Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a manufacturing process. The system comprises: a database of operational data gathered from previously performed manufacturing processes; a filtering system for filtering the database into a plurality of data subsets; a calculation system for calculating evaluation criteria for a selected data subset; an analysis system for determining if the evaluation criteria meets a set of predetermined requirements; and an iteration system that selects a new data subset if the selected data subset fails to provide evaluation criteria that meets the set of predetermined requirements.

Abstract: An improved intrinsically safe field maintenance tool is provided. The tool is operable with process communication loops in accordance with a plurality of process industry standard protocols. Aspects of the invention include hardware features such as an infrared port; removable memory module; and an expansion memory module. Additional aspects of the invention include protocol-specific diagnostic methods executable with the improved intrinsically safe field maintenance tool.

Abstract: Given a set of basis functions, a set of example inputs, and a set of uniform error bounds for the basis functions over the example inputs, a quadratic program is formed. The quadratic program is solved, producing a solution vector and a solution value. A hypothesis function is formed through fusion by using the solution vector to weight the outputs of the basis function. The hypothesis function is a function with minimum error bound among the functions formed by convex combination of basis function outputs. The solution value is an error bound for the hypothesis function. The error bound is logically implied by the uniform error bounds over the basis functions rather than uniform error bounds over the entire class of functions formed by convex combination of basis function outputs.

Abstract: A computer system linked by the internet to various remote waste water treatment facilities. The system receives real-time data from the facilities and analyzing the data to determine likely operational upsets and future effluent water quality. The computer system sends signals to a hierarchy of parties depending on the severity of predicted upsets problems and events. The computer also provides a probability distribution of such upsets and water quality and recommendations as how to adjust facility operating parameters to avoid or reduce the upsets to acceptable parameters and maintain effluent water quality parameters within preselected limits.

Abstract: A multivariable process controller controls a chemical, polymer or other physical process. Slow tuning and over-conservative controlled variable values are employed during step testing. While all controlled process variables are within safe limits, only one manipulated variable (MV) at a time is step changed. Several manipulated variables are moved when process variables exceed safe limits to ensure that the controlled process variables return to the safe range, such that suitable MV targets for step testing are able to be automatically discovered within a closed loop control environment. Thus, the step test is able to be conducted mostly unsupervised and/or remotely via a telephone or network connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to any system using such a method for performing statistical process control on the basis of taking indicators or measurements on the inputs, the outputs, and the control and operating parameters of said process, and which can be represented by observation points in frames of reference associating their values to their sampling indices.

Abstract: A tree classifier may include a number of stages. Some stages may include monolithic classifiers, and other stages may be split into two or more classifiers.

Abstract: A probabilistic map generator for indicating the probability of a chemical, biological or other agent in a structure or building. The building is mapped in to floors and several levels of cubes in each floor. The probability of an agent's presence is indicated for each cube. Sensors are placed in various locations on each floor of the building. Inputs from the sensors go to a data processor. The probabilities of an agent's presence may be calculated by the data processor in conjunction with a Kalman filter. The probabilities may be displayed in a diagram of cubes, each having a certain shading indicating a probability of the agent's presence for the respective cube.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus management system includes a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus which operates in accordance with a parameter, an obtaining device for obtaining evaluation values of an operation result of the semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus corresponding to a plurality of parameter values of the parameter, a holding device for holding the evaluation values obtained by the obtaining device for each object to be processed by the semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus, and an optimization device for analyzing the evaluation values held by the holding device. The optimization device optimizes the parameter on the basis of at least one of a sensitivity representing a change degree of the evaluation values upon the change in the parameter, and a variation amount of the evaluation values for each object to be processed.

