Abstract: A disturbance suppression apparatus includes a timing prediction device. The timing prediction device includes a dead time acquisition unit, a disturbance start time acquisition unit, and a timing prediction unit. The dead time acquisition unit performs PID tuning to acquire a dead time. The disturbance start time acquisition unit acquires a disturbance start time representing a period from a time point at which a start signal is input to a time point at which a temperature starts to be affected by a disturbance. The timing prediction unit predicts a disturbance manipulated variable application timing on the basis of the dead time and the disturbance start time.

Abstract: A method and system for reinforcement learning can include an actor-critic framework comprising an actor and a critic, the actor comprising an actor network and the critic comprising a critic network; and a controller comprising a neural network embedded in the actor-critic framework and which can be tuned according to reinforcement learning based tuning including anti-windup tuning.

Abstract: A toaster includes a housing, a conveyor configured to support food products, a motor configured to drive the conveyor to move the food products through the housing, a heating element disposed adjacent the conveyor and configured to emit thermal energy toward the food products as the food products are moved through the housing, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature within the housing, and a controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control the motor to drive the conveyor at a conveyor speed. The controller is configured to store the sensed temperature within the housing as a function of time and calculate a derivative of the sensed temperature with respect to time. The controller is configured to vary the conveyor speed based on a value of the derivative.

Abstract: Mass flow controllers and methods for controlling mass flow controllers are disclosed. A method includes providing a gas through a thermal mass flow sensor of the mass flow controller and processing a sensor signal from the thermal mass flow sensor to produce a flow signal. A total nonlinearity characteristic function is determined based on nonlinearity effects on the flow signal and includes a first and second nonlinearity component function based on a first and second source of nonlinearity respectively. The total nonlinearity characteristic function is calibrated, and the first nonlinearity component function is adjusted responsive to changes in the first source of nonlinearity, after which the total nonlinearity characteristic function is updated. The flow signal is corrected to produce a corrected flow signal using the total nonlinearity characteristic function. A valve of the mass flow controller is controlled using the corrected flow signal and a setpoint signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate of a fluid through a valve is provided. The system includes a valve and an actuator. The actuator includes a motor and a drive device that is coupled to the valve for driving the valve between multiple positions. The system further includes a flow rate sensor and a controller that is communicably coupled with the flow rate sensor and the motor. The controller is configured to receive a first flow rate setpoint, determine a first actuator position setpoint using a proportional variable deadband control technique based on the first flow rate setpoint and a flow rate measurement, and receive a second flow rate setpoint. In response to a determination that certain low flow criteria are satisfied, the controller is configured to determine a second actuator position setpoint using the proportional variable deadband control technique based on a low flow compensation setpoint.

Abstract: An example includes a sequence generator to generate a plurality of sequence pairs, a first one of the sequence pairs including: (i) a first input sequence representing first accesses to first tensors in a first loop nest of a first computer program, and (ii) a first output sequence representing a first tuned loop nest corresponding to the first accesses to the first tensors in the first loop nest; a model trainer to train a recurrent neural network based on the sequence pairs as training data, the recurrent neural network to be trained to tune loop ordering of a second computer program based on a second input sequence representing second accesses to a second tensor in a second loop nest of the second computer program; and a memory interface to store, in memory, a trained model corresponding to the recurrent neural network.

Abstract: A method and system for reinforcement learning can involve applying a finite-difference approach to a controller, and tuning the controller in response to applying the finite-difference approach by taking a state as an entirety of a closed-loop step response. The disclosed finite-different approach is based on a random search to tuning the controller, which operates on the entire closed-loop step-response of the system and iteratively improves the gains towards a desired closed-loop response. This allows for prescribing stability requirement into the reward function without any modeling procedures.

Abstract: A control system (1) for controlling a plant (2) comprises a feedback loop including an integrator (7); a signal generator (32); and a scaling unit (10). The feedback loop comprises an input suitable for connection to an output (18) of the plant. The integrator integrates a signal received from the input to generate a state signal x. The signal generator generates a periodic base perturbation signal (34) with an initial amplitude. The scaling unit generates a scaling factor (30) having a first value if the variance of the state signal var(x) is zero, or a second value if the variance of the state signal is non-zero, wherein the second value is proportional to (formulae 1) The scaling unit is arranged to multiply (16) the initial amplitude of the periodic base perturbation signal by the scaling factor to produce a state dependent perturbation signal (35, 36), which is applied to an input of the plant.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, from at least one sensor operatively coupled to a mechanical device, sensor data corresponding to a function of the mechanical device; accessing, from an environmental database, information regarding at least one environmental condition in proximity to a geographical location of the mechanical device; generating, using a processor, a correlative value for the mechanical device, wherein the correlative value identifies a correlation between the sensor data corresponding to a function of the mechanical device and the at least one environmental condition; assigning the correlative value as a baseline correlative value to the mechanical device; monitoring the sensor data corresponding to a function of the mechanical device and the at least one environmental condition and updating the correlative value; identifying, using a processor, the correlative value for the mechanical device has exceeded a predetermined threshold as compared to the baseline correlative

