Abstract: The disclosure provides an electric quad vehicle, a control system, and method of operation. The electric quad vehicle may include a central hub and four legs, each pivotably mounted to the central hub, each leg including an electric motor rotatably coupled to a wheel. Each leg may include a joint allowing the leg to bend to a retracted state with the wheel adjacent the central hub. The electric quad vehicle may include handle bars extending from the central hub including rider controls of acceleration and steering. The electric quad vehicle may include a control system configured to translate rider input to the rider controls into control signals for each of the electric motors.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a time-of-flight sensor configured to sense a distance between the electronic device and at least one object proximate the electronic device. Processing circuitry is coupled to the time-of-flight sensor and controls access to the electronic device based on the sensed distance. The electronic device may include a digital camera that the processing circuitry controls to perform facial or iris recognition utilizing the sensed distance from the time-of-flight sensor.

Abstract: Computing devices are often designed in view of a particular usage scenario, but may be unsuitable for usage in other computing scenarios. For example, a notebook computer with a large display, an integrated keyboard, and a high-performance processor suitable for many computing tasks may be heavy, large, and power-inefficient; and a tablet lacking a keyboard and incorporating a low-powered processor may improve portability but may present inadequate performance for many tasks. Presented herein is a configuration of a computing device featuring a display unit with a resource-conserving processor that may be used independently (e.g., as a tablet), but that may be connected to a base unit featuring a resource-intensive processor. The operating system of the device may accordingly transition between a resource-intensive computing environment and a resource-conserving computing environment based on the connection with the base unit, thereby satisfying the dual roles of workstation and portable tablet device.

Abstract: A single electronic device can connect to and communicate with multiple independent load medias. The electronic device comprises a number of internal components, including a processor and a switch module. The processor is capable of switching between a first working mode and a second working mode. The first working mode can establish a one-to-one connection between one load media and one internal component upon a first control signal, and under the second working mode, the processor can generate a second control signal whereby independent connections are established between at least two load medias and at least two of the internal components.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a control system includes an electric apparatus and a control unit. The electric apparatus operates in a first mode which is controlled based on an instruction from a user and in a second mode in which operational status is automatically managed. The control unit disables the second mode when receiving an instruction to disable the second mode and operates the electric apparatus, which operates in the first mode and the second mode, in the first mode.

Abstract: The present application discloses an operation control method and an electronic apparatus. The operation control method is applied to a first electronic apparatus having at least two operating modes, i.e. a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the operation control method, the state of a second electronic apparatus is firstly detected; a corresponding control instruction is generated according to the detection result; and the first electronic apparatus is controlled to enter the first operating mode or the second operating mode according to the control instruction; if the detection result meets a preset condition, the first electronic apparatus enters the corresponding operating mode automatically, thereby it is avoided to select the mode every time the user uses the first electronic apparatus, and it is more convenient for using the first electronic apparatus.

Abstract: The reliability in detection of toothless part is improved. A first counter counts a clock signal from an initial value for each of pulse intervals of a predetermined event pulse train and the count value of the first counter is held in a register for each of pulse intervals. Further, the second counter counts the clock signal from an initial value so that the count value thereof is equal to plural times of the count value of the first counter for each of the pulse intervals. A timer function which can detect any of a first state in which the count value of the first counter is equal to or larger than a first reference value and a second state in which the count value of the second counter is equal to or smaller than the value held in the register for each of the pulse intervals is adopted.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to a controller of a local control loop having a field device and a sensor configured in a closed-loop control system are disclosed. The controller is wirelessly coupled to a control system wherein the controller and the control system execute complementary control over the field device.

Abstract: The present invention is a voltage mode digital controller for low-power high-frequency dc-dc converters that has recovery time approaching physical limitations of a given power stage. It consists of a digital controller with load transient response approaching physical limitations of a given power stage that is suitable for low-power SMPS. In one aspect the invention is a method of utilizing a continuous-time digital signal processor (CT-DSP) for regulation of the operation of switch-mode power supplies. A CT-DSP can be used to instantaneously detect changes of voltage or current during transition periods and immediately perform control action that results in the fastest possible response. The invention may include current program mode controllers for SMPS where the input current is sensed as well as power factor correction rectifiers (PFC), where often input voltage, input current and output voltage are sensed.

