Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with contextualizing energy consumption are described. One example method includes accessing stored energy consumption data and stored operation status data from production-related equipment; correlating the operation status data with the energy consumption data; and categorizing energy consumed by the production-related equipment as value-added or non-value-added based, at least in part, on the correlating of the operation status data with the energy consumption data. The example methods may also include determining an energy classification for an energy-consuming entity; identifying child entities of the energy-consuming entity; accessing energy consumption data for the energy-consuming entity and the child entities; aggregating the energy consumption data for the energy-consuming entity and the child entities; and classifying the aggregated energy consumption data with the energy classification for the energy-consuming entity.

Abstract: Hardware emulation produces relevant and irrelevant trace data. Verification of a design under test requires knowledge of the relevant trace data. Data lines are provided to capture trace data from the hardware emulator's logic elements during emulation. The data lines connect the outputs of these logic elements to the inputs of a configurable interconnect circuit. The configurable interconnect circuit is capable of being programmed to select from a plurality of these inputs to connect a number of the data lines to a scan chain or trace data storage circuit. The configurable interconnect circuit can then selectively connect those data lines carrying relevant trace data to a trace data processing circuit. The trace data processing circuit may be a scan chain, analysis device or storage device or other suitable trace data processing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of electronic accessories for digital music players are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: There are provided at least one or more of substrate processing apparatuses that process a substrate, and a group management device connected to each substrate processing apparatus, so that the group management device monitors an operation state of the substrate processing apparatus, thereby grasping a timing of updating a program of the substrate processing apparatus, and when the timing arrives, updates the program.

Abstract: A software-based system for changing structural feature designations within a production environment includes a menu page component adapted to support a menu page; an information document component interfacing with the menu page component and adapted to support at least one information document having structural feature designations of structural features; and an edit component interfacing with the information document component and adapted to view and edit the structural feature designations to expedite flow of materials in the production environment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for assessing at least one optical property of kth order, k=2, 3, 4, . . .

Abstract: There is provided a scheduling device in which a dividing unit selects a predetermined number of semi-finished products from a head out of a semi-finished products for which scheduling order was determined, and divides selected semi-finished products according to a plurality of patterns to generate a plurality of set sequences, the set sequences each being a sequence of one or more sets each including at least one semi-finished product; a calculating unit assigns, for each of the set sequences, the sets included in the set sequence to different ones of the processing devices so that processing of all the semi-finished products are completed fastest, and finds the set sequence that completion time is completed fastest among the set sequences; and a determining unit determines that a top set in the set sequence found by the calculating unit is processed by the processing device assigned thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing a series of base lenses, which cover a predetermined power range, wherein each base lens of the series has a base power different from the base powers of the other base lenses of the series, and has at least one diffractive base grating, the method comprising: specifying the base powers of each base lens of the series; and calculating the base grating of each base lens of the series so as to minimize the color fringe of the respective base lens with the specified base power in a predetermined region of the spectacle lens.

Abstract: A multi-chip module includes a first die having a control processor to generate a signal to control an industrial process and an input/output interface. The multi-chip module also includes a second die having a supervisory processor and an input/output interface. A processor failure of one of the control processor and the supervisory processor is detected by the other of the control processor and the supervisory processor, and the processor that detects the failure is configured to assert a signal through its input/output interface to cause the industrial process to transition to a safe state in response to the failure. Additionally, the first and second dies are created using different process technologies.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sensing a cigarette filter, comprising: a plurality of rotary conveyance drums (12) delivering a first cigarette filter and second cigarette filters into which the first cigarette filter is divided by a cutter; two sensors (18) disposed adjacent to the rotary conveyance drum (12) to detect the second cigarette filters; an opto coupler connected to the two sensors (18) and operated by AND logic; a HIP connected to the opto coupler, it controlling a device of supplying cigarette filters to reject a cigarette having defects; and, a PLC connected with the HIP, it controlling the device of supplying cigarette filters, wherein the two sensors (18) detect active charcoal filters located at both ends of the second cigarette filters, the HIP controls the device such that the cigarette having defects are rejected when signals sensed by the sensors (18) are different from signals sensed from the normal active charcoal filter, the PLC controls the operation and stop of the device by pe

Abstract: To provide a power consumption output device capable of precisely calculating the electricity cost per product manufactured by an apparatus whose power consumption differs in each cycle of operation for manufacturing a product. The power consumption output device for an apparatus that manufactures a plurality of products from a supplied material includes: power detection means (102) capable of detecting power consumption in a target period, including at least a period needed for manufacturing all products that can be manufactured from a single material from the beginning of supplying the material to the end of ejecting a remaining material; and output means (104) for outputting power consumption per product by using the power consumption detected by the power detecting means (102) and the number of products manufactured from the single material.

