Abstract: Systems and methods for orchestrating the operation of energy consuming loads so as to minimize power consumption are described. In some embodiments, the loads can be HVAC, refrigeration systems, air compressors, and the like, and orchestration is effected either directly or by means of the loads' respective controllers. In some aspects, the controllers can be Smart Thermostats and orchestration is effected through a Cloud-based orchestration platform or “COP.” In certain aspects, a COP uses specifically programmed application programming interfaces or APIs to control the operation of a single manufacturer's Smart Thermostats, where the manufacturer provides its own Cloud based control platform through which the COP operates. The COP can similarly orchestrate the operation of two or more manufacturers' Smart Thermostats through their respective Cloud based control platforms. By these and other means, the operation of a variety of energy consuming loads can be more easily and efficiently orchestrated.

Abstract: A method of arrangement of centralized network motion controller employing centralised topology having a plurality of remote units as system architecture comprising the steps of: (i) providing, using synchronised messages, all system and axes data to a centralized processing unit, wherein the data is updated down to a control sampling rate and all the data items are available from each remote unit, (ii) the centralized processing unit performing system behaviour control and multi axes profiling and motion control such as position, velocity and current, (iii) synchronized messages from the centralized processing unit are used to set the timing and to keep continuous synchronization of all units and to transfer the desired low level commands to the remote unit.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for controlling a microgrid network. The microgrid comprises an energy negotiation resolution system configured to receive from each energy consuming component of the microgrid a list with information on power supply/production units; determine whether there is a conflict in priorities between received lists with regards to the listed energy production units, based on requests received from each energy consuming components; resolve the conflict when there is a conflict in priorities; and inform each energy consuming component involved in the conflict of the energy production unit to use as energy source. The embodiments also relate to the energy consuming component and a method therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement workflows for providing reconfigurable processor core algorithms operable with associated capabilities using description files, thereby facilitating the development and generation of instruction sets for use with reconfigurable processors, are shown. Embodiments implement a multistage workflow in which program code is parsed into custom instructions and corresponding capability descriptions for generating reconfigurable processor loadable instruction sets. The multistage workflow of embodiments includes a hybrid threading complier operable to compile input program code into custom instructions using a hardware timing agnostic approach. A timing manager of the multistage workflow of embodiments utilizes capabilities information provided in association with the custom instructions generated by the hybrid threading complier to impose hardware timing on the custom instructions.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for maintaining the consistency of global information is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes retrieving current version information associated with the global information from a global information server; retrieving global information from the global information server based on the current version information; updating a period of validity of the current version information based on a status of communication with the global information server; and suspending a network service for the global information when detecting that the period of validity of the current version information has expired.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing peak power consumption for distributed assets are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes segmenting the multiple distributed assets into groups based on energy demand behavior attributed to each of the assets and user-level constraints, wherein each of the assets is associated with one or more users, and wherein each of the users is associated with one or more organizations of the hierarchy, determining group-level constraints for each of the groups based on correlating the energy demand behavior across the users of the groups, generating a distinct battery charging schedule for each of the groups based on the determined group-level constraints, user-level objectives and organization-level objectives, and outputting the generated battery charging schedule to each of the multiple distributed assets within the hierarchy.

Abstract: A cloud-based method for identifying a energy profile of an end user is provided. The method includes obtaining information including a total amount of consumed energy and a total equivalent for at least one previous period from at least one listing of the end user, and estimating a consumption profile for a plurality of time slots based on the total amount of consumed energy.

Abstract: An engineering tool includes a display area to display a ladder program, the display area being displayed on a display screen of a display device; and a cell, which is a temporal-operator imparted region. The cell, which is a temporal-operator imparted region, is a region that is displayed in the display area and in which a temporal operator is imparted to a program module of the ladder program. The engineering tool includes a control specification editing unit and a control-specification-descriptive-expression converting unit. The control specification editing unit creates the program module. The control-specification-descriptive-expression converting unit converts the program module into a mathematical expression that can be input to a model checking program.

