Abstract: An electronic timepiece has an outside perimeter part disposed around a dial, hands, and a control unit. Further, 40 to 60 time zone indicators including time difference information representing the time difference between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the standard time used in each time zone are on the outside perimeter part. The control unit indicates a specific time zone indicator with a hand.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece enables a simple construction, and an electronic device has the electronic timepiece. A wristwatch has a button or external operating member; a controller that sets the operating mode of the wristwatch based on an input operation of the button. Based on the continuous input time that the button is operated continuously, the controller changes the operating mode between a timekeeping mode that receives a satellite signal from one or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information contained in the received satellite signal; and a positioning mode that receives satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information and positioning information contained in the received satellite signals.

Abstract: A radio signal receiver includes a GPS receiver circuit, an environment detection circuit (charging state detection circuit and voltage detection circuit) that detects is in an environment suited to the radio signal receiver receiving satellite signals, and a control circuit. The control circuit has a first reception control unit that operates the GPS receiver circuit when the radio signal receiver is determined to be in an environment suited to receiving satellite signals based on the result output by the environment detection circuit, a second reception control unit that operates the GPS receiver circuit at a scheduled reception time, and a switching unit that switches operation between the first reception control unit and second reception control unit.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a case that is made of a conductive material, a bezel that is made of a nonconductive material, a patch antenna that is disposed inside the case and at the back side of the dial, and a bezel that is made of a ceramic.

Abstract: A field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable, comprising: a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit. The control/evaluation unit is realized on a partially dynamically reconfigurable FPGA component, which is constructed from a plurality of FPGA blocks units. Each FPGA block unit comprises a plurality of logic blocks. Global resources or global function blocks are associated with each FPGA block unit or groups of FPGA block units. At least a first section and a second section are provided on the FPGA-component. The sections comprise FPGA block units and corresponding global resources global function blocks. In each section a digital measuring path comprising a plurality of software based and/or hardware based, function modules, is partially dynamically reconfigurable.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an electrical system. A first characteristic value of the electrical system is determined. For the first characteristic value, a suitable first group of optimizing variables is determined. A first group of command variables suitable for the first group of optimizing variables is determined. For the first group of command variables, a first group of current boundary values is determined. For each boundary value of the first group of current boundary values, a prediction is made to obtain a first group of predicted boundary values. A probability is assigned to each predicted boundary value of the first group of predicted boundary values to obtain a first group of predicted, probability-related boundary values. All boundary values of the first group of current boundary values and of the first group of predicted, probability-related boundary values are prioritized in order to obtain prioritized boundary values.

Abstract: Context recognition methods and apparatus are provided for an application processor and a micro control unit. It is determined whether an operation switch condition for switching to a sleep mode is satisfied. A request for execution of a context recognition function is sent to a micro control unit, when the operation switch condition is satisfied. The application processor switches to the sleep mode, when the context recognition function is executed by the micro control unit. The micro control unit collects sensor data at previously stored time intervals, and previously stored state information is updated based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A method for determining a generation schedule with contingency constraints for controlling power output levels for a plurality of generators in an electric power system including determining a measure of a sparse, corrective model (C), security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF), which reduces a number of post-contingency rescheduling operations for each of a plurality of contingencies, and adjusting a power output level of at least one of the plurality of generators according to the measure of the sparse C-SCOPF upon detecting a contingency in the electric power system.

Abstract: A user-friendly cooperative process execution method for causing household electric devices that are registered to a server to execute cooperative processes. The server stores correspondence information associating a particular operation to be executed by a particular household electric device with one or more groups each composed of one or more household electric devices, and indicating, for each of the household electric devices in each of the groups, a control signal to be transmitted to the household electric device. The method includes: detecting whether or not the particular operation is executed; selecting one of the groups that is composed of one or more household electric devices that are registered to the server by referring to the correspondence information when the execution of the particular operation is detected; and transmitting the control signal to each of the household electric devices in the selected group.

Abstract: A method to dispatch a request for coupling an electronic device and remote control with an input interface to input a control instruction for controlling the electronic device on a radio channel, wherein the remote control is adapted to control via the radio channel or an infrared channel the electronic device, the method comprising receiving the control instruction from the input interface, and transmitting the control instruction together with the request for coupling via the infrared channel.