Abstract: A control system includes control units for sending commands to system units to be controlled by the contro1 units. Each system unit includes a table for storing the identification of at least one of the control units and a command. In a binding mode, the content of the table may be changed by a control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus communicating with a gateway apparatus on a control system network for facility equipment, via an information system network, includes a unit which stores not less than one piece of virtual point information defining a virtual point combined with not less than one piece of facility equipment, a user authentication unit which performs user authentication for a user associated with a client, a unit which receives a request for control on one virtual point from the client, a unit which creates a remote control command for the facility equipment associated with the request based on the virtual point information when the request has been received and the user authentication has succeeded, and a unit which transmit the remote control command to the gateway via the information system network when tenant authentication for a tenant associated with the agent apparatus which is performed by the gateway has succeeded.

Abstract: Wind farm, of the kind that comprises a series of wind turbine generators, which consist of a rotor, a generator, a control unit and means of connection to the computing network for the wind farm of which they form part, in such a way that at least two of the wind turbine generators in the farm can assume a leader hierarchy for the wind farm, accessing the operating data of the rest of the wind turbine generators, calculating and sending instructions to the rest of the wind turbine generators making up that wind farm, and a subject hierarchy, receiving and following the instructions coming from the leader wind turbine generator of the wind farm.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multi-tiered power save operation in a portable communication device. A portable communication device may be operated in a first power-save mode. A power-save module of the portable communication device may, for example, provide for operation in such a first power-save mode. It may be determined to operate the portable communication device in a second power-save mode that is different than the first power-save mode. A power-save management module may, for example, make such a determination. The portable communication device may then be operated in the second power-save mode. The power-save module may, for example, provide for operation in such a second power-save mode.

Abstract: A safety controller for controlling an automated installation has a control unit to which a plurality of control input signals are supplied from the sensors of the installation. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program running in said control unit in an automatic mode. The plurality of control output signals actuate the actuators. The safety controller also has a diagnosis evaluation unit that ascertains which one of a plurality of operating states is present at a defined instant of time and produces an operating state signal which represents the ascertained operating state. A diagnosis selection unit generates a diagnosis report as a function of the operating state signal and as a function of a user access authorization signal and/or a special operating mode signal.

Abstract: In a method for operating a field device working according to the block model for a distributed automation system, which exchanges data via a fieldbus, a first function block application serving for process control is provided, which makes available to other system participants process data via a first virtual field device object. In addition, a second function block application is provided, which serves for plant monitoring and which makes available to other system participants plant monitoring data via a second virtual field device object, wherein the first and second function block applications are executed according to different schedules.

Abstract: A method for real time control of lighting system includes the steps of: providing a computer, a SCM (2), a digital-to-analog converter (3), and at least one power amplifier (41, 42, 43) connected to the digital-to-analog converter, each of the at least one power amplifiers connects with a lamp; receiving light control data inputted by a user; transmitting the light control data to the SCM; processing the light control data received by the SCM, and generating digital signals by the SCM; transmitting the digital signals to the digital-to-analog converter; converting the digital signals into an analog signals by the digital-to-analog converter, and transmitting the analog signals to the at least one power amplifier; and amplifying the analog signals and controlling the corresponding lamp connected to the at least one power amplifier. A system for real time control of the lighting system is also provided.

