Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a positioner with a first input for an input variable W for prescribing a desired value, a second input for a controlled variable X, an output for a manipulated variable Y, and an actuator, which, dependent on the input variable W and the controlled variable X, generates an output signal for forming the manipulated variable Y, whereby the control method comprises detecting, during continuous monitoring, of an abnormal status of the signal representing the controlled variable X generating of an error signal that acts on a changeover unit. When an error signal of the error detection device is present, the method deactivates the actuator with respect to the signal of the positioner that represents the manipulated variable Y, and activates a controller by the changeover unit.

Abstract: A system for allowing an application program to communicate with any one of a group of supported hardware devices comprising a software system operating on at least one workstation and a network communications protocol. The software system includes a control command generating module for generating control commands based on component functions of an application program, component code associated with the component functions, and the driver code associated with software drivers associated with the hardware devices. The network communication protocol allows the control commands to be communicated from the control command generating module to at least one of the supported hardware devices over the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to

Abstract: A method for aligning a plurality of thin film transistor tiles for constructing a flat panel display. A coverplate is arranged on a coverplate support. A first layer of a bonding material is applied to at least one of a first side of each of the tiles and a surface of the coverplate on which the tiles are to be secured. The tiles are arranged on the coverplate, such that the first layer of bonding material is arranged between the tiles and the coverplate. The tiles are connected to an alignment apparatus. The tiles are aligned relative to each other and the coverplate. The tiles are at least partially secured to the coverplate.

Abstract: In a control device for manually inputting information into a device, having a final control element whose position can be changed under the effect of an activation force and which is connected to a converter for generating electrical signals which characterize the position of the final control element, and having a motor element which is connected to the final control element and which exerts, under the control of the electrical signals, a force on the final control element, the size and direction of which force is dependent on the position of the final control element and/or on the information which is to be input, there is provision for the converter to be composed of the rotor (3) of the motor element and sensors (9, 10) which respectively emit an electrical signal as a function of the position of the rotor.

Abstract: A control software system for generating and distributing motion media for operating a target motion device. The control software system generates the motion media based on a motion program generated at a content server. The control software system distributes the motion media to a client browser associated with the target motion device.

Abstract: High-speed high-reliability component supplying method and mounting method is obtained by checking whether or not a component is the regular component to be mounted through a component type detecting process by means of component arrangement data having a plurality of substitute component type names of components which can be mounted in the proper position of a component supply section and a detection section and a comparing and deciding process.

Abstract: A motion control system for controlling a target device to perform a desired motion operation. The motion control system comprises at least one motion event provider, a motion event manager, and a motion control component. The motion event provider is configured to generate at least one event token upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined event. The event token is associated with at least one motion command. The motion event manager receives the at least one event token. The motion control component is adapted to transmit to the target device a control command based on the at least one motion command associated with the event token received by the motion event manager.

Abstract: An intelligent deck apparatus and method for serially moving workpieces moving side-by-side on a conveyor system to a processing system. The intelligent deck is comprised of an edge detector system having at least one sensor, a shift mechanism, and a lift arm system having at least one lift arm. The intelligent deck apparatus also has a computer system operatively connected to the working parts of the intelligent deck and the processing system. The intelligent deck distinguishes between workpieces by shifting the leading workpiece to distinguish it from subsequent workpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic electrode position apparatus for connecting an electrode to a cell. The invention further provides methods for utilizing the apparatus of the invention. Apparatus and methods are described for studying electrical activities in cell membranes. These methods are especially useful in large scale screening programs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: Nonlinear control algorithms to compensate for kinematic error in harmonic drives provide a solid basis to improve their performance of harmonic drives in precision positioning applications. The present closed loop control algorithms compensate for kinematic error irrespective of its form in both set-point and trajectory tracking applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a radio frequency (RF) signal and control signals are provided. In an apparatus for generating a radio frequency (RF) signal and control signals in which the current output from a plurality of light receiving elements is converted into voltage signals and the RF signal and the control signals are generated in response to the voltage signals, the apparatus includes an input data processing unit, a digital filter, a servo signal generating unit, a digital RF data generating unit, and a reference comparator. The input data processing unit performs time-sharing sampling on the voltage signals and converts the voltage signals into first digital signals in response to an analog/digital conversion clock signal having a predetermined period and a sequentially applied selection signal. The digital filter filters each of the first digital signals to modify the shape of the waveforms of the first digital signals and outputs the modified waveforms as second digital signals.

