27461results about "Adaptive control" patented technology

The steering angle of a vehicle is monitored using position sensors of an electric motor of an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system. A position of the electric motor corresponding to the straight-ahead, center position of the steering system is stored in non-volatile memory during a steering calibration procedure, such as an end-of-line calibration in a vehicle assembly plant. Following power loss due to a dead battery, a steering angle zeroing procedure performed in a vehicle stability control (VSC) system generates a center position with enough accuracy to be within one electrical cycle of the motor. The pre-stored electric motor position is then used to determine the electrical cycle where the center position was located, and accurate monitoring of steering angle is resumed.

A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivering to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivery to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

A home automation system and method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry / exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry / exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room occupancy states, and to one of a plurality of room modes for creating desired room atmospheres using the controlled objects, which both dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller. The room modes travel from room to room as the occupant moves throughout the home, and multiple occupants can be using different room modes as they move about the home. The controlled objects also have controlled object states, which are used by the central controller to control the controlled objects.

The improved building automation system of the present invention is modular in the extreme. This diminishes the amount of custom programming required in order to affect control of a particular building. It allows for a relatively open architecture which can accommodate a variety of unique control applications which are scripted for a particular building. By modularizing many of the common processes utilized in the automation system, the custom programming required to control any particular building is minimized. This modularity in design allows for uniform and coordinated control over a plurality of automation subsystems which may be incompatible with one another at the device or machine level, but which can be controlled utilizing a relatively small and uniform set of "interprocess control commands" which define an interprocess control protocol which is utilized in relatively high level scripts and control applications which may be written for a particular building.

A programmable and expandable building automation and control system 10. A system platform supports interchangeable smart card 12, security card 22, power supply card 24, telephone / voice / modem card 26, HVAC relay control 62, auxiliary relay control 66, power 80, telephone interface 30, sensor analog inputs 32, smoke detector interface 54, siren / strobe output 82, tamper loop 52, protected peripheral power supply 72, switched peripheral power supply 74, PLC communication protocol interface 18, RS 232 communication interface 14, RS 485 communication interface 16, touchscreen user interface 28, and “smart” key interface 34 via “smart” key 104. In addition to touchscreen and smart key interface, user-interface with system 10 is accommodated via telephone, personal computer or personal digital assistant, or through infrared or radio frequency transmission.

A room occupancy sensor, a home automation system and a method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry / exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry / exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room states, which dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller. The controlled objects also have controlled object states, which are used by the central controller to control the controlled objects. The room occupancy sensors have a sensitivity that is automatically adjusted based upon temperature measurements, and the number and timing of occupancy detections.

An electronic HVAC monitoring computer continuously monitors the general condition and efficiency of an HVAC system and notifies a central station computer via modem link or other signal transmission means, when the general condition or efficiency of the HVAC system falls below certain industry standard values by a pre-set amount.

An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation which may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a VCR, medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

A system and method are disclosed for performing energy usage management within a network. The system may include an energy management system, such as a thermostat device, that may be associated with an energy consuming entity, such as a residence. A server may be remotely located from the energy consuming entity and may perform one or more energy curtailment management operations within the network. The server may be in communication with the energy management system over the network. One or more software applications may be stored thereon for remotely controlling the energy management system in accordance with a particular energy curtailment management operation. Additionally, a database may be associated with the server for storing curtailment event information relating to the network. A signal may be transmitted by the server to the thermostat device to alter an offset temperature setting of the thermostat device thereby remotely controlling the operation of the thermostat device. The thermostat device may also include a networking software application for enabling the remote monitoring and controlling of the thermostat device.

Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and / or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and / or grid operators.

An environmental control system controls monitoring and operation of a multiplicity of disparate environmental control devices by determining an appropriate configuration for each control device and communicates corresponding monitoring and control commands to each device in accordance with its corresponding communication protocol over a selected I / O port. An operational instruction set includes a structural definition of an enterprise facility in which devices are defined by personality modules and communicate with a system host in accordance with a protocol defined in a protocol module. Facility implementation is defined by a node tree structure which collects suitable protocol nodes under a corresponding I / O interface port node. Device (personality) nodes are collected under corresponding protocol nodes, and data point nodes depend from their corresponding device nodes. Data points nodes are individually accessible by merely traversing the node tree using a URL-like notational structure, allowing off-site users to control and monitor environmental devices by issuing commands in the form of a URL.