Abstract: An effective technique for computing a statistical performance measure based on a samples of measured parameter values utilizes a one-time computation based on accumulations of the sum of the sample values and the sum of the squares of the sample values. The preferred embodiment computes variance and/or standard deviation, which can be used to compute other useful performance statistics. Using the accumulated sums, instead of the actual sample values, eliminates the need to store all of the samples until after sampling and the subsequent calculation of the desired performance metrics. The one-time calculation is relatively simple and fast. Because of the reduced data storage requirement and the relatively simple calculation, it is possible to imbed the desired calculation functions in a manufactured device as an automated self-analysis tool, for example, as a function of the processor of a disk drive or a tape drive.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a horizontal boring tool is described which drives a boring lance via boring rods. The tool includes an input interface for receiving actual values of controlled variables of the horizontal boring tool, and an output unit for issuing control signals for controlling the horizontal boring tool. Between the input interface and the output unit is provided a fuzzy control unit which determines the control signals for activation of the horizontal boring tool from the actual values of the controlled variables and the desired values for the controlled variables by fuzzy logic while taking into account heuristic process values. The control apparatus permits automatic operation of the horizontal boring tool with good course steering and high precision.

Abstract: A control procedure is provided for use during a regulation stage and according to a set point of a physical dynamic system, the set point being subject to, whilst operating, the influence of several physical quantities represented by input parameters, and adopting a behavior defined by at least a first physical output parameter, obliged to take a value represented by the set point, the first output parameter being linked to at least a first of the input parameters by a first transfer function of the system. According to the control procedure, a characterization stage is implemented in which at least a first inverse transfer function linking the first input parameter to the first output parameter is experimentally determined. A modeling stage is implemented in which the first inverse transfer function is translated through a fuzzy logic model in the form of a first set of ranges of the first output parameter, to each of which is attributed a specific value of the first input parameter.

Abstract: A method for developing and using real time applications for a dynamic system having a sensing subsystem, actuation subsystem, a control subsystem, and an application subsystem utilizes stochastic compute time algorithms. After optimization functions, desired state and constraints are received and detector data has been provided from a sensor subsystem, a statistical optimization error description is generated. From this statistical optimization error description a strategy is developed, including the optimization errors, within the control subsystem. An execution module within the control subsystem then sends an execution strategy to various actuators within the actuation subsystem.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a system and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to generate an adaptive value in a short time. An adaptive value generating program has an adaptive procedure control program and a DOE tool. The DOE tool is a general statistical processing tool. The adaptive value procedure generating program functions as an interface between a measuring apparatus and the DOE tool. In a data obtaining process, the adaptive value procedure generating program automatically determines a method of selecting a measurement point and passes the result to the DOE tool. Selection of an approximation function and selection of an optimization method are automated. Further, evaluation of a final approximation expression and determination of confirmation data are also automated.

Abstract: A factorial experiment is conducted on a manufacturing process to generate a response matrix. The responses are used to calculate individual contrasts in a document as well as replicates effects. The contrast sums are also calculated and displayed in the document. The largest of the contrast sums are identified, and effects associated with those contrast sums are tested for significance using an end count method. The information from the process transformed into “significant effects” information is used to adjust process variables to improve the manufacturing process by avoiding the effect or imparting it to a measurable response of the process.

Abstract: An autonomous controller, comprised of a state knowledge manager, a control executor, hardware proxies and a statistical estimator collaborates with a goal elaborator, with which it shares common models of the behavior of the system and the controller. The elaborator uses the common models to generate from temporally indeterminate sets of goals, executable goals to be executed by the controller. The controller may be updated to operate in a different system or environment than that for which it was originally designed by the replacement of shared statistical models and by the instantiation of a new set of state variable objects derived from a state variable class. The adaptation of the controller does not require substantial modification of the goal elaborator for its application to the new system or environment.

Abstract: A method for scheduling activities in a manufacturing system includes defining a plurality of observed states associated with the manufacturing system. State estimates are generated for the observed states. Uncertainty values for the state estimates are generated. A plurality of candidate schedules for performing activities in the manufacturing system is identified. Changes to the uncertainty values are predicted based on the candidate schedules. One of the candidate schedules is selected based on the predicted changes to the uncertainty values.

