Abstract: A system for controlling nonlinear plants which may be effected with gain scheduled feedback controllers. Several linear sub-controllers having various gains may be put together as one unit. The overall controller may be changed by switching from one sub-controller to another according to an exogenous or endogenous parameter. The signal to the switch may reflect operational ranges of the plant occurring at certain times and indicate the gain desired from the system relative to the output and input signals of the plant at those times. The advantages of the present approach may include a guarantee of nominal and robust stability both global and local, a permitting of the use of control structures that are familiar to industrial practitioners, and no requirement of advanced mathematical techniques for its implementation.

Abstract: A host and ancillary tool interface methodology for distributed processing is described. The host tool manages a process, except for the generation of a product used in the process. To generate the product, the host tool provides an indication to an ancillary tool that the product is to be generated, and the ancillary tool generates the product after detection of the indication with no further intervention by the host tool. To provide the indication, the host tool preferably activates a control line whose voltage is monitored by the ancillary tool, or alternatively, sets one or more bits in a memory which is periodically checked by the ancillary tool.

Abstract: In a control method, when a state quantity serving as a specific reference is defined as a reference state quantity, and a state quantity which is controlled to maintain a relative quantity with respect to the reference state quantity at a specified value is defined as a follow-up state quantity, one of a plurality of control computation input values input to a controller of at least two controllers respectively forming control loops, which controls the follow-up state quantity is transformed, into an internal input value, and the internal input value is input to the controller which controls the follow-up state quantity. At least the two controllers calculate manipulated variables, respectively, and the calculated manipulated variables are output to controlled systems of corresponding control loops.

Abstract: A decentralized load management and control system and method are provided herein. A plurality of loads in a system are associated with a multitude of respective networked load controllers. If energy demand exceeds optimum limits in operation then the networked load controllers collaborate to determine which load(s) will be shed based on an optimization algorithm that considers, inter alia, variable load priority and business objectives. Additionally and/or alternatively, if the metered energy demand is less than optimum, the load controllers can determine which loads to reconnect again based at least upon load priority and business objectives.

Abstract: An Input/output (I/O) measurement block facility is provided that creates subchannel measurement blocks (comprising device busy values) related to performance of an I/O operation of a subchannel, wherein a device busy time value is a sum of time intervals when the subchannel is device busy during an attempt to initiate any one of a start function or a resume function at the subchannel.

Abstract: A control system for injection molding machines comprises a central control unit (26) for executing cyclical machine program sequences. Further, a visualization means (24, 25) is connected with the central control unit (26). The central control unit (26) has connected therewith, via an input/output means (16), an injection molding machine (18). According to the invention, an additional control unit (28) for cycle-independent processing of time-critical control steps is arranged independently of the central control unit (26) and is adapted for reducing the error-proneness. The additional control unit (28) is in particular an FPGA control unit.

Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-i controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: A home environment managing method and system to manage home environment values from a plurality of locations is disclosed. The method allows in an acquisition mode to acquire through a Universal Remote Console a plurality of reference sets of home environment values from the plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of reference sets of home environment values are converted into a normalized set using a respective translation algorithm. Each normalized set is stored with a link to the translation algorithm used during the conversion. Furthermore, in a restore mode, a normalized set of home environment values is converted into a reference set using the translation algorithm linked to it, and then the reference set is restore to the appropriate location through a Universal Remote Console.

Abstract: A device description language (DDL) converter is provided for converting a first DDL file into one or more second DDL files. The DDL files may be associated with wireless field devices that are or could be used in a process control system, such as wireless sensors or wireless actuators. The DDL files may contain information associated with parameters of the field devices, such as tunings, performance statistics, statuses, measurements, and other data of interest. The first DDL file could be associated with a non-standard DDL. The one or more second DDL files could be associated with standard DDLS, such as HART, Foundation Fieldbus, and Profibus DDLs.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a pool or spa. The remote control can utilize a microprocessor-based data acquisition and processing system, along with a network interface, to provide remote access to the pool or spa parameters, including but not limited to: temperature, pH, and ORP levels; and the status and control of pumps, heaters, ozone apparatus, and filters. The information is presentable via the Internet, a private or other networks, and can be accessed through known browsers or other convenient interfaces, allowing for operation across all computing platforms.

