Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and media for controlling supply of a utility service to a load are disclosed. Generally, the embodiments may involve receiving representation of utility service supply to a load, receiving and storing in a computer data storage device a usage range representation comprising at least one expected value of utility input to the load and/or at least one expected value of output from the load, and producing a control signal for use by a utility service supply controlling device when usage is outside of usage range representation. Control signal can be operable to cause the utility service supply controlling device to restrict or interrupt the supply of the utility service to the load.

Abstract: There is provided a process analysis method capable of clustering of executed processes and extraction of similar processes. A process analysis method of the present invention converts the similarity between processes into a numeric value as a metric by including a process matrix transform 12 and a metric calculation 14 for process records 11 made up of a series of records of rendered service of at least three elements of the time of service, the type of service, and the quantity of service. This enables the calculation of the similarity between processes as a metric from information of only a series of records of rendered services. Accordingly, it becomes possible to cluster the executed processes and to extract similar processes based on the metric herein calculated.

Abstract: The invention provides computer-implemented techniques and systems for parsimoniously modelling the price or value, expected rate of return or other relevant characteristics of securities issued by, or referenced to, firms (or other assets) by incorporating risk premia such that a range of different securities can be evaluated within a single, unified and coherent framework, thereby leading to significant reduction in the computing resources otherwise required.

Abstract: Method for optimizing plant production in a cost effective manner. System (100) includes a processor (102) in communication with resource controllers (110, 112) for controlling resources (106, 108) such as, for example, lighting and carbon dioxide. Each resource has a cost that varies temporally or with other factors. The processor implements an algorithm that receives a desired plant production rate and other input, such as operating conditions of the system and environment, and determines amounts of each resource to expend consistent with plant production goals and resource costs.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a synthetic workload to test power utilization in a computer system. During operation, the system monitors power utilization of a reference computer system while the reference computer system executes a workload-of interest, wherein the monitoring process produces a power profile. Next, the system determines characteristics of the workload-of-interest from the power profile. Finally, the system uses the determined characteristics to construct the synthetic workload, wherein the synthetic workload has similar power utilization to the workload-of-interest.

Abstract: With regard to electric-power-supply control, there is provided an electric power supply control system for implementing load control used to be executed for each individual customer consuming electric power as coordinated control for all customers and for selecting an optimum electric-power supplier in case there are a plurality of electric-power suppliers supplying electric power to the customers.

Abstract: A predictive header pressure controller uses predictive boiler steaming models to anticipate future changes in boiler steaming rates, converts the anticipated steaming rates to anticipated rates of change in header pressure, compares the anticipated rates of change of header pressure to measured rates of change of header pressure and controls header pressure of a multi-boiler energy system to a derived rate of change header pressure setpoint. The control may be accomplished by a control action that is integral only or it may be an incremental output directly compatible with distribution hubs. A control signal is directed to one or more control devices that adjust and control header pressure.

Abstract: Provided is an inter-volume migration system that allows selection of a relocation-destination volume in consideration of a volume cost. The inter-volume migration system includes a storage subsystem having one or more volumes, an inter-volume relocation instruction module that relocates a data area from a relocation-source volume to a relocation-destination volume, a cost calculation module that calculates a cost value of a volume, and a volume selection module that selects a candidate for the relocation-destination volume based on the cost value of the volume calculated by the cost calculation module and constraints imposed on the relocation-destination volume.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plant process wherein the plant is over-actuated with N+1 actuators and provides N performance variables is disclosed. The system includes an outer-loop controller operable to compare N performance variable values from the plant with a reference set point and provide a desired virtual control input to an inner-loop controller. The inner-loop controller receives the desired virtual control input from the outer-loop controller and provides real control inputs to the at least N+1 actuators. The N+1 actuators receive the real control inputs and subsequently provide an actual virtual control input to the plant. Upon receiving the actual virtual control input from the N+1 actuators the plant is operable to produce N updated performance variable values in an optimized manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a support interface for memory-mapped resources. A support processor sends a sequence of commands over and FSI interface to a memory-mapped support interface on a processor chip. The memory-mapped support interface updates memory, memory-mapped registers or memory-mapped resources. The interface uses fabric packet generation logic to generate a single command packet in a protocol for the coherency fabric which consists of an address, command and/or data. Fabric commands are converted to FSI protocol and forwarded to attached support chips to access the memory-mapped resource, and responses from the support chips are converted back to fabric response packets. Fabric snoop logic monitors the coherency fabric and decodes responses for packets previously sent by fabric packet generation logic. The fabric snoop logic updates status register and/or writes response data to a read data register. The system also reports any errors that are encountered.

