Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for designing and/or manufacturing transparent conductors. A system is operable to evaluate optical and electrical manufacturing criteria for a transparent conductor. The system includes a database including stored reference transparent conductor data, and a controller subsystem configured to compare input acceptance manufacturing criteria for a transparent conductor to stored reference transparent conductor data.

Abstract: A system and method of using manufacturing states in a manufacturing process is provided in which manufacturing states for an article of manufacture are defined at different time periods of a manufacturing process for display as manufacturing contexts relating to an installation plan. The manufacturing states for the article of manufacture are stored in a process database as the manufacturing states are defined during the manufacturing process. The manufacturing contexts relating to the installation plan for the article of manufacture are visually displayed with at least one other manufacturing context relating to another installation plan for another article of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing resource planning includes identifying multiple logical entities within a manufacturing facility; receiving supply information for each of the logical entities, the supply information for a particular logical entity including current and projected future inventories of resources assigned to the particular logical entity for use in manufacturing products; receiving demand information associated with manufacture of a requested product; identifying resources for use in manufacturing the requested product; and scheduling manufacture of the requested product using the identified resources at least one of the logical entities at least partially based on the supply information and the demand information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing tool operators in a manufacturing environment with clear and accurate tooling information increases tool operators' efficiency and reduces possibilities of errors. An output device and an input device are coupled to a processor. A tool operator enters a product option and a line number in the input device. The processor automatically selects a previously-defined build plan based on the entered information. The processor outputs the selected build plan to the output device. The outputted build plan includes tool information based on the entered product option and line number. The system communicates with a manufacturing system and a tool design system over a network. Build plans with product option and line number information are created at the manufacturing system, and the tool design system associates tools with the product option and line number information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus thereof for providing a material for use in forming a product fixture assembly. One or more flaws of a currently utilized material can be analyzed for use in meeting a particular requirement of a product fixture assembly in order to identify one or more alternate materials for use in meeting the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly. The alternate material(s) are then analyzed with regard to all requirements of the product fixture assembly, in response to identifying the alternate material(s). An offering of the alternate material(s) can be developed that meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly and overcomes the flaws(s) associated with the currently utilized material. The alternate material(s) can be then selected in order to develop the product fixture assembly. A new material may also be developed, which meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a building sequence planning system for an automobile production line, which can prepare an efficient building sequence. The system comprises an input unit (1) for inputting information of vehicles to be manufactured, a processing unit (3) for deciding an optimum building sequence based on the vehicle information inputted through the input unit (1), and an output unit (5) for externally outputting a building sequence schedule decided by the processing unit (3). The processing unit (3) prepares a vehicle building sequence, determines a degree of dissatisfaction of the prepared building sequence, as a penalty value, in accordance with restriction conditions which are inputted through the input unit (1) and are imposed when building the vehicles into work, and decides a building sequence with a minimum penalty by preparing a plurality of building sequences and determining the penalty value for each building sequence with respect to the restriction conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for receiving a product parts list containing parts for creating a product variant of a product and updating a bill of material with the parts and a selection condition to identify a part of the product variant. The method includes determining a characteristic and a characteristic value of the parts of the product variant and generating a variant demand object for the product variant.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having computer-controlled equipment, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: To provide a production system creating system that can create a production system of an article by freely combining a plurality of production factors of various types from a superordinate concept toward a subordinate concept thereof. In a production system creating system 10, a plurality of two-term relationships of various types required for creating the production system are extracted from a relational database 18 and a plurality of production factors of various types corresponding to first and second production factors for forming the extracted two-term relationships are also extracted from a factor-type database 17, and while integrating these two-term relationships extracted from the relational database 18, these production factors extracted from the factor-type database 17 are connected in series from the superordinate concept toward the subordinate concept according to the two-term relationships thus integrated to thereby create the production system corresponding to the article.

Abstract: A system that determines product quantities for a process manufacturing formula that generates a first product and a second product receives a quantity of a first ingredient and a quantity of a second ingredient. The first and second ingredients contribute to a formula yield. The system further receives a quantity of a byproduct of the formula and a percentage of the formula for the output first product and a percentage of the formula for the output second product. The system then automatically determines a first product quantity based on the quantity of the first ingredient, the quantity of the second ingredient, the quantity of the byproduct of the formula, and the percentage of the formula for the first product.

