Abstract: A module-based apparatus for automatically processing thin sheet material is provided. The individual modules perform the tasks necessary for processing the sheet material. They are connected with one another and with a control device in such a way that data can be transmitted between all components. Additionally a safety device is provided for monitoring the data exchange among the modules themselves and between them and the control device. The safety device is in a position to prepare logs of the processing operations and to recognize manipulation of the apparatus with intent to defraud.

Abstract: Method for processing sheets in a processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing stations and a control system controlling at least one processing station for printing sheets and/or assembling sheets to form at least one document to be mailed. By means of a text unit not belonging to the processing apparatus, at least one digital document in digital form is generated, in which at least one digital code also generated with the text unit is included. This code comprises information about the manner in which the control system is to control the processing stations. The digital document is supplied to the control system in digital form, whereafter the control system records the digital document in digital form, recognizes the code and controls the processing station depending on the code.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object having a potential {x} which is generated in response to a field {f} applied thereto is provided. The method includes the step of designing a geometric model of the object. A computerized mathematical model of the object is generated by discretizing the geometric model of the object into a plurality of finite elements and defining nodes at boundaries of the elements, wherein values of the field {f} and potential {x} are specified at the nodes. A material property matrix ?k! is then calculated based on the relationship {q}=?k! {x}. Material property coefficients are then extracted from the material property matrix ?k! for each finite element in the computerized mathematical model and the extracted material property coefficients are compared to material property coefficients for known materials to match the extracted material property coefficients to the material property coefficients for known materials.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of detecting seam characteristic points which makes it possible to accurately and quickly detect seam characteristic points, which are used as work target positions, by using coordinate data of a series of distance points detected by a sensor, when sealing is performed by a robot (1) equipped with a sensor (2), seam characteristic points P of an object are detected, a distance to an arbitrary cross section of an object is detected by the sensor (2), the data obtained through the measurement are converted into coordinate data of a series of distance points arranged in a predetermined order, a statistic value regarding the distance between paired adjacent distance points among the series of distant points is calculated so as to obtain a threshold level for judging discontinuity, based on the statistic value, the distance between paired adjacent distance points is compared with the discontinuity threshold level so as to detect a pair of adjacent distance points which are separated fr

Abstract: A process information and maintenance system for monitoring, visualizing, triaging and maintaining all control loops of a distributed control system gives the users the number of control loops in the plant, the number of loops that are routinely in manual mode, which loops are frequently in alarm, which loops need tuning, etc.

Abstract: An airport baggage receiving and handling method receives a passenger's baggage, identifies the baggage and processes the baggage for the passenger's flight. The method includes providing identification information, storing a result of a baggage security check, retrieving the baggage security check result, conveying the baggage security check result to the passenger, and forwarding the baggage after the baggage security check is satisfied. The identification information identifies the passenger, the baggage, and the passenger and the baggage with respect to each other, when the passenger undergoes a check-in procedure. The baggage security check result is retrieved based on the identification information of the passenger at the time of the passenger's security check. If the baggage security check result is a rejection, the passenger is permitted to satisfy the rejection. As a result, only baggage that has satisfied the security check is forwarded to a sorting section.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool which allows the automatic generation of a restoring program for carrying out processing required for the resumption of an NC machining program to resume the execution of the NC machining program after the execution of the NC machining program has been stopped and interrupt processing has been performed. Specifically, even for nesting programs, when the machining program is re-executed from where it had stopped after the execution of the machining program has stopped and the operator has performed optional interrupt processing, the stop-time and re-execution-time machine statuses are compared to automatically generate the restoring program so that the machine status may be returned to the stop-time status, whereby the operator can perform the resumption processing of the machining program without any restrictions.

Abstract: Data transfer to computing elements is synchronized in a computer system that includes the computing elements and controllers that provide data from data sources to the computing elements. A request for data made by a computing element is intercepted and transmitted to the controllers. At least a first controller responds by transmitting requested data to the computing element and by indicating how a second controller will respond to the intercepted request.

