Abstract: A template-based supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development facility is disclosed that includes a number of time-saving application development tools that significantly enhance design productivity and allow re-using of previously developed application building blocks. The development facility includes an application object template library that stores a set of previously defined application object templates. The template library is accessed by developers through a configuration utility that facilitates specifying instances of the set of previously defined application object templates to be included in an application. Thereafter, application objects are instantiated from the selected ones of the set of previously defined application object templates in a build of the specified application.

Abstract: A semiconductor equipment control system and method is provided. The semiconductor equipment control system preferably includes semiconductor equipment having a process recipe stored therein and a host connected to the semiconductor equipment through a network. The host preferably includes a database in which a reference recipe is stored and is preferably configured to receive and compare a final modification time of the process recipe with a final modification time of the reference recipe. When the final modifications times are equal, the host is preferably configured to instruct the semiconductor equipment to perform a process according to the process recipe. When the final modification times are different, the host is preferably configured to check a recipe body of the process recipe against a recipe body of the reference recipe to determine if the process recipe is within an established tolerance.

Abstract: In order to improve a simulation system for representing actions of machining units of a machine tool, in particular actions in the machining of a workpiece, in accordance with a CNC machining program complex by means of at least one first visualization unit in the form of actions of virtual machining units of a virtual machine tool, comprising an action control, which has at least one first data processing unit, which establishes control commands for actions of the virtual machining units by a control program processing CNC blocks of the CNC machining program complex, and a visualization control, which has at least one second data processing unit, which represents actions of the virtual machining units on the first visualization unit by a visualization program on the basis of configuration data of a stored machine model and the control commands determined by the action control, in such a way that it can be operated more easily, it is proposed that the simulation system comprises an operating control with a t

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tool use management wherein a CNC machine retains information identifying the tools associated with the machine as well as their current locations (if any), and executes an algorithm for determining the source tools needed by a part program and matching the source tools with the available tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for hierarchical process control. The method includes accessing at least one first metric indicative of processing performed on a wafer by a plurality of tool groups. The method also includes providing at least one tool group parameter to each of the plurality of tool groups based on the at least one first metric and accessing a plurality of second metrics. Each second metric is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of tool groups and is indicative of processing performed on the wafer by the plurality of tools in the corresponding tool group. The method further includes providing at least one tool parameter to at least one tool in each of the plurality of tool groups based on the second metric associated with the tool group and the at least one tool group parameter provided to the tool group.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the movements of a plurality of mechanical units. The control system includes a program that includes a plurality of mechanical unit programs. Each program includes movement instructions for at least one of the mechanical units. The control system also includes a plurality of path planners. At least one of the path planners is adapted to receive instructions from more than one of the mechanical unit programs and on basis thereof determine how the mechanical units should move in order to synchronize their movements. The control system further includes switches adapted to switch a mechanical unit program from one path planner to another, whereby the movements of the mechanical units are synchronized when their mechanical unit programs are connected to the same path planner and the movements of the mechanical units are independent when their mechanical unit programs are connected to different path planners.

Abstract: A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is described a method for electronically operating a machine tool which comprises an electronic machine tool control and is positioned on a working place. Said machine tool is connected, through a data connection, to a server platform which is independent of the working place and on which software model algorithms run for simulating the machine tool behavior. For this purpose, said algorithms effect back the machine behavior in such a way that when process data items available through the data connection are deviated, process data items modified by calculated set values are transmitted through the data switch to the machine tool control and are used thereby. The machine tool control is carried out in sections, i.e. the section(s) are meaningfully considered on the basis of the software models of the machine tool behavior remotely from the software platform.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described, which is equipped with sensors, actuators and drive systems, comprising a servo motor, a central control unit and a system for data transmission. The actual values of the sensors, actuators and drive systems are recorded in digital form in each case and transferred with the use of a transmission protocol via the data transmission system to the central control unit, evaluated by the latter and the determined setpoint values or control commands are also transmitted, in digital form and with the use of the transmission protocol, from the control system via the data transmission system to the actuators or drives According to the invention, it is provided that the data transmission between sensors, actuators, drives and central control unit and vice versa takes place wirelessly and the transmission protocol operates cyclically and with short cycle times, preferably in millisecond pulses.