Abstract: To reduce a burden of a person in charge who uses a valuable media management system including a plurality of valuable media handling machines having the same valuable-media processing function, and control units that correspond to the respective valuable media handling machines. Each of the valuable media handling machine has a state detecting unit for detecting the state of the valuable media handling machine. Each of the control unit has a corresponding machine control function for working the valuable media handling machine that corresponds to the own control unit, as well as a non-corresponding machine control function for working another valuable media handling machine other than the valuable media handling machine that corresponds to the own control unit. The corresponding machine control function and the non-corresponding machine control function can be switched depending on a change of the state of the valuable media handling machine detected by the state detecting unit.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a chargeable battery, a battery voltage detecting section, and a determining section. The battery voltage detecting section is configured to detect a battery voltage output from the rechargeable battery. The determining section is configured to determine a voltage level status of the rechargeable battery based on the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detecting section. The determining section is free from determining the voltage level status when a rate of change in the battery voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined criteria. Such a battery pack is used for a power tool.

Abstract: Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device may include a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source. The processor may be adapted to generate a command for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may include a transducer, which may receive a control fluid and adjust it in response to the command during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may also maintain the adjusted control fluid at a substantially constant value during the low power mode.

Abstract: A display is capable of displaying images in response to signals of a plurality of signal formats. The display includes a controller that is coupled to a plurality of image data interfaces. When the plurality of image data interfaces are simultaneously operating, the controller selects one of the plurality of image data interfaces according to preference variables associated with each of the plurality of image data interfaces. Each of the preference variables may indicate a relative priority of an image data signal format associated with the corresponding image data interface. In addition, each of the preference variables may indicate one or more performance metrics associated with the quality of image data signals received from the corresponding image data interface.

Abstract: A system including multiple devices that each have a sensor and are each configured to communicate with other devices. The system further includes a controller configured to provide command information that specifies a mode of operation of the devices. In a first mode of operation, the devices transmit communication signals and a given device modifies a strength of its communication signal from an initial strength to a final strength based on communication signals it receives from one or more other devices. And in a second mode of operation, the devices transmit communication signals and the given device dynamically adjusts a strength of its communication signal based communication signals it receives from one or more other devices and on measurements performed by the sensor in the given device.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator operable to supply wind turbine power to a utility system. A converter is coupled to the wind turbine generator and the utility system. The wind turbine system also includes a controller comprising an internal reference frame of the wind turbine generator, coupled to the converter, and configured for modulating flow of power through the converter in response to frequency disturbances or power swings of the utility system relative to the internal reference frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control and regulation of a vibration isolation system with a number of vibration signal transducers for providing analogue sensor signals and a number of actuators for suppressing vibrations by processing the sensor signals to form actuator actuation signals for driving the actuators. One object of the invention is to demonstrate a way which enables high-quality parameterizability and regulating performance over a considerably wider frequency bandwidth of a vibration isolation system to be regulated. The invention proposes digitizing some of the sensor signals provided and processing them to form digital actuator actuation signals and processing other sensor signals provided in an analogue manner to form analogue actuator actuation signals and combining the digital actuator actuation signals and the analogue actuator actuation signals to form common actuator actuation signals which are supplied to the actuators in order to drive them.

Abstract: A method for controlling an operating mode of a portable electronic device having a first plane and a second plane connected together comprises forming a magnet in the first plane, forming a magnetic flux sensor in a position of the second plane corresponding to the magnet for sensing magnetic flux, and controlling the operating mode of the portable electronic device according to the sensing result of the magnetic flux sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a flow of a fluid using a multi-mode control algorithm is described. One embodiment includes a method for changing the multi-mode control algorithm from a closed-loop mode to an open-loop mode. The method includes receiving at least one sensor indicator generated by a sensor. The multi-mode control algorithm is modified from the closed-loop mode to the open-loop mode when, based on the at least one sensor indicator, the threshold condition is satisfied. The multi-mode control algorithm is used by a flow controller to control a flow of a fluid according to a set point.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for enabling manual control over selection of a value for at least one operating parameter of a computer system resource. Manual control is enabled by de-coupling a pointer of a graphical indicator and control from an automated system advisor. During automated operation, the automated system advisor selects the value for the parameter of the computer system resource as indicated on a scale of the graphical indicator and control by the pointer. When the pointer of the graphical indicator is under manual control, a user can select the value of the at least one operating parameter of the computer system resource using the pointer of the graphical indicator and control. The present invention also concerns methods and apparatus for disabling manual control over selection of a value for at least one operating parameter of a computer system resource by re-coupling the pointer to an automated system advisor.

