custom mode with other users and other medical instruments based on the set of rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Larry Lytle, Alf-Kare Eide Riisnaes, Kip Lytle, Shawn Gab
  • Patent number: 7920929
    Abstract: A method to automatically tune control systems, the method comprising selecting a target loop transfer function for at least one plant subsystem in response to an input excitation, selecting at least one fit-error criterion for a plant subsystem transfer function, and automatically inputting the input excitation and tuning the plant subsystem transfer function to the target loop transfer function. The tuning includes automatically selecting a bandwidth of the plant subsystem transfer function from a plurality of bandwidths determined in accordance with limits of the plant subsystem, inputting the input excitation to the plant subsystem, determining the fit-error of the plant subsystem transfer function to the target loop transfer function in response to the input excitation, and continuing the selecting of a bandwidth in accordance with the fit-error criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sujit V. Gaikwad, Sachi K. Dash, Konstantinos S. Tsakalis
  • Patent number: 7904185
    Abstract: A MEMs-based system (and method), includes a sensor array including at least two sensors providing a basis for ensemble averaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sri M. Sri-Jayantha, Arun Sharma, Hien Dang, Evangelos S. Eleftheriou, Mark A. Lantz, Charalampos Pozidis
  • Publication number: 20110022191
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system for process control has two operating modes: normal mode and active procedure mode, with automatic transition between them. In normal mode, the operating system, firewall and anti-virus are fully operational. When entering a time-critical phase of a process, a process control application signals the operating system and utilities, whereupon transition to active procedure mode automatically occurs, in which access by the system services and by other applications to the resources of the computer is selectively limited in favor of the process control application. Upon completion of the procedure, the system automatically returns to normal mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mati Amit, Yitzhack Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7833485
    Abstract: The sample preparing apparatus comprises a smear forming means for forming a sample smear on a slide glass, a print means for printing sample identification information on a slide glass, a mode selecting means for selecting one operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes including a print mode, and a control means for selectively controlling the print means and the smear forming means. The control means operates the print means without operating the smear forming means when the print mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Higuchi, Hiroshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7818093
    Abstract: Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device may include a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source. The processor may be adapted to generate a command for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may include a transducer, which may receive a control fluid and adjust it in response to the command during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may also maintain the adjusted control fluid at a substantially constant value during the low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 7818276
    Abstract: There is described a method and system for detecting an anomaly in data originating from a component used in an industrial process. The anomaly detection steps comprise: providing predictive models in which at least one of the predictive models corresponds to at least one operating mode from a plurality of operating modes of the component; obtaining operating data from the component, the operating data being indicative of a given operating mode from the operating modes; selecting at least one of the predictive models based on the given operating mode; generating estimated data using the selected at least one predictive model; comparing the operating data with the estimated data; and generating an alarm trigger when the comparison meets a given anomaly criteria thereby constituting the detection of the anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Recherche 2000 Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Veillette, Said Berriah, Gilles Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20100191350
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an operation control module 107p controls an operation status of an electronic apparatus in response to an operation signal from an operation module. A power saving status setting module 107a sets the electronic apparatus into the power saving status when a sensing module 108 does not acquire a preset detection output (user detection). A first power saving status releasing module 107b releases the power saving status of electronic apparatus when the sensing module has acquired the preset detection output (user detection). A second power saving status releasing module 107c releases the power saving status when the operation signal is input from the operation module in the power saving status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Katsuya Ohno
  • Patent number: 7689727
    Abstract: System and method for automatically updating a memory map coupled to or included in a programmable controller (PrC). A PrC may automatically detect at least one programmable hardware element (PHE) coupled to the PrC. The PHE may provide a customizable interface, i.e., input and output (I/O) interface, between one or more devices and the PrC. The devices may include one or more measurement, data acquisition, signal generation, automation, motion control, and/or analysis device(s), among others. The PHE may perform one or more functions on the data transmitted between the device(s) and the PrC. One or more of the PHEs and/or device(s) may be local or remote to the PrC. The PrC may automatically update the memory map based on a hardware I/O interface of the at least one programmable hardware element, where the memory map facilitates communications between programs executing on the PrC and the programmable hardware element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Sundeep Chandhoke
  • Patent number: 7689297
    Abstract: An observation system configured to observe one or more initially unknown state variables of an observed system includes an input interface configured to receive a system input, and a processing module coupled to the input interface. The processing module is configured to determine the one or more initially unknown state variables, and the determination is based at least in part on the system input, a plurality of known state variables, and a time varying mode vector that is time dependent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Optichron, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy G. Batruni
  • Publication number: 20100036600
    Abstract: A portable device is mountable on an in-vehicle device. The portable device has a plurality of modes. A control unit is configured to automatically select one mode from among the modes when the portable device is mounted on the in-vehicle device. The one mode to be automatically selected by the control unit is user-presettable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi SHINMYOH, Ichiro ENOMOTO
  • Patent number: 7653446
    Abstract: An architecture for automatically configuring equipment. A piece of equipment connected externally to a user PC has one or more machine-resolvable codes (MRCs) associated therewith. The piece of equipment receives configuration information from a remote location disposed on the network in response to reading a select one of the one or more MRCs with a reader. Configuration information associated with the select one of the one or more MRCs is transmitted from the remote location to the piece of equipment via the user PC, and the piece of equipment is then configured according to the configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: RPX-LV Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Jeffry Jovan Philyaw
  • Patent number: 7644295
    Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) device comprises a power recognition component that determines at least one power source that is providing power to the HMI device, wherein the at least one power source is one of a host device providing power by way of a Universal Serial Bus connection, an AC power source, a DC power source, and a battery. A selector component can automatically select a subset of functionalities to enable with respect to the HMI from amongst several possible functionalities based at least in part upon the at least one determined power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Dan Dotson, Clinton Duane Britt, Joseph Francis Mann
  • Patent number: 7640078
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a flow of a fluid using a multi-mode control algorithm is described. One embodiment includes a method for changing the multi-mode control algorithm from a closed-loop mode to an open-loop mode. The method includes receiving at least one sensor indicator generated by a sensor. The multi-mode control algorithm is modified from the closed-loop mode to the open-loop mode when, based on the at least one sensor indicator, the threshold condition is satisfied. The multi-mode control algorithm is used by a flow controller to control a flow of a fluid according to a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexei V. Smirnov
  • Publication number: 20090312846
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one sensor unit for registering the process variable, wherein the sensor unit produces measurement signals; at least one electronics unit for controlling the sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit has at least one microprocessor; and at least one memory unit, which is associated with the sensor unit, and in which control data are storable. The control data specifically relate to the sensor unit and can be read out by the electronics unit. The microprocessor of the electronics unit is embodied in such a manner, that the microprocessor executes in an inactive state only basic functionalities, and that the microprocessor in an active state controls the sensor unit. The microprocessor transfers from the inactive state into the active state transfers by loading control data from the memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Franco Ferraro, Kaj Uppenkamp, Volker Dreyer, Udo Grittke
  • Patent number: 7573315
    Abstract: A control device contains a plurality of controllers, a common signal output, and a change-over unit. The controllers are coupled on an output side to the common signal output through the change-over unit. A plurality of differentiating elements are disposed upstream of the change-over unit and in each case connected with one of the controllers. An integrating element follows the change-over unit. An output of a controller is first differentiated, sent through the change-over unit, and then integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventor: Victor Morokhovskyi