Abstract: An identification card printer for printing an identification card includes a print mechanism configured to print onto the identification card. A process signal input is configured to receive a process signal related to operation of the identification card printer. A memory contains a nominal process signal statistical parameter and a rule. A microprocessor is coupled to the memory and configured to receive the process signal from the process signal input and calculates a statistical parameter of the process signal. The microprocessor compares the calculated statistical parameter to the nominal statistical parameter based upon the rule and responsively provides an event output as a function of the comparison. The event output is related to an occurrence of an event during operation of the identification card printer.

Abstract: An automatic operation system provides a CPU to detect and record a status of operation for the operated mechanism. As soon as a response is to be output for allowing the operated mechanism to perform a operation, the CPU figures out corresponding responses by way of a statistic analysis based on past record of operation status as a reference for the operator. Thus, an operation is simplified or a response is output automatically so as to allow the operated mechanism processing itself.

Abstract: Apparatus for building a stochastic model of a spatially related data sequence, the data sequence comprising symbols selected from a finite symbol set, the apparatus comprising: an input for receiving said data sequence, a tree builder for expressing said symbols as a series of counters within nodes, each node having a counter for each symbol, each node having a position within said tree, said position expressing a symbol sequence and each counter indicating a number of its corresponding symbol which follows a symbol sequence of its respective node, and a tree reducer for reducing said tree to an irreducible set of conditional probabilities of relationships between symbols in said input data sequence. The tree may then be used to carry out a comparison with a new data sequence to determine a statistical distance between the old and the new data sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient implementation and evaluation of state machines and programmable finite state automata is described. In one embodiment, a state machine architecture comprises a plurality of node elements, wherein each of the plurality of node elements represents a node of a control flow graph. The state machine architecture also comprises a plurality of interconnections to connect node elements, a plurality of state transition connectivity control logic to enable and disable connections within the plurality of interconnections to form the control flow graph with the plurality of node elements, and a plurality of state transition evaluation logic coupled to the interconnections and operable to evaluate input data against criteria, the plurality of state transition evaluation logic to control one or more state transitions between node elements in the control flow graph.

Abstract: There are provided a method and system for processing information indicative of a frequency of reproduction of information recorded on mediums, such as music data recorded on CDs. A reproduction-frequency information processing system has a plurality of terminals each configured to record pieces of information and to reproduce the recorded information and a server system communicably connected with terminals via communication means and configured to perform statistic processing on a reproduced condition of the recorded information at each terminal. Each terminal obtains reproduction-frequency information, every piece of the recorded information, depending on the reproduced condition, and transmits the obtained reproduction-frequency information to the server system in response to a request issued from the server system.

Abstract: A method and structure for controlling a manufacturing tool includes measuring different manufacturing parameters of the tool, transforming a plurality of time series of the manufacturing parameters into intermediate variables based on restrictions and historical reference statistics, generating a surrogate variable based on the intermediate variables, if the surrogate variable exceeds a predetermined limit, identifying a first intermediate variable, of the intermediate variables, that caused the surrogate variable to exceed the predetermined limit and identifying a first manufacturing parameter associated with the first intermediate variable, and inhibiting further operation of the tool until the first manufacturing parameter has been modified to bring the surrogate value within the predetermined limit.

Abstract: With highly heterogeneous groups or streams of minerals, physical segregation using online quality measurements is an economically important first stage of the mineral beneficiation process. Segregation enables high quality fractions of the stream to bypass processing, such as cleaning operations, thereby reducing the associated costs and avoiding the yield losses inherent in any downstream separation process. The present invention includes various methods for reliably segregating a mineral stream into at least one fraction meeting desired quality specifications while at the same time maximizing yield of that fraction.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to determine or predict those components that may have to be maintained before the operation of a molding system that has those components is caused to be stopped. Cycle times that correspond to the respective times of the cycles of the operations of the molding system and operation times of the processes performed by the components, which operation times affect the cycle times, are measured and stored. Based on the sum of the operation times that exceed a predetermined time or the sum of the number of operation times that exceed the predetermined time during the specified period, any step that may cause a problem among the steps of the components that affect the cycle times is determined.

