Abstract: A method and system for determining an array sequence of processing operations to maximize the efficiency of steel plate processing. Between two processing operations, a first sequence constraint based on a first attribute of each processing operation and a second sequence constraint based on a second attribute of each processing operation are defined. A system selects, as a cluster, at least one of processing operations having a common attribute value of the first attribute, and arranged in a sequence satisfying the second sequence constraint. The system regards the first sequence constraint as a sequence constraint between a plurality of clusters, and arranges the plurality of clusters in a sequence maximizing the efficiency of processing.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an array sequence of processing operations to maximize the efficiency of steel plate processing. Between two processing operations, a first sequence constraint based on a first attribute of each processing operation and a second sequence constraint based on a second attribute of each processing operation are defined. A system selects, as a cluster, at least one of processing operations having a common attribute value of the first attribute, and arranged in a sequence satisfying the second sequence constraint. The system regards the first sequence constraint as a sequence constraint between a plurality of clusters, and arranges the plurality of clusters in a sequence maximizing the efficiency of processing.

Abstract: For determination as to whether there is a possibility that temperature control satisfying conditions according to an upper limit LH_i and a lower limit LL_i of the annealing control temperatures of annealing object steel sections i will be realized under restrictions on limit values U and D of the control temperature increase and decrease rates, computation is performed without using dynamic programming requiring an enormous amount of data on a continuous annealing line of a steelwork. Annealing object steel sections in an annealing object steel band 12 to be computed are assigned numbers 1, 2, . . . , n in order from the first time division in the direction of movement. T_i is a time required to pass the annealing object steel section i through a predetermined point at which the steel section undergoes temperature control. LH_1=LL_1=b is given. X_i=[IL_i?D*T_i, IH_i+U*T_i] is computed. When X_L_i1f, Y_i=X_iL_i. When X_i L_i=f, Y_i=X_i. Y—i is computed from i=1 to i=n in ascending order.

Abstract: For determination as to whether there is a possibility that temperature control satisfying conditions according to an upper limit LH_i and a lower limit LL_i of the annealing control temperatures of annealing object steel sections i will be realized under restrictions on limit values U and D of the control temperature increase and decrease rates, computation is performed without using dynamic programming requiring an enormous amount of data on a continuous annealing line of a steelwork.

Abstract: A method for increasing the execution speed of a cost-minimizing routing algorithm, as employed in trucking or job shop scheduling. Penalty functions for succeeding transit points along a route are added and examined for validity during trial route evaluation. A soft time window is set for each transit point, and proposed routes are evaluated using a total cost including all soft time windows along the route and the length of the route. A static soft time window function and a dynamic soft time window function are correlated with each transit point. The dynamic soft time window function for each transit point is the sum of the static soft time window function for the Transit point and the dynamic soft time window function for a succeeding transit point in the direction of travel.

Abstract: This invention rationalizes the cost calculations that accompany the movement of a path constituting a route segment, when a soft time window is set for each transit point and a route is to be evaluated using a total cost that includes all soft time windows along the route and the length of the route provided by the re-calculation of the cost. A static soft time window function and a dynamic soft time window function are correlated with each transit point. The dynamic soft time window function for each transit point is set as the sum of the static soft time window function for the transit point and the dynamic soft time window function for a succeeding transit point in the direction of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus, program and method for receiving input and specifying a plurality of junctions on a map, specifying an editing object range, and specifying a predetermined block of a road by inputting modifying data items, in order to modify road attribute data items within a predetermined extent. Coordinates of a starting point and a terminal point on a map are input. Additionally, coordinates of relay points can be input. Junctions closest to the starting point and the terminal point are searched, and identified. A search for a route is performed using the junction data items, and road data items of the editing object block are specified. From the junction data items included in the editing object block, the data items of a road connected to the junction within a predetermined extent are specified, and, at the same time, made to be an editing object. Modification data is received, and road attribute data items of the road that is the modifying object are updated based on the modification data.

Abstract: A magnetic tape unit is provided which performs a read/write operation in a precise timing by regularly using a reference tape on which a reference signal is written. The magnetic tape unit, which transmits data to a magnetic tape drive based on a predetermined clock signal and writes or reads data to or from a magnetic tape, includes means for changing a data transmission timing in which the data is transmitted.

Abstract: A high strength, high ductility titanium alloy comprising O, N and Fe as strengthening elements and the balance substantially Ti, the contents of the strengthening elements satisfying the following relationships (1) to (3):(1) from 0.9 to 2.3% by weight of Fe,(2) up to 0.05% by weight of N, and(3) an oxygen equivalent value Q, which is defined by the formula mentioned below, of 0.34 to 1.00Q=[O]+2.77[N]+0.1[Fe]wherein [O] is an oxygen content (% by weight), [N] is a nitrogen content (% by weight) and [Fe] is an iron content (% by weight), the titanium alloy having a tensile strength of at least 700 MPa and an elongation of at least 15%. Part of Fe may be replaced with Cr and/or Ni. Fe, Cr and Ni may be introduced from a carbon steel or stainless steel, or they may be introduced from sponge titanium containing these elements.

Abstract: A consumable electrode for the production of Nb-Ti alloy is disclosed which is capable of obtaining homogeneous titanium alloy without segregation which contains substantially equal amounts of niobium and titanium. The consumable electrode consists essentially of a compact formed by compressing a uniform mixture of niobium chips and sponge titanium.