Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for predicting an occurrence of a tool processing event, thereby determining whether to activate a virtual metrology. In a model-building stage, plural sets of model-building data are used to create at least one classification model in accordance with at least one classification algorithm, in which each classification model includes plural decision trees. Then, probabilities of the decision trees are used to create at least one reliance index model, and the sets of model-building data are used to create at least one similarity index model in accordance with a statistical distance algorithm. In a conjecture stage, a set of processing data of a workpiece is inputted into each classification model, each reliance index model and each similarity index model to determine whether to activate (start) virtual metrology.

Abstract: To prevent a collision of a movable part without generating an alarm excessively in manual feed. A machine learning device includes: a state observation unit that acquires, as input data, manual feed state information including a manual feed pulse waveform at a time of a manual feed operation in any manual feed operation performed in a machine tool capable of manual feed; a label acquisition unit that acquires label data indicating a distance by which a movable part of the machine tool moved within a predetermined time immediately after the manual feed pulse waveform of the manual feed state information included in the input data; and a learning unit that executes supervised learning by using the input data acquired by the state observation unit and the label data acquired by the label acquisition unit, and generates a learned model.

Abstract: A prediction method of part surface roughness and tool wear based on multi-task learning belong to the file of machining technology. Firstly, the vibration signals in the machining process are collected; next, the part surface roughness and tool wear are measured, and the measured results are corresponding to the vibration signals respectively; secondly, the samples are expanded, the features are extracted and normalized; then, a multi-task prediction model based on deep belief networks (DBN) is constructed, and the part surface roughness and tool wear are taken as the output of the model, and the features are extracted as the input to establish the multi-task DBN prediction model; finally, the vibration signals are input into the multi-task prediction model to predict the surface roughness and tool wear.

Abstract: An assistance apparatus includes a status information acquiring section that acquires a grinding condition as a status information, the grinding condition including set states associated with a plurality of movement command data, an evaluation result acquiring section that acquires evaluation results of a plurality of evaluation objects that are obtained under the grinding condition, a reward calculating section that calculates a reward for the status information based on the evaluation results, a policy storing section that stores a policy which is obtained from a value function, an action determining section that determines the movement command data to be adjusted and an adjustment amount at which said movement command data is adjusted, from among candidates of the plurality of movement command data that are adjustable, based on the status information and the policy, and an action information outputting section that is configured to output determined contents including an action information.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method for processing a data set comprising: obtaining a measurement dataset; applying a preprocessing algorithm to the measurement dataset to obtain a preprocessed measurement dataset; applying a classification algorithm to the preprocessed measurement dataset to classify a feature represented by the measurement dataset; determining a quality of the classification of the feature; and adjusting the preprocessing algorithm based on the determined quality. Adjusting the preprocessing algorithm comprises applying a selection algorithm. The selection algorithm describes the change in a value of a parameter of the preprocessing algorithm depending on the determined quality. The preprocessing algorithm comprises at least one of the following operations applied to the measurement dataset: binning; differentiation; integration; and forming tuples having a predetermined relationship from the measurement dataset.

Abstract: The present application relates to a user attribute information verification method and system, a computer device, and a storage medium.

Abstract: Graphical element detection using a combined series and delayed parallel execution unified target technique that potentially uses a plurality of graphical element detection techniques, performs default user interface (UI) element detection technique configuration at the application and/or UI type level, or both, is disclosed. The unified target merges multiple techniques of identifying and automating UI elements into a single cohesive approach. A unified target descriptor chains together multiple types of UI descriptors in series, uses them in parallel, or uses at least one technique first for a period of time and then runs at least one other technique in parallel or alternatively if the first technique does not find a match within the time period.

Abstract: A food production management system that manages a food production process group having a plurality of production processes is disclosed. The food production management system includes a first acquisition unit and an output unit. The first acquisition unit acquires throughputs of each of the plurality of production processes. The output unit outputs first information. The first information includes information representing the throughputs of each of the plurality of production processes.

