Abstract: An induced explosion of a firework ball is represented using a small processing volume. A range for an induced explosion is set around a firework ball to be exploded drawn on a display image, for example, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 10A in accordance with attributes of the firework ball. A drawing range of each firework ball under management, the range being indicated by its attributes, is referred to, and any other firework ball drawn in the range is set as a firework ball to be exploded. As a result, the firework ball located around the exploded firework ball is also exploded as shown in FIG. 10B.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching a person how to perform a specific body motion in a consistent manner is based on electronically measuring one or more parameters of an actual body motion, comparing the one or more measured parameters with corresponding parameters of a target body motion, and providing a sensible feedback to the user based on a degree of correspondence between the one or more measured parameters and the corresponding target parameters. In a particular embodiment, the feedback is audible. More specifically the feedback is a musical tune that has a particular characteristic (such as rhythm) that is particularly suited to a particular body motion (such as a golf swing). The feedback may be in the form of electronically causing the musical tune to go off-key in proportion to a discrepancy between the actual body motion and the target body motion.

Abstract: Provided is an ultra-precision positioning system. The system comprises a base, a motion stage movably provided to the top of the base, and first to sixth feeding mechanisms for moving the motion stage to have six degrees of freedom. The first to sixth feed mechanisms are fixed to the base and the motion stage, respectively. Each of the first to third feeding mechanisms has a piezo actuator and two elastic hinges provided at both sides of the piezo actuator. Each of the fourth to sixth feeding mechanisms has a piezo actuator, three hinge members, and a lever member with a notch hinge which operatively cooperates with the hinge members.

Abstract: A method and system of projecting light on a planar surface to produce an image for tracing is disclosed. The system includes a projector that has a light source and a signal conditioner that is operably connected to the projector. A computer is operably connected to the signal conditioner. A scanner is connected to the projector. A test pattern from the computer is projected from the projector through the scanners to visually align an image to a sector on a work surface. A grid is operably aligned with the work surface. A geometric pattern from the computer is then projected by the projector on the planar work surface for tracing. The method comprises the steps of creating a pattern, tracing lines along the pattern on the planar work surface, cutting the pattern along the traced lines, discarding pieces of the planar surface outside the pattern, and placing edging along an outer edge of the pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of an object in three dimensions uses two cameras interconnected with a machine vision search tool. The search tool is capable of registering transformation of a pattern in at least two translational degrees of freedom, along the image plane, and at least one non-translational degree of freedom along a camera axis perpendicular to the image plane. The tool can be a rotation/scale-invariant (RSIS) search tool. A nominal position for each camera's acquired image of the object is determined and a set of uncertainty vectors along each of the degrees of freedom is generated. The vectors are weighted, with the respective vectors along the camera axis being weighted more-highly than orthonormal vectors within the image plane. The weighted vectors are combined to define an error.

Abstract: A method of recording aligned images on two sides of a printed circuit board substrate, including: recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a first side of a printed circuit board substrate; forming an alignment pattern on a side of the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the alignment pattern has a known spatial relationship to said image of an electrical circuit pattern; determining a location of the alignment pattern on the printed circuit board substrate; and recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a second side of the printed circuit board substrate in response to the determined location of the alignment pattern.

Abstract: A positioning system including a sensor, a drive sequencer and an actuator. The sensor senses the actuator position and provides position signals to drive the sequencer which responsively computes and drives the actuator in open loop moves containing dwell intervals of position. The actuator positions a mirror or other load means to reflect an optical beam as desired. Either preprogrammed or non-repeating sequences of actuator stopping positions can be synchronized with a laser. During dwell times, mirror position accuracy better than 10 microradians is suitable for tuning CO2 pulse burst or CW lasers.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a multi-layer integrated circuit, a reference target is etched into a test wafer along with circuit features of a reference layer. As successive dependent layers are printed, successive dependent targets overlaying the same reference target are formed in photoresist. As each successive dependent target is printed, the degree to which it is registered with the reference target is used to determine the overlay error. After determination of overlay error for a layer, the layer's dependent target is removed, allowing the reference target to be matched with the dependent target of another layer.

