Abstract: A speculative transmit function, utilizing a configurable logical buffer, is implemented in a network. When a transmission is started the logical buffer is configured as a FIFO to reduce transmit latency. If a data under-run lasts for more than a fixed time interval the transmission is abandoned and the logical buffer is reconfigured as a STORE-AND-FORWARD buffer. The transmission is restarted after all transmit data is buffered.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for design processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable design variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable design variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its design variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its design variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent design variable y.

Abstract: A method and device prevent a critical operating state of a control device with a control element and an actuator, as well as an acceleration sensor and an evaluation unit. An evaluation unit input is coupled to the acceleration sensor and a further input receives external desired values for the control device. The acceleration sensor acquires acceleration measurement values for the control device, these being transmitted to the evaluation unit, with the evaluation unit deriving assessment values from these values. The evaluation unit determines internal desired values and outputs them for control of the control device.

Abstract: A multivariable process controller controls a chemical, polymer or other physical process. Slow tuning and over-conservative controlled variable values are employed during step testing. While all controlled process variables are within safe limits, only one manipulated variable (MV) at a time is step changed. Several manipulated variables are moved when process variables exceed safe limits to ensure that the controlled process variables return to the safe range, such that suitable MV targets for step testing are able to be automatically discovered within a closed loop control environment. Thus, the step test is able to be conducted mostly unsupervised and/or remotely via a telephone or network connection.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dynamic targeting for a process control system. Inline parameter data relating to a processed workpiece is received. A determination is made whether the inline parameter would result in a value of a device operation parameter within a predetermined range. At least one process operation performed upon the workpiece is adjusted in response to a determination that the inline parameter would not result in a value of the device operation parameter.

Abstract: For determination as to whether there is a possibility that temperature control satisfying conditions according to an upper limit LH_i and a lower limit LL_i of the annealing control temperatures of annealing object steel sections i will be realized under restrictions on limit values U and D of the control temperature increase and decrease rates, computation is performed without using dynamic programming requiring an enormous amount of data on a continuous annealing line of a steelwork.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for overload-free driving of an actuator, in which an activation counter is incremented or decremented each time an activation request signal occurs, in which, depending on each occurrence of an activation request signal, a drive signal for the actuator is generated if the counter reading of the activation counter is less than or greater than a predetermined maximum or minimum counter reading, in which the counter reading is in each case decremented or incremented if the time since the last generation of a drive signal or since the deactivation of the drive signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined or predeterminable interval time or if the time since the last decrementing of the activation counter is greater than or equal to the interval time.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a computer program to size and orient one or more feature items on a jewelry design having a feature path. Typically feature paths are necklines, wristbands, broaches or rings. A feature item is a gemstone, set of gemstones or metal designs such as a cross, circle or other artful shape. The program and computer system of the present invention selects a feature path, detects a starting location on the feature path and then orients a first feature item in three dimensions on this feature path with respect to a three dimensional surface representing the jewelry wearer. Orienting the feature item in three dimensions is critical so that the feature item is properly displayed on the jewelry when the jewelry is worm. Once the initial feature item has been oriented, subsequent feature items are automatically placed on the feature path, sized with respect to the initial feature item and oriented with respect to both the initial feature item and the three dimensional surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process determines optimum configuration parameters for a buffered industrial process. A population size is initialized by randomly selecting a first set of design and operation values associated with subsystems and buffers of the buffered industrial process to form a set of operating parameters for each member of the population. An availability discrete event simulation (ADES) is performed on each member of the population to determine the product-based availability of each member. A new population is formed having members with a second set of design and operation values related to the first set of design and operation values through a genetic algorithm and the product-based availability determined by the ADES. Subsequent population members are then determined by iterating the genetic algorithm with product-based availability determined by ADES to form improved design and operation values from which the configuration parameters are selected for the buffered industrial process.

Abstract: A system 10 for analyzing a component such as an air filter. System 10 may be created by and/or comprise software which resides within a conventional computer aided engineering (“CAE”) system. The system 10 utilizes a CAE model 12 to analyze the functionality or performance of an air filter based on certain attributes of the filter, such as the size, shape and media of the filter, and/or to determine certain attributes of the filter, such as the size of the filter, based on certain desired performance requirements of the filter.

