Abstract: A production efficiency improvement support system calculates an operational availability and a cycle time, based on results of detection of an operating status of production equipment, and displays a chart. An axis of the cycle time is set to be shorter rightward. The results of detection are displayed in such a mode that variations are recognizable, like points pp1 and points pp2. The points pp1 and the points pp2 have different countermeasures applied for improvement of the production efficiency and are accordingly displayed in different display modes. A point p1 and a point p2 indicating values of an actual cycle time and an actual operational availability are also displayed as representative values of the results of detection. Displaying these indexes in the form of a chart facilitates visual recognition of how to improve the operational availability and the cycle time and effectively supports improvement of the production efficiency.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present application provide a data consolidation analysis method and a data consolidation analysis method. The data consolidation analysis system includes: a first acquiring module, which is configured to acquire machine event data; a second acquiring module, which is configured to acquire production event data; a data processing module, which is connected with the first acquiring module and the second acquiring module and configured to acquire a raw process time of each product and a production capacity index of each batch of products; and an analyzing module, which is connected with the data processing module and configured to acquire a first matching relationship between the production capacity index of each batch of products and the raw process time of each product.

Abstract: A sensor data input device obtains a plurality of sensor data sequences, each indicating time-series sensor values generated by measuring a work of a working subject using a sensor. A class data generator determines a plurality of intervals obtained by temporally dividing each sensor data sequence based on the sensor values, determines classes of the intervals, each class indicating a type of temporal variations in the sensor values included in one of the intervals, and generates a plurality of first class data sequences for each sensor data sequence, each first class data sequence indicating the intervals and the classes of the sensor data sequence. A class data linker associates the corresponding intervals having an identical class with each other, among the plurality of first class data sequences. A determiner calculates characteristic values of the intervals associated with each other.

Abstract: An industrial plant data reproduction device includes the following. A process data collection unit collects process data regarding a group of devices and materials to be processed by the group of devices. A video data collection unit collects video data in which an object whose image is to be obtained is captured, the object pertaining to the group of devices. A graphic data storage unit stores in advance graphic data indicative of a motion target position of the object whose image is to be obtained for each material specification. A graphic data selection unit selects the graphic data corresponding to the material specifications included in the process data every time each of the materials reaches the object whose image is to be obtained. A display processing unit outputs synthetic data in which the selected graphic data is overlaid on the video data.

Abstract: An evaluation system includes a speech data acquisition unit configured to acquire speech data from speech of a member engaged in a task, a speech recognition unit configured to recognize content of the speech from the speech data and convert the content into text data, a task data acquisition unit configured to acquire data indicating an action related to the task of the member and data indicating a task status, an extraction unit configured to extract conversation data related to the task from the text data based on the content of the speech recognized by the speech recognition unit, and an analysis unit configured to analyze correlations between the conversation data, the data indicating the action, and the data indicating the task status.

Abstract: Systems and methods of dynamic optimization for data quality control in crowd sourcing tasks to crowd labor are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, for dynamically monitoring results received from workers for a task distributed for evaluation via a job distribution platform, incrementally assigning additional workers to the task using the results and continuously monitoring additional results to assign any additional workers if needed to meet a quality metric for the task.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for predicting a susceptor's service life in a processing chamber is disclosed. The method begins by creating virtual sensors in a processing chamber having a susceptor. The virtual sensors monitor one or more parameters on the susceptor and the age of the susceptor is tracked throughout the susceptor's life in the processing chamber with the virtual sensors.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and software for calculating energy effectiveness in an industrial automation system. In one implementation, a computing system is directed to at least acquire production energy information indicating the amount of energy used by a machine during a processing period to process one or more parts and acquire process energy information indicating the sum of energy used by the machine during the processing period to process the one or more parts and to not process any parts. The computing system also acquires a total number of parts expected to be processed during the processing period and a total number of good parts processed during the processing period. An overall equipment energy effectiveness is calculated based on a ratio of the production energy information to the process energy information and based on a ratio of the total number of good parts to the total number of parts.

Abstract: Different cores of a multicore processor are used to provide diagnostics of sophisticated hardware without full redundancy by static assignment of the cores during individual cycles of the control program and comparison of the outputs. A method of automatically generating diverse programs for execution by these cores may modify one program to compile two different instructions without functionally changing that program through the use of DeMorgan equivalents and diverse compiler optimizations.

