Abstract: The present invention provides an ellipsometry device and an ellipsometry method whereby measurement efficiency can be enhanced. In this method, an object is illuminated by spherical-wave-like illumination light Q linearly polarized at 45° (S1), and an object light O, being a reflected light, is acquired in a hologram IOR using a spherical-wave-like reference light R having a condensing point near the condensing point of the illumination light Q, and a hologram ILR of the reference light R is furthermore acquired using a spherical-wave reference light L having the same condensing point as that of the illumination light Q (S2). The holograms are separated into p- and s-polarized light holograms IKOR, IKLR, ?=p, s and processed to extract object light waves, and object light spatial frequency spectra GK(u, v), ?=p, s are generated (S3) (S4). Ellipsometric angles ?(?), ?(?) are obtained for each incident angle ? from the amplitude reflection coefficient ratio ?=Gp/Gs=tan ?·exp(i?).

Abstract: A pivot arbor for a timepiece movement including at least one pivot made of a non-magnetic metal material at at least one of its ends in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields. The non-magnetic metal material is a non-magnetic light metal or a non-magnetic alloy of the light metal, and at least the external surface of the pivot is coated with an anodic oxide layer of the material, obtained by anodic growth.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (wrist device) includes: a case (top case and bottom case); a display unit accommodated in the case; a cover plate closing an opening of the case; and a moisture absorbing member disposed along an outer edge of the display unit between the cover plate and the display unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external part including a first portion based on photostructurable glass, at least one second portion based on at least one second material. According to the invention, one surface of the first portion is made integral with a surface of the second portion so as to form a one-piece external part.

Abstract: A timer device and method for receiving a container includes a base. A timer circuit is within the base. An electric current source is coupled to the timer circuit. A sensor is coupled to the base and is electrically coupled to the timer circuit. A display is coupled to the base and is electrically coupled to the timer circuit for displaying a time value. The base defines a support surface for supporting the container. The sensor transmits a time initiation electrical signal to the timer circuit upon the container being positioned on the support surface. The time initiation electrical signal activates the timer circuit and transmitting the time value to the display. The time value provides a reminder display to the individual of the time interval from the container being positioned on the support surface.

Abstract: A haptic-based identification, authentication, authorization, and context aware authorization system usable with a touch-enabled device having a touch screen haptic interface, touch-enabled device receiving a plurality of inputs during interaction with a user which includes a storage space to store a first plurality of inputs corresponding to an authenticated user and a central processing unit (CPU) in communication with the storage space and the touch-enabled device to compare the first plurality of inputs with a second plurality of inputs inputted by the user, wherein the CPU authenticates the user to the touch-enabled device when the inputted second plurality of inputs is determined to be similar to the first plurality of inputs.

Abstract: A building control system determines the uncertainty in a break even temperature parameter of an energy use model. The energy use model is used to predict energy consumption of a building site as a function of the break even temperature parameter and one or more predictor variables. The uncertainty in the break even temperature parameter is used to analyze energy performance of the building site.

Abstract: A system and process/method of modeling demand-response (DR) and distributed-energy resource (DER) assets is provided, facilitating the aggregation of said assets in virtual power plants (VPPs), and using VPPs to provide energy balancing services needed to minimize the impact of Variable Energy Resources (VER) on power system. The method accurately accounts for assets by qualifying assets based on various parameters and by forecasting the capabilities of the resulting VPPs for provision of balancing services. Asset performance factors that may affect the aggregated VPP's capabilities are monitored and recalculated when necessary. Near-term forecasted VPP capability is compared to near-term forecasted imbalances in the electric-power-supply system, and the VPP is dispatched to minimize the system imbalances. The dispatch signal is disaggregated to control commands to individual assets.

Abstract: A building automation system generates occupancy information for occupants of spaces of a building (e.g. quantity, identity and/or location of the occupants) based on occupancy sensors in the spaces. The occupancy sensors capture speech sounds originating from one or more occupants of the spaces and/or ultrasonic emissions originating from one or more user devices of the occupants are via microphone arrays. Audio data based on the captured sound is then generated. Position information for the sources of the sound is determined based on the audio data, and the audio data is enhanced based on the position information via a beamforming process. Occupancy information for the spaces is generated based on the audio data. Environmental conditions of the spaces are controlled based on the presence, absence, position, orientation, distribution and/or preferences of the occupants in the space.

