Variable Patents (Class 700/34)
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Patent number: 7949416Abstract: A method for controlling a multivariable system according to one non-limiting embodiment includes receiving a plurality of limits, receiving a first quantity of goals each having a desired value, and receiving sensor feedback. The method further includes estimating a basepoint in response to the first quantity of goals, the plurality of limits, and the sensor feedback, wherein the basepoint includes a set of values corresponding to an equilibrium point at which a predetermined amount of enabled limits are met and a second quantity of goals are fulfilled according to a goal prioritization scheme. Actuator requests are transmitted to a controlled system in response to the estimated basepoint. Predicted values from a mathematical model are compared to the sensor feedback, and the estimated basepoint is selectively adjusted in response to a difference between the predicted values and the sensor feedback in order to reduce the difference.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: James W. Fuller
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Publication number: 20110060425Abstract: A controller and corresponding method for operating a machine maintains a historical database including at least one sequence of parameters relating to the operating environment, corresponding actions taken, and corresponding outcomes of operation of the machine. The controller searches the database for episodes satisfying relevance criteria relative to a current sequence of parameters and then performs a randomized selection between two or more options, at least one of which is derived from similar episodes from the database. At least one control signal is then output to the machine indicating an action to be performed as determined based on the selected option.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Sam FREED
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Patent number: 7881814Abstract: A method for modeling an excitation system for a synchronous electrical power generator including: selecting a standard mathematical excitation system model from a plurality of standard excitation system models stored electronically; wherein the selected standard model is selected based on a similarity to the excitation system and can be an IEEE standard model; collecting data from the excitation system; determining parameter settings for the selected standard model using first pre-calculated and then collected (measured) data; verifying the selected standard model with tailored parameter settings by comparing an output of the model to a corresponding output of the excitation system; storing electronically the verified selected standard model with tailored settings; generating a report of the verified selected standard model with the tailored settings; performing rapidly and automatically model generation from a maintenance computer proximate to the excitation system; performing rapidly and automatically modeType: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Robert Pearson, Pedro Monclova, James William Zeleznik
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Patent number: 7873938Abstract: A method for designing a video processor with a variable and programmable bitwidth parameter. The method comprises selecting logical operations having propagation delay that scales linearly with the bitwidth; determining a desired tradeoff curve; and grouping instances of a logic operation having same properties; for a single instance of each logic operation, matching an actual curve of the logic operation to the desired tradeoff curve, wherein the actual curve is determined by the propagation delay and bitwidth of the logic operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: TranSwitch CorporationInventor: Wolfgang Roethig
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Patent number: 7792597Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system supports an unlimited number of feedback control loops all sharing control of a component. A component performance rate or “speed” is used as a common metric for negotiating control of the component. Each control loop continuously monitors a system parameter it is tasked with regulating, compares it to a setpoint for that system parameter, and “requests” a speed in relation to the deviation of the associated system parameter from the corresponding setpoint. A controller receives the requested speeds as dynamic inputs and selects one of the requested speeds according to predefined selection logic. The controller communicates the selected speed to an actuator, which causes the component to operate at the selected speed. In this manner, the control system in effect negotiates control of the component in a way that ensures that all of the system parameters are being managed within safe limits.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Brey, Wesley Michael Felter, Sumeet Kochar, Charles Robert Lefurgy, Malcolm Scott Ware, Christopher Landon Wood
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Patent number: 7783740Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for interfacing to a network. The system includes a network interface comprising an embedded network traffic analyzer (NTA) capable of network traffic analyzer filter and capture capabilities. The NTA also includes an artificial intelligence component that facilitates diagnosing and/or prognosing state and/or health of the network (and/or components thereof).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Siorek, Daniel J. Galdun
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Publication number: 20100198370Abstract: A method for controlling a controlled variable of a building zone to minimize an error between the controlled variable and a setpoint includes receiving an input at a first interface regarding the controlled variable from a sensor provided in the building. The method further includes using a processing circuit to determine a sign of the error based on the input and the setpoint. The method yet further includes using the processing circuit to cause a controller configured to affect the controlled variable to respond to the error at a first rate when a first sign of the error is present. The method further includes using the processing circuit to cause the controller to respond to the error at a second rate when a second sign of the error is present, the first rate being slower than the second rate. The first sign of the error can be associated with a high energy expenditure required to minimize the error relative to an energy expenditure required to minimize the error relative to the second sign.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Timothy Salsbury
