Abstract: In a control system for controlling a plant system or process (22), a model based problem is formulated and an explicit control solution is constructed off-line such that a parametric profile (24) is constructed using parametric optimisation techniques (26). As a result the system can operate in real-time with significantly reduced computational burden.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for adaptively controlling a frame interval between ultrasound scanning frames of an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting ultrasound beams to a subject during an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan, and a receiver for receiving ultrasound beam echoes from the subject responsive to transmitted ultrasound beams. The system also includes a processor for processing a plurality of the ultrasound beam echoes to determine a strain variation of the tissue undergoing strain, calculating a value for an ultrasound scanning frame interval adapted for imaging the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation, and setting the value of the ultrasound scanning frame interval for acquiring ultrasound elasticity images of the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation.

Abstract: A system is provided to facilitate state processing in an industrial control environment. The system includes a unit module to process components in an industrial control facility. A status component associated with the unit module provides present state information for the components.

Abstract: An identifier which indicates a reason why a direct change is disabled upon application of a specific conflict resolution rule can be described in a conflict resolution rule description file (301). In case of a process executed when a UI is not displayed, a status variable list (304) that holds setup values and status values is accessed in place of an internal structure (305) to easily check if each setup item is enabled/disabled. Upon matching overall data, a start point list which lists setup items in a given priority order is loaded to execute conflict resolution in turn, thus resolving conflicts among setup items.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to minimize the number of in-process items. To this end, in an inter-process buffer controlling apparatus according to the invention, the size of a buffer to be used for storage of work subjects of predetermined work is increased if a difference or a ratio between a variance of first intervals at which the work subjects are delivered to the buffer and a variance of duration that is taken for the preceding process exceeds a prescribed first threshold value, and the size of the buffer is decreased if a difference or a ratio between an average of second intervals at which work subjects generated by the work are delivered to the following buffer and an average of the first intervals exceeds a prescribed second threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for analyzing power in a component comprising determining a plurality of current densities, wherein each current density is associated with one portion of a plurality of portions of the component, determining a plurality of wire densities, wherein each wire density is associated with one region of a plurality of regions of the component, and comparing the plurality of current densities and the plurality of wire densities.

Abstract: Multi-sensor system for real-time embedded monitoring of object senses mixed-mode object conditions. Various sensors separately provide disparate analog signals representing different measurable attributes regarding sensed object. For example, such sensors may separately sense temperature, pressure, or other biometric value. Then, according to specified rule set or other qualifying parameters, a digital signal is generated by a processor or controller to indicate one or more condition of the sensed object according to certain sensor input values. Additionally, such multi-sensor scheme may be coupled to a digital network or otherwise coupled thereto for simulation and/or communication applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for communicating and applying adaptive security to a data stream comprising a plurality of data packets. The method comprises the steps of identifying a desired security level range and a desired actual security level which falls within the desired security level range. The availability of a number of security processor operations at the host is determined so that, if needed, computing resources at the host can be reallocated to ensure that the data stream can be verified at the desired actual security level. If there are not sufficient resources available for reallocation at the host, communication resources can be reallocated, for example by changing the bandwidth of the data stream or another incoming data stream. With this method, the actual security level will be kept within the desired security level range.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Abstract: A computer system linked by the internet to various remote waste water treatment facilities. The system receives real-time data from the facilities and analyzing the data to determine likely operational upsets and future effluent water quality. The computer system sends signals to a hierarchy of parties depending on the severity of predicted upsets problems and events. The computer also provides a probability distribution of such upsets and water quality and recommendations as how to adjust facility operating parameters to avoid or reduce the upsets to acceptable parameters and maintain effluent water quality parameters within preselected limits.

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

Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state. The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).

