Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control.

Abstract: A control device, which handles a network system in which electronic devices installed in each of multiple rooms are connected via a communication network and each electronic device can perform communication via the communication network, includes: a control unit to selectively set a first control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed as to a particular single electronic device, a second control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices installed in the same room, and a third control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices connected to the communication network, as an operation control mode according to predetermined operation input, and to generate a control command; and a transmission unit to transmit a control command that the control unit has generated according to the control mode.

Abstract: A control system (10) comprises: a controlled device (15) controlled by a controller (30) having receiving means (34) for receiving command signals (40), and having a first, second and third storage locations (31, 32, 33) for storing a personal ID or address (PID), network ID (NID), and the ID (RCID) of a remote control device, respectively; at least one user-operable remote control device (17), designed for transmitting command signals. A command signal comprises a target address code, a network ID code, a sender address code, and a command code. Normally, the controller only responds to control signals if target address code, network ID code, and sender address code match with the information in memory. The controller is capable of operating in a NO NETWORK mode (200), in which the controller responds to a reset command irrespective of target address code, the network ID code, and the sender address code.

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: A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, and a protocol-independent server engine. The end devices are each associated with at least one of a space, a system, or a subsystem for at least a portion of a building or a campus. The communication network supports a plurality of communication protocols and communicatively couples at least a portion of the plurality of end devices. The server engine is communicatively coupled to the at least one communication network and includes means for selectively implementing a dynamic extensibility capability for the BAS that establishes communications with and control of the plurality of end devices over the plurality of communication protocols, and means for selectively implementing an automatic configuration capability for the BAS that supports addition of end devices to the plurality of end devices by determining at least one characteristic of each end device.

Abstract: A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, and a protocol-independent server engine. In one embodiment, the BAS comprises real and non-real end devices. In another embodiment, the BAS comprises real and virtual end devices. The BAS may also comprise a user interface.

Abstract: A building automation system (BAS) architecture is disclosed. The BAS comprises, in one embodiment, an architecture comprising a communication network and having a dynamic extensibility capability and an automatic configuration capability; an engine communicatively coupled to the communication network; and at least one control device communicatively coupled to the communication network, the control device being known or unknown to the engine. The engine can be adapted to selectively implement the dynamic extensibility capability to establish communications with and to control both known and unknown control devices. The engine can be further adapted to selectively implement the automatic configuration capability to determine at least one characteristic of both known and unknown control devices. A method of adding a control device to a building automation system (BAS) by dynamically extending and automatically configuring an architecture of the BAS is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metering system configured to couple to multiple specialty systems, such as a control system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are processing units comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a communication port configured to coupled to a backbone communication network of a control system. The memory stores a program that causes the processor to selectively participate (over the communication port) as a processing unit of a control system of a first manufacturer (the control system implements a first proprietary communication protocol between processing units), and to participate (over the communication port) as a processing unit of a control system of a second manufacturer different than the first manufacturer (the control system of the second manufacturer implements a second proprietary communication protocol between the processing units).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for workflow decision management. Embodiments typically include maintaining a device state history; identifying a device usage pattern in dependence upon the device state history; identifying a derived scenario in dependence upon the device usage pattern; and selecting a heuristic in dependence upon the derived scenario. In typical embodiments, the heuristic has a tolerance. Embodiments also include identifying a workflow in dependence upon the selected heuristic and executing the workflow in dependence upon the tolerance.

Abstract: A home automation system and method are disclosed for configuring a device state including accessing a graphical user interface (GUI) in a database at a server, sending the GUI from the server to the client device, receiving an input from the client device at the server, configuring the device state in the database at the server in accordance with the input, and sending the configured device state from the server to the client device. The client device receives a device state for configuring home automation controllable devices.

Abstract: An object can be used in an industrial control configuration in relation to performing a function or task. Matching can occur such that an object with operational requirements can bind with a host that has capabilities that meet those operational requirements—matching can occur automatically as well as through user operation. Once matched, different functionality can be presented to a user pertaining to the object. To assist the user, the object can include external references, logic, local or private data, as well as others in addition to resources. To facilitate operation, capabilities and resources can be published in a directory that can be accessed by different entities—sometimes with security constraints in order to protect configuration integrity. Likewise, a subscription system can be employed such that when a change to a related entity is made, a notice can transfer to related entities and operation can alter based upon the change.

Abstract: A system for conducting performing real-time harmonics analysis of an electrical power distribution and transmission system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server 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 power analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine is configured to store and process patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output, forecasting harmonic distortions in the electrical system subjected to a simulated contingency event.

