Abstract: A light source having a plurality of light elements and a control system for controlling the light elements. The control system comprises a plurality of light element controllers, each connected to a respective light element, and arranged to obtain light element data; and a bus interface, which is connected to the light element controllers via a light source bus. The bus interface provides the light element controllers with a general command, and the light element controllers generate light element drive signals on basis of the general command and the light element data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automatic rendering of a lighting scene with a lighting system, particularly the control of the rendering. A basic idea of the invention is to improve rendering of a lighting scene by automatically compensating interference, such as an alien light source or a dynamic perturbing event of a rendered lighting scene. An embodiment of the invention provides a light control system (10) for automatically rendering a lighting scene with a lighting system, wherein the light control (10) system is adapted for monitoring the rendered lighting scene for the occurrence of interference (14, 20, 22, 24) and automatically reconfiguring the lighting system such that a monitored occurrence of an interference is compensated (16, 18, 12). As result, the invention allows to prevent dynamic disturbances or unforeseen events, for example caused by faulty or alien light sources, from distorting the rendering of an intended lighting scene.

Abstract: This invention is a novel smart lighting control system, which has a central control unit and at least one lighting module. The lighting module has its own controller, ambient light sensor, current sensor, emergency button and is connected to the central control unit and other modules via a serial port. Each lighting module can follow commands from the central control unit to display a specific lighting effect or adjust its brightness according to the ambient light automatically or switch to another color or lighting effect to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: A main control device generates a first signal and a second signal, which is substantially equivalent to the first signal, in accordance with the input signal, a sub-control device includes a comparison-judgment-processing unit that compares the first signal with the second signal, and judges that an abnormality occurs when a state, in which a deviation between the both signals is greater than equal to a predetermined value, is continued in a time being equal to a first predetermined time, and a limitation unit is configured in such a way that the limitation unit adds a predetermined limitation to the output of the main control device in accordance with a result for which the comparison-judgment-processing unit judges that the abnormality occurs.

Abstract: Provided are a PLC device and a method for controlling the same. The method includes: receiving input data from an external; storing the received input data in an input area of a data input/output unit; reading the input data from the input area of the data input/output unit in order to perform a calculation operation; storing output data, which is a result of the calculation operation, in an output area of the data input/output unit; and transmitting the output data in the output area of the data input/output unit to an output circuit.

Abstract: A consumable holder is provided for use with the appliance configured to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article. The consumable holder is configured to communicate with the appliance using a well formed command according to a taxonomy dataset.

Abstract: A method is provided and includes detecting a fault condition in a refrigeration system, determining a maintenance cost to correct the fault condition, and determining a monetary value associated with continued operation of the refrigeration system with the fault condition. The method also includes comparing the maintenance cost to the monetary value and determining a level of urgency for correcting the fault condition based on the comparison. The method also includes scheduling maintenance to correct the fault condition based on the level of urgency.

Abstract: A flexible electronic product includes a flexible electronic assembled body and an actuator including a shape memory member. The actuator of the flexible electronic product deforms in response to an input. The flexible electronic assembled body includes a flexible display device, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a plastic liquid crystal display (LCD), a plastic plasma display panel (PDP), an electronic ink panel, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT).

Abstract: A low visibility landing system is provided for guiding aircraft on landing approaches. The low visibility landing system may aid a pilot during landing in low visibility conditions such that an aircraft may descend to lower altitudes without visual contact with the runway than is possible with other landing systems. The system may use various navigational systems to produce a hybrid signal that may be more stable than individual signals of those navigational systems. The hybrid signal is compared to a predetermined landing approach plan to determine the deviation of the aircraft from the landing approach plan and to provide guidance to the pilot to get the aircraft back onto the landing approach plan. The system may also use multiple navigational systems to perform checks on an operation of a primary navigational system to ensure that the primary navigational system is operating accurately.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power. A monitoring module receives signals from one or more sensors. The signals comprise power level information of an electric energy storage device, power level information of one or more energy converters, and power level information of an electric load. A determination module compares the signals to determine whether electric power from the energy converters satisfies the electric load. A regulation module adjusts the electric power from the energy converters in response to a determination by the determination module that the electric power from the energy converters does not satisfy an electric load threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrically powered, fully automated, timed system for opening and closing the window blinds of an unoccupied house at pre-set or random hours, wherein the components are housed in a box mounted to the blind itself. The device can also be controlled by a remote control device.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one sensor unit for registering the process variable, wherein the sensor unit produces measurement signals; at least one electronics unit for controlling the sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit has at least one microprocessor; and at least one memory unit, which is associated with the sensor unit, and in which control data are storable. The control data specifically relate to the sensor unit and can be read out by the electronics unit. The microprocessor of the electronics unit is embodied in such a manner, that the microprocessor executes in an inactive state only basic functionalities, and that the microprocessor in an active state controls the sensor unit. The microprocessor transfers from the inactive state into the active state transfers by loading control data from the memory unit.