Abstract: A multivariable analysis tool is provided wherein an orthogonal decomposition method such as a Partial Least Squares algorithm is applied to a disturbance model, which relates the known loop disturbances to the loop model residue. The tool according to the invention first extracts the most dominant correlation to the loop model residue and then uses the residue to search for secondary dominant correlation in an orthogonal space, and repeats this process until no further output variation can be significantly attributed by the next dominant correlation. In this way, the analysis tool of the present invention is able to estimate the performance potential of each control loop under different disturbance conditions and provide a control performance index by comparing the achieved performance to the performance potential in a multi-variable environment. This index indicates whether or not a given loop is under optimal operation and shows variance of the loop from the best achievable loop performance.

Abstract: A system for collecting and analyzing shipment parameter data, e.g., temperature, vibration, acceleration, shock, humidity, barometric pressure, pH, transit time, container position, etc., affecting predicted statistical variables of articles is provided. Examples of the predicted statistical variables may include article life expectancy, warranty costs, service and/or maintenance schedules, etc. The system is made up of a plurality of data collection subsystems for respectively collecting shipment parameter data encountered by respective articles being shipped, and a data analysis subsystem coupled to receive the collected shipment data for adjusting the respective predicted statistical variables of the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a set of performance metrics is described. The methods include metric correlation and grouping methods that analyze a group of temporally related metrics, and correlate pairs of the metrics in the group. In one embodiment, rank correlation techniques are used to perform this correlation. Methods are also described for grouping metrics using a dynamic correlation pair graph that preserves all of the correlated relationships. This correlation pair graph may be used to determine which metrics are associated with a particular key metric, which may provide information on the cause of an alarm or other event involving the key metric. Another embodiment includes apparatus for correlating, grouping, and identifying the metrics.

Abstract: Because of the enormous number of neurons and reflex pathways involved in the control of human motion, a comprehensive identification of the structure of the feedback control circuitry is a formidable experimental task. A theoretical approach based on a carefully developed model could shed light on its likely general structure, thereby providing guidance to experimenters. This paper presents a fuzzy logic based control strategy for modeling the human postural dynamics. In particular, we develop a fuzzy controller to coordinate the movement of a three segment sagittal human model to achieve upright posture. The actuation mechanism of the system consists of six muscle like actuators which are co-activated to modulate the stiffness at the joints. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the underlying principles.

Abstract: A system for providing information for a process, and a method to utilize such system are provided. In particular, a controller is communicatively coupled to at least one smart field device using an open smart communications protocol, and a server is communicatively coupled to the, controller. The server is adapted to receive data associated with the smart field device from the controller. The server may transmit the data in a HTML format, or an image which was generated based on the data. For example, the system further may include a computer system, and the server may transmit the data or the image of the data to such computer system. The computer system may also display the data in the HTML format, and/or the image of the data.

Abstract: With a view to providing a monitoring system for the quality and manufacturing conditions of electronic circuits capable of facilitating the grasping of correlation's between diverse manufacturing conditions and manufacturing states, statistically characteristic images are selected out of a group of images retrieved from a detection information database by specifying at least one out of the values of feature quantities, design information and manufacturing conditions, and are displayed.

Abstract: A road wheel fuzzy logic control system, including a fuzzy logic control unit having, a plurality of inputs signals, and generating a control output signal, and a road wheel subsystem that receives the control output signal and generates an output feedback signal to the fuzzy logic control unit, wherein the fuzzy logic control tracks an input signal under the effects of uncertainties and disturbances from the road wheel subsystem and vehicle dynamics. The fuzzy logic control unit controls the effects of the uncertainty and disturbance and provides vehicle stability.