Abstract: A reagent shortage detection unit detects that one of the reagents of reagent supply units of analyzing apparatuses is shortage. A reagent shortage occurrence display unit notifies the shortage of the one reagent in response to that the reagent shortage detection unit detects that the one reagent of the analyzing apparatuses is shortage. A control separation unit separates from the control of the analyzing system, the analyzing apparatus in which the one reagent is shortage, in accordance with reagent shortage detection information from the reagent shortage detection unit.

Abstract: A method of forming an assembly from a plurality of components, the plurality of components each having a component volume and a respective locus point, is described. The method includes selecting a target volume by defining a target volume and respective locus point. The method further includes determining a solution group of components comprising a list of components having a component volume positioned at least one of within the target volume and a predetermined distance from the target volume. The method further includes displaying the solution group of components forming an assembly.

Abstract: A data model for a supply chain is provided whereby individual working steps in a production process are defined as activities, and organized groups of such activities are defined as orders. Activities are allocated to no more than one resource and contain information concerning the start and finish time for the activity, any resource on which the activity is currently scheduled, and a list of alternative resources, if any. Activities are linked to each other via auxiliary objects, which contain information concerning the minimum and maximum time between activities. Orders may contain input and/or output interface nodes, representing the materials consumed and produced by the order. Each output interface node representing a quantity of material created from one order is linked via an auxiliary object to respective input interface node or nodes from other orders that are scheduled to receive that material.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronization of a supplier's production with a manufacturer's production is disclosed. A manufacturer's supply orders are submitted to suppliers during the manufacturer's production taking into account the time required to manufacture, transport, unload, stage, and move the supplies to a location at a production line. Associated with each supply order is a production delivery time that indicates when the supplies are needed at the manufacturer's facility. The supplier, upon receipt of the supply order, starts its manufacturing process to produce the requested supplies to meet the manufacturer's production delivery time. The supplies are then shipped from the supplier to the manufacturer's facility for use in the manufacturer's production line. Upon arrival at the manufacturer's facility, some supplies may be moved immediately to the production line. Other supplies may be moved within minutes or hours of arrival at the manufacturer's facility.

Abstract: This invention relates specifically to a seating system or assembly which utilizes a modularized system of standard sized components. The system reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies storage and shipping and improves assembly efficiencies. The system of modularized components allows flexibility in seating use and design.

Abstract: For a mounter, to provide a manufacturing management method which enables to suppress an occurrence of inventory shortage or excess inventory as much as possible, and to provide a manufacturing management method which allows energy savings when manufacturing is not performed at full capacity.

Abstract: A method for determining a solution group of parts among a plurality of parts in an assembly, the solution group being situated substantially proximate to at least one target part of the plurality of parts, each respective part of the plurality of parts being identified by a respective part volume and a respective locus, each respective part volume substantially containing a respective part and each respective locus being identified with respect to an origin, includes the steps of: (a) Identifying a target volume substantially containing the at least one target part. (b) Identifying each respective part volume for each relevant part. Each relevant part is identified by a respective part volume having a predetermined relationship with respect to the target volume. (c) Assigning each relevant part to the solution group.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing cosmetics customized for an individual customer, and more particularly, to a method and system for providing cosmetics customized for an individual customer, wherein customized cosmetics appropriate for skin condition or scalp and hair condition of the customer are produced using diagnostic data on the skin condition or scalp and hair condition of the customer and provided to the customer to thereby enhance customer's feeling of satisfaction. According to the present invention, there is provided a method for providing customized cosmetics appropriate for an individual customer using a microprocessor having information on standard cosmetic material mixing ratios in accordance with age groups and skin conditions of consumers as a database.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for computer-assisted furnishing of materials in elevator construction, wherein materials are provided with a readable or writable data transmitter, these materials are furnished, data of the data transmitter are written or read with computer assistance and these data are checked with computer assistance.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device including a power supply circuit which receives an external power supply voltage supplied, and outputs an internal power supply voltage not higher than the external power supply voltage; a system module which receives the internal power supply voltage, and performs a predetermined operation; and a performance monitor circuit which measures a processing speed of said system module when the internal power supply voltage is applied, and, on the basis of the processing speed, outputs a first control signal which requests to set the external power supply voltage at a first level, and a second control signal which requests said power supply circuit to set the internal power supply voltage at a second level. The power supply circuit outputs the internal power supply voltage having the second level on the basis of the second control signal applied thereto.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method for generating a virtual brick model. The virtual brick models are generated by users and uploaded to a centralized host system. Users can build virtual models themselves or download and edit another user's virtual brick models while retaining the identity of the original virtual brick model. Routines are provided for both storing user created building steps in and generating automated building instructions for virtual brick models, generating a bill of materials for a virtual brick model and ordering physical bricks corresponding to a virtual brick model.