Abstract: An approach for making shifted schedules from a regular or master schedule of a building automation system. Shifted schedules may be obtained by applying shifts to the scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of the days in the master schedule. One set of shifts may apply uniformly to all days of the week or several sets of different shifts may apply to various days of the week. Special events with certain scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods and assigned to particular days may override the regular scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of those days. The shifted schedules may also contain special events with their periods shifted. The master schedule may govern the regular operating hours of a building and the shifted schedules may control, for example, HVAC equipment in particular zones, certain employee areas, parking lot lights, and so on. Changes to the master schedule may be applied as updates to the shifted schedules.

Abstract: A block execution sequence display system includes: a machine tool that has numerical control and sequence control; a programmable controller that executes a sequence program; a numerical control device that executes a NC program; block execution sequence array display means for displaying a block execution sequence array in which sequence functional blocks and a NC program execution block are arranged in an execution sequence; selecting means for selecting one of blocks in the array; and NC functional block execution sequence array display means for, when the NC program execution block is selected by the selecting means, displaying a NC functional block execution sequence array in which a plurality of NC functional blocks are arranged in an execution sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for automating a system wherein an interpreter generates and executes an execution code based on instructions received in form of a tree sequence, and wherein the tree sequence comprises information of parallel operations to define the respective automation procedure. The definition of the tree sequence may be based on a standardized human and machine readable format, such as e.g.

Abstract: The value of fixed cycle time is adjusted to an optimum value in a short period of time. In a second operational mode (MON) of a PLC, a series of a plurality of system processes are repeatedly performed with a change to a user program in a peripheral service process being allowed. A change to fixed cycle time to be compared with actual cycle time is prohibited in a first operational mode (RUN) but is allowed in the second operational mode (MON) and a non-operational mode (PRG).

Abstract: An apparatus for performing fault tolerance against a failure occurring during driving robot software components includes: a component executor for executing the robot software components, which are assigned with one thread from an operating system and have a same priority and cycle, by using the assigned thread; and an executor monitor for periodically monitoring the operation of the component executor and determining whether or not there is a failure in the robot software components executed by the component executor. The apparatus further includes: an executor manager for generating the component executor which is assigned with the robot software components having the same priority and cycle and, when the executor monitor determines that there is a failure in the execution of the robot software components, generating a new component executor.

Abstract: An operation target identification system includes at least one terminal device connected to a network, having a first display, devices connected to the network, each of which has a second display, and an identical pattern setting unit provided on the network, which selects one of multiple preset display patterns and sets the selected display pattern to the first display of the terminal device and the second display of one of the devices designated as an operation target of the terminal device.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In one embodiment, an industrial process control system includes a controller coupled to a field device. The industrial process control system further includes an alert server coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to receive alert information from the field device in a first protocol and communicate the alert information to the alert server in a second protocol.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer programs for controlling behavior of an electronic device are presented. A method includes an operation for operating the electronic device in a first mode of operation, and an operation for tracking the gaze of a user interfacing with the electronic device. The electronic device is maintained in a first mode of operation as long as the gaze is directed towards a predetermined target. In another operation, when the gaze is not detected to be directed towards the predetermined target, the electronic device is operated in a second mode of operation, which is different from the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A repetitive controller, a control method thereof and a feedback control system are disclosed. The repetitive controller includes an internal model section, a periodic delay module and a compensation module. An input quantity is input into the repetitive controller via an input terminal of the internal model section; the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module are connected in series. The repetitive controller further includes a particular frequency selection and passing module, connected in series with the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module or configured on a forward path of the internal model section. In the repetitive controller of the disclosure, a particular frequency selection and passing module is incorporated such that only the harmonic at the selected frequency are filtered out, thereby realizing the function of removing the harmonic at the particular frequency.

