Abstract: A method is provided for updating an array of data point cells in a surface or table representation of memory. The three-dimensional surface array is modeled as a square bordered by four cells with one cell at each corner. Between each array corner cell, the array spacing is typically divided into three zones. As such, nine sub-regions of the array square are defined. Depending upon which of the nine sub-regions the calculated error point falls into when accessing the array, different cells are updated. In the case of a two-dimensional table array, typically three sub-regions are defined between adjacent cells. Depending upon which sub-region the calculated error point falls into, one or both of the table array cells is updated. As a further feature of the present invention, the amount of adaptive gain applied to each cell to be updated is adjusted depending upon which sub-region the calculated error point falls within.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the gains of a feedback controller while the process continues to run and the controller continues to operate and control the process is disclosed. A desired closed-loop control bandwidth and a target loop transfer function are specified by the operator, and the tuning is accomplished automatically with minimal operator intervention and without the need for developing a model of the process. The automatic tuner subjects the process to one or more disturbance and the operation of both the process and the controller are monitored.

Abstract: A built-in auto-tuning system of a motor control system provides an auto-tuning of the motor control system. The built-in tuning system generates and applies a plurality of test signals to the controller. In response to the test signals, the tuning system obtains response data such as the gain and phase. Based on the received data, the tuning system detects the crossover frequencies of the control system. The tuning system then calculates the phase and gain margins of the control system. The calculated gain and phase margins are compared with a set of predetermined values by the tuning system to automatically adjust the compensation parameters of the motor control system for a stable operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for computer-implemented controlling of a processing apparatus having at least one independently controlled manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable responsive to the manipulated variable. The control approach uses a robust multi-variable controller which defines an expected variation in magnitude for each controlled variable as a respective function of each manipulated variable via use of a set of at least two models. The model set has a dynamic response inertial characteristic. The two models are derived from a Reference Model (the traditional model defined in Dynamic Matrix Control). The multi-model set further enables adaptation of the models and gains during real-time use.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically tuning a fuzzy logic process controller is presented. A process under control is automatically assessed to determined process control characteristics including, for example, ultimate gain, ultimate period and time delay. Then, these quantities are used to calculate tunable control parameters which include scaling factors, which are applied to the fuzzy logic controller in order to optimize the performance of the fuzzy logic controller when connected to control the process.

Abstract: A PID control system and method which maintains continuity of the control output in spite of changes in controller parameters. The controller parameters include a proportional gain, an integral gain, a derivative gain, and a manual/automatic mode parameter. The control output at the time of a parameter change is set equal to the previous controller output, and the integrated error is set to a value consistent with the previous controller output according to a PID controller equation. This value for the integrated error serves to ensure the sustained continuity of the control output after the controller parameter change. Alternatively, the control output at the time of a parameter change is set equal to a first value continuous with respect to one or more previous control output values, and the integrated error is set to a value consistent with the first value according to the PID controller equation. Furthermore, the system and method employs integrator anti-windup. If the control output saturates, i.e.

Abstract: Automatic speed loop gain adjustment of a feedback control system begins by setting up a phase margin range and a gain margin range. A speed open loop condition is provided by separating a speed command value from a speed feedback value. White noise is input into the feedback control system where the speed open loop condition has been made. A phase margin and a gain margin are then detected and comparisons are made with the phase margin range and the gain margin range, respectively. The speed loop gain is adjusted if the comparison results for either one of the detected phase margin and the detected gain margin fall outside of the associated phase margin range or gain margin range. Once the adjustment of the speed loop gain is complete, the position loop gain of the position control loop is adjusted on the basis of the adjusted speed loop gain.

Abstract: A device for the simulation of spinning machines with a view to their optimum economic use and operation. Starting from material properties of a preproduct (1) determined by measurement, as well as from configuration and setting parameters (3) of such a spinning machine, material properties (2) of the intermediate or output products which are being produced, which properties can be determined by measurement, are predicted using a process model describing the behavior of the spinning machine, by a simulation device. The process model on which a method being based is presented by a neural network. The coefficients determining the actual behavior of this neural network area calculated from a set of sample data in a training phase. This sample data and/or from otherwise conclusively predicted properties of the behavior of such a spinning machine.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for automatically setting a gain in a control loop using a tuning signal provides in a one method step, measurement of existing gain while a tuning signal is input, and then calculating consequent gain changes, which is to be carried out in the control loop, from a measured value for the gain. The reciprocal of the measured gain is calculated and the reciprocal of measured gain is used to calculate a gain change to automatically re-establish the gain.

Abstract: A method of setting a coordinate system to an automatic machine with a stable accuracy in a non-contact manner. The desired coordinate system can be set even if it exists outside a moving range of the automatic machine. The operator operates a robot control device to move a robot to a first position A1 where a coordinate system setting jig is within the field of view of a camera supported by the robot. Matrix data [A1] representing the robot position A1 is stored and the jig is photographed by the camera. The image of a group of dots on the jig are analyzed by an image processor to obtain picture element values of the individual points. Based on the picture element values of the individual points and jig data (data of distances between and number of the points), matrix data [D1] representing a position and a posture of a coordinate system &Sgr;c to be set with respect to a sensor coordinate system &Sgr;s is obtained.