Abstract: A method for designing and manufacturing lens modules includes selecting design parameters from a design database stored with the design parameters suitable for a lens module desired to be manufactured to design the lens module according to characteristics of the lens module and storing the design parameters of the lens module in an analysis database, analyzing the lens module based on a predetermined analysis process to generate analysis parameters corresponding to the lens module and storing the generated analysis parameters in the analysis database, and re-designing the lens module based on the analysis parameters stored in the analysis database.

Abstract: An external storage device of a component cost estimation system stores various cost information representing a component material and its cost in association with each other, and a component manufacturing step and a cost involved in the step in association with each other. An information processing apparatus specifies a material of a component to be manufactured, and a plurality of manufacturing steps. Then, the information processing apparatus retrieves a cost of the specified material, and costs corresponding to the specified manufacturing steps from the cost information, and estimates a cost of the component based on the retrieved costs. The cost of the component is computed by adding up the cost of the material and the costs involved in all the manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle is provided, that is easily and flexibly adapted to the particular needs and requires no additional wiring for added modules. The modular switch and control system comprises a main switch module and optional satellite modules of different types. The main and satellite modules have separate housings with matching engagement structures permitting each satellite module to be fitted to one side of the main module. Each satellite module is electrically connected with the main module through matching male and female connectors. Each satellite module is provided with electrical coding device accessible through the connectors and permitting each satellite to be provided with a code indicative of the module type.

Abstract: An optimization technique for use in driving a process plant controller, such as a model predictive controller, uses an organized, systematic but computationally simple method of relaxing or redefining manipulated, control and/or auxiliary variable constraints when there is no feasible optimal solution within pre-established constraints, to thereby develop an achievable solution for use by the controller. The optimization routine uses penalized slack variables and/or redefines the constraint model in conjunction with the use of penalty variables to develop a new objective function, and then uses the new objective function to determine a control solution that bests meets the original constraint limits.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for calculating a marginal cost curve for a plant at a plant load range comprising a plurality of specified plant loads. The method includes providing a model used for controlling the plant. The model relates plant load and one or more given cost contributing factors. The marginal value for each of the one or more given cost contributing factors at each of the plurality of specified plant loads is determined using the model. A variable cost at each of the plurality of specified plant loads is determined by: (i) multiplying the marginal value of each of the one or more given cost contributing factors at each of the plurality of specified plant loads by a respective unit cost of each of the one or more given cost contributing factors, and (ii) if there are a plurality of given cost contributing factors, summing the results of (i) at each of the plurality of specified plant loads.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (300) is provided to assess an acute and chronic healthcare impact index of a patient. The impact index identifies patients having a highest potential impact for reducing program health-care costs. The method can include forecasting a health-care resource use of the patient, converting the health-care resource use to a monetary value, ranking the monetary value by an opportunity cost, and generating a score from the ranking. The score can identify patients having high health-care cost savings potential. The opportunity cost can be the projected cost of a health-care benefit, such as the cost of the emergency room visit or an in-patient length of stay.

Abstract: A system and method for meeting performance goals in an electronic system in an energy efficient manner. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise operating an electrical circuit at a current level of performance and a current level of energy efficiency by providing the electrical circuit with electrical power characterized by a current set of power characteristics (e.g., utilizing a power control module). The current level of performance may be determined (e.g., by a performance monitor) and compared to a desired level of performance (e.g., by the power control module). If the current level of performance is higher than the desired level of performance, then the electrical circuit may be operated at a next (e.g., lower) level of performance and a next (e.g., higher) level of energy efficiency by providing the electrical circuit with electrical power characterized by a next set of power characteristics.

Abstract: A plant-operation-schedule optimization system includes a data inputting device transmitting a future operation planned value of at least one plant to be controlled; an operation-data inputting device transmitting operation data concerning the plant; and an operation-schedule calculating unit receiving the operation planned value and the operation data concerning the plant from the data inputting device and the operation data inputting device, respectively, to calculate an optimized operation schedule of the plant. The operation-schedule calculating unit includes an optimization calculator calculating the optimized operation schedule; and a database storing the kind of an operation mode, an operation pattern, and an operation cost according to the operation mode of the plant. The data stored in the database is referred to in the calculation of the optimized operation schedule in the optimization calculator.