Abstract: Methods for system management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes detecting, in the management system, a fault condition in a management system device during an analysis period. The method includes determining the duration of the fault condition in the management system device during the analysis period. The method includes determining a total duration of a system state during the analysis period in which the management system device could produce the fault condition. The method includes assigning a prioritization to the fault condition according to the duration of the fault condition and the total duration of the system state. The method includes storing the prioritization of the fault condition.

Abstract: A control system, includes a master control device configured to control a first controlled object based on time information output from a first clock unit, and a slave control device connected to the master control device via a network and configured to control a second controlled object different from the first controlled object based on control information transmitted from the master control device and time information output from a second clock unit. The time information of the first clock unit and the time information of the second clock unit are time-synchronized.

Abstract: To simplify a configuration of an automation system for a customer, a configuration apparatus for configuring an automation system of a customer is provided that comprises device components of one or more manufacturers, having a first software tool that is provided for inputting user data in customer-specific terminology is provided and stores the input user data in a data management sector; having a second software tool that is provided for receiving the user data and that has a calculation unit for determining configuration data from the user data, wherein the second software tool has at least one mapping algorithm that prepares the stored user data for the calculation unit into manufacturer-specific terminology, and wherein a storage of the user data and a storage of the configuration data by the second software tool can be carried out separately from the data management sector of the first software tool.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a security hub provides smart security notifications based on determined urgency levels. The hub comprises a communications interface and a computer processor operatively connected to the communications interface. The communications interface is configured to receive detection information from a plurality of sensors. The computer processor is configured to analyze the detection information, compare the detection information with past detection information, determine an urgency level on the basis of the analysis and comparison, and perform an action corresponding to the determined urgency level.

Abstract: A rear view video system for a vehicle includes a display and a rear view camera that generates a raw video signal. A video modification module receives the raw video signal and generates a modified video signal based thereon. A video analysis module analyzes whether the modified video signal is valid or invalid. A switch outputs the modified video signal to the display when the vehicle is in reverse and the modified video signal is valid and outputs the raw video signal to the display when the vehicle is in reverse and the modified video signal is invalid.

Abstract: An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitated improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database.

Abstract: A motion control system includes a motion control application generated by a motion control system designer, a motion control component defining an application programming interface comprising an API function, and a security system comprising security settings for determining access by the motion control application to an API function of the application programming interface. A motion control application comprises an API function call. The motion control application makes an API function call to the motion control component. The motion control component generates a motion control command based on the API function call. The security system limits generation by the motion control component of a motion control command based on the security settings. The motion device performs the motion task based on the motion control command.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for implementing virtual system management controllers are described herein. A baseboard management controller (BMC) can include processing circuitry to monitor system sensors, and to provide monitoring information for system sensors responsive to requests for monitoring information. The processing circuitry may further implement a virtual satellite controller within a firmware stack. The BMC and the virtual satellite controller may comply with a specification of the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) family of specifications to provide monitoring information for the system sensors. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An example method of integrating a plurality of heterogeneous peer-to-peer communication participants includes retrieving from a first input queue coupled to a duplex service a first message. The first message includes a message identifier and is from a sender. The method also includes applying a first operation on the first message, determining a first output of the first message based on the first operation, and sending the first output of the first message to a target. The method further includes retrieving from a second input queue coupled to the duplex service a second message. The second message includes the message identifier and is from a target. The method also includes applying a second operation on the second message, determining a second output of the second message based on the second operation, and sending the second output of the second message to the sender.

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

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for the wireless communication of medical devices in a subcutaneous fluid delivery system are disclosed. A system for subcutaneous fluid delivery includes a primary patch pump adapted to attach a first infusion cannula to a user and to perform a plurality of primary patch pump functions, and a secondary patch pump adapted to attach a second infusion cannula to a user. The secondary patch pump is further adapted to perform a plurality of secondary patch pump functions substantially similar to the plurality of primary patch pump functions if an error condition associated with the primary patch pump is determined.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for maintaining a distributed electrical power network model associated with a power grid. A global power network model, comprising a global logical representation of the power grid, is maintained at a network control center configured to manage one or more substations associated with the power grid. The network control center hosts grid management applications that utilize the global power network model. A local power network model, comprising a local logical representation of a power grid territory within the power grid monitored by a substation, is maintained at the substation. The substation hosts one or more local grid management applications that utilize the local power network model. The global power network model and the local power network model are synchronized in response to events occurring within the power grid.