Abstract: A method for modeling and executing a production rule of a production phase in a discrete manufacturing scenario, whereby the production rule is associated to a process element and contains predefined production steps and predefined dependencies between the production steps, contains the steps of loading a production rule into a production order manager, parsing the production rule, and retrieving the predefined production steps and the predefined dependencies. Optionally user-defined parameters for the predefined production steps and the predefined dependencies are input. A state machine is created and contains the production steps labeled each as a predefined state, and further contains the dependencies labeled each as a predefined transition between two predefined states. The state machine is then forwarded to a process controller.

Abstract: Time partitions which need not be executed can be skipped. An OS partially includes a partition scheduler which selects and decides a time partition to be subsequently scheduled in accordance with a scheduling pattern including TP1 in which an execution time is allocated to a safety monitoring program, TP2 in which the execution time is allocated to a normal control program, and TP 3 in which the execution time is allocated to a safety control program. A processor executes the OS to cause the partition scheduler to periodically operate. The partition scheduler skips a TP including a program which need not be executed among TPs included in the scheduling pattern, in response to a notification of an execution result from a program executed in at least one of the time partitions TP1 to TP3.

Abstract: Methods and architectures are described that provide function block mobility between PLCs. Each PLC configured with Mobile Function Blocks (MFBs) may forward and execute MFBs from each other. To enable MFB mobility over a communication bus, each PLC having one or more configured MFBs requires a Communication Function Block (CFB) and an MFB directory data block. Each PLC maintains an MFB directory data block to store its MFB directory which is used when other PLCs send requests to check the availability of MFBs they need to run new tasks.

Abstract: A lamp device is controllable by a control terminal, and includes a light-emitting module, a driving circuit for driving the light-emitting module, a control unit for controlling duty cycle of the driving circuit, a first connector electrically coupled to the control unit, and a communication module. The communication module includes a second connector pluggably coupled to the first connector. The communication module is adapted to receive a control command from the control terminal and transmits the control command to the control unit via the first and second connectors, such that the control unit controls the driving circuit in accordance with the control command.

Abstract: Individuals can operate processor enabled devices at a high level of performance, even if they have little or no familiarity with those devices, by indirectly operating them through a first processor enabled device. The direct interactions of individuals with a familiar device can be communicated to one or more processors that perform signal processing functions in order to generate control signals that direct the operation of a second, unfamiliar processor-enabled device. In this closed-loop system, individuals can receive real-time feedback on the performance of the second device in a form associated with the operation of the first device.

Abstract: Secure data write apparatus and methods for use in safety instrumented process control systems select a parameter associated with a process control element within the process control system and send first data associated with the parameter to the process control element. A confirmation associated with a request to write the first data to the process control element is received from a user and the second data is sent to the process control element in response to receiving the confirmation. The first and second data are compared at the process control element and the first or second data are written to a location in the process control element associated with the parameter if the first and second data are at least substantially identical.

Abstract: In an embodiment, one or more fabric control circuits may be inserted in a communication fabric to control various aspects of the communications by components in the system. The fabric control circuits may be included on the interface of the components to the communication fabric, in some embodiments. In other embodiments that include a hierarchical communication fabric, fabric control circuits may alternatively or additionally be included. The fabric control circuits may be programmable, and thus may provide the ability to tune the communication fabric to meet performance and/or functionality goals.

Abstract: The invention relates to interconnecting grids of devices of networked control systems, particularly to interconnecting lighting systems having grids of interconnected luminairies. A basic idea of the invention is to interconnect grids of devices of networked control systems such as luminairies of lighting systems installed in different units of a building and to provide an address assigning scheme for devices of the interconnected grid so that all devices of the interconnected grids may be unambiguously addressed.