Abstract: A method includes determining one or more setpoint changes for one or more actuators in a process control system. Determining the one or more setpoint changes includes making larger or more frequent setpoint changes when operating in a first mode and making smaller or less frequent setpoint changes when operating in a second mode. The method also includes outputting the one or more setpoint changes to the one or more actuators. The method could further include entering the first mode after a paper sheet has broken and been rethreaded through a paper machine. The method could also include entering the second mode (i) after a specified amount of time has elapsed since entering the first mode or (ii) after the first mode has been entered and a caliper profile of the paper sheet is within a specified threshold of a desired caliper profile.

Abstract: A fuel cell system control system includes a fuel cell system and a controller. The controller includes a display and a processor configured to execute a program for managing an operation of a fuel cell state machine having a plurality of states and capable of executing logic to execute state transitions, and a fuel cell failure detection and correction program, configured to detect one or more fuel cell system failures and correct each detected failure while the fuel cell system continues to operate. The control process includes the steps of representing an operation of a fuel cell control system as a state machine having one or more states, controlling the operation of the fuel cell system using the state machine, executing one or more states of the state machine, and correcting operational errors in the fuel cell control system while the fuel cell system continues to operate.

Abstract: A brushless motor controller for use in a fuel pump detects a rotor phase based on an induced voltage in each phase coil of a brushless motor, and controls energization of the each phase coil based on the detected rotor phase. A control circuit of the controller is arranged to check the induced voltage by using three reference voltages as judgment values, convert a result of the check into a logic signal, and detect the rotor phase based on a prescribed change of the logic signal.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a function of a work implement utilizing a device including a source of pressurized fluid (1), a circuit of pressurized fluid (2) for driving the work implement, an electronically controlled hydraulic valve (5) being arranged in the circuit of pressurized fluid (2) for controlling the function of the work implement, a control unit (4) for controlling the hydraulic valve (5) based upon a signal from a control member (3) for transmitting a control command to the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is arranged for controlling the hydraulic valve (5) in accordance with a smooth mode function or an abrupt mode function. The opening time for opening the hydraulic valve (5) to a predetermined opening degree is changed when switching from one operating mode function to the other operating mode function.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow communication between an Ethernet network and non-Ethernet devices. An Ethernet-to-analog adapter allows translation of analog signals for Ethernet communication, and further allows translation of Ethernet signals for analog communication with analog devices. Ethernet-to-analog adapters allow for power management and monitoring of attached analog devices and employ Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power to analog devices. A rechargeable battery may be provided to satisfy the peak power requirements of an attached analog device.

Abstract: A field device of a distributed automation system is disclosed for controlling and monitoring technical processes. In order to include the field device in an installation management system, an exemplary field device has an associated wireless adapter. The wireless adapter is equipped with an identification feature which comprises the identification feature of the associated field device and a generic supplement.

Abstract: A method for configuring a marking device includes, at a control system, establishing communication with the marking device; receiving, from the marking device, information about capabilities of the marking device; presenting the received information about capabilities of the marking device to a user; receiving, from the user, instructions to set machine settings for the marking device; and causing the marking device to be configured according to the instructions received from the user.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device such that device operates in a smooth manner. The system may switch between control architectures or vary gain coefficients used in a control loop to control the device. As the architecture or gains are switched, the control signal may be smoothed so that the device does not experience an abrupt change in the control signal it receives. In one embodiment, the control signal may be smoothed by adding a decaying offset value to the control signal to create a smoothed control signal that is applied to the device.