Abstract: The present invention increases accommodation efficiency in a wireless master station for wireless slave stations, and efficiently uses wireless resources while controlling traffic. In a communication system in which a plurality of wireless slave stations 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, . . . , perform wireless communication with wireless master stations 1-1 and 1-2 directly or through another wireless slave station and which performs communication from the wireless master stations with a collection control device 3 by means of wired communication or the like. The collection control device 3 stores first through fourth threshold values a, b, c, and d in memory, and makes efficient use while suppressing traffic by performing a “connection suppression notification”, a “specific high-frequency communication stop notification”, and an “accommodation refusal notification”, and performs functionality control through stages according to the number of accommodated wireless slave stations.

Abstract: A control technique that enables the use of slow or intermittently received process variable values in a predictor based control scheme without the need to change the control algorithm includes a controller, such as a PID controller, and a predictor, such as a model based predictor, coupled to receive intermittent feedback in the form of, for example, process variable measurement signals from a process. The predictor, which may be an observer like a Kalman filter, or which may be a Smith predictor, is configured to produce an estimate of the process variable value from the intermittent or slow process feedback signals while providing a new process variable estimate to the controller during each of the controller execution cycles to enable the controller to produce a control signal used to control the process.

Abstract: A network system capable of effectively managing an energy source has a first component and a second component. A first communicator is connected to the first component, and a second communicator is connected to the second component. The first communicator allows communication between the first component and the second component. Communication information between the first component and the second component has information related to energy. The first communicator has a memory that stores information received from the first component and information received from the second component. The first communicator transmits the information stored in the memory to the second communicator when the first communicator receives a message for requesting the information from the second communicator.

Abstract: A system that facilitate broadcast of a device discovery beacon by a dynamic physical device wishing to bind to one or more control systems are provided. If the dynamic physical device comprises a server that is configured to bind to multiple master controllers, the dynamic physical device may include a device Type Flag and set the value of the device Type Flag to indicate the dynamic physical device comprises a server. On detection of the beacon, a master controller evaluates the device Type Flag if it is present in the device discovery beacon. If the device Type Flag is present and indicates the dynamic physical device comprise a server which may bind to multiple master controllers, the master controller may automatically load a device Module for the dynamic physical device and commence communications with the dynamic physical device with no manual intervention.

Abstract: Physical presence verification by an industrial control system controller is described herein. One industrial control system controller includes a mechanism configured to verify that a user of the industrial control system controller is physically present at a location of the controller, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to permit the user to perform industrial control operations using the controller only if the user is physically present at the location of the controller.

Abstract: A monitoring system for distributed utilities. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for providing potable water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an appliance system. The system includes an appliance, and a processor connected to the appliance such that the processor places the appliance in one of an enabled state and a disabled state. The processor is configured to track usage of the appliance and to place the appliance in a disabled state when the usage of the appliance exceeds a threshold amount. The system also includes a data receiving device configured to receive a code, wherein upon receipt of a valid code, the processor is configured to adjust the threshold amount to allow additional usage of the appliance.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to a controller of a local control loop having a field device and a sensor configured in a closed-loop control system are disclosed. The controller is wirelessly coupled to a control system wherein the controller and the control system execute complementary control over the field device.

Abstract: An LED (Light Emitting Device) light source (100), a pulse controller or pulse control module (130) for an LED light source, and a method are provided, for controlling relative timing and phase of LED light pulse generation and operation of peripheral devices, relative to a common timing reference. A system is provided comprising a pulse controller (130) for controlling synchronization of multiple LEDs (144) and/or other devices and peripherals (164), relative to a common timing reference. The pulse controller (130) comprises a processor (131) that programmatically executes a time based sequence of digital control signals (141) from received inputs (121) indicative of a pulse generation sequence.

