Abstract: In some embodiments of the invention, a graphical user interface in an electronic device includes one or more user-interface objects associated with a second user-interface state. While the device is in a first user-interface state, the one or more objects transition in optical intensity to indicate progress towards satisfaction of a user input condition needed to transition to the second user-interface state.

Abstract: A system of automatic drilling/riveting of pieces for aeronautical assembly, includes a robot governed by a numerical control device containing drilling/riveting information. A module allows for introduction of data by the operator. A piece checking module detects a piece starting from the data input by the operator. A converter module receives from the numerical control device the information input by the operator and information on the detected piece along with the drilling/riveting to be done and converts that information into information that can be read by a governing and graphic representation module, which transforms the information into geometric information to permit graphic representation on a screen.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the layout of perforation patterns is described. An embodiment of the invention includes an innovative software application running on a computer, which application allows a perforation designer to select lines or arcs that comprise edges of a building panel. The application determines a starting hole spacing based on the average distance through the geometric center of the panel, and a default perforation pattern is laid out on a computer aided drawing. The application provides the user with detailed information about the perforation layout such as number of perforations, panel area, and percentage of open area. The application further allows the user to change any parameter such as hole size, hole spacing, hole shape, and edge spacing. After any user adjustment of the parameters, the application automatically updates the perforation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a setup information display device for a processing machine which enables required setup information to be easily displayed. The present invention is applied to a multi-turret type punch press or the like. A setup information display device is used for a processing machine 1 in which a plurality of tools 7 can be installed. The device includes information generating means 48 for generating setup information on the basis of a processing schedule SH and information on the tools 7 installed in the processing machine 1. The device also includes display information generating means 71 for generating information to be displayed in an information display section 47a of a display device 47. The display information generating means 71 generates, in the information display section 47a, a setup information display 81 that shows the setup information and a guide display 82 that prompts an operator to perform an operation required to show the setup information display 81.

Abstract: A control device for displacing at least one machine axis of a machine tool or production machine includes a control element that can deviate from a position of rest. Set values for controlling or regulating the machine can be generated according to the extent and duration of the deviation. During a progessive deviation of the control element and when the deviation of the control element is in a stationary state, a pulse-shaped mechanical feedback can be conveyed via the control element to the operator for at least one generated change in the set value. This results in the creation of a control device that provides the operator with a mechanical feedback over the path of displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool or production machine in which the tool/machine has a display unit (4, 5) for visually displaying operating sequences and/or parameters of the tool/machine, whereby the display unit (4, 5) is provided in the form of a projection display (4). Compared to prior art display units or control panels, the inventive display unit provides a user of a machine tool or production machine with an improved ability to view and input information.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for gathering, processing, displaying, and manipulating data from building equipment using a dedicated HTML-driven, non-PLC controller having an integral web server. Authorized users who use microprocessor controlled devices to access the website are provided with displayed equipment data that can be selected, monitored, and adjusted based on a user profile controlled by software of the controller.

Abstract: A system for controlling a machine tool is provided. The system includes a user input device deflectable from a neutral position and a controller configured to receive information corresponding to an amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position and to output a control signal to control a movement of the machine tool in an axis of movement at a rate corresponding to the amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position. A machine is provided, including a work tool movable along an axis of movement and a control system including a user input device deflectable from a neutral position and a controller configured to receive information corresponding to an amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position and to output a control signal to control a movement of the work tool in an axis of movement at a rate corresponding to the amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position.

Abstract: A system for controlling a machine tool is provided. The system includes a user input device deflectable from a neutral position and a controller configured to receive information corresponding to an amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position and to output a control signal to control a movement of the machine tool in an axis of movement at a rate corresponding to the amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position. A machine is provided, including a work tool movable along an axis of movement and a control system including a user input device deflectable from a neutral position and a controller configured to receive information corresponding to an amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position and to output a control signal to control a movement of the work tool in an axis of movement at a rate corresponding to the amount of deflection of the user input device from the neutral position.