Abstract: Content is generated on a host system based on real-time data from a controlled process collected over the internet from a customer's client machine tool control system. The client system may request content from a host website. Instructions associated with the requested content, which may be in the form of an application to be run on the client, is delivered to the client via download over the internet. The client gathers real-time data associated with a controlled process and transmits it to the host, where content based on the data can be generated for the client and/or its owner. Data gathered by the host, and content generated on the basis of the data, may be made accessible to machine tool manufacturers. Also, data received by the host is associated with an identifier defined for each client system. A historical database for given client equipment can thereby be created.

Abstract: A control device with two processors includes: a circuit substrate; a first central processing unit disposed on the circuit substrate to receive a control signal for controlling the operation of a first device; a second central processing unit disposed on the circuit substrate to receive a control signal for controlling the operation of a second device; and a first communication circuit disposed between the first central processing unit and the second central processing unit for providing communications between them. The first central processing unit further processes the kernel control software and peripheral software of the first device and the peripheral software of an air conditioner. The second central processing unit further processes the peripheral software of the first device and the peripheral software of the first device in order to respectively control the operations of the first and second devices.

Abstract: With this invention, expert knowledge from machine manufacturers is applied quickly at any time to a machine via the Internet, by providing a main computer (host) for the production and provision of machine-related data and/or services and a machine-side working computer (client), which is connected to the main computer via a data communication link and by means of which (client) machine state data can be acquired in real time and transmitted to the main computer, and by means of which machine-related data and/or services generated by the main computer as a function of such machine state data can be received by means of an analysis and evaluation unit.

Abstract: A program interpreter which interprets and executes a numerical control program can recognize predetermined mnemonics (script mnemonics) prepared for instructions for setting, loading, and executing script programs. When the program interpreter recognizes the script mnemonic during interpretation and execution of the numerical control program, the program interpreter instructs execution of the script program (instance) indicated in the parameter of the mnemonic to a script engine. The script engine executes the instructed script program.

Abstract: Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Abstract: A method and system design and manufacture of the monogrammed faceted and stone adorned eyeglass lenses via a computer program allowing a design, intricate facet cuts and stone placement on a computer lens model. Software may utilize a touch probe or laser scanner to gather point data from a previously designed lens, converting the data to a computer model. The data is then used to send signals to an articulated robotic arm holding a lens shape. The robotic arm receives the commands from the computer, moving and rotating the lens shape against an abrasive wheel, rotating cutter blade or rotating drill thereby duplicating the facet cuts, slots notches or depressions or other designs contained in the computer lens model. Varying pressure is applied by the articulated arm and various degrees of abrasiveness of the abrasive wheel.

Abstract: A machine tool (10) has a Z table (18) sliding in the Z direction in a horizontal plane, a support body (22) provided on the Z table (18) and sliding in the vertical direction, a rotation arm (32) supported at the support body (22) and endlessly rotatable in a vertical plane facing work (W), an arm motor (34) for rotating the rotation arm (32), a processing spindle (36) rotatably supported and placed at a position of a distance R from the center C of rotation of the rotation arm (32), and a spindle motor (38) for rotating the processing spindle (36).

Abstract: A printed board drilling method and a printed board machining apparatus capable of improving machining quality, such as improving positional accuracy of holes and true roundness of machined holes, and improving work efficiency by minimizing a runout of the tip of a drill. An extension of the drill extending out of a spindle when the drill is held by the spindle is defined in advance per type or mode of use of each drill. One drill is selected among a plurality of drills corresponding to a shape of holes to be drilled in the printed board and the spindle holds the drill so that the selected drill extends out of the spindle by the extension corresponding to the selected drill. Then, the move of the spindle with respect to the printed board is controlled and the selected drill is rotationally driven by the spindle to drill the printed board.

