Abstract: A method and system for reading endpoints used for tracking consumption of a utility may allow the sequencing of meters/endpoints in a meter reading route, such as a mobile automatic meter reading route. The sequencing may include receiving an indication of a collection of endpoints comprising a meter reading route, wherein each endpoint stores utility consumption data, then executing the meter reading route. Executing the meter reading route may include identifying and reading a first endpoint on the meter reading route, receiving input used in identifying a next endpoint to be read on the meter reading route, identifying a next endpoint to be read on the meter reading route based on the received input, and reading the identified next endpoint. One or more of these tasks may be performed repeatedly until all the endpoints on the meter reading route are read or otherwise acknowledged as unreadable, etc.

Abstract: A universal computer for a vehicle, comprising a microprocessor for the processing of control programs, a storage unit, for the data thus calculated and an interface which permits a connection of the computer to a databus in the vehicle. The computer comprises control programs for controlling device provided in the vehicle, whereby the control commands are transmitted to the device to be controlled via device interfaces. The computer also comprises reconfigurable hardware, which permits a retroactive reconfiguration of peripheral components or an interface in the assembled state of the computer. A transmission of an algorithm for reconfiguration of the hardware is provided to the storage unit on the vehicle, so that a process for reconfiguration of the hardware associated with the peripheral components or the interface may be carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating flexible resource distribution in an industrial control environment. A query component is provided to determine one or more system resources from a networked industrial controller system, wherein the resources can include listings of applications, configurations, variable settings, and performance capabilities associated with a controller. Upon receiving available resource listings from various control devices, a distribution component can update the devices based in part on the resource listings and according to various criteria. A configuration component can be utilized in the controller system to provide network updates of controller parameters and to facilitate automated protocol selections when interacting with out-of-network devices. An analysis component can interact with the query, distribution, and configuration components to support higher-level decision-making in the resource distribution and allocation process.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus for machine tool, includes: an NC program storage portion for storing an NC program; a block skip command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip command for skipping execution of blocks after a position where the block skip command is described is present in the NC program stored in the NC program storage portion or not; a block skip end command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip end command provided in connection with the block skip command to permit execution of blocks after a position where the block skip end command is described is present in the NC program or not; and a coordinate comparison portion for performing comparison concerning a difference between coordinates on at least one control axis in the block skip command and the block skip end command.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: A lithography system and method for calculating an optimal discrete time trajectory for a movable device is described. A trajectory planner of the lithography system calculates an optimal discrete time trajectory subject to maximum velocity and maximum acceleration constraints. The trajectory planner begins by calculating a continuous time, three-segment trajectory for a reticle stage, a wafer stage or a framing blade, including a first phase for acceleration at the maximum acceleration to the maximum velocity, a second phase for travel at the maximum velocity and a third phase for deceleration at the negative maximum acceleration to a final velocity. Next, the trajectory planner converts said continuous time, three-segment trajectory to a discrete time trajectory. The time of execution of the resulting trajectory is at most three quanta greater than the time of execution of the continuous time trajectory. One advantage of the system is the reduction of scanning times of a lithography system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to measure a communication data volume for each service type in measuring a communication data volume in a charging process and the like. The invention comprises a plurality of measuring points 131 to 133 for measuring a communication data volume and a data relaying apparatus 120 for transmitting received data to any of the plurality of measuring points 131 to 133. The data relaying apparatus 120 has a service-type judging means 121 for judging the service type of the received data, a measuring point determining means 122 for determining the measuring points 131 to 133 to which the data is to be transmitted based on the service type and a data transmission means 122 for transmitting the data to the measuring point thus determined, and each of the plurality of measuring points 131 to 133 has a communication data measuring means for measuring the communication data volume of the data received from the data relaying apparatus 120.