Abstract: A configuration system for a process plant includes a routine that automatically provides an indication of the relationships between units and sub-elements of the units, such as equipment and control modules, present within a process plant to a data historian. The data historian, which may be a batch historian, stores these relationships in a configuration file or a database, collects events generated within the process plant and associates those events to the proper unit within the process plant using the stored relationships. The automatic updating of the data historian configuration file eliminates the need for a user to manually update the data historian with these relationships, either at the time the process plant is configured or each time a change is made to the configuration of the process plant.

Abstract: In a CRT operation system for operation and monitoring of plant equipment in a plant worksite through a central control room and a network, an operation control personal computer is provided for monitoring and operating the plant equipment, and one or more wireless LAN transceivers or transmitting/receiving sections are provided to appropriate points in a patrol route around the plant equipment, for wireless communication with the operation control personal computer. The personal computer controls the plant equipment through a wireless transceiver and a network, and transmits therethrough information signals of on-site operation of the plant equipment to enable a display device and a sound/voice output device provided in the central control room.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling safety-critical processes that includes a fieldbus, a bus master for controlling a communication via the fieldbus, at least one signal unit for linking to at least one of the safety-critical processes, and a first control unit for controlling at least one of the safety-critical processes. The bus master and the at least one signal unit are connected to one another via the fieldbus to provide communication between at least one signal unit and the bus master. The at least one signal unit and the first control unit have safety-related devices. Failsafe communication is provided to control at least one of the safety-critical processes, and the first control unit is connected to the bus master independently of the fieldbus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic control system for aggregates which generate compressed air or vacuums. The inventive system comprises programmable electronic circuits for controlling, regulating and monitoring the technical functions of aggregates of this type, especially the functions of the compressed air generator or the vacuum pump and the corresponding drive mechanisms, and air treatment. The aim of the invention is to provide a control system which will simplify construction (design), production, assembly, commissioning, maintenance, checks for defects and repairs despite the variety of different types of aggregates and the different conditions of use.

Abstract: In a distributed control system, a first electronic control unit sends trigger information to a second electronic control unit. The trigger information includes a timing that triggers the second electronic unit to obtain second sensor information from a second sensor. The second electronic control unit is designed to receive the trigger information, and obtain, at the timing of the trigger information, the second sensor information from the second sensor. The second electronic unit is configured to send, to the first electronic control unit, the obtained second sensor information.

Abstract: To produce a controller or regulator (1), a control or regulation process (3) is first designed and simulated on a development system (20). The process source code (25) for a target system (2) arranged in the controller or regulator (1) is then generated, and also a description file (28, 29) in HTML and/or XML format which, among other things, describes the parameters for the controller or regulator (1). Tags which characterize the parameters are used in the description file (28, 29). The description file (28, 29) is then converted, in a web server generator (30), into data and source code (31, 34) for a web server (5) which can run on the target system (2). In this context, the web server generator (30) and/or web server (5) use/uses the tags to insert input and output elements which can be used for setting and reading the respective parameters.

Abstract: The subject invention provides systems and methods that facilitate accessing and management of information (e.g., instructions, executables, classes, objects . . . ) associated with a control system. The systems and methods enable a control system entity the ability to leverage functionality of another control system entity, for example, to employ a service and/or execute an application within an execution environment of the other control system entity. Other capabilities include, but are not limited to, installing and uninstalling, registering and deregistering, loading and/or unloading instructions, commencing, pausing and terminating instruction execution, passing parameters and variables to instructions, modifying, overriding instructions and removing instructions, reliable messages, files, executables, classes, data structures, schema, objects, services, notifications, behaviors, alerts, etc.

Abstract: A method for controlling an insulin pump through the Internet. The method comprises the steps of ascertaining whether a logged-in person is a physician; determining the logged-in person as a nurse when the logged-in person is not a physician, receiving a patient's blood sugar level data and generating a command to change an insulin injection amount; checking whether the logged-in person is an attending physician when the logged-in person is a physician, and changing the logged-in person to an attending physician when the logged-in person is not an attending physician; and driving a corresponding insulin pump having the patient's ID by transmitting through the Internet and Bluetooth modules a new prescription made in consideration of a current blood sugar level measurement and insulin injection amount, when the logged-in person is an attending physician or when the logged-in person is changed to an attending physician.

