Abstract: Techniques of performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming an indexing hole in the workpiece. A coordinating pin may be installed into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. A sensor may be positioned proximate the coordinating pin. The quantum of indexing information may be sensed with a sensor. A manufacturing operation may be performed on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saw including a sawhead pivotably connected to a base. The pivotable connection may define a pivot axis therethrough, wherein the pivot axis may be parallel to the horizontal plane. In addition, the sawhead may rotate around the pivot axis and may be axially displaceable along the pivot axis.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention enable a user to establish, configure, and associate one or more output devices with a file. Prior art applications provide for configuring an output device (e.g., a printer) on an application wide basis. Users often format a file or document based on an output device. Consequently, it is useful to associate an output device with a particular file or information. In graphics programs, a user may define a drawing (referred to as a model) with various layouts or views of the drawing. Each layout or view may be formatted for a particular output device. Consequently, one or more embodiments of the invention associate one or more files, layouts, or views with one or more output devices. Additionally, each output device may be configured for a particular file, layout, or view. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for the association of one or more output device configurations with one or more files, layouts, or views.

Abstract: A cutting tool adjustment method includes lowering a cutting tool on a transparent Mylar to produce an indentation before an actual scribing operation; picking up the image of the indentation; using a numerical analysis method and a set formula to automatically calculate a correction angle and position so as to adjust the angle and position of the cutting tool subject to the calculation result; and repeating the calculation and adjustment procedures, if necessary.

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: Methods and systems for position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes measuring at least three discrete point positions associated with a first component by using at least one transmitter having a known position and orientation and in a line of sight with the three discrete point positions, the three discrete point positions having known distances relative to one another. The method computes a current position and orientation of the first component using data provided by the at least one transmitter and the three discrete point positions, along with position and orientation data from a last known location of the first component assuming that no sudden position changes since the first component has moved from the last known location. The first and second components may be a workpiece and a tool that performs a manufacturing operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method comprising adjusting a first relative position between a substrate and a fabrication unit by a first shift value, forming a first pattern relative to a first pattern instance on the substrate subsequent to adjusting the first relative position by the first shift value, and calculating a second shift value using a first displacement between the first pattern and the first pattern instance and a second displacement between a second relative position of the first pattern instance with respect to a second pattern instance is provided.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a process of tool manufacturing with a reduced lead time. The manufacturing of the component tooling can be applied (but not be limited) to: mold tooling, injection mold tooling, diecast tooling, press tooling, etc. Several techniques or elements are methodically combined with the focus to reduce overall manufacturing time for tooling components comprising (but not be limited to) the following: a) standard parts are designed, pre-manufactured and stocked in a pre-hardened condition; b) custom 3D CAD libraries are created which represent the standard parts and only allow a tool designer to select standard parts which are held as a pre-manufactured stock; c) manufacturing fixtures are utilized which allow consistent and rapid setup of the pre-manufactured standard components for customized machining operations specific to a tool design.

Abstract: A system for measuring a figure of a workpiece includes an application server (2). The application server includes a hardware detecting module (200) for detecting hardware after system activation and for determining whether any error occurs in the hardware. An error prompting module (200) is provided for generating a dialog box to prompt a user to maintain the system. A measuring module (202) is provided for measuring the figure of the workpiece, and for comparing measuring results. A measuring result output module (203) is provided for outputting measuring results in text form. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A first stage and a second stage are disposed to face each other. A first object is fixed on the first stage. A first displacement sensor attached on the first stage is used to measure a distance extending from the first displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the first displacement sensor. A second object is fixed on the second stage. A second displacement sensor attached on the second stage is used to measure a distance extending from the second displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the second displacement sensor. A moving mechanism is provided to move one of the first stage and the second stage, with the movement of one stage being relative to the other stage.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing process capability in a progressive forming operation. The method compensates for deviations introduced by unformed components, and uses closed loop feedback to compensate for deviations introduced by forming tools. Fiducial features are detected on an incoming component, and a first compensation value is calculated from displacement of the fiducial features from an ideal forming location on the component. Component position with respect to a theoretical forming position is adjusted according to the first compensation value. Placement of a feature formed on the component at the adjusted position is detected and compared to the ideal forming location to obtain a difference value. A second compensation value is derived from a plurality of difference values. Forming positions for subsequent incoming components are adjusted with respect to the theoretical forming position according to first and second compensation values.

