Abstract: A method for compensating for torque ripple in pulse width modulated machines including providing damping for transient disturbances utilizing a fixed feedback controller and rejecting steady disturbances utilizing an adaptive controller.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing a microprocessor's power dissipation. In one embodiment a microprocessor includes a clock circuit, a core coupled to said clock circuit, and an on-die logic circuit coupled to said clock circuit to operate independent of a connection for power to said core, the on-die logic circuit includes a snoop request monitor coupled to a bus, and a snooping memory circuit.

Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.

Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing perturbation signals to excite a number of input variables of a system, in order to test that system for the purpose of obtaining models for the synthesis of a model-based controller. The method begins with providing input parameters of the system. A plurality of binary multi-frequency (BMF) signals are generated based on these input parameters and the frequency spectra of these BMF signals are calculated. One BMF signal is selected out of the set of BMF signals so that the frequency spectrum of the selected BMF signal most closely matches a desired frequency spectrum specified by the input parameters. The selected BMF signal is used as a first perturbation signal for testing the system. The selected BMF signal is also shifted by predetermined amounts of samples to create delayed copies of the original BMF signal to be used as additional perturbation signals.

Abstract: A contour compensation circuit that generates a contour-compensated signal by which a signal level of a contour of the object is emphasized, from an image signal obtained by an image pickup of an object.

Abstract: An electronic control board for supplying control signals including an activation signal to a controlled device in response to a detection signal created by a sensor comprises an on delay timer, a run timer, and an off delay timer. The on delay timer must time out before an activation signal is sent to the controlled device. The run timer permits activation of the controlled device during a run time interval. The off delay timer must time out before a subsequent detection signal will be permitted to generate an activation signal. A lockout timer prohibits generation of an activation signal if the number of activations exceeds a cycle limit. The control board further provides for shutting off the controlled device if the second detection signal occurs during the run time interval.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for independently controlling a plurality of manufacturer specific devices through a generic interface is disclosed. The system includes a translation layer operative to convert signals from a plurality of nodes into a normalized signal; and a node abstraction layer, operatively coupled to the translation layer, for receiving the normalized signal and to transmit a generic control signal in response to the normalized signal. The node abstraction module includes a generic object model of most types of home automation devices, sensors and actuators, which provides for independent control of the plurality of manufacturer specific devices.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an anomaly diagnosis apparatus of a machine installation for eliminating the need for the user to have a dedicated analytical instrument or a skill required for anomaly diagnosis of a sliding member and enabling the user to easily make an anomaly diagnosis request with a small burden and get the diagnosis result promptly.

Abstract: A miniature mobile robot provides a relatively inexpensive mobile robot. A mobile robot for searching an area provides a way for multiple mobile robots in cooperating teams. A robotic system with a team of mobile robots communicating information among each other provides a way to locate a source in cooperation. A mobile robot with a sensor, a communication system, and a processor, provides a way to execute a strategy for searching an area.

Abstract: Controllers (PID1 to PIDn) perform control so that the controlled variables of first to n-th control loops may agree with their preset values. A step response progress calculating section (C_R1) calculates the progress &agr;1 of the step response of the first control loop where the variation of the controlled variable is the slowest. Control loop internal preset value calculating sections (C_S2 to C_Sn) correct the preset values of the second to n-th control loops according to the progress &agr;1 of the step response so that the controlled variables of the second to n-th control loops vary synchronously with the controlled variable of the first control loop and give the corrected preset values to the controllers (PID2 to PIDn).

Abstract: A Robust Model-Free Adaptive controller is disclosed for effectively controlling simple to complex systems including industrial processes, equipment, facilities, devices, engines, robots, vehicles, and appliances. Without the need of re-designing a controller or re-tuning the controller parameters, the inventive controller is able to provide a wide robust range and keep the system under automatic control during normal and extreme operating conditions when there are significant disturbances or changes in system dynamics. Because of its simplicity and capability, the control system is useful for building flexible and adaptive production systems to fulfill the on demand manufacturing needs of the new e-commerce environment.

Abstract: A gaming device and method of operation thereof are provided in which the gaming device receives a loan request, which includes a loan amount, to establish a balance without having received payment therefor. The device sends a request signal to a controller of the gaming device communicating the loan request, and a balance is established with the gaming device. The gaming device in turn receives an approval signal from the controller of the gaming device regarding approval of the loan request. The loan amount may be less than or equal to the requested amount. A cash-out mechanism of the gaming device is enabled in accordance with the approval signal before the approval signal is received.