Abstract: A row of light emitting diodes approximately one inch apart are mounted along the edge of a spreading table. A small computer reads a cut file which specifies (among other items) the splice zone locations. The computer then controls the lighting of appropriate LEDs to define the beginning and ending of these splice zones. Locations between the LEDs may be identified by lighting LEDs on either side of the appropriate location.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: A method of, and computer software system for, non-graphical programming of a machine control to control the operations of a machine, comprising: (a) displaying one or more data entry fields on a display for a user to input data including the physical dimensions of a part to be machined; (b) receiving the input data; (c) storing the input data in a memory device; and (d) generating program code for said machine control utilizing the stored input data according to a predetermined programming convention, the program code including program instructions for the machine control to control operations of the machine in machining the part; whereby the user can program machining of the part without a graphical representation of the part.

Abstract: A programming device of a programmable status control system is provided for converting a control function to a control program for an automation device. The programming device with a graphic programming interface is suitable for programming a programmable status control system.

Abstract: A data-driven method and system are provided for predicting limit cycle oscillations such as chatter to obtain a classifier signal which, in turn, may be utilized by a control method and system. The method and system utilize algorithms based on random field theory which are applied to "vibration" data to predict when chatter phenomenon may emerge during an ongoing machining process. Using real data from a turning operation on a lathe, the onset of chatter can be predicted so that sufficient time is available to deploy an automatic control strategy such as reduction or random variation of spindle speed to quench the "chatter". The method and system preferably use instantaneous scale of fluctuation.

Abstract: A predetermined number of actuators are arranged transversally to a continuously produced material web for adjusting the cross-sectional profile of the web. To determine to what degree the instantaneous cross-sectional profile can approximate a reference profile, an optimally achievable profile is determined first in a computing device on the basis of a measured profile and a mathematical model of a controlled system of a cross-sectional profile control, and the optimally achievable profile is compared with the measured profile.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing a steady-state performance of a process having multiple inputs and multiple output-responses is provided. The method and system provide a unified and systematic way of optimizing nominal, statistical and multi-criteria performance of the process. The process can be inter alia a semiconductor manufacturing process or a business process.

Abstract: An improved method of evaluating molecular structures using relativistic integral equations. The method transforms Cartesian non-relativistic integrals into relativistic integrals using a two-step process. A first step transforms two indecises of the non-relativistic integral equations into a plurality of intermediate equations. A second step transforms the plurality of intermediate set of integrals into relativistic integral. The relativistic integrals are then used to evaluate the relativistic behavior of the molecular structure.

Abstract: A control system regulates a controlled process. A first controller receives at least a first input variable and a second input variable and produces at least a first control variable and a second control variable. A delay unifier associated with the first controller introduces a first delay to one of the first and second control variables, the first delay being determined as a function of a second delay associated with another of the first and second control variables, and outputs first and second control variables with unified delay. A processor models effects of the controlled process. The processor receives the delayed first and second control variables output by the first controller and produces estimated process output variables. A second controller processes a difference between measured process output variables and the estimated process output variables to correct for disturbances.

Abstract: An improved method of implementing and solving relay ladder logic, such as in programmable logic controllers, more efficiently to allow greater flexibility is provided. Solving relay ladder logic is performed with scan times dependent only upon the number of input and state changes on a scan, and the resulting number of flow changes at ladder connectors. The scan time will therefore be independent of the size of the ladder. The method comprises the steps of recording the structure of a relay ladder and the current flow on the ladder via a ladder coding convention which specifies adjacent relay ladder connections for a particular diagram. Based upon input or state variable changes or events, the process of the invention will act to toggle all of the ladder contacts associated with these events between open and closed positions. This procedure is accomplished by following precomputed lists of such contacts which will be affected by a particular event or change in system model variables.

Abstract: A processing control system in a processing apparatus, for repetitive processing of a plurality of marked sections of uniform length forming a continuous elongate material, the processing controller outputting a corrected material feed length signal for maintaining registration between marks on the sections and processing positions on the sections within a tolerance.

Abstract: In a driving simulation apparatus for executing route retrieval on the basis of digital map data obtained by digitizing a road network, displaying the route so retrieved on a display unit and scrolling the map while tracing the route so displayed for simulation driving, the scrolling speed is changed in accordance with a reduced scale of the map displayed. When a wide area map is displayed, for example, an updating distance becomes long and when a detailed map is displayed, the updating distance becomes short. Therefore, even when the wide area map is displayed, the scrolling speed on the screen of the display unit does not become slow, and a long time is not necessary even when long distance retrieval is made.