A system PDA-based on line diagnostics for automatically discovering a thermostat configuration, turning off normal controller delays, temporary overriding sensor inputs and set points, and verifying proper output action including the monitoring the discharge air temperature for the resulting temperature behavior based on the equipment stages activated. The diagnosis may include the testing of sensors, set points, the fan, cooling equipment, heating equipment and the wiring connecting the controls with the fan, and the cooling and heating equipment. Problems discovered may be reported, automatically recorded and the original operating parameters may be restored.

A nonlinear model-based predictive temperature control system is described for use in thermal process reactors. A multivariable temperature response is predicted using a nonlinear parameterized model of a thermal process reactor. The nonlinear parameterized model is implemented using a neural network. Predictions are made in an auto-regressive moving average fashion with a receding prediction horizon. Model predictions are incorporated into a control law for estimating the optimum future control strategy. The high-speed, predictive nature of the controller renders it advantageous in multivariable rapid thermal processing reactors where fast response and high temperature uniformity are needed.

The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual. A built-in expert system can make decisions based on data from multiple sources so that the system can alter its activity to conserve energy while maintaining users' comfort.

Present invention is a system of blood glucose monitoring and intensive insulin therapy in a ICU for strict maintenance of normoglycemia which reduces intensive care and hospital mortality and morbidity of critically ill adult patients. The findings of present study also reveal factors determining insulin doses needed to maintain normoglycemia as well as the impact of insulin dose versus blood glucose level on the observed outcome benefits have been established. The invention provides a control system that adapts the flow of the insulin infusion based on insulin requirement calculated by blood glucose levels and clinical parameters such as history of diabetes, Body Mass Index, blood glucose level on admission, reason of ICU admission, time in the ICU, type and severity of illness, caloric intake, obesity, drugs affecting insulin sensitivity). This automated insulin monitoring systems significantly reduces the workload and human resource management problems for intensive insulin therapy in patients in the ICU.

A system and method for calibrating a set-point for climate control includes a sensor network having a plurality of sensors configured to report a climate condition. A database is configured to receive reports from the sensors and generate one or more profiles reflecting at least one of historic climate control information and occupant preferences. A controller is configured to receive information from the profiles to generate a set-point based upon an optimization program. The optimization program is implemented to balance competing goals to generate the set-point for controlling climate control equipment in accordance with the set-point.

A thermostat includes an improved user interface, including automatic scheduling, remote control, system failure warning messages, and Energy Star compliance messages. Diagnostics can be provided without additional communication links to the thermostat. A sub-base accepts multiple thermostats and uses color coded terminals to ease installation. Glow-in-the dark features reduce power needs. In one embodiment, thermostats are coupled to AC power sources and communicate using wireless communications to control an HVAC system. A dampered system can be effected through a thermostat that communicates directly with zoned dampers.

The present invention provides an adaptive process control and profit depiction system which is responsive to both process measurement input signals, economic inputs, and physical environment inputs. The process control system features an interactive optimization modeling system for determining manipulated process variables (also known as setpoints). These manipulated process variables are used to position mechanisms which control attributes of a manufacturing system, such as a valve controlling the temperature of a coolant or a valve controlling the flow rate in a steam line.

The need for a more-readily usable interface for programmable devices is widely recognized. The present invention relates to programmable sequencing devices, or, more particularly, the remote controls for consumer electronic devices. The present invention provides an enhanced interface for facilitating human input of a desired control sequence in a programmable device by employing specialized visual feedback. The present invention also relates to a new interface and method of interfacing with a programmable device, which is usable as an interface for a programmable video cassette recorder.

