Abstract: A storage system includes a housing, a cooling unit cooling the interior of the housing, and a plurality of control units adapted to control the cooling unit. The control units each include a mount state acquisition unit acquiring a mount state of the control unit in the housing, an operation state acquisition unit acquiring an operation state of the cooling unit, and a determining unit determining a provisional main control unit, from among the plurality of control units, that is operable to control the entire cooling unit based on information acquired from the mount state acquisition unit and the operation state acquisition unit.

Abstract: A dynamic selection component for an industrial automation system is provided. The system includes one or more abstraction layers that are executed by a controller, the abstraction layers specify higher level requirements of a process. At least one execution layer is provided that is responsive to the abstraction layers, where the execution layer includes one or more process components that are dynamically selectable at runtime in view of the higher level requirements of the process.

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 motion control system comprising an application program, a plurality of motion controllers, a set of software drivers, and a motion component. Each software driver exposes a service provider interface comprising a set of driver functions. Driver code of at least one software driver associates at least one driver function with at least one control command. The motion component exposes an application programming interface comprising a set of component functions and component code associates at least one of the component functions with at least one of the driver functions. The at least one selected software driver generates at least one control code from the motion controller language associated with the at least one selected motion controller based on the at least one component function called by the application program, the component code, and the driver code of the at least one selectable software driver.

Abstract: In a method for operating a field device working according to the block model for a distributed automation system, which exchanges data via a fieldbus, a first function block application serving for process control is provided, which makes available to other system participants process data via a first virtual field device object. In addition, a second function block application is provided, which serves for plant monitoring and which makes available to other system participants plant monitoring data via a second virtual field device object, wherein the first and second function block applications are executed according to different schedules.

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) 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: According to one embodiment, a plant control system includes a station mounting controllers thereon, an engineering device which manages programs, and a device which connects the controllers and the engineering device. The engineering device includes database which stores information on a first variable for allowing data to be shared among programs in each controller and a second variable for allowing data to be shared among programs in the station, the database management part, and a relocate management part which moves the program, and the relocate management part includes a designating module which designates an execution order of programs in a source controller, one or more programs to be moved, a destination controller, and the source controller, a module which moves the program as designated in the designating module, and a changing module which, when the program is moved, moves or copies the first and second variable used in the program.

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: 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 system includes a first controller configured to monitor processes associated with a process facility and to generate control data for optimizing the process facility. The system also includes a second controller configured to use stochastic calculus of variations calculations to modify at least a portion of the control data and provide one of (i) continuous supply chain control and optimization for the process facility and (ii) discrete supply chain control and optimization for the process facility. The system further includes third controllers configured to operate in accordance with the control data to control the processes and to optimize the process facility.

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: Problems can occur when a controller is limited in ownership to one process. To minimize these problems, phantom Units can be used that are direct replicas of actual Units. Thus, multiple processes can own a single controller—one process can own the actual Unit while another process owns the virtual controller. At an appropriate time, such as when the actual Unit is no longer owned, bindings with the phantom Unit can transfer to the actual Unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple light sources is provided. The system includes a controller, a digital to analog converter (DAC), and at least one power amplifier. The controller is configured for receiving light control data for at least one light circuit, and for determining a digital luminance signal and an encoded address for each light circuit according to the light control data. The DAC is connected to the controller and configured for receiving the digital luminance signal and the encoded address for each light circuit, converting the digital luminance signal into an analog luminance signal, and for outputting the analog luminance signal according to the encoded address. Each power amplifier is connected to the DAC, and is configured for amplifying the analog luminance signal for the light circuit so as to drive the light circuit to control a corresponding light source.

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 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: A method for operating a wind turbine during a loss of communication is described that includes coupling a pitch controller to at least one wind turbine blade and to a wind turbine controller, establishing communication between the pitch controller and the wind turbine controller, and detecting a loss of communication between the pitch controller and the wind turbine controller. After a loss of communication is detected, the method further includes waiting for a first predetermined amount of time to elapse, independently pitching the at least one wind turbine blade to a predetermined position, waiting for a second predetermined amount of time to elapse, and maintaining the at least one wind turbine blade in the predetermined position until a rotation of the at least one wind turbine blade stops.

Abstract: In a device control system that provides a means for controlling a variety of device types via a unified interface, such as via a handheld controller, a synchronization protocol ensures synchronization between a plurality of such controllers in a peer-to-peer network environment, provides a means for transferring custom configurations between such controllers, and provides a means for migrating such a controller from a peer-to-peer network environment to a server-based network environment and vice-versa.

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: 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: 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: A controller and module for an industrial automation system is provided. A logical module employs resources and logic to expose functionality of the module while providing generic interfaces to external components of the module. A controller is operable with the logical module to provide interactions with components that are at, above, or below a layer associated with the controller.

Abstract: A microcontroller for controlling an actuator includes a single wire controller configured to receive data and power from a base station through a single wire bus, where the single wire bus is part of a power and signal cable configured to connect the microcontroller to the base station. The microcontroller also includes a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller configured to transmit data signals to and receive data signals from the single wire controller, where the PIC microcontroller is configured to receive reduced voltage level from a power wire of the power and signal cable, to measure the voltage level and to communicate the measured voltage level to the base station through the single wire bus.