Abstract: The heat treatment apparatus that increases a temperature of a processing object and performs a heat treatment in a constant temperature, the heat treatment apparatus includes: a processing chamber which accommodates the processing object; a heating unit which heats the processing object accommodated in the processing chamber; a memory unit which stores two or more temperature control models that are previously created, a temperature controller which controls a temperature of the heating unit; and an apparatus controller which controls the temperature controller and the memory unit, wherein the apparatus controller selects a temperature control model among the two or more temperature control models according to desired heat treatment conditions, and wherein the temperature controller reads out the selected temperature control model from the memory unit to control the heating unit.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems and methods thereof used to monitor and execute a baby formula manufacturing process are disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods and systems provide a means to perform validation and quality manufacturing on an integrated level whereby baby formula manufacturers can achieve data and product integrity and ultimately minimize cost.

Abstract: Digitally distributing media content using a distribution backbone system, including: receiving a request for media content from a client, the request including a client profile; performing inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to create output; performing a capability mapping in which a series of rules that allow the source assets to be mapped to the client profile; and planning a manufacturing process, which determines work items and execution steps from capabilities mapped in response to the request for media content from the client.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved buffering method for controlling excess fiber length (EFL) and reducing post-extrusion shrinkage in loose buffer tubes. In this way, the method yields first-quality loose buffer tubes not only during steady-state operation but also during ramping, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing waste.

Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.

Abstract: A Packaging System comprising: a Packaging Line designed to produce Packaged Consumer Products; a Marking System designed to mark individual or packs of Packaged Consumer Products with graphical information, and a Line Controller designed to control the Packaging Line and the Marking System. The Marking System includes: Marking Equipment and a Marking Server. The Marking Server is designed to receive Production Batch Data and associated Template Identifier(s); and a Marking Device Controller. The Line Controller is designed to: receive Production Batch Data and generate Marking Instruction(s) for associated Marking Device Controller(s). The Marking Device Controller is designed to: receive Marking Instruction(s) from the Line Controller, fetch out from a Repository in the Marking Server stored Mark Layout Template(s) and Production Batch Data, and generate Marking Command(s) for Marking Device(s) controlled by the Marking Device Controller based on fetched Mark Layout Template(s) and Production Batch Data.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified droplet actuator systems, software, and software-executed methods for use in droplet actuator operation and droplet actuator systems that are configured and programmed to execute such software. The invention provides a computer readable medium storing processor executable code for performing a method, the method comprising receiving a selection of a function to be performed by a droplet actuator, associating the function to a predefined electrode element, associating the predefined electrode element to a grouping of one or more electrodes that perform the function, and adding the grouping of one or more electrodes to an electronic layout of the droplet actuator.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and method for managing life cycle of a batch in a production control system in real time. The system comprises of an enterprise management system, manufacturing execution system (MES), task execution assistance (TEA) system and a production control system. The TEA system is interfaced between the MES and the production control system for executing the production request. The batch production request generated by the enterprise management system is received by the MES wherein the MES forwards the batch production request to the TEA system. The TEA system obtains information required to execute the batch production request from the production control system. Upon obtaining the information the TEA system instructs an operator to create the batch in the production control system. The production control system confirms the creation of the batch and updates real time status of the batch to the TEA system.