Abstract: A moving/guiding apparatus has X- and Y-direction movable bodies guided and moved in intersecting directions, arranged at vertically different positions, and restrained in a vertical direction, respectively, and an X-Y movable body guided vertically on a surface plate (11) and movable in moving directions of the X- and Y-direction movable bodies. A vacuum container is provided for accommodating these movable bodies. Actuators for driving the X-direction movable body (41) and Y-direction movable body (42) in the intersecting directions are set outside the vacuum container. The movable body (3) is driven in two intersecting directions upon reception of forces from guide surfaces in a horizontal direction of the movable bodies (41, 42).

Abstract: A signal input device includes a movable operating section for inputting a desired signal by selecting the shift position thereof, a shift position detecting device for detecting the shift position of the operating section, and an indication device for giving an operator information in different modes based on a shift position signal from the shift position detecting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for displacing a moving body (4) on a base (2) mounted elastically with respect to the ground (S), the moving body (4) being displaced linearly with a predetermined displacement under the action of a controllable force (F). According to the invention: a) a mathematical relationship illustrating the movements of the entity formed by the base (2) and the moving body (4) is defined; b) using said mathematical relationship there is determined a force (F) which, applied to the moving body (4), produces a combined effect on the moving body (4) so that it performs said predetermined displacement, and on the base (2) at least so that it is immobile at the end of the displacement of the moving body (4); and c) the force (F) thus determined is applied to the moving body (4).

Abstract: A multiplexed analog control system for an micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) array of electrostatic actuators, such as tiltable mirrors in an optical switch. Each actuator includes a variable gap capacitor formed as part of the movable mechanical element. A hold capacitor is connected to each actuator capacitor, and a selectable high-voltage inverter connects them to provide a bipolar drive signal of 50% duty cycle. A single power digital controlled current source is connected to all the drive circuits to provide a high-power correction signal. Address decoders enable a selected one of the drive circuits to add or subtract the correction from the hold capacitor.

Abstract: There is provided a finite type rolling guide deviation correcting method and system capable of detecting the deviation in relative position between a rolling guide and a movable body if the deviation in relative position increases, and automatically carrying out a correcting operation for returning the deviation in relative position to a normal positional relationship. The finite type rolling guide deviation correcting method corrects a relative positional relationship between a finite type rolling guide for guiding a reciprocating motion of a movable body and the movable body.

Abstract: The present invention preferably employs non-contact, small-displacement, capacitive sensors to determine Abbe errors due to the pitch, yaw, or roll of a near linear mechanical stage that are not indicated by an on-axis position indicator, such as a linear scale encoder or laser interferometer. The system is calibrated against a precise reference standard so the corrections depend only on sensing small changes in the sensor readings and not on absolute accuracy of the sensor readings. Although the present invention is preferred for use in split-axis positioning systems with inertially separated stages, the invention can be employed in typical split-axis or stacked stage systems to reduce their manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A motion control system is provided which optimizes the desired motion of a structure being controlled by the system. The system may be used in conjunction with existing structural control systems, or replace such structural control systems entirely. Optimization of a desired motion occurs by applying a mathematical controller to a theoretical desired motion, the controller optimizing the desired motion by taking into account one or more state parameters.

Abstract: Device configuration information is automatically determined with respect to a physical process that multiple devices monitor or control. The physical process is exercised, with each device tracking progression of the process and determining a preceding device and a successor device. Messages are produced in a configuration mode by each device in a system indicating when some phase of the process monitored by the device begins and ends.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is offered which has a function of detecting the position of a driven member with high reliability while achieving power saving. The apparatus comprises an electric motor an object that is a member driven by the motor, a gear reducer for transmitting the power of the motor to the object, an optical sensor for detecting the rotational position of the gear reducer and indirectly detecting the rotational position of the object, and an optical sensor control circuit for varying the state of drive of the optical sensor according to the circumstance of operation of the object, i.e., the rotational speed of the motor. The optical sensor is intermittently driven by the optical sensor control circuit. The frequency of the intermittent drive and the duty ratio are varied according to the rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position control apparatus in which a motor output torque can be approximated to that of the maximum output torque curve of the motor by generating a position command combining constant acceleration and exponential acceleration. This position control apparatus comprises means for generating a position command so as to give constant acceleration by adding an acceleration unit quantity &Dgr;Naa, set as a parameter beforehand, to a speed unit quantity N(n), means for generating a position command by calculating an acceleration unit quantity using an exponential function expression and by adding the calculated result to the speed unit quantity N(n), and means for generating a position command by comparing the present speed unit quantity N(n) and a function change speed unit quantity Nc set as a parameter beforehand and by selecting either of the command generating means described above on the basis of the compared result.

