Abstract: An advanced process control (APC) system. The APC system comprises a database for receiving process data from a measurement tool for a plurality of process runs and for storing the process data. A lambda tuner determines a tuned-lambda value corresponding to a process-capability-index value based on upper and lower process control limits and statistics derived from the process data. A process-run controller updates a recipe value based on the received process data and the tuned-lambda value.

Abstract: The systems and methods descried herein relate in part to intuitive methods for creation and design of lighting sequences, e.g., for theatrical, entertainment or advertising purposes, using a software interface. Additionally, the lighting sequences can be coordinated with control of additional devices. Also described herein is a controller capable of executing programs for lighting sequences and modifying the output and/or execution of the program based on external signals. In this way, the final output can be made responsive to external stimuli, or even interactive.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. The end of the amputated limb is also scanned to obtain socket data. A virtual limb is designed using a computer program based upon the mirror image and end of the amputated limb data. The computer program is also used to design a removable fairing that provides color and texture to the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A method and system for a product line management is presented. The system is capable of performing steps of the method. The method includes a first step of obtaining a product line architecture (PLA). A second step of obtaining a Change Management Workflow (CMW), the CMW includes a plurality of change activities, and the CMW being capable of interacting with the PLA. A third step of obtaining value stream maps for both the PLA and the CMW. A fourth step of creating activity lines for each of the change activity according to the PLA and the CMW. A fifth step of computing risk indicatives for the PLA and the CMW. A sixth step of triggering changes in the PLA and the CMW according the change activity, activity line, risk indicatives, or any combination thereof. And another step of repeating the steps of obtaining value stream maps onwards while managing the product line.

Abstract: A computer program product that determines a polishing endpoint includes obtaining spectra from different zones on a substrate during different times in a polishing sequence, matches the spectra with indexes in a library and uses the indexes to determining a polishing rate for each of the different zones from the indexes. An adjusted polishing rate can be determined for one of the zones, which causes the substrate to have a desired profile when the polishing end time is reached.

Abstract: A device for controlling devices in a monitored space. A sensor senses an event in an initial state indicating an occupant may be present in the monitored space. A switch activates the controlled device in response to the sensed event. A processor enables the device to change from the initial state to a first state in response to the sensed event, with the first state indicating that the occupant may be in the monitored space. The device also changes from the first state to a second state while determining whether the occupant continues to be in the monitored space in response to a query challenge. The device next changes from the second state to the initial state in response to the determining indicating that the occupant is not in the monitored space. The switch deactivates the controlled device in the initial state in the monitored space.

Abstract: We discovered that a) a single key can support a multiplicity of ordered groups, b) only a subset of each group needs to be visually represented on the face of a key, c) either multi-tap or predictive methods, or both, can be used to input members of each of the groups, and d) auxiliary keys are a convenient, effective and user-discoverable method to select ordered groups, and to perform the multi-tap function. The objects of: limiting multi-tap depth, reducing keystrokes per symbol, unifying focus, increasing discoverability, graduated discoverability, power, compact presentation, and seamless integration of multi-tap and predictive text methods, can all be achieved by exploiting these discoveries.

Abstract: A method is presented for representing anomalies to a process. These anomalies are represented in an anti-pattern, which depicts non-productive emergent information that describes activities that are detrimental to the progress of the process. The anti-pattern includes visually-coded areas that describe how severe the detrimental activities are to the process when combined. After the anti-pattern is created for the process, new non-productive emergent information for a current process is mapped onto the anti-pattern in the form of data patterns represented as visual fences. Appropriate steps are then taken to address the new non-productive emergent information, depending on the visually-coded area to which the new non-productive emergent information is mapped.

Abstract: Producing a three-dimensional multi-material component whereby successive layers of at least one material are printed by a drop ink-jet-type printer including cutting a representation of the multi-material component into remarkable objects; cutting the representation of the component into print layers, as a function of the remarkable objects; for each print layer, establishing a plurality of discrete spatial print path trajectories; for each print layer and for each discrete spatial trajectory, establishing an assembly of printing parameters which are dependent on the nature of the deposited materials and the deposition conditions thereof; and establishing a rule for the spatial and temporal sequencing of the print path of the print layers and of the discrete spatial trajectories as a function of the objects, the relative three-dimensional arrangement thereof and the characteristics of the printing device.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and a plurality of node electronic units. Each node electronic unit is mounted remotely from an associated circuit breaker that is electrically coupled with one of the node electronic units. The system also includes a first digital network, and a first central control unit. The first central control unit and the plurality of node electronic units are communicatively coupled to the first digital network. The method includes receiving digital signals from each node electronic unit at the central control unit, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital signal, and transmitting digital signals to the plurality of node electronic units such that the circuit breakers are operable from the first central control unit.