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Patent number: 7751909Abstract: A system. method and program product that utilizes running profiles and trend groups to analyze streams of event data in real time. A system is provided having a group profile processing system for generating a running group profile from a plurality of data event values, wherein each of the plurality of data event values is obtained from an associated one of the plurality of data streams; an event normalization system for normalizing each of the plurality of data event values based on the running group profile to generate a normalized data event value for the data event values obtained from each of the plurality of data streams; an event profile processing system for generating a running event profile for each normalized data event value; and an analysis system that evaluates each data stream by comparing a normalized data event value with an associated running event profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark S. Ramsey, David A. Selby, Stephen J. Todd
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Publication number: 20100106328Abstract: An extremum seeking control method optimizes a control process for a plant such as an air handling unit. The method compensates for abrupt changes in the operation of the plant by resetting the extremum seeking control strategy in response to a detection of the abrupt change.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Yaoyu Li, John E. Seem
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Patent number: 7706898Abstract: There is described a method and system for using at least one variable of a first automation system in a second automation system, with the variable being made available by the first automation system. An object is to allow a user to program access to a local and remote variable in an identical manner, without having to program special access functions, set up connections and apply a local variable to take up the variable value or to create additional assignment tables and similarly apply the local variable. This object is achieved with a method and system of the type mentioned above, in that an identification feature is used for the unique identification of the variable in the at least second automation system, said identification feature being hierarchically structured and having a system-specific path name and a name for the variable.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Georg Biehler, Wolfgang Füβlein, Lothar Trapp
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Patent number: 7693725Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining equivalency factors for use in comparative performance analysis of industrial facilities by determining a target variable and a plurality of characteristics of the target variable. Each of the plurality of characteristics is ranked according to value. Based on ranking value, the characteristics are divided into categories. Based on the sorted and ranked characteristics, a data collection classification system is developed. Data is collected according to the data collection classification system. The data is validated, and based on the data, an analysis model is developed. The analysis model then calculates the equivalency factors for use in one embodiment in performance measurement and equitable benchmarking of green house gas (GHG) emissions from industrial facilities for the purposes of allocating GHG emission allowances for permits, licenses, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: HSB Solomon Associates, LLCInventors: Billy L. Trout, Robert Broadfoot, Richard B. Jones, Michael Hileman
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Publication number: 20100063603Abstract: Adapting move constraints for position based moves in a trajectory generator. Specification of a trajectory may be received. The specification may include a geometry of the trajectory, where the geometry specifies a desired trajectory length. A plurality of constraints for the trajectory may be received. The plurality of constraints may include one or more of a velocity, acceleration, or jerk constraint. A motion control profile may be generated based on the plurality of constraints. The method may include determining if a distance of the motion control profile exceeds the desired trajectory length. If the distance of the motion control profile exceeds the desired trajectory length, one or more values of the plurality of constraints may be decreased to make the distance of the motion control profile less than or equal to the desired trajectory length.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Sundeep Chandhoke
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Patent number: 7671548Abstract: An electric drive system comprising several electric drives, each of which comprises an electric motor, and a control system which is arranged to control said several electric drives and comprises a first outer controller and a first speed controller. A signal supplied to the input of the first speed controller is generated by using the output signal of said first outer controller, and the first speed controller is arranged to generate an output torque signal at its output. The control system further comprises a torque controller per each electric drive, which torque controller is arranged to control the torque of the corresponding electric motor. A signal supplied to the input of each torque controller is generated by using the output torque signal of the first speed controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: ABB OyInventor: Osmo Pasuri
