Abstract: Troubleshooting a cause of anomalous behavior observed during operation of a complex system is enabled by a simulation system that permits an operator to operate a simulation of the complex system to initial control conditions in which the anomalous behavior was observed, and suspend the simulation to input fault symptoms observed during the anomalous behavior. The system selects fault scenarios using the input fault symptoms, injects a selected fault scenario into the simulation, and compares a behavior of the fault-inserted simulation to a behavior of a fault-free simulation operating under the initial control conditions to extract fault symptoms, in order to determine whether the anomalous behavior is reproduced by any inserted fault scenario.

Abstract: A video projector apparatus including a linear array of individually addressable reflective active elements, an optical system including a light source and providing a linear light pattern focused on said linear array and from which is created an image of the linear array, an optical scanning system for receiving the image of the linear array including a scanning member that successively scans the array to provide a two-dimensional image, and a projection system receiving the two-dimensional image and including a screen upon which the two-dimensional image is displayed.

Abstract: Control panels of a simulated complex system are displayed as a texture mask over a three-dimensional visual representation of an environment in which the complex system is operating. The three-dimensional visual representation is displayed in an inactive window to a user practicing or training on the simulated system. An active window underlying the visual display is used to track user inputs to the control panels. Smart graphics translate the user inputs into data elements that are sent to a full-scope simulation, and simulation conditions are returned and used to update the display of the control panels and the visual representation of the environment.

Abstract: A visual display system uses commercial graphics processing units (GPUs) to determine an occlusion of calligraphic light points (CLPs) in a visual display. A color buffer pointer address of the GPUs is changed to point to a CLP subpixel counter and color datum associated with each CLP is changed to an identifier of the respective CLPs so that an occlusion count of GPU indications can be accumulated.

Abstract: A sawguide assembly includes a set of sawguides positioned adjacent to one another to create an array of laterally-abutting sawguides. A sawguide biasing assembly biases the sawguides against one another. The array is supported for movement along a lateral path generally parallel to the axis of the arbor. A lateral driver is used to move the entire array in unison along the lateral path. A sawguide array skewing assembly couples the sawguides to one another so that the sawguides can be pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes by a skewing driver.

Abstract: Control panels of a simulated complex system are displayed as a texture mask over a three-dimensional visual representation of an environment in which the complex system is operating. The three-dimensional visual representation is displayed in an inactive window to a user practicing or training on the simulated system. An active window underlying the visual display is used to track user inputs to the control panels. Smart graphics translate the user inputs into data elements that are sent to a full-scope simulation, and simulation conditions are returned and used to update the display of the control panels and the visual representation of the environment.

Abstract: An integrated procedure training apparatus provides a three-dimensional environment that facilitates the training of systems and integrated procedures required to operate and maintain complex systems. The three-dimensional environment is created by arranging a plurality of touch-sensitive display surfaces in a spatial arrangement that is similar to a spatial arrangement of real control panels of the complex system. The training of the integrated procedures is enabled by the use of a full-scope simulation of the complex system. Courseware or other training aids can be used in conjunction with the system to improve learning absorption and retention and reduce training time and reliance on skilled instructors.

Abstract: A system and method for distance learning of systems knowledge and integrated procedures using a real-time, full-scope simulation. The system includes a server component with at least one simulation server, and a client computer with a run-time engine. The simulation runs on the server component and conditions of the simulation that affect the user interface are communicated to the client computer and displayed to the student, to reinforce and promote systems knowledge and procedure learning. Courseware can also be used to enhance the learning experience.

Abstract: A self-paced simulation-based integrated procedure trainer using system and procedure courseware that operates on complex system full-scope simulation increases a quality of training by its inherent fidelity. The system reduces a requirement for classroom training, as well as a requirement for instructor supervised training devices. A validation filter function ensures that inexperienced students are not able to destabilize the simulation by incorrect inputs during an integrated procedure practice. A learning management system relates an appropriate sequence of training events and appropriate courses to follow in order to obtain a related operator or maintenance rating that a student desires to obtain.

Abstract: A sawguide assembly includes a set of sawguides positioned adjacent to one another to create an array of laterally-abutting sawguides. A sawguide biasing assembly biases the sawguides against one another. The array is supported for movement along a lateral path generally parallel to the axis of the arbor. A lateral driver is used to move the entire array in unison along the lateral path. A sawguide array skewing assembly couples the sawguides to one another so that the sawguides can be pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes by a skewing driver.

Abstract: A video projector apparatus including a linear array of individually addressable reflective active elements, an optical system including a light source and providing a linear light pattern focused on said linear array and from which is created an image of the linear array, an optical scanning system for receiving the image of the linear array including a scanning member that successively scans the array to provide a two-dimensional image, and a projection system receiving the two-dimensional image and including a screen upon which the two-dimensional image is displayed.

Abstract: A board trimmer having pre-trimmer saws includes a selectively translatable upstream first pre-trimmer saw mounted on a near-side of a board flow path of a board transfer, upstream of a downstream multi-saw board trimmer. The pre-trimmer saw is selectively translatable by an actuator for translation linearly parallel to a near-side ended board on the board transfer. The pre-trimmer saw is perpendicular to the board when on the board transfer. A board elevator may be mounted below the board flow path and the pre-trimmer saw for elevating the board from a sequence of single boards from the board transfer into sawing engagement with the pre-trimmer saw once the pre-trimmer saw has been pre-positioned by the actuator into an optimized cutting path. Trimming of the board in the flow path is done according to an optimized solution for trimming the board.

Abstract: A method of position-based integrated motion controlled curve sawing includes the steps of: transporting a curved workpiece in a downstream direction on a transfer, and monitoring position of the workpiece on the transfer, scanning the workpiece through an upstream scanner to measure workpiece profiles in spaced apart array, along a surface of the workpiece and communicating the workpiece profiles to a digital processor, computing by the digital processor, a high order polynomial smoothing curve fitted to the array of workpiece profiles of the curved workpiece, and adjusting the smoothing curve for cutting machine constraints of downstream motion controlled cutting devices to generate an adjusted curve generating unique position cams unique to the workpiece from the adjusted curve for optimized cutting by the cutting devices along a tool path corresponding to the position cams, sequencing the transfer and the workpiece with the cutting devices, and sequencing the unique position cams corresponding to the work

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory The sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals front a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: A board positioning device selectively positions in a lateral direction in a generally horizontal plane a board translating in a longitudinal direction in the horizontal plane, wherein the board is aligned along its length in the lateral direction. The device includes a stepped fence, which may be selectively positionable, lying generally in the horizontal plane. A fence positioner cylinder may selectively position the stepped fence in the lateral direction in the horizontal plane so as to position one step of a plurality of steps on the fence to correspond to a desired transition path so as to position the end of the board at a board optimizing position as determined by an optimizer, whereby the board may be laterally, selectively positioned into an optimized position relative to trimmer saws located downstream from the stepped fence in the longitudinal direction when the board is urged laterally against the stepped fence by ending rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. Sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals from a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: An electronic timing generator with a plurality of outputs being defined by a particular relationship with the phase angle of a periodic input signal. Each period of the input signal is divided into a plurality of "time slices" uniquely identified by a numerical value. Each time slice number is applied as a context or address to a storage circuit and the corresponding data retrieved from the storage circuit is used to produce the corresponding output signals through a latching circuit. Each context may have associated with it one retrieval step or several retrieval steps. The storage circuit permits the entry of an image input from a second input source that may be a sophisticated programmable computer or simply a plurality of manually operable switches. Or the second source may be merely an image permanently stored in the memory.