Abstract: A first machining-program creating unit creates a machining program for a two-spindle machine, including machining programs for a first process performed by using a first main spindle and a second process performed by using a sub-spindle. A second machining-program creating unit creates a machining program for a one-spindle machine, including machining programs for a third process and a fourth process performed by using a second main spindle. A selecting unit determines a type of a machine to use, and selects either one of the first machining-program creating unit and the second machining-program creating unit to start, based on the determined type of the machine.

Abstract: A machine tool controller is provided that includes a processor configured to execute a sequence of instructions in accordance with an operating program and a user program. A volatile memory temporarily stores instructions and data during execution of the sequence of instructions by the processor, and is coupled to the processor via a first interface. A first non-volatile memory stores the operating program and is coupled to the processor via a second interface. A second non-volatile memory stores the user program and is coupled to the processor via a third interface. A video controller is configured to control a user display in accordance with display data generated by the processor and is coupled to the processor via a fourth interface. A dual-port memory is coupled to the processor via a fifth interface and couples a serial bus controller configured to control communications with an external device via a serial bus to the processor.

Abstract: A substrate processing system allows to reduce the number of works that should be done by a software engineer. The system 100 includes a substrate processing apparatus 101; a substrate processing controller 102 for controlling the substrate processing apparatus 101; and a server 103 for storing therein commands, i.e., instructional statements, for defining an operation of each device. The substrate processing controller 102 has a RAM 105 serving as a work space for creating a macro file corresponding to each of processes divided from the whole substrate processing or for changing the content of a macro file; and an executor 108 composed of, e.g., CPU for executing a process sequence macro obtained by a combination of the created macro files. The user creates a macro file describing a sequential operation of each process or changes the content of a macro file by arranging the stored commands.

Abstract: Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: In a system for an exchange of information between a machine tool (1) and a transfer device (11) for feeding blank or pre-machined work pieces or tools to the machine tool (1) or removing machined products or tools from the machine tool (1), the machine tool (1) comprises a control unit (3) and an interface (4), whereby the control unit (3) monitors and controls machining states of the machine tool (1) and transmits information regarding the machining states of the machine tool (1) via the interface (4) to the transfer device (11) to activate the transfer device (11). The transfer device (11) receives the information via an interface (14) assigned to it, processes the information by means of a control unit (13) assigned to it and reacts in response to the information, whereby a printer interface is used as the interface (4) of the machine tool (1).

Abstract: A method for the preparation, editing and maintenance of tool data sets for machining processes in an NC control system has at least one tool data organization that is separate from the control and is stored in the memory of an ADP system. The tool data organization has tool data sets for tools that for each of the tools to be used has the space for static and dynamic data. The tool data organization has separate list data sets of a machining process that can each contain a reference to the associated tool data set, and the required list data sets are taken over and stored in memory, together with the associated tool data sets, for process execution in the NC data processing unit. At least the dynamic data of the tool data sets can be updated in accordance with the current NC machining processes.

Abstract: A polishing-condition predicting apparatus determines optimum parameters to be substituted into various function models by performing calibration by use of a TEG. A polishing condition enabling polishing of a thin film formed on a substrate to be designed so as to obtain a desirable height of the thin film and a desirable depth of a groove is predicted by simulation using the determined optimum parameters.

Abstract: An outsourcing service center (7) discloses information obtained through outsourcing services for a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to promote sales. A first ordering customer (5) requests a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to make an estimate for manufacturing a product. The first sheet metal processing factory (3) requests an outsourcing center (7) to perform the work of making the estimate. The outsourcing center (7) logs in to a computer (9) of the first sheet metal processing factory via a computer (15) of the outsourcing center, and, by remote control, works together with the first sheet metal processing factory to perform outsourcing services such as making an estimate and creating NC process data. The processes of these remotely performed services are stored in memory constituting know-how and are then disclosed on a Web page. In this way, examples of previous work successes are introduced and thereby used for promoting CAD/CAM software used in the work processes.