Abstract: A storage unit stores ranges of devices allocated for each sequence program. A device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit. The device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: In an autonomous cooperative control system a job description of job steps is drafted in a scripting language and compared to corresponding machine steps associated with each independently controlled machine also drafted in the same scripting language for simple comparison and generation of sub-bids for further bidding. The machine steps generated for each ACU provides a vocabulary for the job description language which may be further simplified by hiding lower level machine steps in the ACUs to be activated only upon a matching with a job step. The ACUs may select between connected and unconnected messaging based on historical communication patterns to reduce network traffic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing process control in a graphical user interface are provided. One embodiment is a method for managing process control in a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A programming device with a software tool provided to create a control program based on a control problem to be solved, e.g., controlling a technical process. A user is given information on software blocks (A-G) that are stored in the programming device (1) and/or in an automation device (4). In particular, the software blocks are configured for the programming device to recognize those software blocks that are stored in the programming device (1) and those that are stored in the automation device (4). The programming device, by performing a comparison, displays the comparison result for a user of the programming device.

Abstract: A method of linking source units of food with product items that include at least a portion of one or more of the source units of food, where a conversion process produces a plurality of product items from a plurality of source units (e.g., at a meat processing plant). A conversion algorithm is created to estimate within a desired confidence level a range of the amount of time required by the conversion process to produce a product item from one or more of the source units of food. A range of an amount of conversion time required to produce a selected product item is estimated by applying the conversion algorithm. The estimated range amount of conversion time for the selected product item is subtracted from the time of exit from the conversion process for the selected product item to generate an estimated time range of entry. Each source unit having a time of entry into the conversion process within the estimated time range of entry is identified.

Abstract: A storage unit stores ranges of devices allocated for each sequence program. A device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit. The device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: A process for programming an automation application program on an automation equipment programming station, including defining several structured type objects each representing an input-output channel of automation equipment, declaring symbolic input-output variables of the program as an instance of a previously defined structured type object, a configuring symbolic input-output variables comprising a definition of the physical location of inputs-outputs of the automation equipment, automatically interpreting the program to execute it on the automation equipment, comprising replacing symbolic variables in the program with the complete topological address of corresponding input-output information.

Abstract: A method that efficiently implements evolutionary algorithms on heterogeneous computer clusters (FIG. 4); in which method a central process delegates subpopulations of individuals of similar fitness (211) to separate computers where they evolve for a certain number of generations (212) after which they return to the central pool before the delegation is repeated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing sensors. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a sensor management system determines system information needs, selects one of several measurement functions capable of satisfying the system information needs, and identifies sensors to be used for performing the selected measurement function.

Abstract: A system and method generates test vectors and a corresponding test program to manipulate terminal units in a building system so pressure and flow measurements correspond to independent modeling equations. The pressure and flow responses of the building system to the test program manipulation may be used to compute loss coefficients for the modeling equations. The modeling equations may then be updated with the computed loss coefficients so a building simulation may be performed. The simulated static pressure response of the modeling equations may be compared to measured static pressures to evaluate the sufficiency of the modeling equations.

Abstract: A learning control apparatus in a reversing rolling mill is disclosed. The learning control apparatus adds a learning calculation means that performs learning calculations based on actual values in the previous pass so as to be able to cope with the pass schedule composition peculiar to the reversing rolling mills. Furthermore, by storing learning calculation values of model errors that depend on materials and product dimensions in tables prepared group division by group division that can assimilate intrinsic model errors, the learning control apparatus of the present invention makes possible stable operation and improves accuracy of the product.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A lithography system and method for calculating an optimal discrete time trajectory for a movable device is described. A trajectory planner of the lithography system calculates an optimal discrete time trajectory subject to maximum velocity and maximum acceleration constraints. The trajectory planner begins by calculating a continuous time, three-segment trajectory for a reticle stage, a wafer stage or a framing blade, including a first phase for acceleration at the maximum acceleration to the maximum velocity, a second phase for travel at the maximum velocity and a third phase for deceleration at the negative maximum acceleration to a final velocity. Next, the trajectory planner converts continuous time, three-segment trajectory to a discrete time trajectory. The time of execution of the resulting trajectory is at most three quanta greater than the time of execution of the continuous time trajectory. One advantage of the system is the reduction of scanning times of a lithography system.

Abstract: A control arithmetic device includes a subtracting section, disturbance application detecting section, error correction amount calculating section, error correction amount convergence calculating section, and control arithmetic section. The subtracting section calculates the error of a controlled variable on the basis of a controlled variable and set point for a controlled system. The disturbance application detecting section detects, in control cycles, on the basis of the error output whether a disturbance is applied. The error correction amount calculating section calculates an error correction amount on the basis of the magnitude of the error when application of a disturbance is detected. The error correction amount convergence calculating section performs a convergence operation. A control arithmetic method is also presented.

