Knowledge Based (e.g., Expert System) Patents (Class 700/104)
  • Patent number: 7978544
    Abstract: Techniques for providing a unified view of a domain model to a user are described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a first search query received from a client via a first search mechanism (e.g., outside of the relational DB) for a list of persistent objects representing data entries of a relational database, it is determined whether the persistent objects have been accessed via a second search query via a second search mechanism based on an object identifier of the persistent object. If the requested persistent object has been accessed via a second search query, an identical instance of the persistent object is returned to the client as a result of the first search query. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Bernard
  • Publication number: 20110166682
    Abstract: Sketches, notes and 2D computer drawings of a designed garment can be input into a computing device. The computing device can apply optical character recognition, shape inference, figure recognition, domain intelligence and inferred knowledge to automatically generate a garment construction specification from the input information. The garment construction specification can include a detailed description of each component of the garment, followed by step-by-step instructions, such as could be consumed by a computer-controlled device, regarding the joining of the components to create the garment. A virtual garment generation mechanism can create a 3D rendering of the garment by constructing each component and then joining them together to act as a single 3D piece. Material behavioral properties can also be applied to the 3D rendering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cole Brooking, Nishant Dani, Pragyana K. Mishra, Pengpeng Wang, Manjula Ananthnarayanan Iyer
  • Publication number: 20110166686
    Abstract: A method of automatic calibration of a design for manufacturing (DfM) simulation tool includes providing, as a first input, one or more defined rules for each of one or more semiconductor device levels to be simulated by the tool, and providing, as a second input, a plurality of defined feature size threshold ranges and increments for use in histogram generation of a number of failures with respect to a reference circuit; providing, as a third input, the reference circuit; executing the defined rules for the semiconductor device levels to be simulated, and outputting a fail count for the reference circuit at each defined threshold value, thereby generating histogram data of fail count versus threshold for the reference circuit; and providing, as a fourth input, a defined fail count metric, thereby calibrating the DfM tool for use with respect to a target circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Culp, Jason D. Hibbeler, Lars W. Liebmann, Tina Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110166687
    Abstract: A method to evaluate, determine and optimize production parameters for a coating application of a UV cationic polymerizable coating system to a substrate is provided. The method is based on a simulation model which includes both shadow and dark cure processes. Both of an active center generation process and the active center diffusion process are mathematically described. In the model, the two processes are considered separately since they are driven by different fundamental phenomena and occur on different timescales. Evaluation or prediction of the effect of process variables on the curing of a cationic coating of a complex substrate according to the described method allows characterization and understanding of process variables which may save set-up costs and improve production efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engin. & Manufact North America, University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Cynthia Gazepis Templeman, Alec B. Scranton, Beth Ann Ficek, Cynthia Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20110166688
    Abstract: A yield prediction is received by a run-to-run controller that includes an intra-process run-to-run control module that specifies process performance targets, wherein the yield prediction is associated with at least one of a manufacturing tool, a product or a process. The run-to-run control module adjusts first parameters associated with intra-process run-to-run control based on the yield prediction, wherein the first parameters include processing parameters of a process recipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: James Moyne, Nicholas Ward, Richard Stafford
  • Publication number: 20110160889
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor manufacturing device including, a chamber, a sensor, a sticking probability calculating section, an acting section, and a control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kuboi, Tetsuya Tatsumi
  • Publication number: 20110153054
    Abstract: An electronic lens processing system receives a lens prescription and performs lens calculations to create a work ticket for manufacturing the lens. Information that the system used to create the work ticket, such as data files for lens materials and machine settings for controlling lens manufacturing equipment, are stored. The work ticket includes a form that specifies work ticket calculations and/or a graphic of the lens or lenses to be manufactured. The system displays the work ticket on an electronic screen, and a laboratory technician can select elements from the work ticket to receive supplemental information on those elements to aid in processing the lens or determining why a lens prescription is not manufacturable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Hagen, Gordon Keane
