Comparison With Model (e.g., Model Reference) Patents (Class 700/30)
  • Patent number: 8135556
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the simulation of a coupled hybrid dynamic system. A physical test rig configured to drive the physical structure component of the system and to generate a test rig response as a result of applying a test rig drive signal. A processor is configured with a virtual model of the system. The processor receives the test rig response and generates a model response of the system based on the received test rig response and a virtual drive input. The system is driven with a random input. The processor compares the test rig response with the model response, the difference being used to form a system dynamic response model for generating the test drive signal. An inverse of the system dynamic response model is used to iteratively reduce the difference between the model response and the test rig response below a defined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Fricke
  • Patent number: 8135481
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for on-line monitoring of operation of a process in connection with process measurements indicative of the operation of the process. In some cases, the operation of the process is simulated to generate model data indicative of a simulated representation of the operation of the process and based on the process measurements. A multivariate statistical analysis of the operation of the process is implemented based on the model data and the process measurements. The output data from the multivariate statistical analysis may then be evaluated during the operation of the process to enable the on-line monitoring of the process involving, for instance, fault detection via classification analysis of the output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Lynn Blevins, Mark J. Nixon, Gregory K. McMillan
  • Patent number: 8131384
    Abstract: A control system comprises an actuator, a control law and a processor. The actuator positions a control surface and the control law controls the actuator. The processor comprises an open loop module, a corrector, a comparator, and an estimator, and generates an output vector to direct the control law. The open loop module generates the output vector as a function of a state vector and an input vector. The corrector generates a corrector vector as a function of the output vector. The comparator generates an error vector by comparing the corrector vector to the input vector. The estimator generates the state vector as a function of the error vector, such that the error vector is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Mark E. Lacour
  • Patent number: 8121817
    Abstract: Process control system for detecting abnormal events in a process having one or more independent variables and one or more dependent variables. The system includes a device for measuring values of the one or more independent and dependent variables, a process controller having a predictive model for calculating predicted values of the one or more dependent variables from the measured values of the one or more independent variables, a calculator for calculating residual values for the one or more dependent variables from the difference between the predicted and measured values of the one or more dependent variables, and an analyzer for performing a principal component analysis on the residual values. The process controller is a multivariable predictive control means and the principal component analysis results in the output of one or more scores values, T2 values and Q values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventors: Keith Landells, Zaid Rawi
  • Patent number: 8116938
    Abstract: A first observer gain of an actual damping force estimating observer 21 calculates a dynamic characteristic compensating signal, and a second observer gain of an actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23 calculates a vehicle model compensating signal, from an output deviation corresponding to a difference between a sprung speed (observation output) provided from a vehicle 2 and an estimated sprung speed (estimated observation output) provided from a vehicle approximation model of the actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23. The dynamic characteristic compensating signal is input into a dynamic characteristic providing unit of the actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23, and is used for adjustment of the setting of the dynamic characteristic providing unit. Therefore, it is possible to curb time lag occurrence in a control, and thereby perform a vibration control with improved accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd., Kobe University
    Inventors: Noriaki Itagaki, Nobuyuki Ichimaru, Takahide Kobayashi, Tatsuya Gankai, Takanori Fukao
  • Patent number: 8112163
    Abstract: A system and method of modeling, prediction, optimization and controlling an embedded alarm control having a plurality of independently controlled, manipulated variables, at least one controlled variables and one or more disturbance variables. The method includes determining simultaneously a set number of dynamic moves of the manipulated variables along with steady state values of the manipulated and controlled variables with steady state constraints relating to the manipulated and controlled variables as well as dynamic constraints relating to the manipulated and controlled variables including relating to the disturbance variables. Embedding alarm controls in the simultaneous dynamic control and steady state optimization with varying type of alarming situations and aiding operator in recovery actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Fakhruddin T Attarwala