Abstract: A method and structure for controlling a manufacturing tool includes measuring different manufacturing parameters of the tool, transforming a plurality of time series of the manufacturing parameters into intermediate variables based on restrictions and historical reference statistics, generating a surrogate variable based on the intermediate variables, if the surrogate variable exceeds a predetermined limit, identifying a first intermediate variable, of the intermediate variables, that caused the surrogate variable to exceed the predetermined limit and identifying a first manufacturing parameter associated with the first intermediate variable, and inhibiting further operation of the tool until the first manufacturing parameter has been modified to bring the surrogate value within the predetermined limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimal control of distributed actuator and sensor arrays includes a control system having a state estimator including an operator which acts on estimation error through convolution with respect to a spatial variable to generate a state estimate, and a control output generator which applies a control operator to the state estimate through convolution with respect to the spatial variable. A method of designing an optimized control system includes the steps of obtaining a system model, computing a transform of the model with respect to the spatial domain, solving linear matrix inequalities to generate auxiliary variables, performing an inverse transform on the auxiliary variables, and computing an estimator operator and a control operator for a model-based estimator control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for monitoring controller performance using statistical process control analysis. A manufacturing model is defined. A processing run of semiconductor devices is performed as defined by the manufacturing model and implemented by a process controller. A fault detection analysis is performed on the process controller. At least one control input signal generated by the process controller is updated.

Abstract: A process for regulating a centrifuge used for solid/liquid separation of sewage sludge commences by measuring the input variables of the operating point ot the centrifuge, the variables including 1) suspended matter content of the centrate; 2) the flow rate of sludge; 3) the flow rate of reagent; and 4) the value of torque of the motor of a conventional centrifuge. Operating zones are established, each of which is two dimensional relative to the input variables. Fuzzy logic rules are established, qualifying the operation of the centrifuge, the rules respectively corresponding to the zones. The rules are implemented in response to the input variable measurements, where actions on the sludge flow rate and reagent flow rate make it possible to bring the operating point into a particular zone of optimal and stable centrifuge operation.

Abstract: A regulation method for decision tree construction is described wherein decision rules can be automatically adjusted between crisp and soft decisions. Starting with a conventional decision tree, additional statistics are stored at the terminal and non-terminal nodes during training and used during application to new samples. The regulation process allows automatic determination of tree structure. It also allows incremental updating of a regulation decision tree with graceful change to classification performance characteristics. Compound regulation decision trees are described for use to update the decision structure when new training input samples include new classes. Methods for pruning regulation decision trees, for focusing regulation decision trees, for determining optimal depth and regulation parameters and for determining optimal sample weighting are taught.

Abstract: A system and a method ascertain the optimum operating speed of a production machine that is configured to operate in a specific speed range. The production machine is assigned a data acquisition device that acquires production data, in particular time and duration of machine downtimes caused by fault events, and also production unit numbers per unit time. A data processing device acquires additional information, by using a data input device, in particular the respective reason for a failure, and also the description of the product to be processed in each case. Using a production-data acquisition device, production data can be called up from the data acquisition device and linked with the additional information from the data input device. An assessment function ascertains an operating speed from the production data and a stored assessment model. An optimization function forms an optimum operating speed desired value by linking the ascertained operating speed with production unit costs.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives process signals. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value and a rule. Computing circuitry calculates a statistical parameter of the process signal and operates on the statistical parameter and the stored nominal value based upon the stored rule and responsively provides an event output based upon the operation. Output circuitry provides an output in response to the event output. The statistical parameter can be used in statistical process control systems.

Abstract: A method and structure for controlling a manufacturing tool includes measuring different manufacturing parameters of the tool, transforming a plurality of time series of the manufacturing parameters into intermediate variables based on restrictions and historical reference statistics, generating a surrogate variable based on the intermediate variables, if the surrogate variable exceeds a predetermined limit, identifying a first intermediate variable, of the intermediate variables, that caused the surrogate variable to exceed the predetermined limit and identifying a first manufacturing parameter associated with the first intermediate variable, and inhibiting further operation of the tool until the first manufacturing parameter has been modified to bring the surrogate value within the predetermined limit.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining the speed of a wheel on a motor vehicle, for which purpose an acceleration sensor is mounted on the wheel. It is proposed according to the invention to measure the frequency &ohgr; or the period T of an alternating signal contained in the acceleration signal supplied by the acceleration sensor and produced by the influence of gravitational acceleration g. The method is suited for use in automatic tyre-pressure monitoring systems for assigning signals, that have been transmitted by radio from a wheel-mounted electronic module, to a particular wheel position and for controlling the transmission rate of a wheel-mounted electronic module as a function of the speed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for defining a system hierarchy for a system including a plurality of variables. The method includes generating a first level system block corresponding to a first variable at a first level of the system hierarchy. The first level system block includes statistical information related to the first variable. A second level system block is generated corresponding to a second variable at a second level of the system hierarchy. The second variable has an effect on a value of the first variable. The second level system block includes statistical information related to the second variable.