  • Patent number: 7966276
    Abstract: A controller is provided, operable to control a system on the basis of measurement data received from a plurality of sensors indicative of a state of the system, with at least partial autonomy, but in environments in which it is not possible to fully determine the state of the system on the basis of such sensor measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems
    Inventor: Neil Alexander Cade
  • Publication number: 20110144788
    Abstract: Systems for predicting casting defects and microstructure in suppliers/vendors' castings for part/system durability analysis without knowing the details of the casting layout and casting gating and riser design as well as casting process parameters are provided. The systems involve the use of an integrated pore growth and interdendritic flow model. Methods of predicting casting defects and microstructures of a part without knowing the details of the casting layout and casting gating and riser design as well as casting process parameters and articles of manufacture are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, Gerald Peter Backer, Daniel L. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20110137445
    Abstract: A novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for tuning order configurator performance by dynamic integration of manufacturing and field feedback information. A method for dynamically tuning order configurator behavior by using product issue data can include collecting product issue data for a manufactured product, the product issue data including performance and attribute information of a part of the manufactured product, analyzing the collected product issue data to identify a problematic part, and, modifying the order configurator using the analyzed product issue data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Derek P. Bagwell, Joni L. Buttke, Gary V. Tollers, Cheranellore Vasudevan
  • Patent number: 7957822
    Abstract: A method controls a component mounter which includes a mobile unit for mounting a component onto a circuit board, and judges on which side of the component mounter as user, who issues an instruction to the component mounter, is present. Additionally, the method performs position control by shifting the mobile unit to a position which allows a maintenance task to be performed on the component mounter from the side on which the user is judged to be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Keita Morita
  • Publication number: 20110130857
    Abstract: A method of generating capacity, production and inventory plans, over a designated planning horizon, which will optimize, with respect to a designated performance index, the operations of one or more bulk product blending and packaging plants and a specified number, ranging from zero to a certain count, of distribution centers while meeting key operating constraints. Also decision making tools and computer implemented programs for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Benny S. BUDIMAN, Chris P. KRAMER, Laura L. LOCKE, Marcel R. MUELLER, Sangbum LEE
  • Publication number: 20110106287
    Abstract: A wiring forming system comprises: maskless exposure unit which directly exposes an unexposed board by using exposure data generated based on design data relating to an wiring board; post-development inspect unit which tests the board after development, by using the exposure data and the image data of the board exposed and developed by the maskless exposure unit; etching unit which etches the developed board; and post-etching inspect unit which tests an etching pattern formed on the etched board, by using etching inspect data generated based on the design data and the image data of the board etched by the etching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Akagawa, Kazunari Sekigawa, Shinichi Kabayashi
  • Patent number: 7936951
    Abstract: A computer-implemented, knowledge-based process for digitizing a set of documents, which includes using a computer to perform the steps of loading a set of definitions stored in an XML document into a computer-implemented digitization module, the set of definitions including image type and fields; initializing a knowledge base from a knowledge base library having a plurality of knowledge bases categorized by domain, the initialized knowledge base corresponding to the domain of the set of documents and containing information relevant to the domain; providing a document from the set of documents in electronic form to the computer-implemented digitization module, the document having a plurality of records; loading the initialized knowledge base from the knowledge base library into the computer-implemented digitization module; digitizing each record of the document; automatically generating at least one field value using information from the knowledge base; and validating each record of the document against prede
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Ecompex, Inc.