Abstract: An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device.

Abstract: Systems and method for controlling a device are provided, including at least one controlling device and at least one controlled device. The controlling system includes a first controlling device which has controlling authority over the controlled device and a second controlling device which requests and receives the controlling authority over the controlled device from the first controlling device. Therefore, a controlling device may more easily and intuitively receive controlling authority from other devices.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates utilizing multiple computer languages 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 language isolation component can organize one or more controller engine instances based upon a computer language utilized within the industrial environment.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides an editor system for employment in an industrial automation environment that enhances programmability of at least one of a controller and an industrial process. An interface component can facilitate the receipt of instructions relating to programming a programmable logic controller. A programming assist component communicatively coupled to the interface component can program the programmable logic controller in accordance with the received instructions; the programmable logic controller is programmed in accordance with a hierarchically structured data model that utilizes a naming convention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an input/output channel control block that comprises a number of successive input/output modules. The first is a control master module and the subsequent ones are expansion slave modules. Each expansion slave module comprises a processing logic unit as well as respective first signal port and a respective equal number of second signal ports and an equal number of third signal ports which are arranged at identical positions of each expansion slave module. The first signal port is connected to the processing logic unit, to which at least one fourth signal port for connecting an input/output bus terminal subscriber belongs, and a respective second signal port is connected to a third signal port. The control master module likewise possesses a number of third signal ports and a control logic unit for data exchange with a data bus and for targeted driving of the signal ports.

Abstract: A multi-level automation control architecture, methods, and systems are disclosed, which provide enhanced scalability, functionality, and cost effectiveness for energy, access, and control. The systems include various combinations of automation controllers, remote controllers and peripheral devices that are used to provide monitoring and control functionality over the various systems in a structure, such as HVAC, water, lighting, etc. In various embodiments, the automation controller and various peripheral devices are implemented to provide an integrated energy management system for the structure. The system allows the user to manage energy based on the day, time, the presence of people, and the availability of natural lighting and heating, as well as prioritize and participate in demand-response program.

Abstract: Provided is a control system capable of reducing cost while securing reliability of original processing of a microcomputer. An engine control device and a meter control device each store a control amount calculating procedure for calculating a control amount regarding a significant control to be performed on the control target of the engine control device. The engine control device compares a control amount regarding the significant control calculated by the engine control device, and a control amount regarding the significant control calculated by the meter control device, to thereby control the control target of the engine control device based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, a first controller for controlling the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, an auxiliary machine for the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, a second controller for controlling the auxiliary machine, and a third controller for electrically coupling the first and second controllers. The second controller outputs an auxiliary machine-in-operation signal to the third controller when the auxiliary machine is operating, outputs an auxiliary machine-stopping signal to the third controller when the auxiliary machine is stopping, and operates or stops the auxiliary machine according to an instruction signal received from the third controller.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates deploying data 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. An update component that can dynamically deploy a portion of data to the industrial environment, the portion of data can be isolated within a controller engine instance for testing prior to exposing such portion of data outside the controller engine instance execution space.

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. At least one of the control signals includes priority setting indications relating to at least one of a plurality of levels. At least one controllable unit comprises a component configured to register the priority indications and for storing a corresponding entry relating to the plurality of command levels. Further, the controllable unit includes a component configured to perform an evaluation based on the stored entries.

Abstract: A computer system having two or more controllers operating in a Master/Slave configuration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes: a sensor panel having a first portion for generating a first set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the first portion, and a second portion for generating a second set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the second portion; a first device for receiving and processing the first set of output signals from the first portion of the panel; and a second device for receiving and processing the second set of output signals from the second portion of the panel, wherein the first and second devices operate cooperatively in a Master/Slave configuration.

Abstract: When registration of favorite is designated in a group printer driver capable of comprehensively controlling a plurality of member printer drivers, a name input window is presented. When the name of the favorite is input, DEVMODE information is acquired from each member printer driver in the present member printer configuration (e.g., printers A, B, and C). These pieces of DEVMODE information are registered in one-to-one correspondence with printer IDs. If the registered favorite is designated, the registered DEVMODE information is transferred to each registered member printer driver to restore the set state. This provides a mechanism capable of efficient printing setting for a plurality of printer drivers.

Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) interface for an industrial automation system is provided. A module is provided that employs resources and logic to expose functionality of the module while providing generic interfaces to external components of the module. A human machine interface (HMI) component associated with the module adapts functionality of a display based at least in part on a type of user or application. In addition to the display, the HMI component adapts functionality of one or more interface inputs based in part on the type of user or application.

Abstract: A flexible control system and method of controlling a processing operation. The control system and method may be employed to control a high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A method controls an apparatus such as a semiconductor-processing apparatus including a controller and at least one device controlled by the controller, wherein the controller is provided with an interface for communicating with the device, and the interface has an internal clock for measuring time intervals for the communication. The method includes: replacing a system clock of the controller's operating system, which is used for transmitting instructions to the interface, with the internal clock of the interface; transmitting instructions to the interface from the controller using the time intervals measured by the internal clock substituting the system clock; and transmitting the instructions to the device from the interface using the time intervals measured by the internal clock in the interface, thereby controlling the device.