Abstract: In a method for controlling and/or regulating industrial processes (1, 20), a standard operating system (3) with a real-time module or a real-time operating system is implemented on a hardware platform (2) and simultaneously at least two real-time applications (7, 8) with characteristic real-time requirements are active under the real-time module or under the real-time operating system. In particular, simultaneously with the real-time applications (7, 8), at least one non-real-time application (5) is active, and the real-time requirements of each real-time application (7, 8) are predetermined on the specification of the applicable industrial processes (1). Each real-time application (7, 8), by means of an allocation module (4) running on the hardware platform (2), is allocated a maximally available component (9, 10) of a maximally available real-time component (11) of one operating cycle (13).

Abstract: A safety controller provides for reliable mixed execution of standard and safety control programs held in a common memory by providing a hardware lock that is locked at times when the safety program is not executing to minimize potential corruption of the safety program by the standard program.

Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, includes at least one hoist mechanism provided with at least one motor for lifting and lowering a load suspended from the hoist mechanism. The operation of the hoist mechanism is controlled by a control unit which receives load-specific information signals from a device. The load-specific information signals are determined on the basis of load-dependent measuring signals generated by a load measuring assembly associated with the hoist mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic control system for cycles, for use with a set of sensors, a set of actuators, and a set of control members associated to a cycle. The system having a first processor unit for processing and displaying information; a second processor unit for communication and for interfacing with said set of control members; and a third processor unit for interfacing with said set of sensors and said set of actuators. The first processor unit, the second processor unit, and the third processor unit are connected together via asynchronous bi-directional communication channels.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize an in-home network system that is capable of smoothly controlling an appliance even when a new kind of appliance that has not been obtained conventionally is connected to an in-home network or even when an unusual, special use form is set in a network. A controller of the present invention compares a device type of an appliance connected to an in-home network with a skeleton stored in a skeleton DB. When a skeleton rule in accordance with the appliance type is not stored in the skeleton DB, a request for acquisition of the skeleton rule of the appliance is transmitted to a service agent. In addition, when the location of an appliance is moved, the controller sends a request for transmission of a new rule format to be added due to the movement to the service agent.

Abstract: A hardware/firmware layer comprising a Device Manager, an Information Manager, a Memory Manager, and a Process Manager contained in one or more semiconductor chips is disclosed. The hardware/firmware layer eliminates the need for an operating system. Each of the Managers comprises a microcontroller associated with a firmware embedded in ROM or Flash memory that contains instruction sets that cause the microcontroller to provide a designated task of device management, information management, memory management and process management. In another aspect of the invention, devices connected to the computer system are “smart devices,” each device having a device microcontroller and embedded device drivers in a ROM or Flash memory. The hardware/firmware of the present invention does not need to search for available devices, provide diagnostic tests or obtain device drivers to communicate with the devices.

Abstract: A modular multi-axis motion control and driving system includes a control board having a DSP and Flash ROM; a plurality of driver boards connected to the control board though a bus, each board including a FPGA device and a plurality of MOSFET power amplifiers; a computer, connected to the control board provides a graphic user interface through which motor setting, current and position control loop tuning and diagnostic may be performed. A DSP program, system parameters and FPGA configuration file are stored in the Flash ROM. At startup the DSP automatically executes loader firmware transferring the DSP program from the Flash ROM to the DSP. The DSP reads the FPGA configuration file and configures the FPGA in each driver board simultaneously. The control program then loops to perform system diagnose, network service and check command queue, while the current and position controls are implemented in an interrupt service.

Abstract: This invention provides an output service provision system which is capable of allowing a user to easily receive a provided output service, providing an output service responsive to the user and flexibly coping with situational variations. Upon determining that a virtual object B is in an area-in state with respect to a virtual object A, a virtual object management device can transmit an area-in notification to a projector. Upon receiving the area-in notification, the projector can transmit a projector display data transmission request to a portable terminal and receive projector display data transmitted in response to the transmission request. The projector can then execute a projection process by a projection device on the basis of the received projector display data. The portable terminal can transmit the projector display data to the projector in response to the projector display data transmission request.

Abstract: A client connected to a field device management station (FDMS) by a wireless path. An operator can issue commands to any field devices from the client. As a result, the operator can manage the field devices from any remote location. In addition, the FDMS may be connected to other clients by wire-based paths as well. As a result, commands from both wire-based and wireless clients may be channeled through the FDMS, thereby simplifying tracking of various of configuration changes and status of the field devices. According to another aspect of the present invention, the wireless client is connected to a field device by a wire-line medium. Connectivity between FDMS and field devices is established through wireless client, thereby providing path redundancy (in addition to control network).