Abstract: An automated control of a system having a plurality of cooperating components involving controlled elements and sensors uses a simulator configured to simulate operation of the components. The simulator stores data representing states of the components and modifies the states over time in accordance with simulated operation of the system. An input module receives data from at least the sensors and updates in the simulator the data representing states of the components. An output module reads from the simulator the data representing states of the components and generates at least controlled element control signals for the controlled elements of the components. The simulator contains a virtual state machine representing the system, and automation of the system is achieved without state machine logic representing the system within the input module and the output module.

Abstract: A method for operating an automation system having automation units, a computer program for implementing the method and a computer system having such a computer program, wherein technology-oriented plant description data is stored in the automation system, the plant description data is organized in an object tree with nodes and edges, and wherein the plant description data comprises references to program data in individual automation programs and nodes of the object tree (36) containing references to program data are stored in or at least also in that automation unit which provides the respective program data.

Abstract: A method and system are provided. The method includes synchronously reconnecting a microgrid to a main grid after islanding of the microgrid. The synchronously reconnecting step includes calculating a phase angle difference between synchrophasor measurements collected from a common coupling on the main grid and synchrophasor measurements collected from a common coupling on the microgrid. The synchronously reconnecting step further includes calculating, by a controller, a frequency reference deviation based on the phase angle difference. The synchronously reconnecting step also includes adjusting a frequency of the diesel generator based on the frequency reference deviation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to configure process control systems based on generic process system libraries are disclosed. An example method includes instantiating an instance of a generic process system library. The instance is associated with items of equipment and corresponding process signals of a process control system. The generic process system library comprises at least one of generic process graphic data or generic control strategy data corresponding to the items of equipment and the corresponding process signals of the process control system. The example method further includes configuring the instance of the generic process system library by incorporating process-specific data associated with the operation of the process control system with the at least one of the generic process graphic data or the generic control strategy data.

Abstract: When warm-up operation is started, a machine tool acquires an atmospheric temperature around the machine tool and selects a warm-up operation program on the basis of the acquired atmospheric temperature. A warm-up operation command suitable for the atmospheric temperature is given to the control unit according to the selected warm-up operation program. A movable unit of the machine tool can be thereby controlled, and optimum warm-up operation for the atmospheric temperature can be eventually performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for customizing tool paths. A reference tool path is identified for a tool based on an expected shape for a surface of an object. Offset data is generated for a plurality of sample points identified for use in evaluating the surface of the object. The offset data identifies a difference between the expected shape for the surface of the object and an actual shape of the surface of the object. The reference tool path is modified using the offset data to form a modified tool path for the tool.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: When change amount information calculated by a change amount information calculating unit satisfies a start condition and a signal condition is true for an operation instruction the start condition and the signal condition of which are defined, an operation instruction execution control unit determines a start of the corresponding operation instruction and determines operation completion based on a completion condition determined in advance of the operation instruction. An operation instruction executing unit executes the operation instruction the start of which is determined by the operation instruction execution control unit and stops the operation instruction when the operation completion is determined by the operation instruction execution control unit.

Abstract: A method and structure for an integrated system for fabricating components for a customer's selected wood-based project, including at least one computer for providing an interface with a consumer to input inquiries and design choices directed to a project having at least one component to be machined in a tandem machine system in which a wood-based project component can be fabricated, regardless whether the component is based on dimensional stock or on sheet material stock. The customer interacts with either a database showing previously-designed projects for implementation using the tandem machine or a CAD (Computer Aided Design) module to develop a new project or a modification of a project in the database.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for facilitating monitoring and control of an industrial process by means of a portable device comprising a projector arranged to project process graphics associated with process components of the industrial process. The method comprises a) obtaining, by means of the portable device, process component identification data of a process component; b) obtaining distance data for determining a distance between the portable device and the process component; and c) obtaining a process graphics image based on the process component identification data and the distance data for projection by the portable device, wherein the process graphics image is associated with a portion of the industrial process comprising the process component, and wherein information contained in the process graphics image is based on the distance between the portable device and the process component. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program and to a portable device.