Abstract: A positioning system in which a absolute sensor detection signals are communicated to a controller, which is a personal computer, via a PC card. The PC card is provided with sensor connection terminals, a converter for converting sensor detection signals to digital position signals, PC connection terminals, a sensor drive circuit, and a switching circuit. The sensor switching circuit switches sensor connection terminals in accordance with commands from the personal computer, whereby one absolute sensor is excited or driven by the drive circuit, and detection signals from that sensor are converted to digital position signals that are fed to the personal computer. Using a PC card thus configured makes it possible to readily configure a positioning system having a plurality of absolute sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. A user interface device effects positioning of a cursor within a limited area, such as on a display screen, with limits imposed by controllable tactile responsiveness. Programmable force-position characteristics relate the tactile responsiveness of the interface device to the position of the cursor within the limited area or on the display screen. In a described embodiment, the interface device includes at least two sets of wheels that move as the interface device is actuated. The at least two sets of wheels are aligned on mutually orthogonal axes. A servo motor is attached to each of the at least two sets of wheels.

Abstract: The invention is a unit for pneumatically controlling the position of a workpiece relative to a predetermined workpiece configuration, comprising an enclosure, a minimum of one measuring nozzle for a gaseous pressure medium, which measuring nozzle is located in a contact surface a workpiece fixture. A pressure supply line is connected to the measuring nozzle via pressure lines. Separate adjoining modular enclosure components are detachably connected to one another and each is fitted with a connection leading to measuring nozzle. A first enclosure end cover can be connected to a pressure supply unit and a second enclosure end cover is located at a distance from the first enclosure end cover. The first enclosure end cover, the modular enclosure components that adjoin the first enclosure end cover, and the second enclosure end cover that adjoins the modular enclosure components form the overall enclosure 68.

Abstract: A synchronous control unit receives data describing robot motion and speed along a pathway. A storage unit stores the data. In accordance with an internal clock or encoder equivalent internal to the robot, an output unit outputs the data to a positioning controller thereby synchronizing the robot movement with the data.

Abstract: A method of recording aligned images on two sides of a printed circuit board substrate, comprising:

Abstract: A stage installation for vertical movement of multiple stage elements has a computer controlled winch assembly comprising a support member having a channel, a platform adjacent the support member, electrical control and electrical power raceways in the channel, and a multiplicity of winches supported on the platform. The winches include a housing, a bidirectional servomotor, a rotating drum driven by the motor in either direction to haul or pay out cables operatively connected to the stage elements. Connectors are coupled to the electrical power and electrical control raceways, and a remote computer terminal transmits signals to the winches to initiate and terminate operation of the servomotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor (1) for processing wafers (7) comprising at least one process chamber (5), at least one transport chamber (2) with a transport robot (3) for the wafers (7), and at least one magazine (6) for wafers (7) with a lifting mechanism (12). To safeguard a better protection against damage also for wafers (7) stored in a magazine (6), an optical detection device (13, 14, 15, 16) is provided in the reactor (1) for monitoring the position of the wafers (7) stored in a magazine (6). All wafers stored one above the other in a magazine (6) with several compartments can thus be monitored, for example by means of a simple photoelectric barrier (13, 15). It is possible in this manner to monitor not only those wafers (7) which were just previously taken out or put in by the transport robot (3), but also all other wafers (7) present in the magazine (6).

Abstract: A method of communicating within a motion control system includes programming a plurality of drive cards to perform predetermined mathematical and logical functions in response to high-level commands. Each of the drive cards is configured with a respective unique predetermined delay time. Intelligence is distributed throughout the motion control system by electrically interconnecting each of the drive cards with a local area network and to a corresponding component of the motion control system. High-level commands are transmitted to the drive cards across the local area network. The response by each of the drive cards to the high-level commands is delayed according to the unique predetermined delay time. Each of the drive cards respond to the high-level commands following expiration of the unique predetermined delay time.