Abstract: The control system (1) comprises at least one control panel (P1, Pn) comprising a plurality of operable control means (2) for controllable pieces of equipment (EC1, ECk) of the aircraft, each of which is controlled by first and second computers (3A1, 3Ak, 3B1, 3Bk), and a communication system (4) comprising a first and a second communication channel (5, 6) which are separate from each other and follow different paths (C1, C2), the first communication channel (5) connecting the control means (2) to the first computers (3A1, 3Ak) and the second communication channel (6) connecting the control means (2) to the second computers (3B1, 3Bk), each of said communication channels (5, 6) comprising two different digital communication buses (8, 9; 10, 11).

Abstract: A method and system may operate to receive a first data from a sensor of a controlled device via a wireless network at a first time, transmit the first data to a controller system, receive a second data from the sensor of the controlled device via the wireless network at a second time, transmit the second data to the controller system, determine that a third data has not been received prior to a predetermined time period, or that the third data has been received prior to the predetermined time period and the third data is outside of a determined range of values, calculate a fourth data based on the first data and the second data, and transmit the fourth data to the controller system at a third time.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system of the present invention comprises a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of the master control circuits. Because the window control circuits can sense abnormal load conditions in the variable transmission windows, the system further includes an interface to a security system to inform of a potential intrusion. Each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit.

Abstract: A device communication portion receives operational status data, and an operational status accumulation portion accumulates the operational status data. A link information management portion manages operational status link information containing trigger device information to specify the operational status of a single home appliance among plural home appliances and linked device information to specify another home appliance that activates in association with the operational status of the single home appliance. An operational status read portion extracts operational status data corresponding to the operational status in the trigger device information and extracts operational status data corresponding to the linked device information.

Abstract: Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device may include a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source. The processor may be adapted to generate a command for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may include a transducer, which may receive a control fluid and adjust it in response to the command during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may also maintain the adjusted control fluid at a substantially constant value during the low power mode.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: In an industrial automation system comprising a plurality of industrial control devices connected to an industrial communication network, control and/or supervision functions of the industrial automation system are provided by services implemented by computer-based objects in industrial control devices. A computer-based object is assigned a first qualifier enabling the computer-based object to be accessed and/or modified during configuration of the respective service and/or a second qualifier enabling the computer-based object to be accessed and/or modified during runtime of the respective service. Upon a request for access to a computer-based object by a service consumer, the service consumer's operational state is determined. Depending on a set first and/or second qualifier of a computer-based object and depending on a determined operational state of a service consumer, access to the computer-based object is granted to the service consumer.

Abstract: A method and system for the loading of patrons at multiple attractions at an entertainment environment includes the first-in first-out line and a priority based line. A patron can have an additional priority entry at a time selected by the patron to any one of the multiple attractions in the entertainment environment. There can be an entry selected by the patron to at least one of the multiple attractions in the entertainment environment, such entry being affected on a priority basis as selected by the patron. A patron can have an entry at a second time period selected by the patron to the second attraction in the entertainment environment. The second time period can overlap a first time period. Alternatively the second time period can be substantially close in time to the first time period, whereby the closeness in time under essentially normal conditions would be too close for use on a first attraction in the first time period and subsequent use on a second attraction in that second time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an HVAC actuator using a single output control signal are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the single output control signal may be a digital signal that serially encodes desired position data (either an absolute position or a relative position) for the HVAC actuator. In some cases, the single output control signal is provided by a controller remote from the HVAC actuator, and is received by the HVAC actuator. The HVAC actuator may include a controller for decoding the serially encoded data contained in the single output control signal, and for controlling the HVAC actuator accordingly.

Abstract: A robot system (X-Z) includes a plurality of manipulators (1x-2x, 1y-2y, 1w-2w, 1z-2z) and a portable terminal (3), said terminal being able to connect to the manipulators in wireless mode. The system is conceived so as to enable the terminal (3) to connect to a first manipulator (1x-2x) in a programming mode (Main) and, during the same session, to connect to a second manipulator (1w, 2w) in a monitoring mode (Secondary).

Abstract: Irrespective of operation mode of systems in which predetermined axes belong to, a multi-system numerical controller is provided that freely combines axes belonging to arbitrary systems, and then simultaneously operates axes belonging to a plurality of systems in a predetermined manual mode, or simultaneously operates a plurality of axes belonging to the same system in respective manual operation modes so as to safely take interpolation control in manual operation. The numerical control apparatus includes a plurality of manual operation controllers and independent of the systems; a manual-operation-mode selecting signal provided each for the manual operation controllers; an arbitrary-axis selection signal, provided each for the manual operation controllers or manual modes, for selecting axes from any of the systems; a manual-move-speed instructing signal provided each for the manual operation controller; a manual operation reset signal provided each for the manual operation controllers.