Abstract: A communication control system and method of communicating between a numerical control device and a plurality of servomotors, includes connecting the numerical control device to a plurality of servoamps of the plurality of servomotors in a loop configuration via bi-directional serial communication cables, splitting command data in the numerical control device, outputting a first portion of command data to one of the plurality of servoamps from the numerical control device in a counter-clockwise direction and a second portion of command data to one of the plurality of servoamps from the numerical control device in a clockwise direction, splitting feedback data in one of the plurality of servoamps, transmitting a first portion of feedback data to the numerical control device in a counter-clockwise direction from the one of plurality of servoamps in response to the first portion of command data, and transmitting a second portion of data to the numerical control device from the one of the plurality of servoamps i

Abstract: Performing communications between numerical control apparatus 1a and peripheral devices (composed of at least one of a servo amplifier 2a, a spindle amplifier 3a and a remote I/O unit 4a) by connecting a numerical control apparatus 1a and peripheral devices using a communication cable composed of a pair of data transmission cables 7 for transmission and a pair of data transmission cables 8, in a numerical control system having numerical control apparatus 1a and peripheral devices composed of at least one of a servo amplifier 2a, a spindle amplifier 3a and a remote I/O unit 4a.

Abstract: When a trouble occurs in a machine tool (20) sold by a machine tool manufacturer to a customer, a failure analysis apparatus (11) installed in a service center (10) of the machine tool manufacturer remotely controls the machine tool (20) to obtain operation information or alarm information of the machine tool (20) and performs failure analysis based on such information. In the service center (10), a plurality of failure analysis apparatuses (11) comprising personal computers, and a server (12) which are connected to the failure analysis apparatuses (11) for communication and to which a global IP address for the exclusive use is allocated are installed. Machine tools (20) of customers are connectable to the server (12) via the Internet (30).

Abstract: A numerical controller which enables stroke limit check during a program check performed in a machine lock state and which can shorten the time required for the program check. The numerical controller has the function of checking a program while keeping a machine motion axis as a controlled object in an immovable state, and includes motion amount calculating means for analyzing the program to calculate an amount of movement of the machine motion axis, and updater means for updating machine coordinates by the motion amount of the machine motion axis calculated by the motion amount calculating means and storing the updated machine coordinates, wherein a motion area is checked based on the stored machine coordinates. Thus, even in the machine lock state, the machine coordinates are calculated, thereby permitting the stroke limit check to be performed during the program check.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shapes of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the behavior of the drive system and the mechanism of machine tool or production-line machine by use of mathematical models of the drives and the mechanisms of the driven mechanical elements of the machine are disclosed. Preferably actual values for regulated and unregulated axes are calculated at the same time using NC- and PLC-models, respectively by an auxiliary computer using desired values provided by a digital controller. The actual values are then supplied to a mechanism model, preferably a geometric kinematic model, which produces a state signal that is fed back to the digital controller, preferably in real time. The result is an efficient, easy and cost-effective simulation that closely approximates reality and can be provided in real-time.

Abstract: A remote operation management system for commercial appliances is provided. The system includes a user interface for authorizing use of an appliance and a dedicated appliance controller coupled to the user interface and the appliance for controlling operation of the appliance. An appliance communication controller is coupled to the user interface over an appliance communication connection, and an external host controller is coupled to the appliance communication controller over a host communication connection. The external host controller is configured to communicate a message for the appliance to the appliance communication controller. A remote management system is coupled to the external host controller and configured to control a function of the appliance.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plant, such as an industrial production plant with a plurality of working units, such as industrial robots or the like, using at least one programmable logic control (PLC), is characterized in that historical process data are fed into an input area of the PLC and processed by a PLC program logic. An apparatus suitable for performing the method according to the invention has a real time information server for acquiring, archiving or transferring in each case specific historical process data with respect to the plant and a data stream controller for the flexible transfer of archived process data to at least one programmable logic control PLC for controlling the plant, wherein the output data of the PLC can be fed back into the latter.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating and/or controlling a glass forming machine is described. A central controller transmits parameterization data and/or synchronization data and/or motion information and/or motion path information using at least one integrated bus system. The central controller also permits centralized management of the cams of the glass forming machine.