Abstract: A microgrid controller for controlling one or more edge units in a distributed energy system is presented. In some embodiments, the microgrid controller communicates with one or more network adjacent edge units, each of the one or more network adjacent edge units being coupled to a power grid, determines an instruction set to execute with the one or more network adjacent edge units, provides operating parameters for the one or more network adjacent edge units to execute the instruction set, and monitors the one or more edge units over a network that is not associated with the internet. In situations where the internet fails, microgrid controller determines a set of instructions to execute and provides instructions to the network adjacent edge units.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling power conditioners in a distributed resource island. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing, at a power conditioner operating in a de-energized state, an input of the power conditioner to an input threshold, wherein the power conditioner is coupled to an islanded grid; operating the power conditioner, when the input exceeds the input threshold, in a soft-grid mode to generate a touch-safe AC voltage that is coupled to the islanded grid; comparing, by the power conditioner, an impedance of the islanded grid to a grid impedance range; comparing, by the power conditioner, load demand of the power conditioner to an activate threshold; and activating the power conditioner, when the impedance is within the grid impedance range and the load demand exceeds the activate threshold, to operate proximate its nominal output voltage.

Abstract: A method of controlling operations of an HVAC system includes measuring temperature within an enclosed space, receiving a setpoint temperature within the enclosed space, calculating a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the received setpoint temperature, and determining whether the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the received setpoint temperature is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature differential value. If the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the received setpoint temperature is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature differential value, determining whether the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the received setpoint temperature is greater than or equal to a second predetermined temperature differential value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a treatment process of a medium that includes a system input and output, wherein a change in a first parameter of the medium at the system input causes a change in a second parameter at the system output only after an elapse of a dead time, and a control system, the method including determining first values of the first parameter; determining set values for an output variable influencing the second parameter at the system output using the determined first values and a first proportionality factor recorded in the control system; applying the determined set values to adjust the output variable; determining second values of the second parameters; determining deviation values representative of a deviation of the second parameter from the first parameter; and using at least one of the deviation values and at least one of the set values to determine a second proportionality factor.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for highly parallel processing of parameterized simulations are described. Embodiments permit processing of stochastic data-intensive simulations in a highly parallel fashion in order to distribute the intensive workload. Embodiments utilize methods of seeding records in a database with a source of pseudo-random numbers, such as a compressed seed for a pseudo-random number generator, such that seeded records may be processed independently in a highly parallel fashion. Thus, embodiments provide systems and associated methods facilitating quicker data-intensive simulation by enabling highly parallel asynchronous simulations.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for highly parallel processing of parameterized simulations are described. Embodiments permit processing of stochastic data-intensive simulations in a highly parallel fashion in order to distribute the intensive workload. Embodiments utilize methods of seeding records in a database with a source of pseudo-random numbers, such as a compressed seed for a pseudo-random number generator, such that seeded records may be processed independently in a highly parallel fashion. Thus, embodiments provide systems and associated methods facilitating quicker data-intensive simulation by enabling highly parallel asynchronous simulations.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for sensing a process variable of an industrial process includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a current process variable of the industrial process. Measurement circuitry is configured to compensate the sensed process variable as a function of at least one previously sensed process variable characterized by a Hysteron basis function model. Output circuitry provides a transmitter output related to the compensated sensed process variable.

Abstract: A domain management resource monitors a behavior of a user controlling multiple resources disposed in a domain of a network environment. Based on the monitored behavior, the domain management resource identifies a repeated pattern of control in which the user controls a particular resource in the domain. The domain management resource derives a proposed control rule based on the repeated pattern of control. The proposed control specifies how to control the particular resource. The domain management resource presents the control rule for review and possible editing prior to programming the domain management resource to execute the control rule.

Abstract: A generator system for operation of at least one generator and at least one breaker includes an interface, a database, and a generator controller. The interface is configured to receive an architecture for the generator system. The database includes at least one generator parameter and at least one breaker parameter. The generator controller is configured to determine generator layouts from the architecture for the generator system. The generator controller determines a generator system command based on a comparison of the generator layouts, the at least one generator parameter, and the at least one breaker parameter.

Abstract: A self-regulating intelligent building automation system includes: a smart sensing unit including a first sensing unit disposed in a first specific space and a second sensing unit disposed in a second specific space separated from the first specific space; a self-regulating terminal unit including a first self-regulating terminal disposed in the first specific space and a second self-regulating terminal disposed in the second specific space; a network management unit managing a network without a direct digital control unit and wirelessly communicating with the smart sensing unit and the self-regulating terminal unit; and a central monitoring unit connected to the network management unit via the Internet.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides a method for transmitting encoded information signals through a control system and to a decoder. The encoded information signals are transmitted along with control signals as an encoded message. The information signals are encoded based at least in part on a control-coding capacity of the control system.

Abstract: The system generally includes a 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. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands.

