Abstract: A dynamic energy exchange platform is described that provides real time control of various system components by using regular sensors as well as sensorless actuators, resulting in an overall balance of energy for the entire system. A sensorless multi-parametric control solution may provide regular operation control, support control, and improvement control. The regular operation control comprises system control during normal operation. The support control comprises abnormal operation recovery control, and the improvement control allows potential system growth and/or controlling aging degradation. Embodiments of the disclosure encompass man-machine and machine-machine (or machine/material) interfaces with active points where energy exchange takes place.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of building system device node commissioning systems, methods, apparatus, tools, and/or devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one commissioning apparatus is configured to analyze networked system design data, generate unique room-zone identifiers for the building system device nodes, generate one or more custom project workbooks for inclusion of the unique room-zone identifiers and individual device addresses for installed building system device nodes, and identify physical locations of the installed building system device nodes using the one or more custom project workbooks including the unique room-zone identifiers and the individual device addresses of the installed building system device nodes.

Abstract: A controller for multiple groups of equipment detects a staging event for a first group of equipment and determines when the staging event occurs. The controller determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed since the staging event for the first group of equipment has occurred and prevents a second group of equipment from staging in response to a determination that the predetermined time period has not elapsed since the staging event for the first group of equipment has occurred. Preventing the second group of equipment from staging reduces peak energy consumption during the predetermined time period and reduces a demand charge based on the peak energy consumption.

Abstract: In the recent few decades, many traditional and modern optimization algorithms have been introduced to solve economic load dispatch (ELD) problems. These techniques require precise and accurate representation of realistic generating units. In addition to their complicated structures, there is a big gap between the realistic operation of generating units and their reflected mathematical models, where many technical challenges are neglected to simplify the corresponding ELD optimization problem. Based on a fact that most power systems maintain their operation records, an estimated economic load dispatch can be determined using these information recorded in operation logbooks and archiving servers. This invention is an optimization/modeling free (OMF) technique and it can be applied without using any special or expensive software. Moreover, it does not require to determine any parameter nor constraint, and all solutions are practical and feasible.

Abstract: An energy generation and storage system includes one or more energy generation assets, one or more energy storage assets, and a system controller. The system controller identifies a plurality of candidate responses to a grid service request. Each candidate response includes a split value that describes a power split between the energy generation assets and the energy storage assets. The system controller determines a plurality of response scores respectively for the plurality of candidate responses based at least in part on a plurality of asset life impact values that describe an impact that the plurality of candidate responses would have on an asset life of at least one of the one or more power generation assets and the one or more energy storage assets. The system controller selects one of the plurality of candidate responses based at least in part on the plurality of response scores.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, system and computer program product for a receptionist function in vehicles for communications management, such as phone call and texting management, includes determining driving context of a moving vehicle, estimating a risk factor related to the operation of the vehicle based on the driving context, receiving an incoming communication directed to a mobile communication device within the vehicle, analyzing the incoming communication to determine a communication factor representing an assessment of the incoming communication, and determining an electronic action in response to the incoming communication based on the driving context, the risk factor and the communication factor.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first output and a second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system includes multiple multiplexing units and multiple data acquisition units receiving multiple data streams from multiple machines in the industrial environment.

Abstract: For ladder logic graphical programming and textual programming synchronization, a processor dynamically synchronizes a graphical ladder logic programming interface to an executable code base of ladder logic instructions. The processor further concurrently dynamically synchronizes a textual ladder logic programming interface to the executable code base.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for controlling IoT devices has a rotation disk, a rotation detection circuit, a control circuit, a wireless circuit, a circuit board and a housing. The rotation disk has a rotating shaft in an inner surface of the rotation disk for generating a rotation operation, where the rotation operation is either a clockwise rotation or a counterclockwise rotation. The rotation detection circuit is used for detecting the rotation operation of the rotating shaft. The control circuit retrieves the rotation operation from the rotation detection circuit, and generates a control instruction according to the rotation operation to the wireless circuit to control a corresponding external device.

Abstract: An agile manufacturing platform for manufacture of an object includes a substantially planar body (301) supporting a computer processor (303) and a plurality of articulated legs (305). An articulated robotic arm (307) is rotatably mounted to the planar body and includes at least one articulated joint to providing at least 3 degrees of freedom relative to the planar body. A machine tool (315) is coupled to the articulated robotic arm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component of a water infrastructure system can include carrying a mobile manufacturing platform with a vehicle from a storage site to a worksite located remotely from the storage site, the mobile manufacturing platform including a control unit; and a manufacturing unit operatively coupled to the control unit; sending the solid model of a first component or an equivalent thereof to the manufacturing unit; fabricating a second component using an automated manufacturing process based on the solid model of the first component saved on a computer-readable storage medium operatively coupled to the control unit; and returning the system from the worksite to the storage site.