Abstract: A method for determining optimum controller parameters for a digital rotational speed control is described, in which various test signals are applied to a speed control loop and the resulting speed characteristic is determined. The speed characteristic is subsequently weighted with respect to rise time and transient response for various controller parameters, and the most favorable controller parameters are subsequently set in the controller of the control loop. The integral-action time of the control loop is used as a criterion in performing the weighting operation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in a first acceleration after power is turned ON, currents flowing through U-phase and V-phase of a servo motor output terminal are detected, and misconnection of the motor output terminal is detected by monitoring a pattern of the current wave form.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit for deterministically measuring one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, response time, gain, or overshoot, of a process control device that is connected in a process control loop during operation of a process includes a switch controller, a signal generator, a switch, a response accumulator mechanism, and an analyzer mechanism. The switch controller monitors a process signal during operation of the process to determine whether the process signal is substantially stable. In the event that the process signal is substantially stable, the switch replaces a control signal with a diagnostic test signal generated by the signal generator. The response accumulator is in communication with the process control loop to obtain an indication of the response of the process control device to the diagnostic test signal. The analyzer unit then determines the device parameter from the test signal and the response indication.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a fieldbus configuration on a computer system. The user assembles a graphical program or wiring diagram on the screen which comprises a selected plurality of function block icons which are linked with one or more wires connecting the function block icons. As the user assembles the fieldbus configuration wiring diagram, the system automatically creates and displays a schedule which visually presents the schedule being created. The schedule comprises one or more schedule bars for graphically or visually indicating the order of execution of the function blocks. The user can change the order of execution indicated by the schedule by graphically manipulating the schedule bars in the schedule. The user can also place one or more loop structures in the editor window which encapsulate a group of function block icons. The loop structure is used to specify a rate for the function block icons comprised within the loop structure.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a self-regulating, delayed process, in particular a temperature control system, in which, after a first setpoint step change, the manipulated variable is set to its maximum value and an IT1 model of the process is identified on the basis of the step response. The time at which the manipulated variable must be reset for time-optimum control is calculated on the basis of this model. An additional, more precise model is determined if the rate of change of the controlled variable drops below a specific limit after the shut-off time. The parameters of a linear controller are set as a function of the more precise model, after which the controller controls the process in a non-linear mode. When additional setpoint step changes occur, a time for switching to a steady-state manipulated variable is calculated on the basis of the more precise model in order to achieve time-optimal control.

Abstract: A method for detecting optimal controller parameters for a digital speed control is proposed, wherein an rpm control circuit is charged with different test signals, and the resulting rpm progression is determined. This rpm progression is subsequently evaluated with respect to triggering time and transient response for different controller parameters, and thereafter the most advantageous controller parameters are set in the controller of the control circuit.

Abstract: A self-tuning technique for integrated continuous-time filters. The present invention provides a method and apparatus to compensate for post-fabrication or in-operation discrepancies between desired and measured filter characteristics due to variability of the IC fabrication process or due to drift caused by changing conditions such as voltage, temperature. The present invention requires minimal overhead in power and area requirements. Furthermore, the filter being tuned is used to process signals, unlike in the prior art where a similar but separate filter or oscillator is used to tune the bias values for both circuits. Better tuning accuracy is thus obtained in the present invention. The circuit is designed to initiate a self-tuning cycle at power-up or during operation after power-up. Tuning is achieved by injecting a reference signal, and monitoring the phase of the filter output with respect to the phase of the reference signal.

Abstract: An adaptive controller using an adjustment law expressed in recurrence formula, including a plant, a controller which controls an input to the plant, and a parameter adjuster which adjusts a parameter of the controller. In the controller, an input to the parameter adjuster is multiplied by a coefficient other than 1 such that the range of change of the parameter adjuster's internal variable is restricted to a predetermined limit. With this arrangement, the controller can be realized on a less expensive and fewer-bit-length microcomputer such as 16-bits. The input to the parameter adjuster may be made up of the control input to the plant and an output therefrom. Alternatively, the input to the controller and an output from the plant may be both multiplied by a coefficient other than 1 to be input to the parameter adjuster.

Abstract: A model predictive control process which approximates a constraint set as an ellipsoid to directly address actuator limitations, to provide a robust controller structure, and reduce computation demands. A bounded polytope defining the constraint set is approximated as an ellipsoid in an off-line computation. The ellipsoid is scaled on line via bisection to determine the ellipsoid that optimally fits the polytope, calculating a set of control moves for manipulating device actuators. Preferably, an unconstrained solution is first computed and tested to see if any constraints are violated. If none are violated, it is accepted, if one or more are violated, the scaling is reconducted as a constrained solution in iterative fashion until the solution yields an active constraint.

Abstract: A method of preventing windup in a PID controller when using a nonlinear gain parameter is disclosed that is used in the PID controller of a process control system. The PID controller is arranged to produce within a current execution cycle a Control Variable (CV) to a device that is controlling a process responsive to an input Process Variable (PV), a setpoint (SP), and a gain parameter (K). The present invention receives the PV, the SP, and the K and generates a proportional, integral, and derivative component of the deviation of the PV from the SP. The components so generated are used to calculate an incremental output CV for the current execution cycle. A current value of gain is next calculated by subtracting the value of the gain for the current cycle from the value of the gain from the previous cycle. Testing for a linear or nonlinear gain parameter is done next and, responsive to a nonlinear gain parameter, a nonlinear gain change component is calculated and added to the incremental output CV.

Abstract: A multi-purpose controller for variables which closely controls such variables to set point by making sequential corrections to the level of input to the system of the variable based on: system response time, relationship of controller output to the variable, deviation of the variable from set point, and change in system load as determined by change in error and change in system input. The controller has a self tuning capability and can provide generation of the set point according to a set of variable parameters. It can be configured as a stand alone controller, as an intelligent Input/Output device for another intelligent device, or be resident in another intelligent device such as a programmable controller, computer or other microprocessor based device.