Abstract: A process control method that automatically and comprehensively manages the creation, storage and use of electronic records during the operation of a controlled process and for governing and documenting the users that operate the computer systems that are involved in the creation, storage and use of the electronic records. The method controls a process, such as a chemical process, by receiving measurement information relating to the process, applying rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response, and sending control information to at least one device associated with the process, so as to modify the process. The method maintains the rules, measurements and control activity in transaction logs or audit trails related thereto in a secure database.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first interface configured to communicate over a first industrial process control network using a first protocol. The apparatus also includes a second interface configured to communicate over a second industrial process control network using a second protocol. The apparatus further includes a third interface configured to communicate with at least one supervisory device over a third network. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one processing device configured to provide concurrent access for the at least one supervisory device to process control devices coupled to the first and second industrial process control networks during a migration of process control devices that use the first protocol to process control devices that use the second protocol.

Abstract: A POL-axis driving unit, an EL-axis driving unit, a Cross-EL-axis driving unit and an AZ-axis driving unit of an antenna apparatus drive respective axis drive motors controlled by a control unit of a control apparatus, such that the antenna performs an origin detection operation for each axis. The camera control unit controls a camera so as to capture an image of the antenna at each timing before and after the origin detection for each axis. An image acquisition unit of an antenna inspection acquires image data that indicates the image of the antenna captured by the camera and makes storage unit store the image data. A comparing diagnosis unit compares image data before the origin detection for each axis with image data after the origin detection, and diagnoses whether the antenna is in a normal state.

Abstract: A measuring system including: at least one sensor module having a measuring transducer and an electronics module. The electronics module has a data memory, and a superordinated control unit, connected to the at least one sensor module via an interface module. The interface module has a signal processing, and communication, electronics, which converts received signals from a control unit into signals processable by the sensor module and outputs these signals to the sensor module. The control unit is embodied to execute an operating program; the operating program is embodied to read out sensor specific data and, based on the data read out, to provide to a user a guiding through a sequence of steps for performing at least one calibration procedure associated with the sensor module and to operate the sensor module for performing the calibration procedure.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a monitored data receiving unit receiving a plurality of types of monitored data; a temporary memory unit periodically storing the monitored data; a monitored data rate detection unit detecting, as a monitored data rate, a total number of times each type of monitored data changes during a first time period by more than a predetermined amount; a monitored data writing allocation unit allocating a storing frequency to each type of monitored data based on the monitored data rate and an upper limit; a monitored data writing unit writing the monitored data to the temporary memory unit during the second time period based on the storing frequency; an accumulative memory unit storing the monitored data for a plurality of periods; and an accumulative data writing unit reading the monitored data for every third time period and storing the monitored data in the accumulative memory unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect root causes of alarm patterns in process control systems are disclosed. An example method includes retrieving process control data generated in a process control system during a historical period of time. The process control data includes alarm data associated with alarms activated during the historical period of time. The example method also includes generating an alarm activation timeline for the historical period of time. The alarm activation timeline includes icons representative of the alarms to visually represent a temporal relationship of activation of the alarms, where one of the icons is representative of an alarm that is no longer active. The example method further includes storing the alarm activation timeline in a database.

Abstract: A surveying system having a total station integrated into an unmanned ground vehicle communicates with a plurality of mobile communication stations that are located on known site coordinates. By locating the mobile communication stations on known coordinates, the location of the ground vehicle is precisely triangulated and controlled. Construction drawings are loaded into the system, thereby allowing the vehicle to locate itself at specific points designated in the drawings for the marking of on-site construction grid lines.

