Abstract: Method, device, and storage medium for receiving a request to change a state of one or multiple elements of an automation system; changing the state of the one or multiple elements based on the request; storing usage activity data of the one or multiple elements; analyzing the usage activity data using a pattern recognition metric; determining whether a usage pattern exits based on the pattern recognition metric; creating a user activity mode in response to determining that the usage pattern exists; and operating the automation system in accordance with the user activity mode.

Abstract: A HMI (human machine interface) system integrated into an entryway system is disclosed. The HMI (human machine interface) system integrated into an entryway system may include a one or more HMI units in electronic communication with a main controller of the entryway system.

Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a water treatment control apparatus generates an indication to a water treatment facility referring to conditions including a drought status and a water treatment cost at the water treatment facility. The indication indicates a type of water to be taken by the water treatment facility between a plurality of types of water including river water from rivers, rainwater, and waste water used by a customer.

Abstract: A method of characterising mechanical and thermal growth of a rotor tip clearance arrangement and a method of controlling such an arrangement. The characterisation method comprising constructing a finite element model and calibration cases; run the model for the calibration cases to obtain displacements; and calculating component growth therefrom. The growth is characterised and scaled for the operating conditions. The clearance is calculated in a time step from the growths and input to a control arrangement for subsequent time steps.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a fan are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a subtractor, a decision unit, and an adjustment unit. The subtractor calculates a rotational speed difference between a current rotational speed and a target rotational speed. The decision unit decides an adjust factor according to the rotational speed difference. The adjustment unit changes a rotational speed control signal from a first control signal to a second control signal according to the adjust factor.

Abstract: A system 10 for controlling an industrial plant 12 comprises automatic control equipment 14 comprising a plurality of measurement sensors 16 for sensing predetermined variables associated with components of the industrial plant 12. The sensors 16 generate measured data relating to operation of the components of the industrial plant 12. A database 20 contains operational data, including observational data, regarding the industrial plant 12. A processor 18 is in communication with the automatic control equipment 14 and the database 20 for receiving the measured data from the sensors 16 of the automatic control equipment 14 and the operational data from the database 20. The processor 18 manipulates the measured and operational data to provide an evolving description of a process condition of each component over time, along with output information relating to operational control of the industrial plant 12 and for updating the database 20.

Abstract: Method of constructing a reference data structure and method of controlling an actuator.

Abstract: Regarding a method for operating an industrial controller, a control program executable in a processor that is arranged in the industrial controller is subdivided into a main block and several program blocks. The program blocks are processed under event control that takes a processing priority into consideration. The processor includes a multi-core processor having a plurality of independent sub-processors. The method includes assigning the main block to a first sub-processor, and executing a part program associated with the main block in the first sub-processor. The method also includes assigning each of the several program blocks to the additional sub-processors, and executing the part programs associated with the program blocks in the respective sub-processors. The method further includes operating a control device to evaluate as input variables the processing priority and an event assigned to the respective program block, and switching the sub-processors into active or inactive state using the evaluation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drying machine which includes a drum, a fan to circulate air within the drum, and at least one heater to heat air provided to the drum, and uses the motor and the at least one heater as a load, includes, upon receiving a drying process command from a user, receiving power rate information for each hour from an energy management system (EMS), recognizing current power rates on the basis of the power rate information for each hour, determining whether the current power rates are higher than reference power rates by comparing the current power rates with the reference power rates, and adjusting the operation rate of any one of the motor and the at least one heater when the current power rates are higher than the reference power rates. The drying machine changes the load operation rate before the power rates exceed the reference power rates, resulting in reduction in power consumption.

Abstract: In one implementation, an environmental controller operates a cooling system in an electronic device. The environmental controller includes a closed loop control system for operating a cooling fan at a target speed. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on one or more temperature sensors. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on the speeds of additional fans or the fans may be controlled in unison. The closed loop control system includes a proportional weight. When a measured cooling fan speed deviates from the target speed by more than a threshold error value, the proportional weight is constant. As the measured cooling fan speed approaches the target speed, and the threshold error value is crossed, the proportional weight is variable. The variance may be a function of time such as a periodic stair step function.