Abstract: Method and system for optimizing plant production in a cost effective manner. System (100) includes a processor (102) in communication with resource controllers (110, 112) for controlling resources (106, 108) such as, for example, lighting and carbon dioxide. Each resource has a cost that varies temporally or with other factors. The processor implements an algorithm that receives a desired plant production rate and other input, such as operating conditions of the system and environment, and determines amounts of each resource to expend consistent with plant production goals and resource costs.

Abstract: A driver's information system is provided which comprises a user interface module, a function module, and a control unit. The user interface module comprises at least one component, a state of which can be changed by manipulation of a user, and it is configured to determine a state of the component. The function module comprises at least one execution command signal generating unit for generating execution command signals. The control unit is configured to receive the execution command signal from the function module and to actuate various devices responding to the execution command signal.

Abstract: At least one of the multiple process parameters (MPPs) is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one is a targeted process parameter (TPP). The process also has a defined target limit (DTV) representing a first limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP. A first logical controller predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a first prior time period and the DTV. A second logical controller establishes a further target limit (FTV) representing a second limit on the AAV of the TPP based on one or more of the predicted FAVs, and also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a prior time period and the FTV. The second logical controller directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a production system that includes a plurality of production facilities is provided. The method includes receiving, in real-time, for each facility, cost data for a first resource used by each respective facility to produce an output, receiving, in real-time, for each facility, cost data for a second resource used by each respective facility to produce the output, determining, in real-time; an automated incremental cost curve for the system based on a level of production of each facility and the received resource cost data, and determining a production output target for each production facility to achieve an optimum production system output based on the real-time incremental cost curves. The system includes at least one production facility that includes a software code segment programmed to determine, in real-time, an incremental cost of a first resource based on a level of production of each respective facility.

Abstract: In a method and computer program product for optimizing power plant control values and a power plant optimizing system an optimization module (1) minimizes total plant operation costs while achieving predetermined required output values for produced power and process steam. This is done by, at a given time, determining future values of control values and simulating, in a simulation module (2), the behavior of the plant up to a given future time. Corresponding fuel costs and generated power are determined in the simulation, and incorporated in an objective function. The optimization module (1) minimizes the objective function by varying the control values. According to the invention, a rate of ageing of plant components is determined when simulating the future behavior of the plant, and the objective function to be minimized comprises said rate of ageing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for calculating the health of a process control loop based on multiple key assessments of the loop's performance. The method uses the concepts of baselines and thresholds. The typical calculation of loop health is the average of the Percent Towards Threshold for all the assessments divided by the economic significance of the loop.

Abstract: Complex process control and maintenance are performed utilizing a nonlinear regression analysis to determine optimal maintenance activities and process adjustments based on an urgency metric.

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: Optical properties with high non-linearity such as a modulation transfer function (MTF) are efficiently optimized at high speed compared to conventional methods. An optimal solution of an optical system is obtained in a first optimization unit using a merit function on aberration. Weights or target values of the merit function on aberration is automatically adjusted in a second optimization unit in a manner that an evaluated value of the MTF or the like approaches a desired value. The first optimization unit re-optimizes the optical system using the weights or target values which have been automatically adjusted. Thus, automated is a function equivalent to the operation which has been conducted by a designer such as adjustment to weights or target values.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation.