Abstract: There is provided a method for constructing a menu in a washing machine integrally having a drier where communication is possible. The method includes the steps of: transmitting sent data if a power is applied; reading received data that depends on transmission of the sent data; judging a connection state of the drier and the washing machine using the read and received data and displaying differently contents of a menu screen displayed on the display unit according to the judgment results. Therefore, a menu construction is changed depending on a communication state of the drier and the washing machine, so that whether one machine is independently used or works in cooperation with the other machine can be more easily recognized and a menu selection and checking are easy, thus user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: A display and operating unit for a machine in the tobacco-processing industry includes a visual display unit for the display of a graphic user interface consisting of a plurality of screen displays, and a computer which is designed to generate the graphic user interface by means of a computer program, essentially all the screen displays having at least the following regions: an operating region that can be operated by the operator for the display of a plurality of different operating-region displays that can be selected by the operator, with machine- and/or product-related display and operating elements; and a message region for the display of machine- or product-related stop and warning messages. The screen displays have at least one further region which includes machine- and/or product-related display and/or operating elements concerning the production mode, display of the further region being independent of the respectively selected operating-region display of the operating region.

Abstract: A machining program generating device and a wire-cut electric discharge machine that can shorten a machining time to machine multiple punch shapes. A distance L from one punch shape machining end position Pe to a next punch shape machining start position Ps is obtained. When the distance L is shorter than a predetermined value, the electric discharge machining is performed between the machining end position Pe and the machining start position Ps. When the distance L is equal to or longer than that a predetermined value, the wire is cut at the machining end position Pe and connected at the machining start position Ps to restart the electric discharge machining. By continuing the electric discharge machining when the distance L is shorter than the predetermined value, it is not necessary to carry out the processes of cutting and connecting the wire, and therefore the machining time is shortened.

Abstract: A method for a user to establish a wireless connection between a wireless portable computing device and a wireless-equipped device in an industrial or electrical power or distribution plant. Actions of the method are carried out by a second computer program that provides information in a graphical user interface display to a user and opens a wireless connection with a selected industrial device. In other aspects a human-machine interface and a system are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a location to perform a process are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives tool data defining a tool including its location within a manufacturing facility and process data defining a process for assembling at least a portion of a vehicle. The system stores the tool data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the tool data satisfies a selected process definition. The system outputs a representation of the tool's location along a first axis, a representation of the process along a second axis, and a representation relative to the first axis and the second axis indicating that the tool satisfies the process if the tool data satisfies the process definition thereby enabling a user to select a location to perform the process.

Abstract: A power tool control system connected with a drill press provides a system for determining operational settings for the drill press and/or structural factors of a workpiece to be operated upon by the drill press. For instance, the power tool control system may establish a visual indication of the axis of operation of the drill press upon a workpiece and/or determine the thickness, structural composition, and/or moisture content of a workpiece. The determined axis of operation and/or structural factor is utilized to determine the operational settings of the power tool.

Abstract: A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device. In operation with a power tool, the graphical user interface provides a user with selectable control over the power tool through the computation and display of multiple power tool settings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: It is determined whether a power tool is suitable for a work description for which the power tool is used or not, and when it is not suitable for the work description, a suitable power tool is selected and presented to a user. The power tool has a memory, and data concerning a work record is stored in the memory. When the power tool is connected to an assist apparatus installed in a shop or the like, the data concerning the work record is read out from the memory, and the work description is estimated according to a program run in the assist apparatus. Then, it is judged whether the power tool is suitable for the estimated work description or not. When the power tool is not suitable for the work description, a power tool suitable for the work is selected from a previously stored database and presented to the user.

