Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling the output of a computerized manufacturing process includes storing a product target parameter in a computer memory of a computer system associated with the manufacturing process equipment. Control limit values for a product delivery statistic are provided and a product delivery parameter is continually monitored and values are stored in the computer memory. A unit product over-delivery amount is determined from the difference between the product delivery parameter and the product target parameter. A cumulative over-delivery amount is determined by summing the difference up to the current sequence number between monitored value for the previously-produced unit products and the product target parameter. A net difference is then determined between the unit product over-delivery target parameter and the cumulative over-delivery amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.

Abstract: A media processing device, a control method for a media processing device, and a control program for the same can accurately detect the last one or specified number of media stored in the media stacker. Media stackers store media in a stack. Media processing units write data and/or print a label on the media. A media transportation mechanism has a transportation arm that can hold the media and move vertically, and transports the media between the media stackers and the media processing units by movement of the transportation arm. A control unit controls the media processing units and the media transportation mechanism 31. The control unit has a measurement unit that measures the height of media stacked in the media stacker when media is removed from the stacker by the media transportation mechanism, and a comparison unit that compares the measured media height with a reference value to detect the difference therebetween, and determines the remaining media count in the media stacker.

Abstract: A flexible electronic product includes a flexible electronic assembled body and an actuator including a shape memory member. The actuator of the flexible electronic product deforms in response to an input. The flexible electronic assembled body includes a flexible display device, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a plastic liquid crystal display (LCD), a plastic plasma display panel (PDP), an electronic ink panel, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT).

Abstract: An automated system for producing custom layouts for storage or transport molds made of foam or any other malleable material used for storage or package items, which is capable of identifying the type of item depicted by each image file, automatically generating the shape of each receptacle; automatically distributing the identified items in one or more molds; and automatically generating the accommodation layout of each receptacle in the one or more molds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable generation of a managed space layout model defining permissible pathways for travel through the managed space. Each permissible pathway can be defined as a line segment or an edge bounded by coordinate pairs. Items and locations within the managed space are associated with permissible pathways, which association defines how the items/locations can be reached via travel through the managed space. The information can be saved as a network of nodes, which defines the intersection of the permissible pathways and includes information about the pathways. With the layout model, a path can be determined through the managed space to accomplish work in the managed space. The layout data allows a path distance to be calculated for a given work task that involves travel through the managed space.

Abstract: A method for analyzing and controlling the formation of a green tire component by component on a target region of a curved build surface includes: measuring in three dimensions each component on the target region by rotating the build surface past at least one optical scanner. The optical scanner directs a sheet or a plurality of sheets of light against a target region of the rotating build surface; and measures component by component build-up on the target region surface for component dimensional, positional, and mass parameters. Component by component measurements are made in three-dimensions by rotation of the target regions through the optical sheets of light and feedback from component measurements may be used to correct for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies on a real-time basis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a system for synchronously positioning repetitive units spatially comprising a plurality of repetitive units, each attached on an end of a plurality of arms, each angularly attached on an opposing end to a computer-controlled rotating axle, each having a synchronously computer-controlled position along a path of travel by computer-controlled synchronous rotation of said plurality of axles, forming a moving geometric pattern with said plurality of repetitive units.

Abstract: A grinding method wherein the correlation between the amount of inertial grinding occurring in performing spark-out by a grinding unit and the maximum load current in a motor of the grinding unit is grasped, and a correction value for the amount of inertial grinding corresponding to the maximum load current is preliminarily obtained. When the wafer thickness measured by a thickness measuring gauge has reached the sum of a desired value and the correction value (=the amount of inertial grinding) corresponding to the maximum load current, the spark-out is started. Accordingly, the wafer thickness becomes the desired value after the inertial grinding in performing the spark-out.