    Inventor: Qingfeng Duan
  • Publication number: 20110098837
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product having a complex design, using logic implemented on digital computer processing system. A general configuration for the product will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type, such as a bus. A particular instance of the product type must satisfy a set of external parametric constraints specified by a user. These constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic of the product. Constraints may also be imposed for other reasons, such as governmental regulations or business requirements. The hierarchical decomposition facilitates the solution of highly complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, for a collection of subdesigns, or globally. The tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated parametric constraints upon a subsequent subdesign solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Sermet Yücel, William D. Headrick, Samuel E. Martin, M. Germana Paterlini
  • Patent number: 7934215
    Abstract: A smart scheduler is provided to prepare a machine for a job, wherein the job has specific requirements, i.e., dimensions. One or more config jobs are identified to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of the job. Information concerning the machine's original configuration and groupings of config jobs that change the machine's configuration are cached in a central storage. The smart scheduler uses information in the central storage to identify a suitable machine and one or more config jobs to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of a job. The smart scheduler schedules a run for the config jobs on the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hari S Narayan, Sivaprasad V Padisetty, Venkata S S Remany
  • Patent number: 7930049
    Abstract: A centralized control apparatus includes a data collecting part that gathers data at a predetermined interval from a substrate processing apparatus for each component in the substrate processing apparatus; a data processing part that determines a status of each component based on the gathered data and regulation control information including attribute information about each component, maintenance information and previously established status-determined information about each component, at a predetermined timing established for each component, and performs thinning-out-processing to the gathered data on a determination result and prepares processed data by processing data obtained by the thinning-out-processing; and a data transmitting part that sends the regulation control information including the determination result and the processed data to a terminal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Joho
  • Publication number: 20110087357
    Abstract: A system, method, machine-readable medium for accurate simulation of automated machinery. A method includes loading a machine operating model. The method also includes receiving machine-specific data from an automated machinery controller. The method also includes simulating a machine operation using the machine-specific data and the machine operating model to produce optimized motion data. The method includes transmitting the optimized data to the automated machinery controller by the simulation data processing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software (DE) GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Wolfgang Lorenz, Peter Heinrich Armbrust
  • Publication number: 20110071660
    Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of material transferred in a system having a plurality of material feeds and concurrent material transfer periods. The method comprising steps of: supplying each of a primary material having a target weight and a secondary material, to a receiving vessel; determining a decision threshold; feeding the primary material to the receiving vessel, feeding the secondary material into the receiving vessel as or after the primary material begins feeding and before the decision threshold, determining a feed status of the primary and secondary materials at the decision threshold; changing the feed status of one of the primary or secondary materials at the decision threshold; and feeding only the primary material within a feed alone time period until the target weight amount is fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Chunsheng C Fu
  • Publication number: 20110066266
    Abstract: An interconnection design method for a multiplayer interconnection substrate having a power supply layer or a ground layer, interconnection layers having interconnections, vias connecting the interconnection layers mutually, and an opening surrounding a via in the power supply layer or the ground layer, the method including: specifying an interconnection for a specific signal as a specific signal interconnection; determining an approximate arrangement of vias; changing positions of the vias and obtaining approximate interconnection routes in respective approximate arrangement of the vias, and evaluating respective interconnectivity for an evaluation region; and obtaining a detailed interconnection route based on a result of the evaluation of the interconnectivity; the specific signal interconnection including one adjacent to a via, and the evaluating respective interconnectivity includes setting a position of one end of the evaluation region into a position associated with an outside end face of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Mikio NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20110060443
    Abstract: A scheduler system obtains a basic model of a manufacturing process for the production of one or more products. The basic model is based on a first set of data collected at a point in time from a plurality of tools used to manufacture the one or more products. The system incorporates a second set of data, which is collected from the plurality of tools after the first set of data, into the basic model to generate a comprehensive model of the manufacturing process. The second set of data reflects a current state of a factory. The system evaluates a plurality of scheduling policies using the comprehensive model and selects an optimal scheduling policy from the plurality of scheduling policies based on the comprehensive process model evaluation to achieve a manufacturing objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander T. Schwarm