Abstract: A method and system for performing trade-off studies using multi-parameter choice is disclosed. Candidates, each having one or more criteria associated therewith, are entered into the system via an input interface such as a keyboard. In addition, test rationale may be entered and associated with candidates and criteria to facilitate human comprehension of test data and results. Criteria are weighted using pair-wise comparisons to minimize errors introduced by the judgment of test engineers. Then candidates are evaluated using pair-wise comparison techniques. Sensitivity checks are performed on evaluated criteria. Processed candidates and criteria are then made available to a system operator in formats that are selectable by the operator.

Abstract: An inverter includes a DC power supply circuit, an inverter circuit having a plurality of switching elements and switching an output of the DC power supply circuit on the basis of a PWM signal to deliver a high-frequency voltage, a filter circuit converting the high-frequency voltage to a substantially sinusoidal AC voltage, a power detector detecting an effective or wattless power of the AC power, a phase angle calculator calculating a phase angle of current relative to voltage from the detected effective or wattless power, a phase detector detecting a leading or lagging state of the phase angle, and a controller decreasing a frequency of the output voltage when the phase detector detects the leading state of the phase angle, the controller increasing the frequency of the output voltage when the phase detector detects the lagging state of the phase angle.

Abstract: Computer-implemented system and method for controlling a processing apparatus having at least one independently controlled manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable responsive to the manipulated variable, using a robust multi-variable controller which defines an expected variation in magnitude for each controlled variable as a respective function of each manipulated variable via use of a set of at least two models. The model set has a dynamic response inertial characteristic. The two models are derived from a Reference Model (the traditional model defined in Dynamic Matrix Control). The multi-model set further enables adaptation of the models and gains during real-time use.

Abstract: In a control method, the first controlled variable is made to coincide with a predetermined controlled variable set point. A relation variable representing the relationship between second controlled variables which are designated in advance from measured second controlled variables different from the first controlled variable so as to maintain a predetermined relationship is calculated. A control actuator is so controlled as to make the calculated relation variable coincide with a predetermined relation variable set point. The difference between the calculated relation variable and a relation variable set point corresponding to the calculated relation variable is calculated. The calculated difference is added to the measured first controlled variable. A manipulated variable is calculated by performing feedback control calculation so as to make the sum coincide with the controlled variable set point. The calculated manipulated variable is output to a corresponding control actuator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to control the rotation of an object. In the method, first and second actual control variables which vary as the object rotates are measured. It is determined whether the first actual control variable is smaller than a predetermined control variable. It is determined whether a period of time has elapsed if it is determined that the first actual control variable is smaller than the predetermined control variable. A difference between a physical quantity that is generated corresponding to the first actual control variable and the second actual control variable is obtained, and a control amount to control the object is determined by using the difference, if it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed or the first actual control variable is larger than the predetermined control variable. Here, the predetermined control variable corresponds to a position to which the object should be rotated to stop the object at a desired position.

Abstract: A computer based method of controlling an industrial process, including the steps of measuring the values of at least one process variable (y1, y2), and predicting future deviations of one process variable (y1) with regard to the measured value of said at least one process variable (y1, y2), and providing a control signal (uFB) based on said predictions, and by means of a first control law. The method comprises the further steps of measuring a measurable disturbance (d) in the process, predicting future deviations of said process variable (y1) with regard to said disturbance but without regard to the measured value of said at least one process variable (y1, y2), and providing a control signal (ud) based on said predictions by means of a second control law.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a manipulated variable output unit, calculation unit, first lower limit setting unit, first upper limit setting unit, second lower limit setting unit, second upper limit setting unit, and controlling element. The manipulated variable output unit outputs first and second manipulated variables to an object to be controlled. The calculation unit calculates a limit cycle auto-tuning control parameter. The controlling element performs feedback control calculation based on the control parameter for the deviation between a set point and a controlled variable to calculate the first manipulated variable, and outputs the calculated first manipulated variable to the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a valve/actuator plant by generating a plurality of independent correcting control signals each responsive to a plurality of respective input signals and at least one of these input signals being the set point signal. The plurality of independent correcting control signals includes a pneumatic flow signal. The correcting control signals may be derived from all linear control signals, all non-linear control signals, or a combination of linear control signals and non-linear control signals.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement serves to identify an input signal (s1) assigned to a predetermined signal class. It comprises signal-matching electronics (1) responsive to a current component and/or a voltage component of the input signal (s1) and providing a corresponding output signal (s2). By means of signal recognition electronics (2) of the circuit arrangement, the output signal (s2) is transformed into a recognition signal (c1) representative of the signal class.