Abstract: An electronic instrument includes instrument hardware, core software, and the ability to support custom data processing libraries, separate from the core software. The instrument hardware acquires unprocessed measured data. The core software includes standard measurement objects and standard algorithms. The standard measurement objects produce analysis results of the unprocessed measured data. The standard algorithms are used by the standard measurement objects to aid in production of analysis results of the unprocessed measured data. Custom libraries as supported by the core software include custom measurement objects and custom algorithms. The custom measurement objects produce analysis results of the unprocessed measured data. The custom algorithms are used by the custom measurement objects to aid in production of analysis results of the unprocessed measured data.

Abstract: To provide an algorithm-based optimizing controller which can search for an optimal solution in line with user requirements with reduced time requirements for optimization.

Abstract: A programming system for a robot comprises a portable programming terminal (6) having a series of jog keys (14) for controlling the motions of the robot, a key (18) for selecting one among a plurality of possible co-ordinate system for the jog keys (14) and a key (21) for storing the position reached by a predefined point of a tool supported by the robot, as a result of a motion thereof. The terminal (6) comprises additional control keys (40, 41), able to be operated manually instead of the jog keys (14), to cause, independently from the co-ordinate system selected with the selection key (18), a Cartesian and/or angular displacement of the predefined point of the tool relative to a reference point that may be varied at will, which corresponds to the position of the operator who uses the terminal (6).

Abstract: A system relates to the up-to-date of firmware for a computer memory system is disclosed. Firstly, a computer memory will be divided into as four portions using the function of this method according to this present invention. Also, these four portions are employed as the following functions. The first portion is Initial Program, the second portion is Firmware (P1), the third portion is a Backup Firmware (P2), the fourth portion is P1 Firmware Parameter, and finally the fifth portion is P2 firmware, respectively.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus wherein respective planes constituting a solid input from a two-dimensional three-side view drawing are displayed on a screen. When a reference plane and a butting plane are specified within the respective planes, a temporary development diagram is generated in which the butting plane is butted to the reference plane. A solid figure is generated by bending the temporary development diagram based on a bending condition and displayed interlockingly in a region different from a region where the temporary development diagram is displayed. A development diagram obtained by extracting external frame loop and bending lines of the temporary development diagram is transmitted to CAM on a preceding stage.

Abstract: A method of automatically sorting and placing parts for inspection is described which includes orienting the parts within a feeder and delivering the oriented parts from the feeder to an escapement. Once the parts are delivered, they are advanced from the escapement, one at a time, down a ramp, and caught by a resilient material. The parts are then transferred ring from the resilient material to a parts fixture and positioned for inspection in the parts fixture within ±0.001 inch in a vertical direction and within 0.002 inches in x and y directions, x and y defining a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A system and a method for programming and/or operating an automation system has a programming system/method which presents the technological sequence as a chain of steps (or flowchart) but functions as a combination logic. For low-cost programming of the automation system accompanied by a high level of data consistency, it is proposed that, in order to program the automation system, a data program DP which can be executed on a data processing device and is formed, at the time of the execution, directly from a specific execution plan which contains the sequences of the program to be carried out as well as combination logic assigned to the sequences is provided. This results in an execution-oriented combination logic which can be used for designing, programming and/or documenting the data program of the automation system.

Abstract: A method for programming a thermostat, comprising the steps of providing a thermostat programmed to convert programming codes into time-temperature schedules; determining a desired time-temperature schedule; developing a programming code corresponding to the desired time-temperature schedule; and entering the programming code into the thermostat, whereby the programming code is translated into the desired time-temperature schedule. The schedule and programming code can advantageously be determined by a user by accessing a server via computer network, on a suitably programmed personal computer, by telephone, or by any other suitable method of allowing the user access to software for determining the schedule and developing the desired code.