Abstract: A method for positioning a rotor of a gas turbine automatically is provided that includes gathering data with a control unit, and processing this data to bring the rotor to a desired position which is set according a Human Machine Interface (HMI). The indication of the lay of the rotor to the control unit is done by a key phasor, which includes a sensor which gets a digital pulse for each revolution of a phasor cam wheel. This digital pulse is used to give the information of the lay of the rotor to the control unit.

Abstract: A device control system includes a controller to control a device including a motor drive shaft. An operation terminal is communicably coupled to the controller. An external instruction synchronized drive command device notifies the controller of a drive command for external instruction synchronized drive of the motor drive shaft. A periodic communication device communicates with the controller at a predetermined period at least during the external instruction synchronized drive. An external instruction synchronized drive execution device executes the external instruction synchronized drive based on the drive command. The external instruction synchronized operation execution stopping device monitors communication from the periodic communication device at least during the external instruction synchronized drive, and stops the external instruction synchronized drive when the communication is interrupted.

Abstract: An actuator includes a ball nut, a ball screw, and a ball screw stop. The ball nut is adapted to receive an input torque and in response rotates and supplies a drive force. The ball screw extends through the ball nut and has a first end and a second end. The ball screw receives the drive force from the ball nut and in response selectively translates between a retract position and a extend position. The ball screw stop is mounted on the ball screw proximate the first end to translate therewith. The ball screw stop engages the ball nut when the ball screw is in the extend position, translates, with compliance, a predetermined distance toward the first end upon engaging the ball nut, and prevents further rotation of the ball screw upon translating the predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting slab material comprising a working table to support the slabs to be cut during working: a working unit comprising disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means; and a unit for moving the working unit above the working table. The movement unit comprises a horizontal translation unit to move the working unit along two directions parallel to the working table and perpendicular to each other a vertical translation unit to move the working unit along a direction perpendicular to the working table; a first rotation unit to rotate the working unit about a first axis, vertical and substantially perpendicular to the working table; and a second rotation unit to rotate the working unit about a second axis, inclined with respect to the first axis. Said disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means are integral and therefore the second rotation unit rotates simultaneously with the said cutting means.

Abstract: A control unit for operating an actuator has at least one reception device for receiving a first target value (REQ) for the actuator, an information storage for storing at least one second target value (TGT) and one third target value (MEM) for the actuator, an issuing device for issuing the stored second target value (TGT) to the actuator, a counter for determining, in a step A, whether a time period has expired, a comparing device for comparing, in a step B, the first target value (REQ) received by the receiving unit with the third target value (TGT) stored in the information storage.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dynamic physical system comprising a plurality of variable quantities. A model of the system comprising a plurality of variables representing the variable quantities, and a plurality of respective rate equations that describe the rate of change of the variables, is obtained. A control term in at least one rate equation from the plurality of rate equations is identified. A rate control function is derived from, for at least one of the variables in the rate equation, the proportion of the variable to the growth rate of the rate equation, and the rate control function is applied to the control term to provide a stabilised control term. The dynamic physical system is then controlled by modifying at least one of the quantities represented by the variables in the control term, so that the control term derived from the modified quantities is substantially the same as the stabilised control term.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an illusion of occupancy is provided. The apparatus includes a prime mover having a shaft configured to receive an actuator, an actuator configured to interface the prime mover to an illusion target, and a microcontroller having a memory operatively coupled to selectably operate the prime mover. The microcontroller is configured with a first value representing an average time between a plurality of first movements of the prime mover, a second value representing an average time between the first movement and a second movement of the prime mover, and a third value representing a quantity of random variability to be applied to the first value and the second value. The microcontroller is further configured to operate the prime mover in accordance with the first value, the second value, and the third value, thereby manipulating the illusion target and providing the illusion of occupancy.

Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator interface (30), an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator (16) of an auxiliary tool (12) when the auxiliary tool (12) is attached to the work machine (10), and a controller unit (24) that communicates with the operator interface (30) and the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322). The controller unit (24) is adapted to receive from the operator interface (30) an electrical setpoint signal representative of a flow setpoint selected by an operator via the operator interface (30), and electrically operate the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) so as to output flow from the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) to the auxiliary tool (12) at a substantially constant magnitude represented by the flow setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a gas compressor having a magnetic bearing. The method includes communicating digital feedback data from a magnetic bearing system to a computer via a communication link, processing the feedback data with the computer and issuing a bearing control command in response to the feedback data, communicating the bearing control command from the computer to the magnetic bearing system via a communication link, providing operational processing and control of the gas compressor with the computer, and providing operational processing and control of the compressor driver with the computer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide substation automation systems for operating a high or medium voltage substation for an electric power transmission or distribution network. The substation automation system includes a multitude of secondary devices, which transmit and receive data from/to each other via multicast packets. The secondary devices include packet filters, which are adapted to be set up dynamically during the runtime of the substation automation system, in order to update the rules for forwarding multicast packets received from the station bus system to the application running on the secondary devices.