Abstract: A programming module, systems, and methods for programming a motor controller coupled to a motor are provided. The programming module includes a connector for coupling to a system control wire harness of a system control board and a wire harness for coupling to a motor connector of the motor controller such that the programming module is serially coupled between the system control board and the motor controller. The module also includes a tap detection circuit coupled to the connector for detecting which tap of a plurality of motor taps is called by the system control board. A wireless communication device is configured to transmit an identification of the called tap wirelessly to a programming computing device, receive an adjusted operating parameter for the motor that is associated with the called tap from the programming computing device, and transmit, via the wire harness, the adjusted operating parameter to the motor controller.

Abstract: A simulation device includes a storage unit to store a PLC program for operating PLC systems, and a simulation unit to construct a virtual network system simulating a configuration of a network system that includes the PLC systems, and simulate an operation of the network system using the virtual network system and the PLC program. The network system includes the PLC systems, the virtual network system includes a plurality of virtual PLC systems to simulate an operation of the PLC systems, and the simulation unit causes the virtual PLC systems to execute the PLC program while synchronizing time in the virtual network system.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus includes a mold holding unit configured to hold a mold, a correction mechanism configured to correct a shape of a pattern formed in the mold to a desired shape by applying a force to the mold held in the mold holding unit, and a controller configured to assume a plurality of mold pattern shapes for a specific mold, calculate a parameter for associating the plurality of assumed mold pattern shapes and a deformation amount of the specific mold by causing the correction mechanism to apply the force to the specific mold to obtain the deformation amount of the specific mold so that the plurality of assumed mold pattern shapes are formed, and calibrate the correction mechanism using the parameter.

Abstract: An electronically controlled substrate working apparatus, such as a CNC controlled milling machine, drill press or lathe. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to remove material from the substrate, a spindle motor coupled to the tool, a feed motor configured to cause relative movement between the tool and the substrate along a feed path, a controller configured to control the spindle motor and the feed motor and a tool load measurement structure configured to provide a tool load value to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the load on the tool with stored or calculated first compliance values for a first location along the feed path and second compliance values for a second location along the feed path.

Abstract: A method for controlling a manipulator includes releasing the manipulator in reaction to a release request by an operator, wherein the recognition of the release request involves monitoring the variation over time of a measured value that is characteristic of a state of the manipulator. Increased robustness of the recognition of the release request results.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling zero-return of a servo of a robot, and a servo and a robot with enhanced zero-return. The method includes: outputting an activation command to a motor, and reading a default zero-point of the motor (w1) and a default zero-point of an output shaft of the speed reducer (w2). The output shaft of the motor (w1) is driven to return until the default zero-point of the output shaft of the speed reducer (w2) is the same with the current position of the output shaft of the speed reducer (w4) in response to the default zero-point of an output shaft of the speed reducer (w2) being not the same with the current position of the output shaft of the speed reducer (w4).

Abstract: An automated manufacturing system includes two simultaneous and independently operating toolheads accessing any location within the same work volume, with the exception of locations in proximity to each other. The system includes a bed platform connected with X and Y linear axes. A ? rotational axis rotates the bed and its linear axes as a unit. A first toolhead has a fixed position relative to the ? axis, and a second toolhead is coupled with a linear R axis parallel to the bed. The bed X and Y axes move the bed relative to the first toolhead, enabling the first toolhead to reach any portion of the bed. The R linear axis and ? rotational axis allow the second toolhead to move almost anywhere in a circular area that is always centered near the first toolhead. The system's kinematics ensure that it is impossible for the toolheads to collide.

Abstract: Reception means 81 receives an estimator learned using measured data up to a point of time in the past, verification data that is measured data from the point of time onward, and an update rule prescribing whether or not the estimator needs to be updated based on an evaluation index. Simulation means 82 simulates at least one of the evaluation index of the estimator and an update result of the estimator in a predetermined period, based on the update rule and an estimation result calculated by applying the verification data of the predetermined period to the estimator in chronological order.

Abstract: A motor control device is equipped with a command receiving unit adapted to receive movement commands and first control periods of the movement commands from each of a plurality of numerical controllers, a command generating unit which, on the basis of the plurality of first control periods and a plurality of second control periods in accordance with each of the plurality of first control periods, is adapted to generate movement commands of the plurality of second control periods from the movement commands of the plurality of first control periods, and a motor control unit adapted to control a motor in accordance with the plurality of movement commands generated by the command generating unit.

Abstract: This work region estimation device, which estimates a region in which a worker performs work, is provided with an orientation acquisition unit that acquires worker orientation information, and a work region calculation unit that, on the basis of the orientation information and a worker body model, calculates a region in which a worker operation is forecast.

