Abstract: Drive image providers of a virtualization system for an automated data storage library provide an image of a fixed plurality of virtual data storage drives with fixed identifications to a host application. A drive resource provider, at any one time, assigns any number “m” of a pool of “n” drives to the drive image providers, and “n”−“m” of the pool are freed and available for assignment. The drive resource provider responds to a triggering event requesting a drive, and dedicates one of the “n”−“m” drives of the pool to the virtual drive. The drive image provider characterizes and directs communication between the host and the dedicated drive as a fixed virtual drive; and prior to the dedication of a drive, characterizes the virtual drive to the requesting host application as “not ready”.

Abstract: There is provided a method for automatically tracking compliance in a manufacturing process involving successive manufacturing operations comprising selecting an object; associating an identifier with said object, said identifier comprising a memory; performing a first manufacturing operation relating to the object; following the successful completion of said first manufacturing operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory; performing one or more further manufacturing operations relating to the object; and following the successful completion of each said further manufacturing operation or any package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory.

Abstract: An integrated self-checkout system and method incorporates access control, electronic article surveillance (EAS), and radio frequency identification (RFID) subsystems, and allows marketing advertisements and pricing to be directed to a specific individual. The customer uses either a cell phone or an interactive personal digital assistant (PDA) when in the store, which displays prices and/or advertisements. The prices and advertisements are selected according to the customer's buying habits. The customer's buying habits are obtained by tracking the customer in the store and recording selected parameters such as the customer's track through the store, the time spent in various locations in the store, items selected by the customer, and items purchased. A database of customer habits is input to a decision program that determines the content of advertisements, and the pricing of various items.

Abstract: A lumber processor includes slowdown conveyor to transition lumber pieces from one processing device to a subsequent processing device where the movement of lumber pieces changes from lineal to lateral motion; a printer station includes a printer boom which includes a lateral translation device to move a symbol printer over the path of travel of the conveyor to allow the printer to mark pieces of lumber that are passing beneath the printer station.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, when a mailer generates a mail piece, for example using mail generation software in a PC metering system, the mail generation software accesses a database of mailing addresses. This database also contains e-mail address of recipients in the mailing list (address database). If a mailer wants to send advance notice to a recipient that a mailpiece has been sent to the recipient, the mailer can choose this option automatically and use a unique mailpiece ID as an identifier of the upcoming mailpiece. (The mailpiece ID can be generated specially for this purpose and serve as a reference point for the mailer and the recipient). This can be particularly advantageous in a legal environment, when there is a need for timely distribution of information as well as the need for distribution of legally valid hard copy documents. The unique ID number may be printed in plain text in the address block and cryptographically encoded within the DPM.

Abstract: Generally described, under on aspect of the invention, a single unique delivery notice is left at the particular location. However, just before it is left, this notice is electronically “linked” to the parcel(s) which were undeliverable. This can be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device which includes a conventional scanning means, allowing information to be scanned from the delivery notice as well as labels on the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. If ten parcels were undeliverable, only one delivery notice is left behind but is electronically “linked” to all ten packages. The intended recipient can then contact the delivery service via the internet (or other suitable network) or by phone, by using information provided on the delivery notice. By providing the delivery service with unique information from the delivery notice, the intended recipient can get valuable information regarding the undelivered parcels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the workpiece flow in a production system (10), including workpieces (16) and workpiece agents (18) associated with the workpieces, machines (12) for machining the workpieces (16), and machine agents (14) associated with the machines (12) and transportation device (20). To make a flexible production system available that is tolerant of at least partial failures of system components, it is provided that each transportation agent (30) is assigned at least one machine (12) with a specified machine address Mn; that the transportation agent (30) is tasked to transport the workpiece (16) to a desired destination machine address Mz; and that the transportation agent (30) autonomously controls the transportation device (20) in such a way that the workpiece (16) is transported to the machine with the destination machine address Mz via a specified destination exit (A1-A4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for making up and managing a logistic chain for transporting goods, such as parcels. Such a chain may consist of a combination of collecting, delivery and packing/unpacking actions—elementary activities. The chain-management system breaks down a logistic chain chosen by a principal into the elementary activities required therefor, sees to the supply of orders to a transporter fitting the choice of the principal and indicated by the system, and makes it possible to collect information on the status of execution of the elementary activities.