Abstract: A process for the automatic control of the thickness of extruded film lowers the deviations in the thickness of the film more quickly after the start of the extrusion process. The process includes the measurement of the thickness profile of the film just extruded by means of a thickness-measuring probe. The thickness-measuring probe is moved along the surface of the film substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the extruded film. The thickness-measuring probe records a thickness profile of the film for each measuring cycle at least over parts of the expansion of the film perpendicular to its conveying direction. While providing statistical values in relation to older measured values, the latest measured values during a predetermined time-frame at the start of the extrusion process are more heavily weighted by a computer than those measured during the normal operation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring uniformity of a wafer is provided. A wafer parameter is selected. Manufacturing data is collected. The manufacturing data includes measurements of the selected wafer parameter. An average offset profile of the wafer parameter for a first and second wafer is determined using the manufacturing data. The first and second wafer are associated with a product type and were processed by a processing tool. An offset profile for a third wafer is predicted for a wafer using the average offset profile. The third wafer is associated with the product type and was processed by the processing tool.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well. The method includes calculating an estimated formation dip angle, wherein said estimated formation dip angle being based on offset well data, seismic data, core data, pressure data. Next, the method includes drilling a well with a logging while drilling means so that real time logging data is generated along with drilling data and calculating an instantaneous formation dip angle. Next, real time logging data is obtained and a target formation window is projected ahead of the well path that includes a top of formation and a bottom formation. The method includes monitoring the real time logging and drilling data and drilling the well through the target formation window. The method further includes changing the estimated instantaneous formation dip based on the obtained data and adjusting the target formation top and bottom window.

Abstract: A device (100, 2604) includes a controllable skin texture surface (2602), a sensor (2700), and control logic (200). The sensor senses a plurality of points of interest (2804, 2806) of a user surface (2800). The control logic controls a plurality of portions (2900) of the controllable skin texture surface to protrude at locations with respect to the plurality of points of interest in response to the sensor sensing the plurality of points of interest. In one example, the control logic periodically adjusts the plurality of portions protruding from the controllable skin texture surface in response to movement between the user surface and the controllable skin texture surface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for camera/user view navigation about enclosed 3D environment (e.g., the inside of a sports stadium or arena). The navigation system constrains the user view (camera) to a (pre-defined) guide based on the shape and size of the interior area which is the focus of the 3D virtual world. In the case of an arena this would generally be the playing surface. The user can easily control the camera movement on this guide with traditional up/down and left/right controls. These controls could be implemented as buttons within the application, keyboard controls, or mouse controls.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a motorized device includes a signal generator generating an output signal to the motorized device. A non-proportional proximity sensor communicates with the signal generator. A proportional proximity sensor communicates with the signal generator. The output signal is determined as a function of respective signals communicated from the proximity sensors to the signal generator. A direction and speed of the motorized device is determined as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: A surface coordinate measuring device (1) includes a computing unit (8) arranged in a handheld housing (9), a positioning device (2) for positioning the coordinate measuring device at a surface point (P) on a wall surface (3), a display device (6) for displaying a measurement calculated by the computing unit (8), an electronic distance measuring system (7) for determining a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal measurement direction, and a transverse measuring device for additional determination of a transverse distance along a transverse measurement direction oriented transverse to the longitudinal measurement direction, with the computing unit (8) having a program-controlled algorithm for carrying out the necessary measurements and calculations.

Abstract: An extension unit provided adjacent to an amp unit comprises a measurement data accumulation memory, a measurement data acquiring part for acquiring measurement data coming through a transmission line and accumulating it in the above memory, a data analyzing part for analyzing an accumulated series of measurement data according to predetermined algorithm, a determining part for determining a data analyzed result, and an output part for outputting a control signal corresponding to a determined result to the outside. A plurality of process programs in which measurement algorithm is segmentalized are incorporated in the extension unit and a process program is selected according to a command from a personal computer and the selected process program is performed in a predetermined order.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of items on a conveyor includes a scale that generates a first signal corresponding to the weight of the items. A movable platform transports the items to the scale and generates a second signal corresponding to position of the items in relation to the scale. A dimensioner examines the items and generates a third signal representative of whether the items are singulated or nonsingulated. A processor receives the second and third signals and determines whether to associate the first signal with information stored in memory about a particular item based upon whether the particular item is singulated or nonsingulated.