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Patent number: 7657352Abstract: An automatic control system provides control of an automotive system in a vehicle based on at least one piece of control provision determination information. The automatic control system includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring the control provision determination information, and determines provision of the control for the automotive system based on predetermined criteria. The criteria defines when and how the query of control provision is conducted by the automatic control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignees: Nippon Soken Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Hideyuki Morita, Mitsuyasu Matsuura
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Patent number: 7657333Abstract: Systems and methods that vary multiple data sampling rates, to collect sets of data with different levels of granularity for an industrial system. The data for such industrial system includes sets of data from the “internal” data stream(s) (e.g., history data collected from an industrial unit) and sets of data from an “external” (e.g., traffic data on network services) data stream(s), based in part on the criticality/importance criteria assigned to each collection stage. Each set of data can be assigned its own unique data collection rate. For example, a higher sample rate can be employed when collecting data from the network during an operation stage that is deemed more critical (e.g., dynamic attribution of predetermined importance factors) than the rest of the operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan D. Bradford, Timothy Siorek, Martin George Gach, Mark Joseph Balewski, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kendal R. Harris, Kenwood H. Hall, Charles Martin Rischar
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Publication number: 20090228291Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for generating solutions to global optimization problems. In one aspect, the invention allows for determining whether models of optimization problems are infeasible. In another aspect, the invention allows for identifying relatively small sets of constraints that make a model infeasible. In yet another aspect, the invention provides methods and systems for creating one or more artificial infeasibilities in a model so as to seek improvement upon a known value of the objective function. Creation of artificial constraints in this manner may also permit identification of a relatively small set of constraints that may be limiting the value of the objective function.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: ILOG S.AInventors: Edward E. Rothberg, Roland Wunderling
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Patent number: 7571013Abstract: A method for optimization of operating parameters of a wind energy installation defines an upper and a lower interval limit value for a parameter to be optimized. The method includes carrying out a cycle with alternate operations of the wind energy installation with the interval limit values, with a data record in each case being produced with a target variable over a variable number of repetitions. The data records relating to the interval limit values are evaluated to form a quality measure, and the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is identified. Then, at least the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is replaced by shifting through a step value ? in a direction of another interval limit value. The cycle is then repeated.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: REpower Systems AGInventor: Jens Altemark
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Patent number: 7558647Abstract: In a robot arm controlling device, a mechanical impedance set value of the arm is set by an object property-concordant impedance setting device based on information of an object property database in which information associated with properties of an object being gripped by the arm is recorded, and a mechanical impedance value of the arm is controlled to the set mechanical impedance set value by an impedance controlling device.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yasunao Okazaki
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Patent number: 7536364Abstract: A method and system for performing model-based multi-objective asset optimization and decision-making is provided. The method includes building at least two predictive models for an asset. The building includes categorizing operational historical data via at least one of: controllable variables, uncontrollable variables, output objectives, and constraints. The building also includes selecting at least two output objectives or constraints, and identifying at least one controllable or uncontrollable variable suitable for achieving the at least two output objectives or constraints. The method also includes validating each predictive model and performing multi-objective optimization using the predictive models. The multi-objective optimization includes specifying search constraints and applying a multi-objective optimization algorithm. The method further includes generating a Pareto Frontier, and selecting a Pareto optimal input-output vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rajesh V. Subbu, Piero P. Bonissone, Neil H. Eklund, Naresh S. Iyer, Rasiklal P. Shah, Weizhong Yan, Chad E. Knodle, James J. Schmid
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Patent number: 7511448Abstract: In a motor control device according to the invention, upon velocity control of a motor, a superimposed signal generating unit 9 outputs a superimposed signal idh of a repetitive waveform, such as a triangular wave or a sine wave. A d-axis current command generating unit 10 adds the superimposed signal idh generated by the superimposed signal generating unit 9d to a d-axis current command idc*0 and outputs a d-axis current command idc*. An axial misalignment detecting unit 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d) receives the d-axis current command idc* and a q-axis current command iqc* and outputs an axial misalignment angle estimation value ??^. An axial misalignment correction unit 12 receives the axial misalignment angle estimation value ??^ and an actual detected position ?m and outputs a position after correction ?m?. Therefore, detection and correction can be performed in real time through calculation at a given timing during a normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kei Terada, Tetsuaki Nagano, Yasunobu Harada, Kazutaka Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090054999Abstract: An observation system configured to observe one or more initially unknown state variables of an observed system includes an input interface configured to receive a system input, and a processing module coupled to the input interface. The processing module is configured to determine the one or more initially unknown state variables, and the determination is based at least in part on the system input, a plurality of known state variables, and a time varying mode vector that is time dependent.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Roy G. Batruni