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 invention relates to a device and a method for determination of location information of a workpiece. To enable rapid calibration of a relative position of the workpiece (1) in relation to a tool provided for processing said workpiece, it is proposed that the device features a camera for recording at least a partial area of the workpiece, first processing means for determination of geometrical parameters on the basis of the partial area recorded by the camera, a memory for a geometry model of the workpiece and second processing means for determining the location in-formation of the workpiece by reconciling the geometrical parameters with the geometry model, with the location information being provided for determining the position of the workpiece in relation to a tool pro-vided for processing it.

Abstract: An NC apparatus controls a position of a tool by driving a plurality of shafts with a plurality of servomotors. The shafts includes at least one clamp shaft that can be mechanically clamped or non-clamped. A clamp determining unit determines whether a state of the clamp shaft and outputs a signal based on the state. A correcting unit corrects a position instruction value or a position detection value of at least one shaft other than the clamp shaft based on the signal and a correction value so as to cancel an error in a position of the tool due to movement of the tool performed by the clamp shaft.

Abstract: A machining data generator generates NC machining data specifying machining operations for shaping the external shape of a piston. The machining data generator uses a machining data sheet (provided by a spreadsheet software) describing noncircular part shape data on the shape of a noncircular part and condition data (machining condition data and shape data on shapes of parts other than the noncircular part necessary for shaping the overall shape of the piston). The machining data sheet is prepared beforehand. A machining data generation program reads the machining data sheet in step S4, recognizes directives “start cell” and “end cell” defining a cell region and described in the machining data sheet and fetches matrix data from the cell region in step S5, and fetches condition data other than the noncircular part shape data from the machining data sheet, and calculates NC machining data to be given to a NC machine tool on the basis of the condition data and the noncircular part shape data in step S6.

Abstract: In a machining method and a machining apparatus, prior to machining, an NC control unit makes an X-axis drive unit move a table based on examination conditions specified in advance. Thus, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required from the command-reach time of a poisoning command and till the stabilization of position response of the table within a predetermined allowable range. Likewise, for moving a drill in a Y-axis direction, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required till the stabilization of position response within a predetermined allowable range. At the time of machining, the drill is moved in a Z-axis direction to cut into a printed wiring board as soon as the obtained stabilization time has passed.

Abstract: A method for aligning an image to be recorded by a direct image scanner on an upper layer of a printed circuit board with an image recorded on a lower layer thereof, the method comprising visually imaging a portion of the image on the lower layer and recording a pattern on the upper layer, referenced to coordinates of the visual image of the portion.

Abstract: A method for aligning an image to be recorded by a direct image scanner on an upper layer of a printed circuit board with an image recorded on a lower layer thereof, the method comprising: visually imaging a portion of the image on the lower layer; and recording a pattern on the upper layer, referenced to coordinates of the visual image of the portion.

Abstract: A regression mirror reflects light from a light projector in a reflecting direction opposite an incident direction. A light receiver combined with the light projector in a unitary unit receives the reflected light from the regression mirror. A detecting unit including an optical sensing unit having the light projector, the light receiver and the reflecting member is disposed so that a wafer is disposed in a moving path along which an optical path of the optical sensing unit moves relative to the wafer. An information-acquiring unit acquires position information of the detecting unit relative to the wafer, an arithmetic unit calculates mapping information about an arrangement of the wafer based on the position information and light-reception information provided by the light receiver.

Abstract: For operating a positioning device of a multi-axes processing device having at least one processing for improving its positioning accuracy, a position change of the processing device and the associated processing head is controlled with a computer, work poses of the processing device and the associated processing head controlled by a computation and control unit of the processing device are detected, and the work poses are adjusted if necessary.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to detect a change in a work tool with an engaging portion. A control system senses a change in the relationship between the engaging portion of the work tool and at least one of the work tool and another engaging portion of the work tool. If the change is greater than a predetermined value, the control system produces an error signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position for work devices (41) of mobile machines (40). The inventive device comprises a measuring device (1,2) for measuring an angle (?) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device also comprises an angle transmitter (5) for predetermining an angle (??) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device further comprises a controller (3, 4, 6–16) for controlling the angle (?) between the level (42) of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g) in such a way that the measured angle (?) matches the predetermined angle (??).

Abstract: In a method for making and evaluating a sample cut in an engraving machine, an engraving control signal for guiding a stylus is formed from engraving data. The stylus cuts a series of cups. During a trial engraving trial cups are engraved and a video image is made. In accordance with screen parameters, measuring points are fixed in the video image as distances to a selected reference point. Geometric parameters of the trail cups are measured in the video image and are compared to corresponding geometric parameters of the cups representing predetermined tone values. Adjustment values are deduced from this comparison which are used to calibrate the engraving control signal.