  • Patent number: 7893833
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is coupled to a circuit board to track the specific operating and environmental conditions of each manufacturing stage as the circuit board passes through the manufacturing stages. An RFID reader and data collector are used at each stage to read the RFID tag and store its identifying information along with processing information, operating conditions, and results for each stage. This permits to quickly and accurately collect manufacturing information for each circuit board at various manufacturing stages as well as the operating conditions for each stage at a particular time. Such manufacturing metrics can then be retrieved on a stage-by-stage basis for a particular circuit board by an identifier printed on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sanmina-Sci Corporation
    Inventor: Rony Shachar
  • Publication number: 20110040399
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first input data from one or more first process control system components. The method also includes receiving second input data from one or more second process control system components. In addition, the method includes performing an iterative process that includes identifying one or more adjustments to at least one target quantity using the first input data, identifying one or more contribution values using the one or more adjustments, and identifying one or more estimated product yields using the one or more contribution values and the second input data. Each target quantity is associated with at least one intermediate or final product to be produced. Each contribution value is based on an intermediate product's contribution to each of multiple final products. Each estimated product yield is associated with an expected quantity of one of the intermediate and final products to be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Z. Lu
  • Patent number: 7886564
    Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank -holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Arcelor France
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Akihiro Uenishi, Yukihisa Kuriyama, Toshiyuki Niwa, Takuya Kuwayama
  • Publication number: 20110029117
    Abstract: The ion implanter includes lens elements that arrange unit lens elements along a direction of a beam width of a ribbon ion beam and regulate a magnetic field or electric field to be created by each unit lens element in order to regulate a current density distribution of the ion beam, and a controlling portion that sets the intensity of the magnetic field or electric field to be created by the unit lens element to be regulated by the lens elements in accordance with the measured current density distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20110022210
    Abstract: A process for selecting a surrogate part for metallic plating, the metallic plating of the surrogate part predicting results for the metallic plating of a new or predetermined part is disclosed. The process can include providing a reinforcement learning system having a memory circuitry and a processing circuitry. The memory circuitry can have a database with data associated with a plurality of surrogate parts and data associated with the predetermined part can be entered into the data input module. The processing circuitry can compare the data associated with each of the plurality of surrogate parts and the data associated with the predetermined part and select a surrogate part that affords predicting a plating result of the predetermined part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Richard Muehlhauser, Andrew Raymond Nowasielski
  • Publication number: 20110022209
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying an existing workflow to manufacture a given product type. A workflow description of a workflow can be transformed into a product type description utilizing particular facts associated with the workflow. An inferred product type description can then be at least one product type among a group of product type descriptions representing known product types. A mapping can then be derived of the workflow with respect to product types, in response to comparing the inferred product type description to the product type description(s) among product type descriptions representing known product types. The workflow description can be converted into the product type description utilizing a rule-based expert system. The particular facts can be one or more of the following: processing steps, sequences of processing steps, types of operations to be performed, and outputs produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kirk J. Ocke, Michael David Shepherd, Dale Ellen Gaucus
  • Patent number: 7870005
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for configuring a medical device. A personal data assistant is used by a practitioner to gather patient information. Patient information is transferred to a server, and three optional medical devices are configured as a “good,” “better,” and “best” alternative. One of the proposed options is selected customized by the practitioner prior to ordering. Order status may be obtained online, and historical patient and order information is maintained. A catalog of medical device components is also provided, the catalog items are either ordered “as is” or are customized through the customizer prior to ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Arbogast, Michael Edward Hopkins, James M. Colvin, Mark William Ford, Phillip Lee Harrison, Raymond Francis, Keith W. Justus, Rebecca L. Halley, Bradley A. Spitzer, Thomas D. Chamberlain, Eric L. Kershner
  • Patent number: 7860596