Abstract: An extension unit provided adjacent to an amp unit comprises a measurement data accumulation memory, a measurement data acquiring part for acquiring measurement data coming through a transmission line and accumulating it in the above memory, a data analyzing part for analyzing an accumulated series of measurement data according to predetermined algorithm, a determining part for determining a data analyzed result, and an output part for outputting a control signal corresponding to a determined result to the outside. A plurality of process programs in which measurement algorithm is segmentalized are incorporated in the extension unit and a process program is selected according to a command from a personal computer and the selected process program is performed in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A steering angle sensing system includes at least one steering angle sensing device for outputting an analog signal representative of a steering angle position of a steering wheel. A first processor is operably coupled to the at least one steering angle sensing device and is disposed proximate the at least one steering angle sensing device. The first processor receives the analog signals output by the at least one steering angle sensing device, computes a steering angle value based upon the analog signals, and outputs a pulse width modulated signal representative of the computed steering angle value. A second processor is disposed non-proximate the at least one steering angle sensing device and is operably coupled to the first processor to thereby receive the pulse width modulated signal representative of the computed steering angle value.

Abstract: At least one sensor is mounted for monitoring the vertical position of an elevator relative to selected features on a tubular string. A variety of sensor types is provided. Optional mounting arrangement permits the sensors to be situated close to a tubular and free to move laterally. Excess lateral movement of the tubular moves the mounting; thus, reducing the shock to the sensors. In an additional embodiment, a sensor can provide position indication for tools or other equipment being lowered into the wellbore or into a tubular. In yet another embodiment, sensors are mounted to both indicate selected features on a tubular string and the position of tools being lowered into the tubular string.

Abstract: An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extension unit provided adjacent to an amp unit comprises a measurement data accumulation memory, a measurement data acquiring part for acquiring measurement data coming through a transmission line and accumulating it in the above memory, a data analyzing part for analyzing an accumulated series of measurement data according to predetermined algorithm, a determining part for determining a data analyzed result, and an output part for outputting a control signal corresponding to a determined result to the outside. A plurality of process programs in which measurement algorithm is segmentalized are incorporated in the extension unit and a process program is selected according to a command from a personal computer and the selected process program is performed in a predetermined order.

Abstract: Devices being controlled electronically via physical manipulation often display a resonance. In many circumstances, the frequency range of operation is not close to the resonance frequency. In these cases, the resonance can be removed through the use of simple compensation techniques such as filters. However, when the resonance frequency is close to the frequency range of operation and when the resonance frequency can change depending on temperature, time, and physical position of the device, simple compensation techniques cannot be used. The present invention presents a non-mechanical technique for providing compensation for devices with a shifting resonance. The non-mechanical technique allows for the compensation to be performed via computation.

Abstract: A method of designing a product for use on a body used to develop a preferred product configuration using a computer-based virtual product development and testing system. A virtual wearer sub-model is created of the body and a virtual product sub-model is created of a product for use on the body. An environment sub-model is generated so that environmental factors affecting the product or the body are also used in designing or evaluating the product. Instructions defining how the wearer sub-model, the product sub-model and the environment sub-model interact are introduced in an interaction model. The sub-models and the interaction defined by the interaction model are then combined to create a virtual use model simulating the use of the virtual product sub-model by the virtual wearer sub-model. The use model determines the forces, deformations and stresses caused by movement and interaction between the virtual wearer sub-model and the virtual product sub-model using numerical method analysis.