Abstract: A process for providing a manufacturing modality for a hybrid article includes defining a model for a build surface on a part in a three dimensional space, and defining a model for an additive structure, the model including an interface surface of the additive structure that corresponds with the build surface in the three dimensional space. The process further includes orienting the x, y and z coordinates of each of the build surface of the part and the interface surface of the model in relation to a three dimensional work space, aligning contours of each of the build surface and the interface surface relative to the work space, and directing a cladding system to define toolpaths for two or more cladding layers that are defined by vertical planar segments or slices of the additive structure model.

Abstract: An interactive online platform for the personalization, purchase, and delivery of personalized creative sculptures and designs is provided. The parametric portraiture design and customization system combines CAD solutions, WebGL technology, and 3D artist software to produce creative sculptures and an interactive space for the personalization of these creative portraiture sculptures and designs. The individual resemblance for the creative designs is developed through upload of scans or photos. The resemblance is then embedded into sculpture designs that can be personalized to capture valued experiences.

Abstract: A vibration control device moves an object by controlling an actuator. The vibration control device controls a position and speed of the actuator, generates a model by modeling the object; and calculates an inverse system output based on the model and the control to provide positive feedback of a position of the object based on the inverse system output.

Abstract: A valve control device, which is designed as a valve control head and/or as a valve position regulator head, for controlling a valve drive and/or a fitting. The valve control device includes a control unit for interacting with a functional unit, which is designed as an actuator unit, sensor unit, signal unit and/or communication unit, wherein the control unit has a device driver for interacting with the functional unit, wherein the device driver provides a software interface, which can be addressed by an application program which can be run on the control unit and/or a remote procedure call, in order to effect an interaction with the functional unit.

Abstract: A technique is provided to enable low-cost control of amounts of fertilizer applied. A control device controls a currently used agricultural machine that applies fertilizer to a crop while traveling through a field. The control device includes a growth data receiving unit, a fertilizer application amount value calculator, and a speed signal generator. The growth data receiving unit receives growth data that is obtained by sensing a growth condition of a crop at each location in the field. The fertilizer application amount value calculator determines an amount of fertilizer on the basis of the growth data. The speed signal generator generates a speed signal to cause the agricultural machine to travel at a speed corresponding to a variable value of an amount of the fertilizer to be applied at each location in the field.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling distributed operations of devices, such as for devices that are each part of or otherwise associated with a mechanical system containing actuators to manipulate a surrounding environment and optionally further containing sensors to obtain information from the surrounding environment, and with such a device controlling the associated system to perform industrial operations. The described techniques may include identifying a group of multiple such devices to perform one or more assigned tasks, such as in a cooperative distributed manner with each device performing part of the assigned tasks, and/or in a competitive manner with some or all devices independently performing at least one assigned task. The performances of the devices may further be evaluated in various manners, and the devices selected to perform one or more tasks may be identified in various manners (including based at least in part on past performance evaluations).

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage space with storage locations defined therein, an automated transport system connected to the storage space and configured to transport store units for storage in the storage locations and retrieval from the storage locations, and a control system disposed for managing throughput performance of the automated storage and retrieval system, the control system being operably coupled to the automated transport system and having more than one separate and distinct control sections each configured for managing throughput performance with respect to a common group of the storage locations, wherein at least one of the control sections manages aspects of throughput performance of the common group independent of another of the control sections.

Abstract: An automation system includes at least one field device and at least one control unit. The automation system is configured to provide an application interface via which a data transfer of administration data for administration of the at least one field device can be performed from the at least one control unit to the at least one field device.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods to relate welding wire to a welding power source are disclosed. One embodiment is a networked system having a server computer. The server computer is configured to receive first data including at least one of an identity or a location of a consumable source of welding wire, and at least one of a weight status, indicating a change in weight, or an energization status, indicating an energization state, of the consumable source of welding wire. The server computer is configured to receive second data including at least one of an identity or a location of a welding power source, and an activation status indicating an activation state of the welding power source. The server computer is configured to match the welding power source to the consumable source of welding wire based on at least the first data and the second data.