Abstract: A computer system contains motherboards, chassis management board and functional components. The motherboards have a micro control unit, and the functional components are electrically connected to the chassis management board, in which the micro control unit processes the data and passes the processed data to the chassis management board through a transmission line. The chassis management board receives and decodes the information from the micro control unit, then the chassis management board transmits the decoded information to the functional elements. The chassis management board also receives and passes the information returned from the functional components to the micro control unit through the transmission line.

Abstract: A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated.

Abstract: A device comprises means for computing the air-craft (A) current position, means for determining at least one maximum permitted deviation (E1) around a set position of the flight path of the flight plan according to accuracy and integrity performances of said current position computation and to the restriction of a flight range authorized in a flight corridor (6A, 6B), and a display system (7) for displaying at least one a distance scale (9) on a viewing screen (8), at least one a fixed symbol (10) displaying the current position and two movable pointers (13, 14) displaying the limits of said maximum permitted deviation (E1).

Abstract: Electrical medical equipment that includes a user operable primary adjustment mechanism containing two or fewer user-adjustable elements, and a controller adapted to control and alter at least one output parameter of the equipment, the controller connected and responding to input from said primary adjustment mechanism to alter said output parameter, the primary adjustment mechanism having at least four conditions; a first condition which the mechanism returns to without user input, a second condition, following manipulation of one of the elements from a first condition, a third condition, following manipulation of one of the elements from a first condition, and a fourth condition following manipulation of the same element manipulated to achieve the third condition to another position, wherein in each condition, the mechanism provides a distinct output as input to the controller, which responds to the input by: maintaining the output parameter at a previous level while the input indicates the mechanism is in t

Abstract: A system and method for reducing timing errors in automated test equipment (ATE) offering increased data rates for the testing of higher-speed integrated circuits. Embodiments provide an effective mechanism for increasing the data rate of an ATE system by delegating processing tasks to multiple test components, where the resulting data rate of the system may approach the sum of the data rates of the individual components. Each component is able to perform data-dependent timing error correction on data processed by the component, where the timing error may result from data processed by another component in the system. Embodiments enable timing error correction by making the component performing the correction aware of the data (e.g., processed by another component) causing the error. The data may be shared between components using existing timing interfaces, thereby saving the cost associated with the design, verification and manufacturing of new and/or additional hardware.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a system for fault conditions, determining an estimated energy loss based on the fault condition, determining an estimated product loss and/or sales loss based on the fault condition, and scheduling maintenance to correct the fault condition. Maintenance is schedule to correct the fault condition prior to the energy loss and the product loss exceeding maintenance costs.

Abstract: A device control method and apparatus and computer readable medium storing the method, the method including selecting at least one device based on at least one outdoor environment information; and generating control information regarding the selected at least one device based on the at least one outdoor environment information.

Abstract: A process device includes a controller and a wireless communications module. The wireless communications module is coupled to the controller. A power generation module is provided to generate electricity for the process device. The power generator module can be disposed within the process device or it can be a separate unit coupled to the process device.

Abstract: In the upgrading of the ECU, an ECU 1 to be a master notifies other ECUs 1a and 1b of change of an ACK slot length. The ECUs 1a and 1b change the ACK slot length into an ACK slot length received from the ECU 1. At this time, the changed ACK slot length is stored in each register 5a provided in the ECUs 1a and 1b. Subsequently, the master ECU 1 transmits an upgrade data to each of the ECUs 1a and 1b at a communication speed corresponding to the changed ACK slot length. After completion of the upgrade, the ECU 1 notifies of change of the ACK slot length into the original ACK slot length. After receiving this, the ECUs 1a and 1b reset the ACK slot length to the notified original ACK slot length.

Abstract: A system for control of electronic consumer device (ECD) functions includes a device having a signal output adapted to communicate with an ECD function information database to obtain function information for the ECD and to create a signal, transmittable via the signal output, using the function information for the ECD obtained from the function information database and a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable that communicates the signal transmitted via the signal output to the ECD.