Abstract: A method for estimating a bearing load in a bearing having a first ring, a second ring and a row of rolling elements arranged between the first ring and the second ring, the method including: equipping the first ring with at least one strain sensor probe, transmitting a strain signal waveform from the at least one strain sensor probe to an electronic control unit, extracting shape information of the waveform of the strain signal using a first harmonic component (u) and a second harmonic component (v) of the strain signal, and calculating a bearing load estimation as a polynomial function of the first and second harmonic components (u, v) of the strain signal.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a geometry of a component that includes a plurality of locations on a surface of the component; determining a first target trajectory including a first plurality of target trajectory points and a second target trajectory including a second plurality of target trajectory points, the first and second trajectories offset in a first direction, and the first and second plurality of trajectory points offset in a second direction; determining a respective target coating thickness of the coating based on a target coated component geometry and the geometry; and determining a respective motion vector of a coating device based on the first and second target trajectories to deposit the respective target coating thickness.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a geometry of an uncoated component and a measured coating thickness of a coated test; determining a simulated coating thickness based on the geometry and a first spray law including a plurality of first spray law parameters; determining a difference between the simulated coating thicknesses and the measured coating thickness; iteratively adjusting at least one first spray law parameter to determine a respective subsequent spray law and determining a respective subsequent difference between the measured coating thickness and a subsequent simulated coating thickness based on the geometry and the respective subsequent spray law; selecting a subsequent spray law from the plurality of respective subsequent spray laws based on the respective subsequent differences; and controlling a coating process based on the selected subsequent spray law to compensate for the difference.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving, by a computing device, a geometry of the component that includes a plurality of locations on a surface of the component; determining, by the computing device, a respective target thickness of the coating for each respective location of the plurality of locations based on a target coated component geometry and the geometry of the component; and determining, by the computing device, a number of passes or velocity of a coating device for each respective position of a plurality of positions to achieve the respective target thickness for each respective location.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a first geometry of a component in an uncoated state and a second geometry of the component in a coated state; determining a first difference between the second geometry and a first simulated geometry based on the first geometry and a first spray law comprising a plurality of first spray law parameters; iteratively adjusting at least one first spray law parameter to determine a respective subsequent spray law; iteratively determining a respective subsequent difference between the second geometry and a subsequent simulated geometry based on the first geometry and the subsequent respective spray law; selecting a subsequent spray law from the respective subsequent spray laws based on the respective subsequent differences; and controlling a coating process based on the selected subsequent spray law.

Abstract: A method, comprising: displaying, on a user device, graphical objects representing risks; receiving, from the user device, gesture inputs via the graphical objects to collect risk data for the risks; providing a graphical risk model representing the risks and the collected risk data for display on the user device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the characteristics of a material by measuring electrical properties of a material uses a material monitoring device and a cloud database that relates electrical properties of a material to characteristics of that material. The aging and fermentation processes of wine and other alcohols can be monitored. The status and decomposition of foodstuffs can be monitored. The progress of chemical reactions in a vessel can be monitored. Water quality of water from a water conduit can be monitored. These characteristics can be indicated on a product monitoring device or can be communicated to an external computing device.

Abstract: A wellness analyzer is in communications with sensors that generate real-time physiological data from a patient. The wellness analyzer is also in communications with databases that provide non-real-time information relevant to a medical-related assessment of the patient. In a diagnostic mode, a monitor layer inputs the sensor data and adjunct layers input the database information. Adjunct layer logic blocks process the database information so as to output supplemental information to the monitor. Monitor logic blocks process the sensor data and the supplemental information so as to generate a wellness output. In a simulation mode, a simulator generates at least one parameter and the monitor generates a predictive wellness output accordingly.

Abstract: A machine having a plurality of sub-assemblies, having a geometric computational model is generated for the machine, including the sub-assemblies and one or more module of machine readable code defining how vibration is communicated through said geometric model. First and second instances of the computational model are run to generate outputs of loading throughout the machine geometry as a result of the vibration of the geometric model under a simulated machine operating condition. The first and second instances respectively includes the computational model with and without inclusion of vibration induced by a control system for one or more sub-assembly of the machine. A maximum loading threshold is determined for the machine. A threshold for one or more control parameter in the control system is set based on the contribution of the vibration induced by the control system to the maximum loading threshold.