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. Power conversion is performed according to a switching signal group to provide an output voltage and an output current. An error value between the output voltage and a reference voltage is multiplied by a proportional parameter to obtain a proportional result. The error value is multiplied by an integration parameter to obtain a first calculation value which is then accumulated over time to obtain an integration result. When a slope of the output current is greater than a reference slope and a slope of the output voltage is negative, the slope of the output voltage is multiplied by a differential parameter to obtain a second calculation value which is then added to the integration result over time. A duty cycle of the switching signal group is adjusted according to the sum of the proportional result and the integration result.

Abstract: A temperature control method of controlling a temperature of a semiconductor wafer mounted on a mounting table includes a supply process of supplying, in a state that a supply of a power to a heater configured to heat the mounting table is stopped or the power is maintained to be constant, a heat transfer gas into a gap between the semiconductor wafer and the mounting table; a measurement process of measuring a temperature variation of the mounting table due to heat exchange between the semiconductor wafer and the mounting table through the heat transfer gas; a calculation process of calculating a correction value based on the temperature variation of the mounting table; and a control process of starting the supply of the power and controlling the power such that the temperature of the mounting table reaches a target temperature corrected with the correction value.

Abstract: The temporary relaxation of constraints permits the efficient and cost-effective operation of certain process models. Ramp imbalances are controlled using soft-landing constraints. Such soft-landing constraints permit a smooth return to a ramp limit which permits continued operation of a system, such as a petrochemical system that includes several inflows and outflows, as opposed to a forced shut-down of the system. A ramp imbalance may be controlled by determining imbalance ramp rates and imbalance set-point ramp rates and using those constraints to resolve the dynamic control problem of a process model.

Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating a feedback system, comprising: receiving one or more input parameters associated with a feedback system; applying the one or more input parameters to a model of the feedback system; deriving one or more feedback parameters for the feedback system from the model by: optimizing the model for the feedback parameters, and applying a noise characteristic of the feedback system to the model; and automatically tuning the feedback system using the one or more derived feedback parameters.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a process using slow or non-periodically received process variable measurements enables more robust controller responses to setpoint changes and disturbance changes even when the process variable measurement feedback signals are reviewed at a rate on the order of the rate associated with the response time of the process dynamic or variable being controlled. The control technique implements iterations of a control routine to generate a control signal using a reset or rate contribution component that, in some sense, defines an expected process response to the control signal. When a new measurement of the process variable is unavailable to the controller, the reset or rate contribution component is maintained at zero or at some other previous level when generating the control signal.

Abstract: A field service device (280) for facilitating a processing system replacement in a vibratory flowmeter is provided. The field service device (280) includes a field service device processor (282) configured to interface with one or more vibratory flowmeter processing systems and a storage system (285) configured to store pre-replacement operationally-derived values (252a), post-replacement operationally-derived values (252b), and one or more scaling factors (266). The field service device processor (282) is configured to obtain pre-replacement operationally-derived values (252a), obtain post-replacement operationally-derived values (252b) after an old processing system has been replaced with a replacement processing system, generate the one or more scaling factors (266) as a ratio of one or more pre-replacement operationally-derived values (252a) to one or more post-replacement operationally-derived values (252b), and download the one or more scaling factors (266).

Abstract: Controlling product production in multi-stage manufacturing process automatically generates by machine learning causal relationships between the processing conditions and the product quality based on product genealogy data and product quality data. Real time sensor data from sensors coupled to processing units in a manufacturing facility implementing the multi-stage manufacturing process are received, and control rules are instantiated based on the real time sensor data. An instantiated control rule firing causes an actuator to automatically set a processing variable to a set point specified in the control rule.