Abstract: Embodiments of flexible laser manufacturing systems are disclosed herein. A flexible laser manufacturing system configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a plurality of laser processing stations. Each laser processing station can include a laser source configured to generate a laser beam for processing target material, and a first controller coupled to the laser source. The flexible laser manufacturing system also includes a second controller coupled to the first controller of the individual laser processing stations. The second controller is configured to monitor and instruct each of the first controllers for processing target material of each of the corresponding laser processing stations.

Abstract: A control method for a work machine, includes: acquiring a correlation between identification information for identifying operability for the work machine and operational information of the work machine, and generating a correlation between an operator who operates the work machine and the operational information by using the correlation between the identification information and the operational information and a correlation between the operator and the identification information.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for multi-resolution based power spectral density estimation. According to some examples, a first power spectral density (PSD) of a signal may be computed to determine a first frequency resolution and a first error variance (EV) value associated with the PSD. The first PSD may be computed using fewer segments of the signal to achieve a higher resolution. The higher resolution is associated with a higher EV because of the fewer segments used for the computation of the first PSD. Next, a second PSD may be computed using the signal while sampling more segments to determine second resolution and EV. The second PSD may be associated with a lower EV because of the additional segments used for the computing of the second PSD. Missing frequency variables of the second PSD may be determined using the first resolution and the second EV through an expectation maximization technique.

Abstract: A method for optimizing energy efficiency in a manufacturing process includes monitoring power consumption of each of a plurality of manufacturing entities of the manufacturing process using a power metering device assigned thereto; collecting, from the power metering devices, a first data stream that includes information about the power consumption; collecting a second data stream that includes information about the manufacturing entity and process; determining an optimized product routing of products to be manufactured by the manufacturing process from one manufacturing entity to another manufacturing entity, based on the collected first and second data streams, by simulating different product routings and determining the optimal product routing with respect to the overall energy consumption of the manufacturing process; and adjusting, via a manufacturing control system, the manufacturing process based on the optimized product routing.

Abstract: An operation item in which a period of manipulation by an operator makes up a dominant part and some of the procedures of another operation item in which a period of system actions makes up a dominant part are allocated in parallel to enhance the efficiency of operation. Information that discriminates whether each manipulating procedure of an operation item is dominated by a period of manipulation by an operator or by a working period of a system is stored into an operating procedure DB on a storage. Processing of operation allocation by an operation management server that supports allocation of operation items to operators utilizes the distinguishing information to multiply allocate some procedures of another operation item defined in an operation item management DB, and the already allocated procedures are presented to the operator at the operator's terminal.

Abstract: A method determines setups for constant tables of automatic placement machines in placement lines at predetermined table locations by mixed integer linear optimization based on input data describing the placement infrastructure and input parameters that can be specified by the operator or user. The method can be used regardless of the mounting technique used (for example, plug in mounting technique, surface mounting technique, or a hybrid technique). The method can be advantageously used with other methods, for example, cluster methods for forming setup groups or line balancing for cycle time optimization.

Abstract: A system for preventing an unsafe operation of at least one machine communicatively coupled to a computing device. The system includes the computing device which includes a processor coupled to a memory. The memory contains processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computing device to perform the steps of storing, in the memory, a first state of a first machine of the at least one machine, generating a first pending output to be issued to the first machine, determining whether an unsafe condition would result if the first pending output is issued to the first machine in the first state, and issuing the first pending output upon determining that issuing the first pending output would not result in an unsafe condition and blocking the first pending output from being issued upon determining that issuing the first pending output would result in an unsafe condition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the creation of addendums (4) of tools for sheet metal formed parts (2). In the case of this method, fill surfaces (7) for the smoothing of irregular zones of a component edge (3) are generated. Initial directions (31) of sectional profiles (10) are determined in such a manner, that sectional profiles (10) at a distance from one another are arranged along a component (3, 8) with utilization of these initial directions (31) and that an addendum (4) is creatable by the connection of these sectional profiles (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: A matrix production system for a production line includes a plurality of processing units, a controller, and a plurality of detectors. Each processing unit covers a plurality of stations having the same or similar functions. Each station has a detector. The controller sets an initial flowchart during process of industrial production and a known first reference capacity for each station. A current number of workpieces at each station is detected. The controller compares the current number with the first reference capacity to determine an overburdened station or otherwise and then analyzes a running state of overburdened station determined as being overburdened to establish a malfunctioning station, and if malfunctioning, switches the flow of workpieces from the malfunctioning station to a station with the greatest amount of available or free capacity.