Abstract: A robot system including a master device configured to receive a manipulating instruction from an operator and transmit the received manipulating instruction as a manipulating input signal, a plurality of slave robots configured to operate according to the manipulating input signal transmitted from the master device, a management control device configured to manage operations of the plurality of slave robots, respectively, and an output device configured to output information transmitted from the management control device. The management control device determines a priority of transmitting the manipulating input signal from the master device to the slave robot among the plurality of slave robots that are in a standby state of the manipulating input signal, and transmits information related to the determined priority to the output device. Thus, the operator is able to efficiently transmit the manipulating input signal to the plurality of slave robots through the master device.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly comprises a sprocket support body. The sprocket support body includes at least ten external spline teeth, a base support, and a larger-diameter part. The at least ten external spline teeth are configured to engage with a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. The at least ten external spline teeth radially outwardly extend from the base support. The larger-diameter part extends radially outwardly from the base support. Each of the at least ten external spline teeth has an external-spline driving surface and an external-spline non-driving surface.

Abstract: A feeder management device and method for managing feeders when producing a board based on a production plan including a board conveyance device; a component supply device in which multiple feeders are detachably mounted at multiple installation positions; and an electronic component mounter including a component transfer device. The method including a current state memory step of linking and storing a current component type of the electronic components, being supplied by the currently mounted feeder, and a position of the mounted feeder; a plan memory step of linking and storing required component types of the electronic components, being mounted on the multiple types of boards, and a position of the feeder of supplying the required components; and a reel removal guide step to remove a first reel from a first feeder of supplying the electronic components of which current state component type does not match the required component types.

Abstract: When a product is produced at the facility, a product ID of the product to be produced and setting values of a plurality of control parameters are received from a console terminal, and a transformation model corresponding to the combination of the product ID of the product to be produced and setting values of the plurality of the control parameters is read from a transformation model storage part. Then, in accordance with the read transformation model, the reference learning data stored in a reference learning data storage part is data-transformed and individual learning data corresponding to the product to be produced is generated, and with use of the individual learning data, whether measurement data output from sensors in the facility is abnormal is discriminated.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving, by a computing device, a geometry of the component that includes a plurality of locations on a surface of the component; determining, by the computing device, a respective target thickness of the coating for each respective location of the plurality of locations based on a target coated component geometry and the geometry of the component; and determining, by the computing device, a number of passes or velocity of a coating device for each respective position of a plurality of positions to achieve the respective target thickness for each respective location.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a geometry of an uncoated component and a measured coating thickness of a coated test; determining a simulated coating thickness based on the geometry and a first spray law including a plurality of first spray law parameters; determining a difference between the simulated coating thicknesses and the measured coating thickness; iteratively adjusting at least one first spray law parameter to determine a respective subsequent spray law and determining a respective subsequent difference between the measured coating thickness and a subsequent simulated coating thickness based on the geometry and the respective subsequent spray law; selecting a subsequent spray law from the plurality of respective subsequent spray laws based on the respective subsequent differences; and controlling a coating process based on the selected subsequent spray law to compensate for the difference.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a geometry of a component that includes a plurality of locations on a surface of the component; determining a first target trajectory including a first plurality of target trajectory points and a second target trajectory including a second plurality of target trajectory points, the first and second trajectories offset in a first direction, and the first and second plurality of trajectory points offset in a second direction; determining a respective target coating thickness of the coating based on a target coated component geometry and the geometry; and determining a respective motion vector of a coating device based on the first and second target trajectories to deposit the respective target coating thickness.

Abstract: An example method that includes receiving a first geometry of a component in an uncoated state and a second geometry of the component in a coated state; determining a first difference between the second geometry and a first simulated geometry based on the first geometry and a first spray law comprising a plurality of first spray law parameters; iteratively adjusting at least one first spray law parameter to determine a respective subsequent spray law; iteratively determining a respective subsequent difference between the second geometry and a subsequent simulated geometry based on the first geometry and the subsequent respective spray law; selecting a subsequent spray law from the respective subsequent spray laws based on the respective subsequent differences; and controlling a coating process based on the selected subsequent spray law.