Abstract: A method includes determining one or more setpoint changes for one or more actuators in a process control system. Determining the one or more setpoint changes includes making larger or more frequent setpoint changes when operating in a first mode and making smaller or less frequent setpoint changes when operating in a second mode. The method also includes outputting the one or more setpoint changes to the one or more actuators. The method could further include entering the first mode after a paper sheet has broken and been rethreaded through a paper machine. The method could also include entering the second mode (i) after a specified amount of time has elapsed since entering the first mode or (ii) after the first mode has been entered and a caliper profile of the paper sheet is within a specified threshold of a desired caliper profile.

Abstract: An interface component (10) for a universal in-/output module with connection points (X0, M) for field devices includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DCA), a power source (25) and a combinational circuit, through which, as required, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or the power source (25) are each able to be automatically connected to connection points of the interface component (10). The interface component (10) is able to be connected via a microcomputer to a digital data bus of a control and/or regulation device. A connection point (X0, M) for a field device includes a terminal (X0) able to be configured via the interface component (10) for the field device as an input and/or as an output for bidirectional signals.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an indirect controller for a plant. A plant can be provided with both a direct controller and an indirect controller with a system model or a committee of system models. When the system model has sufficient integrity to satisfy the plant requirements, i.e., when the system model has been sufficiently trained, the indirect controller with the system model is automatically enabled to replace the direct controller. When the performance falls, the direct controller can automatically assume operation of the plant, preferably maintaining operation in a control region suitable for generating additional training data for the system model. Alternatively, the system model incorporates a committee of models. Various types of sources for errors in the committee of models can be detected and used to implement strategies to improve the quality of the committee.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device such that device operates in a smooth manner. The system may switch between control architectures or vary gain coefficients used in a control loop to control the device. As the architecture or gains are switched, the control signal may be smoothed so that the device does not experience an abrupt change in the control signal it receives. In one embodiment, the control signal may be smoothed by adding a decaying offset value to the control signal to create a smoothed control signal that is applied to the device.

Abstract: A memory updating system for a field device involves a fieldbus, one or more field devices that incorporate a nonvolatile memory and are connected to the fieldbus, a host system that is directly or indirectly connected to the fieldbus and transmits an updating instruction and updating data to one of the field devices in order to update the nonvolatile memory of the field device, and a current control circuit that controls a current provided from the fieldbus. The current control circuit increases the current provided from the fieldbus to a value greater than a normal value before the field device erases data stored in the nonvolatile memory, and returns the current provided from the fieldbus to the normal value after the field device completes the erasing of the data stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simple user interface for programming scenes and multi-way groups in a home automation and control system is provided. Each device participating in the home automation and control system is equipped with control logic for providing the simple programming interface. Through the control logic, each device maintains its status in a system-wide programming mode and retains knowledge of its inclusion or exclusion in the current scene or multi-way group being programmed. When any device in the system receives indications that affect the system programming mode, such as a press on one of the buttons on the devices, the device broadcasts a notification message to all devices within the home automation and control system. The message maintains the integrity of the system programming mode. Each device knows when a scene or multi-way group being programmed is finally captured and the programming of a new scene or multi-way group has started.

Abstract: A single, dual form computing device is provided that incorporates the functionality of a laptop computer with that of a handheld or palm-size computing device, and allows each functionality to be selectively employed. The dual form computing device operates in one of two modes. While operating in a first “instant on” mode, the dual form computing device provides functionality similar to that of a handheld device, whereby a lengthy bootstrap process and operating system load is not required. While operating in a second “non-instant on” mode, the dual form computing device operates substantially like a laptop computer. Additionally, the dual form computing device is equipped to share input and output devices independent of the operation mode it functions in.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for a redundant prime mover system to drive a machine having an engine coupled to the machine, and a motor/generator coupled to the machine and an electrical network connection. The controller operates the engine and the motor/generator in three or four operating modes. The first operating mode drives the machine with the engine. The second operating mode drives the machine with the motor/generator. The third operating mode drives the machine and the motor/generator with the engine such that the motor/generator generates electricity for delivery to the electrical network connection. Alternatively, the third operating mode drives the machine with both the engine and the motor/generator. This alternate operating mode can also be included as a fourth operating mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing a CPU cooling system, for example, a fan, while a computer continues to operate has a mechanism for maintenance personnel to signal that cooling fan replacement is about to begin. In response to the signal, a control mechanism causes the CPU to shift into an operating mode in which heat generation is reduced. In some cases, a clock frequency of the affected CPU and/or a duty cycle at which the CPU operates is reduced. After the fan has been replaced the control mechanism returns the CPU to a normal operational mode, for example, by increasing the clock frequency or duty cycle to a normal level. During the fan replacement procedure, the CPU and its software continues to run at lower than normal performance.