Abstract: Example systems and methods enable an autonomous vehicle to request assistance from a remote operator in certain predetermined situations. One example method includes determining a representation of an environment of an autonomous vehicle based on sensor data of the environment. Based on the representation, the method may also include identifying a situation from a predetermined set of situations for which the autonomous vehicle will request remote assistance. The method may further include sending a request for assistance to a remote assistor, the request including the representation of the environment and the identified situation. The method may additionally include receiving a response from the remote assistor indicating an autonomous operation. The method may also include causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous operation.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is configured to operate the vehicle in at least one of an autonomous and a semi-autonomous mode. The computer is further configured to detect at least one condition of a roadway being traveled by the vehicle, the condition comprising at least one of a restricted lane, a restricted zone, a construction zone, and accident area, an incline, a hazardous road surface. The computer is further configured to determine at least one autonomous action based on the condition, the at least one autonomous action including at least one of altering a speed of the vehicle, controlling vehicle steering, controlling vehicle lighting, transitioning the vehicle to manual control, and controlling a distance of the vehicle from an object.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode may operate a sensor to determine an environment of the vehicle. The sensor may be configured to obtain sensor data of a sensed portion of the environment. The sensed portion may be defined by a sensor parameter. Based on the environment of the vehicle, the vehicle may select at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter such that the sensed portion of the environment corresponds to a region of interest. The vehicle may operate the sensor, using the selected at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter, to obtain sensor data of the region of interest, and control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the sensor data of the region of interest.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to providing flight control for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on opposing fields of view with overlap. The UAV may include a housing, a motor, a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first optical element having a first field of view greater than 180 degrees, a second optical element having a second field of view greater than 180 degrees, and one or more processors. The first optical element and the second optical element may be carried by the housing such that a centerline of the second field of view is substantially opposite from a centerline of the first field of view, and a peripheral portion of the first field of view and a peripheral portion of the second field of view overlap. Flight control for the UAV may be provided based on parallax disparity of an object within the overlapping fields of view.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing services to an individual at a transportation terminal. In one method, an item is received with a mobile robot from an individual at a first location at the transportation terminal. The item is autonomously secured with the mobile robot using a component of the mobile robot to thereby prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the secured item. The secured item is autonomously transported with the mobile robot from the first location to a second location at the transportation terminal. The mobile robot is capable of independent navigation without need for physical or electromechanical guidance devices in an environment within which the mobile robot operates.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computer software and systems, and wired and wireless network communications to provide an autonomous vehicle fleet as a service. In particular, a method may include receiving an indication of a sensor anomaly, determining one or more sensor recovery strategies based on the sensor anomaly, and executing a course of action that ensures the autonomous vehicle system operates within accepted parameters. Alternative sensors may be relied upon to cover for the sensor anomaly, which may include a failed sensor while the autonomous vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A determination is made that a vehicle is unoccupied. Detecting of at least one of an unexpected object in the vehicle and an intrusion into a vehicle compartment is performed. A route to a location is selected according to detected object and/or intrusion. The vehicle is navigated to the location.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system includes a charging station and a robotic work tool. The robotic work tool includes a position determining device for determining a current position. The robotic work tool may be configured to determine that reliable navigation through the position determining device is no longer possible, such as when satellite signal reception is not possible, at a time point and position and in response thereto generate an obstacle map which gives information on the position of at least one obstacle, determine when an area will be shadowed with regards to satellite reception based on the obstacle map, and schedule operation of the robotic work tool accordingly.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may be partially controlled or monitored by a remote endpoint assigned to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle sends one or more assisted driving messages directly to the autonomous vehicle or through a server. The server may identify multiple potential remote driving endpoints and assign one or more of the potential remote driving endpoints to the autonomous vehicle. The one or more potential remote driving endpoints return a command to the autonomous vehicle directly or through the server.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: An annular valve seat is projected radially inward from a passage wall. A valve element is located on the upstream side of the valve seat. A spring biases the valve element toward the upstream side. The valve element has a through hole to pass fluid between the upstream side and the downstream side when the valve element is seated on the valve seat. The valve element switches between a large opening state, in which the valve element is lifted from the valve seat to pass fluid around an outer circumferential periphery of the valve element and to pass through the through hole, and a small opening state, in which the valve element is seated on the valve seat to pass fluid through the through hole. The valve element is supported and slidable on a guide surface, which is formed on the passage wall, at the outer circumferential periphery.

Abstract: A subsea production system for producing fluids from a subsea well in a subsea field. The production system includes a production facility and a production umbilical connecting the subsea well with the production facility. The production system also includes a control system for controlling production from the subsea well. The control system includes a first redundant master control station system (redundant MCS) at a first location, the redundant MCS capable of controlling production from the subsea well. The control system also includes a second redundant MCS at a second location, the second redundant MCS capable of controlling production from the subsea well. The redundant MCSs are synchronized to keep the same electronic data at both locations and to prevent conflicts in control signals from the redundant MCSs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of monitoring a fluid processing network having a plurality of fluid processing regions including the steps of: receiving measured current parameter values at known points of the network; determining from the measured current parameter values regions of the network that are active, all other regions being deemed inactive; subtracting inactive regions of the network from a model of the fluid processing network to provide a current active network model; determining current parameter values of the current active network at least at points remote from the known points, the parameter values at said remote points being determined using the measured current parameter values and the current active network model; based on the current parameter values, determining if one or more pre-specified boundaries are breached; and performing a predetermined action if one or more said boundaries are breached.