  • Publication number: 20120016494
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a control process within a process control system and resolving inconsistencies during execution of the control process includes loading the logical structure of the control process, loading a plurality of instantiation objects or processes when the control process is instantiated, using the instantiation objects to instantiate a procedural element of the control process as the control process calls for the procedural element during execution, executing the procedural element as part of the control process, and deconstructing the procedural element as execution of the procedural element is completed during execution of the control process. Resolution of inconsistencies includes executing a first model of an entity in a controller, executing a second model of the entity in an execution engine, detecting a difference between the models, generating a prompt and receiving an operation instruction to continue the process or abort the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Pettus, Will Irwin, Kim Conner, Mickey Nanda
  • Patent number: 8099180
    Abstract: A device is described for ascertaining state variables and/or parameters of a mathematical energy accumulator model, in particular a battery model, that describes the electrical properties of the energy accumulator on the basis of various state variables and parameters, the mathematical energy accumulator model having correction equations by which the state variables and/or the parameters are corrected and adjusted to the actual operating performance of the energy accumulator. A particularly rapid and accurate compensation of the energy accumulator model may be achieved if the error between a measured battery performance quantity and the battery performance quantity calculated by the energy accumulator model, a differentiated component of the error and an integrated component of the error are calculated, the individual components are each weighted using a weighting factor and the weighted error components are taken into account in correction of a state variable and/or a parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Schoch
  • Patent number: 8090456
    Abstract: A control system comprises a controller for positioning an actuator in a working fluid flow and a model processor for directing the controller as a function of a model feedback. The model processor comprises an output module, a comparator and an estimator. The output module generates the model feedback as a function of a constraint, a model state and a model input describing fluid parameters measured along the working fluid flow. The comparator generates an error by comparing the model feedback to the model input. The estimator generates the constraint and the model state, such that the error is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Mark E. Lacour
  • Patent number: 8078322
    Abstract: The invention relates to the online regulation of a batch process in a bioreactor. According to the invention, spectra of the actual charge in the bioreactor are recorded at successive points during the running batch process. A measuring vector is produced, for each spectrum, in the low-dimensional main constituent region by the main constituent analysis of the high-dimensional spectra. The deviation is calculated between the measuring vector and a corresponding vector of a nominal trajectory consisting of measuring vectors of a reference charge, which are determined in an earlier batch process, and at least one adjustment operation for the batch process is determined and carried out according to said deviation. The direction of the adjustment operation is maintained when the deviation determined from one point to the next decreases, and modified when the deviation determined from one point to the next remains the same or increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Grieb, Karl-Heinz Kirchberg, Edmund Linzenkirchner, Ingrid Maes, Bernd-Markus Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8078429
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a plant diagnostic system for diagnosing a problem with the plant. The plant diagnostic system can include an agent-based plant diagnostic network that has an adaptive global agent located in a central facility, a plant expert agent located at the plant and a plurality of subsystem resident agents. Each of the subsystem resident agents can be assigned to a subsystem of the plant. A diagnosis agent can also be included, the diagnosis agent operable to be instructed by the adaptive global agent, transmitted to the plant expert agent, be received by the plant expert agent, transmitted by the plant expert agent back to the adaptive global agent and be received by the adaptive global agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Liu Qiao
  • Patent number: 8073556
    Abstract: A system for controlling a machine includes a first controller, a second controller, and a comparator. During a first cycle, the first controller generates a control signal to the machine while the second controller generates a predicted parameter signal. During the first cycle, the comparator transmits a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met. A method for controlling a machine includes transmitting a control signal from a first controller to the machine and generating a predicted parameter value in a second controller. The method further includes transmitting a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20110295390
