Abstract: A method employed by an expert system for batch scheduling the multiple-pass manufacture of a plurality of parts (12) by at least one parts process (22), where the parts (12) have a plurality of delivery dates and the parts (12) and parts processor (22) have a plurality of production constraints variable during manufacture, includes creating a knowledge base of select characteristics of the parts processor and parameters of the parts, and generating a plurality of rules expressing a scheduling and planning strategy that substantially satisfies parts delivery dates, substantially maximizes use of the parts processor, substantially maximizes part throughput, substantially minimizes energy utilization of the parts processor and meets the production constraints. Parts (12) suitable for simultaneous processing by the parts processor are combined into all possible preferred combinations by applying a first plurality of the rules to the knowledge base.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for inspecting the surface of an article for isolated contrast variations by illuminating the surface, forming an image of the surface from the reflected light, the image being composed of pixels that contain digitized information indicative of the relative intensity level of light reflected from a particular portion of the surface, comparing the intensity levels of at least some of the pixels to a predetermined intensity threshold to identify portions of the surface contrasting with other portions of that surface, and determining from the identified pixels the number of isolated contrast variations on the surface and the area of each of the variations. The number and size of the contrast variations appearing on the inspected article surface are compared to acceptability criteria to decide whether the article is acceptable for a particular use or in particular channels of commerce.