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Patent number: 7496412Abstract: In a system including a plurality of elements, or plurality of subsystems of elements, each performing a process using process control to maintain operation within a latitude of a setpoint and having an output characteristic that contributes to an overall output quality specification of the system, a control method includes setting a desired overall output quality specification, and determining optimum setpoints and latitudes of the plurality of elements, within a range of possible setpoints and latitudes for each element, to achieve the desired overall output quality specification. The control method further includes dynamically re-setting the setpoints and/or re-allocating the latitudes of at least two of the plurality of elements (or subsystems of elements) to compensate for degradation of the attribute caused by variation in the output characteristic of one element within the desired overall output quality specification.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Martin E Banton, Nancy B Goodman, Dale R Mashtare, Mark S Jackson
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Publication number: 20090006901Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system supports an unlimited number of feedback control loops all sharing control of a component. A component performance rate or “speed” is used as a common metric for negotiating control of the component. Each control loop continuously monitors a system parameter it is tasked with regulating, compares it to a setpoint for that system parameter, and “requests” a speed in relation to the deviation of the associated system parameter from the corresponding setpoint. A controller receives the requested speeds as dynamic inputs and selects one of the requested speeds according to predefined selection logic. The controller communicates the selected speed to an actuator, which causes the component to operate at the selected speed. In this manner, the control system in effect negotiates control of the component in a way that ensures that all of the system parameters are being managed within safe limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas M. Brey, Wesley Michael Felter, Sumeet Kochar, Charles Robert Lefurgy, Malcolm Scott Ware, Christopher Landon Wood
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Patent number: 7460916Abstract: An observation system configured to observe at least one known state variable of an observed system includes a plurality of filters that are configured to receive a system input, and generate the at least one unknown state variable. Generating the unknown state variable includes processing the system input, a plurality of known state variables, and a time varying mode vector. An inverse system configured to observe at least one inverse state variable of an original system includes a plurality of filters that are configured to receive a system input, and generate the at least one inverse state variable. Generating the inverse state variable includes processing the system input, a plurality of known state variables associated with the original system, and a time varying mode vector associated with the original system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Optichron, Inc.Inventor: Roy G. Batruni
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Publication number: 20080269920Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a system generated noise level such that the same is adapted to an actual ambient noise level of the system environment. Internal noise generators will thus not run at a needlessly lowered rate than actually needed. For instance, by permitting a fan to run at a generally higher speed, the system will not needlessly undergo significant internal temperature increases. By the same token, CPU performance, to the extent that it represents a noise generator, will not be needlessly throttled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. LtdInventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. Vernon
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Patent number: 7434011Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for modifying storage configuration. A monitor module monitors a storage fullness of a storage configuration. If the storage fullness exceeds a policy threshold, a modification module modifies the storage configuration. If the storage fullness does not exceed the policy threshold, an analysis module analyzes a system state and compares the system state with a trend algorithm. If the storage fullness exceeds a discretionary threshold and the system state satisfies the trend algorithm, the modification module modifies the storage configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Douglas Yellow Shue
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Patent number: 7402635Abstract: Disclosed is process for producing polyethylene using a slurry loop reactor. The process includes using a mathematical model to predict a plurality of process control parameters based on the desired product properties and reactor characteristics and controlling the process using the predicted process control parameters. Also disclosed is a process controller programmed with the model and a method for optimizing the configuration of a loop reactor using the model.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Noll