Abstract: A device network to process signals has target devices, selecting devices that are movable relative to the target devices, and controllers. The controllers are in communication with the target devices and the selecting devices. Each of the selecting devices has a position sensor and an orientation sensor to provide spatial and angular co-ordinates of position and orientation when pointing to a target device and upon receiving a user input. Each of the selecting devices also has a signal processor to generate a control signal having the position and orientation data. This control signal is then transmitted by a transmitter, via a radio frequency channel, to a controller. Upon receiving the control signal, the controller determines whether, for example, a target device has been selected by a selecting device by comparison of the orientation data with a derived orientation based on the position data and the known position of the target devices.

Abstract: A method of locating an assembly point (P) on a first part (40), at which assembly point the first part is to be joined to a second part (1), the method comprising the steps of: determining an assembly location (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in respect of the second part; measuring a portion (42a, 42b, 42c) of a surface (43) of the first part, the surface being spaced away from the second part, so as to define the position and orientation of the surface; and, calculating the assembly point on the surface of the first part, where the surface of the first part is intersected by a vector (N) passing between the determined assembly location and the surface of the first part.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for positioning a sensing head relative to a workpiece, involving a control unit operative to provide a plurality of control signals to iteratively control positioning of the sensing head relative to the workpiece, a plurality of air injectors disposed and fixedly connected on a periphery of the sensing head, each of the air injectors capable of being independently controlled to eject a gas between the sensing head and the workpiece to create an air bearing and affect positioning of the sensing head relative to the workpiece in response to at least one of the control signals, and a plurality of sensors providing a plurality of feedback signals to the control unit, the feedback signals containing information relating to positioning of an optical imaging sensing head relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A positioning device precisely positions a work piece at a workstation. Precise positioning is accomplished through the use of a tool controller, a programmed mechanism, and a minimal pneumatic circuit. Pre-programming of the tool controller results in initially locating the work piece, precisely positioning the workpiece at the workstation, and then locking-in the position of the workpiece at the workstation time-after-time. A method for operating the positioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A punching device of the present invention is proposed which can perform positional alignment with high accuracy without generating positional deviation or vibration by shifting a workpiece, and which does not deteriorate the accuracy of determining the position of an image by shifting a photographic device. In this punching device, a CCD camera, which can photograph the position of the die hole upon the lower die and the position of the pattern upon the workpiece which shows the position thereon where punching is to be performed, is fixedly provided at a position removed from the raising and lowering track of the punch plate. Furthermore, a mirror may be provided between the CCD camera and the die hole upon the lower die.

Abstract: A numerical control device for a machine tool switching two reference axes comprising switching timing determining means for determining a timing for switching the moving position definition on the basis of the first reference axis and the moving position definition on the basis of the second reference axis; and reference axis switching means for switching, in response to the switching timing determining means, the moving position definition on the basis of the first reference axis and the moving position definition on the basis of the second reference axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control apparatus for numerical control in a cutting machine having a turret which can be rotated to arbitrary positions, and characterized by including means for obtaining turret axis data (?X, ?Z) from reference offset values (X0, Z0) corresponding to a length from a cutting edge to a turret axis B, turret angle data ?, and cutting edge data (m, n), and moving the turret on the basis of these turret axis data (?X, ?Z) to perform a cutting.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automatically operated lathe provided with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest includes the following steps. First, each of a plurality of transfer position data required in a sequence of machining programs in connection with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest is provided in a form of either one of two types of transfer position data, one of which is cam-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of a cam rotation quantity and the other is time-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of an elapsed time. Next, a time-series allocation of the cam-reference data and the time-reference data is designated in the sequence of machining programs. Then, the cam-reference data and the time-reference data are processed in accordance with the time-series allocation, so as to control a relative feed motion between at least one spindle and at least one tool rest in the sequence of machining programs.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automatically operated lathe, provided with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest, includes the following steps. First, each of a plurality of transfer position data required in a sequence of machining programs in connection with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest is provided in a form of a cam-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of a cam rotation quantity. A plurality of pulse-train generating sources, each of which generates any pulse train, is also provided. Next, with regard to each of the plural transfer position data, a pulse-train generating source for generating a pulse train defining the cam rotation quantity as one component of the cam-reference data is designated, with the pulse-train generating source being selected from the plural pulse-train generating sources.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel tire mold that uses CAD and CAM software to design the shapes of the mold and develop numerical sequences for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, electrodes for an electric discharge machine (EDM) and characters and designs on the tire, and the CNC lathe forms the different designed parts. Alignment and assembly holes are bored so the parts can be assembled to form a semi-finished mold. The tread design is formed in the electrode by the CNC machine, and the electrode is used with an electric discharge machine to cut the tread design in the mold. The CNC engraving machine cuts the characters and designs in the mold. Finally, the mold is dressed to remove any burrs, and the mold is a finished product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader control device 20 for controlling a loader 5 which delivers a work W to a chuck 2 of an outer device 1. The work W is delivered by the loader chuck 14 placed at a work delivering position. The displacement of a center position of the loader chuck 14 and the center position of the outer device chuck 2 at the time being is detected by the displaced amount detecting device 31 from the torque of the motors 11 and 12 of the loader 5. The adjusting device 32 adjusts the work delivering position of the loader chuck 14 by an amount corresponding to the detected displaced amount, when delivering the next work.