Abstract: A method for generating nominal position values for a position control loop of a numerically continuous-path controlled machine. The method includes presetting nominal position values with a defined interpolator clock rate, digitally filtering the preset nominal position values and transmitting the digitally filtered nominal position values to a position control loop, which with them controls motion of a machine on a path curve at a defined position control clock rate. Adjusting the digitally filtering nominal position values as a function of dynamic characteristics of the machine and adjusting an interpolator clock rate as a function of the dynamic characteristics of the machine.

Abstract: A speculative transmit function, utilizing a configurable logical buffer, is implemented in a network. When a transmission is started the logical buffer is configured as a FIFO to reduce transmit latency. If a data under-run lasts for more than a fixed time interval the transmission is abandoned and the logical buffer is reconfigured as a STORE-AND-FORWARD buffer. The transmission is restarted after all transmit data is buffered.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for business processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable business variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable business variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its business variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its business variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent business variable y.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an operating system stores a system parameter such as an ultimate pressure value, for an operating system. The control system allows operation of the operating system only after an initial value of the system parameter has been loaded. In one embodiment, a data generator element intended normally to specify a set point for the operating system, is used to provide the system parameter value as well. The control system provides a grace period after a value of the system parameter has been entered during which the system parameter value can be changed. After the grace period ends, the system parameter value cannot be changed by the operating system manager under normal circumstances. A light source is flashed in various patterns to indicate to personnel which of several different actions available to the control system are occurring.

Abstract: A process control system in a multi-input/output coordinate control system for executing coordinate control of a main input. The process control system sets an operating point set value for an operating point of an n-th control output, generates the n-th control output to control the main input based on the n-th control output, and generates an m-th control output to control the operating point of the n-th control output so that the operating point of the n-th control output becomes equal to the operating point set value, thereby to allow the n-th control output of fast response to operate at the operating point set value by controlling the main input.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for adjusting a processing unit, whereby at least one set value is varied from a starting value to a final value. In this case, the target value of a correcting value is set based on the starting value and the final value of the adjustment value, and the value of the correcting value is run up from its starting value to its target value using a parameter-dependent transfer function. A control variable is measured, the value of the control variable is compared to a comparison value, and in the case of deviations of the value of the control variable from the comparison value, at least one parameter of the transfer function is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for limiting the ramp rate of a variable under control in order to control stress in a process or plant under control. The present invention takes a limit curve provided by the user and combines that limit curve with a scale factor curve obtained from a model of the system to produce an allowable limit curve. A ramp rate limiter then uses the allowable limit curve to control the ramp rate of the variable under control such that the ramp rate of the variable under control is able to achieve the maximum allowable limit but no more.

Abstract: A model predictive controller having a set of inputs adapted to receive process output signals and further having a set of outputs adapted to supply process input signals to process control devices is configured to perform integrated optimal model predictive control. The controller provides integrated optimal control using a feedback path that couples a selected output to an input having a setpoint that is equal to the constraint limit of the selected output. The controller maintains the selected output at its constraint limit until one of the outputs, other than the selected output, is going to reach or exceed the associated constraint limit for that output. When the output is going to reach or exceed the associated constraint limit for that output, the controller relaxes the setpoint until the output is no longer going to reach or exceed the associated constraint limit for that output.

Abstract: A system for on line inference and control of physical and chemical properties of polypropylene and its copolymers is described. The system comprises models for the inference of physical and chemical properties that are not continuously measured and relevant models to control these properties as well as production rate, density of the reaction medium and other process variables of interest. The described control system allows to maximize production rate as well as catalyst yield in the producing process.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining an input command profile for substantially any dynamic system that can be modeled as a linear system, the input command profile for transitioning an output of the dynamic system from one state to another state. The present invention involves identifying characteristics of the dynamic system, selecting a command profile which defines an input to the dynamic system based on the identified characteristics, wherein the command profile comprises one or more pulses which rise and fall at switch times, imposing a plurality of constraints on the dynamic system, at least one of the constraints being defined in terms of the switch times, and determining the switch times for the input to the dynamic system based on the command profile and the plurality of constraints.