Abstract: Aircraft flight data collection is enhanced by changing the data sampling rate as a function of an operational condition of the aircraft, such as its flight phase. An algorithm is used to determine the flight phase. Then, the data is collected at a first sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a first set of flight phases and collected at a second sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a second set of flight phases. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate to maximize the data storage capacity of the system. Generally, the higher sampling rate is used with transient flight phases such as takeoff and thrust reverse.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of a complex process, said process being described by a plurality of input variables, a plurality of intermediate variables and a plurality of output variables having relationships therebetween such that ones of said inputs and said intermediate variables effect respectively different output variables, each of said output variables having a target, said apparatus comprising an optimizer for finding an optimum value for respective ones of said input and intermediate variables to maximize a summed convergence of said output variables to said targets

Abstract: A method of controlling a mechanical actuator using a modular map processor comprises monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with the actuator. The modular map processor generates a control signal based on the parameters for output to the actuator and modifies the control signal based on a merit function. In preferred forms the mechanical actuator is an input or output valve in a cylinder for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.

Abstract: A PID operating unit inputs a value obtained by subtracting a setting value stored in a setting value memory from a measured value (temperature) of a controlled device and outputs controlled variable information in order to control the controlled device by proportional plus integral plus derivative action. A time-proportioning outputting unit converts this controlled variable information into an ON/OFF signal for switching an ON/OFF state of a switch of a heater in the controlled device in accordance with the controlled variables and feeds the ON/OFF signal to the heater and to an output selecting unit.

Abstract: For controlling multivariable systems, a control unit for controlling a system with several coupled control variables. The control unit includes controllers (10, 11) having associated control variables (x1, x2) as well as a decoupling network. The decoupling network is connected upstream from the system and includes at least one first decoupling member (12). A first output variable (y1) of a first one of the controllers (10) is routed to the first decoupling member (12). The first decoupling member generates a first correcting quantity (14) for a second output variable (y2) of a second one of the controllers (11). The second controller (11) has a PI- or PID-controller core (40) and is configured such that integrator windup is eliminated when the second output variable (y2) corrected with the first correcting quantity (14) reaches a manipulated variable limit. Bumpless manual/automatic changeover of the controller is also made possible.

Abstract: A controller capable of monitoring a receiving circuit for receiving machine information. Machine information from a machine is received by a plurality of independent systems and the external signals received by the plurality of systems are compared, thereby, a receiving state of the receiving circuit is monitored. The controller includes a plurality of independent receiving units for receiving the external signal and monitoring units for comparing signals received by the plurality of receiving units, to monitor the receiving units based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An on-line optimizer is provided wherein a boiler (720) is optimized by measuring a select plurality of inputs to the boiler (720) and mapping them through a predetermined relationship that defines a single value representing a spacial relationship in the boiler that is a function of the select inputs. This single value is then optimized with the use of a plant optimizer (818) which provides an optimized value. This optimized value is then processed thought the inverse relationship of the single modified value to provide modified inputs to the plant that can be applied to the plant.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication with adaptive security in which a send host transmits a data stream to a receive host in packets which contain an authentication data block with an authentication header and a signature block. The authentication header advantageously contains various fields including a verification type, a security algorithm, a minimum security level, a target security level, and an actual security level. The receive host adaptively performs verification of the data packets using varying security levels based in part on the availability of security operations per second (SOPS) in the receive host. Where a data stream in the receive host is delayed by a security processing bottleneck, the receive host may alter the verification type, security algorithm, or the actual security level to speed up the processing of the data stream by reducing the amount of security processing performed.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed herein allow a user to retrieve data from various process control loops and organize that data in dynamic manner to allow for multiple types of data analysis. A user may associate individual process control loops into groups and analyze the data and impact of select process control loops in those groups. Since the associations of process control loops into groups can be done dynamically, the user is able to easily reconfigure groups (i.e. add or remove process control loops) and redo the analysis. Another feature is the storage of both the data retrieved and the results of the analysis so that comparisons can be performed and reports can be generated.