Abstract: Only a shadow casting object 2 is rendered using a light source placed in a virtual space as a viewpoint. As a result, a Z value corresponding to each pixel of a two-dimensional image of the object seen from the light source is written into a Z-buffer. After the rendering is completed, a mesh model 4 is generated from a plane object 3. That is, the Z value of a pixel corresponding to each vertex of the plane object 3 is read from the Z-buffer, and a Y-coordinate of each vertex is determined based on the read Z value. A shadow rendering process is executed according to a shadow volume technique using the mesh model 4 generated as described above. As such, it is possible to generate a shadow volume by a fixed and simple process without the need for exception handling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for custom fitting an article to a human being having the steps of defining a first set of human body dimensions to be reported by the human being, defining a second set of human body dimensions to be inferred from said first set of human body dimensions, providing a first mathematical model relating said second set of human body dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions, wherein said mathematical model has been generated by statistical analysis of a human anthropometric database, obtaining a first set of values of said first set of body dimensions by report of the human being, computing a second set of values of said second set of human body dimensions from said first set of values of said first set of human body dimensions by using said first mathematical model, defining a set of article dimensions, providing a second mathematical model relating said article dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions and said second set of human body dimen

Abstract: An improved microsystems testing and characterization system which allows the system user to identify specific structures, and thereby to initiate an automated testing sequence to be applied to that structure or a series of structures. The integrated control system that governs the present invention automates the power supply to the device under test, the precision motion control of all components, the sensor operation, data processing and data presentation. Therefore operation is autonomous once the microstructure is in place and the testing sequence is specified. The integrated testing system can be used to perform tests on an entire wafer or on a single die.

Abstract: A method of breasts reconstruction utilizes a breast prosthesis having a plurality of chambers or compartments distributed through a body member or shell in the form of a breast. The chambers are disposed along the superior, lateral and inferior surfaces, as well as in the interior, of the body member. The chambers are differentially pressurized or filled in order to control the shape of the prosthesis upon implantation thereof. Valves are provided for regulating the flow of fluid into and from the chambers. The prosthesis and the fill levels of the respective chambers may be selected by computer.

Abstract: Semiconductor device manufacturing method for processing condition described as function of metrology process name, and performing semiconductor device measurement, generating new processing condition by linking the measurement result with the processing condition, and manufacturing the semiconductor device itself under the new processing condition is provided. Moreover, manufacturing support system for assisting this manufacturing method, a manufacturing system for execution, and further, a recording medium wherein a program and data for executing this manufacturing method are stored are provided.

Abstract: An aerial work platform supported by a riser boom, a telescoping main boom, and a jib boom. Boom movement may be controlled by a platform control module or a ground control module connected to a controller by a controller area network (CAN). Movement of the platform and the jib boom are limited to a predefined envelope. If an operator attempts to move the platform outside the envelope, the controller automatically retracts the telescoping boom section or automatically levels the jib boom section in order to maintain the platform within the acceptable envelope. Boom section select switches permit the operator to select and move sequentially or simultaneously in different directions. Timers which are part of the system include various interlocks to accomplish safety and power saver features.

Abstract: In a method for the control of a fast dynamic scale a first operating mode controls the transport device for transport of postal matter to a further processing station, a measurement with a weighing cell during the transport is made and an evaluation of the measured values with the letter format microprocessor for the weight determination given dynamic weighing, and weighed values are supplied to the further processing station. An automatic switching into a second operating mode for the semi-dynamic operation of the scale with static weighing ensues dependent on the result of a determination of the dimensions of the following piece of mail in a first processing station arranged upstream in the mail stream.

Abstract: A feed forward method for forming within a microelectronic fabrication a patterned target layer with controlled critical dimension (CD) first provides a substrate having formed thereover a blanket target layer, in turn having formed thereover a blanket anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer, in turn having formed thereover a paltered photoresist layer.

Abstract: A device for gauging and verifying the precision of surgical instruments is provided. The device includes a holder, at least one instrument, and a carousel having at least one cavity configured and dimensioned in the shape of the at least one instrument. The carousel is rotatably coupled to the holder. Markers or sensors for emitting or receiving signals are fitted to at least two of the holder, the carousel and the instrument, and allow determination of spatial information thereof. The spatial information is calibrated by inserting the at least one instrument in its respective cavity in the carousel and determining any change in dimensions from the instrument's first set of dimensions upon manufacture and its new set of dimensions following use.