Abstract: A method for managing recipes in a semiconductor manufacturing process which includes resolving a recipe to provide a resolved recipe using a configuration for a current context and rendering the recipe to provide a rendered recipe. The rendered recipe corresponds to a format suitable for consumption by an equipment interface of the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: Expert knowledge from machine manufacturers is applied quickly at any time to a machine via the Internet, by providing a main computer (host) for the production and provision of machine-related data and/or services and a machine-side working computer (client). The machine-side working computer is connected to the main computer via a data communication link. Machine state data from the machine-side working computer can be acquired in real time and transmitted to the main Computer. Machine-related data and/or services generated by the main computer as a function of such machine state data can be received by an analysis and evaluation unit.

Abstract: Integration of factory level advanced process control (FL-APC) system and tool level advanced process control (TL-APC) system using selectable APC operation modes indicating different operational settings for the FL-APC system and at least one TL-APC system is disclosed. During operation, the FL-APC system controls operation of the TL-APC system. The invention allows a manufacturing execution system (MES) to have additional capability to run the process control functions at FL-APC system and/or TL-APC system, and allows integration of a variety of different tools with a TL-APC system.

Abstract: Operational administration system enabling reduction in expense burden on user, and permitting manufacturer to comprehend accurately and timely operational status of machine tools on user end. Operational administration system (1) includes, interconnected via Internet (5): manufacturer-end administration device (20); operational data storage/transmission devices (10) connected to numerical controllers for NC machine tools (15); and user-end terminal device (30). The operational data storage/transmission devices (10) gather from the numerical controllers data pertaining to the operational status of the NC machine tools (15), store the data and, when specified transmission conditions are met, send the stored operational status data to administration device (20) in an e-mail data format.

Abstract: In a plant for controlling an equipment (4) adapted to carry out a process a superior arrangement (1) exists and has a first interface (2) to a programming unit (3) and a second interface (5) between the process equipment (4) and the arrangement. The arrangement has members (6) for transmitting information between the two interfaces. A memory member (9) adapted to store important data required for describing and defining the process of the process equipment is arranged in the process equipment itself. The arrangement (1) is provided with a rule data base (8) and a text data base (7) containing a configuration file for communication between the process equipment and the arrangement through the second interface by utilising a general process application protocol and a text file, respectively, adapted to the format of said data in the memory member of the process equipment.

Abstract: A process module for a processing station (18) for performing a predetermined function. The module comprises a controller (60) associated with a program control unit (76; 76?) to which a program for controlling the process module is supplied. The controller (60) comprises a program data administrator unit (74) which co-ordinates the transfer of the program associated with the process module (30) out of a program data memory (72, 72?, 72?) into the program control unit (76, 76?). The invention also relates to a processing station with at least one such process module (30) for performing a predetermined function, as well as a method for starting up such a processing station.

Abstract: A machine tool apparatus is provided employing a plurality of tool heads which may be sequentially or simultaneously automatically controlled to perform preprogrammed operations on either the same or different workpieces. In one form, a plurality of tool heads are supported on the same frame, guideway or track and may be separate prepositioned or driven under remote or automatic control to perform preprogrammed operations wither in sequence or simultaneously on the same workpiece or simultaneously on separate workpieces spaced apart on a common conveyor such as a flight conveyor while the conveyor is either in motion or stationary. In another form, the conveyor is automatically stopped with units of work thereon, each disposed so as to be predeterminately located with respect to a respective machine tool which has been prepositioned adjacent the work-holding conveyor.