Abstract: A machining configuration drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit for drawing a machining configuration and a present machining position, a setting unit for setting a display area in an overall drawing area, a division unit for dividing the overall drawing area into a plurality of display areas based on the set display area, and a selection unit for selecting a drawing region drawn by the drawing unit from a plurality of drawing regions. The selection unit selects a drawing region in which the present machining position exists. Further, the drawing unit draws a machining configuration and a present machining position of the selected drawing region.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for providing electronic quality control in a process for applying a polyurethane to a substrate. One aspect of the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for providing electronic quality control during manufacturing of a polyurethane coated article. The method can include providing a user interface for a user to input at least one operating characteristic associated with a process for manufacturing a polyurethane coated article. Furthermore, the method can include receiving a selection of at least one operating characteristic from the user, and receiving at least one condition associated with the operating characteristic. Moreover, the method can include monitoring a process for manufacturing a polyurethane coated article, wherein a change to the operating characteristic can be detected. The method can also include generating a notification if the at least one condition is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motion control system for a machine tool system wherein a value of a surface finish quality parameter of the motion control system is adjusted to control the surface finish of a part machined with the machine tool system. The machine tool system may include a conversational mode of operation and a NC mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool information display device for a processing machine which can display information on tools installed in appropriate parts of the processing machine, in an easy-to-understand manner. The present invention allows even the identification numbers of installed tools to be checked in an easy-to-understand manner. The present invention provides a tool information display device for a processing machine 101 having tool magazines 5, 6 on each of which a plurality of tools can be installed. The tool information display device includes tool information managing means 33 for managing information on the tools 7 installed on the tool magazines 5, 6. The tool information display device also includes installation status display means 33 for providing a display 50 of installation status of the tools which reproduces installation and arrangement of the tools on the tool magazine 5, 6 in a pseudo manner, in accordance with the information managed by the tool information managing means 33.

Abstract: A graphical programming system allows a user to place geometric shapes onto a scaled image, the shape having associated behavior that operates on the image or on the object of which the image is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes are objects in the Visio program by Microsoft Corporation. The shapes are dragged from a stencil onto an image provided by ion beam or electron microscope image. The shape invokes software or hardware to locate and measure features on the image or to perform operations, such as ion beam milling, on the object that is imaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for monitoring semiconductor manufacturing in real time which includes an icon module with a database for storing a plurality of icons to provide stored icons that use vector data to represent respective pieces of equipment employed in semiconductor manufacture, a layout module which includes a database for storing information on a layout of a semiconductor manufacturing facility to provide stored information on the layout, and a joiner module, which is receptive to the icon module and the layout module, for using vector data to merge stored icons received from the icon module with stored information on the layout received from the layout module to produce a merged graphical layout of the semiconductor manufacturing facility. Upon merging, the icons are accessible in the merged graphical display to display real time information relating to semiconductor manufacture.

Abstract: Provided are a device and method for a programmable hand-held device for use in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. In one example, the device includes an interface, a processor, an input device, and a memory. The interface may establish a connection between the device and at least one of the process tools. The processor may process executable instructions. The input device may receive input instructions for programming a specific type of tool. The memory contains the executable instructions, which may be divided into multiple subsets of instructions, where each subset is adapted for communication with a specific type of tool. The instructions may include identifying the specific type of tool referenced by the input instructions, selecting the subset of instructions adapted for communication with the selected specific type of tool, and programming the selected specific type of tool via the interface using the subset of instructions and the input instructions.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus includes a process division control section, which automatically divides a machining process executed to obtain a predetermined product shape from a material shape of a workpiece. The process division control section computes a removal shape, which is a shape to be removed from the material shape when executing the machining process, based on the material shape and the product shape. The process division control section defines a reference machining boundary that intersects a reference axis defined on the product shape and divides the volume of the removal shape into two equal parts. The process division control section defines, on the removal shape, a process division boundary that intersects the reference axis based on the reference machining boundary and the profile of the product shape. The machining process is divided into a first process and a second process with the process division boundary.

Abstract: When the system is powered on, a BOOT device detecting unit detects which data exchange device (memory card or the like) is to be booted first, and the detected data exchange device is booted first. A data exchange process program which is set as software starting at BOOT is started to detect a data exchange file. At this time, with reference to a type code of a numerical control apparatus to be used, data matched to the type code is selected. A data exchange file is transferred to an internal storing device to which the data exchange device is connected. Then, a data exchange file is transferred to an internal storing device to which the data exchange device is not connected.

Abstract: A product quality information control method including the act of feeding repair information for making a repair based on imperfection information found during an inspection process of a product back to a manufacture control department. The repair information includes graphic and character information indicative of the contents of the repair made by a repair person. As a result, it becomes possible for the manufacture control department to accurately grasp an imperfection found by an inspection department and a temporary measure taken to cure the imperfection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centering a log for veneer peeling in a lathe. In the method the log is first centered in the centering arrangement of the lathe equipment using centering alignment data based on the contour of the log. On the basis of the thus determined centering data, a computer simulation of peeling is carried out and the results thereof are displayed. The operator performs an alternative centering based on visual evaluation of the log end and, using this centering data, another computer simulation of log peeling is carried out. The peeling outcomes are displayed as an image. The peeling outcomes of all simulations are compared with each other and the centering of actual peeling operation is performed using the centering data giving the optimum yield of peeling.