Abstract: The disclosure is to learn a periodic disturbance along with the disk rotation and to improve track-following accuracy. The disk apparatus comprises a head, apositional signal detection section respect to the track of the medium, a feedback control section which computes a control signal for moving the head from the positional signal by a position signal detector, and a learning control section which obtains an unknown function for one disk rotation along with the periodic disturbance to the memory which is comprised of N number of memory cells by a learning algorithm as an approximate function which is approximated by the height of each block. The learning control section reads the learning result of the two memory cells at locations which are moved forward for a predetermined amount of time, and interpolates the results so as to generate the periodic disturbance compensation signal.

Abstract: A motion password control system including a motion sensor responsive to motion of a device and providing a signal corresponding to movement of the device; a database including stored data values corresponding to predetermined motion of the device; and an electronic circuit, responsive to the motion sensor, configured to compare the motion sensor signal with the stored database values, and, in response, to provide an output signal for performing at least one action of a preselected set of actions when the comparison reveals that the device has moved in a way which corresponds to the stored data values.

Abstract: The posture inclination of the robot is detected, a moment of compensating total floor reaction force about a desired total floor reaction force central point is determined therefrom to be distributed to each foot such that the position/posture of the feet are rotated by predetermined amounts about the desired total floor reaction force central point and a desired foot floor reaction force central points respectively. And by parallel-translating the feet in phase, the force component of the actual total floor reaction force is also controlled. In addition, the internal force components (which do not influence on the actual total floor reaction force) generated by the actual foot floor reaction force are controlled independently.

Abstract: In an orthogonal type three-axis robot for mounting a part on or removing a part from a board, a hand element placed on a supporting element for holding a part is moved by an X-axis step motor, a Y-axis step motor, and a Z-axis step motor, and heights or Z coordinates of four reference points formed on the board are previously measured. When mounting a part to or removing a part from a specified position by utilizing the hand element, a height or Z coordinate of the hand in the direction of Z axis is corrected for the specified position by using the heights or Z coordinates of three of the four reference points.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled through a process incorporating the steps of (1) measuring geometric and thermal errors with accurate instruments, (2) creating a global differential wet model of machine tool position, and (3) using this model to control real time compensation of machine tool operation. A controller modifies encoder-type position feedback signals used by the machine to compensate for geometric and thermal errors in the manner dictated by the global differential wet model.

Abstract: A legged moving robot has an action plan function to operate according to a predetermined action plan. The legged moving robot has a fuel cell for supplying operating electric energy for the legged moving robot, an operation control unit for controlling operation of the legged moving robot according to the action plan, and an electric generation managing unit for monitoring a state of the fuel cell and contents of the action plan and for regulating an amount of electric energy generated by the fuel cell depending on the action plan.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine comprises a handling apparatus for shifting a test specimen from a predetermined position, a rotor equipped with a bucket accommodating the test specimen, a drive motor for rotating the rotor, a chamber surrounding the rotor, and a refrigerator for cooling the chamber, and the automatic centrifugal machine has a height equal to or less than 1,450 mm. A conveyor line, conveying the test specimen, has a height in a range from 750 mm to 850 mm. The handling apparatus of the test specimen is formed by a link arm mechanism including first and second sliders, first and second arms, and a manipulator hand.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating communication between an application program and underlying motion control hardware in a hardware independent manner. A communication map maps a generic grid of mapping information cells to the actual information cells implemented by the particular hardware. Each actual information cell may be located in different areas and may transfer different values on each hardware platform. The communication map allows common functions to be used across a plurality of supported hardware device implementations.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool which allows the automatic generation of a restoring program for carrying out processing required for the resumption of an NC machining program to resume the execution of the NC machining program after the execution of the NC machining program has been stopped and interrupt processing has been performed. Specifically, even for nesting programs, when the machining program is re-executed from where it had stopped after the execution of the machining program has stopped and the operator has performed optional interrupt processing, the stop-time and re-execution-time machine statuses are compared to automatically generate the restoring program so that the machine status may be returned to the stop-time status, whereby the operator can perform the resumption processing of the machining program without any restrictions.