Abstract: A device and a method for the analysis and troubleshooting of a system, based on the use of a model of the system, with application in particular in the area of industrial installations controlled by automatic control systems of the programmed or wired logic type. The method includes a stage for initialisation of the model, and a stage for the creation of a list of discordant variables whose value in the system differs from that predicted by the model. For each of the variables belonging to a discordance list, an initial list of suspect variables, suspected of having generated the discordant value, is created, and then a restricted list of suspect variables is obtained by filtration of the initial list.

Abstract: In an air-conditioning system controller provided with a central control unit and a local control unit, the central control unit includes a heat source machine measurement system for measuring an input/output state of a heat source machine, a setting unit for setting air-conditioning condition data on air-conditioning object spaces, an outdoor air measurement system for measuring outdoor air condition data, a total air-conditioning load operating unit, an optimal operating state estimation unit, and a heat source machine control. The total air-conditioning load operating unit calculates a total air-conditioning load or a heat exchange rate of the heat source machine based on chilled water inlet and outlet temperatures and chilled water flow rate of the heat source machine.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic control system includes a first electronic control unit executing a control process A, and a second electronic control unit connected to the first electronic control unit and executing a control process B inseparable from the control process A. The first electronic control unit includes a synchronization signal transmit unit transmitting a synchronization signal to the second electronic control unit; and a first control process execution unit starting execution of the control process A after transmission of the synchronization signal. The second electronic control unit includes a synchronization signal receive unit receiving the synchronization signal from the first electronic control unit; a first time measuring unit measuring a predetermined time Tb since reception of the synchronization signal; and a second control process execution unit starting execution of the control process B when the predetermined time Tb elapses.

Abstract: An engineering tool is provided with a first connector that connects to a first field device, a second connector that connects to a second field device, a controller, and, switch that switches the connection to the controller between the first connector and the second connector. Upon receiving instructions for transferring engineering information, the controller switches the switch to the first connector, acquires predetermined engineering information from the first field device, subsequently switches the switch to the second connector, and configures the second field device with the predetermined engineering information thus acquired.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a network device disposed at a residence and a wireless home energy network capable of establishing communication with the network device. A server is disposed remotely from the residence and capable of generating a control action report to control the network devices. A controller is located at the residence and in communication with the server and configured to establish the wireless home energy network; initiate a plurality of operating status requests of the network device; receive device data in response to at least one of the operating status requests; generate a site report including the device data; initiate a communication of the site report to the remote server; and detect an availability of the control action report at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the site report.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is provided for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprising a plurality of panelboards each having a plurality of load circuit positions. A plurality of pairs of circuit breakers and switching devices are each mounted in one of the load circuit positions. Each pair is electrically connected between an electrical power source and a load device for selectively delivering electrical power to load devices. An I/O controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the switching devices. The I/O controller includes a communication circuit. A system controller is connected to each I/O controller communication circuit and comprises a programmed controller for commanding operation of the I/O controllers.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: An appliance configured to perform a physical operation on an article, using a resource, includes a process control apparatus to control a cycle of the physical operation, and a service interface in communication with the process control apparatus and configured to receive a consumable holder. The service interface has at least one coupling point for conveying the consumable from a consumable holder to the appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for at least one electrochromic window (100, 100.1, 100.2, 100?, . . . ) with means (106, 108) for generating a charging current, to bring the window from a first state into a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state, means (112, 116) for discharging the window, to bring the window from the second state into the first state, wherein the discharging of the window can be triggered by an emergency signal (S1, S2).

Abstract: A method or apparatus automatically configures a control module for synchronous execution on a Fieldbus segment of a process control network by determining if all of the critical function blocks of a particular control module can be assigned to FOUNDATION® Fieldbus field devices or to the I/O device associated with a particular Fieldbus segment. If so, the method or apparatus automatically assigns the function blocks of the control module, which would otherwise be scheduled to execute in a controller, to the I/O device for the Fieldbus segment. This technique enables all of the critical or necessary function blocks within the control module to execute in one macrocycle of the Fieldbus segment, thereby executing synchronously on a Fieldbus segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process control system having measuring devices and actuators. All of the measuring devices and actuators process information and exchange data amongst themselves. All measuring devices and actuators are interconnected to enable a bi-directional data exchange. Several, or all of the measuring devices and actuators can exchange data with a service unit that can be connected to the devices and actuators. The invention also relates to a method for operating a process control system of this type.