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Patent number: 7386354Abstract: A control for a modeled plant is provided. The modeled plant is represented by a model expression that is based on an input into the plant, an output from the plant, model parameters, and an estimated value for disturbance that is applied to the plant. The model expression includes a term in which the estimated disturbance value is multiplied by at least one of the model parameters. The model parameters are identified. The estimated disturbance value is calculated so that an error between a model output that is calculated based on the model expression and an actual output of the plant is minimized. The input into the plant is calculated based on the model expression so as to control the plant. Thus, the estimated disturbance value is directly reflected in the input into the plant without being calculated by any of the model parameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Yasui
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Publication number: 20080103611Abstract: A method for optimization of operating parameters of a wind energy installation defines an upper and a lower interval limit value for a parameter to be optimized. The method includes carrying out a cycle with alternate operations of the wind energy installation with the interval limit values, with a data record in each case being produced with a target variable over a variable number of repetitions. The data records relating to the interval limit values are evaluated to form a quality measure, and the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is identified. Then, at least the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is replaced by shifting through a step value ? in a direction of another interval limit value. The cycle is then repeated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2005Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: REpower Systems AGInventor: Jens Altemark
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Publication number: 20080077257Abstract: The solution from a multivariable predictive controller (MPC) is analyzed and described by providing quantitative input to operators regarding the effect of changing controller limits on the MPC controller solution. This information allows a rapid operator response to changes and more optimal process operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Tod J. Peterson, Adi R. Punuru, Kenneth F. Emigholz, Robert K. Wang, Dave Barrett-Payton
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Publication number: 20080071395Abstract: Cautious Model Predictive Control controllers and methods for stochastically handling output limits used in the optimization of control systems are disclosed. An illustrative method can include the steps of providing one or more modeled parameters and process variables to a predictor for predicting future expectations and variances along a control horizon, stochastically determining the probability of a constraint violation, optimizing a control function of the control system to produce an optimized solution, and offsetting the optimized solution based at least in part on the probability of a constraint violation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Daniel Pachner
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Publication number: 20080065239Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustment device for adjusting at least one control device with at least one control device microcontroller and with at least one control device debug interface, where the adjustment device comprises at least one programmable unit, at least one data transmission interface for connecting the adjustment device to an operating unit, and at least one adjustment device debug interface for connecting the adjustment device to the control device debug interface of the control device. The adjustment device according to the invention accomplishes the objective of reducing the load on the control device due to control device application by at least one address list and at least one data list which are provided in a memory of the adjustment device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2005Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Robert Leinfellner, Ortwin Ludger Franzen, Hans-Guenter Limberg, Marc Dressler, Paul Gruber
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Patent number: 7286966Abstract: An apparatus or system is used for planning the rotation of part usage between shafts or plants based at least on schedule information relating to operation and inspection-purpose shutdown, attribute information relating to part life, part maintenance periods, and other part attributes, and part information relating to the parts to be used in the rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Miyako Hotta, Yoshitaka Kojima, Kenji Araki, Yoshikazu Moritomo
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Publication number: 20070213851Abstract: In one embodiment, a subset of a set of streaming kernels of an application is selected for implementation on a reconfigurable processor. The streaming kernels are selected by first forming a stream flow graph of the application by parsing a program of instructions of the application, the stream flow graph having kernel nodes and edges, and determining benefit and cost values for each kernel node in the stream flow graph. Next, a subset of the kernel nodes that maximizes a weighted sum of the benefits values is selected, subject to a constraint that the sum of cost values is not greater than a prescribed value for the reconfigurable processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: Nikos Bellas, Sek M. Chai, Daniel A. Linzmeier
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Patent number: 7117044Abstract: A multivariable control system provides regulation for a plurality of control variables of interest based on selecting a particular one of the variables for regulation relative to a corresponding setpoint, while continuing to monitor the other variables and switching regulation control over to another one of the variables as needed to maintain all of them within their allowed ranges. The system includes one or more PID regulators that tune themselves for the particular variables selected for regulation control. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system is configured for controlling an alternative energy system, wherein it includes one or more power flow devices that control power flow between electrical energy storage devices (EESDs) and a common dc bus and/or power flow between the dc bus and an external ac electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Mark John Kocher, Gerald Benjamin Carson