Abstract: A data prediction method and apparatus generate plant normal state prediction data based on measurement data of multiple tags and a plant prediction model, to enhance accuracy of anomaly/fault prediction by providing precise prediction data in the normal state even in a plant anomaly/fault condition. The method includes generating primary prediction data by performing primary prediction based on the measurement data and the plant prediction model; selecting an anomalous state tag among the multiple tags, the selected anomalous state tag determined as data of an anomalous state based on measurement data corresponding to the primary prediction data; updating the plant prediction model by using the measurement data of only normal state tags; and generating secondary prediction data by performing secondary prediction based on the measurement data of the normal state tags and the updated plant prediction model. Secondary prediction is performed only when an anomalous state tag is selected.

Abstract: A central plant control system configured to serve one or more energy loads in a building comprises equipment configured to consume, produce, or store one or more resources including electricity, water, natural gas, steam, hot thermal energy, cold thermal energy, or electrical energy. The central plant control system further comprises an asset allocator configured to receive an input model that describes a physical layout of the equipment of the central plant and create a net list that defines connections between the equipment of the central plant using the input model. The asset allocator is further configured to discover one or more systems of interconnected equipment and one or more groups of equipment using the net list, formulate an optimization problem for the central plant using the systems and groups of equipment, and operate the equipment of the central plant according to the optimization problem.

Abstract: In an air-conditioning apparatus and a method of detecting an abnormality in a transmission line, the air-conditioning apparatus includes plural facility apparatuses which are connected to each other by a transmission line and communicate with each other. One of the plural facility apparatuses includes: a transmission circuit including an abnormality detection comparator which detects an abnormality in the transmission line, the transmission circuit being provided to detect the abnormality in the transmission line; and a data storage device which stores a reception signal and signal voltage wave-height information indicating that the abnormality in the transmission line is detected. The transmission circuit further compares a voltage value of a reception signal received from another of the plural facility apparatuses through the transmission line with a threshold value set in advance in the abnormality detection comparator.

Abstract: An information processing device determines, based on a preset threshold, whether the production index belongs to either a first section or a second section contained in one maintenance cycle of the member, wherein a change in the production index is larger in the second section than in the first section. The information processing device executes at least one of first processing in which the production index determined to belong to the first section is used and second processing in which the production index determined to belong to the second section is used.

Abstract: A method for generating a technical system model executable on a test unit, wherein the test unit and the executable model are designed for real-time-capable testing of a control unit connected to the test unit, and wherein the executable model is constructed from a plurality of executable submodels communicating with each other, wherein each executable submodel has a separate address space and/or is executed on a separate processor or separate processor core when a test of a control unit connected to the test unit is being run.

Abstract: A method of predicting plant data in a system generates prediction data based on a plant prediction model and for detecting anomalies of the plant by comparing the prediction data with measurement data. The method can provide precise prediction data in a normal state even though the measurement data contains data in an anomalous state. Anomaly/fault prediction accuracy is enhanced by providing precise prediction data in the normal state. An apparatus using the method includes a plant modeling unit for generating a plant prediction model based on k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) by modeling a plant based on measurement data of multiple tags; and a prediction data generating unit for measuring similarity between the plant prediction model and the measurement data, determining a parameter k value based on the similarity, and generating plant normal state prediction data based on the determined parameter k value and the measured similarity.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for “parking” an apparatus in a “parking position.” A parking position may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a marine apparatus, which may be configured to be disposed in an environment comprising saltwater, salty air, brackish water, freshwater, and the like. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. Some aspects include a water jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts. A control cylinder and/or a linkage may be parked in a configuration that segregates damage incurred during periods of inactivity to portions of an apparatus not needed for normal operation.

Abstract: Embodiment includes of a method and a system of network based operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. One system includes a drone user machine, a drone control machine, and a drone control console. The drone control machine is interfaced with the drone user machine through a network. The drone control machine is interfaced with a drone through the drone control console. The drone control machine operates to receive user commands from the drone user machine through the network, and generate drone control commands which are provided to the drone control console for controlling the drone, wherein the drone control commands are generated based on the user commands, and based on virtual flight assistance constraints.

Abstract: An example non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to determine access rights of a telepresence robot to a physical location based on access rights of a user that is to control the telepresence robot. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to assign the determined access rights to the telepresence robot.

Abstract: Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.