    Abstract: A system and method for advanced device specific knowledge based modeling as well as intelligent control to yield high performance, low cost automation for optoelectronic design, packaging and assembly. The control loop design is based on knowledge based model predictive control. A knowledge model, specific to the assembled package's characteristics, is used to set the initial “feed-forward” conditions of an automation system. In addition to this feed-forward model for setting the initial set point, the controller is designed with feedback components, along with the inclusion of a built in sensor. This system and method increases the efficiency of the automation process and the number of assembly steps can be greatly reduced. A method for the design, assembly and packaging of optoelectronic devices is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Allon Guez, Timothy P. Kurzweg
  • Publication number: 20100318211
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20100299185
    Abstract: A diagnostic tool for use in adjusting a welding project. The diagnostic tool having an input device adapted to transfer base data into a first computer readable database. The input device further adapted to transfer performance data relating to each welding apparatus into a second computer readable database. The diagnostic tool further having a computer program adapted to transform the base transform the base data and the performance data into optimization data. The diagnostic tool further having an output device adapted to display the optimization data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ricardo J. Caro
  • Publication number: 20100292812
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automated predictive design space estimation. A design space of input factors and output responses is estimated for a physical process. Data is received for one or more input factors for a physical process, one or more output responses for the process, and criteria. For each of the one or more input factors, a calculated range of input values within the corresponding experimented range of input values is calculated. A modified range of input values is calculated for each of the one or more input factors. A design space estimate is predicted based at least on the modified ranges of input values, wherein the modified ranges of input values each comprise a largest region of variability for one or more of the input factors where the criteria are fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernst Conny Wikström, Hans Georg Joakim Sundström, Tord Åke Börje Nordahl
  • Patent number: 7835952
    Abstract: In a build-to-order (BTO) management system, domestic production orders are incorporated into a production plan before overseas production orders. When incorporating the production orders into the production plan, an ideal number of products is set for various equalizing factors, and several kinds of the production plans are made on the basis of an achievement ratio of the number of products for the equalizing factors actually incorporated into the production plan to the ideal production number of products and the dates of receiving the production orders. The resulting production plans are compared to choose an optimal production plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Tozawa, Hidefumi Watanuki
  • Publication number: 20100274380
    Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual machine management are disclosed. A virtual machine manager may communicate with a storehouse, which may include one or more virtual machines. The virtual machine manager may select one or more virtual machines, or may create one or more virtual machines, depending on the requirements of an input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul J. Gray
  • Publication number: 20100274379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the interactive control of a machine (14), wherein the operating parameters required for the work flow (18) of the machine are input into a data processing unit (12) storing the operating parameters in a form that guides the operator. Due to the input, subsequently work flows are carried out. A data set regarding the basic rules of the work flow of the machine is present in the data processing unit. Using the data set, a chosen selection of possibilities existing based on the machine equipment and environment is provided to the operator as the result, which contains further sections that can be inserted into the existing work flow (18) in a compatible manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 7822783
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Carrabis
  • Publication number: 20100268365
    Abstract: An effective method for managing product segments of product production rules within a manufacturing execution system adapted for providing a final product includes the following steps: a) each one of a plurality of sets of product segments are associated within one of a set of product production rules which are stored in a database under a reference standard product production rule (like a simple “manufacture of a car”); b) a command (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Alessandro Raviola, Elena Reggio
  • Publication number: 20100256792
    Abstract: A method of adjusting wafer process sequence includes steps of collecting production parameters for a plurality of lots; selecting a plurality of key parameters from the production parameters, wherein the key parameters at least includes a processing sequence; defining a formula to obtain an epsilon value; categorizing the lots into groups according to the epsilon value and the minimum point number by using density-based spatial clustering of application with noise (DBSCAN); and adjusting the processing sequences of the lots in the groups. Thereby, the lots with the same process recipe can be continuously or simultaneously sent into a machine, thereby reducing replacement of process recipes or shortening machine idle time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: INOTERA MEMORIES, INC.