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Patent number: 7111178Abstract: A method for adjusting the voltage and frequency to minimize power dissipation in a processor. The method of one embodiment comprises determining a power consumption value. The power consumption value is evaluated to obtain a new operating point. The new operating point is compared with a present operating point. A frequency setting and a voltage setting are adjusted to correspond to the new operating point if the new operating point is different from the present operating point.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Stefan Rusu, David J. Ayers, James S. Burns
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Patent number: 7107120Abstract: An object of the invention is to minimize the number of in-process items. To this end, in an inter-process buffer controlling apparatus according to the invention, the size of a buffer to be used for storage of work subjects of predetermined work is increased if a difference or a ratio between a variance of first intervals at which the work subjects are delivered to the buffer and a variance of duration that is taken for the preceding process exceeds a prescribed first threshold value, and the size of the buffer is decreased if a difference or a ratio between an average of second intervals at which work subjects generated by the work are delivered to the following buffer and an average of the first intervals exceeds a prescribed second threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satomi Furukawa, Shozo Suzuki, Hiroshi Oide
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Patent number: 7096078Abstract: A technique for configuring a Boolean logic function block displays a matrix associated with the Boolean logic function block on a display screen of a computer. A programmer may then enter configuration data into the matrix to configure the Boolean logic function block. The matrix may include a plurality of cells, some of which correspond to variables to be used in generating a function block output, and the programmer may enter configuration data into the cells. The configuration data entered into cells are indicative of logic functions to which the variables corresponding to the cells are to be provided as inputs.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kent A. Burr, Kenneth D. Krivoshein, Gary K. Law
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Patent number: 7072734Abstract: When a command radius r of a circular interpolation control exceeds a threshold value, a computer computes a speed limit for the circular speed at which the acceleration becomes constant. When the command radius r of the circular interpolation control is less than or equal to the threshold value, the computer 100 computes another speed limit for the circular speed at which r?3 or r?4 becomes constant, where ? is the angular frequency. The computer performs the circular interpolation control by safeguarding the circular speed from exceeding one of the speed limits in accordance with the command radius r of the circular interpolation control.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak CorporationInventors: Yasuhiko Suzuki, Katsuki Sugiura, Masahiro Kurata, Makoto Tanahashi
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Patent number: 7050865Abstract: A control system for a plant is disclosed. According to this system, a model parameter vector of a controlled object model which is obtained by modeling the plant, is identified. A controller controls the plant using the identified model parameter vector. An identifying error of the model parameter vector is calculated, and the calculated identifying error is limited in a predetermined range. An updating vector is calculated according to the limited identifying error. The model parameter vector is calculated by adding the updating vector to a reference vector of the model parameter vector.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Eiji Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7050864Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (?) by adding an updating vector (d ?) to a reference vector (? base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d ?) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (?) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d ?) to the reference vector (? base).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Jun Takahasi
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Patent number: 7031780Abstract: Method for determining a state variable x from at least one sensor value by a cost function prepared for a measured value y for implementation in an arithmetic unit of a sensor system having at least one sensor and wherein the cost function depends on the respective state x to be measured and gives a deviation of an actual measured value from the calibration as a function of state x in order to determine the sought state x from this minimum. For the cost function, at least one approximation function is set up on the basis of at least one approximation region within the state region x, by which an approximation of the cost function is carried out with approximation functions with negligible error, wherein the sums of the approximation regions cover the entire relevant state region, and at least all local minima are determined on the basis of the approximation, in a selection of approximation regions, wherein optionally a global minimum is determined from the comparison of local minima.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Eads Deutschland GmbHInventors: Werner Kerzendorf, Thomas Köhler, Andreas Langmeier, Winfried Lohmiller