Abstract: Loads 1, 2, . . . , N are controlled by predicting a total energy requirement for the loads 1, 2, . . . , N at prediction points k=0, 1, 2, . . . , K, by allocating the total energy requirement to the loads 1, 2, . . . , N at prediction points k=0, 1, 2, . . . , K, by determining a dynamic energy demand requirement for each of the loads 1, 2, . . . , N at prediction points k=0, 1, 2, . . . , K based on the allocated energy requirements, and by controlling the loads 1, 2, . . . , N based on the dynamic energy demand requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a production system that includes a plurality of production facilities is provided. The method includes receiving, in real-time, for each facility, cost data for a first resource used by each respective facility to produce an output, receiving, in real-time, for each facility, cost data for a second resource used by each respective facility to produce the output, determining, in real-time; an automated incremental cost curve for the system based on a level of production of each facility and the received resource cost data, and determining a production output target for each production facility to achieve an optimum production system output based on the real-time incremental cost curves. The system includes at least one production facility that includes a software code segment programmed to determine, in real-time, an incremental cost of a first resource based on a level of production of each respective facility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the drying process taking place in the dryer section of a paper machine or the like. The total drying efficiency required in the dryer section is first calculated by means of a method known as such, and an optimal drying efficiency distribution is compiled. Using the optimal drying efficiency distribution, the dryer section is divided into two or more imaginary drying segments which differ in their drying action, in at least one of which segments there are at least two dryer units using different forms of energy and/or at least two separately adjustable dryer units using the same form of energy. The total drying efficiency obtained is divided, by means of an optimization method known as such, between the said different drying segments in such a way that a good drying efficiency distribution is achieved in terms of the quality of the web being dried.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arbitrage control system for two or more available power sources (106, 108) that enables the automatic or manual control of one or more multi-source systems (202) to take advantage of price differentials across commodities, locations and/or time. The present invention selects a power source for a device or delivery point (110) from two or more available power sources (106, 108) by analyzing market and operational data (406). A power source (106 or 108) for the device or delivery point (110) is then selected from the two or more available power sources (106, 108) based on a set of financial parameters (408). If the device or delivery point (110) is not already connected to the selected power source, one or more signals are sent (418) to switch the device or delivery point (110) to the selected power source. The arbitrage controller (102) includes a user interface (300), market interface (302), multi-source interface (304), database (306) and processor (308).

Abstract: In a method for determining a graphic presentation progress that work groups in a set of work groups have made for realizing sub-projects of a project for which they are respectively responsible are determined at time intervals. Average progresses of the project allocated to the time intervals are calculated from the details about the progresses of the corresponding sub-projects. A predicted future time curve of the average progress of the project is calculated based on the average progresses of the project and is graphically displayed.

Abstract: A method for facilitating an optimization of a control space in n dimensions is provided. The control space includes a plurality of points, and the method includes removing at least one hyperplane of the control space, and perturbing the remaining points of the control space to lessen errors relative to the control space prior to the removal of at least one hyperplane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically optimizing a strategy of a decision management system. More specifically, a computer-implemented decision management system applies a strategy to determine actions to be taken, monitors performance based on the taken actions, and refines the strategy in accordance with the monitored performance. An end user of the system selects a part of the strategy for optimization, and selects criteria for optimizing the selected part of the strategy. The decision management system then automatically optimizes the selected part of the strategy in accordance with the selected criteria. The end user can decide whether or not to implement the optimized strategy in production.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient allocation of limited manufacturing resources over time to meet customer demand. At the enterprise planning level this typically requires determination of a feasible production schedule for an extended supply chain. The method and system utilizes a new and unique type of systematic decomposition based on both product and process considerations. This approach simultaneously reduces the model size (and therefore computation time) and increases modeling flexibility from strictly linear programming based decision making to include more general nonlinear programming characteristics.

Abstract: Pipelines are controlled by specifying operations along them. Control specifies sequential control values defining operations at each station to control the pipeline state. The time-dependent state is determinable by software calculations using continuous measurements along the pipeline. Forecasted deliveries dictate that the current pipeline state must change by future time (T). Control sequences are determined at pipeline stations to exercise optimum pipeline control while achieving predetermined goals from the current state to a sustainable target state which supports future deliveries by simulating current pipeline states through time interval T, while satisfying time-dependent forecast deliveries. An initial computable control set is iteratively improved and evaluated by computing the gradient of pipeline operational cost, costs of missing target(s), and costs of violating constraints by solving an adjoint problem each time the simulation is made.

Abstract: A method and device to automatically determine the operation balance of processing/assembly machines such as NC machine tools. The device detects the machine operations related to income and expenditure as income/expenditure data and stores the income and expenditure amounts in a memory based on the detected income/expenditure data and calculates the income/expenditure balance of the individual machines for an arbitrary period based on the stored income and expenditure amounts. In the NC machine tool, the operations related to the income and expenditure can be detected while monitoring the execution statuses of the NC program. By calculating the income/expenditure amounts with multiplication of such operations by the predetermined unit prices of income or expenditure and subtracting the expenditure amount from the income amount, the operation balance of the machine for each cycle or every week or month can be determined.