Abstract: A method for providing information or a printed matter of the information smoothly in a meeting place such as a museum or an exhibition is provided. A card reader reads an ID card that a tourer carries, so as to obtain information relating to an exhibit corresponding to the card reader. Then, the obtained information is printed and is passed to the tourer.

Abstract: The system for automatically dispensing medications or other medical elements includes several groupings, i.e. vaults, of storage members, each vault containing approximately 100 individual cartridges, which each contain packages of unit-of-use doses of a given medication or other medical supply, such as syringes. Each storage member includes an ejector which ejects selected medications/supplies to a supply trough. The packages in the trough are moved to a central collator, which dispenses them to a bin receptacle which has been moved underneath the collator and which is typically identified with a particular patient. Information concerning medications/supplies for a particular patient is stored in a system database and used to determine the particular medications/supplies dispensed into a given bin. Bar coding is used to maintain control over the bins, and the medications, forming a closed information/control system.

Abstract: An item handling system comprises an item processing device having input and output stations, a transport system for transporting items from the input station to the output station(s), one or more detectors for sensing one or more respective characteristics of items transported from the input to the output stations, and a communication device coupled with the or each detector for transmitting signals related to the output of the or each detector. A remote monitoring device includes a processor, and a communication device for receiving signals transmitted by the communication device of the item processing device, the processor being adapted to monitor the received signals and to generate an output related to the items being transported.

Abstract: A modular object handling system has a multi-level control architecture, which includes a system controller that coordinates the functions and/or operations of individual module controllers, that in turn control corresponding actuators, to provide a desired system function. The system controller performs the overall trajectory planning by taking the constraints of each of the module actuators into account. The system controller may compensate for deviations of objects from their planned trajectories by contemporaneously redetermining trajectories and trajectory envelopes to encode the various combinations of the system constraints and task requirements. The trajectory envelopes can denote regions around other trajectories to indicate control criteria of interest, such as control and collision boundaries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production system (10), including a transport system (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) for transporting work pieces (16) preferably mounted on work piece carriers (33) between processing machines, whereby the work pieces (16) and/or the work piece carriers (33) have a data memory in which chiefly data for identifying, processing and/or transporting the work piece and/or the work piece carrier are contained.

Abstract: A test system for testing a controller provides a way to use large numbers of miniature mobile robots to test a cooperative search controller in a test area, where each mobile robot has a sensor, a communication device, a processor, and a memory. A method of using a test system provides a way for testing a cooperative search controller using multiple robots sharing information and communicating over a communication network.

Abstract: A system for storing articles having different descriptions in an enclosure and providing the enclosure with an wireless interrogatable unit having stored indications of the descriptions of the stored articles. The system further contemplates interrogating the enclosure's wireless interrogatable unit to determine the enclosure content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gage element constituting a reference unit against which a certain article, such as a cardboard box can be compared to determine if a condition of a dimensional match exists. The gage element includes a computer readable storage medium holding a plurality of data elements associated with the box. The computer readable storage medium has an output allowing the data elements to be transferred to an apparatus for processing the certain article, the data elements being operative to alter the settings of the apparatus so as to-adapt it specifically for the box to be currently processed. In a specific example, this apparatus is a palletizer machine that arranges individual boxes into a stack forming a pallet. The data elements could be the dimensions of the box, the weight of the box, the stacking pattern and the dimensions of the stack, among others.

Abstract: This installation comprises:

Abstract: A computerized system for tracking the activities of a manufacturing system. Identifiers for parts, subassemblies or assemblies produced or used by the manufacturing system are generated and stored by a data processing system. The data processing system performs multi-level tracking of the manufacture of parts, subassemblies made from parts and assemblies made from parts and subassemblies, to facilitate detailed tracking and reconstruction of the manufacturing process and components of any assembly. The system also facilitates quality control; when a part identifier is read from the part, the system verifies that the part associated with the read identifier is supposed to be used in the manufacturing step. Also, the system ensures that all manufactured parts are tracked. The system also stores inspection and process conditions and facilitates statistical process control or statistical quality control data for parts, subassemblies and assemblies.