Abstract: Background noise from relevant data sets, including for example over-the-counter sales data, absenteeism data, etc., is subtracted using a background estimation algorithm that outputs residual data The effects of hypothetical anomalous events, such as a bio-terrorist attack, on the relevant data sets are modeled to create replica data. The replica data may be based on input from epidemiologists and various scenario templates including information on disease manifestation and other intelligence. The residual data and the replica data are then matched using a detector. Types of detectors include for example adaptive matched-filter detectors, change detectors and Bayesian Inference Networks. An alarm is triggered if a real anomalous event similar to a hypothetical anomalous event is detected. A Geographical Information System (GIS) may be used to display data from individual zip codes.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for process-variable-dependent identification signal emission for a closed-loop and/or open-loop control program with cyclic sampling of process variables from a technical process. A threshold value crossing time (ts1, ts3) is determined from at least two previous samples (AT1, AT2, AT5-AT7) of a process variable (P). At this time, an identification signal can be triggered, which can call up a single-stage or multi-stage command sequence. The threshold value crossing time (ts1-ts3) can likewise be determined with the aid of a mathematical approximation function and the samples (AT1, AT2, AT5-AT7). A timing mechanism can be started in the predicted sampling cycle (A12 to A89) preceding the threshold value crossing (SD1-SD3) using a time difference (ZD1-ZD3) remaining until the threshold value crossing (SD1-SD3).

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for defining a system hierarchy for a system including a plurality of variables. The method includes generating a first level system block corresponding to a first variable at a first level of the system hierarchy. The first level system block includes statistical information related to the first variable. A second level system block is generated corresponding to a second variable at a second level of the system hierarchy. The second variable has an effect on a value of the first variable. The second level system block includes statistical information related to the second variable.

Abstract: A factorial experiment is conducted on a manufacturing process to generate a response matrix. The responses are used to calculate individual contrasts in a document as well as replicates effects. The contrast sums are also calculated and displayed in the document. The largest of the contrast sums are identified, and effects associated with those contrast sums are tested for significance using an end count method. The information from the process transformed into “significant effects” information is used to adjust process variables to improve the manufacturing process by avoiding the effect or imparting it to a measurable response of the process.

Abstract: A system of providing fast machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) basis weight adjustments using a simultaneous multi-point water weight sensor which provides independent MD and CD measurements is described. The water weight sensor is placed under the wire of the sheetmaking machine and provides fast wet end water weight measurements which are converted into predicted dry end basis weight information and used to control operating variables of machine elements in the sheetmaking machine to compensate for high frequency process variations. MD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence the MD dry end basis weight and CD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence CD dry end basis weight.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting an occurrence of an event in a target system having at least one operational variable that provides an indication of one or mine conditions of the target system which change in response to the event. The method comprises the steps of: (a) periodically calculating short and long term averages of sequentially recorded values of the operational variable, the long term average including values in addition to those included in the short term average; (b) calculating the difference between the short and long term averages; and (c) determining the occurrence of an event based upon the difference by performing a statistical evaluation selected from the group consisting of determining the significance of the difference, monitoring a particular pattern of differences, monitoring change in the differences, and combinations of two or more thereof.

Abstract: A complex industrial process is operated via computer control. Process control data regarding multiple process control variables is collected, along with output data regarding one or more process output properties. One or more of the process control variables is altered for a predetermined time in order to determine which of the process control variables are affecting the one or more process output properties. An effect on the one or more output properties due to the altering is determined, and, if necessary, a set point for the one or more process control variables is altered based on the effect in order to improve the process.