Abstract: The design/manufacture support system has a self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit for storing the correspondence between parts numbers of self company and correspondent parts, a self company parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts of a self company product, a correspondent parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts purchased from a correspondent, a representative part creation unit for creating a representative part from the correspondence between self company and correspondent parts numbers stored in the self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit, and a parts bill creation unit for creating a parts bill from the representative part created by the representative part creation unit, the self company parts bill stored in the self company parts bill storage unit and the correspondent parts bill stored in the correspondent parts bill storage unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tyres by disposing an uncured elastomeric material on a substantially rigid toroidal support so as to form a green tyre. The green tyre and the toroidal support are then disposed within a vulcanization mold in which a molding cavity is defined, so as to mold and cure the green tyre. The molding cavity includes at least a portion in which molding and curing are carried out at a constant volume. The disposition of the elastomeric material onto the rigid toroidal support is carried out by controlling the volume distribution of the elastomeric material onto the toroidal support, so as to fit a predetermined curve of excess material volume, i.e., a curve showing a difference between the volume distribution of the material forming the green tyre and the available volume in the portion of the molding cavity adapted for molding and curing the green tyre at constant volume, versus a predetermined, e.g. radial, direction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and product are disclosed for optimizing manufacturing testing of a customized configuration of a product. A plurality of part objects are defined within an order configuration application. Each one of the part objects is associated with one of a plurality of parts. A plurality of test objects is defined within the order configuration application. Each one of the test objects is associated with one of a plurality of tests. The order configuration application is used to generate order information using the part objects that are associated with parts that are selected to be included in a customized product. The order configuration application is also used to generate test cases using the test objects that are associated with the part objects that are associated with parts that are selected to be included in a customized product.

Abstract: Methods and systems evaluate a capacity of a supplier to meet a capacity requirement for a part for a time period. In one implementation, a method is provided. According to the method, a forecast is transmitted to a supplier that indicates the capacity requirement. The method receives an actual capacity of the supplier to produce the part for the time period and determines whether the actual capacity of the supplier meets the capacity requirement. When the actual capacity of the supplier does not meet the capacity requirement, the method receives, from the supplier, a plan specifying how the supplier plans to meet the capacity requirement.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for processing orders. A request for delivery by a requested delivery date is received for an order having an original delivery date. The ordered product is broken down into one or more materials required for manufacturing the ordered product. For at least one material required for manufacturing the ordered product, a date when an engineering change becomes effective for the material is specified. An alternate bill of materials is created based on the specified date when the engineering change becomes effective for the material. An alternate manufacturing plan based on the alternate bill of materials is created. Manufacturing is initiated based on the alternate manufacturing plan. If manufacturing can be completed in time for delivery by the requested delivery date, the original delivery date of the order is replaced with the requested delivery date.

Abstract: A method for managing a product manufacturing process is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing supply chain planning, includes providing a plurality of demand orders, each demand order including at least one input interface node, each input interface node identifying a type of material required by said demand order, a quantity of the material required by said demand order and a requirements date the material is required by said demand order, providing a plurality of supply orders, each supply order including at least one output interface node, each output interface node identifying a type of material provided by said supply order, a quantity of the material provided by said supply order and a date the material is provided by said supply order, combining a plurality of said demand orders into an aggregated demand order and forming an aggregated demand time line, each aggregated demand order indicating a quantity of material required, the quantity of material required being a sum of the quantities of the material required by said plurality of demand orders combined into

Abstract: A Managing component supply for complex products is achieved by monitoring the delivery performance of component suppliers and optimizing the times at which orders are placed. Supply delivery performance targets are set for each supplier, and component order times are optimized by 1) optimizing safety stock for each component, 2) calculating optimal times to place supply orders in order to maintain the safety stock level, and then 3) iterating safety stock calculations in order to minimize overall inventory costs and maximize supply availability. The process takes into account supply lead times, component costs, and target tolerances for delays in the assembly of components. The effects of changes in supply lead time performance on assembly schedules are projected for planning purposes.