Abstract: Systems and methods for content provisioning are disclosed herein. The system can include memory having a content database, a task database, and a user profile database. The system can include a user device having a first network interface and a first I/O subsystem. The system can include a server that can: receive a user identifier from the user device; retrieve user information from the user profile database, which user information identifies one or several attributes of the user; retrieve user task data from the task database, which user task data identifies a plurality of tasks for completion by the user; automatically generate prioritization data for the plurality of tasks identified by the user task data; select a task based on the prioritization data; and send content relating to the selected task to the user device.

Abstract: A system that provides automated/semi-automated price quotations for fabricating one or more instantiations of a structure that is modeled in a computer model. The system automatedly extracts price-influencing data from the computer model. The system uses the extracted pricing data, non-extracted pricing data, and pricing parameters to automatedly determine a firm fabrication-price quotation. In some embodiments, the system further includes fabrication ordering functionality that allows a user place a fabrication order with a fabricator based on the firm price quotation. Such systems can be implemented in any of a wide variety of manners, such as within a single computing device or across a communications network, among others. In some embodiments, functionalities of the system are integrated into computer-modeling software directly of via add-on software.

Abstract: Direct network connections using cloud instance for multipoint meeting service is provided between two or more computers on a network to facilitate a variety of activities, including desktop sharing, web-meetings, and web-conferences. A first computer sends a request to start a multipoint meeting to a server. The server requests a computing cloud to launch a cloud instance for the first computer. A second computer uses connection information for the first computer cloud instance to send to the first computer cloud instance connection information for the second computer via direct network connection. From this point on, the first computer and the second computer exchange data for multipoint meeting via a direct network connection using the first computer cloud instance, independently of the server.

Abstract: A manufacture parameters grouping and analyzing method, and a manufacture parameters grouping and analyzing system are provided. The manufacture parameters grouping and analyzing method includes the following steps: A plurality of process factors are classified into a plurality of groups. In each of the groups, an intervening relationship between any two of the process factors is larger than a predetermined correlation value. In each of the groups, at least one representative factor is selected from each of the groups according to a plurality of outputting relationships of the process factors related to an output factor or a plurality of sample amounts of the process factors. Finally, the representative factor is used for various applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating customized guide materials associated with a product include a computing device that receives user input information associated with the product. The user input information includes a plurality of user selected options. A plurality of rules define the relationships between each specific combination of user selectable options a pre-defined set of guide modules from among a plurality of guide modules that are relevant to that specific combination of options selected by the user. The guide modules may include textual information, image information, audio information and/or video information. The customized guide materials are generated based on the pre-defined set of guide modules, and may be output for presentation on a user computing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable medium for scheduling a substrate processing sequence in an integrated substrate processing system are disclosed herein. A processing device generates a processing model for a batch of semiconductor substrates. The processing model defines a corresponding start time for each semiconductor substrate in each processing chamber in the integrated substrate processing system. One or more graphics processing units (GPUs) generates parallel inputs based on the processing model and concurrently processes, by a plurality of cores of the one or more GPUs, the parallel inputs to generate parallel outputs for the batch of semiconductor substrates. Each of the parallel inputs is processed on a distinct core of the plurality of cores of the one or more GPUs to generate a corresponding parallel output. The processing device causes the batch of semiconductor substrates to be processed in the integrated substrate processing system based on the parallel outputs.

Abstract: Based on at least one manufacturing process characteristics associated with a manufacturing process, a prediction time at which to execute a selected machine learning model selected from multiple trained machine learning models is determined, and at the prediction time, the selected machine learning model is executed. Executing the selected machine learning model predicts a control set point for future values of state variables of the manufacturing process, for controlling the manufacturing process. Based on at least one of the manufacturing process characteristics, a learning time at which to train a machine learning model is determined, and at the learning time, the machine learning model is trained based on historical process data associated with the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of validating a design for a graphical user interface of a motor vehicle includes creating a tentative design, and/or a few drafts or prototype for the graphical user interface. A blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is produced. The blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is tested for readability and whether the overall GUI design is suited to be perceived at a glance. If it is determined that the blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is not readable or understandable, then the graphical user interface is redesigned and the producing and testing steps are repeated for the redesigned graphical user interface. After the blurred graphical user interface design has been determined to be readable, then a higher fidelity graphical user interface is made.