Abstract: A preferential upper limit processing section L_MH1 limits the value of a pre-input manipulated variable output upper limit MH1 so as to adjust a manipulated variable output MV1 of a preferential controller PID1 to a predetermined value MT1 or less. A non-preferential upper limit calculating section C_MH2 calculates a manipulated variable output upper limit MH2 of a non-preferential controller PID2 so as to adjust the sum of manipulated variable outputs MV1 and MV2 to the predetermined value MT1 or less. A preferential upper limit calculating section C_MH1 performs calculation of increasing/decreasing the manipulated variable output upper limit MH1 of the controller PID1 in accordance with the margin of the manipulated variable output MV2 of the controller PID2 with respect to the manipulated variable output upper limit value MH2, and sets the calculated value as a manipulated variable output upper limit value MH1′ in the next control cycle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the position of an actuating element (1) which prevent damage to the actuating element by a collision with at least one stop (25, 30) and simultaneously ensure good dynamic characteristics. The position of the actuating element (1) tracks a desired value within a displacement range. The displacement range is limited for the actuating element (1) by at least one stop (25, 30). A check is made as to whether the distance between the desired value for the position of the actuating element (1) and the at least one stop (25, 30) drops below a pregiven value (S1). Only in this case is a change of the desired value limited.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatic synthesis of multi-variable controllers. A design sequence for designing a controller for a system is selected, wherein the controller includes one or more controller components. A first set of parameters associated to the one or more controller components is then selected. A second set of parameters associated to the first set of parameters is subsequently selected. One or more parameters of the second set are then iteratively modified to obtain a set of modified parameters, until a plurality of performance characteristics calculated using the second set of parameters meets a performance objective for the system.

Abstract: A method for the automatic selection of computer system parameter values to improve system performance as workload on the system changes. Methods are disclosed for automatically making minor adjustments to computer system parameters and comparing long-term associated performance changes in order to set parameter values so as to obtain improved system performance. The time frame over which a change in a system parameter and the associated system performance change is averaged is adjustable, thus permitting evaluation over shorter or longer periods of times as deemed appropriate. An objective measure of system performance is defined prior to implementation of the present methods. For transaction based systems, average system response-time for a given demand on the system could be, for example, such a measure. For systems executing batch-type workloads, system throughput may be used as the indicator of how well the system is performing.

Abstract: A method for evaluating alarm settings for continuous or semi-continuous processes that gives an indication of the probability that an alarm will occur for values preceding the alarm value, and the probability that the process will continue on to a value following the alarm value. The technique requires only a history of alarm events and process measurements.

Abstract: A controlling method and apparatus for positioning a robot that can output an optimal speed instruction for controlling residual vibration after completion of a moving operation, achieve reduction in tact time for the moving operation, and shorten the length of setting time. The method is a controlling method for positioning a robot (1) for performing a point-to-point moving operation comprising: performing a test operation to measure a frequency of a residual vibration that is stopped at a target position; measuring a magnitude of the residual vibration based on the frequency during each of different lengths of moving time for a predetermined moving distance to find a relationship between the length of moving time and the magnitude of the vibration; calculating a shortest moving time at which vibration magnitude is minimized; and performing the point-to-point operation for the calculated shortest moving time, thereby to position the robot (1) at the target position.

Abstract: In the present invention, control amounts are input from plural sensors. Good/bad determination is performed to determine whether all deviations of control amount variables are within tolerable ranges. If a determination result is “bad”, it is determined whether a position in a control amount deviation space is present in success experiences learnt at this time point. If there is the experience, a learning control using the operation amount of the success experience is executed. Otherwise, the operation amount is determined based on an adaptive control.

Abstract: A method to determine global optimality/feasibility/infeasibility when solving a quadratic system of modeling equations for industrial problems includes a bound propagation process to refine bounds and improve linearization, a local linear bounding process to determine feasibility and find approximately feasible solutions, a local linearization process to determine feasibility and local optimality, and a global subdivision search to branch and prune. Applications include solving and optimizing scheduling, planning, operations, inventory, suppliers, ordering, customers, and production problems.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing locomotive assignments on a railroad network. The locomotives are assigned to power and signaling classes, based on equipment installed within each locomotive. An objective function is set forth that considers the cost of moving extra power in the network, the penalties incurred for late train departures due to the failure to assign an appropriately-equipped locomotive and the cost of train operation. Various constraints are set forth that must be taken into consideration when optimizing the objective function.