Abstract: A controller that receives an input of a status of an apparatus, executes predetermined arithmetic and logical operations, and outputs a control signal of the apparatus, and is equipped with a plurality of processors for executing the arithmetic and logical operations; a plurality of data storage elements for storing respective results of the arithmetic and logical operations of the plurality of the processors; a comparator for comparing the results of the arithmetic and logical operations of the plurality of the processors stored in the plurality of the data storage elements; and a comparison record storage element for storing a record of the comparison results of the comparator.

Abstract: In connection with a method for the data exchange between an operating and monitoring program BA and a field device, which is connected via a field bus adapter with the internet, the operating and monitoring program BA accesses a serial interface, which is connected with an internet interface. By means of this a data exchange between the operating and monitoring program BA via the internet is possible without extensive program changes.

Abstract: Operation of movable members such as wing or sash parts of openable windows or facade sections forming part of a natural ventilation system is controlled by communication of operating commands from centralized and/or distributed control means to operator units for movement of said movable members. Concurrent operation of operator units of a sub-group (1, 2, 8–11) of operator units (3) associated with a single movable member is coordinated by interface means (6, 7) interconnected between the sub-group and the centralized and/or distributed control means (4, 16). The interface unit (6, 7) communicates an operating command from said central and/or distributed control means (4, 16) to the operator units (3), receives actual position and/or status information from each operator unit (3) of the sub-group and uses this information for communication of coordinated individual control commands to the operator units (3).

Abstract: There is provided a central site system for communicating with at least one remote site equipment monitor, the at least one remote site equipment monitor collecting operational data concerning remote site equipment. The central site system includes a data transfer system adapted for receiving the operational data from the at least one remote site equipment monitor. The central site system also includes an operational data access system which receives the operational data from the data transfer system and stores the operational data in a data storage unit of the operational data access system. The central site system also includes a notification distribution system which receives data based on the operational data and distributes the data based on the operational data to a destination according to a predefined schedule.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling home power management. The method includes polling a plurality of power managed appliances in a network to determine a power state for each of the power managed appliances. Based on a corresponding power rating for the power state of each of the power managed appliances, determining an overall power utilization for the network. If policy has been enacted for updating the power state of any of the plurality of power managed appliances, adjusting the power state of the power managed appliances to provide an optimized power management network.

Abstract: In a system control method, a transaction is transmitted from a control processing apparatus to remaining control processing apparatuses via a connection network, and held in a home reception buffer through a transmitting circuit. Transactions read out from the home reception buffer the respective reception buffers are ordered and output through an arbitrating circuit. Predetermined transactions are exchanged among the respective control processing apparatuses, and specific entries in which received transactions should be written and specific entries from which transactions should be output to the arbitrating circuit are determined through the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuits, thereby setting identical combinations of transactions which the arbitrating circuit is to read out from the home reception buffer and the plurality of reception buffers in all the control processing apparatuses. A control processing system and control processing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller is disclosed for control operations in underground mining, especially for controllers to control support shields. The controller utilizes a central unit with a microprocessor and assigned, programmable memory devices for the storage and processing of software as well as a connector unit with connectors or circuits for communication between the controller and other controllers and/or actuators, sensors or the like, that are to be controlled with the controller. Both the central unit and the connector unit utilize a modular design. A collection of modules with different performances and/or functionalities are provided for both the central unit and the connector unit to form the hardware of a controller. The modules can be combined with one another and coupled together according to a modular concept.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rest room control system including one or more sensors configured to monitor or control a function associated with the rest room. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the one or more sensors, and configured to receive data therefrom associated with the function, and communicate a status condition associated with the function in response thereto.

Abstract: A smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.

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: An arrangement for coordinating data representative of a building system includes a process connected to a memory. The memory stores a plurality of building space objects and at least one building automation device object. At least one building space object includes a reference to at least one of the group consisting of a parent building space object and a child building space object, a reference to at least one graphic file containing a graphic image representation of the building space, and a reference to information regarding one or more building automation devices associated with the building space object. At least one building automation device object includes a reference to a corresponding building space object, a reference to at least one operating value of the building automation device, and a reference to a link to a file containing information regarding the at least one building automation device object.

Abstract: A programmable electronic controller that provides multiple command and control instruction for an air curtain being integrated therewith. The controller includes operational controls for fan speed, time adjustment duration including time delay, start time, stop time with internal selectable timer clock provisions. The temperature imputable parameters for on demand heat and a variety of remote sensing and actuation output and input provisions.