Abstract: A control system and method of control for a centrifugal gas compressor including a magnetic bearing. The control system and method is configured to control the operation of a magnetic bearing system, and may control other systems of the gas compressor as well. Bearing communications are digitized proximate the gas compressor and communicated using data packet communications. The compressor and magnetic bearing controls may be performed on the same computer, and the control systems of the compressor, magnetic bearing, and engine or motor can all share information, a common user interface, and a common uninterrupted power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) comprising an electromotive furniture drive (2) with a control device (5), a power supply device (8), and at least one operating device (10); a piece of furniture (3) into which the electromotive furniture drive (2) is installed; and a data device (21), said electromotive furniture drive (2) and the data device (21) being in communicative connection with each other. The communication connection between the electromotive furniture drive (2) and the data device (21) has a first transmission path (24), which is provided for transmitting an identification code of the electromotive furniture drive (2), and a second transmission path (25), which is provided for transmitting control data and/or operating data of the electromotive furniture drive (2). The invention also relates to a method for establishing a communication connection between an electromotive furniture drive (2) and the data device (21).

Abstract: A method of integrating a relay bank for use with a pool or spa control system includes, establishing an electrical connection between the relay bank and a control panel, discovering the relay bank by a control panel processor, and assigning the relay bank a network address upon discovery thereof. A method of integrating a smart component for use with a pool or spa control system includes, establishing an electrical connection between the smart component and a control panel, discovering the smart component by a control panel processor, and assigning the smart component a network address upon discovery thereof. A method of integrating an expansion panel for use with a pool or spa control system includes, establishing an electrical connection between the expansion panel and a control panel, discovering the expansion panel by a control panel processor, and configuring the expansion panel upon discovery thereof.

Abstract: A washing machine control system and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine control system includes a tag unit that includes a tag storage unit that stores model information; and a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the model information based on a mobile device being tagged. The washing machine control system further includes a mobile device that includes a tag communication module that receives the model information based on being tagged by the tag unit; an internet module that receives, from a server, information about a plurality of operation courses associated with the model information; a display that displays information; and a control unit that controls the display to display an operation course list comprising the plurality of operation courses.

Abstract: A method of controlling relaxation equipment is a method of controlling relaxation equipment capable of changing a biological value of a user. The method includes: obtaining a user model including a transition in biological value within a period from a start time to an end time of a program being viewed by the user; obtaining a first biological value of the user viewing the program; and controlling the relaxation equipment such that the biological value of the user at the end time approximates a second biological value included in the user model, which is a value at the end time, based on the first biological value and the second biological value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling pool/spa components. More particularly, disclosed is a system for controlling pool/spa components including a display screen and one or more processors presenting a control user interface for display on the display screen, wherein the control user interface includes a home screen comprising a first portion containing a first plurality of buttons and/or controls for controlling a first group of the plurality of pool/spa components associated with a first body of water, and a second portion containing a second plurality of buttons and/or controls for controlling a second group of the plurality of pool/spa components associated with a second body of water.

Abstract: An excavation control system includes a global coordinate computing device, a prediction correcting part, a cutting edge position data generating part, and a designed terrain data generating part. The global coordinate computing device generates revolving unit orientation data (Q) that indicates an orientation of a revolving unit. The prediction correcting part generates corrected revolving unit orientation data (R) by predictively correcting the revolving unit orientation data (Q) based on a delay time (t) and revolve angle speed data (D?) that indicates a revolve angle speed (?) of the revolving unit. The cutting edge position data generating part generates cutting edge position data (S) that indicates a position of a cutting edge based on reference position data (P1), the revolving unit orientation data (Q), and the corrected revolving unit orientation data (R).

Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device operates as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server provides computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks. A system for use in a healthcare facility includes patient care devices located in a patient room. The system also includes an application server located remotely from the patient room. The application server stores application software associated with each patient care device. The system further includes a universal caregiver interface situated in the patient room and in communication with the application server. The universal caregiver interface receives application software from the application server.

Abstract: A method includes a step of storing in a memory efficiency characteristic information for each of a plurality of air conditioning units in a location containing a plurality of server computers, the efficiency characteristic information including information representative of an efficiency performance curve for a range of variable cooling output. The method also includes identifying a current thermal load on each of the plurality air conditioning units. The method further includes employing the stored efficiency characteristic information and the current thermal load to identify a first air conditioning unit having a least additional power consumption required to increase cooling output. One or more processing units are employed to allocate one or more processing tasks to one of the plurality of server computers based on the identified first air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a network including a plurality of network apparatuses, includes a network site controller for controlling a cooling system in the network and extracting network resource and ambient information from the plurality of network apparatuses into topological information, and a network controller for controlling the plurality of network apparatuses based on the topological information.

Abstract: An event execution system comprises an ordering component that receives multiple events and dynamically organizes the multiple events based at least in part upon a predefined organization of devices affected by the multiple events. The system can additionally include an execution component that executes the multiple events with respect to the devices according to the organization of the multiple events.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of an electro-mechanical transmission configured to transfer torque among an input member, a plurality of torque machines and an output member includes determining an engine pulse torque, calculating a first motor torque pulse command based upon a first transfer function between the engine pulse torque and a torque command for a first torque machine and the engine pulse torque, calculating a second motor torque pulse command based upon a second transfer function between the engine pulse torque and a torque command for a second torque machine and the engine pulse torque, and controlling the first torque machine in response to the first motor torque pulse command and controlling the second torque machine in response to the second motor torque pulse command.

Abstract: A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. In some embodiments, the wireless system includes at least one wireless nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the site. The server computer system is coupled to the node/s over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the node/s. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user.

Abstract: In one example, wireless mobile device data is provided to a building control system by sending location data from a wireless mobile device to an Internet-based service, receiving the location data from the wireless mobile device in the Internet-based service, determining an associated building control system from the wireless mobile device identity, sending data derived from the location data to the building control system, and implementing a change in the building control system based on the sent data derived from the location data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a digital control manager comprising a first transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communication links to one or more energy autonomous end devices; a second transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communication links to one or more digital control managers and one or more end devices; a local database; an intellectualize function module configured to execute a computer program to provide intelligence to the digital control manager and to end devices in communication therewith.

Abstract: A computer system as a building is disclosed. The computer system as a building is able to respond to the animate and inanimate occupants of the building by interacting and communicating in real-time through movement, sound, lighting, visual effects, and environmental effects.

Abstract: A method for operating an installation for the automated control of the conditions in a building, the installation comprising a central control unit, electrical equipment items with which areas of the building are equipped and a unit for managing sensors comprising at least one sensor suitable for measuring an input physical quantity, the method being characterized in that it comprises: a step of modelling the building and the areas of the building, a step of obtaining at least one first value of the input physical quantity measured by the at least one sensor, a step of iteratively determining values of at least one output physical quantity, as a function of at least one second value of the input physical quantity, of the model of the building and of the areas of the building, a step of using the determined values in order to control the electrical equipment items with which each area of the building is equipped.

Abstract: A system may include a controller configured to determine a user interface status, wherein the user interface status includes user interaction of a user interface. The controller may also be configured to determine a drive mechanism location relative to a first limit and a second limit and select a clutching location based on the user interface status and drive mechanism location.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling lighting, an environment factor, or security of a structure are discloses. A lighting control system includes a plurality of lighting devices, a central server and a switch. The central server communicates with each of the plurality of lighting devices, and controls an operating configuration of each of the lighting devices. The switch communicates with at least some of the plurality of lighting devices, wherein the communication includes information, and wherein the at least some of the plurality of lighting devices respond to the information based on the operating configuration of the at least some of the plurality of lighting devices.

Abstract: A clothes dryer for drying fabric items in accordance with a treating cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber receiving fabric items for treatment and a controller having a memory in which is stored a set of executable instructions comprising at least one user-selectable cycle of operation, the controller may receive an indication of a dye transfer event and implement a cycle of operation based thereon.