Abstract: Measuring units measure state signals of an industrial technical process. The entirety of the state signals represents an image of the process. The measuring units transmit the state signals to a common logic unit which transmits the image of the process at least partially via a transmission medium to a computing device. The computing device executes a control program to determine at least a portion of the control state for the process and transmits the portion to the logic unit via the transmission medium. The control state includes control signals for a number of control devices. The logic unit transmits to each of the control devices the control signals intended for the respective control device. The control devices affect the process accordingly. The above steps are repeatedly executed in real-time with a cycle time in a range of milliseconds or less.

Abstract: An optimum cutting tool is selected interactively in a cutting tools selection section, and a tooling sheet using the selected cutting tool is generated and output in a tooling sheet preparation section. The cutting tool selection section searches a cutting tool database using a unique order number for each cutting tool as a search key, and outputs a list of cutting tool search results, and when a declaration of intention to select an insert via the list is made, parameters indicating the recommended cutting conditions for the designated cutting tool are transferred to the tooling sheet preparation section. The tooling sheet preparation section generates and outputs tooling sheet item data for some items by computation with a prescribed formula, based on the transferred parameters. As a result, an accurate, interchangeable, and readily expandable system for the preparation of tooling sheets can be provided.

Abstract: A device for automating and/or controlling machine tools or production machines is described. The device includes at least one computer which is located remote from a machine. The computer operates like a handheld controller and is connected via at least one bus system, which can be wired or wireless, with each machine for unidirectionally or bidirectionally transmitting data and control signals. All control functions of the machine are integrated in the remote controller. This device can automate and/or control machine tools and production machines in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: System and method for user configuration of an autotuning algorithm for a controller in a motion control system. A desired trajectory in one or more dimensions for the motion control system is received. Values of one or more gains for a controller are initialized. A response trajectory of the controller and motion control system in response to the desired trajectory is received, and an error determined between the response trajectory and the desired trajectory. A gain space is then experimentally searched to determine final values of the one or more gains for the controller that minimize the error (e.g., Euclidean norm) between the response trajectory and the desired trajectory, e.g., via simulated annealing, or other stochastic, quasi-random, and/or deterministic approaches. After experimentally searching, the controller is operable to control the motion control system substantially in accordance with the desired trajectory using the determined values of the one or more gains.

Abstract: A method for the synchronous control of several manipulators, such as several industrial robots, is characterized in that control units of specific manipulators exchange control information according to the data structures contained in a corresponding control program, through which control units to be synchronized and synchronization points in the control programs taking place there can be clearly identified, and in that on reaching and synchronization points the program sequence in the control units to be synchronized is continued according to the contents of the data structures in conjunction with the already exchanged control information or stopped until corresponding information arrives from other control units to be synchronized.

Abstract: A modular automation apparatus is provided that includes a base unit adapted to receive an automation module. The automation module includes at least one automation device for performing one or more specific automation functions and preferably a selectively programmable memory device for storing automation specific logic rules and/or controlling the specific automation functions. The base unit includes a frame having affixed thereto a control cabinet that houses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for executing the logic rules relayed or stored in the memory device and a power supply capable of powering the base unit and the automation module. When a base unit and an automation module are cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more automation functions specific to the automation module selected.

Abstract: In a manufacturing system that has a plurality of sheet fabrication machines, to enhance the efficiency of the system, there are provided a plurality of databases each for storing particular data relating to the machines, the types of materials to be used, the tooling of the machines, etc. of the system. When a multi-dimensional model of a component part to be produced by the system is input to the system, selective data is retrieved from the various databases so that at least one machine of the plurality of machines of the system is selected to produce the part from a worksheet of a chosen material. Concurrently, or shortly thereafter, a NC part program for programming the selected machine to execute the necessary operations in accordance with a flat drawing generated from the multi-dimensional model to fabricate the component part is generated based on selective data retrieved from the databases.

Abstract: A method and a system for automatically recording an intervention in a production facility (1) controlled by a control program (14). The production facility (1) includes a number of facility components (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a–9e). According to the method and the system, information about a status of the facility component(s) (3–5, 6–8, 9a–9e) and information on whether this status exists in accordance with the control program (14) is retrieved from the control program (14, 15) and is recorded if this status does not exist according to the control program.