    Abstract: A method includes generating a model associated with cross-directional fiber orientation of a web, which includes identifying spatial frequency characteristics of a fiber orientation (FO) process. The method also includes providing the model for control of the FO process. Generating the model could include performing a spatial impulse test of the FO process, and long wavelength responses of the FO process can be identified by performing a spatial long wavelength test of the FO process or by retrieving information from a historical database. Actuator edge padding can be applied to the model in order to generate a controller model. A controller can be used to control the process based on the controller model. At least one parameter of the controller model can be dynamically adjusted during operation of the controller. The controller can change average fiber orientation angle profiles and twist profiles by only adjusting slice lip actuators in a headbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Danlei Chu, Gregory E. Stewart, Cristian Gheorghe, Johan U. Backstrom
  • Publication number: 20110288660
    Abstract: A batch modeling and analysis system uses a simple and computationally inexpensive technique to align data collected from an on-going, currently running or on-line batch process with a batch model formed for the batch process so as to enable the reliable determination of the current operational state of the on-line batch process with respect to the batch model. This data alignment technique enables further statistical processing techniques, such as projection to latent sources (PLS) and principle component analysis (PCA) techniques, to be applied to the on-line batch data to perform analyses on the quality of the currently running batch. These analyses, in turn, provide useful information to a user, such as a batch operator, that enables the user to determine the quality of the batch at the present time, based on the batch model, and the likelihood that the desired batch output quality metrics will be reached at the end of the batch run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Wilhelm K. Wojsznis, Terrence L. Blevins
  • Patent number: 8065060
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University and Community College System on Behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 8057679
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine configured to remove ultrafiltrate (“UF”) from a patient and record how much UF has been removed; and a logic implementer configured to (i) form a first moving average UF removed trend, (ii) determine a trending range around the first moving average UF removed trend, (iii) determine at least one of an upper and lower UF removed limit from the trending range, (iv) form a second moving average UF removed trend, and (v) alert if the second moving average UF removed trend moves outside of the at least one UF removed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Anping Yu, James Grayson, Robert W. Childers
  • Patent number: 8055372
    Abstract: The present invention provides a processing system, a processing method and a program, which can readily control a gas flow rate. A vertical-type heating apparatus 1 includes a plurality of gas supply pipes 16 to 20 each adapted for supplying a processing gas into a reaction vessel 2 configured to contain therein semiconductor wafers W. For the gas supply pipes 16 to 20, flow rate control units 21 to 25 are provided, respectively, for controlling each flow rate. In a control unit 50, processing conditions including the flow rate of the processing gas and a film thickness-flow rate-relationship model indicative of a relationship between the flow rate of the processing gas and a film thickness, are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuki Kataoka, Tatsuya Yamaguchi, Wenling Wang, Yuichi Takenaga
  • Publication number: 20110270422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for feedback control and a device using the same, wherein the device comprising a sensing layer for generating a plurality of sensing signals with respect to the at least one kind of characteristics on the sensing layer, and a driving layer for changing the surface status of the sensing layer. The control method is started a step of acquiring the plurality of sensing signals within a first specific time interval and establishing a first prediction model accordingly, then predicting a distribution status with respect to the at least one kind of characteristic on the sending layer at a specific time point according to the first prediction model, and finally, determining whether to change the surface status of the sensing layer according to the distribution status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chia-Chi Chang, Tzu-Chien Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20110264243
    Abstract: A method of control for a process control system and an appropriate control system is provided. Model calculations are integrated into the process control system such that the setpoint values calculated using the model calculations are processed further like measured values in the process control system, and control commands are derived from the measured values and/or setpoint values. The model calculations are integrated into the process control system using an adaptation program. The adaptation program includes program code and associated data from the model calculations and, in comparison with the other program components of the process control systems, is designed like a program component of the process control system. Within the adaptation program, the interfaces of the adaptation program match those of the model calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Kunze, Denis Schroff, Horst Walz
  • Patent number: 8046089