    Inventors: YUN-ZONG TIAN, CHUN CHI CHEN, YI FENG LEE, WEI JUN CHEN, SHIH CHANG KAO, YIJ CHIEH CHU, CHENG-HAO CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100249973
    Abstract: A method and a device for optimization of flatness control in the rolling of a strip using any number of mill stands and actuators. A mill model is used represented by a mill matrix that includes information of the flatness effect of each actuator. Each actuator's flatness effect is translated into a coordinate system having a dimension less than or equal to the number of actuators used. The actual flatness values are monitoring/sampling across the strip. A vector of the flatness error/deviation is computed as the difference between the monitored/sampled strip flatness and a reference flatness vector. The flatness error is converted into a smaller parameterized flatness error vector. A dynamic controller is used to calculate optimized actuator set-points in order to minimize the parameterized flatness error, thereby achieving the desired strip flatness. Also a system for optimization of flatness control in rolling a strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventor: Pontus Bergsten
  • Publication number: 20100241261
    Abstract: Pattern formation simulations are performed based on design layout data subjected to OPC processing with a plurality of process parameters set in process conditions. A worst condition of the process conditions is calculated based on risk points extracted from simulation results. The design layout data or the OPC processing is changed such that when a pattern is formed under the worst condition based on the changed design layout data or the changed OPC processing a number of the risk points or a risk degree of the risk points of the pattern is smaller than the simulation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Takafumi TAGUCHI, Toshiya Kotani, Michiya Takimoto, Fumiharu Nakajima, Ryota Aburada, Hiromitsu Mashita, Katsumi Iyanagi, Chikaaki Kodama
  • Publication number: 20100222911
    Abstract: A multivariable model predictive controller (MPC) for controlling a coalbed methane (CBM) production process. The MPC includes input ports for receiving a plurality of measurement signals including measured process parameters from CBM wells in a well field. A control loop includes a mathematical model that controls the CBM gas production. The model includes individual production characteristics for each CBM well that predicts its behavior for controlled variables (CVs) with respect to changes in manipulated variables (MVs) and disturbance variables (DVs). The control loop calculates future set points for the MVs based on the model and the measured process parameters for CBM production to achieve at least one control objective for the well field. A plurality of output ports provide control signals for implementing the future set points which when coupled to physical process equipment at the plurality of CBM wells control the physical equipment to reach the future set points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Antony Castelijns, Giovanni Luca Colpo
  • Publication number: 20100217417
    Abstract: A method for specifying design rules for a manufacturing process includes providing a training set of 3D point meshes that represent an anatomical structure, for each 3D point mesh, finding groupings of points that define clusters for each shape class of the anatomical structure, calculating a prototype for each shape class cluster, and associating one or more manufacturing design rules with each shape class prototype. The method includes providing a new 3D point mesh that represents an anatomical structure, calculating a correspondence function that maps the new 3D point mesh to a candidate shape class prototype by minimizing a cost function, calculating a transformation that aligns points in the new 3D point mesh with points in the candidate shape class prototype, and using the rules associated with the shape class prototype, if the candidate shape class prototype is successfully aligned with the new 3D point mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zouhar, Sajjad Hussain Baloch, Sergei Azernikov, Claus Bahlmann, Tong Fang, Gozde Unal, Siegfried Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20100217421
    Abstract: An industrial production method and corresponding production equipment is specified, wherein, for providing the resources and/or energy needed, a load variation y(t) with time is forecast in an automated manner starting with expected environmental and planned production parameters. In at least one embodiment of this process, a forecast for the load variation y(t) with time is generated by linear interpolation in a manner which is clear for the user from parameter sets (p0, p1, . . . pn) provided with rules (R0, R1, . . . Rn) for allocating a respective load curve (Y0(t), y1(t), . . . yn(t)) for an expected parameter set (z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Norbert Plött, Olaf Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20100217418
    Abstract: A method and a system for scheduling a manufacturing process planned by an enterprise resource planning and produced by equipment on a shop floor. A production scheduler within a manufacturing executing system schedules tasks of the manufacturing process. The production scheduler is enabled to display the current production schedule in a Gantt-chart and it is enabled to display for each equipment of the shop floor the time periods that are already scheduled and those time periods that are still unscheduled. A selector selects a specific equipment a time period still unscheduled. A query module is provided for querying a production database for this specific equipment to find at least one task that fits into the time period still unscheduled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Paolo Fontanot
  • Publication number: 20100211204
    Abstract: A method and system to optimize the parameters of a robot used in an assembly process. The assembly process is categorized based on its nature which may be cylindrical, radial and multi-stage insertion. The search pattern and search parameters are specified. The parameters are optimized and the optimized parameter set are verified and when a predetermined criteria such as assembly cycle time set and/or success rate is met the optimization process stops. When the optimization stops the verified parameters are used to cause the robot to perform the categorized assembly process. If the parameters do not meet the predetermined criteria, another round of optimization using the same or other parameters can be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ABB INC.