Abstract: A rotary-wing aircraft and system for flying a rotary-wing aircraft. The aircraft includes a servo system for actuating a rotor of the aircraft. A hydraulic system provides hydraulic power to the servo system, and a sensor measures a parameter of the hydraulic system. A processor determines a condition of the hydraulic system from the parameter and enforces an effective flight envelop based on the condition of the hydraulic system in order to fly the aircraft within the effective flight envelope.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods, devices, and systems of transporting a payload using a robotic vehicle. Various embodiments may include determining whether a payload is securely held by the robotic vehicle, and taking a corrective action in response to determining that the payload is not securely held by the robotic vehicle.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods, devices, and systems of transporting a payload using a robotic vehicle. The methods may determine whether a payload has separated from the robotic vehicle and take a corrective action in response to determining that the payload is not securely held by the robotic vehicle.

Abstract: A driver-alert system for an automated vehicle includes a display, and attention-detector, a hazard-detector, and a controller. The display is viewable by an operator of a host-vehicle. The attention-detector indicates when an operator is attentive to the display. The hazard-detector indicates when a hazard is present proximate to a travel-path of the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the attention-detector, the display, and the hazard-detector. The controller operates the display to warn the operator of the hazard only when the attention-detector indicates that the operator is attentive to the display.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a self-propelled vehicle, method, and system. The self-propelled vehicle includes an autonomous driving system configured to dynamically determine maneuvers operating the vehicle along a route in an automated mode without continuous input from a human driver. The vehicle includes an input device configured to receive a real-time request for a specific dynamic maneuver by the vehicle operating along the route from the human driver. The vehicle includes a decision circuit configured to select a real-time dynamic maneuver by arbitrating between (i) the received real-time request for the specific dynamic maneuver from the human driver and (ii) a real-time determination relative to the specific dynamic maneuver received from the autonomous driving system. The vehicle includes an implementation circuit configured to output the selected real-time dynamic maneuver to an operations system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated driving system includes a determiner, a driving switch controller, and a notification controller. The determiner determines each of a plurality of determination items that is a condition for switching from an automated driving to a manual driving. The driving switch controller switches from the automated driving to the manual driving when all of the plurality of determination items are determined as positive. The notification controller notifies a driver of notification information for urging a reaction of the driver when at least one of the plurality of determination items is determined as negative. The determiner determines the at least one or all of the plurality of determination items before a vehicle passes through a switch determination point. The determiner determines the at least one or all of the plurality of determination items when or after the vehicle passes through the switch determination point.

Abstract: Aircraft and associated methods, apparatus, system and storage devices for automatically positioning of lift control devices such as high lift devices including slats and flaps so an aircraft equipped with this technology will not need to count on the crew to command the lift control devices.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for using human driving patterns to manage speed control for autonomous vehicles are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: generating data corresponding to desired human driving behaviors; training a human driving model module using a reinforcement learning process and the desired human driving behaviors; receiving a proposed vehicle speed control command; determining if the proposed vehicle speed control command conforms to the desired human driving behaviors by use of the human driving model module; and validating or modifying the proposed vehicle speed control command based on the determination.

Abstract: In an autonomous driving adjustment apparatus, a condition obtainer obtains condition information indicative of a simulation condition of an autonomous driving simulation. A physical activity obtainer obtains physical activity information about a user who is experiencing an autonomous driving simulation. The physical activity information is correlated with the obtained condition information. A parameter adjuster analyses the condition information and the physical activity information to thereby adjust at least one control parameter used for the autonomous driving simulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drone for collecting and providing image data for bomb damage assessment and an air-to-ground weapon system equipped with the drone. The air-to-ground weapon system includes: a hitting means moving to a bombardment target to hit the bombardment target; and a drone detachably attached to the hitting means.

Abstract: A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot on a floor includes controlling movement of the robot across the floor in a cleaning mode, receiving a sensor signal indicative of an obstacle, rotating the robot away from the sensed obstacle, determining a change in the received sensor signal during at least a portion of the rotation of the robot away from the sensed obstacle, and identifying the sensed obstacle based at least in part on the determined change in the received sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving data representing a first location associated with a service request. The method includes controlling the autonomous vehicle to travel in accordance with a first route that leads to the first location. The method includes determining a second location for the service request when the autonomous vehicle is en route to the first location. The method includes controlling the autonomous vehicle to provide the requested service at the second location.

Abstract: A prediction-based system and method for trajectory planning of autonomous vehicles are disclosed.

Abstract: A prediction-based system and method for trajectory planning of autonomous vehicles are disclosed.