Abstract: An MRP explosion portion calculates the amount of common and optional parts necessary for producing a forecasted sales amount of products. An amount correlated with actual results of received product orders is added to the amount of optional parts. The delivery amounts are added to stock amount parts data corresponding to the shared and optional parts. If a required amount of products is accepted, an MRP implosion portion assigns shared and optional parts to the required amount of products, and subtracts the amount of the assigned common and optional parts from the stock amount parts data. Then, with respect to each kind of product, an excess amount of common parts is assigned. The amount of products of the kinds to which the excess amount of common parts has been assigned are output as the amount of products of the kinds for which additional orders can be received.

Abstract: A method for determining a solution group of parts among a plurality of parts in an assembly, the solution group being situated substantially proximate to at least one target part of the plurality of parts, each respective part of the plurality of parts being identified by a respective part volume and a respective locus, each respective part volume substantially containing a respective part and each respective locus being identified with respect to an origin, includes the steps of: (a) Identifying a target volume substantially containing the at least one target part. (b) Identifying each respective part volume for each relevant part. Each relevant part is identified by a respective part volume having a predetermined relationship with respect to the target volume. (c) Assigning each relevant part to the solution group.

Abstract: An interactive method and apparatus are disclosed through which a fluid purification system operator inputs the system's parameters and the method then identifies one or more fluid purification equipment packages which will be optimized at the component level to the operator's specific requirements. The invention includes a relational database containing data on fluid purification equipment, the components thereof and ancillary equipment, and associated operational software to which the operator gains access through a computer and which then presents to the operator a series of questions relevant to gas purification equipment and system requirements. The questions are such that the responses elicited from the operator for each question determine what the successive questions will be and what optimal components will be identified. The software and databases may be in memory on the computer, embodied on CDs or DVDs run by the computer, or accessed through the Internet.

Abstract: A method to achieve perceived reliability for repairable systems including goal setting of different phases of the product life cycle. The method includes consideration of a plurality of product life cycle phases to determine a plurality of failure rate multipliers which are transformed to mean time between failures multipliers and normalized. Using these computed mean times between failures multipliers and a chosen level of customer use, the box-of-parts required mean time between failures level can be calculated. Also, the required mean time between failures for design, manufacturing, infant mortality, and service phase of product life cycle can be computed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for optimizing a production process having starting products, intermediate products and at least one final product. The present invention also relates to a digital storage medium and a computer program product that can be used in connection with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for item substitution in a manufacturing process includes receiving an order for manufacture of a product and generating a first electronic bill of material for the product. The first electronic bill of material identifies multiple primary components to be assembled into the product. The method also includes identifying a trigger initiating substitution of one of the primary components, identifying multiple potential substitute components in response to the trigger, and identifying a substitution rule governing selection of one of the potential substitute components. The method also includes selecting one of the potential substitute components according to the substitution rule, substituting the selected one of the potential substitute components for the one primary component, and generating a second electronic bill of material for the product. The second electronic bill of material identifies the selected one of the potential substitute components.

Abstract: A method for deploying parts is disclosed. Locations that include supply locations and demand locations are defined. A supply location supplies parts to a demand location. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A stock level is computed for each part at each location. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function for the parts at the locations is generated from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.

Abstract: A process for managing a supply chain by automatically analyzing shifting demand for personalized parts is provided. A plurality of orders is received. The plurality orders form a demand. The demand results in a set of parts that need to be personalized. The demand is analyzed against the current parts in the existing inventory. The current parts necessary to fulfill the demand are determined. Instructions for personalizing the current parts to correspond with the demand are generated. The instructions are processed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for compiling production and planning information. In one embodiment, a system for planning the production of a product includes at least one database configured to store engineering information related to the product, and further configured to store process information related to the product, and a processor coupled to the at least one database to combine selected information from the at least one database to generate a manufacturing planning document that defines the product. In another embodiment, a method of generating a manufacturing bill of material for a selected product includes compiling a process data structure from the process information, compiling a product data structure from the engineering information, and generating a manufacturing bill of material by combining the process data structure and the product data structure.

Abstract: An improved method for instructing how to most efficiently effect a product changeover on an assembly line includes the steps of providing an instructional animation which schematically shows the steps which are to be taken by a plurality of workers to effect the changeover. Preferably, the animation is a computer animation, and includes color-coded representations of the various workers and the steps that should be taken in a particular sequence. Preferably, the workers are also provided with instructional badges which could be carried by the workers, and which are also color-coded. The animation will also include access to these color-coded instruction to provide further feedback to both the worker, and the supervisory personnel of the steps an individual worker should be taking during a particular point in the assembly in changeover.