Abstract: An intelligent memory system, method, and computer program product for enabling stand-alone or distributed client-server software applications to operate at maximum speeds on a personal computer and the like. An intelligent memory allows the acceleration of computer software processes through process virtual memory, application optimization, multiprocessor control, and system strategies. The intelligent memory includes both control logic and memory. The control logic uses an application database and system database to determine a set of modifications to the computer, application, and/or operating system, while the memory stores the application and allows the control logic to implement the set of modifications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a part temperature profile by optimizing response characteristics based on control parameters acquires part temperature response characteristics at selected conditions to form an index value and calculates linear relationships between the index and its corresponding control parameters. The method searches for the minimum index thereby determining its corresponding optimal control parameters for thermal processing of parts in order that the part temperature profile responds within the target specification range with the greatest margin available. The apparatus determines the minimum index value and its corresponding the optimum control parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimal control of distributed actuator and sensor arrays includes a control system having a state estimator including an operator which acts on estimation error through convolution with respect to a spatial variable to generate a state estimate, and a control output generator which applies a control operator to the state estimate through convolution with respect to the spatial variable. A method of designing an optimized control system includes the steps of obtaining a system model, computing a transform of the model with respect to the spatial domain, solving linear matrix inequalities to generate auxiliary variables, performing an inverse transform on the auxiliary variables, and computing an estimator operator and a control operator for a model-based estimator control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for complex process optimization utilizing metrics, operational variables, or both, of one or more process steps and optimization of one or more of these process step parameters with respect to a cost function for the parameter. In one embodiment, the invention provides a scalable, hierarchical optimization method utilizing optimizations at one process level as inputs to an optimization of a higher or lower process level.

Abstract: An evolutionary program is used to calibrate a ship degaussing system with respect to one or more parameters relating to the ship's magnetic signature. Pursuant to the computer program, a mathematical vector lists electrical current values which correlate with the degaussing coils. A genetic algorithm is executed through a certain number of generational iterations in order to find a solution vector which will optimize the parameter(s). Every generational population has the same number of vectors. An initial population is randomly engendered, and successive populations are engendered through a biasedly random process wherein each vector has associated therewith a parenthood selection probability which is commensurate with its fitness. The offspring vectors are given birth to via crossover hybridization of parent vectors, and a small fraction of offspring vectors are randomly modified via mutation. The present invention is suitable for accomplishing optimization (e.g.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives a process signal. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value. Computing circuitry provides an event output based upon the stored nominal value and the process signal. Output circuitry provides an output in response to the event output.

Abstract: The invention is based on a control method having a characteristic curve (1) defined by interpolation points (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), the characteristic curve being stored in an electronic processing unit. To control stability and with sufficient accuracy processes overridden by strong, time-variant disturbances, it is proposed that a characteristic line (1) is preset and adapted according to a system deviation and a ratio of the difference between a measured point (9) and an adjacent interpolation point (4, 5) and the difference between the two interpolation points (4, 5) adjacent to the measured point (9).

Abstract: The system described herein determines an input command profile for a dynamic system that can be modeled as a linear system, the input command profile for transitioning an output of the dynamic system from one point to another point. The system identifies characteristics of the dynamic system, and then selects a command profile which defines an input to the dynamic system based on the identified characteristics. The command profile comprises one or more pulses which rise and fall at switch times, and the command profile is useable with substantially any dynamic system that can be modeled as a linear system. The system then imposes a plurality of constraints on the dynamic system, at least one of the constraints being defined in terms of the switch times, and determines the switch times for the input to the dynamic system based on the command profile and the plurality of constraints.

Abstract: A working process end point real time determination method by which a working process end point can be determined accurately without an error even if a working process measurement signal has such a great variation that; the variation cannot be removed fully from and still remains in resulting smoothed data is disclosed. In the method, a working process end point is estimated by extrapolation from the variation of the average gradient of the averaged data in a predetermined period of the working process measurement signal to perform determination of the end point.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of stages, each having a finite range of operation, is disclosed. The method comprises determining a state of operation of a selected one of operation is approaching a threshold; and, thereafter, selectively altering a state of operation of the other devices so that a desired output is continuously maintained for each input.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for manufacturing processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1,. . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its manufacturing variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its manufacturing variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent manufacturing variable y.