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Patent number: 6961627Abstract: A control system that constantly and accurately controls a control variable so that it remains within an allowable range is provided. The control system in accordance with the present invention estimates a steady-state deviation d in a controlled object as a steady-state deviation estimation value d? on the basis of a control variable y and a final desired value y2. A control variable y in a controlled object based on the initial desired value y1 is estimated as the primary estimation value y1? on the basis of at least the initial desired value y1 and the steady-state deviation estimation value d?. If a primary estimation value y1? is within an allowable range, then a final desired value y2 agreeing with an initial desired value y1 is determined, while, if the primary estimation value y1? is out of the allowable range, then the final desired value y2 is determined on the basis of at least a boundary value of the allowable range.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Takenaka
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Patent number: 6961626Abstract: A method, system and medium are provided for enabling improved feedback and feedforward control. An error, or deviation from target result, is observed during manufacture of semi conductor chips. The error within standard deviation is caused by two components: a white noise component and a signal component (such as systematic errors). The white noise component is random noise and therefore is relatively non-controllable. The systematic error, in contrast, may be controlled by changing the control parameters. A ratio between the two components is calculated autoregressively. Based on the ratio and using the observed or measured error, the actual value of the error caused by the signal component is calculated utilizing an autoregressive stochastic sequence. The actual value of the error is then used in determining when and how to change the control parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Applied Materials, INCInventor: Young Jeen Paik
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Patent number: 6947801Abstract: A method system for synchronizing a control chart of an SPC system and equipment performance has a chart model (22) with new chart properties; a method for calculating a control limit based on a statistical deviation, a synchronization frequency for setting a time for reviewing new data gathered by the SPC system, and a process catalog for categorizing all control charts that control the same process step, such that the control charts are organized for assignment of the same performance based control limit calculated by using statistics formed by data for control limit values of the control charts.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shui-Tien Lin, Hui-Chen Chu, Hui-Wen Yang, Fu-Ching Yang
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Patent number: 6922594Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Yamatake CorporationInventor: Masato Tanaka
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Patent number: 6920442Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an electric fan. The primary objective of the present invention is to automatically adjust the requirement of the blowing of the fan in sleeping time at night. Therefore, in a sleeping status at night, the invented electric fan is designed by that a small operating cycle of the fan is gradually changed from blowing for a long period of time and stopping operating for a short period of time to blowing for a shortened short period of time and stopping operating for a lengthened period of time, operating for a fixed period of time prior to stopping operating for a changeable period of time which extends by the extension of the sleeping time, or operating for a long period of time which shortens due to the extension of the sleeping time prior to stopping operating for a fixed period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventors: Kun-Feng Lin, Tai-Chieh Chiu
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Patent number: 6917840Abstract: A method of ascertaining control parameters for a control system having a controller and a plant includes establishing a model of the plant and a model of the controller and calculating a performance index for a closed-loop system as a function of controller parameters, accounting for selected stability margins.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: MTS Systems CorporationInventor: Richard A. Lund
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Patent number: 6882889Abstract: A method of controlling a multivariable system includes the step of receiving a plurality of sensor signals indicating current conditions of the system and receiving a plurality of commands. The desired dynamic response of the system is then determined based upon the commands and the sensor signals. The problem of controlling the system to achieve the desired dynamic response without violating numerous actuator and physical constraints is then formulated as a quadratic programming problem. By solving the quadratic programming problem, the effector commands are determined and the physical constraints are enforced.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: James W. Fuller, Indraneel Das
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Patent number: RE39534Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a semi-empirical process simulator used to determine process values in a plasma process for creating a desired surface profile on a process substrate includes providing a test model which captures all mechanisms responsible for profile evolution in terms of a set of unknown surface parameters. A set Sets of test conditions processes is are derived for which the profile evolution is governed by only a limited number of parameters. For each set of test conditions process, model test values are selected and a test substrate is substrates are actually subjected to a the test process processes defined by the test values , thereby creating a test surface profile profiles. The test values are used to generate an approximate profile prediction predictions and are adjusted to minimize the discrepancy between the test surface profile profiles and the approximate profile prediction predictions, thereby providing a final model of the profile evolution in terms of the process values.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: David Cooperberg, Richard A. Gottscho, Vahid Vahedi