Abstract: A control system includes controllers that are coupled mutually by a communications network, on which information, transmitted from a master controller to a slave controller, is used to make timing corrections on the slave controller in order to synchronize event timers on the slave controller with that of the master controller. Timing accuracy for the occurrence of the event commanded by each controller is synchronized in narrow range of time, preferably within a few milliseconds depending on the specific application and system.

Abstract: A built-in analyzer controller including: a device controlling circuit for controlling the hardware of an analyzer; a network interface circuit for connecting the analyzer to a network; and built-in programs including a server program for performing a communication through the network interface using a predetermined communication protocol between the analyzer and an external terminal. The server program performs the processes of: sending information of the operating status of the analyzer to the external terminal on receiving a request for the same from the external terminal; and setting a control parameter of the analyzer using the device controlling circuit on receiving a request for setting the control parameter from the external terminal. Using the analyzer controller, the user can monitor and control an analyzer or analyzers connected to a LAN from a remote place, without requiring special programs, and at low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously controlling multiple control systems is provided. The resulting hybrid control system provides for sharing of inputs and outputs on a control surface membrane between the multiple distinct control systems. A unified tactile/LED interface for both systems is achieved, allowing for a single hybrid control system experience for operators in industrial, manufacturing and control-room environments.

Abstract: In building automation architectures, components may be associated through physical communications paths and at a different level through building automation applications. Building automation applications implement control processes for a building function. Due to changing needs, such as a failure of a physical communications path or the addition or removal of components, the building automation application may be more appropriately performed in a different device. By dynamically positioning or determining a processor for implementing a building automation application, an architecture or network may more optimally control building functions, such as by requiring less user input, more rapid response and/or avoiding building function failures.

Abstract: A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.

Abstract: A voter function block, which can be integrated into a function block diagram programming environment in a process plant control or safety system, implements voter logic in conjunction with providing operational and maintenance overrides which may be set to override individual inputs to the voter function block as well as to override the output of the voter function block. The voter function block, which is easy to create, use, test, debug and document, includes one or input limit detection units which detect if a particular redundant input has reached a specified limit indicating a condition within the process plant, an override unit that may be set by a user to override the consideration of that input in the voting function, a voting logic entity that determines if a trip condition exists based on the values of the valid or non-inhibited inputs, and an inhibit block that may used to override the output of the voter logic block during, for example, a startup or other operational condition.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method relates to the prediction of processing tool control parameters, i.e. controller state, for a particular processing tool, which has little or no utilization history, i.e. is data starved or has not gone through the learning curve, for a given process, or has undergone an event for which the current controller state has been reset or is otherwise now sub-optimal. The prediction is based on the processing tool control parameters of a substantially similar processing tool, being used in a substantially similar fashion to the given situation, which has significant utilization history. The processing tool having significant utilization history may be the same processing tool as the processing tool with little or no processing history where a manufacturing event disrupts the operations thereof. In this case, the pre-event control parameters and utilization history may be used, according to the disclosed embodiments, to predict the post-event controller state.

Abstract: A system for automation, monitoring and measurement acquisition for technical processes, having measurement and control units (2, 14, 15, 16) that are connected to sensors and actuators of the processes (1, 8, 9, 10) via measurement and control lines (3, 11, 12, 13), having a system distributed in a data network (4), in which system automation modules (44, 45, 46) are combined into automation units (39, 31, 32, 18, 19) and automation units are combined into automation groups (99), and having a higher-level information plane (22) whose information programs (23 to 27) have reading access to the automation units.

Abstract: Non-linear model with disturbance rejection. A method for training a non linear model for predicting an output parameter of a system is disclosed that operates in an environment having associated therewith slow varying and unmeasurable disturbances. An input layer is provided having a plurality of inputs and an output layer is provided having at least one output for providing the output parameter. A data set of historical data taken over a time line at periodic intervals is generated for use in training the model. The model is operable to map the input layer through a stored representation to the output layer. Training of the model involves training the stored representation on the historical data set to provide rejection of the disturbances in the stored representation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a controlled process in response to an input signal and a disturbance signal includes modeling the controlled process in a process model; controlling the process model by a first controller; isolating the first controller from the disturbance signal so that the first controller may be designed for an optimal response to the input signal; driving the first controller by a first drive signal proportional to the difference between the input signal and a process model output signal; isolating a second controller from the input signal so that the second controller may be designed for an optimal response to the disturbance signal; and driving the second controller by a second drive signal proportional to difference between a process output signal and the process model output signal.