Abstract: Under the present invention, a GUI is provided that allows an assembly line to be both graphically and dynamically configured. In general, the GUI allows a designer or the like to “graphically” configure: a hierarchy of categories representing the assembly line; the process points along the assembly line; the different events that can be triggered at the process points; the actions that are taken in response to the events; the processes (sequences of actions) for the events; and the input parameters for the events and the actions. In a typical embodiment, the GUI is maintained on a system that is separate from the central computer controlling the assembly line. This not only allows the assembly line to be configured remotely, but also without ceasing operation of the line.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a GUI is provided that allows an assembly line to be both graphically and dynamically configured. In general, the GUI allows a designer or the like to “graphically” configure: a hierarchy of categories representing the assembly line; the process points along the assembly line; the different events that can be triggered at the process points; the actions that are taken in response to the events; the processes (sequences of actions) for the events; and the input parameters for the events and the actions. In a typical embodiment, the GUI is maintained on a system that is separate from the central computer controlling the assembly line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently displaying information for an object two-dimensionally. A two-dimensional pattern displayed in a two-dimensional tag comprises a first region consisting of a locational reference region that is square and located in the center of the first region for identifying the location and an identification region that surrounds the locational reference region and is a single data cell, a second region in which a black pattern and a white pattern appear alternately for identifying the starting location for reading information, and a third region for displaying coded information about the object. Detection of the square region in the first region allows detection of the location of the two-dimensional tag in which the two-dimensional pattern is displayed, while detection of the data cell of the second region in which black and white appear alternately allows detection and correction of the location of the two-dimensional tag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of a steering angle and velocity using distances from obstacles in a plurality of directions or changes in distances with time as input information; obtaining a function output for each of the directions using the input information as a parameter and using a function regarding steering angle, a function regarding velocity and a function regarding degree of danger; executing operations using each function output as a parameter to compute a steering angle for obstacle avoidance and also compute a steering angle for route tracing and a velocity by a predetermined method; and synthesizing the obtained steering angle for route tracing and for obstacle avoidance with a velocity as derived. The foregoing control method avoids obstacles and is comparatively simple, even in an unknown environment without constructing a complicated rule base.

Abstract: A method and system for maneuvering a mobile robot are disclosed, which include a mobile robot having a plurality of sensors, including a sensor which detects the presence of an object and a sensor which detects image information related to the object. Utilizing data acquired by the plurality of sensors, elements of the object are determined. A hypothesis expressing the configuration of the object is then generated from the elements interpreted from the data. The hypothesis is generated by referencing a table in which interpretations of data acquired by the plurality of sensors are associated with possible configurations of objects in response to the generated hypothesis, the mobile robot is moved along a path which avoids the object.

Abstract: A mobile machine having active sensors for allowing similar energy waves to coexist close to each other. A mobile machine enters an exclusive transmission mode with respect to energy wave transmission when interference can occur between its own active sensor and the sensors of mother mobile machines. Prior to the transmission of energy waves, the mobile machine determines whether or not any competing mobile machine has acquired the energy wave transmission right. If not, it broadcasts a declaration of its acquisition of the right to transmit energy waves and transmits energy waves. If the transmission right has already been acquired by a competing mobile machine, it adds its own identification to a transmission queue, and increments the transmission queue each time it receives a declaration of renunciation of the right to transmit energy waves from a competing mobile machine.