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a nonlinear process model modeling a nonlinear process to be controlled. The method also includes obtaining an objective function defining how the process is controlled. The method further includes obtaining a control model defining a dynamic feasible region associated with a controlled variable, where the controlled variable is associated with the process. In addition, the method includes controlling the nonlinear process by solving a control problem that includes the process model, control model, and objective function. The dynamic feasible region defined by the control model could represent a funnel region. The objective function could include terms for minimizing and optimizing adjustments to one or more manipulated variables associated with the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Renfro, Joseph Z. Lu
  • Patent number: 8041447
    Abstract: A numerical controller controlling a 5-axis machine tool compensates setting error that arises when a workpiece is set on the table. Error in the three linear axes and the two rotation axes are compensated using preset error amounts to keep the calculated tool position and tool direction in a command coordinate system. If a trigonometric function used for error compensation has a plurality of solution sets, the solution set closest to the tool direction in the command coordinate system is selected from the plurality of solution sets and used as the positions of the two rotation axes compensated in the above error compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: FANUC Ltd
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otsuki, Soichiro Ide, Takafumi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8036863
    Abstract: A method for customizing a bearing bore in a housing so that the bearing assembly will transmit load in a desired manner over a predetermined range of operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David P Schankin, Suhui W Wang, Chih-Hung Chung, Zhaohui Sun
  • Patent number: 8032235
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for reducing an error in a controlled variable via model predictive control. A predicted error in the controlled variable is determined for a forward-looking control horizon based upon measured or computed variables. The integral of the predicted error is computed. If the error or the integral exceed a tolerance for a determined time period, the model predictive control algorithm is modified to drive the error or the integral to within a tolerance. The modifications to the control algorithm may include changes to coefficients for terms based upon the error and/or the integral of the error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
  • Publication number: 20110238189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls a plant using feedback signals. A procedural description of a feedback control process for the plant is translated into a set of objects, wherein each object is a portion of the procedural description, wherein each object is a strictly-encapsulated and autonomous software module, wherein the objects execute in a platform, and wherein the platform includes a set of nodes embedded in the plant and each node includes a processor. A feedback signals is generated by passing messages between the set of the objects in response to an operation of the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: William J. Butera, William S. Yerazunis
  • Publication number: 20110230981
    Abstract: A control system comprises an actuator, a control law and a processor. The actuator positions a control surface and the control law controls the actuator. The processor comprises an open loop module, a corrector, a comparator, and an estimator, and generates an output vector to direct the control law. The open loop module generates the output vector as a function of a state vector and an input vector. The corrector generates a corrector vector as a function of the output vector. The comparator generates an error vector by comparing the corrector vector to the input vector. The estimator generates the state vector as a function of the error vector, such that the error vector is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Mark E. Lacour
  • Publication number: 20110220410
    Abstract: A changepoint detector for modeling data received from at least one sensor in a proces in the hydrocarbon industry. The data is segmented into a plurality of segments and fo each segment a model is assigned and the data corresponding to the segment fit to tha model. A plurality of segmentations are thus provided and these segmentations ar evaluated and assigned weights indicative of the fit of the models of the segmentation t the underlying data. The segmentation models are further used to calculate a result tha may be input to a process control program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Aldred, Jonathan Dunlop, James Belaskie
  • Patent number: 8014880
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a process in a process plant includes collecting data from a process control system within the process plant, where the data is representative of a normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, performing a multivariate statistical analysis to represent the normal operation of the process based on a set of collected on-line process data comprising a measure of the normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, and representing a real-time on-line operation of the process using monitored on-line process data as an input to the representation of the normal operation of the process, where the monitored on-line process data comprises a measure of a real-time operation to the process when the process is on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikola Samardzija, John Philip Miller