Abstract: A system for managing quality control in a manufacturing plant for processing lots of work in process (WIP) for at least one product, comprises a manufacturing process which includes a manufacturing executive system (MES) which provides inspection data to a statistical process control (SPC) database, and an SPC analyzer for analyzing the inspection data and providing a sampling rate rule output to a sampling rate database. A server supplies the sampling rate rule to the MES. The MES tests a condition as to whether a lot of WIP should be sampled. If the condition is met, then provide an inspect control signal for inspection to the plant for inspecting the lot. If the condition is not met, then branch away from the control signal to provide an alternative control signal to pass on to the next process step in the plant.

Abstract: A novel sales system of complex products whose configuration is designed based on the customer requirements provides method steps for generating guarantee offers. A value of the guarantee criterion for the complex product (such as product availability) can be evaluated only after the complex product configuration is determined. For each combination of the customer requirements, a system configuration and a corresponding value of the guarantee criterion is generated. Then, this value is used for the customer remedy calculations.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring process parameters associated with a manufacturing or testing process. The system includes: at least one machine which is used in the manufacturing or testing process; at least one sensing device, coupled to the at least one machine, for measuring a process parameter associated with the at least one machine; and a controller, coupled to the at least one sensing device, for receiving and storing measured data from the at least one sensing device. The method includes the acts of: measuring a value of a process parameter associated with a machine used in the manufacturing or testing process; converting the measured value of the process parameter into a digital data signal having a specified data format; transmitting the digital data signal to a controller; and storing the digital data signal in a database.

Abstract: A method and structure for controlling a manufacturing tool includes measuring different manufacturing parameters of the tool, transforming a plurality of time series of the manufacturing parameters into intermediate variables based on restrictions and historical reference statistics, generating a surrogate variable based on the intermediate variables, if the surrogate variable exceeds a predetermined limit, identifying a first intermediate variable, of the intermediate variables, that caused the surrogate variable to exceed the predetermined limit and identifying a first manufacturing parameter associated with the first intermediate variable, and inhibiting further operation of the tool until the first manufacturing parameter has been modified to bring the surrogate value within the predetermined limit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a manufacturing entity is provided. Metrology data indicating an output parameter of the manufacturing entity is retrieved. The output parameter has an associated target value. The metrology data is normalized based on the target value to generate normalized performance data points. A performance rule violation is determined based on the normalized performance data. A manufacturing system includes a metrology tool, a first database, and a processor. The metrology tool is adapted to measure an output parameter of a manufacturing entity to generate metrology data. The output parameter has an associated target value. The first database is adapted to receive the metrology data. The processor is adapted to retrieve the metrology data from the database, normalize the metrology data based on the target value to generate normalized performance data points, and determine a performance rule violation based on the normalized performance data.

Abstract: Comprehensive universal configurable interface for electrical, electronic, and electromechanical control, sensing, and actuation. Circuit, apparatus, method, and signal set for interfacing an electrical or electronic component or a mechanical component generating or effecting an electrical or electronic signal to a control system or device. Comprehensive universal input/output interface system, circuit, and method for interfacing such components and control systems that send or receive analog or digital voltage and/or current inputs over a large range of voltages and/or current without hardware or software switches. Interface and method includes and needs only two terminals for the connection of sensor or actuator. Provides plurality of operation mode circuits to accomplish the following functions: digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output, and others. Supports either voltage or current input and output, and voltage and current capabilities over a broad dynamic range.

Abstract: A process control system uses a data collection and distribution system and an asset utilization suite to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the process performance monitoring functional areas. This data and information is manipulated in a coordinated manner by the data collection and distribution system and is redistributed to other applications where this it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, area, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.