Abstract: A convergence and automation system includes (a) an internet-protocol based (IP) network implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, (b) a plurality of devices connected to the network, wherein each device is configured to perform at least one service, (c) a server implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control the devices for converging and automating the services thereof, and (d) at least one client implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control at least a portion of the services of the devices. One of the server and the at least one client is configured to establish communication with the devices and further configured with a control panel application allowing a user to configure and test the convergence and automation system.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates providing manageability within an industrial environment. A controller can execute with a real-time operating system such that the controller can include two or more controller engine instances executing as processes on the controller. A distribution component can divide a portion of the industrial environment into at least two or more units based at least in part upon scale data, the two or more units include respective dedicated execution space.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a substrate processing method by a multi-patterning technique, which comprises a lithography process and an etching process, each of the processes is performed to one substrate at least twice. The substrate processing method is performed by using a substrate processing system comprising a plurality of process units for performing respective steps of the lithography process. When a second lithography process is performed to a substrate, process unit(s) for performing one or more steps of the second lithography process to be used in the second lithography process is automatically selected based on the process history of the first lithography process in such a way that the process unit(s) to be used in the second lithography process is (are) identical to the processed unit(s) used in the first lithography process.

Abstract: A common process control graphical user interface plant operators, plant maintenance personnel, and management is disclosed which provides a real-time interface to both the process and the plant. The common interface is modular in design and is capable of supporting various specializations for each user type. Operator consoles are dedicated to each section of the plant and include additional functions such as maintenance, configuration, simulation and supervisory information. The unified for common graphical interface replaces control room displays filled with single case analog controllers, meters, and digital indicators. The common interface addresses the functions that previously were provided by the panel motor start/stop buttons and status indications, chart recorders, annunciator panels and subsystem interfaces.

Abstract: A process of operating an automation system with an internet protocol based network includes receiving a user input to a client having a user interface implemented with Web Service for Devices (WSD) to initiate a series of scripted automation commands, executing the scripted automation commands by communicating the commands to at least one device implemented with WSD, and performing, with the at least one device, the scripted automation commands. The client is one of a personal computer, a television, a personal digital assistant, and a controller. The device is one of an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, and a HVAC system.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: An integrated cabin services system (CSS) for a mobile platform. The system may include a controller in communication with a plurality of remotely disposed cabin services subsystems for controlling each of the subsystems. A comprehensive database may be utilized by the CSS to employ combinational logic to control operation of the subsystems and to thus control the execution of at least one function of each of the subsystems. The comprehensive database may include a plurality of database portions, one database portion related to the controller and stored in the controller, and each one of the other database portions being related to a specific one of the subsystems, with each one of the other database portions being stored with its related said subsystem.

Abstract: A controlling device having an activity mode corresponding to a controllable activity in which activation of a command key within a logical group of command keys of the controlling device causes a transmission of command data to control one or more functional operations of an intended target appliance. For a controllable activity the controlling device has a memory in which is stored a plurality of predetermined appliance to logical group of command keys mappings. To configure the controlling device for the controllable activity one or more predetermined keys of the controlling device are activated to thereby designate one or more intended target appliances for the controllable activity.

Abstract: The clinical specimen processing apparatus is provided with a discharge pipette and supply pipette for staining in conjunction a blood smear sample preparation operation, a top sensor for detecting whether or not the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are performed normally, and a controller for re-executing the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette based on the top sensor detecting that the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are not performed normally.

Abstract: A process control loop monitor includes a housing configured to mount in the field of an industrial process. A loop interface circuit couples to a process control loop and receives data from the process control loop. A memory stores data received by the loop interface circuit from the process control loop.

Abstract: A robot apparatus having a plurality of movable sections includes a motion control section that generates a control signal for the periodic motion of at least part of the movable sections according to the output of an oscillator showing self-oscillation and entrainment characteristics, an environment measuring section that measures the motion according to the control signal for the movable sections or the physical environment at the time of the motion of the movable sections, a periodic oscillator control section that inputs a periodic signal to the oscillator as feedback according to the outcome of the measurement by the environment measuring section and generates an entrainment phenomenon and a non-periodic oscillator control section that inputs a non-periodic or temporary feedback signal to the oscillator.

Abstract: System and method for controlling at least one device such as for example an operator for a door, a gate, a window, blinds, shutters, a curtain, an awning or a light source including a controllable unit associated with the at least one device and a plurality of nodes for transmitting control signals to the at least one controllable unit. The at least one of the plurality of nodes for transmitting control signals is configured for transmitting a signal imposing a limit for at least one parameter for the device. Further, the controllable unit is configured for registering the limit and establishing a resulting limit for the parameter.