Abstract: A method for maximizing throughput for thermal processing of a part searches for the maximum conveyor speed while calculating a Process Window Index that is less than a required value. The best Process Window Index associated with the maximum conveyor speed corresponds to a maximum throughput control series with which to set the control parameters of the thermal processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature response profile of a part being exposed to heating and/or cooling conditions in a thermal processor incorporates measured data from the part to adjust the thermal processor control settings by closed loop feedback.

Abstract: The present invention provides a apparatus and method for controlling the force and velocity of a piston within the clamp assembly of a injection molding machine. The control unit comprises the following elements: a PI based cascade compensator; an estimator coupled to the clamp assembly and the cascade compensator, wherein the estimator is utilized to estimate the position of the clamp assembly piston; a velocity position controller coupled to the clamp assembly and the estimator, wherein the velocity position controller is adapted to generate a velocity error signal based on the piston velocity signal; and an auto selector coupled to the cascade compensator, wherein the auto selector is adapted to select between the velocity error signal and the force error signal to generate a valve command signal. The present invention additionally employs a method for determining the velocity profile of the piston of a clamp assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety restraint design controller for controlling the design of a safety restraint system so that a predetermined desired level of an occupant's response (89) is produced. The controller has a database (85) for storing an occupant restraint factor response model (90). The model (90) interrelates at least one predetermined restraint factor (88) with the occupant response (89), the restraint factors having a level that is indicative of setting values for controlling the safety restraint design. A database engine connected to the database (85) determines a level for the occupant response (89) based upon the model and upon a first level of the restraint factors.

Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed that comprises a primary proportional, integral, differential (“PID”) controller capable of receiving a first setpoint and a first process variable and generating therefrom a second setpoint; and a secondary controller capable of receiving the second setpoint and a second process variable and generating therefrom an output control signal, wherein the primary PID controller is capable of receiving from the secondary controller a feedback signal 1) that indicates that a previous value of the second setpoint exceeds a limit associated with an output control signal of the secondary controller, and 2) that transfers a value of a signal from the secondary controller. The primary PID controller is then capable of limiting the contribution of the integral calculation component in a PID calculation that generates a new current value of the second setpoint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing environment (110) for a wafer fab, and an SPC environment (112) for setting control limits and acquiring metrology data of production runs. A computation environment (114) processes the SPC data, which are then analyzed in an analysis environment (116). An MES environment (118) evaluates the analysis and automatically executes a process intervention if the process is outside the control limits. Additionally, the present invention provides for an electrical power management system, a spare parts inventory and scheduling system and a wafer fab efficiency system. These systems employ algorithms (735, 1135 and 1335).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices, program products for optimizing the response of a process system comprising K variables (x, y), wherein the invention comprises the steps of using an optimization algorithm to calculate the vertices of a simplex, polyhedron or hyperpolyhedron; defining a minimum step size (xmin, ymin) and/or a maximum step size (xmax, ymax) for at least one of said variables (x, y); repositioning said calculated new vertices (R,C, CR, CW, E) if a step size projected in the direction of said least one variable (x, y) between said new vertex or vertices (R, C, CR, CW, E) and a predefined or calculated or selected point or line or plane or hyperplane is less than said minimum step size (xmin, ymin) and/or greater than said maximum step size (xmax, ymax); and setting the control variables to the values of the calculated vertex or values of the calculated vertices which give a step size greater than the minimum step sizes and/or give a step size less than the maximum step sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e.g., electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate. The processing system includes a plurality of processing machines, a machine movable along a transfer path for transferring the substrate to the machines, a drive unit for driving the machine, and a control unit. The control unit includes a memory for storing a teaching threshold in a teaching mode and a practical operation threshold in a practical operation mode that is higher than the teaching threshold when a moving parameter of the drive unit exceeds a given value. The control unit also includes a controller monitoring a parameter representing a moving state of the drive unit to stop the drive unit when the parameter exceeds the practical operation threshold in the practical operation mode or when the parameter exceeds the teaching threshold in the teaching mode.

Abstract: A method for providing communication between controllers in which fewer communication lines are needed. The controllers include a first controller functioning to feed at least first and second data signals into a second controller at a next step, and further to feed first and second abnormality signals into the controller at the next step when the presence of abnormalities is determined. One of the first and second data signals as well as both of the first and second abnormality signals are fed into the controller at the next step from the first controller through a common communication line.