Abstract: An I/Q modulator used for processing an I/Q signal so as to obtain a predistorted output signal, said I/Q signal having an I component and a Q component, and comprising a predistorter for predistorting with a predistortion signal a carrier signal, which comprises a first subcomponent and a second subcomponent that is substantially orthogonal to said first subcomponent, so as to obtain a first and a second predistorted subcomponent of the carrier signal, said predistortion signal depending on the I component and the Q component, a first multiplier for multiplying the I component by the first predistorted subcomponent so as to obtain a multiplied I component, a second multiplier for multiplying the Q component by the second predistorted subcomponent so as to obtain a multiplied Q component, and an adder for adding the multiplied I component and the negative multiplied Q component so as to obtain the predistorted output signal.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention prevents endless circulation of reset operations of CPUs in a control system including a plurality of CPUs that mutually monitor the opposite CPUs. The plurality of CPUs, which are connected with one another and include a first CPU (272) and a second CPU (262), are utilize to control operations of prime movers. The first CPU (272) has a first reset execution unit that carries out a first reset event, which resets a circuit configuration of a predetermined range including the second CPU (262) in response to input of a reset signal. The second CPU (262) has a second reset execution unit that does not output the reset signal to the first CPU (272) in response to the reset of the second CPU (262) by the first reset event but outputs the reset signal to the first CPU (272) in response to detection of abnormality arising in the first CPU (272).

Abstract: A computerized method and system for testing a function of an information-processing system. This includes providing an architecture having a set of test commands, the test commands including a set of one or more stimulation commands and a set of one or more result-testing commands, and defining a set of test verbs out of combinations of the test commands. This allows the test programmer to define an overall test program that uses the test verbs in writing a test program that specifies an overall function that will extensively test a system-under-test. The methods further includes executing a program that includes a plurality of test verb instructions and outputting a result of the program. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computer-readable media that includes instructions coded thereon that when executed on a suitably programmed computer executes one or more of the above methods.

Abstract: Aircraft flight data collection is enhanced by changing the data sampling rate as a function of an operational condition of the aircraft, such as its flight phase. An algorithm is used to determine the flight phase. Then, the data is collected at a first sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a first set of flight phases and collected at a second sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a second set of flight phases. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate to maximize the data storage capacity of the system. Generally, the higher sampling rate is used with transient flight phases such as takeoff and thrust reverse.

Abstract: A device for reliably generating signals, which includes a control means (10) that is supplied a control signal (12). The control means (10) generates a trigger signal (13, 14) as a function of the control signal (12), in order to trigger a load (50). Emergency operating means (30, 32) are provided, which, in an emergency operation, generate the trigger signal (34, 14) as a function of the control signal (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a characteristic of a machine. A variable reluctance sensor (VRS) is coupled to the machine. A first switching device and capacitor, coupled in parallel with the VRS, boosts a variable amplitude of a basic output signal generated by the VRS to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. A control input of the first switching device receives signals, and a modified output signal is generated by the first switching device, having a variable amplitude that is substantially higher than the variable amplitude of the VRS. The modified output signal has an increased signal-to-noise ratio such that machine speed can be more accurately measured during a start-up phase.

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

Abstract: A hybrid stabilization system for isolating a pointing vector of a gimbal from the motion of a vehicle base is provided. The hybrid stabilization control system includes a rate feedback loop generating a rate feedback compensation value in response to a measured rate difference between a pointing vector rate of motion and a vehicle base rate of motion, a rate feedforward loop generating a rate feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base rate of motion, a position feedback loop generating a position feedback compensation value in response to a measured position difference between a pointing vector angular position and a vehicle base angular position, a position feedforward loop generating a position feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base angular position.

Abstract: In a method for prescribing an essentially linear ramp with a prescribable slope by a quantity, and which is clock-pulse-controlled and which describes the ramp by an increment per clock interval, the ramp is described by a number of regular increments and by at least one first and one second irregular increment. The regular increments exhibit a value corresponding to the prescribable slope. The irregular increments exhibit a value deviating from the prescribable slope. The first irregular increment is a first increment describing the ramp and the second irregular increment is a last increment describing the ramp.

Abstract: A system for extracting a signal component from an output signal of a dynamic system. The system comprises a state observer and a corrector filter. The state observer is adapted to track a signal component that represents dominant dynamics in the output signal of the dynamic system and provide an estimation signal representing an estimated signal component in the output signal of the dynamic system. The corrector filter is adapted to compensate for a mismatch between the estimation signal and the actual signal component that represents the dominant dynamics in the output signal. A combination of the estimation signal with an output signal of the corrector filter can provide a synthesized signal including the signal component that represents the dominant dynamics in the output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and monitoring the usage of water from plumbing fixtures includes an electronic control board for supplying control signals including an activation signal to a controlled device in response to a detection signal created by a sensor. The electronic control board comprises an on delay timer that must time out before an activation signal is sent to the controlled device, a run timer which permits activation of the controlled device during a run time interval, and an off delay timer that must time out before a subsequent detection signal will be permitted to generate an activation signal. A lockout timer prohibits generation of an activation signal if the number of activations exceeds a cycle limit. The control board further comprises means for shutting off the controlled device if the second detection signal occurs during the run time interval.

Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bl variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. The bi have a direct effect on the gain of a dynamic model (22). This is facilitated by a coefficient modification block (40). Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.

Abstract: An industrial process material flow within an industrial process is controlled by a process control loop that includes a process controller, a field device controller and a field device in the process as well as process variable feedback from the process to the process controller. Both the process controller and the field device controller, such as a valve controller, are fine-tuned so that their interaction is taken into account and controller parameters, which provide an optimal control loop performance are found. This results in a significant improvement in the control loop performance, i.e., in a lower process variability, as compared with the traditional tuning method, which does not take into account the interaction between the two controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a non-linear mill. A linear controller is provided having a linear gain k that is operable to receive inputs representing measured variables of the plant and predict on an output of the linear controller predicted control values for manipulatible variables that control the plant. A non-linear model of the plant is provided for storing a representation of the plant over a trained region of the operating input space and having a steady-state gain K associated therewith. The gain k of the linear model is adjusted with the gain K of the non-linear model in accordance with a predetermined relationship as the measured variables change the operating region of the input space at which the linear controller is predicting the values for the manipulatible variables.

Abstract: A life estimation device which numerically measures the damage to a machine such as an engine accurately to estimate, the life of the machine accurately without requiring skill. A load map (B) of the two-dimensional distribution of the operation parameters of an engine is made. In accordance with the weighted integration time &agr;i·ki at each level (Bi) of the load map (B), the actual damage &dgr;=&Sgr;&agr;i·ki to the engine for a certain lapse of time &tgr; is calculated. By operating the engine beforehand, a correspondence relation L2 between the magnitude of the damage &dgr; and the life H is predetermined. The life H1 corresponding to the calculated actual damage &dgr;1 is determined in accordance with the predetermined correspondence relation L2 and the H1 is outputted as the estimated life of the engine.

Abstract: Signals are emitted with a FMCW sensor system, are received after reflection at targets and are processed to form a measured signal whose frequency spectrum is analyzed. Discrete, equidistant samples are stored and are arranged in a double Hankel matrix in the existing sequence. This matrix is diagonalized with a singular value decomposition, and an approximation is identified taking only the “principle values” into consideration, in order to calculate the frequencies and their amplitudes therefrom according to known methods.

Abstract: A method for estimating an interference phase shift when receiving a multicarrier signal formed of a time series of symbols modulating a plurality of carrier frequencies, at least some of the carrier frequencies of at least some of the symbols bearing reference elements, whereof the value at transmission level is known by the receiver carrying out the reception. The phase variation &dgr;n between at least two symbols bearing reference elements is estimated by analysing the reference elements. Each of the reference elements in the estimation is weighted by information representing the noise affecting the carrier frequency bearing the reference element.

Abstract: A sensor device comprising an interface medium having an outer layer for interaction by a user, at least two transducers located on or in the interface medium and spaced from the outer layer, and each adapted to generate a signal in response to interaction by the user, and a processor to receive the signal and determine the location on the outer layer at which the user has interacted with the outer layer.

Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. The bi have a direct effect on the gain of a dynamic model (22). This is facilitated by a coefficient modification block (40). Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a watermark in an information signal. The method may include the steps of computing the correlation (dk) of the watermark (Wi) and the information signal (e.g. an image Q) for a plurality of positions (k) of the watermark with respect to the information signal, and detecting whether at least one of the respective correlation values exceeds a given threshold. The step of detecting may include determining the standard deviation (&sgr;d) of the respective correlation values (dk), and setting the threshold to a given multiple (T) of the standard deviation. The multiple (T) is derived form a desired false alarm rate (watermark detected when there is none, or no watermark detected when there is one).

Abstract: An adaptive motion controller for driving a servo motor. The adaptive motion controller has an amplifier including a voltage command which can be set at a voltage at which the amplifier will be operated, a frequency selector which can be set at a frequency at which the amplifier will be operated, a power supply having a current feedback, and a control for driving the servo motor in a test mode wherein the voltage command is set at a selected voltage, and the frequency selector is sequentially set with a series of different frequencies. The servo motor is operated at each frequency, and the frequency of the series of frequencies that has the lowest current feedback is determined and the frequency selector is set at that frequency when the amplifier is operated to drive the servo motor.