Abstract: A servo control system includes a position command generator; a position detector of among other things, a feed shaft; a position control loop; a learning controller including a band limiting filter and a dynamic characteristic compensation element; a sine wave sweep input unit for the position control loop; and a frequency characteristic calculator for estimating the gain and phase of position control loop input and output signals. The frequency characteristic calculator calculates an evaluation function that indicates the characteristic of a position control based on the frequency characteristic of the position control loop, the band limiting filter, and the dynamic characteristic compensation element.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating an adaptive nonlinear controller and utilizing the adaptive nonlinear controller to regulate the operation of nonlinear process systems. In particular, a method is provided for generating a control model by defining an objective function utilizing a target function that specifies the desired response of the system and a state-space model representing the dynamics of the non-linear system. When executed by a controller the control model causes the regulated system to operate as specified by the target function and thereby produce a product that is consistent with various prescribed quality metrics.

Abstract: A frequency response optimization includes a battery that stores and discharges electric power, a power inverter that uses battery power setpoints to control an amount of the electric power stored or discharged from the battery, and a frequency response controller. The frequency response controller receives a regulation signal from an incentive provider, predicts future values of the regulation signal, and uses the predicted values of the regulation signal to generate the battery power setpoints for the power inverter.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a feedback controller and logic. The feedback controller may be configured to, based on a setpoint value and a measured process value calculate an error between the setpoint value and the measured process value and generate a driving signal based on the error. The logic may be configured to determine if oscillation is present in the driving signal, determine if oscillation is present in an operational parameter other than the driving signal such that oscillation of such operational parameter may cause oscillation in the measured process value, determine if oscillation present in the driving signal is correlated with oscillation present in the operational parameter, and adjust a control parameter of the feedback controller responsive to determining that oscillation present in the driving signal is not correlated to oscillation present in the operational parameter.

Abstract: An auto-iris control method, including setting a target luminance value of an auto iris; collecting an image at a current moment and calculating a luminance value of the image collected at the current moment; comparing the target luminance value with the luminance value of the image collected at the current moment; comparing an absolute value of the luminance difference at the current moment with a preset luminance difference threshold, determining a status of the auto iris at the current moment, and using a corresponding proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm to calculate a direct current control voltage at the current moment; and adjusting an action of the auto iris according to the calculated direct current control voltage.

Abstract: An intracortical-detection device including: at least one electrode that contacts a group of neurons; a first body, forming a surface that contacts a portion of a cerebral region; a first motor that moves the electrode with respect to the first body; a second motor; and a second body, operatively connected to the second motor, the first and second bodies being able to slide with respect to one another in a first direction, under the action of the second motor. The detection device moreover includes a sensor generating an electrical signal indicating a pressure exerted by the portion of cerebral region on the surface.

Abstract: A system for treating a wastewater stream produces an effluent having an acceptable level of turbidity. A PID controller is operatively coupled to at least one turbidity meter for monitoring turbidity of the effluent stream. A plurality of chemical treatment additive pumps are provided for adding a plurality of treatment chemicals to the wastewater stream in real time under supervision of the controller, and responsive to monitored turbidity.

Abstract: The present invention applies to the hydraulic axial piston regulating valve with a linear position sensor, consisting of the valve body (1) and the central part (2), around which the fluid flows when the valve is opened, the hydraulic cylinder (3) with the piston (4) and the piston rod (5), to which the valve regulating piston (12) is firmly fastened. The linear position sensor (8) is placed inside the hydraulic cylinder, and in the electric version of the valve, the sensor with the magnetostrictive waveguide (20) is used. The present invention applies also to the utilization of the linear response of such valves for the regulation purpose using various driving aids; as e.g. electro-hydraulic drive, pneumatic drive or autonomous drive using the energy of the fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of model identification for a process with unknown initial conditions in an industrial plant, the method comprising collecting a set of manipulated variables and corresponding set of process variables from the process; obtaining a plurality of manipulated variables from the collected set of manipulated variables; for each of the plurality of manipulated variables, obtaining optimal model parameters of a model transfer function and computing a model fitting index for optimized simulated process variables generated by the model transfer function using the optimal model parameters; identifying a best model fitting index among the model fitting indices computed; selecting a manipulated variable associated with the best model fitting index as an initial steady state condition for the model transfer function; and selecting the optimal model parameters corresponding with the best model fitting index as the best model parameters of the model transfer function to tune the controller.

