Abstract: A method includes obtaining a data message having data associated with a process system and mapping the data message to one of multiple classifications. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the data message, where a Quality of Service (QoS) associated with the transmission is based on the mapping. Mapping the data message could include identifying a type associated with the data message and mapping the data message based on the identified type. The type may include a publish message type, an alert message type, or a management message type. The publish message type could be mapped to an Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS) class, the alert message type could be mapped to a real-time Polling Service (rtPS) class, and the management message type could be mapped to a Best Effort (BE) or non-real-time Polling Service (nrtPS) class. A WiMAX standard could be used to transmit the message, and a WiMAX or WiFi standard could be used to obtain the message.

Abstract: A system includes multiple wireless nodes forming a cluster in a wireless network, where each wireless node is configured to communicate and exchange data wirelessly based on a clock. One of the wireless nodes is configured to operate as a cluster master. Each of the other wireless nodes is configured to (i) receive time synchronization information from a parent node, (ii) adjust its clock based on the received time synchronization information, and (iii) broadcast time synchronization information based on the time synchronization information received by that wireless node. The time synchronization information received by each of the other wireless nodes is based on time synchronization information provided by the cluster master so that the other wireless nodes substantially synchronize their clocks with the clock of the cluster master.

Abstract: A system includes a first cluster having multiple first wireless nodes. One first node is configured to act as a first cluster master, and other first nodes are configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the first cluster master. The system also includes a second cluster having one or more second wireless nodes. One second node is configured to act as a second cluster master, and any other second nodes configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the second cluster master. The system further includes a manager configured to merge the clusters into a combined cluster. One of the nodes is configured to act as a single cluster master for the combined cluster, and the other nodes are configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the single cluster master.

Abstract: A wireless system having an infrastructure node and several leaf nodes in a non-redundant version or having at least two infrastructure nodes and several leaf nodes in a redundant version. Leaf nodes may individually seek out timing information in order to be in synch with an infrastructure node. Upon receipt of synch information from an infrastructure node, the respective leaf node may send data to the infrastructure node. In the case of a redundant system, primary and secondary nodes may be selected from a list of infrastructure nodes. Communications between an infrastructure node and a leaf node may occur on one of a number of channels, and the channel may be changed for communications between the nodes. In the case of a redundant system, a single transmission from the leaf node is received simultaneously by the redundant infrastructure nodes.

Abstract: A method includes identifying, at a first wireless node, routing costs associated with routing data to a destination through multiple paths in a wireless network. The method also includes identifying, at the first wireless node, information propagation values associated with the first wireless node and at least one second wireless node. The information propagation values are based on the routing costs and wireless link qualities associated with the wireless nodes. The method further includes scheduling transmission of the data by the first wireless node based on the information propagation values and transmitting the data based on the scheduling. The routing costs may include potential values associated with distances of the wireless nodes from the destination. Also, the information propagation values indicate which of the wireless nodes have a greater chance of propagating the data towards the destination in a single broadcast.

Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods support simultaneous connectivity between devices in an industrial control and automation or other system. For example, a data publisher can publish or provide data to multiple data subscribers. This can be done using a multicast group associated with the multiple data subscribers. The data publisher transmits a data message using a network address associated with the multicast group. Each data subscriber associated with the multicast group receives a copy of the data message. As a particular example, the data publisher could represent a wireless sensor or wireless actuator in the industrial control and automation or other system. Also, the data subscribers could represent multiple controllers or actuators in the industrial control and automation or other system. In this way, the multicasting functionality allows for simpler connectivity or interaction between devices in the industrial control and automation or other system.

Abstract: At least one statistical output associated with a process model and a rate of change associated with each statistical output is identified, such as by using historical data associated with the process model. The statistical outputs and the rates of change are used to generate a graphical display, such as a phase plane plot. Each point in the display is based on one of the statistical outputs and its associated rate of change. The graphical display could include multiple portions, such as quadrants, and one of the portions can be selected and highlighted. The different portions of the graphical display may represent whether the process model is a poor fit to current conditions and approaching a better fit, a poor fit and approaching a poorer fit, a good fit and approaching a poorer fit, and a good fit and approaching a better fit.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data at a first wireless node in a wireless network, where the data is associated with an industrial control and automation system. The method also includes decrypting the received data using a first encryption key to produce decrypted data and encrypting the decrypted data using a second encryption key to produce encrypted data. The method further includes communicating the encrypted data to at least a second wireless node in the wireless network. Another method includes generating first data at a first wireless node in a wireless network, where the data is associated with an industrial control and automation system. The other method also includes encrypting the first data using an encryption key and transmitting the first data to multiple second wireless nodes in the wireless network, where the second wireless nodes are capable of using the same encryption key to decrypt the first data.