Abstract: A controller for a work transfer system, capable of performing precise positioning of feed bars during sole driving of the transfer system and simplified in structure to contribute to savings in installation space and cost. The controller has a cam angle detector mounted on a cam shaft for feed cams and controls servo motors for respective lift bars according to information which is related to cam angle of the feed cams detected by the cam angle detector and looked up in a motion table set by a transfer controlling PLC serving as a motion table setting means.

Abstract: In a method for positioning a medium carrying device at a desired one of processing sections which are provided on a base frame in a designed arrangement, an error between a designed position and a reference position is detected for each of three predetermined sections. Based on detected errors of the predetermined sections, a corrective value is calculated for each of the processing sections. The medium carrying device is carried and positioned at a desired processing section using a corrective value of the desired processing section.

Abstract: A sensor detects the absolute angular position of a rotatable clamp arm between full opened and full closed positions. The sensor is coupled to a clamp arm pivot shaft to provide output signals corresponding to the absolute position of the clamp arm. One or more programmable angular position set points are setable at angular positions in advance of the full open and full closed positions of the clamp arm. Outputs are generated when the clamp arm reaches and/or exceeds each set point.

Abstract: An improved high resolution method and apparatus are described for sensing and determining the spatial coordinates of a movable object with respect to a energized conductive surface. The coordinates of the object are precisely measured with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system independent of the third orthogonal dimension, thereby avoiding significant measurement errors due to variations of the object position in the third orthogonal dimension. The system also ascertains the coordinate position of the object in this third dimension, which can then be utilized as an independent control variable in the system. Further, the system can accommodate a number of energized conductive surfaces over which the object may be positioned and can determine the spatial coordinates of the object with respect to any such surface.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.

Abstract: An optical fiber alignment apparatus for leveling respective distal ends of a plurality of optical fibers prior to commencing a polishing process. The apparatus includes an aligning device having a plurality of receptacles for securing the corresponding plurality of optical fibers such that distal ends of the optical fibers extend below the base of the aligning device. A sensor array contacts the distal ends of the optical fibers and generates sensor alignment signals indicating the position of the fiber distal ends extending below the aligning device relative to a horizontal reference plane. A monitor receives and displays digital signals corresponding to the sensor alignments signals. Those optical fibers that are not aligned are then adjusted to until all the fibers are aligned and leveled with respect to the horizontal reference plane as viewed on the monitor.

Abstract: A system combines an open control interface workstation, e.g., a properly configured personal computer, with a networked computer numerical control. The personal computer and CNC are preferably linked to a local area network such as an Ethernet network. The open control interface is configured to utilize Windows DDE, or other protocol, to accomplish process-to-process communications with other DDE-compliant Windows applications. Additionally, the open control interface is designed to allow DDE-compliant Windows applications to communicate with one or more networked computer numerical controls while minimizing data flow over the network.

Abstract: A system combines multiple man-machine interfaces with multiple computer numerical controls over a network. Typically, each man-machine interface comprises a personal computer with a Windows-based operating system utilizing a standard process-to-process communication protocol, such as Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE). This type of system allows a wide variety of M-to-N topologies in CNC environments. Further, the use of standard personal computer operating systems and common process-to-process communication protocols permits the networking of other types of devices and the use of other third party applications.

Abstract: A system and method for leveling an apparatus are provided. The position of the apparatus with respect to a pair of intersecting axes is determined by sensors positioned along each axis. The position of the apparatus is adjusted about a second set of axes by first and second leveling devices. The data from each of the sensors is transformed to new position data which corresponds to the position of the apparatus with respect to the second set of axes. The apparatus may be leveled automatically through direct control of the first and second leveling devices. The apparatus may also be leveled manually through the use of an indicator device which indicates the necessary adjustments for the first and second leveling devices.

Abstract: An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation which may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence.

Abstract: An automation system for manufacturing a hard disk drive performs a servo writing process and a function test process at the same time, to improve a yield of a head disk assembly in the function test process. The automation system includes a function test device for performing a function test on a head disk assembly, a servo writing device for writing servo information on a disk of the head disk assembly, a control device for providing a peripheral device with a control signal for controlling a manufacturing process of the hard disk drive, and a robot device for mounting and demounting the head disk assembly to the function test device and the servo writing device under the control of the control device.