Abstract: A communication master unit of a conveyance controller and communication slave units for a main conveyor, loading conveyors and unloading conveyors are connected by a serial transmission line to transmit and receive different kinds of data signals to and from motorized rollers for conveying items and their corresponding sensors by the packet-switching exchange system. Conveyance control can be executed by transmitting and receiving the different kinds of data signals via reduced number of wirings while connecting the master unit and the slave units corresponding to the respective conveyors by the serial transmission line in a conveyor system.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing assistance in manual sorting of articles of mail performed by one or more operators having at their disposition storage elements or pigeon-holes corresponding to determined destinations, each article of mail containing at least one document.

Abstract: A computer system and method for selectively displaying a Coin Image Compilation includes a host computer operatively connected to a storage device for storing the Coin Image Compilation. A remote terminal can connect to the host computer to access the Coin Image Compilation and display selected images from the compilation in any sequence. The method for selectively viewing Coin Image Compilations on the remote terminal includes selecting images of an obverse view, a reverse view, and a holdered view at various degrees of magnification.

Abstract: A self serve apparatus for processing the return of library materials which includes a body with a passage for receiving library materials extending through the body. The passage has an inlet end and an outlet end. Library materials are conveyed along the passage from the inlet end to the outlet end. A user identification input device is provided on the body, whereby a user is identified. A library material identification reader is provided for receiving article information from library material as it passes along the passage from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A device and a method for distinguishing and automatically identifying and classifying tools using the device are disclosed. The device has a fixed reading unit attached to a machine tool and a coding system on a rotating tool. The coding system is a series of coding elements which are arranged on the rotating tool in the circumferential direction having a prescribed pitch spacing at different circumferential distances from one another, and which are successively sensed by the reading unit during rotation of the tool.

Abstract: In an integrated media production security method and system, a database receives information as media is taken out of and into various production or other stations. Scanners identify specific media and the person moving the media. A data structure associates the handling history with content of the media. The system also controls application of visible and steganographic coding to a recording medium with the media. Data systems control encoding, recording and duplicating processes for media content. The system can manage information supplied to the database. The database provides forensic information regarding the media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating containers in a container storage area and identifying the containers by means of their ID tags and identifying the address of the repository location of the containers in the container storage area and wirelessly transmitting the ID and address of the containers to the container terminal management system for verification that the container is deposited at the proper repository.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for delivering a recording medium printed in accordance with received print information to a delivery tray which physically exists is constructed by a print information storing unit for storing the received print information, a delivery tray defining unit for virtually defining a delivery tray of the recording medium according to the stored print information, a delivery tray allocating unit for allocating the virtually defined delivery tray to the physically existing delivery tray and a delivering unit for delivering the printed recording medium to the allocated physically existing delivery tray. A delivering method, a print system, and a memory medium for realizing the above printing apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A secure tracking system and method of tracking for articles which are secure and include authentication and verification of users and user devices for data and information access and input. Each article to be tracked is provided with a unique secure indicia applied to the article and through which chronological histories are generated and maintained from creation of each article until at least the time when article is scrapped or otherwise destroyed. The articles can include manufactured components, assemblies, device and equipment for aircraft, automotive, military and other users, as well as jewelry and works of art.

Abstract: An automated consolidation station for the assembly of computer systems includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor. A first code reader reads a label on a chassis on the first conveyor. A second code reader reads a label on a tote carrying computer components on the second conveyor. A first signal generated by the first reader is compared with a second signal generated from the second reader to determine if the signals are matched. A device receives an output when the signals are matched and another device senses the position of the tote and the chassis. The output energizes a system to position the chassis and the tote adjacent each other on a single one of the conveyors.