Abstract: It is based on an apparatus (1) forming a closed chamber (2) inside of which is installed an upper centered digital camera (15) oriented toward a removable support (17) over which is placed either a panel fitted with receptacles for holding the liquid culture mediums or a plate for placing on it a solid culture medium, the support (17) being located between lower lighting means (18) and upper lateral lighting means (19) complemented with light diffusers (20) and (21). The apparatus includes external operation indicators, switches, outlets and connections providing for appropriate operation and control through a central computer. The system captures and interprets the images produced by the reactions taking place in said culture mediums, either liquid or solid, allowing the bacterial reactions to be converted into values, in addition to analyzing microorganism growth.

Abstract: Extremely small optical heads are being developed for use in optical storage devices. The heads typically include a light source, a lens and a photodetector array. The beam of light generated by the light source must be aligned precisely with central axis of the lens and with the photodetector array. Because the heads are so small, their components are fixed permanently together; no adjustments are possible after assembly. A system of this invention includes a rotational stage, a pair of X-translation stages, and a pair Y-translation stages. The stages are mounted in a mechanical path between first and second holding devices. One component of the head, which would typically include the light source, is held in the first holding device. Another component, which would typically include the lens, is held in the second holding device. The stages are adjusted until the light beam exits the first component on an axis that coincides with the center of rotation of the rotational stage.

Abstract: In a master unit, clock signals from a clock are counted by a counter, and clock data is generated. This clock data is outputted to a slave unit by a driver, and stored in clock data storage memory. The slave unit stores clock data received by a receiver in the clock data storage memory. A processor for a program controller of the master and slave units starts up, and executes the synchronized operation of an operating program of axes that are synchronized on the basis of clock data stored in the clock data storage memory. It is also possible to commence operation of an axis under other conditions without relying on clock data. If override is applied to clock data, override will apply only to an axis that is synchronized and operated in accordance with clock data.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a first co-ordinate frame of a robot and effector in a second frame of reference of a sensor when the sensor is substantially rigidly attached to the robot and effector, including the steps of measuring first positions of a plurality of first light sources relative to the sensor, with the first positions corresponding to a first absolute position of the robot and effector, moving the robot and effector, measuring second positions of the plurality of first light sources, which second positions correspond to the desired second absolute position of the robot and effector and the sensor, repeating the measurement of and movement from the first to second positions so as to provide at least two sets of measurements of first and second positions corresponding to at least two movements, each of which at least two movements is a known, unique transform, combining the at least two sets of measurements of first and second positions so as to calibrate the first co-ordinate frame in the second fra

Abstract: A position control system includes a PID controller for generating a current target value of a linear motor from a difference between a positional detected value and a positional command value, and a disturbance observer. The disturbance observer includes a signal processing unit comprising a filter for filtering a torque command value for a motor drive and an input torque estimating filter carrying out estimation for obtaining an estimated input load torque from the detected positional value. An inverse model of a motor torque constant calculates an estimated disturbance load torque from the difference between the filtered torque command value and the estimated input load torque and generates a correction value for the current target value so as to cancel a disturbance torque on the basis of the estimated disturbance load torque being calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a processing machine to perform a processing operation on a workpiece by (a) determining the nominal locations of at least two sensible reference marks on the workpiece in terms of the coordinates of the workpiece; (b) loading the workpiece on the processing machine; (c) sensing, and measuring the actual locations of, the reference marks on the workpiece when so mounted, in terms of the coordinates of the processing machine; (d) determining at least one geometrical transformation needed to transform the workpiece coordinates of the nominal locations of the reference marks to the processing machine coordinates of the actual locations of the reference marks; (e) and controlling the processing machine in accordance with the determined geometrical transformation.

Abstract: A discrete Kalman filter 12 and a disturbance estimating unit 13 are added to a feedback loop for feeding back a detected value of position from a position detector 6. The Kalman filter estimates position and velocity of an object to be controlled, thereafter outputting an estimated value of position and an estimated value of velocity. The disturbance estimating unit estimates from a command value of current and the estimated value of velocity the disturbance that is added to a load 5. The estimated value of position is fed back to a position controller 1, and the estimated value of velocity is fed back to a velocity controller 2. Further, a difference between a target value of current outputted from the velocity controller and the estimated value of disturbance is output as the command value of current.