    Inventors: George Zhang, Hui Zhang, Jianmin He, Jianjun Wang
  • Publication number: 20100197808
    Abstract: A method for identifying one or more MHC alleles present in a dog, the method comprising: (a) determining the nucleotide present at the or each polymorphic position specified for the one or more MHC alleles in any one of Tables 4 to 6 or determining the nucleotide(s) present at a polymorphic position(s) in linkage disequilibrium with one or more polymorphic positions specified in Tables 4 to 6; and (b) identifying therefrom the presence or absence of one or more MHC alleles in the dog. Based on the comparison between alleles, it was possible to specify a minimum number of SMP positions that need to be determined in order to identify a particular allele (Table 4 to 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: MARS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Jones, Neale Fretwell, Lorna Jane Kennedy, William Ernest Ollier
  • Publication number: 20100191361
    Abstract: A method, controller, and system for controlling a manufacturing process (batch-type or continuous-type) with a multivariate model are described. Dependent variable data and manipulated variable data are received. Dependent variable data represents values of uncontrolled process parameters from a plurality of sensors. Manipulated variable data represents controlled or setpoint values of controllable process parameters of a plurality of process tools. A predicted operational value, multivariate statistic, or both are determined based on the received data, and operating parameters of the manufacturing process are determined based on the predicted score, multivariate statistic, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter McCready, Svante Bjarne Wold
  • Publication number: 20100185310
    Abstract: An NC programming assisting apparatus that creates an NC machining program reflecting dimensional tolerance data on shape data of a machining subject includes a machining target dimension calculation unit that calculates machining target dimensions of the machining subject based on the shape data and the dimensional tolerance data; a shape data deform processing unit that sets post-movement positions of graphic elements based on positional movement information about how to move the graphic elements, the machining target dimension, and the shape data so that a dimension between graphic elements included in the shape data conforms to the corresponding machining target dimension; and an NC machining program generation processing unit that creates an NC machining program by using the shape data and the post-movement position of each graphic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Miyata, Kenji Iriguchi, Takashi Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20100185312
    Abstract: A system for evaluating a manufacturability of a casting design. The system includes at least one of a geometry analyzer, a casting evaluation tool, a residual stress evaluation tool, and a machining evaluation tool. The geometry analyzer analyzes a geometric design of the casting design to determine its geometric design-ability, the casting evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine its cast-ability, the residual stress evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine its heat treat-ability, and the machining evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine a machine-ability of the casting design. If the casting design is determined as not geometrically design-able, not cast-able, not heat treat-able, or not machine-able by the geometry analyzer, the casting evaluation tool, the residual stress evaluation tool, or the machining evaluation tool, respectively, then modifications to the casting design are recommended to optimize the casting design for manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, Yucong Wang
  • Patent number: 7761179
    Abstract: Methods for consistent updates to APC models with partitioning along multiple components are generally described. In one example, a method includes acquiring measurement data from one or more semiconductor wafers of a processed first lot, the data having a plurality of contexts, applying a model having parameters with partitioning along the contexts to the measurement data; and applying a constraint on a subset of the model parameters such that the subset remains centered around zero to provide consistent updates for automated process control of lots processed after the first lot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Nital S. Patel, Steven L. Carson