Abstract: A method and a device for open-loop or closed-loop control of a process uses an actuator, a position sensor, a process valve, a process sensor, and a tuning stage. n positions of the process valve are approached, and the associated actual position values are detected. The respective actual process values are detected for each corresponding actual position value to thus obtain value pairs of actual position values and actual process values. Correction values are calculated based on the identified value pairs, and position set values corrected with the correction values are determined to compensate for nonlinearities of the process, such that a linear overall behavior is achieved.

Abstract: A system can include an interface to receive sensed data and economic data; a production control framework that includes a module for modeling motor efficiency of an electric submersible pump, a module for modeling gas composition of a fluid being pumped by an electric submersible pump, a module for modeling solid dynamics in a fluid being pumped by an electric submersible pump, a module to update one or more of the modules for modeling in response to receipt of data via the interface; and an interface to output control commands to a controller for an electric submersible pump based at least in part on data received by the interface and analyzed by the production control framework. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly that can be used with systems that fill containers with fluids and methods of reducing fluid splash-back in filling operations.

Abstract: For the single-handle dual-control thermostatic valve and the faucet, a hot water incoming channel, a hot water outgoing channel, a cold water incoming channel and a cold water outgoing channel are provided in the valve core body respectively. A static ceramic chip is provided above the valve core body in the valve jacket, a dynamic ceramic chip is provided on the static ceramic chip. On the static ceramic chip, a hot water inlet passage, a hot water outlet passage a cold water inlet passage and a cold water outlet passage are provided separately, the hot water inlet passage, the hot water outlet passage, the cold water inlet passage and the cold water outlet passage are connected correspondingly with the hot water incoming channel, the hot water outgoing channel, the cold water incoming channel and the cold water outgoing channel of the valve core body respectively. On the dynamic ceramic chip, a hot water controlling channel and a cold water controlling channel are provided.

Abstract: A controller for a voltage regulator is disclosed. The controller is switchable between first and second modes of operation in which the controller is adapted to control the regulator to operate in switching and linear modes respectively. The controller is further adapted to respond to an input voltage to the voltage regulator to enter a third mode of operation in which the input voltage is coupled directly to an output terminal.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator having excellent transient response characteristics. The voltage regulator includes: a first switch connected between a gate of an output transistor and a phase compensation capacitor; a voltage follower having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of a differential amplifier; a second switch connected between an output terminal of the voltage follower and the phase compensation capacitor; and a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The first switch and the second switch are controlled with an output signal of the comparator.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a coupled-inductor structure includes first and second windings. The first winding is configured to conduct a phase current, has a first node configured for coupling to a phase node of a power supply, and has a second node configured for coupling to an output node of the power supply and to a first node of a sense impedance that is configured to generate a sense signal representative of the phase current. And the second winding is configured for magnetic coupling with the first winding, has a first node coupled to the first node of the first winding, and has a second node configured for coupling to a second node of the sense impedance. For example, the first winding may be a phase inductor of a switching power supply, and the impedance may be a capacitor that generates a sense voltage representative of the phase current.

Abstract: A power control device includes a power unit generating power to be supplied to a target device, from external power, an operating unit receiving operation of power on and power off by a user, a nonvolatile memory unit storing information, and a power control unit turning off, when the operating unit has received power-off operation, power supply to the target device in a predetermined sequence for the target device and records the fact that power has been turned off normally in the nonvolatile memory unit. When external power supply is started, the power control unit turns on the power supply to the target device when having determined that external power supply was stopped due to a certain cause, or does not turn on the power supply to the target device when having determined that external power supply was stopped due to a cause other than the certain cause.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the flexible constraints of an electric power system includes a step S1 of expressing the total power generation cost of the electric power system by using the sum of quadratic functions of active power outputs of all generator sets in the system and constructing an objective function, a step S2 of selecting a multi-dimensional flexible optimization model or a flexible power generation cost optimization model according to the practical situation of the electric power system and the practical purpose of optimization, a step S3 of determining the operating conditions of the electric power system, and a step S4 of carrying out load flow calculation.