Abstract: A scattering direction, a scattering range, a scattering speed, or the like of chip generated by machining is acquired by image pickup unit, and a state (such as wearing and fracture) of a tool is estimated from the acquired dynamic information. A machine learning device is used to perform the estimation and the machine learning device is caused to learn a state of a tool relative to the combination of a plurality of dynamic information on the vicinity of the tool, and the state of the tool is estimated based on a result of the learning.

Abstract: The purpose is to enable an instructor who does not know any programming language to easily teach robot movements and operation content to a robot without using a teach pendant. This method for generating a robot operation program includes a step, using a GUI, for sequentially executing in a plurality of template element operation programs the feature of displaying a variable specification screen for specifying a variable of a certain template element operation program, and then storing the template element operation program for which the variable was specified in a storage unit as a custom element operation program. The plurality of template element operation programs is configured so that: one or more finger position coordinates specifying a robot motion required for the element operation corresponding to the program are included as variables; and the one or more finger position coordinates are all specified, thereby specifying the robot motion.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining parameter values for multiple process variables associated with at least one industrial process, where the parameter values for each process variable include low and high limits and a current value. The method also includes presenting a graphical display that includes radial lines each associated with a different one of the process variables, a first graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the low limits of the process variables, a second graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the high limits of the process variables, and third graphical indicators identifying the current values of the process variables along the radial lines.

Abstract: In a numerical control system including a numerical controller having a tool database and a tool catalog database which can be referred to from the numerical controller, the tool catalog database has tool catalog data including first cutting condition data, and the tool database has tool data including second cutting condition data to be used for machining. After execution of the machining, the numerical controller updates the first cutting condition data to be stored in the tool catalog database based on the second cutting condition data stored in the tool database.

Abstract: Method, and corresponding system, for receiving and adaptively compressing sensor data for an operating manufacturing machine. The method includes determining the sensor data values at the working tool positions based on a time correlation of the values of the sensor data relative to time and the working tool positions relative to time. Tool control magnitude values relative to the working tool positions are determined based on the process data. The method further includes determining a magnitude differential, relative to the working tool positions, between the sensor data values and the tool control magnitude values. Scoring data is determined by applying a scoring function to the magnitude differential. The magnitude differential data is compressed based at least in part on the scoring data. The method further includes decompressing the magnitude differential data and determining the sensor data values versus the working tool positions based on the magnitude differential data.

Abstract: The invention is directed to maintaining the accuracy in the positional adjustment of a stationary part while shortening a turbine assembly period through the omission of the temporary assembly of a casing.

Abstract: In an approach to dynamic manufacturing, one or more computer processors receive an indication of intent to purchase a product. The one or more computer processors identify a set of specifications associated with the product. The one or more computer processors determine required product specification parameters based on the one or more product specifications. The one or more computer processors identify three dimensional printing-based manufacturers within a threshold proximity to a delivery location of the product. The one or more computer processors determine whether the identified three dimensional printing-based manufacturers can create the product meeting the determined required product specification parameters. The one or more computer processors send a list of three dimensional printing-based manufacturers that can create the product.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design of physical structures using generative design processes, where three dimensional (3D) models of the physical structures are produced to include lattices and hollows, include: obtaining design criteria for an object; iteratively modifying 3D topology and shape(s) for the object using a generative design process that represents the 3D topology as one or more boundaries between solid(s) and void(s), in combination with physical simulation(s) with a hollow structure and a lattice representation; adjusting a thickness of the hollow structure; adjusting lattice thickness or density; and providing a 3D model of the generative design for the object for use in manufacturing a physical structure corresponding to the object using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems.

Abstract: A servo control device controls a combined position of a first servo system and a second servo system having higher response than response of the first servo system. The servo control device includes a first axis target value creation unit and a correction unit. The first axis target value creation unit creates a first axis target value based on a combined command value which is a position command value of the combined position. The correction unit converts the first axis target value into a first axis command value by using a first transfer function. In addition, the correction unit converts the first axis target value by using a second transfer function, and calculates a second axis command value by subtracting the converted first axis target value from the combined command value.

Abstract: A program generating apparatus for generating an NC program for controlling a wire electrical discharge machine includes a machining order acquisition unit configured to acquire order in which a plurality of machining paths should be machined, the order being determined based on a predetermined rule, and a program generating unit configured to automatically change the order acquired by the machining order acquisition unit, so as to perform fixing process for fixing a core, which is produced during machining of a workpiece, to the workpiece by depositing a component of a wire electrode, prior to performing uncut process for leaving part of the core uncut, and generate an NC program for machining the machining paths in the changed order.