Abstract: An agricultural machine having drivable members for working the soil or crop or both. Either the agricultural machine or a tractor connected therewith has a storage medium which may be a computer memory in which a desired relationship between the rpm of the working member and the driving velocity of the agricultural machine is stored. The agricultural machine includes a governor or control mechanism for regulating, on the basis of the relationship stored in the storage medium, the rpm of the working member in dependence on the agricultural machine's velocity. In this manner, the optimum rpm for the driven working member can be set for any driving velocity of the machine to maximize the results obtained by the working member in improved soil or crop conditions or both.

Abstract: A parallel processor system has a plurality of nodes interconnected by a network for communication under control of a network interface controller of each node. The network interface controller includes a message reception controller for receiving a message from another node and judging illustratively the status of message reception and the need to return an acknowledge message; an acknowledge generating unit for generating an acknowledge message transmission request based on predetermined information in the message and the reception status when the return of an acknowledge message is judged to be necessary; and a message transmission controller for receiving an acknowledge the message transmission request and generating and returning an acknowledge message correspondingly. At the receiving node, the network interface controller can return an acknowledge message without processor intervention.

Abstract: A plant (72) is operable to receive control inputs c(t) and provide an output y(t). The plant (72) has associated therewith state variables s(t) that are not variable. A control network (74) is provided that accurately models the plant (72). The output of the control network (74) provides a predicted output which is combined with a desired output to generate an error. This error is back propagated through an inverse control network (76), which is the inverse of the control network (74) to generate a control error signal that is input to a distributed control system (73) to vary the control inputs to the plant (72) in order to change the output y(t) to meet the desired output. The control network (74) is comprised of a first network NET 1 that is operable to store a representation of the dependency of the control variables on the state variables. The predicted result is subtracted from the actual state variable input and stored as a residual in a residual layer (102).

Abstract: Multi-sensor system for real-time embedded monitoring of object senses mixed-mode object conditions. Various sensors separately provide disparate analog signals representing different measurable attributes regarding sensed object. For example, such sensors may separately sense temperature, pressure, or other biometric value. Then, according to specified rule set or other qualifying parameters, a digital signal is generated by a processor or controller to indicate one or more condition of the sensed object according to certain sensor input values. Additionally, such multi-sensor scheme may be coupled to a digital network or otherwise coupled thereto for simulation and/or communication applications.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the conditions in a gas plasma processing system while varying or modulating the RF power supplied to the system, so that resulting signals of the electrical circuits of the system provide information regarding operational parameters of the system or the state of a process. Significant improvements in sensitivity and accuracy over conventional techniques are thereby achieved. In addition, the plasma processing system can be thoroughly tested and characterized before delivery, to allow more accurate monitoring of and greater control over a process, thereby improving quality control/assurance of substrates being produced by the system. The information obtained by the modulation technique can be displayed on a monitor screen, in order to allow an operator to accurately monitor the system/process and diagnose any problems with the system/process.

Abstract: A method for changing the difference between the number of active controlled variables and the number of available manipulated variables in a multivariate control system. Controlled variables can be adaptively classified into one of an ordered plurality of classes, with each class having a rank that defines its position within the order. If the number of active valid controlled variables exceeds the number of available manipulated variables, the active controlled variables from the lowest ranking class having active controlled variables are then deactivated according to a predefined priority order by setting their associated setpoints equal to their measured values. Otherwise, inactive controlled variables from the highest ranking class having inactive controlled variables are reactivated according to the same predefined priority order by setting their associated setpoints to the desired setpoint values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to detecting information such as characters or the like formed on a form using fluorescent ink without using any special components such as a light source for emitting ultraviolet light, an optical filter for intercepting transmission of ultraviolet light, or the like. When visible light which is emitted by fluorescent ink excited upon being irradiated with ultraviolet rays is detected by an image sensor, a level of the output photoelectrically converted by the image sensor is saturated and assures a level higher than white level as white reference, so that information such as characters or the like formed on a form using fluorescent ink can be acquired.

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.