Abstract: A physical distribution/transportation system comprises a plurality of nodes (2) for collecting cargoes from shipment parties and discharging cargoes to delivery destinations. A dedicated traveling line (4) connects the plurality of nodes (2). Pallet vehicles (6) travel between the nodes (2) along the dedicated traveling line, and a travel controlling system (22) controls operation of the pallet vehicles. Between the nodes (2) and users are utilized ordinary vehicles which travel on ordinary roads (18). The physical distribution/transportation system is constituted by a combination of the dedicated traveling line (4) and ordinary traveling lines, which are the ordinary roads (18). Further, an integrated physical distribution system includes such a physical distribution/transportation system.

Abstract: A baggage managing system for removing a non-boarding passenger's baggage rapidly from a plane even if a passenger checks plural pieces of baggages and improving the convenience of passengers without rise in costs. A clerk inputs the number of baggages 1, operating a baggage numbers input unit 41. A boarding pass read/write unit 40 reads boarding information including passenger's ID and flight number from a boarding pass 9 and generates baggage ID in accordance with the baggage numbers and the boarding information. A tag issuing unit 42 issues a tag 10 having recorded the passenger's ID and the baggage ID. The tag 10 is attached to the baggage 1 and read by a tag and container reading device 8. When a passenger P passes a gate 5, a boarding pass reading device 6 reads the boarding information from the boarding pass 9. The boarding information and the baggage ID etc. are recorded in databases 2A and 2B.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the travel time of mail shipments and including a motion sensor, a memory for compiling the measured motion values, an electronic evaluation unit and a current supply. The motion sensor, the memory for the measured values, the electronic evaluation unit and the current supply are arranged on a partially flexible support or circuit board that is configured such that it includes rigid circuit board portions for the arrangement of the motion sensor, the memory for the measured values and the electronic evaluation unit as well as the current supply and these rigid circuit board portions are connected with one another by flexible circuit board portions or components.

Abstract: A method of bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, comprises the following steps: providing the plastic card and the printed card carrier; detecting the identification mark of said plastic card; reading data from a database by means of said identification mark; detecting the data on said printed card carrier prior to joining said card carrier to the plastic card; determining whether the data detected on the card carrier correspond to the data read; and, provided that the data read and the data detected correspond, bringing together and joining the plastic card and the card carrier.

Abstract: Provision of a shelf management system and method for semiconductor devices enabling efficient use of a reference wafer storage shelf and also enabling stop of process progress of product lot in case of unusual data representing reference wafer measurement results. A production control system responsible for supervision of a production line has a function of changing the reference wafer item name. The production control system accords a preset common representative name to plural reference wafers. Upon warehousing plural reference wafers to a storage shelf, the reference wafers are collectively stored in a storage shelf, without classification according to processing conditions in the wafer process device where the reference wafers are to be processed. The item name is changed to a name corresponding to the processing conditions at the time of processing the reference wafers in the wafer process device.

Abstract: The mailing machine includes a microcontroller system for executing machine control algorithms during each control cycle and user interface algorithms. Each control cycle is divided into first discrete time intervals sufficient to allow completion of the respective control algorithms, and a second time interval for execution of user interface algorithm and, if required, completion of the user interface algorithm during subsequent control cycles.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a mail piece using a code identifier of the mail piece that is read as the mail piece is placed within a mail tray. Determination of the location of the mail tray is thus determination of the location of each mail piece therein. Code identifiers on mail trays are read as mail trays are placed in vehicles. Determination of the location of the vehicle is thus determination of the location of each mail tray placed therein and coded mail pieces within the tray. A database is maintained with this hierarchical location information so as to provide a readily available means for determining the location of any mail piece.

Abstract: An integrated order selection and distribution system is provided for selecting and delivering a plurality of articles associated with a preselected customer order. The system includes discrete article receptacles, a conveyor, and a plurality of pack stations. The receptacles releasably retain articles associated with a preselected customer order. Each receptacle is transported to predetermined locations within the system by the conveyor. The pack stations are arranged along the direction of movement of the conveyor to receive the articles to be discharged from the receptacles. A system controller tracks the location of the receptacles in the system and generates a signal that causes each receptacle to discharge its articles at a predetermined location, relative to the pack stations. In the preferred embodiment, the system controller assigns each receptacle to at least one of the pack stations in round-robin fashion based upon the type of articles to be discharged.