Abstract: The control section can determine, on the basis of a detection signal from a detection device, whether operation of an element corresponding to the detection device has completed. The display device can display step sequence data and a three-dimensional model of a machine tool operated through simulation. When the abnormality detection section detects an abnormality of the machine tool, the control section extracts, from a ladder circuit corresponding to a step in which an abnormality has been detected, an element to be operated in response to completion of operation of a preceding element in the ladder circuit, or an element not having completed its operation. The control section then specifies a detection device corresponding to the extracted element or a moving part corresponding to the detection device, and displays the element or the moving part in the displayed three-dimensional model in a distinguishable manner.

Abstract: A measuring and simulation system for a machine-tool or production machine is described. Measurement results and simulation results are visualized simultaneously side-by-side on a common monitor display screen. A user can then easily set and optimize the control parameters of the machine-tool or production machine by a straightforward comparison between the measurement results and the simulation results.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article manufacturing apparatus that even a user unfamiliar with the article manufacturing apparatus can operate appropriately. The article manufacturing apparatus is a combinational weighing apparatus (1) arranged in an article manufacturing line, and is provided with a touch screen (70). The touch screen (70) displays operation screens that indicate the operation details to be performed by the combinational weighing apparatus (1), and guidance screens that provide procedural guidance on the operation details. In addition, the touch screen (70) inputs the operation details.

Abstract: Electronics assembly equipment 12 includes a controller 13 including computer readable medium having stored thereon, executable instructions defining at least one web service 10. The web service includes information relating to the equipment. The equipment also includes a web service interface 16 associated with the controller 13 so that the web service 10 is accessible via Internet Protocol by a subscriber.

Abstract: A method for sculpting art including preparing an artistic line drawing of interconnected lines having varying widths. The artistic line drawing is converted to a format suitable for computer numeric controls for guiding cutting means. The sculpture is cut out of a piece of material using cutting means suitable for defining holes around the artistic line drawing. The sculpture and mounting means are finished. The mounting means provides a mechanism for spacing the sculpture from and attaching the sculpture to a structure. The mounting means are substantially invisible to a viewer when positioned on the structure. The sculpture having a combination of varying weight lines which appear to be drawn by a felt tipped pen.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, using a riveting system, is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A computer controlled cup forming machine is provided. The computer controlled cup forming machine has a main motor, a main controller, and a plurality of workstations having individual motors electrically connected to the main motor and the main controller. The main controller develops electrical signals of a drive or motion profile that are sent to the individual motors, and the main motor sends additional electrical signals to the individual motors to initiate the drive profiles at the individual motors. The main controller also has an input station to quantitatively control each of the individual motors.

Abstract: A controller for a machine tool or production machine is disclosed. The controller includes system software that implements a control function for the machine tool or production machine, real-time basic application software and real-time custom-designed application software for expanding the system software, and a software interface allowing the real-time basic application to access data and functions of the system software. The controller further includes a custom-designed software interface provided by the basic application software for communication between the basic application software and the custom-designed application software. With the disclosed controller, custom-designed application software can be integrated in the system software of the controller without detailed information about the system software of the controller.