Abstract: A method includes storing a security credential associated with a communication network on a portable storage device. The method also includes detecting removal of the portable storage device from a specified location. The method further includes allowing at least one communication device to communicate over the communication network using the security credential. In addition, the method includes revoking the security credential after a specified time period has elapsed. The portable storage device could represent a card, and the specified location could represent a card reader/writer. Also, the communication network could represent a wireless network, and the security credential could represent a cryptographic key.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a condition associated with a communication network and/or an industrial control and automation system. The method also includes selecting, based on the identified condition, one or more quality of service (QoS) parameters used to route data through the communication network. In addition, the method includes communicating information identifying the one or more QoS parameters to one or more components in the communication network. The one or more QoS parameters could be contained within one of multiple QoS policies, and the method could include selecting one of the QoS policies. The condition could represent an emergency condition, and the one or more QoS parameters could include a higher QoS priority for traffic (such as voice communications and sensor data) to and from specified personnel (such as first responders). The communication network could represent at least one wired network and/or at least one wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the installation and positioning of the receivers of a wireless tracking system. In such a system, a wireless beaconing device transmits a signal that can be detected by a plurality of wireless receivers positioned at various known locations. Each wireless receiver records information derived from the signal from which it can make an estimate of the distance or relative position of the beaconing device. A controller correlates the information received from the multiple receivers and uses it to estimate the location of the individual. In such systems, the accuracy of the estimated position of the beaconing device depends on the accuracy to which the positions of the receivers are known. A technique is disclosed in which an installer carries a tracking device that can track the person's position and/or movements. The installer starts at a base location and resets the tracking device to cause the tracking device to record this position as the base position.

Abstract: A process control system or other system includes multiple nodes that communicate using frequency-hopping patterns. Each node may operate using its own frequency-hopping pattern. Each node may also broadcast information identifying its frequency-hopping pattern to other nodes, such as any neighboring nodes. Each node may further. receive information identifying the frequency-hopping patterns of any neighboring nodes. The nodes may then operate in a non-synchronized manner and use the frequency-hopping patterns of neighboring nodes to communicate. For example, each node may use the identified frequency-hopping pattern of a neighboring node to synchronize with and communicate data to the neighboring node. In this way, the nodes need not maintain synchronization at all times during operation. Also, different nodes may use different frequency channels at the same time, helping to increase the bandwidth available for wireless communications.

Abstract: A system for tracking persons and other assets in a structure, having a multi-function tracking tag and a network of fixed RF receivers forming a gateway array. The location of the person being tracked is calculated by a computer using an algorithm that weights each separate signal according to the probability of its accuracy, thus using data with the least error. A preferred algorithm is shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A system for automatic multivariable calibration of an engine controller. The system may take inputs which include actuator setpoints, sensor measurements, performance requirements, and so forth. There may be an algorithm to compute engine calibration parameters for the controller. Each of the actuators may be separately stepped through to experimentally obtain actuator input and sensor output data. Algorithmic processing of the experimentally obtained data may be performed to calculate parameters of a model of an engine. A model based control design algorithm may then be invoked to obtain the calibration parameters for a controller. The calibrated controller may be tested with real or simulated engine conditions. The performance related to the parameters may be analyzed and determination of the acceptability of the data be made. If not acceptable, the parameters may be reprocessed. If acceptable, the calibration parameters may be downloaded to the engine controller for application and use.

Abstract: A method for automatically estimating the spatial positions between cameras in a camera network utilizes unique identifying signals, such as RFID signals, transmitting between nearby cameras to estimate the relative distances or positions between cameras from received signal strength (RSS), time of arrival (TOA), or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements to thereby determine the neighboring relationship among the cameras. A discover-locate process can be used to discover, from the estimated relative distances, unknown cameras in the vicinity of at least three cameras at known locations. Absolute locations of the discovered unknown cameras can then be calculated using a geometric calculation. The discover-locate process can be cascaded throughout the network to discover and locate all unknown cameras automatically using previously discovered and located cameras.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism connected to the intake and exhaust systems of an engine. The mechanism may achieve recirculation of exhaust gases despite varying differential pressures or pulses of pressures. The control mechanism may be connected to a storage device. The pulses may be used to store some of the exhaust gas in the storage device. The exhaust gas needed at the intake manifold may be supplied while the exhaust gas is replenished. The storage may eliminate the necessity of dealing with the pressure pulses and dependent coordination of the flow control mechanism with the pulses.

Abstract: A multivariable controller that models the interaction between groups of sensors and groups of actuators during the operation of an engine. By accounting for the interactive effects that a group of actuators has on a sensor or group of sensors, improved system performance may be achieved. When emission sensors are used, such as NOX and/or PM sensors, the multivariable controller may help control the various engine actuators to reduce emissions of the engine.

Abstract: A portable fuel cell charger has a water source and an electrolyzer coupled to the water source and adapted to be coupled to a power source. A fuel cell cartridge coupler is coupled to the electrolyzer and is adapted to be coupled to a fuel cell cartridge for providing pressurized hydrogen from the electrolyzer to the fuel cell cartridge.

Abstract: A wireless communications method and system includes an industrial sensor network that comprises a plurality of industrial sensors, which communicates with the industrial sensor network at a particular operating frequency band through one or more infrastructure nodes associated with the industrial sensor network. A wireless communications network is established, which includes a plurality of wireless communications stations that communicates with one or more of the infrastructure nodes. The infrastructure node(s) can be modified to additionally function as a wireless access point for the wireless communications network utilizing Time Division Multiplexing Algorithm (TDMA), thereby permitting the industrial sensor network to coexist and accommodate the wireless communications network.

Abstract: A method for operating a turbocharged internal combustion engine having an after-treatment device for treating exhaust gas discharged from the turbocharger, wherein exhaust gas from the engine is passed through a variable-geometry mechanism for regulating power produced by the turbine.