Abstract: A portable communicator for operating a field device. The portable communicator is configured to communicate with the field device to configure and/or analyze performance of a field device in an efficient manner. In some embodiments, the portable communicator includes an intuitive user interface that allows the user to perform a relatively limited set of preconfigured procedures on a field device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wire and/or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the portable communicator is a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, a PDA, a pocket PC, or any Bluetooth-enabled generic mobile communication device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wireless communication unit (e.g., Bluetooth modem) coupled to the field device. In a process plant environment, in which the field device is coupled to a controller, the portable communicator may communicate with the field device without communicating with the controller.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a first control device and a second control device of a redundantly structured automation device that controls a technical process is provided. The first control device and the second control device are connected to each other. The first and second devices include functional components which implement the functions that control the technical process. The first control device performs the functions in the functional components for controlling the technical process in cycles, thus creating internal states of the functional components. During control of the technical process by the first control device, information about the internal states of the functional components is transferred, distributed over several cycles, to the second control device. The second control device assigns the transmitted information about the internal states to the functional components. In addition, a corresponding redundantly structured automation device is provided.

Abstract: A device for controlling a working machine has at least two control levers which are each operatively connected to at least one control device via an actuation unit. The actuation unit comprises a switching device with which the assignment between control levers and control devices is interchangeable. The switching device comprises at least four levers, of which every two levers are assigned to a control lever. Each of the four levers has a stop point for an actuation element. Each actuation element engages on the stop point with the respective assigned lever via couplings that can be detached without tools.

Abstract: A controller for a micromechanical actuator, and corresponding actuating system, micro-mirror system and method, including a first input for a reference signal, a second input for a measuring signal denoting a recorded response to a control signal, a first controller element to filter/attenuate predefined frequency modes and/or predefined frequency components in the received reference signal and to output a filtered/attenuated reference signal, a second controller element to modify the received measuring signal to minimize the quality of the first/further modes by processing the received measuring signal and to output a modified measuring signal, a third controller element to minimize deviation between the filtered/attenuated reference and received measuring signals and to output a minimized reference signal, a fourth controller element to rotate the phase of the difference between the minimized reference and modified measuring signals for at least one predefined frequency and to transmit the modified referen

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a public device that provides services that are shared by a plurality of users. The plurality of users may control an operation of the public device in order to provide a public service desired by the users.

Abstract: A higher-level controller can correct measured metrology data with residual error values as reported by a lower-level controller. This results in a more accurate process disturbance estimate. A method of control obtains, based on measurement sample definition, a first process variable of a system under control, determines a residual error using the first process variable and a first set point, controls the system using the residual error, obtains, based on the same sample definition, a second process variable, and adjusts the second process variable using the residual error. The method may also include determining, using the adjusted second process variable, one or more first set points for controlling the system by the low-level controller that may vary in correspondence with the sample definition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a masterless control system for controlling a plurality of fluidly and operably connected water heaters to meet a hot water demand such that overall efficiency is maximized and usage disparity between water heaters is minimized. There is further disclosed a method for detecting a small system demand in said network by adjusting the setting of each flow limiting valve of each water heater. There is still further disclosed a method for enabling seamless addition or removal of a heater in service and heating load distribution to water heaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arbitrating sensor and actuator signals in various devices. One system includes input/output (I/O) circuitry, redundant computation circuits coupled to the I/O circuitry, and an arbitration circuit coupled between the I/O circuitry and the redundant computation circuits. The I/O circuitry is configured to be coupled to multiple non-redundant systems, and the redundant computation circuits are configured to be coupled to one of multiple system buses. One such device is an aircraft including multiple non-redundant systems and a plurality of system buses that are configured to transmit redundant messages to the non-redundant systems.

Abstract: A system that facilitate broadcast of a device discovery beacon by a dynamic physical device wishing to bind to one or more control systems are provided. If the dynamic physical device comprises of server that is configured to bind to multiple master controllers, the dynamic physical device may include a device Type Flag and set the value of the device Type Flag to indicate the dynamic physical device comprises a server. On detection of the beacon, a master controller evaluates the device Type Flag if it is present in the device discovery beacon. If the device Type Flag is present and indicates the dynamic physical device comprise a server which may bind to multiple master controllers, the master controller may automatically load a device Module for the dynamic physical device and commence communications with the dynamic physical device with no manual intervention.