Abstract: An alignment system that uses a single optical sensor to enable the end of an optical fiber to be aligned with the input of an optical waveguide of an optical device. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that the output of a single optical sensor can be processed and converted into digital signals, which are then further processed in accordance with an alignment algorithm to generate feedback signals that enable precise alignment to be achieved. The alignment system includes the single optical sensor, a lens and processing logic.

Abstract: A lost motion correction value setting method for a machine tool of a hybrid control system that performs a positional loop control with both machine position signals outputted from position detecting scales for detecting machine positions and motor position signals outputted from rotary encoders for detecting a rotational angle of a feed driving servomotor includes executing a test program; periodically inputting the machine position signals outputted from the position detecting scale and the motor position signals outputted from the rotary encoder; determining errors by determining the difference between the machine position signals and the motor position signals, determining the difference between an average value on an advance side and an average value on a return side of the errors, and storing the difference in lost motion correction value memories as a dynamic lost motion correction value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method and a control apparatus for controlling two (two kinds of) driver mechanisms for relatively moving a main spindle along a single axis in an NC machine tool whereby the straightness of the work-piece machined surface can be finished with high accuracy. The control method of the invention controls operations of two driver mechanisms (124,125,126) for relatively moving a main spindle (104) along a single axis in an NC machine tool (100), and one of the driver mechanisms (124 or 125,126) is driven to relatively move the main spindle (104) in a positive direction along the axis during machining, the other driver mechanism (124 or 125,126) is driven to relatively move the main spindle (104) in a negative direction along the axis during machining.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the useful life of machine tools. A controller continuously monitors the amount of time a particular tool has been used as well as the materials the tool has been used to machine. A useful lifetime of the tool is estimated based on the characteristics of the tool. When the amount of time the tool has been used, adjusted based on the materials used, reaches the useful life span of the tool, the controller directs the machine to remove the tool from service and retrieve a duplicate tool for further machine operations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that adjusts motion path parameters of a programmable part transfer device having part engaging tooling; the device is used to transfer parts between workstations of one or more cyclical stroking devices dependent on a rotary drive clock. The method comprises: setting up a non-linear analytical regression math model of the motion path of the part engaging tooling coordinated with the motions of the cyclically stroking device, the math model having motion path parameters at least for path speed, angular duration of path segments as a function of the drive clock, part stability, and dynamic freedom for said tooling within the stroking machine; initializing the math model with a first selected set of motion parameters; iteratively solving the math model to determine an optimum combination of at least path speed and part stability when transferring parts during each rotation of the drive clock, such transfer being devoid of any physical interference with the cyclically stroking device.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which accurate correction values for thermal displacement is calculated even when the rotation of the main spindle is restarted after interruption. The apparatus has means 2, 3 for measuring the temperature near the main spindle 15, means 5 for estimating the thermal displacement of the main spindle 15 on the basis of the measured temperature and a predetermined thermal displacement calculation expression, means 7 for calculating the correction value, and means 6 which estimates the displacement delay in re-rotation caused by the interruption of the rotation of the main spindle 15, and calculates an adjusting displacement on the basis of the estimated displacement delay. The correction value calculating means 7 calculates a correction value on the basis of the thermal displacement estimated by the thermal displacement estimating means 5 alone when the main spindle 15 is started up and rotated.