Abstract: The sheets which are outputted from a printing device are stacked in an exchangeable cassette mounted on an input unit in successive order as they are printed. An identifying label on the cassette is read by a reader and stored in a central controller. An address of each document, and preferably of each page of each document, is stored in the controller in successive order and associated with the label signal as the documents are stacked. An output unit for picking up the individual documents is associated with a finishing machine. A full cassette is introduced into the output unit. A second reader on the output unit reads the label on the cassette that has been placed into the output unit. The second sensor is connected to the controller. The finishing machine is controlled by the controller in response to the label signal and the address signals of the documents.

Abstract: A self-checkout/self-check-in and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is provided. EAS tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are connected to articles for use with the invention. A preferred embodiment for self-checkout includes a housing having a cavity for receiving articles for self-checkout. The cavity is disposed within a deactivation zone. The RFID tags are read, and after verification of an authorized transaction, a deactivation antenna is energized to deactivate the EAS tags, and a stored inventory database is updated. Information about the transaction can be displayed. A preferred embodiment for self-check-in includes an elongated housing into which articles are deposited for return. Once deposited, the articles pass through the housing and out the other end.

Abstract: Machine readable marks are applied to articles, particularly primal cuts of meat, preferably before removal from a carcass. They can thus be monitored during progress and data can be fed back to a central computer which may compute a value for the carcass. A preferred mark is a 3.times.3 matrix having two columns of colored dots selected from colors representing 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8; and a modifying column providing binary information indicating that 0 or 1 should be added to the values of adjacent colored dots.

Abstract: A line controller (115) for controlling a manufacturing process comprises a data entry device (225) for receiving product identification information and determining circuitry (310, 315) coupled to the data entry device (225) for receiving the product identification information and determining whether the product identification information is indicative of a first product or a second product. A control unit (320) coupled to the determining circuitry (310, 315) automatically generates, in response to the determining circuitry (310, 315) determining that the product identification information is indicative of the second product, a request for information relevant to the processing of the second product. The line controller (115) further comprises a data port (330) coupled to the control unit (320) for transmitting the request and for receiving in response thereto the information.

Abstract: When processing a specimen by a plurality of specimen processing devices arranged along a transportation line, a specimen tag on which a coded group code representing a combination including at least one processing item is adhered on the specimen container. A plurality of such specimen containers are mounted on a specimen support bearing a specific carrier tag. Prior to transporting the specimen support, the specimen tags and the carrier tag are read, and based on the read result, an information management and controlling unit and the respective specimen processing devices manage a corresponding relationship between the carrier tag and the group codes. At the respective specimen processing devices the specimen support is identified and the processing corresponding to the group code is performed for the respective concerned specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking items in a factory is disclosed. The apparatus is partially well suited for manufacturing environments wherein there are a plurality of items to be kept together in groups. The invention is particularly useful in semiconductor processing facilities wherein batches of semiconductor wafers to be processed are placed in wafer carriers which are, in turn, placed in work-in-progress boxes. Applying identification tags to one item that can be read and processed by a microterminal attached to the other item provides an effective way to prevent improper grouping of the items which can lead to misprocessing or handling of the batches of wafers.

Abstract: A system for storing articles having different descriptions in an enclosure and providing the enclosure with an wireless interrogatable unit having stored indications of the descriptions of the stored articles. The system further contemplates interrogating the enclosure's wireless interrogatable unit to determine the enclosure content.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store.

Abstract: An automated material handling picking system including a plurality of storage locations for objects which are to be picked, a moveable picking head for picking the objects from the storage locations, a moving conveyor including a plurality of receiving locations where the picked objects are to be consolidated into separate orders or sub-sets, and a bank of queue stations for temporarily holding the picked objects and selectively releasing them into the respective receiving locations where the sub-sets are to be consolidated. The picking head deposits a picked object into the nearest available queue station. The picking head is not involved in the consolidation of the objects into sub-sets because of the buffering effect of the queue stations. Preferably, only one object at a time is held in each queue.