  • Patent number: 8000816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process control system having measuring devices and actuators. All of the measuring devices and actuators process information and exchange data amongst themselves. All measuring devices and actuators are interconnected to enable a bi-directional data exchange. Several, or all of the measuring devices and actuators can exchange data with a service unit that can be connected to the devices and actuators. The invention also relates to a method for operating a process control system of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Raiko Milanovic, Rolf Merte, Armin Gasch, Thomas Karte, Andreas Stelter, Wolfgang Lasarzik
  • Patent number: 8000855
    Abstract: A diagnostic system includes N dedicated diagnostic modules that each correspond with a respective one of multiple control systems. The N dedicated diagnostic modules each generate status signals indicating results of respective diagnostic tests. A diagnostic error time monitor determines an accumulated error time value between error events for each of the control systems based on the status signals. The diagnostic error time monitor selectively reports a fault to a respective one of the N dedicated diagnostic modules based on the accumulated error time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Joseph M. Stempnik, Mingguang Yu, Mark H. Costin
  • Patent number: 7991487
    Abstract: For a plurality of combinations of a plurality of operating states included in an operating range of an engine and for a plurality of combinations of a plurality of objective variables, a system, which calculates design variables, includes a calculating device for obtaining global optimal solutions of the design variables that minimize or maximize a sum of the plurality of objective variables, which respectively correspond to the plurality of combinations of the plurality of operating states; a receiving device for receiving designation of an upper limit or a lower limit of the plurality of objective variables; and a searching device for searching for global optimal solutions that result in the smoothest change in the design variables when changing the operating states in a range of the received upper limit to the received lower limit of the objective variables, with one of the global optimal solutions as an initial value set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Ono Sokki Co., Ltd., The Doshisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hashimoto, Yuichiro Sampei, Tomoyuki Hiroyasu
  • Publication number: 20110178610
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing utility consumption includes use of (A) one or more sensors arranged to monitor an operating condition and/or utility consumption of at least one segment or appliance of a first facility; (B) a memory including at least one of (i) stored utility consumption information correlated or normalized to at least one designated parameter affecting utility consumption or (ii) hypothetical utility consumption; (C) a processor to compare the monitored information with the stored information, and (D) an output medium to store and/or display the comparison information. Stored consumption information may relate to the first facility or a second facility. Hypothetical utility consumption information may relate to a segment or appliance of the first facility operated according to optimized conditions, or an upgraded segment or appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: TERRATRIM, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Ronald C. Gamble, Richard A. Suchter
  • Patent number: 7979380
    Abstract: Data of at least one of past values and present values of a system is consolidated from a plurality of sources. Virtual data of future values of the system is generated by applying the acquired data to a predictive model. Additional acquired data is received. The virtual data is dynamically updated by applying the additional acquired data to the predictive model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James Moyne, Richard Stafford
  • Patent number: 7970482
    Abstract: A method and system for process control using a model predictive controller. The control system can have one or more control devices operably coupled to a processing system for controlling a process of the processing system; a modeling tool to provide a non-linear model based at least in part on the process and to provide a plurality of linearized models based at least in part on the non-linear model, where the plurality of linearized models are linearized at different linearization rates; and a controller operably coupled to the modeling tool. The controller can select one of the plurality of linearized models based on a comparison of the plurality of linearized models with a reference model. The controller can send one or more control signals to at least one of the one or more control devices. The one or more control signals can be determined using the selected one of the plurality of linearized models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ranganathan Srinivasan, J. Ward MacArthur
  • Patent number: 7970483
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for the improved operation of an electronic device manufacturing system is provided. The method includes providing information to an interface coupled to an electronic device manufacturing system having parameters, processing the information to predict a first parameter, and providing an instruction related to at least a second parameter of the electronic device manufacturing system wherein the instruction is based on the predicted first parameter. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Raoux, Mark W. Curry, Peter Porshnev, Allen Fox
  • Patent number: 7970491