A system for gathering date in a space includes a data server, a first wireless module operably connected to the data server, a first plurality of wireless sensor modules, and at least one other wireless sensor module. The first plurality of wireless sensors module are operable to generate sensor data relating to the control and operation of an HVAC system. The first plurality of wireless sensor modules are also operable to communicate the first sensor data to the first wireless module. The at least one other wireless sensor module is operable to generate second sensor data relating to at least one of the group consisting of light fixtures, architectural fixtures and plumbing fixtures, office equipment, and vending machines and furniture. The at least one other wireless sensor module is also operable to communicate the second sensor data to the first wireless module.

An integrating device 200 for supporting one or more devices 207 capable of delivering mass, energy and / or information to occupants localized to a sub-area of a room is combined with sensors 212 capable of detecting occupants within one sub-area or another and processor 206 which correlates the coordinates of the occupants to those of the delivery devices 207 and a controller 206 that drives the specific sub-area device to provide a localized delivery of services such as lighting, heating, cooling, sound and video, intercom, noise cancellation systems, information, entertainment content, connectivity to the internet or social media, and light therapy in an automatic process based on the detected instantaneous needs of the occupant for services.

Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater.

The present invention relates to various apparatus, algorithms and methods for acquiring and processing images of a scene. Details of various aspects of the associated images are identified and may be utilized to generate various vehicular equipment control signals.

A method and system of controlling devices with digitally stored content. Devices such as home electronic appliances, lighting systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, home security systems and home entertainment systems are controlled from a single, centralized device. A set top box (STB) stores scripts that include program content for controlling the operation of a plurality of these devices from the STB. A user of the STB selects the desired scripts, and the STB accesses the selected scripts from storage based on a triggering mechanism such as time, content, event, etc. The STB selectively controls operation of certain devices designated in the script. The method provides ease of control over multiple and diverse devices, applications and media within a user's own home environment, with more functionality and flexibility than currently available.

The present invention is related to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). More particularly, the present invention is related to methods and systems for controlled heating and cooling in order to reduce costs and the carbon footprint of said heating and cooling by optimizing the use of fresh air ventilation. The present invention is directed to mathematical algorithms incorporated into a controller and a method of determining control signals that are dependent on said mathematical algorithms and user programming that integrates information from multiple sensors, thermostats as well as weather information. Used in any home or building, the controller controls heating, cooling and ventilation systems in order to reduce costs and the carbon footprint of said heating and cooling by optimizing the use of fresh air ventilation. The controller works with typical HVAC systems generally in buildings and homes. The Smart-Stat algorithms are programmed into the controller and enable the controller to identify user-determined set-points alongside data from one or multiple internal temperature sensors. The user-determined set-points are also linked to time of day and day of week in a manner typical for typical thermostat devices available today. In such typical thermostat devices the controller will call for cooling or heating depending on the set points and conditions determined by the sensors in the building. The present invention is capable of interrupting the call for cooling or heating depending on whether the mathematical algorithms identify suitable outside weather conditions that permit the use of outside air cooling or outside air heating. Thus the call for heating or cooling can be redirected to call for ventilation instead of heating or cooling.

The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual. A built-in expert system can make decisions based on data from multiple sources so that the system can alter its activity to conserve energy while maintaining users' comfort.

In a coupled control mode, the surgeon directly controls movement of an associated slave manipulator with an input device while indirectly controlling movement of one or more non-associated slave manipulators, in response to commanded motion of the directly controlled slave manipulator, to achieve a secondary objective. By automatically performing secondary tasks through coupled control modes, the system's usability is enhanced by reducing the surgeon's need to switch to another direct mode to manually achieve the desired secondary objective. Thus, coupled control modes allow the surgeon to better focus on performing medical procedures and to pay less attention to managing the system.

A method and apparatus is disclosed for assessing performance of control applications in an environmental control network and for diagnosing performance problems. The apparatus includes a performance assessment and diagnostic display comprising a facility navigation tree, a system navigation tree and a performance / diagnostics window. The facility navigation tree and system navigation tree may be used to select the facilities and systems that are to have their associated control applications assessed and / or diagnosed. The performance / diagnostics window includes graphs of performance indictors that are indicative of performance levels for the included control applications. The system tree may be used to delve to more detailed views of the performance indicators to obtain additional information that may help to diagnose problems noted in performance of the selected control applications.