Abstract: A method for exposing a wafer substrate includes forming a reticle having a device pattern. A relative orientation between the device pattern and a mask field of an exposure tool is determined based on mask field utilization. The reticle is loaded on the exposure tool. The wafer substrate is rotated based on an orientation of the device pattern. Radiation is projected through the reticle onto the rotated wafer substrate by the exposure tool, thereby imaging the device pattern onto the rotated wafer substrate.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for generating a customized user interface variant of a software application are disclosed. At least one configuration parameter in a plurality of configuration parameters is received. The configuration parameter is used for configuring a user interface of the software application. Based on the configuration parameter, the software application accesses at least one business process to generate the configured user interface. At least one requirement in a plurality of requirements of the business process is linked to the configuration parameter. The configured user interface can be generated based on the configuration parameter and the linking of the requirement of the business process and the configuration parameter.

Abstract: A wire electrical discharge machine and a wire electrical discharge machining method are provided. The wire electrical discharge machine is equipped with a core position recognizing unit configured to recognize the position of a core which is fixed by a core fixing function, a core removal unit configured to remove the core, which is in the recognized position, from a workpiece on which machining has been performed, and a core removal determining unit configured to determine whether or not the core in the recognized position has actually been removed.

Abstract: A method with increased throughput for measuring positions of structures on a substrate is disclosed. The substrate is taken from a load port of a metrology machine and is placed immediately in a stage of the metrology machine. At least two measurement loops are carried out, wherein a first measurement loop is started at a time when a substrate temperature is different from the temperature at the stage, and at least one second measurement loop is started at a time after the first measurement loop when the substrate temperature is different from the temperature at the stage. A model is used to calculate from the measured data, taken while there is a temperature mismatch between the stage and the substrate, a real grid of positions of structures on the substrate, corresponding to a situation where the temperature of the stage matches the temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid quantification instrument is provided according to the invention. The fluid quantification instrument includes one or more sensor probes and meter electronics in communication with the one or more sensor probes. The meter electronics are configured to receive one or more raw fluid measurements from the one or more sensor probes, process the one or more raw fluid measurements using a predictive system model to produce one or more optimized fluid measurements, and determine one or more fluid quantifications using at least the one or more optimized fluid measurements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring process tool conditions are disclosed. The method combines single wafer, multiple wafers within a single lot and multiple lot information together statistically as input to a custom classification engine that can consume single or multiple scan, channel, wafer and lot to determine process tool status.

Abstract: A bioreactor control system comprises a batch server for controlling a bioreactor system in response to a recipe, a batch software system for generating a control sequence for the bioreactor system via the batch server for implementing the recipe, and a recipe conversion system that inputs the recipe into the batch software system. Preferably, the recipe conversion system reads a word processor file containing the recipe and interprets styles applied to text in the word processor file as indicating equipment and phases of the recipe to the recipe conversion system. Generally, the bioreactor system includes one or more bioreactors and additional hardware to perform the upstream and downstream processing. The document properties of the word processor file containing the recipe are applied as header information for the recipe input into the batch software system.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for controlling a growth interface shape while growing a monocrystal ingot by a Czochralski method, the method including a step of starting a growth of the monocrystal ingot after setting a control condition of a monocrystal growing process so that an interface of the ingot becomes a target shape; a step of deriving a measurement value by measuring a weight of the ingot grown for a predetermined time by means of a load cell disposed on an upper portion the monocrystal ingot; a step of deriving a theoretical value of the weight of the monocrystal ingot through a diameter of the monocrystal ingot measured by a diameter measuring camera disposed outside of a process chamber for a predetermined time and a height of the monocrystal ingot grown for the predetermined time; a step of predicting a growth interface shape of a growing monocrystal ingot by deriving a difference between the measurement value and the theoretical value; and changing process conditions during growth of

Abstract: Provided in one disclosure of the present specification is a method for relaying a proximity service-based group communication by user equipment (UE) which can operate as a repeater. The method comprises the steps of: confirming whether downlink media of a plurality of group communications is transmitted from a network node according to a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) technique; determining whether all of the downlink media of the plurality of group communications can be received according to the MBMS technique; determining a specific group communication of which the downlink media is to be received according to the MBMS technique, based on priority among the group communications and the number of relayed UEs, when all of the downlink media of the plurality of group communications cannot be received according to the MBMS technique; and receiving, according to the MBMS technique, the downlink media of the specific group communication which has been determined and relaying same.

