Abstract: A method for modeling a steady-state network in the absence of steady-state historical data. A steady-state neural network can be tied by impressing the dynamics of the system onto the input data during the training operation by first determining the dynamics in a local region of the input space, this providing a set of dynamic training data. This dynamic training data is then utilized to train a dynamic model, gain thereof then set equal to unity such that the dynamic model is now valid over the entire input space. This is a linear model, and the historical data over the entire input space is then processed through this model prior to input to the neural network during training thereof to remove the dynamic component from the data, leaving the steady-state component for the purpose of training. This provides a valid model in the presence of historical data that has a large content of dynamic behavior.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus comprises a machining unit preparing section for preparing plural machining units, a machining unit defining section for selecting a designated machining unit from the prepared machining units and designating the arrangement and size of the machining area of the selected machining unit, and an machined material creating section for creating a shape with the machining area shape removed from the material shape. The automatic programming apparatus and method for an NC machine which can easily create a machining program in complicated machining and also create a correct program quickly in complicated machining by trial and error.

Abstract: Functional elements within a two-wire, loop-powered, two-way digital communications environment are interconnected using selective redundant connections and selective redundant functional elements. The redundant functional elements and redundant connections provide a smooth transition from operation of a primary process loop element to a secondary process loop element in the event of a failure of the primary process loop element. Redundancy is selectively implemented using a redundant pair of field devices or a redundant bus pair having a primary bus and a redundant bus. In a first case, redundancy is selectively implemented using a single set of communication media, such as a single communication loop, but implementing redundant functional elements, such as field devices, so that recovery is achieved upon failure of a functional element but not upon failure of the communication media.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the largest subset of points that remains within a set of points S (i.e., shape S) when S is subjected to a motion M. These methods, which are generally designated herein as unsweep (or formalistically unsweep(S,M)), can be implemented (preferably by computer) for a variety of practical purposes, for example mechanical parts design. In this instance, simply by knowing the motion to be experienced by a part and the envelope wherein the part must fit during motion, unsweep can define the largest part that fits within the envelope according to the given motion. While direct part shape output is obtained, no part shape needs to be proposed beforehand, and thus the design process is no longer an iterative process of proposing shapes and correcting them in the case of interference. Further, unsweep is related to the known sweep function and can be used to obtain sweeps as well as unsweeps.

Abstract: A system and method for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a set of field devices communicatively linked over a bus includes an operational scheduler that schedules the execution of each of a number of process control functions and communication functions performed by the field devices to define a process control scheme and an indicator that indicates one or more process control scheme locations at which the process control scheme is to be automatically or conditionally interrupted to thereby enable debugging and/or tuning of the process control network. A controller interrupts execution of the process control scheme at the indicated flow locations, communicates process data to a user to display the current or a past state of the process to a user and waits for user input before continuing with operation of the process control scheme.

Abstract: Data about a plurality of curved surfaces which are expressed in various forms are inputted, and based on the inputted data, the curved surfaces are defined by a set of rational functions with respect to parameters u and v. Then, calculation for intersections which are necessary for machining is carried out, and paths of a cutting tool are calculated. In figuring out the solution of the set of rational functions, first, the extremal value and the point of inflection are calculated, and the solution is calculated by an analytically focusing method with the initial value set between the extremal value and the point of inflection. When a plurality of curved surfaces are expressed in the same form, the curved surfaces are unified into a single surface.

Abstract: A device ("RPLD") for providing automated alignment of a workpiece centerline with a machine tool centerline. RPLD 10 is designed for rigid attachment to various standard spindle designs, such as spindle 12. RPLD 10 includes a fixture 50, adapted to engage RPLD 10, for fixedly receiving workpiece 120. RPLD 10 incorporates a tilting plate 15 which allows for tilting of the fixture around three separate axis. Further, RPLD 10 incorporates cross-slide 30 for providing translational movement in a plane perpendicular to the machine tools centerline. A processing unit 60 receives data from a plurality of conventional transducers and, based on this data, activates the servo driven tilting plate and cross-slide so as to position the centerline of a workpiece to be both parallel and coincident with the centerline of a machine tool.

Abstract: A method of correction of a mask pattern in which the mask pattern of a photomask to be used in a photolithographic step is deformed so that a transfer image near a desired design pattern is obtained, including an evaluation point arrangement step for arranging a plurality of evaluation points along an outer periphery of the desired design pattern; a simulation step for simulating the transfer image to be obtained where exposure is carried out under predetermined transfer conditions by using a photomask of a design pattern given the evaluation points; a comparison step for comparing a difference between the simulated transfer image and the design pattern for every evaluation point; and a deformation step for deforming the design pattern according to the difference compared for every evaluation point so that the difference becomes smaller and a correction apparatus for the same.

Abstract: To determine whether a machine tool is operating effectively, the present invention system, instead of directly measuring the operating parameters of the machine tool, monitors the presence or absence of any holes made by the machine tool and the quality of those holes, if made. The operational effectiveness of the machine tool is then correlated with the data thus monitored.

Abstract: An operational control device of an image processing apparatus displays set color-balance settings on the corresponding keys with the corresponding figures and bar graphs. It also displays the title of a color-balance setting, as required. This facilitates the confirmation of set processing conditions in storing plural processing conditions for image processing, and also facilitates the selection of stored processing conditions to read. When a magnification is specified in the XY zoom mode, the key indicating that the mode has been specified is displayed. Pressing this key displays the XY zoom setting screen again. This facilitates the confirmation and change of set processing conditions.