Abstract: With highly heterogeneous groups or streams of minerals, physical segregation using online quality measurements is an economically important first stage of the mineral beneficiation process. Segregation enables high quality fractions of the stream to bypass processing, such as cleaning operations, thereby reducing the associated costs and avoiding the yield losses inherent in any downstream separation process. The present invention includes various methods for reliably segregating a mineral stream into at least one fraction meeting desired quality specifications while at the same time maximizing yield of that fraction.

Abstract: System for minimizing the cost of an optical network. A method is provided for designing an optical network to have minimized costs. The optical network has a plurality of nodes connected by interconnecting optical fibers. The method comprises inputting channel parameters associated with the optical network, inputting cost parameters associated with the optical network, calculating band parameters associated with the optical network, restricting at least one parameter associated with the optical network to having only integer values, and using an integer linear program to solve a minimization objective function that allows the cost of the optical network to be minimized, wherein the minimization objective function includes selected channel, cost and band parameters.

Abstract: The method for configuring the functional properties of an audiological device in the form of a hearing aid initially provides a hearing aid with an IC that can be differently configured in view of its properties, permitting configuration upgrade information to be employed that is either distributed to middlemen via a separate data carrier or transmitted on-line from a data store of the manufacturer to a programming station of the middleman. The middleman has the possibility of himself upgrading hearing aids initially present as basic hearing aids in customized fashion, the configuration information being used for this purpose and the hearing manufacturer being paid for this.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can enable policy analysts, policy makers, economic administrators, and other interested parties to model, compare, and/or otherwise evaluate and analyze tax policies to ascertain the economic effects of such tax policies. The disclosed technology can further organize the presentation of data associated with such tax policies in one or more hierarchical policy trees, which can facilitate the configuration and analysis of the tax policies under investigation.

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: A method of carrying out a fiber or paper manufacturing process using a plurality of successive method steps is provided. Defined process steps are carried out by means of predefinable chemical and physical sequences and process optimization is performed, wherein at least those characteristic variables of all the individual method steps which influence the target variables of the respective end product of the method in a significant way are registered on-line to control or optimize the overall process. Characteristic variables are formed both on the basis of the starting materials or raw materials and of the chemicals, auxiliaries and energy supplied in the successive method steps as well as of the materials and emissions to be disposed of.

Abstract: In the design of a lens system, lens parameters are determined by minimizing a merit function which is a sum of squares of ray aberrations or wavefront errors at many sampling points. Prior methods often select the parameters which give very narrow tolerances to production errors. The small tolerance increases the difficulty of production. In order to increase the tolerances, states which allot errors ±&dgr; to some chosen parameters are considered. Merit functions corresponding the error-allotted states are made. An integrated merit function is produced by adding the error-allotted merit functions to the non-error allotted normal merit function. Parameters are determined by minimizing the integrated merit function. The optimized parameters will give wider tolerances for the error-allotted parameters. DOE (diffraction optical elements) design includes the steps of considering error-allotted states S1, S2, . . . in addition to a non-error state S0, making merit functions E1, E2, . . . for S1, S2, . . .

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: A control device of a machine tool (100) has an input unit (1) for inputting the processing profile data (1a) and the workpiece data (1b) of the material and a profile of the workpiece to be processed. The control device input unit (1) also can receive a tool path changing operation command (1c), a manual operation command (1d) and a processing condition changing command. A data base (3) for storing at least one of the mechanical data of the machine tool to process the workpiece and the tool data of the tool mounted on the machine tool provides a signal to an estimating calculation unit (7) for estimating at least a processing load or the occurrence of interference of the tool with the workpiece based on the data inputted by the input unit (1) and the data stored in the data base (3).

Abstract: The present invention enables a facility (home, business or industrial site) to optimize the consumption of energy in that facility. In this invention, the power companies that supply energy provide information to its client facilities on the cost and availability of energy from that company on a real-time basis. Each client facility would have a power accounting server. These servers store this and process this information to predict when the rates for using the energy will be the least expensive for a particular task or to operate a particular appliance. A homeowner (client facility) for example can program appliances such as a dishwasher or laundry machine to turn on when the cost of energy is below a particular threshold price. The present invention has the capability to receive characteristics about a particular appliance, generate a list of energy consumption options for that particular product at a particular time period and select and implement the most efficient energy supply option.