Abstract: A plastic extrusion process control method includes: receiving a plurality of historical process data of a plastic extrusion process from a database, in which each of the historical process data includes a plurality of critical parameters and a plurality of quality value; dividing each of the critical parameters into a plurality of levels; grouping the historical process data according to the levels of the critical parameters to obtain a plurality of parameter sets; calculating a quality indicator of each of the parameter sets to build an empirical response surface according to the historical process data corresponding to the parameter sets; and configuring the critical parameters of the plastic extrusion process to an automatic manufacturing system according to the empirical response surface, such that the automatic manufacturing system performs the plastic extrusion process according to the critical parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a Layered Object Manufacturing, LOM, system configured to form a colored three-dimensional (3D) object, the system comprising: a 3D object gamut mapping module configured to define a 3D object formed from a plurality of surfaces and provide a printing regime consistent with the defined 3D object, wherein the 3D object gamut mapping module is configured to analyze the orientation of a surface of each of a plurality of media layers to be printed in order to adaptively modify the color printed to that layer; and a printer configured to color print at least a portion of a first surface of each of the plurality of layers in accordance with the printing regime. Also provided is a color 3D object media layer printing module for providing a print-through region in a 3D object media layer. Also provided is a 3D object gamut mapping method, and ink for use in a Layer Object Manufacturing (LOM) system including the printing module.

Abstract: A method of repairing a structure is provided. The method includes inspecting the structure with a robotic device to identify a structural defect in the structure, generating a tool path for repairing the structural defect, and transmitting the tool path to the robotic device from a location remote from the robotic device.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, systems and methods are provided for managing production resources including scheduling production events for production resources used to manufacture products relative to time intervals while maintaining collaboration among the production resources. The systems and methods may include retrieving information related to each production resource, evaluating each production event for each product to determine a sequence of the production events, and generating potential production scheduling schemes for use of each production resource within the time intervals while maintaining collaboration among the production resources. The systems and methods may include generating a production schedule for the production events within the time intervals based on the potential production scheduling schemes for use of each production resource within the time intervals while maintaining collaboration among the production resources.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives a query for analyzing data in a database. The method then determines a constant in the query and determines an operator applied to the constant in the query. The operator explicitly controls a behavior of the constant. The constant is represented as a scalar representation in the query instead of as a vectorial representation where the constant would have been used as the vectorial representation without the use of the operator due to a rule governing use of constants. Then, the method performs a calculation for the query to determine a query result using the constant as the scalar representation.

Abstract: A method of balancing a spool of a gas turbine engine, the spool including a forward rotor assembly and an aft rotor assembly separated by a spacer, the method comprising: balancing the forward rotor assembly and the aft rotor assembly independently from one another using conventional balancing techniques; and mathematically modeling the spool; applying a modeled axial load to the modeled spool to determine a trim weight which would balance the spool when subjected to the modeled axial load; and physically placing the trim weight to one of the forward rotor assembly and the aft rotor assembly.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for dynamically determining one or more automation levels for tasks of a workflow. The mechanisms receive a workflow from a source component and receiving context and state information for an environment in which the workflow is to be performed. One or more tasks and associated task attributes are identified in the workflow and applying one or more automation rules to the context and state information and the task attributes to generate one or more automation level settings from the one or more tasks. The one or more tasks are performed in the environment in accordance with the one or more automation level settings. The automation level settings specify a degree of automation to be used when performing the one or more tasks.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for reducing cycle time of automatically created spreadsheets. Specifically, an embodiment of the present invention provides a way to create a spreadsheet from data that is in a native format more quickly and/or efficiently. To do so, the invention accesses a control file using optimized settings to create the spreadsheet. Then, after creation of the spreadsheet, the invention uses a second control file having the final settings to modify the spreadsheet in preparation for output. The invention may use agents to perform all or a portion of these activities.