Abstract: A method of predicting by non-invasive testing the available energy of a battery at any state of charge by acquiring data of the parameters of internal resistance (IR), open circuit voltage (OCV) and temperature (T), the points of voltage and current of the slope on a positive current ramp of Vup and Iup at the transition from charge to overcharge and on a negative current ramp of Vdn and Idn at the transition from overcharge to charge for a plurality of batteries. Next an algorithm in the form of a linear equation is developed using this data. The available energy of a battery under test is predicted by acquiring from it the numerical data values of these parameters and applying them to the algorithm.

Abstract: A supervisory control apparatus in which events that occur in the individual sections of equipment or a system having a hierarchical structure are identified and used for its maintenance and operation. To increase the efficiency and the flexibility of supervisory control without altering the hardware configuration. For this purpose, the apparatus provides a supervisory control apparatus in which immediately lower-rank components to which an event that has occurred in each of a plurality of components may spread are registered in advance. A particular status that an event occurred in a higher-rank component has spread to all lower-rank components is individually registered based on an iterative algorithm. An event occurred in a component where such a particular status is registered is negated.

Abstract: The integration of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a motion control (NC) into a universal motion control (UMC) is realized by a tailored and nonetheless essentially user-configurable run-level model for processing of software tasks. This run-level model consists of types of different user levels and system levels with different priorities. In particular, one of the run levels (FA) can be configured very effectively according to user requirements. Thus, this kind of universal motion control (UMC) can be optimized by software to the particular requirements of the control task and the technical process.

Abstract: A plumbing control system includes a plurality of plumbing fixtures operated by an electronic control board having a microprocessor. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility from a central computer. Network software running on the central computer communicates with the control boards. The software includes a binding feature that requires reporting of a network operating variable at a first control board to the central computer or a second control board. The network software also has site and device setup forms.

Abstract: A computer system for detecting alteration of programs in which a plurality of check program portions are read from a storage medium which carries computer programs including the check program portions. Each check program portion is executed to detect alteration of at least one other check program portion.

Abstract: A real time imaging system includes a programmable detector framing node controlling generation of radiation and controlling radioscopic image detection. Radioscopic image data is acquired and communicated by the detector framing node independently of a host computer operating system. The detector framing node controls events in real time according to an event instruction sequence and communicates the received radioscopic image data to host memory through a computer communication bus. The image data is received from a selected flat panel detector of a plurality of different flat panel detectors. The detector framing node is programmable by way of a pair of JTAG loops. The JTAG loops receive programming instructions from the host computer and from a pair of JTAG ports.

Abstract: A Kalman filter algorithm is used for estimation in a feedback control system for a moving web. Matrices of the Kalman filter algorithm are solved with reduced computational complexity. One of the matrices is solved as a diagonal matrix for both state prediction and covariance and another matrix for gain is solved merely as a vector.

Abstract: A method for programming a controller, in particular in a motor vehicle, which is switched from the operating mode to the programming mode by a signal which is supplied externally to the controller. In a method which ensures adequate protection against unauthorized reprogramming of the controller and is nevertheless simple to handle, the external signal is used to produce switching information in a programmable read only memory, which stores at least one operating program and/or data (which is updated at predetermined intervals) for the controller and causes the changeover to the programming mode when the controller is activated.

Abstract: An automatic washer disinfector apparatus performs cleaning/disinfection of an object under program control, a data storage medium which stores therein identification data concerning the object is individually provided on each object to be cleaned/disinfected, and at least one RFID transmission/reception circuit main body which enables data communication with the data storage medium when an arbitrary object is set in a cleaning chamber of the automatic washer disinfector apparatus is provided on the inside, the surface or the outer side of the automatic washer disinfector apparatus. Further, an appropriate program is selected from a plurality of cleaning/disinfection programs based on the identification data of the object obtained by data communication with the data storage medium, and the selected program is activated, thereby cleaning/disinfecting the object.

Abstract: A method allows estimation of selected parameters of a given population based on non-homogenous sampling of the population data. In the method, an algorithm is applied to data in a ‘least parts’ approach, to facilitate the assumption that sampling of data is ‘piece-wise’ homogenous, when it is known that overall, the data sampling is not homogeneous.