Abstract: In one implementation, an environmental controller operates a cooling system in an electronic device. The environmental controller includes a closed loop control system for operating a cooling fan at a target speed. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on one or more temperature sensors. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on the speeds of additional fans or the fans may be controlled in unison. The closed loop control system includes a proportional weight. When a measured cooling fan speed deviates from the target speed by more than a threshold error value, the proportional weight is constant. As the measured cooling fan speed approaches the target speed, and the threshold error value is crossed, the proportional weight is variable. The variance may be a function of time such as a periodic stair step function.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plant having a minimum phase transfer function P(s) and given an input signal u, the plant having an output y and a plant frequency range comprising a transfer function J(s) comprising the product of a high gain filter J1(s) having a gain k1 sufficient that ? J ? ( ? ) ? > [ 1 + 1 ? ] when |?|??1 and |1+J(?)|>1/M for all ? wherein ?1 is selected to obtain a desired time response, and a low pass filter J2(s) selected such that |1+J(?)|>1/M for all ? and J(s) is strictly proper, wherein ?<1 and M>1 and ? and M are selected to meet a desired sensitivity requirement. An error signal e is calculated comprising the difference between the system input signal u and the plant output signal y, and the error signal modified according to the transfer function C(s)=P?1(s)J1(s)J2(s) and inputting the error signal into the plant. The system and method can be extended to unstable invertible plants.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a PID controller.

Abstract: A method and system for process control configuration changes are described. In one embodiment, a method for switching from a first control algorithm to a second control algorithm in a continuous process control system is described. The method, in the one embodiment, includes executing the first control algorithm, determining to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm, and executing the second control algorithm. For at least a first execution of the second control algorithm, at least one state variable used in the second control algorithm is adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for changing a mode in a proportional integral differential (PID) controller, which removes an impact generated in a mode change and stably performs the mode change when the operational mode of the PID controller is changed from a manual mode into an automatic mode or vice versa. The apparatus includes a PID operator configured to generate a driving signal by performing a PID operation in an automatic mode or a manual mode based on a manual mode change signal or an automatic mode change signal; a manual mode buffer configured to process the generated driving signal and output the processed driving signal to a load driver when the manual mode change signal is generated; and a speed difference integral calculator configured to analyze the generated driving signal and output the analyzed driving signal to the PID operator when the automatic mode change signal is generated.

Abstract: Control feedback for regulating strain output of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator using a stress sensor for outputting an indication of a mechanical resistance applied against the SMA actuator, and a state sensor for outputting an indication of a state of actuation of the SMA actuator has been found to be surprisingly accurate. Advantageously feedback detection can be provided with sensors that have low power requirements and can be controlled with simple electronics.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently controlling continuous process variables. A Dream Controller comprises an Intelligent Engine mechanism and a number of Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controllers, each of which is suitable to control a process with specific behaviors. The Intelligent Engine can automatically select the appropriate MFA controller and its parameters so that the Dream Controller can be easily used by people with limited control experience and those who do not have the time to commission, tune, and maintain automatic controllers.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A hot water heater, and method of regulating the same, which includes a PID control. The PID control is responsive to inputs such as water temperature in the hot water heater and the flow rate of water such as through inlets and outlets coupled to the hot water heater. In one embodiment, the PID control generates an output that modifies the operating parameters of a heating device to accommodate changes in the temperature of the fluid in the hot water heater. The output results from one or more modules of a three-term control structure, wherein the modules comprise one or more of a proportional control module, an integral control module, and a derivative control module. Each of the modules is assigned at least one term, wherein the term is defined in accordance with gain parameters such as a proportional gain, an integral gain, and a derivative gain.

Abstract: Control of a process for producing free sulfur from hydrogen sulfide is accomplished by manipulating the flow rate of a feed stream containing oxygen to a furnace in such a manner that a desired proportion of the hydrogen sulfide fed to the furnace is converted to sulfur dioxide. Combustion of hydrogen sulfide is precisely controlled by the proposed system to maintain the hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide concentrations in the tail gas at acceptable levels to minimize the environmental pollution.

Abstract: A cascade control system includes pass-through controller and a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller, wherein the PID controller controls a first output of a device to generate an input to drive the device. The pass-through controller provides a setpoint to the PID controller and controls a second output of the device. The first output and optionally also a derivative of the first output is passed to the pass-through controller so that a pass-through control algorithm can be implemented that results in the input to the device only having terms of the second output, thereby avoiding dynamic interaction between the control loops of the pass-through controller and the PID controller.