Abstract: The invention discloses a real-time production performance improving method comprising a real-time monitoring step, a performance satisfaction determination step and a real-time performance improving step. The real-time monitoring step monitors an operation status of a production machine via a monitoring unit, records the monitored operation status into a database and determines whether the operation status of the production machine has changed. The performance satisfaction determination step determines whether the change in the operation status meets a required performance level. This involves the monitoring unit monitoring the at least one production machine to detect a next change in the operation status of the at least one production machine, and the performance satisfaction determination step determining whether the next change in the operation status meets the required performance level. The real-time performance improving step sends information illustrating the problem to an assigned task team.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently transcribing verbal messages to text is provided. Verbal messages are received and at least one of the verbal messages is divided into segments. Automatically recognized text is determined for each of the segments by performing speech recognition and a confidence rating is assigned to the automatically recognized text for each segment. A threshold is applied to the confidence ratings and those segments with confidence ratings that fall below the threshold are identified. The segments that fall below the threshold are assigned to one or more human agents starting with those segments that have the lowest confidence ratings. Transcription from the human agents is received for the segments assigned to that agent. The transcription is assembled with the automatically recognized text of the segments not assigned to the human agents as a text message for the at least one verbal message.

Abstract: A metal blank that includes a binder trim component having at least one cut edge with a non-linear section. The creation of the non-linear section simultaneously forms a corresponding section in a binder trim component of an adjacent metal blank so that binder material can be shared therebetween. This reduces the amount of scrap metal, as the binder trim component is subsequently cut off and discarded. Furthermore, the non-linear section can include one or more strategically placed formations, such as projections, recesses, flat sections, etc., that cause it to be non-uniform along its length and to be specifically tailored to the manufacturing requirements of the part being formed.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining the variability induced on a process output. The method includes the analysis of input variable values to determine the total variability. A series of processes may be analyzed and ranked so that a process owner may gain an understanding of how a target process performs relative to the processes of other process owners. The method includes the generation of graphical process comparisons and advice regarding asset performance. The method also includes the estimation of cost impacts due to changes in induced variability.

Abstract: The content of an operating instruction to each worker in a manufacturing process is controlled in the following way based on a manufacturing direction to the worker and on manufacturing achievement, work proficiency, and the like of the worker for the manufacturing direction. A deviation between a manufacturing direction and manufacturing achievement is calculated. Manufacturing direction parameters acting as factors of the calculated deviation are specified for each product to be manufactured. The above information is stored in a deviation factor database. For a new manufacturing direction, manufacturing direction parameters therein are checked against the deviation factor database to determine alarm information to be given to a worker on a manufacturing line, and the determined alarm information is outputted.

Abstract: A sensor net system including: a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker, and each sensor node includes; a sensor which obtains sensor data of a worker; a radio frequency circuit which notifies a server of the sensor data; and a server which includes: a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of the worker; a unit for confirming location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker is engaged based on the confirmed location and the relation list.

Abstract: The throughput of complex cluster tools of a semiconductor manufacturing environment may be determined for a desired manufacturing scenario on the basis of automatically generated throughput models. The throughput models may be established on the basis of rule messages with high statistical relevance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring a technician's performance of a marking operation to indicate the presence or absence of an underground facility, wherein the technician uses a marking device. Operating information representative of motion of the marking device during performance of the marking operation by the technician is analyzed to determine a pattern of motion. In one example, the pattern of motion is compared to at least one previously-identified pattern of motion associated with at least one technician. In various aspects, the operating information may representative of an acceleration, a velocity, a distance traveled by, and/or an angle of inclination of the marking device. In another aspect, the previously-identified pattern of motion may be a technician signature representing a pattern of motion unique to a technician.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a first machine of a manufacturing process section arranged to carry out a production cycle including a working part and a non-working part. The first machine is operated in conjunction with at least one second machine. The first machine carries out a process during the working part of the cycle on a workpiece that is loaded into and/or unloaded out of the first machine by the at least one second machine during the non-working part of each process cycle. Also, a system for carrying out the method and a computer program.