Abstract: To train the sequential kinematic behavior of an automated telekinegenesis robot system, a virtual reality simulator is driven with kinematic parameter data derived from a teleoperational device, which models the sequential behavior to be exhibited by the target robot. Sensor outputs of the teleoperational device are processed by a geometry conversion algorithm, to generate data representative of the spatial kinematics of the robot's desired travel path. A kinematic machine simulator program within a robotic control simulation workstation simulates a virtual machine based upon the actual parameters of the robot. The virtual reality simulation program is interactive, allowing the workstation operator to selectively interrupt the operation of the machine, modify its control parameters, and then rerun the program, until the desired behavior of the target machine is achieved.

Abstract: A test data system includes a first computer system that has an electronic logbook. Test results are entered into the electronic logbook by the user/test person. The electronic logbook contains the e-mail address of a logbook program in a second computer system. The test results are forwarded by e-mail to the logbook program, which parses the test results and formats them for the entry in a test results database of a test management system. A test management system program is run to update the test results database with the test results and sends confirmation and/or any error messages back to the user at the first computer system.

Abstract: A display driver apparatus with improved general applicability is capable of operating in any one of a plurality of gradient display modes. Such a display driver apparatus drives a liquid crystal panel by an MLS driving method in which the first L (e.g., L=4) common electrodes are simultaneously selected in a first selection period and successive groups of L common electrodes are simultaneously selected in successive selection periods. 8-bit display data for each segment electrode are simultaneously read from a display data RAM, and latched on a display data latch circuit. A decoder having first and second sub-decoders decode divided upper and lower four bits of the 8-bit display data, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing environment (110) for a wafer fab, and an SPC environment (112) for setting control limits and acquiring metrology data of production runs. A computation environment (114) processes the SPC data, which are then analyzed in an analysis environment (116). An MES environment (118) evaluates the analysis and automatically executes a process intervention if the process is outside the control limits. Additionally, the present invention provides for an electrical power management system, a spare parts inventory and scheduling system and a wafer fab efficiency system. These systems employ algorithms (735, 1135 and 1335).

Abstract: A single machining program including turning and milling program steps together with a turning mode command or a milling mode command is stored in a program memory. When the turning mode command is read out from the program, a numerical control apparatus analyzes the program according to a G code architecture for lathe by numerical controller #1 for turning to control servo motors and a spindle motor. When the milling mode command is read out from the program, the apparatus analyzes the program according to the G code architecture for milling by a numerical controller #2 for milling to control the servo motors and the spindle motor.

Abstract: An optimal control system is described having multiple aspects. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided for eliminating integrator windup. This aspect includes forming a control difference signal that is a combination of differenced inputs and then subsequently integrating and limiting the control difference signal to form a control signal that is provided to the plant. In another aspect, an arrangement is provided for eliminating cross-channel coupling. In this aspect, an error signal is formed as the difference between a commanded signal and a regulator sensor signal. In addition, an injection error signal is combined with the error signal. The injection error is of an amount sufficient to ensure that only an attainable command signal is provided to the plant, without significant cross-channel coupling due to saturation of a control effector. In another aspect, an arrangement is provided for improving output mixing of the control signal between available plant effectors.

Abstract: When a motor vehicle is not in motion, an algorithm for establishing the initial zero point offset values for a yaw rate sensor as may be used in motor vehicle software control systems. The initial values are the manufactured values and are downloaded into the vehicle ECU at the time of the manufacture of the ECU. When the vehicle is waken at the vehicle assembly and the ignition is first turned on, the initial actual value of the zero point offset is stored both as a maximum and minimum value. At subsequent adjusting times when the vehicle is not moving, but the ignition is on, the spread between the maximum and minimum values are checked. If the spread becomes greater than a desired predetermined spread, the value, be it the maximum or minimum value reflects the measured value and the other value is adjusted to be within the desired spread. When the ignition is turned off and the vehicle is not moving, the zero point offset maximum and minimum values are stored in memory.

Abstract: An airdata estimation and evaluation system and method, including a stable algorithm for estimating airdata from nonintrusive surface pressure measurements. The airdata estimation and evaluation system is preferably implemented in a flush airdata sensing (FADS) system. The system and method of the present invention take a flow model equation and transform it into a triples formulation equation. The triples formulation equation eliminates the pressure related states from the flow model equation by strategically taking the differences of three surface pressures, known as triples. This triples formulation equation is then used to accurately estimate and compute vital airdata from nonintrusive surface pressure measurements.