Abstract: Provided are an output feedback frequency control device and a speed governor using the same. The output feedback frequency control device includes an integral control unit configured to generate an integral control signal by using a predetermined integral control constant (KI) and an integral quantity of an angular velocity deviation (??) of an external device, a differential control unit configured to generate a differential control signal by using a predetermined differential control constant (KD), the angular velocity deviation (??) of the external device, and the mechanical power (?Pm) of the external device, and a proportional control unit configured to generate a control input (u) for control of an operation speed of the external device by using the angular velocity deviation of the external device, the integral control signal generated by the integral control unit, the differential control signal generated by the differential control unit, and a predetermined control constant (R).

Abstract: The described system and method provide improved transmission performance and response with closed loop torque feedback by implementing situational gain scheduling and nonlinear control techniques for continuously variable transmissions. The system uses contextual information regarding the operation of the machine to determine a gain to be applied in associated PID control logic. In an embodiment, the determined gain is applied in the integral portion of the closed loop controller.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques, computer-readable media, and devices for allowing users to perform interactive design of controllers, such as PID controllers, in a free-form modeling environment. Users can tune controllers using characteristics familiar to typical users rather than having to specify gain values for the controller, which may be difficult for a user to relate to the performance of a controller.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle having a brake assembly for exerting braking force on at least one wheel on the basis of a number of control parameters is provided. The system has a safety system configured to generate the control parameters as a function of a control quantity associated with the braking force to be exerted on the at least one wheel; and a vehicle handling enhancement system configured to: calculate a reference vehicle yaw acceleration on the basis of at least the longitudinal speed of the vehicle and the steer angle of the vehicle; and adjust the control quantity to zero the difference between the actual yaw acceleration and the reference vehicle yaw acceleration.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (AFM) comprises a physical system and a controller comprising a plurality of digital filters and configured to control the physical system. The AFM is tuned by performing automatic loop shaping on a loop response defined by a frequency response of the physical system and a frequency response of the controller, and adjusting a gain of the controller according to a peak in a magnitude of the loop response.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a signal normally provided by a proportional plus integral (PI) control module to a process system includes a processing circuit configured to modify the signal of the PI control module by exaggerating the rate of change of the signal and an output for providing the modified signal to the process system.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product to control position of an error control module in a lithography apparatus using a servo control loop is described herein. The system comprises a filter, a servo controller coupled to the filter and configured to receive a control signal and an actuator coupled to the servo controller and configured to control the position of the error control module. The filter is configured to filter the control signal by modulating the amplitude and phase of the control signal in a desired frequency range, prior to the servo control loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for externally aided self adjusting real time clock have been disclosed. A circuit having a pulse train output is coupled to an adjusting circuit, a real-time clock is coupled to the adjusting circuit, and a proportional integral derivative time processor is coupled to the adjusting circuit, and where the adjusting circuit affects the pulse train output.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller is provided having an interface having at least one input/output terminal configured for connection to a plurality of nodes within a control loop, a proportional-integral-derivative controller coupled to the input module, an analyzer block coupled to the proportional-integral-derivative controller and the output, the analyzer block configured to acquire data for the control loop and analyze the data directly on the programmable logic controller. A method and system for acquiring and analyzing control loop data is also provided.

Abstract: System and method for approximating a system. A multi-parameter representation of a family of systems is stored. An embedding of the family into an abstract geometrical continuous space with a metric and defined by the parameters is determined. Coordinates of the space specify values for the parameters of systems of the family. The space includes a grid of points representing respective discrete approximations of the systems. A first point corresponding to a desired instance of a system is determined. The first point's coordinates specify values for the parameters of the instance. The space is sampled using a mapping of a well-distributed point set from a Euclidean space of the parameters to the abstract space. A nearest discrete point to the first point is determined which specifies values for parameters for an optimal discrete approximation of the desired instance, which are useable to implement the discrete approximation of the desired instance.

Abstract: A method for tuning operation of servo motors includes selecting a plurality of discrete positions in a guillotine blade cycle for which to determine tuning coefficients, determining tuning coefficients at the discrete positions, interpolating tuning coefficients for positions between the discrete positions, and applying the determined and the interpolated tuning coefficients to the servo motor. The servo motors may be used in connection with a guillotine cutter for separating individual sheets from a continuous web. The guillotine cutter blade may be driven by a servo motor to cyclically lower and raise to transversely cut the web transported below the cutter blade.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of conducting closed-loop control of a physical system comprising the steps of carrying out an initialization of the physical system to commencing closed-loop control, evaluating the optimal constrained control move using the system error and the initial normalized matrix using a control move solver; calculating a first control action by the sum of delta u(0) and the initial control action; and implementing the result to the physical system by converting the control action to an output control signal to effect a change in at least one operating variable.