Abstract: Power resource allocation at a chassis that supports plural server information handling systems is enhanced with modifications to power consumption by plural cooling fans based upon available power resources. As available power decreases, at least some of the cooling fans operate at reduced speeds for a given thermal condition to consume less power. In one embodiment, a maximum allowed cooling fan speed is set with a delta value over the fan speed of one or more other cooling fans, such as a delta over the lowest commanded cooling fan speed of the chassis.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system controls a plurality of theatrical objects. The automation and control system includes a data network, an operator console, remote station, input/output devices and external system; an emergency stop (e-stop) system; a machinery piece; and a control system. The control system includes industrial protocols and software interfaces. The control system generates a digital video graphics file from an original video image file and converts the digital video graphics file to a grayscale digital file. The control system transmits the grayscale digital file to a visual profile generator and a movement control device, receives the grayscale pixel maps from the grayscale conversion module; and generates a visual profile by the visual profile generator. The visual profile is a format compatible with a motion automation and control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a machine is provided in which a relaxed abduction problem is determined in order to explain the greatest possible part of the observations with the fewest possible assumptions. Based upon two preference orders over a subset of observations and a subset of assumptions, tuples are determined so that the theory together with the subset of assumptions explains the subset of observations. On the basis of the formal validity of the approach certain characteristics of the set of results (such as correctness, completeness, etc.) are checked. By the choice of underlying representational language and the preference relations, the complexity of the problem-solving process is influenced and thus flexibly adapted with regard to domain requirements. The invention may be used for any machines, e.g. gas turbines or steam turbines.

Abstract: Integrated methods and systems for optimizing drilling related operations include recording data, parsing the data into intervals and analyzing the intervals to determine if the performance data in each time interval is of sufficient quality for using the interval data in a performance optimization process. The quality assessment may involve evaluating the data against a set of determined standards or ranges. The performance optimization process may utilize data mapping and/or modeling to make performance optimization process recommendations.

Abstract: A method of processing information obtained from Cogeneration and Trigeneration systems serving commercial and residential applications to trend, affect maintenance decisions of the mechanical infrastructure and predict malfunctions in the mechanical infrastructure.

Abstract: An energy management system having a centralized site controller is provided with thermostats in multiple zones, each thermostat having the capability of acting as a remote terminal to the controller. Each thermostat provides an interface to the site controller while simultaneously acting as the thermostat for each zone. The thermostat displays information concerning the state of the building's lighting and HVAC systems for any zone and allows the local user to initiate local overrides of set points. The central site controller determines how many thermostats are enabled with a terminal mode, including the full extent of their read and write permissions on other zones. The override requests are received by the central controller and merged with the settings for the current control algorithms. After a preconfigured time, the central controller reinstates the current control algorithm.

Abstract: An electric linear motion actuator is provided which can set the clearance during normal braking operation of an electric brake system. The linear motion actuator includes a load sensor for detecting the magnitude of the load with which a friction pad is pressed against the brake disk, a temperature sensor for compensating for the influence of temperature on the load sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is adapted to calculate a target rotational angle from the position of the electric motor corresponding to the magnitude of the load detected by the load sensor to the position of the electric motor where the clearance is at a predetermined value, and control the electric motor to rotate the electric motor by the target rotational angle.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of attractive, low cost, controllable, or other featured motorized window covering assemblies. The use of a motor assembly with an integrated WiFi interface enables eliminating a setup box, resulting in lower cost. Eliminating the setup box and any associated wires further eliminates the eye sore that they may pose. These eliminations, along with an elongated motor assembly used in some embodiments, further enable the motor to be made less noticeable by, for example, making it easier to hide or camouflage. As one example, an elongated motor assembly, comprising an elongated casing surrounding the motor and the control board, is hidden inside a window covering holder. An IP address can be assigned to each motor, which enables addressing and controlling each motor individually from any remote device located anywhere with access to the internet.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling brewing of a coffee drink and a computer-readable medium storing instructions to execute such a method are presented. The method entails receiving an identifier for the coffee drink, the identifier associated with a set of brew parameters used to make the coffee drink, and retrieving the set of brew parameters from a database storing the set of brew parameters using the identifier.