Abstract: A computerized system for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order specifies 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. Resource capacity and a start date/time and a finish date/time are assigned to each operation based upon the resource availability information, the material availability information, and the work order information. The assigned resource capacity, the assigned start date/time, and the assigned finish date/time for each operation are displayed on a computer screen in a graphical format.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring compliance with a hygiene protocol is disclosed. The movement of person within or otherwise associated with a facility may be tracked and hygiene requirements may be imposed based on the movement. In monitoring hygiene compliance, a number of hygiene levels may be defined that are associated with difference hygiene requirements. A hygiene level may be associated with an individual and that level may be raised or lowered based on hygiene related activity associated with the individual. An individual's hygiene level and/or his compliance with multi-level hygiene requirements may be tracked through the use of monitored hygiene stations and/or location tracking stations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an augmented-reality system having a mobile apparatus for the context-dependent insertion of assembly instructions. The context-dependent insertion of assembly instructions with process-optimized allocation of the necessary work steps provides situation-related support by for work sequences.

Abstract: A combinatorial processing management system is described, including determining an identification for a substrate, retrieving data from tools operating on the substrate, generating an analysis of the data in response to the retrieving, and storing the data and the analysis in a database indexed by the identification. The analysis may include comparisons between multiple processes performed on multiple regions of the substrate. The multiple processes may process at least one region of the substrate differently from at least one other region of the substrate.

Abstract: A complete hand hygiene station and method of monitoring a complete hand hygiene station are provided. The complete hand hygiene station may include at least an automated wash cylinder or chamber, a sanitizer dispenser and a lotion dispenser. The wash chamber and/or the sanitizer dispenser may be used to provide a user with a hand washing. The lotion dispenser may be used to moisturize a user's hands after the usage of the sanitizer dispenser. The complete hand hygiene station may be monitored to ensure compliance with one or more hygiene protocols. A particular hygiene protocol may specify hygiene requirements such as daily hygiene station usage, lotion usage subsequent to sanitizer usage, and/or mandatory wash chamber use subsequent to a predetermined number of lotion usages.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently transcribing verbal messages transmitted over the Internet (or other network) into text. The verbal messages are initially checked to ensure that they are in a valid format and include a return network address, and if so, are processed either as whole verbal messages or split into segments. These whole verbal messages and segments are processed by an automated speech recognition (ASR) program, which produces automatically recognized text. The automatically recognized text messages or segments are assigned to selected workbenches for manual editing and transcription, producing edited text. The segments of edited text are reassembled to produce whole edited text messages, undergo post processing to correct minor errors and output as an email, an SMS message, a file, or an input to a program. The automatically recognized text and manual edits thereof are returned as feedback to the ASR program to improve its accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of the components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the complex product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the complex product is not defective.

Abstract: A radio tag reading device has a target tag storage unit, a non-target storage unit, and an antenna. The target tag storage unit stores the tag data of any radio tag held in a section from which to read data. The non-target storage unit stores at least the identification data of any radio tag existing outside sections and sections that surround the section. The target tag storage unit stores all tag data read from radio tags via the antenna, except the tag data containing the identification data stored in the non-target tag storage unit.

Abstract: By defining a section-related WIP limit or a throughput-related WIP limit, an efficient “look ahead” characteristic may be established to efficiently control the WIP in a complex manufacturing environment, such as a semiconductor facility. The respective critical WIP values may enable efficient reduction of priority of products moving towards an increased WIP queue, thereby reducing or substantially avoiding the release of products that are expected to run into the WIP queue. In this way, the efficiency of shared tools may be increased, since process capacity no longer required for the processing products running into WIP queues may be allocated for other operations.