    Abstract: A robot localization system is provided. The robot localization includes a robot, which moves within a predetermined space and performs predetermined tasks, and a docking station corresponding to a home position of the robot. The docking station includes a first transmitting unit, which transmits a sound wave to detect a position of the robot; and a second transmitting unit, which transmits a synchronizing signal right when the sound wave is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung-ki Lee, Jay-woo Kim, Seok-won Bang
  • Publication number: 20110144774
    Abstract: A system for controlling a machine includes a first controller, a second controller, and a comparator. During a first cycle, the first controller generates a control signal to the machine while the second controller generates a predicted parameter signal. During the first cycle, the comparator transmits a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met. A method for controlling a machine includes transmitting a control signal from a first controller to the machine and generating a predicted parameter value in a second controller. The method further includes transmitting a feedback signal to the second controller if a predetermined threshold is not met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20110144775
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for adapting a process instance, which guarantee that process instances are conform to a specific process meta model. Therefore constraint violations are detected and furthermore remedied according to a derived violation meta model. In at least one embodiment, the present invention finds application in process modeling, system process optimization and/or controlling of machines or technical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Killisperger, Markus Stumptner, Thomas Stückl
  • Publication number: 20110125293
    Abstract: An improved process and corresponding controller provide a model predictive control approach that can be implemented with less computational resources and/or with greater speed than conventional MPC, while at the same time retaining all or a substantial portion of the robustness and advantages of conventional MPC. According to one aspect of the invention, the process provides an improved initial estimate of the MPC model trajectory to reduce the number of iterations to find the optimal one. The improved trajectory is obtained by applying a correction to the computed MPC manipulated value trajectory, and using the corrected manipulated value trajectory as the starting point for the next iteration of MPC manipulated value trajectory computation. As set forth in more detail below, the correction is determined from the LQR feedback control strategy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Havlena
  • Publication number: 20110106277
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for optimizing and controlling production plants using parametric multifaceted models. In particular, the parametric multifaceted models may be configured to convert a first set of parameters (e.g., control parameters) relating to a production plant into a second set of parameters (e.g., optimization parameters) relating to the production plant. In general, the first set of parameters will be different than the second set of parameters. For example, the first set of parameters may be indicative of low-level, real-time control parameters and the second set of parameters may be indicative of high-level, economic parameters. Utilizing appropriate parameterization may allow the parametric multifaceted models to deliver an appropriate level of detail of the production plant within a reasonable amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari, Carl Anthony Schweiger
  • Publication number: 20110093128
    Abstract: In a method for supplying a resource to an entity from a resource actuator, a plurality of physics-based models pertaining to the resource actuator and the entity are developed, a condition detected at the entity is received, feedback control on a resource demand of the entity employed based upon the detected condition, feed forward control on the resource demand of the entity is employed based upon the detected condition and the plurality of physics-based models, a constraint optimization problem having an objective function and at least one constraint using the plurality of physics-based models is formulated, a solution to the constraint optimization problem is determined, in which the solution provides the actuator setting, and the resource actuator is set to the actuator setting to supply the entity with the resource from the resource actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zhikui Wang, Cullen E. Bash, Niraj Tolia, Manish Marwah, Parthasarathy Ranganathan, Shailesh N. Joshi, Andrew James Phelan
  • Publication number: 20110091853
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for incorporating a realistic simulated catheter or catheters within a catheter guidance and control system that operate from the same closed-loop position control feedback and geometric mapping data as the real position control system and are able to make contact with real and simulated datasets. These catheters may be operated in a pure simulation mode without interacting with real catheters and position control hardware, or may be used as control cursors to enhance the placement of catheter positioning targets. The catheter tip, which is focus of magnetic control, is realistically guided by the control system parameters, while the remainder of the catheter line is realistically constrained by the mapped chamber geometry and introducer sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Magnetecs, Inc.