Abstract: A manipulator operative in a master/slave operative mode, comprising: a master unit commanding an operation; a slave unit having a work unit; a detector detecting the orientation of the master unit and the orientation of the slave unit; and a control device controlling the slave unit in response to the command from the master unit, wherein the control device includes: a function of determining a non-mater/slave operative mode or a master/slave operative mode; a function of calculating a difference between the orientation of the master unit and the orientationof the slave unit; and a function of comparing the absolute value of the difference with a preset reference value; and depending upon the result of the comparison, determining a normal master/slave operative mode or a transitional master/slave operative mode, in the master/slave operative mode, the transitional master/slave operative mode is a transitional mode from the non-master/slave operative mode to the master/slave operative mode.

Abstract: An adaptive process controller drives a process variable to be substantially equivalent to a set point and adapts the controller gain, the controller reset, and/or the controller rate, based on model free adaptation. The adaptive controller combines a controller gain computed from an oscillation index with a controller gain computed from a steady state estimate and that adapts the controller reset/rate by forcing the ratio of two of the controller proportional, integral or derivative terms to be equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simple user interface for programming scenes and multi-way groups in a home automation and control system is provided. Each device participating in the home automation and control system is equipped with control logic for providing the simple programming interface. Through the control logic, each device maintains its status in a system-wide programming mode and retains knowledge of its inclusion or exclusion in the current scene or multi-way group being programmed. When any device in the system receives indications that affect the system programming mode, such as a press on one of the buttons on the devices, the device broadcasts a notification message to all devices within the home automation and control system. The message maintains the integrity of the system programming mode. Each device knows when a scene or multi-way group being programmed is finally captured and the programming of a new scene or multi-way group has started.

Abstract: A programmable controller has a processing unit, a display screen, an operator unit, and signal inputs and signal outputs. The processing unit, the display screen, the operator unit, the signal inputs, and signal outputs are accommodated in a common housing, and switching functions can be programmed by the user on the basis of predetermined functions by using a menu-assisted user interface on the display screen. A button of the operator unit can be switched to an active button through the use of a programmable function, such that the sequence of a switching function depends on operation of this button.

Abstract: Multi-sensor system for real-time embedded monitoring of object senses mixed-mode object conditions. Various sensors separately provide disparate analog signals representing different measurable attributes regarding sensed object. For example, such sensors may separately sense temperature, pressure, or other biometric value. Then, according to specified rule set or other qualifying parameters, a digital signal is generated by a processor or controller to indicate one or more condition of the sensed object according to certain sensor input values. Additionally, such multi-sensor scheme may be coupled to a digital network or otherwise coupled thereto for simulation and/or communication applications.

Abstract: A self-sustaining control for a heating system, having conventional operational modes and pilot burner assembly, is disclosed. A controller directs operation in accordance with a need-based protocol and monitors the condition of a storage device, which provides system power during the stand-by or off mode under normal conditions. A thermo-electric device is in thermal communication with the pilot burner assembly and powers the system whenever the pilot is lit. Regardless of heat need, the controller directs operation in a pilot-on mode, in lieu of an off mode, whenever the storage device is compromised.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one time constant of a reference model, which is designed as a 2nd order time-delay element of a machine. The method includes detecting an oscillation frequency of an undamped machine oscillation and determining an optimized value of a time constant of the reference model as a function of the detected oscillation frequency of the undamped machine oscillation.