Abstract: A charged particle beam writing method includes inputting layout information of a plurality of chips on which pattern formation is to be achieved, setting, using the layout information, a plurality of writing groups each being composed of at least one of the plurality of chips and each having writing conditions differing from each other, setting a frame which encloses a whole of all chip regions in all the plurality of writing groups, virtually dividing the frame into a plurality of stripe regions in a predetermined direction while keeping chips of writing groups differing from each other intermingled, setting an order of each of the plurality of stripe regions such that a reference position of the each of the plurality of stripe regions is located in order in the predetermined direction, and writing a pattern in the each of the plurality of stripe regions onto a target workpiece according to the order which has been set, by using a charged particle beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for etching features in an etch layer is provided. A plasma processing chamber is provided, comprising a chamber wall, a chuck, a pressure regulator, an electrode or coil, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. A gas source comprises a fluorine free deposition gas source and an etch gas source. A controller comprises at least one processor and computer readable media, comprising computer readable code for providing a conditioning for a patterned pseudo-hardmask, wherein the conditioning comprises computer readable code providing a fluorine free deposition gas comprising a hydrocarbon gas, computer readable code for forming a plasma, computer readable code for providing a bias less than 500 volts, and computer readable code for forming a deposition on top of the patterned pseudo-hardmask, computer readable code for etching the etch layer, and computer readable code for cyclically repeating the conditioning and etching at least twice.

Abstract: Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer program generating on a display device a graphical user interface for specifying an availability determination regarding a ware. The graphical user interface includes a critical part area configured for a user to (i) specify that a part identified in the critical part area is to be recognized as a critical part for providing a ware, and (ii) associate one of a plurality of supply scopes with the critical part for making a first availability determination regarding the critical part. The critical part area is configured so that a second availability determination regarding the ware takes into account the first availability determination regarding the critical part.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a process and system for assembly-based parametric modeling having a single design environment in which the parts, components, and assemblies thereof may be designed concurrently. In embodiments of the present invention, every assembly has a deterministic parametric history supporting both top-down and bottom-up assembly design methodologies. Top-down components may be built in place, reducing the user interaction required to define the attachment and movement characteristics of the assembly. Bottom-up components may be inserted into an assembly using a parametric Insert Component Feature. The process and system also provides the ability to parametrically define the shape of an assembly in multiple orientations that still regenerate deterministically.

Abstract: Verification methods, systems, and computer program products verify the completion of assembly instructions used in light-manufacturing. Using position guides in a user interface, an in-use component is aligned and ready for verification through a first set of images of the in-use component. A visual highlight area on the user interface overlaying the in-use component indicates where to perform the assembly instructions. To create a traceable record, a second set of images are stored in an assembly record database when the assembler points a wand where the in-use component has been assembled. Another verification approach includes pointing an image capture device over the in-use component and receiving a first voice command authorizing image acquisition. A second voice command confirms accuracy of the image and proper assembly. Storing first and second voice commands and images of the in-use component being assembled in an assembly record database creates another traceable record useful for verification.

Abstract: A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is provided for execution of workflows in response to specified business objectives. The MES system can maintain a library of activity sets representing industry-specific workflows that can be selected and executed in order to satisfy business-driven goals. The activity sets can comprise both business-level and control-level operations, and can be configured using an intuitive graphical interface that mitigates the need for low-level programming by the end user. In response to receipt of a request from a business-level system such as an ERP system, the MES system can match the request to an activity set, and subsequently execute the workflow defined by the activity set to facilitate satisfying the request.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having foundation layer functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.

Abstract: A computer program product, apparatus and system are disclosed for managing a manual assembly sequence by electronically referencing unique identifiers associated with physical components to be assembled in the sequence. Certain embodiments facilitate management of an assembly of a consumer product. In one embodiment, RFID tags are used as unique identifiers. Such embodiments may use RFID tags to determine the presence of the components before each assembly step in the assembly sequence and to determine that the components are being assembled in sequence. Other embodiments determine whether the components are properly assembled after being assembled, that the distance between the components falls within a predetermined range, and/or that the components for an assembly steps is properly orientation with respect to other components.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling the operations of a manufacturing facility with production resources that execute a production process and a manufacturing execution system with a production modeler and a production scheduler. A man-machine interface and/or graphical user interface enable the user to enter production orders and production scheduling data into the execution system. A production scheduler database stores production orders and production scheduling data. A data server process updates sensitive data that are required for real-time scheduling when a user modifies sensitive data. The data server process executes an event list queue with the data modification events launched by the database, periodically checks the event list queue for data modification events, reads from the database only the modified data of the sensitive data and/or sensitive class of data, and merges the modified data with the existing data. The updated data are then accessible to all users.