Abstract: The throughput of complex cluster tools of a semiconductor manufacturing environment may be determined for a desired manufacturing scenario on the basis of automatically generated throughput models. The throughput models may be established on the basis of rule messages with high statistical relevance.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for assessing the capability of a pilot to operate an aircraft. The system senses the value of at least one operator information parameter for assessing the fitness of the pilot operating the aircraft and at least one aircraft information parameter relating to the position and motion of the aircraft. The operator information parameters include electroencephalogram information, electrocardiogram information, heart rate information, respiratory rate information, eye motion information, eyelid position information, eyelid motion information, expired gas mixture information, blood oxygen content information, blood oxygen saturation information and blood pressure information for the person operating the aircraft, and/or information about actions taken by the person operating the aircraft.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for business consulting are described. An input interface enables designated personnel to enter data in pseudo-real-time into the system. An analysis logic calculates key values for the business based on the pseudo-real-time data entered and enables the display of the relationship of the key values to projected goals. A user interface provides a visual display of an immediate identification of an overall business state.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention a system and method for minimizing assembly line manufacturing including an override is provided. Each workstation is equipped with a docking station. A first database is in communication with the programmable controller and the docking station, and the docking station is also in communication with the workstation tools as well as the programmable controller. The override is disposed on a docking station. The system includes a checklist of tasks that each workstation tool is to perform. Accordingly the first database will receive the checklist for each part and will record whether or not each particular part had each of its tasks performed properly. The override may be actuated so as to allow a part to flow downstream the assembly line even though the all the tasks were not completed properly, thus minimizing manufacturing disruptions.

Abstract: A system and method to fabricate three dimensional objects. A set of fabrication tools include at least a coarse deposition head and a fine additive head, a fine subtractive head or both employed concurrently within a single housing. A scanner may also be used within the housing to perform interleaved scanning of the partial fabrication during the fabrication. The process may be adjusted based on the scan results.

Abstract: A method for finding the correlation between tool PM (prevention maintenance) and the product yield of the tool is disclosed. The method uses a moving average method to magnify a curve trend that is formed by the product yield data that is captured during a predetermined days before PM and after PM. The magnified curve trend is shown by a Cumulative sum chart. The Cumulative sum chart is analyzed for informing related workers of the effect between the tool PM and the product yield, so as to accurately estimate PM timing. Thereby, via the method, the effect between the tool PM and the product yield may be determined, which serves as an important reference for workers to execute further PM.

Abstract: A non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guide, and a method and system for creating, using, and managing non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guides to facilitate the assembly of one or more articles of manufacture. The method includes identifying the parts, tools, and test fixtures necessary to create a particular article; creating a three-dimensional graphic representing each said part, tool and test fixture; annotating said graphics; combining said graphics according to a sequence to create a non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guide; displaying said assembly guide where an assembler can observe it while assembling an article; and managing access to said guides.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for simulating a process. Data is received describing a process to form received data. A current discrete event simulation model is formed from the received data in a discrete event simulation engine, wherein the current discrete event simulation model includes a current schedule having a plurality of ordered tasks. A simulation of the current discrete event simulation model is performed in the discrete event simulation engine, wherein results are generated from running the current discrete event simulation model. Finally, a new schedule is generated from the current schedule and the results using schedule analysis tool.

Abstract: A method identifies a real time downstream to processing capability within a production environment using a computerized device. The processing sequences perform operations utilizing one or more tools. The method also determines if an upstream tool capacity is greater than a downstream tool capacity. When the upstream tool capacity is greater than the downstream tool capacity the method calculates an overlap value. The method then adjusts the run rate for the upstream tool to by dividing the run rate of the upstream tool by the overlap value. The method is a centralized system that references tool processing parameters to determine processing capability. In the cases where the upstream tool has a significantly shorter processing time than the downstream tool, the system is used to determine if value should be added at the upstream tool to avoid WIP build up at the downstream tool.

Abstract: A method to evaluate, determine and optimize production parameters for a coating application of a UV cationic polymerizable coating system to a substrate is provided. The method is based on a simulation model which includes both shadow and dark cure processes. Both of an active center generation process and the active center diffusion process are mathematically described. In the model, the two processes are considered separately since they are driven by different fundamental phenomena and occur on different timescales. Evaluation or prediction of the effect of process variables on the curing of a cationic coating of a complex substrate according to the described method allows characterization and understanding of process variables which may save set-up costs and improve production efficiency.

Abstract: An operation instruction method includes: an operation detecting step of detecting a manual operation; an operation detail displaying step of displaying the details of a manual operation detected at the operation detecting step; and an operation occurrence notifying step of, in response to detection of a manual operation at the operation detecting step, notifying the occurrence of the manual operation to another operation instruction device over the communication line. The operation instruction method further includes: a notification receiving step of receiving a notification of occurrence of a manual operation sent from another operation instruction device; and an operation occurrence display step of, when a notification of occurrence of a manual operation is received at the notification receiving step, displaying the occurrence of the manual operation.