Abstract: According to the present, there is proved a semiconductor fabrication apparatus management system having: a sensor which monitors and outputs a plurality of apparatus parameters of a semiconductor fabrication apparatus which fabricates a semiconductor device; a measurement unit which measures a dimensional value of the semiconductor device, and outputs the dimensional value as dimensional data; an apparatus parameter storage unit which stores the apparatus parameters; a dimensional data storage unit which stores the dimensional data; an apparatus parameter controller which calculates predicted dimensional data by extracting the dimensional data from the dimensional data storage unit, and controls at least one of the plurality of apparatus parameters on the basis of the predicted dimensional data; and an abnormality factor extraction unit which analyzes correlations between the controlled apparatus parameter and other apparatus parameters, and extracts an abnormal apparatus parameter on the basis of a calculat

Abstract: A control unit for a machine tool at least one vibration detection device attached to a main shaft portion of a machine tool or a movable body; a storage device for storing a vibration signal detected by the vibration detection device being related to operation information of the machine tool; a collision judgment device for judging that a collision has occurred; and an output device for outputting the vibration signal at the time of judging the occurring of the collision. By the above constitution, the control unit is capable of grasping a specific circumstance of collision and quickly determining a cause of collision.

Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding systems for controlling a light fixture include a memory for storing data and software. A multi-tap capacitor has a plurality of tap capacitors integrated into a capacitor housing. A plurality of switches are each coupled to one of the plurality of tap capacitors for selectively coupling the tap capacitors together to produce a variable multi-tap capacitance. A processor is coupled to the memory and the switches to facilitate: detecting a trigger for changing a lumen level output by the light fixture; determining a new lumen level in response to the trigger; determining a capacitance value that corresponds to the new lumen level; and configuring the plurality of switches to produce the multi-tap capacitance that corresponds to the new lumen level. The processor can record data in the memory that represents times of lumen changes and switch settings, which data correlates to power consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a method for achieving simultaneous consideration of multiple independent dates associated with a single demand. The method iterates through the demands to match the demands with the supply quantities respecting demand priorities which vary over time and demand quantities which may perish over time. One embodiment of the invention allocates demand to supply through an iterative process beginning with earlier demand requirement dates and concluding with later demands which may preempt supply from earlier demands depending upon their relative priorities. An additional embodiment transforms the demands to create multiple demand records, each having an associated priority, such that a single original demand record is transformed into a plurality of related demand records, each having an associated priority. The component supply quantities are accumulated into period ending inventories.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing the joints between layers along portions of the layers which are flush with the surface of a part obtained by computer-aided modeling or prototyping involving layer decomposition, the connecting profile of two successive layers is mathematically and numerically defined using an algorithm in which the surface of the joint at the end zone adjacent to the flush portions is always substantially normal to the plane tangential to the surface of the part along the flush portions.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for on-line monitoring of operation of a process in connection with process measurements indicative of the operation of the process. In some cases, the operation of the process is simulated to generate model data indicative of a simulated representation of the operation of the process and based on the process measurements. A multivariate statistical analysis of the operation of the process is implemented based on the model data and the process measurements. The output data from the multivariate statistical analysis may then be evaluated during the operation of the process to enable the on-line monitoring of the process involving, for instance, fault detection via classification analysis of the output data.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism to align a microelectronic device to a socket, the device including an array of contact pads thereon. The mechanism includes a socket system having a socket and a device positioning mechanism disposed adjacent the socket and adapted to position the device in the socket. The mechanism also includes a control system adapted to receive alignment data on a position of the array of contact pads relative to two reference sides of the device, the control system further being adapted to control the device positioning mechanism as a function of alignment data to align the device in the socket.