Abstract: When plural board blocks formed in one board undergo sequential part-mountings at plural mounting stages, particular recognition points and recognition points in the board blocks target of a downstream mounting stage are recognized at an upstream mounting stage. Relative positional data of each recognition point of the board block with respect to the particular recognition points are thus obtained at the upstream mounting stage. At the mounting stage on downstream side, only the particular recognition points are recognized thereby detecting a whole position of the board. Based on the whole position and the relative positional data, a positional deviation of the board block at the mounting stage can be detected, so that repeated recognition of the same recognition points is avoided thereby shortening a total time of position recognition.

Abstract: So as to achieve accurate detection of the bonding tool position in, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus, the positional relationship between a position detection camera and a reference hole formed in, for instance, a clamper is measured by imaging the reference hole by the position detection camera. The position detection camera and a bonding tool are moved by an XY table, and the tip end of the bonding tool is inserted into the reference hole. Then, the bonding tool is moved in the X and Y directions, and the contact of the bonding tool to an edge of the reference hole is detected based upon changes in the waveform of the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the bonding tool, thus measuring the positional relationship between the tool and the reference hole. The offset amount between the position detection camera and the bonding tool is then determined based upon the measured values and the amounts of movement of the bonding tool between the locations for such measured values.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit that includes components and registration features that are electrically isolated from the components. The registration features form projecting parts that are uniformly distributed in the form of a matrix over at least part of the external surface of the circuit so as to define adjacent registration areas. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor circuit also includes metal registration features that are produced in at least one metallization level of the circuit. Also provided is a method of adjusting a tool so as to put it into a particular position with respect to the surface of a semiconductor circuit that has registration features defining adjacent registration areas. According to the method, an at least partial topographic record of the registration features on the surface of the semiconductor circuit is produced, and the registration features of the topographic record are brought into coincidence with reference features of a reference drawing.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inspecting and analyzing a particle on a wafer, which causes defect of an integrated circuit, the invention aims to improve the precision of the coordinate of the particle to facilitate the analysis of the particle. As a result, the generation of the particle can be reduced and the yield of the integrated circuit can be increased. A coordinate modifying apparatus of the invention includes a parameter calculating unit 40 for calculating a coordinate modification parameter, a parameter memory 60 for storing the coordinate modification parameter, and a coordinate modifying unit 70 for correcting the coordinate using the coordinate modification parameter.

Abstract: A method for compensating signals from an absolute angular position sensor assembly is used in conjunction with an absolute angular position sensor assembly having an input gear coupled to a rotating shaft. The input gear is meshed with an output gear that rotates as the input gear and the shaft rotate. The sensor assembly includes an input gear sensor and an output gear sensor placed in proximity to the input gear and output gear, respectively. The gears are configured so as to be sensed by the sensors. The method includes determining an angular position compensation value that is used to adjust an absolute position of the input gear, which in turn is used to compute the absolute position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing card-shaped data carriers. The method has at least one production step requiring a data carrier of a defined type or quality or in a defined position and/or changing the data carrier in irreversible fashion or in a fashion which can be reversed only by additional expense. The data carrier is optically tested before or after said production step, and the further processing of the data carrier controlled depending on the result of said test.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to

Abstract: A method for aligning a plurality of thin film transistor tiles for constructing a flat panel display. A coverplate is arranged on a coverplate support. A first layer of a bonding material is applied to at least one of a first side of each of the tiles and a surface of the coverplate on which the tiles are to be secured. The tiles are arranged on the coverplate, such that the first layer of bonding material is arranged between the tiles and the coverplate. The tiles are connected to an alignment apparatus. The tiles are aligned relative to each other and the coverplate. The tiles are at least partially secured to the coverplate.