Abstract: A machine learning device of a machining condition adjustment device includes: a state observation unit that observes each of machining condition data indicative of a machining condition of each used tool and cycle time data indicative of a cycle time of one machining, as a state variable; a determination data acquisition unit that acquires determination data indicative of a result of an appropriateness determination of one machining in the case where an adjustment of the machining condition is performed; and a learning unit that performs learning by associating the machining condition data and the cycle time data with the adjustment of the machining condition using the state variable and the determination data so as to enables effective use of the allowance of a cycle time.

Abstract: A method of dynamically establishing a communication connection for mobile equipment (ME) to a process controller of an industrial processing facility (IPF) configured to run an industrial process. The process controller has a computing device includes a processor with a memory storing a different ME classes including a first ME class that the ME is in. The computing device is configured to implement dynamic establishment of a communication connection for ME to the process controller, including reading a representation of a first industrial protocol for the ME while docked at the process controller, translating the representation into a first industrial protocol address, and setting the first industrial protocol address as a first configuration instance in its industrial protocol infrastructure block to render the ME an attached ME. After undocking the ME, the process controller communicates with the ME while controlling the industrial process.

Abstract: A human interface technique is disclosed for industrial automation systems. The technique allows for visualizations to be distributed to interfaces, such as thin client interfaces, from automation components. For access to the content, a user may be initially authenticated in a first manner, such as by multi-factor authentication. Thereafter, or for a certain time or location, the user may be authenticated by a reduced number of factors, such as single-factor authentication. The authentication may be used to deliver the visualizations based on policies of a visualization manager, such as the user identification, the user role, the user location, and so forth. The reduced factor authentication allow for users to freely move and view visualizations on any available device, or at different locations, and so forth, but still based on the policies.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting faults and events related to a system includes receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors associated with the system. A hierarchical failure model of the system is constructed using (i) the sensor data, (ii) fault detector data, (iii) prior knowledge about system variables and states, and (iii) one or more statistical descriptions of the system. The failure model comprises a plurality of diagnostic variables related to the system and their relationships. Probabilistic reasoning is performed for diagnostic or prognostic purposes on the system using the failure model to derive knowledge related to potential or actual system failures.

Abstract: The example systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein generally relate to generating create a supervised failure model for assets in the given fleet that is configured to receive operating data as inputs and output a prediction as to the occurrence of a given failure type at the asset. In some instances, a data analytics platform may create and use an unsupervised failure model for a subset of the assets, use the respective unsupervised failure models to detect a set of anomalies that are each suggestive of a prior failure occurrence, from the set of anomalies, identify a subset of anomalies that are each suggest of a prior failure occurrence of the given failure type, and create the supervised failure model using failure data for the identified subset of anomalies.

Abstract: A method includes identifying changes in an alarm count for at least one alarm to be generated in an industrial process control and automation system. The changes in the alarm count are based on a plurality of different sets of alarm settings. The method also includes presenting the changes in the alarm count to a user and receiving a selection of one of the sets of alarm settings. The method further includes configuring the industrial process control and automation system with the selected set of alarm settings to enable the industrial process control and automation system to generate alarms using the selected set of alarm settings.

Abstract: A dial structure, a remote controller employing the dial structure, and a controlling method are provided. The dial structure comprises a carrying member and a dial movably connected with the carrying member. The dial is slidable with respect to the dial structure along a sliding direction and rotatable around a rotation shaft. An axial direction of the rotation shaft intersects with the sliding direction. The dial structure further comprises a rotation sensor configured to obtain rotating state information of the dial and a sliding sensor configured to obtain sliding state information of the dial.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a virtual vehicle fleet are provided. One embodiment of a method includes creating a virtual vehicle, where the virtual vehicle provides a telematics service and replicating the virtual vehicle to create the virtual vehicle fleet, where the virtual vehicle fleet includes a plurality of virtual vehicles. Some embodiments include simulating use of the telematics service by at least a portion of the virtual vehicle fleet, determining a response characteristic of the simulated telematics service used by the virtual vehicle fleet, and providing data related to the response characteristic for output.

Abstract: A device can receive telemetry information from a set of telemetry devices associated with a set of vehicles. The telemetry information being received via a set of unicast transmissions that correspond to the set of telemetry devices. The device can determine, based on the telemetry information, that the set of vehicles are associated with the service area. The device can generate service area information using the telemetry information. The device can provide, to the set of telemetry devices, the service area information to permit a control device of a vehicle, of the set of vehicles, to perform an action. The service area information can be provided via a multicast transmission.