Abstract: A building automation system is provided in which a controller is connected to remote modules through a zone enclosure using RS-485 cables. Branches of modules extending from the zone enclosure are connected together by removable jumpers at the zone enclosure. Sets of branches of modules using different protocols are isolated from each other. Shorts in the RS-485 cables can be determined by disconnecting and reconnecting the branches from the network. The zone enclosure has a patch panel that contains modular RS-485 connectors. An RS-485 cable from the controller and pulled through the building along with other data cables is connected to the RS-485 connectors at the back of the patch panel. The modules are connected to the RS-485 connectors at the front of the patch panel through RS-485 cables.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ a distributed algorithm to enable sensor nodes in a sensor network to adaptively self-configure into sensor clusters to provide a desired higher-level functionality.

Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a historian integrated as part of an industrial unit and/or product manufactured by the industrial process. A historian integrated as part of the industrial unit itself, can increase data resolution and supply immediate and real time data regarding the industrial unit's operation—while mitigating short comings of conventional PC historians. Moreover, a locator component can detect embedded historians that are distributed on the back plane of an industrial network, and integrated as part thereof.

Abstract: An industrial control system communicating among various control elements via a serial network synchronizes the scanning loops associated with collecting and forwarding data along the network so as to substantially reduce transmission delay and jitter, using synchronization information passed along the network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intelligent water management irrigation system for monitoring the total water usage for a billing site and preventing cumulative water usage from exceeding a water budget by adjusting the amount of water used for irrigation. Irrigation zone priority values are selected for each irrigation zone that specify a percentage of the full water need that the foliage in the zone can survive and are saved in an intelligent water management irrigation (IWMI) controller. The IWMI controller receives water usage information originating from a property's water meter and compares the measured water usage with the allowable water budget. Water usage is tracked separately for the household use and landscape use (irrigation). Prior to each irrigation cycle, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water that will be needed by the landscape and for household use during the remainder of a billing cycle; household use is given precedence over landscape use.

Abstract: A building management system controls an operation of a system related to state information provided from multiple systems within the building management system among the multiple systems. Because the building management system is operated to control the multiple systems in an interworking manner, the operation efficiency of the building management system can be improved.

Abstract: A remote control device (140, 600) controls the operation of an appliance. The remote control device (140, 600) includes a receiver (320) or transceiver (620), a controller (330, 630), and a transmitter (350, 650). The receiver (320) or transceiver (620) receives a network packet that includes at least one command. The controller (330, 630) analyzes the network packet to determine whether the packet is intended for the remote control device (140, 600). The transmitter (350, 650) outputs a signal to control operation of the appliance based on the command when the controller (330, 630) determines that the packet is intended for the remote control device (140, 600).

Abstract: Loads on an electric power system are configured with under frequency relays in which the frequency setpoints and delay times for reclosure are uniformly distributed. If demand exceeds supply in the system, frequency will decrease. The decrease in frequency will actuate relays and reduce load to the point where demand will meet the available supply. After its engineered delay time, each relay will attempt to close contact and reestablish the load.

Abstract: A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, a protocol-independent server engine, and a graphical user interface (GUI). The end devices are each associated with at least one of a space, a system, or a subsystem for at least a portion of a building or a campus. The communication network supports a plurality of communication protocols and communicatively couples at least a portion of the plurality of end devices. The server engine is communicatively coupled to the at least one communication network and, in one embodiment, is adapted to selectively implement the dynamic extensibility capability to establish communications with, to receive and store data about, and to control the end devices and to selectively implement the automatic configuration capability to determine at least one characteristic of each of the end devices, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a communication protocol compatible with the end device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for controlling a plurality of devices having at least two operating modes comprises a first software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a first operational mode and a second software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a second operational mode. In another embodiment, a control system for controlling a plurality of devices connected by a communications network comprises a user interface configured to receive the selection of a cycle of operation; a first system element isolated from the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a first control state; and a second system element exposed to the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a second control state.

Abstract: An architecture for control systems including multiple control devices. The control devices include standardized software objects having functions, application programs for engaging these functions and thereby defining the operation of the control devices, and an engine for executing the application programs. The standardized software objects implement different types of internal functions for the control devices and feature reference numbering and function calls shared in common with the other software objects of the same type that may be on different control devices across said system. The software application programs include standardized instructions reflecting the reference numbering and function calls shared across the system by the said software objects whose functions are used in building the functionality of the control devices in the application programs.