Abstract: A device to facilitate a user interface of a computer system utilizing breath includes a body, a user side inlet defined by the body to receive a fluid flow generated by a user, an exhaust opening defined by the body, a conduit positioned between the user side inlet and the one exhaust opening, at least one segment positioned inside the body and one or more contactors positioned to be intermittently in contact with the at least one segment. The contact may occur responsive to the fluid flow generated by the user. The device may include a sensor to react to a movement of the at least one segment.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring a synthesis process in a synthesizer to provide reduced quality control efforts and facilitate quality by design. The system and method perform by detecting a synthesizer parameter value for one or more synthesizer parameters of a radiopharmaceutical synthesis process in a radiopharmaceutical synthesizer, and comparing the synthesizer parameter value of each of the synthesizer parameters to a corresponding reference synthesizer value range. The radiopharmaceutical synthesis process is either continued, aborted, or interrupted based on a comparison result.

Abstract: An evaluation method of a progressive-addition lens is provided. First, powers of the progressive-addition lens at a plurality of measurement points are measured to obtain an actually measured power distribution. Next, a comparison power distribution created based on the actually measured power distribution and a defective power distribution prepared in advance are compared with each other to perform similarity search between the both. Thereafter, whether or not the comparison power distribution and the defective power distribution are similar to each other is determined based on the result of the similarity search step, and if it is determined that the comparison power distribution and the defective power distribution are similar to each other, then the progressive-addition lens is evaluated as defective.

Abstract: An integrated additive manufacturing cell (IAMC) that combines conventional manufacturing technologies with additive manufacturing processes is disclosed. Individual IAMCs may be configured and optimized for specific part families of complex components, or other industrial applications. The IAMCs incorporate features that reduce hardware cost and time and allow for local alloy tailoring for material properties optimization in complex components.

Abstract: A foreign matter detection unit detects an entry of an unexpected foreign matter that is other than the substrates by light transmitting optical sensors 7 having light projecting portions 7a and light receiving portions 7b at opening sections 3a, 3b formed in cover members 2 through which the substrates pass. By executing an emergency stop processing, when the entry of the foreign matter is detected at one of the opening sections, to stop the electronic component mounting apparatus that is adjacent to the opening section at which the entry of the foreign matter is detected, safety of the machine operators is properly ensured in check and confirmation works conducted at the time of machine troubles etc even in an electronic component assembling line in which the small-sized thin unit apparatuses are combined.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting communication data of a fixed line phone include acquiring the communication data of the fixed line phone, writing the communication data into a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system and method further include establishing a communication between the fixed line phone and a handheld device using the RFID tag and a RFID reader of the handheld device, and transmitting the communication data in the RFID tag to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A manufacture work machine for performing a manufacture work including: a plurality of work-element performing apparatuses each including an individual control device; and a central control device configured to control the apparatuses and including a central communication section to transmit, according to one protocol, a motion command in a specific programming language, wherein the individual control device includes (a) an individual communication section configured to receive, according to the one protocol, the motion command transmitted from the central control device and (b) a command converting section configured to convert the motion command received by the individual communication section into a motion command in a programming language that the individual control device can handle, the individual control device being configured to control one of the plurality of work-element performing apparatuses that is controlled by the individual control device, on the basis of the motion command converted by the c

Abstract: A product-line managing module includes a code and bill of material (BOM) generator module and a configuration management module. The code and BOM generator module: receives data dictionary entries and interface information; generates a product BOM of at least one of a product based on the data dictionary entries and interface information; and generates autocode for N modules based on the data dictionary entries and interface information, where N is an integer greater than 1. The configuration management module assembles the autocode to generate the product.

Abstract: Embodiments of electronic accessories for digital music players are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating context offsets for run-to-run control in a semiconductor fabrication facility is described. In one embodiment, contexts associated with a process are identified. The process has one or more threads, and each thread involves one or more contexts. A set of input-output equations describing the process is defined. Each input-output equation corresponds to a thread and includes a thread offset expressed as a summation of individual context offsets. A state-space model is created that describes an evolution of the process using the set of input-output equations. The state-space model allows to estimate individual context offsets.

Abstract: When ordering manufacture of a product, an input is received of request information including at least information on desired delivery date for the product, information on desired quantity of the product, and information on which step the product is fabricated to (requirement rank information), and all or part of the request information accepted is displayed on a display screen.

Abstract: A surface data acquisition, storage, and assessment system for detecting and quantifying similarities or differences between stored data and data collected from a scan. The system operates utilizing a method that decreases the time required for calculating a pose estimate thus increasing its performance making it more practical for applications that require real-time operations. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises one or more sensing components for scanning and measuring surface features of an object for determining the identity of the object, and determines differences between data obtained from two or more scans.