    Inventors: Yehoshua Shachar, Bruce Mark, David Johnson, Leslie Farkas, Steven Kim
  • Patent number: 7930045
    Abstract: A two-stage model predictive control (MPC) controller uses a process model and two separate MPC control modules, including a feedforward MPC control module and a feedback MPC control module, to determine a set of control signals for use in controlling a process. The feedforward MPC control module uses the process model to determine a feedforward control component for each of a set of control signals and the feedback MPC control module uses the process model and one or more measured process outputs to determine a feedback control component for each of the set of control signals. The two-stage MPC controller combines the feedforward control components with the feedback control components to form the final control signals used to control the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Xu Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110087341
    Abstract: A system for compensating and driving a loudspeaker includes an open loop loudspeaker controller that receives and processes an audio input signal and provides an audio output signal. A dynamic model of the loudspeaker receives the audio output signal, and models the behavior of the loudspeaker and provides predictive loudspeaker behavior data indicative thereof. The open loop loudspeaker controller receives the predictive loudspeaker behavior data and the audio input signal, and provides the audio output signal as a function of the audio input signal and the predictive loudspeaker behavior data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Gerhard Pfaffinger
  • Patent number: 7925369
    Abstract: A method includes defining a reference model of a system having a plurality of terms for modeling data associated with the system. A reference fit error metric is generated for the reference model. A set of evaluation models each having one term different than the reference model is generated. An evaluation fit error metric for each of the evaluation models is generated. The reference model is replaced with a selected evaluation model responsive to the selected evaluation model having an evaluation fit error metric less than the reference fit error metric. The model evaluation is repeated until no evaluation model has an evaluation fit error metric less than the reference fit error metric. The reference model is trained using the data associated with the system, and the trained reference model is employed to determine at least one characteristic of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Siddharth Chauhan, Kevin R. Lensing, James Broc Stirton
  • Publication number: 20110077783
    Abstract: A control system comprises a controller for positioning an actuator in a working fluid flow and a model processor for directing the controller as a function of a model feedback. The model processor comprises an output module, a comparator and an estimator. The output module generates the model feedback as a function of a constraint, a model state and a model input describing fluid parameters measured along the working fluid flow. The comparator generates an error by comparing the model feedback to the model input. The estimator generates the constraint and the model state, such that the error is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Mark E. Lacour
  • Patent number: 7912561
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Meng B. Hsiung, Bethsabeth Munoz, Ajoy Kumar Roy, Michael Gregory Steinthal, Steven A. Sunshine, Michael Allen Vicic, Shou-Hua Zhang
  • Patent number: 7908072
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for using a combustion dynamics tuning algorithm with a multi-can combustor. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a gas turbine engine with an engine model can be implemented for an engine comprising multiple cans. The method can include obtaining operating frequency information associated with multiple cans of the engine. In addition, the method can include determining variation between operating frequency information of at least two cans. Furthermore, the method can include determining a median value based at least in part on the variation. Moreover, the method can include determining whether the median value exceeds at least one operating threshold. The method can also include implementing at least one engine control action to modify at least one of the operating frequencies if at least one operating threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Tonno, Mariateresa Paci, Jesse Floyd Stewart, Antonio Asti
  • Patent number: 7908090
    Abstract: Age and related conditions are assessed with a gene expression test that determines the expression levels of a panel of genetic markers. Each age signature contains expression information for genes in at least one functional group that is identified herein as having an expression pattern that correlates with physiological aging of a tissue or tissue of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Stuart K. Kim, Jacob M. Zahn, Graham Rodwell, Art B. Owen
  • Patent number: 7899773
    Abstract: An event detection method is disclosed. At least one most adaptable life cycle model is generated according to at least one historical event data, at least one nutrition growing function, and at least one firing point rule. Event data is received and a strength value thereof is calculated according to a life cycle model corresponding to the event data. It is determined whether an event firing point is achieved according to the strength value variation. If the event firing point is achieved, an event corresponding to the event data is sent. The event detection method enhances the ability of event tracking and development so event firing is more accurate to fit real event occurring situations, realize event evolution, and filter false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventors: Kuan-Yu Chen, Pin-Chuan Chen, Chih-Hao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110040392
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing system best practices are provided. In one aspect, a method for monitoring, modeling and managing a physical system is provided. The method includes the following steps. A physical data model of the physical system is provided. Real time data is obtained from the physical system. The physical data model is updated based on the real time data. An analytic model of the physical system is created based on the updated physical data model. Operation of the physical system is controlled based on output from the analytic model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Jon Lenchner, Andrew Stepanchuk