Abstract: A laser marker scanning laser beams to print a mark on an object includes a laser oscillator producing laser beams, an input device designating a mark to be printed, a galvanometer scanner successively receiving coordinate data corresponding to a predetermined location on the object, the galvanometer scanner scanning the laser beams produced from the laser oscillator toward the predetermined location on the object on the basis of the coordinate data, a memory storing sets of coordinate data of a multitude of locations on the object, the locations dividing a component line of each of marks which can be designated by the input device, and a control device successively delivering the coordinate data concerning the mark designated by the input device from the memory to the galvanometer scanner.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a multi-lay integrated circuit, a reference target is etched into a test wafer along with circuit features of a reference layer. As successive dependent layers are printed, successive dependent targets overlaying the same reference target are formed in photoresist. As each successive dependent target is printed, the degree to which it is registered with the reference target is used to determine the overlay error. After determination of overlay error for a layer, the layer's dependent target is removed, allowing the reference target to be matched with the dependent target of another layer.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a watermark in an information signal. The method may include the steps of computing the correlation (dk) of the watermark (Wi) and the information signal (e.g. an image Q) for a plurality of positions (k) of the watermark with respect to the information signal, and detecting whether at least one of the respective correlation values exceeds a given threshold. The step of detecting may include determining the standard deviation (&sgr;d) of the respective correlation values (dk), and setting the threshold to a given multiple (T) of the standard deviation. The multiple (T) is derived form a desired false alarm rate (watermark detected when there is none, or no watermark detected when there is one).

Abstract: An automatic procedure for locating actuator addresses on a bus system is revealed. The actuators may be identical except for their physical position, and thus their function and address on a bus system that controls and powers the actuators. Because their functions are different, the control system can determine which actuator is in which location, and thus locate the address for each actuator on the bus. Each actuator may then receive and act upon commands from the control system appropriate to its location and function. As a result, a manufacturer or dealer can stock a single actuator, rather than many actuators. Several such actuators would otherwise have to be manufactured and stocked separately, even though the only difference between them might be an installed software or firmware program to identify and control each actuator. Additionally, fewer wires may be required in harnesses to control the actuators.

Abstract: An improved control system for controlling a machine such as a fuel injection system and a robot system. In a primary feature, the control system comprises means for actuating the subject, a partial learning system for learning an control parameter determining an input and output of the means for actuating the subject based upon an error between an objective amount and an output amount of the subject as educator data to adjust the control parameter and a whole learning system for learning an adjustment coefficient based upon the error as educator data to adjust the adjustment coefficient.

Abstract: In a bonding method and apparatus, a position-detecting camera is moved to a point above reference marks, and the positional relationship between the reference marks and the optical axis of the position-detecting camera is measured by the position-detecting camera, a bonding tool is moved to a point above the reference marks in accordance with an amount of offset stored in memory beforehand, the positional relationships between the reference marks and the tool are measured by an offset-correcting camera, and an accurate amount of offset is determined by correcting the mount of offset stored in memory beforehand based upon such a measurement result.

Abstract: A cross-section of one of the strips in a frame is digitized in binary format by means of a scanner and graphically visualized; dimensions of the cross-section and points suitable for positioning a strip locking device are determined, together with points of application of the stapling elements and the number of the elements to be applied in each point. A frame assembling machine is then activate to perform the actual stapling of the strips.

Abstract: The present invention preferably employs non-contact, small-displacement, capacitive sensors to determine Abbe errors due to the pitch, yaw, or roll of a near linear mechanical stage that are not indicated by an on-axis position indicator, such as a linear scale encoder or laser interferometer. The system is calibrated against a precise reference standard so the corrections depend only on sensing small changes in the sensor readings and not on absolute accuracy of the sensor readings. Although the present invention is preferred for use in split-axis positioning systems with inertially separated stages, the invention can be employed in typical split-axis or stacked stage systems to reduce their manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing coordinated control of a work implement of a work machine. The implement includes a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion, with the first end portion pivotally connected to the frame and the second end portion pivotally connected to a load-engaging member. The apparatus includes a position sensor adapted for providing a position signal, and an input device adapted for delivering a desired velocity signal indicative of the desired velocity of the load-engaging member. The desired velocity includes a desired angular velocity and a desired linear velocity. The apparatus receives the position signal and the desired velocity signal, and determines an actual path of travel of the load-engaging member, and a desired path of travel of the load-engaging member. The apparatus further modifies the desired angular velocity and the desired linear velocity in response to a deviation between the actual and desired paths of travel.