Abstract: A power feeder (10) includes a flexible strip (12) having a conducting front side (12a) and an insulating back side (12b); a retainer unit (20) for holding the strip wrapped on a bar (18) with the back side being in close contact with the bar; a feeder unit (22) connected electrically with the front side of the strip; and a base (26) mounted detachably on the headstock (24) of an automatic lathe. A tool-positioning device (14) including this power feeder includes a driving unit (60) for bringing a tool (56) to be positioned into contact with the front side of the strip; a section (62) for detecting a conduction between the tool and the front side of the strip through the feeder unit to determine the position of contact with the tool; and a corrective processing section (64) for determining the position of a center axis (18a) of the bar based on the position of the determined position of contact with the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for initializing an additive process computer-controlled three-dimensional modeling machine which builds models on a modeling platform. The method, without operator intervention, senses the top surface of a substrate or other object mounted on the platform at a variety of preselected x, y locations and records the z-axis positions of the platform corresponding to the sensing of the object. Using the recorded z-axis positions, a z-start position for the modeling platform is calculated. The platform can be automatically placed at the calculated z-start position. The recorded z-axis positions can further be used to define a plane fitted to the substrate top surface. Optionally, the model can be built in a coordinate system defined by the plane.

Abstract: The method is suitable for the micromachining of accurately aligned holes in the aerofoil surface of a component such as a jet engine turbine blade or vane which comprises a ground anchorage portion and a cast aerofoil portion. The method uses a micromachining apparatus which is pre-programmed to machine holes in the aerofoil surface when that surface is in a predefined reference position and orientation in the apparatus. Initially the component is mounted in the micromachining apparatus by means of its anchorage portion. At least one probe is then moved into contact with the surface of the cast aerofoil portion to derive the positions of selected points on that aerofoil portion. From the derived position data, angular and linear offset data may be calculated to define the deviation of that cast aerofoil portion from the reference position and orientation defined in the computer memory of the micromachining apparatus.

Abstract: Multi-Axes Tool Compensation expands the tool compensation methods available to the CNC machine operator from the 2D world to 3D and 5 axis directly inside the CNC Controller without involving the CNC programmer to re-define tool locations and offsets defined in the G code program. The CNC machine operator can insert and override any of the cutting methods or scenarios originally pre-defined in the G code program to add 3D and 5-axis tool offsets and tool shape characteristics. These algorithms also provide for automatic tool gouge avoidance protection. Tools are also re-located to safe positions when necessary. Multi-Axes Tool Compensation technology provides for 3D and 5-axis tool definitions and tools offsets accessible to the CNC machine operator.

Abstract: A precision soft-touch gripping mechanism has a mounting plate attached to a robot arm. The plate supports a stepper motor. The output shaft of the stepper motor is connected through a spring to an elongated finger that slides in a central longitudinal slot of the plate and supports a first wafer gripping post, while on the end opposite to the first wafer gripping post the mounting plate pivotally supports two L-shaped fingers with a second and third wafer gripping posts on their respective ends. The mounting plate in combination with the first sliding finger and two pivotal fingers forms the end effector of the robot arm which is thin enough for insertion into a wafer-holding slot of a wafer cassette. The end effector is equipped with a mapping sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the preceding wafer, wafer position sensors for determining positions of the wafer with respect to the end effector, and force sensors for controlling the wafer gripping force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a desired position on a gauge fixture. The apparatus includes a gauge fixture, a positioner assembly, a pusher assembly and a controller. The fixture has a first side and a second side, the first side being opposite the second side. The positioner assembly is mounted on the first side of the gauge fixture, and includes a stop member, a crank and a positioner sensor. The pusher assembly is mounted on the second side of the gauge fixture, and includes a pusher member and a pusher sensor. The controller is connected to the pusher assembly and the positioner assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit that includes components and registration features that are electrically isolated from the components. The registration features form projecting parts that are uniformly distributed in the form of a matrix over at least part of the external surface of the circuit so as to define adjacent registration areas. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor circuit also includes metal registration features that are produced in at least one metallization level of the circuit. Also provided is a method of adjusting a tool so as to put it into a particular position with respect to the surface of a semiconductor circuit that has registration features defining adjacent registration areas. According to the method, an at least partial topographic record of the registration features on the surface of the semiconductor circuit is produced, and the registration features of the topographic record are brought into coincidence with reference features of a reference drawing.

Abstract: An operator can recognize the operating state of a plate material processing machine, such as the position state of a positioning pin used in positioning of a work piece in a predetermined position and the operating state of a work clamping device for gripping the work piece, on a display unit, by displaying the operating state in the form of an image of the machine in such a manner that it is intuitively easy, for a beginner, to understand. Further, the present position of a movable member selected as a moving object is displayed on the display screen of the display unit in a form of a relative coordinate covering a moving range of the movable member and a pointer representing the position of the movable member arranged at the relative coordinate.