Abstract: A disturbance estimated type control system and a gas compressor control system that are insensitive to a parameter variation such as a heat load variation and a rotating speed change and a method of designing a disturbance estimated type control system are provided. A disturbance is applied to a control object. An input signal and an output signal are inputted in an observer and a disturbance is estimated. A deviation between the output signal and a target value is calculated by a subtractor. This deviation is subject to compensations by a compensator and outputted as a control signal. This control signal is subtracted from a disturbance estimated value from the observer by a subtractor. Therefore, the disturbance estimated value among estimated values of the observer is fed back so as to cancel an actual disturbance.

Abstract: Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for tuning a regulator in a process controller. The digitized output from a standard relay and a parasitic relay are fed through digital to analog converter providing signals at 0.5&ohgr;c, &ohgr;c and 1.5&ohgr;c to the process, where &ohgr;c is the process critical frequency. The apparatus records the digitized relay output u′ and the digitized process output y′ until stationary oscillations are reached. The outputs u′ and y′ are then used to calculate the process frequency response at 0.50&ohgr;c, &ohgr;c and 1.5&ohgr;c. This data is then used to design the regulator, the output of which is converted to analog form and inputted to control the process.

Abstract: A test system for testing a controller provides a way to use large numbers of miniature mobile robots to test a cooperative search controller in a test area, where each mobile robot has a sensor, a communication device, a processor, and a memory. A method of using a test system provides a way for testing a cooperative search controller using multiple robots sharing information and communicating over a communication network.

Abstract: A device for generating a pulse signal includes at least one first register which stores waveform data therein, a pulse signal generation unit which generates a pulse signal in accordance with the waveform data of the first register, a control unit which is connected to a bus, and is controlled by control signals supplied from the bus, and a signal line which is separate from and independent of the bus, and is connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit updates the waveform data of the first register in response to a signal that is externally supplied through the signal line.

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 reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) having an adjustable structure is designed based upon market demand and can be readily changed from a first desired production capacity to a second desired production capacity to manufacture a desired amount of products from a family of products. The RMS includes a plurality of workstations with reconfigurable machines and computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machines, a control system including a plurality of reconfigurable controllers, as well as a reconfigurable material handling system. The reconfigurable machines may be reconfigurable machine tools having reconfigurable hardware that enables conversion of the machines by, for example, relocating their spindle units. The RMS production capacity is quickly adjusted to market fluctuations in product demand. The RMS functionality is easily adapted to fabrication of new products of the same product family. The RMS possesses certain key characteristics (i.e.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing unwanted vibration in motion system are provided using a Robust Vibration Suppression (RVS) methodology, in which acceleration frequency spectra are obtained for each of a number of command input functions developed for moving a load a specified distance within a specified move time interval using an actuator. The frequency spectra comprise peaks, with notches defined between adjacent peaks. A desirable command input function is one with a frequency spectra having either a notch with a maximum width or a peak with a minimum magnitude relative to frequency spectra associated with other command input functions, or, alternatively, a peak with a magnitude of less than or equal to a pre-established magnitude or a frequency notch having a width greater than or equal to a pre-established width. A suitable command input function may be characterized by a ramp function, a cosine function, a sine function, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device and method that automatically tune a valve controller coupled to a process control loop generate a plurality of sets of tuning parameters for use by the controller, deliver a test signal, such as a blocked sinusoidal signal, to the controller to force the process control loop through a test cycle while each of the plurality of sets of tuning parameters are being used by the controller and measure a response of the process control loop during each of the test cycles. The device and method then calculate a performance index for each of the plurality of sets of tuning parameters based on the measured responses and select one of the sets of tuning parameters based on the calculated performance indices. The selected set of tuning parameters is then loaded into the controller for use during normal operation of the process control loop.

Abstract: A digital signal process of a plurality of functions is enabled by a common hardware constructed on one chip having input terminals t1, t2 and t2'; output terminals t3 and t4; and a control signal input terminal t5. The chip is constructed to include class sorting circuits 111a and 111b; delay and selecting circuits 112a and 112b; switching circuits 113a and 113b; switching circuits 114a and 114b; coefficient memories 115a and 115b; filter operating circuits 116a and 116b; a line delay circuit 117; a product sum operating circuit 118; and a switching circuit 119. Signal flow and circuit functions are selectively controlled by control signals. The functions of the chip can be consequently switched and a plurality of signal processes are realized by one chip.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically tuning a PID controller resident within a PID control loop. The PID control loop includes a PID controller and a process. The process supplies a process variable which is compared to the loop input. The result of the comparison is supplied to the PID controller, and the PID controller drives the process. A relay is applied to the loop input. The relay compares a set point value to the process variable. If the set point value is greater than the process variable, the relay drives the loop input with a first amplitude value. If the set point value is less than the process variable, the relay drives the loop input with a second amplitude value. In response to the set point relay, the process variable develops a sustained oscillation. The period and amplitude of the sustained oscillation are measured. A new set of PID controller parameters are calculated from the period and amplitude of sustained oscillation.