Abstract: A system for real-time optimization of power resources on an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, an analytics server, a control element and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a power flow optimization engine. The virtual system modeling engine is configured to generate predicted data output for the electrical system utilizing a virtual system model of the electrical system. The control element is interfaced with an electrical system component and communicatively connected to the analytics server. The client terminal is communicatively connected to the analytics server.

Abstract: A PM system for overcoming friction stickiness and which also remains stable is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for comparing variable values obtained from different versions of an application program in an automated system. An input signal obtained from an automated process is inputted to at least two different versions of the application program residing within a same controller. The same tasks are executed based on the input signal for the different versions, and process related variable values obtained from the execution of the versions are stored in memory locations known by the controller. Variable values from the different versions and derived from corresponding execution steps of the versions are retrieved from the memory locations, and compared during an idle time. An improved way of revising an automation system is thereby achieved. The invention also relates to such controller and an automation system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically performing auxiliary functions of an electronic device when the device is switched to hold mode. The apparatus includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores a table that includes conditions to perform the auxiliary functions in an electronic device. The control unit automatically performs the auxiliary functions when the conditions are met after a hold switch is switched on in the electronic device. The method and apparatus determine the needs of a user when the user switches on the hold function in the electronic device, while at the same time determining the state of the electronic device, in order to perform needed auxiliary functions before switching to the hold mode. Thus, power is conserved and user convenience is enhanced.

Abstract: A sequence controller includes a periodic execution type sequence control module configured to execute each regular processing function block in a predetermined control period, an irregular processing function block storage configured to hold an irregular processing function block generated by a user, and a time-sharing execution type sequence control module configured to execute the irregular processing function block called from the irregular processing function block storage in free time of the control period. The periodic execution type sequence control module is configured to call the irregular processing function block from the irregular processing function block storage and to execute the irregular processing function block in the control period.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a device identification detection code output block configured to output a device identification detection code to an outside of the semiconductor device when the semiconductor device enters an identification (ID) read mode, a code comparison block configured to compare a device selection code applied from the outside with the device identification detection code when the semiconductor device enters a device selection mode, and generate a device matching signal based on a comparison result, and an internal circuit block configured to decide whether to perform a predetermined internal operation based on the device matching signal when the semiconductor device enters an operation control mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling ambiance devices, or an embedded device, using a device style sheet are disclosed. Ambiance devices include devices used to control an environment in a room or area, such as a lighting device or a heating/cooling system. A device style sheet declaration is received, in one embodiment, at an ambiance device controller. The declaration comprises a scope selector that identifies a scope of a style to be applied, a property identifier that identifies a style property to be altered, and a property value that identifies a style property value to be applied. At least one ambiance device, within the scope identified by the scope selector, that is in electronic communication with the ambiance device controller is identified. A control signal for the ambiance device is formulated based on the property identifier and property value. The control signal is then transmitted to the ambiance device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that are capable of synchronizing an industrial process. The industrial process may include a plurality of process levels. A visualization group may be displayed, showing the various levels of a process. A transition group may be graphically defined that allows for the linking of the transitions between the various process levels. In certain embodiments, sequential function charts (SFC) may include expanded capabilities that allow for the visual definition, editing, and review of the transition groups. Such SFC embodiments may be capable of process flow synchronization across any levels of the modeled process.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an automated system for tracking a vehicle, associating that vehicle with a vehicle washing selection, and tracking the vehicle until it enters the vehicle washing station for subsequent presentation of the vehicle washing selection to the control computer of the vehicle washing system for subsequent washing.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying screen flows. An instance of an application utilized by a first entity locates a first key in a first table to identify a first procedure. The same instance of the application utilized by a second entity locates a second key in the first table to identify a second procedure. Using the first procedure, a method and a parameter set based on rules of the first entity are located in a second table. Using the second procedure, the method and a parameter set based on rules of the second entity are located in the second table. The method is executed with each of the parameter sets to identify a first screen flow for the first entity and a second screen flow for the second entity. The first screen flow includes data elements that are different from data elements included in the second screen flow.