Abstract: A system which provides a graphical user interface for monitoring operational status of the tools in the factory is provided. In a factory where many manufacturing tools having individual status reporting formats are operated, the system collects reports from the tools in different formats, translates these into one of ten newly defined statuses, then displays the statuses in a single display monitor so that a supervisor of the manufacturing tools can comprehend these statuses immediately and can take necessary actions appropriately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of horizontally structured automated CAD/CAM manufacturing process, comprising: selecting a blank for machining into an actual part; establishing a coordinate system; creating a master process model comprising: virtual blank corresponding to the blank; a manufacturing feature; virtual machining of the manufacturing feature into the virtual blank, the manufacturing feature exhibiting an associative relationship with the coordinate system; and generating machining instructions to create the actual part by machining the manufacturing feature into the blank; capturing manufacturing process rules in a spread sheet; and the spread sheet exhibiting an associative relationship with the master process model. Also disclosed is a manufactured part created by a method of horizontally structured automated CAD/CAM manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for specifying and satisfying move constraints when performing a motion control sequence. One or more motion control operations may be included in a sequence in response to user input. User input specifying one or more move constraints for a first motion control operation in the sequence may be received to a graphical user interface. When the motion control sequence is subsequently performed, the first motion control operation may be performed in such a way that the one or more specified move constraints are satisfied. The specified move constraints preferably do not cause the trajectory of the first motion control operation to be altered.

Abstract: A sequence circuit display method for an injection molding machine which enables a sequence circuit corresponding to an operating step to be quickly displayed and enables the connection states of contacts, coils, etc. in a sequence circuit to be easily grasped when obtaining a grasp of the sequence circuit, comprising selectively inputting an operating step name in an injection molding machine from an input device to thereby display a sequence circuit including contacts, coils, etc. corresponding to the selected input operating step as a ladder diagram on a display device; comprising displaying a sequence circuit of an injection molding machine as a ladder diagram on a display device and selectively inputting one of the contacts, coils, etc. in the ladder diagram to thereby display a sequence circuit including contacts, coils, etc. corresponding to the selected input contact, coil, etc. as a ladder diagram on the display device; etc.

Abstract: With respect to two or more NC data points among a group of dots together representing a tool locus, a curvature radius of the tool locus is determined. Then, the NC data point and its succession with other points is displayed in a display color determined according to the magnitude of the curvature radius. Alternatively, a movement direction of each minute segment relative to a specific axis selected from the three (XYZ) axes is determined as either positive, negative, or zero, and the minute segment or an end point thereof is display with the display property determined according to the movement direction. Still alternatively, after a specific axis is selected from the three (XYZ) axes, a region relative to the selected region is divided along the selected axis, for predetermined dividing width, first beginning with a predetermined reference point, and the resultant divided regions are given predetermined display properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing data logging device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable the management and monitoring of tools in a manufacturing environment using network communications. Tools are adapted to output tool information to a network via an intermediary device. According to some embodiments, the tools are multi-part tools such as cable tie tools having a dispenser and a hand tool. A computer collects tool information, such as error information, maintenance information, and operation information, and displays the information to users as necessary to optimize maintenance and repair of the tools.

Abstract: A system and method for machining and cutting pieces from a sheet of material where the system machines or cuts the first side of the sheet material but does not sever the pieces from the sheet, and the entire sheet with the pieces still attached thereto is inverted and the system machines and cuts to opposite side of the pieces and finally severs the pieces from the sheet such that the pieces are essentially complete upon removal.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus for machine tool, includes: an NC program storage portion for storing an NC program; a block skip command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip command for skipping execution of blocks after a position where the block skip command is described is present in the NC program stored in the NC program storage portion or not; a block skip end command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip end command provided in connection with the block skip command to permit execution of blocks after a position where the block skip end command is described is present in the NC program or not; and a coordinate comparison portion for performing comparison concerning a difference between coordinates on at least one control axis in the block skip command and the block skip end command.

Abstract: A machining system displaying operation programs and associated information for a plurality of components of the system on the same display screen for confirming, creating and editing of the operation programs and associated information. A machine tool, a jig device for fixing/unfixing a workpiece on the machine tool, a handling robot and a visual sensor are connected with an information processing device by a communication path. A list of items specifying operation programs and associated information for the respective components is displayed with respect to different kinds of workpieces on a display screen of the information processing device. When one or more of the items are selected by an operator, the operation program or programs and the associated information specified by the selected item or items are displayed in the form of a window on the display screen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching apertures into a workpiece. A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.

Abstract: In a wire electric discharge machining apparatus, data on the number of machining shapes and the machining frequency of each of the machining shapes are acquired by analyzing the machining program and acquiring data on the machining starting positions, and those data are stored. Displaying the stored data on a screen is used to check as to whether the number of machining shapes and the machining frequency relating to each machining shape have been programmed correctly or not.