Abstract: A method for replenishing rotable material associated with a parts exchange program comprises receiving replenishment data associated with a part number, and estimating projected rotable requirements for the part number based on the replenishment data. A supplemental quantity of new materials required to meet the projected rotable requirements is determined if the projected rotable requirements exceed an available rotable or core quantity. Future new material requirements for the part number are estimated based on the replenishment data and the supplemental quantity of new materials required to meet the projected rotable requirements. A purchase order for new material is generated based on the future new material requirements if the amount of new material onhand is not sufficient to support new demand and needed rotable supplement material.

Abstract: A process for managing a supply chain by automatically analyzing shifting demand for personalized parts is provided. A plurality of orders is received. The plurality orders form a demand. The demand results in a set of parts that need to be personalized. The demand is analyzed against the current parts in the existing inventory. The current parts necessary to fulfill the demand are determined. Instructions for personalizing the current parts to correspond with the demand are generated. The instructions are processed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing supply chain planning, includes providing a plurality of demand orders, each demand order including at least one input interface node, each input interface node identifying a type of material required by said demand order, a quantity of the material required by said demand order and a requirements date the material is required by said demand order, providing a plurality of supply orders, each supply order including at least one output interface node, each output interface node identifying a type of material provided by said supply order, a quantity of the material provided by said supply order and a date the material is provided by said supply order, combining a plurality of said demand orders into an aggregated demand order and forming an aggregated demand time line, each aggregated demand order indicating a quantity of material required, the quantity of material required being a sum of the quantities of the material required by said plurality of demand orders combined into

Abstract: A method and system are described for managing component supply for complex products by monitoring the delivery performance of component suppliers and optimizing the times at which orders are placed. Performance of component suppliers is monitored by setting supply delivery performance targets for each supplier, and then monitoring and managing supply delivery performance for each supplier. Component order times are optimized by 1) optimizing safety stock for each component, 2) calculating optimal times to place supply orders for each component in order to maintain the safety stock level, and then 3) iterating safety stock calculations in order to minimize overall inventory costs and maximize supply availability, taking into account supply lead times, component costs, and target tolerances for delays in the assembly of components.

Abstract: A method of forecasting the demand for components used to manufacture a plurality of different devices is presented. The method determines a production quantity of each of the devices planned to be manufactured, analyzes each of the devices to produce exploded lists of components required to manufacture each of the devices and device assemblies, multiplies the list of components required for each device by each the production quantity to determine a total volume of each component required to manufacture the devices, identifies components as ones having a level of supply insufficient to meet demand and having no available substitute components, and calculates a volume of each critical component required to manufacture the devices based on the total volume of each component.

Abstract: A system for integrating a packaging supply chain from a point that a digital contract proof is available through delivery of finished packaging materials to an end user, wherein said system comprises a computer system accessible for interactive communications with users, said computer system comprising a first memory area for storing functionality and data for end user members of the supply chain; a second memory area for storing functionality and data for converter members of the supply chain; and a third memory area for storing functionality and data for other members of the supply chain.

Abstract: A virtual production line indicating an object (e.g., a vehicle) sequence for an actual production line and objects (e.g., vehicles) planned in the future is updated based on a long-term production plan, a fixed production plan, and actual production results. Then, the ordering timings for the parts necessary for the respective objects in the virtual production line are calculated based on the timing for using the parts and the delivery lead time, and the orders are placed according to those timings.

Abstract: In a method for producing an item list of components for the assembly of a module including the components at a first location, wherein the components can be taken from a number of offered components, the offered components are provided with a reference number and are accessible from the first location, and at least one individual property of each component is stored together with its reference number in a databank that is arranged at a second location different from the first location.

Abstract: A method of selecting an OLED device to be manufactured based on customer requirements, including the customer providing first and second sets of requirements, providing a plurality of OLED device constructions based on the first and second sets of requirements, device architecture options, and a database including device component performance information. The method also includes providing a number of performance parameters of each of the device constructions, determining, based upon the second set of requirements, a figure of merit term comprising two or more parameters and including the importance of those parameters, and using the figure of merit term to calculate a figure of merit for the possible OLED device constructions.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step.