Abstract: Provided is a support device that supports easier data exchange between PLCs without relying on a type of a PLC of the other communication party. The support device includes: a first input unit for receiving information defining, on a data-by-data basis, variables for data handled by the first programmable logic controller; a second input unit for receiving a source program expressing processing executed on the first programmable logic controller using the defined variables; a third input unit for receiving information that identifies a type of a second programmable logic controller in association with a first variable; and a generation unit that generates the executable program using the information defining the variables and the source program. The generation unit adapts a data structure of first data secured in the memory in correspondence with the first variable in accordance with the type of the second programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A process control system is provided which has at least one OPC client and one OPC server which communicate via a standardized OPC interface. Furthermore the process control system has at least two redundantly operated control devices which each communicate with the OPC server by means of a coupling device. Each control device is designed to provide process variables and status information. The status information contains the current role of the respective control device, wherein the current role is either that of a main control device or an auxiliary control device. The OPC server is designed to detect the main control device in response to the status information of at least one control device, to register a list of variables generated by the OPC client at the main control device and/or to transmit to the OPC client only the process variables which have been provided by the main control device.

Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) module for a vehicle includes an HVAC structure to accommodate a plurality of HVAC system components, the HVAC structure configured to be installed in a host vehicle. The HVAC module also includes an interconnect network with a first group of the HVAC system components and a hub component, wherein the hub component is coupled to a second group of the HVAC system components. An HVAC module connector is coupled to the interconnect network to establish data connectivity between the interconnect network and an electronic control module of the host vehicle.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, a selection unit selects one of a plurality of controller apparatuses to control a controlled apparatus, based on transmission rates of communication links between the controlled apparatus and the plurality of controller apparatuses. A requesting unit then requests the selected controller apparatus to control the controlled apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for changing a role over control authorization performed in a communication apparatus. The method may comprise receiving, from a second controller, a role-request message requesting a role change of the second controller to a master controller; transmitting a role status request message for confirmation of the role change of the second controller to a first controller which is a previous master controller; and determining whether to accept the role change of the second controller according to a role status response message received from the first controller. Therefore, reliability may be guaranteed when a role of master controller is changed.

Abstract: Control devices in a motor vehicle, having first sequence-controlled control devices being connected to a first data bus and second sequence-controlled control devices being connected to a second data bus, are networked. A first control device sends a first message via the gateway device into the first and second data buses. At least a second control device receives the first message and checks whether the receiving of the first message is required for the corresponding control device. The second control device sends out a response message, which indicates whether the second control device has a corresponding need to receive the first message. In the event of such a need, a routing default is established and/or an existing routing default is changed in a gateway device.

Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of wearable wireless light-bearing units is disclosed. The light-bearing units may comprise lighting elements coupled to garments such as those used in the performing arts and entertainment. The system comprises a control unit wirelessly communicating with light-bearing units. The light-bearing units comprise a control box coupled to a plurality of lights. Operators can control one or more of the light-bearing units in synchrony with each other and with other audio-visual elements using standard protocols. The device also provides a library of preprogrammed effects and can perform self-diagnostic functions.

Abstract: A multi-channel control system includes at least a primary control microprocessor and a back-up control microprocessor operable to control a device. The primary control microprocessor and the back-up control microprocessor assert control over a controlled device according to a locally stored method of controlling a back-up microprocessor assumption of control of a device.

Abstract: A production process monitoring system is used to monitor a set of production parameters in a production process of a plurality of production units that perform parallel production operation. The production units comprise at least one reference production unit and at least one distribution production unit. The reference production unit comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and a reference control unit. The distribution production unit comprises a second sensor and a distribution controller. The first and second sensors of the reference production unit is configured to monitor a first and second parameters in the production parameters in the reference production unit and output a first and second signals corresponding to the first and second parameters. The second sensor of the distribution production unit is configured to monitor the second parameter in the distribution production unit and output a second parameter distribution signal corresponding to the second parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique to transfer at least one unfinished operation from one controller to a second controller, if the first controller has ceased.