Abstract: A system and method is provided which determines optimal logistics solutions by allowing a purchaser of goods to vary order frequency and amount of goods ordered so as to lower logistics costs while still meeting inventory constraints. The logistics solution uses several models to search for the most optimal solution in any of a variety of metrics, including total cost, percentage trailer utilization, number of truck used, and miles driven.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that optimizes order and routing patterns that considers inventory constraints, including days on hand and shelf life. The results of the optimization of order and routing patterns includes an impact on inventory carried and frequency of inventory turns, to enable Purchasing personnel to gauge the viability of the solutions with respect to capacity, carrying costs, and continuity of supply.

Abstract: A system and method that provides optimization of order and routing patterns that solves for optimal freight margin, not just freight cost. The optimization includes freight allowance information typically varying by item that is used to determine ordering and routing solutions. The solutions thus are based on freight impact to total landed product cost, not just load freight costs. Optimization results are then translated into performance targets based on freight margin, not just freight expense.

Abstract: Communication device for supporting a general-purpose computer to communicate with a vehicle having a control unit for controlling at least one particular function of the vehicle. A first request in XML format for requesting the control unit to return specified information is received from the computer. The request received is converted into a request in control unit specific format and is sent to the control unit of the vehicle. When a reply in control unit specific format including the specified information is received from the vehicle, the reply is also converted into a reply in XML format. The converted reply is sent to the computer.

Abstract: A system and a machine-implemented method for rendering, on a display device, a first data graph concerning data received from a first data source. A second data graph concerning data received from a second data source is rendered on the display device, and superimposed onto the first data graph to generate a superimposed data graph.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic system comprising a rules storage system configured to store one or more rules, each of which determines whether the vehicle may have an anomaly when applied to vehicle diagnostic information. An operator interface may be configured to alert an operator of the diagnostic system to a suspected anomaly in the vehicle. A processing system may be configured to receive diagnostic information from the vehicle, apply one or more rules in the rules storage system to the diagnostic information, and cause the operator interface to alert the operator to a suspected anomaly in the vehicle if the application of the one or more rules results in a determination that the vehicle may have that anomaly. Variations and related processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A three-dimensional camera based system for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels. The system includes a strobed infrared lighting subsystem, a visible indicator that the subsystem is working properly, and targets for attachment to the objects. The system also includes at least one camera for viewing the targets, and a data processor connected to the camera for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display that displays the position and/or alignment information. The system includes directional indicators for indicating that the vehicle should be repositioned by moving it backward, forward, or steered left or right. The system also includes wheel indicators tied in with software on the data processing device. These wheel indicators indicate the state of target acquisition by the data processing device based on the image from the camera.

Abstract: A diagnostic system allows a service technician to diagnose a malfunction that occurs during operation of a wheel alignment system after the malfunction has occurred and is no longer apparent. The system, which includes one or more cameras for gathering images of the alignment, gathers information in real time about the alignment of a plurality of wheels. The images include reflections from a target mounted on each wheel, and a processing system in communication with the cameras receives the images and generates analysis data based on them, the analysis data providing an analysis of the alignment of the wheels. A memory device stores the images and the analysis data, and a storage control causes the memory device to store the images and the analysis data in response to activation of the storage control by the operator during the occurrence of the malfunction.