Abstract: The optimized band saw feed speed system of this invention is associated with a saw mill carriage reciprocable past a band saw by a power drive motor. The feed speed control system utilizes a first laser line arranged to allow video scanning of the diameter profile of a log on the carriage for measuring the impending depth of cut by the band saw blade as the carriage moves the log through the band saw. A second laser line is arranged to show on the band saw blade for detecting the lateral deviation of the blade from its path. A video camera is arranged to cover the diameter of a log on the carriage and to view the laser line projections and control the speed of the power drive motor of the carriage, to provide optimum speed of movement of the log through the band saw.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled through a process incorporating the steps of (1) measuring geometric and thermal errors with accurate instruments, (2) creating a global differential wet model of machine tool position, and (3) using this model to control real time compensation of machine tool operation. A controller modifies encoder-type position feedback signals used by the machine to compensate for geometric and thermal errors in the manner dictated by the global differential wet model.

Abstract: A computer-controlled method for automatically positioning a guide for a biopsy needle for its proper insertion into the body of a patient from a selected point on a surface of the body, so as to enter in a straight line passing through a designated target region within the body, in conjunction with an imaging system utilizing radiation from first and second source positions for deriving first and second radiographic images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a processing machine to perform a processing operation on a workpiece by (a) determining the nominal locations of at least two sensible reference marks on the workpiece in terms of the coordinates of the workpiece; (b) loading the workpiece on the processing machine; (c) sensing, and measuring the actual locations of, the reference marks on the workpiece when so mounted, in terms of the coordinates of the processing machine; (d) determining at least one geometrical transformation needed to transform the workpiece coordinates of the nominal locations of the reference marks to the processing machine coordinates of the actual locations of the reference marks; (e) and controlling the processing machine in accordance with the determined geometrical transformation.

Abstract: A data structure and method are disclosed for encapsulating a message with a verifiable message ID and a verifiable identification of message interpretation information. The encapsulated message includes a message set and a data generated message identifier. The message set includes a message body that contains the content of a message and a data generated interpretation identifier that verifiably identifies an interpretation file that may be used to interpret the message body. The data generated message identifier is a hash function of the message set that includes the message body and the data generated interpretation identifier. The data generated message identifier is determined such that the data generated message identifier verifiably identifies the message set.

Abstract: Automatic tracking lighting equipment for automatically tracking a target to be illuminated. A spotlight is supported for pivoting in horizontal and vertical directions on a ceiling surface. A horizontal drive mechanism changes the horizontal angle of the spotlight and a vertical drive mechanism changes the vertical angle of the spotlight. A CCD camera picks up the image of a target area to be illuminated. An image recognition unit processes the image from the CCD camera to recognize the target to be illuminated and to specify its coordinates. A coordinate calculation unit calculates how far to move the spotlight based on a distance of the target to be illuminated. A movable control unit converts the output of the coordinate calculation unit into drive signals for the horizontal drive mechanism and for the vertical drive mechanism and outputs drive signals to pivot the spotlight in a desired direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling automatic state returns relates to a dynamic system coupled to an automatic control operating in a discrete negative feedback mode. The method includes a phase for defining a controller, and a phase for operating the system. The defining phase is realized in an open-loop learning phase which includes a step of reading states in which a system may be situated, and a step of generating commands for returning the system to an ideal state. When the commands generating step takes place, the method supplies, for each state, a sequence of discrete commands which are determined by imposing a constraint intended to reduce the error relative to that state below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A position control system, capable of correcting the positional deviation between mechanically related control axes. The position control system comprises a structural body having a Y-shaft supported by a fixed member so that two end portions can move in a vertical direction and a main shaft provided in this shaft so that it can move in a horizontal direction, servo motors for driving the two end portions, a servo motor for driving the main shaft, and a control device for performing the servo control of the servo motors. The control device adjusts the positions of the two end portions of the Y-shaft in accordance with the position of the main shaft with respect to the Y-shaft at the position control to correct the positional deviation from the target position of the main shaft in the vertical direction.