Abstract: An affect-based method of communication between robots is provided by displaying a visual facial expression indicative of a simulated emotional state on a display device of a first robot, and viewing the visual facial expression using a camera on a second robot. The simulated emotional state may be one of happiness, anger, or sadness, for example. The second robot determines the simulated emotional state based upon the visual facial expression. The second robot processes the simulated emotional state to redefine its own simulated emotional state, and to display a visual facial expression indicative thereof. The visual facial expression allows a human observer to discern the simulated emotional state of the robot. Optionally, the robots further communicate affect using audio tones.

Abstract: A control system for processing machinery has at least one sequencer for processing machines to each of which at least one processing machine is connected, a controller for controlling the sequencer and a bus converter for converting signals flowing in a bus in the case where a first bus of the sequencer and a second bus of the controller are made on the basis of different specifications. In this system, even if manufactures of the controller and the sequencer are different each other, an appropriate signal conversion is performed based on difference of specifications of both buses, and therefore secure connection adapted to real time control can be obtained.

Abstract: A process and a device for comprehensive control of a basic industry plant, such as a steel plant or an integrated iron works, which includes subprocesses that are critical with regard to continuous material flow, e.g., casting processes. The invention optimizes the material flow through the system and prevents the interruption of the material flow prior to the start of subprocesses that are critical with regard to continuous material flow. The process sequence in a subprocess is subdivided into four steps, referred to as quarter cells with each quarter cell containing a point in time, a time range to describe possible process time fluctuations, the name of the previous quarter cell, i.e., the name of the previous substep of a subprocess, as well as a marker of whether the process time fluctuation of this subcell is influenceable or non-influenceable.

Abstract: A control system is extremely flexible and modular and can be equipped or upgraded to have any number or combination of features, such as security, home theater/audio, HVAC, energy management, and lighting with each feature having a separate task unit. The task units can be added or removed from a core set of units within minimal impact on the core set of units. The core set of units includes a control database unit that stores sets of commands in a relational database according to an input/output event and a command execution unit that routes the commands to the appropriate task units for execution. The core set of units do not need to understand the input/output event or the commands but rather routes the commands to the task units addressed for execution. The system has a variable database that contains a relational database of variables shared between the various task units and stores such things as all keypad displays.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically generating a program for controlling a computer controlled system such as a plant. A number of general and standard program modules 49, 51 are prepared beforehand. A standard module is selectively displayed on a display device 21 as a graphics information image. Standard modules are combined as desired in accordance with a system operation procedure to generate customized program modules 50, 52 which are stored as graphics information images in stackers 155. A number of customized modules are generated for respective program functions. Customized modules are compiled to generate source programs, and thereafter assembled to generate intermediate level modules not addressed which are then combined and edited to generate a load module program.

Abstract: In a trajectory control method for an intra-planar multifreedom SCARA type of robot, a positional increment for an arm tip is computed for a linear interpolating operation through the expression described below. Namely, the expression is Vn=L.sub.1 .multidot.sin(.theta..sub.2).multidot.J.sub.1, wherein Vn indicates a positional increment of an arm tip; L.sub.1 indicates a length of a first arm; .theta..sub.2 indicates an angle of a second joint; and J.sub.1 indicates an angular velocity of a first joint (instructed angular velocity) specified by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming the motion of a machine tool in a three-dimensional machining space defined by an X, Y and Z coordinate system, the machine tool having a spindle linearly displaceable in three orthogonal X, Y and Z axes. A probe, mounted in the spindle and coupled to transducers, is moved by hand through a desired cutting path for an actual part. A computer connected to the transducers moves the machine in the direction that the probe is moved and/or rotates a workpiece mounted in the machining space and selectively records the position of the probe and workpiece to create an NC parts program that replicates the cutting path motions.

Abstract: A logic controller apparatus for solving ladder logic includes first memory locations for storing representations of the ladder logic and second memory locations for storing a plurality of input and output digital logic signals. A processor employs at least some of the digital logic signals for solving the representations of the ladder logic. A representation of ladder logic power flowing from a power rail to a neutral rail flows in a forward direction from a first port to a second port of at least one of a plurality of ladder functional devices, such as contacts. The contacts are organized in a plurality of rows which include at least one of the contacts. The ladder logic power representation also flows in a reverse direction from the second port to the first port of at least another one of the functional devices.

Abstract: A method of rapid prototyping which can utilize existing subtractive fabrication devices for the purpose of forming complex three-dimensional objects from a computer model. The method extends the capability of existing milling machines and other subtractive devices thereby allowing them to create objects of greater complexity than would normally be possible. Complex objects are subdivided by a computer control program into optimal machinable layers having a uniform outer geometry which permits simplified alignment and fixturing and wherein portions of the object are temporarily suspended by integrally machined support membranes. A minimum number of layers are required and these layers will have substantial thickness as compared with those of conventional additive fabricators. Surfaces of the models will be smooth and require little or no hand finishing.

Abstract: The present invention is to a chemical vapor deposition process for depositing a substantially planar, highly reflective layer on a substrate, and is particularly useful for filling high aspect ratio holes in the substrate with metal-containing material. The substrate is placed in a process zone, and successive seeding and oriented crystal growth stages are performed on the substrate. In the seeding stage, the substrate is heated to temperatures T.sub.s, within a first lower range of temperatures .DELTA. T.sub.s, and a seeding gas is introduced into the process zone. The seeding gas deposits a substantially continuous, non-granular, and planar seeding layer on the substrate. Thereafter, in an oriented crystal growth stage, the substrate is maintained at deposition temperatures T.sub.d, within a second higher range of temperatures .DELTA. T.sub.D, and deposition gas is introduced into the process zone.