Abstract: A system and related method providing a turnkey arrangement for the rapid production of parts using one or more CNC machines. The system includes a set of functions arranged to generate a rapid production technical data package that may be used by the manufacturer to fabricate a part quickly, efficiently and accurately. The package includes a First Article inspection certificate, a three-dimensional solid model, setup and process instructions, G and M Post codes, holding fixtures, cutting tools and revision control. The method includes steps leading to the creation of the rapid production technical data package. The steps include the gathering of part information, populating a database with CNC machine information, including Post codes, designing manufacturing instructions using a single CAD/CAM platform, integrating model and fixture information to generate a Smart Part model for any CNC machine, establishing Post codes for all CNC machines in the database, and proving out the model.

Abstract: A printer system includes a server capable of communicating with a printer and a client. The server stores a plurality of theme templates for making three-dimensional paper crafts. Each theme template has a plurality of marks to provide indication to make the paper craft. The marks comprise a series of sequence numbers to fold the theme templates according to the sequence numbers, and an angle number to indicate a folding angle. The server accepts edited templates from the client and sends an instruction to the printer to print the edited templates.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing fault tolerance against a failure occurring during driving robot software components includes: a component executor for executing the robot software components, which are assigned with one thread from an operating system and have a same priority and cycle, by using the assigned thread; and an executor monitor for periodically monitoring the operation of the component executor and determining whether or not there is a failure in the robot software components executed by the component executor. The apparatus further includes: an executor manager for generating the component executor which is assigned with the robot software components having the same priority and cycle and, when the executor monitor determines that there is a failure in the execution of the robot software components, generating a new component executor.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for managing tools and calibrating tools when performing assembly instructions in a computer directed assembly system. To ensure tools remain calibrated, in one embodiment a tool identifier associated with a tool required for the assembly instruction is obtained. Using the tool identifier, a tool usage time for the tool is aggregated from an assembly record database. To determine whether the tool may need calibration, the tool usage time from a last calibration point is compared with a tool usage threshold for calibrating the tool as provided for by the associated assembly instruction. If the tool usage threshold is exceeded, using the tool is disallowed unless the tool is recalibrated. Alternatively, the tool is authorized for use to perform the assembly instruction when it is determined that the tool usage time from the last calibration point does not exceed the tool usage threshold.

Abstract: An advanced production planning system for allocating production capacity to meet a demand includes a demand receiver, a demand consolidator, a capacity balancer, and a planning module. The demand receiver is configured to receive input demand data and is in communication with the demand consolidator, calculates a consolidated demand as a sum of all input demand data. The capacity balancer calculates and stores a production capacity, and the planning module creates a production plan by allocating production capacity to meet the consolidated demand based on the consolidated demand and the production capacity.

Abstract: A method of producing a set of parts from a panel of material mountable on the worktable of a CNC machine suitably programmable to perform prescribed machining functions on such panel, generally consisting of programming the machine to perform a first set of machining functions on a first side of the panel and a second set of machining functions on an inverted side of the panel, mounting the panel on the worktable, operating the machine to perform the first set of machining functions on a first side of the panel, inverting the panel on the worktable and operating the machine to perform the second set of machine functions on the second, inverted side of the panel.

Abstract: In a method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering, operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine and an identification code are transmitted via a data network to communication server software running on an external computing device. The communication server software determines MMI (machine-machine-interface) application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs and transfers the operating inputs to the MMI application software, which in turn determines visualization data on the basis of the operating inputs. The visualization data specify a graphical output image to be represented on a display screen and are transferred to the machine via the communication server software and the data network for display. The performance characteristics of the machine can thereby be enhanced, without increasing demands on the hardware.

Abstract: A computerized automated demand-based parts delivery management system and method is disclosed. Parts for use in a production facility are received at a warehouse and housed in storage inventory areas such as trailers parked in a yard. Data about the parts in storage inventory areas and their locations as well as an inventory of parts in the warehouse are stored in a database. A “demand pegging” operation is performed by viewing current delivery inventory levels within the warehouse and applying them to production demand data to determine when parts will be depleted from delivery inventory areas. The operation further identifies storage inventory areas that have the needed parts. Process times for transporting parts between locations are considered in determining task times for transporting parts from storage inventory areas to delivery inventory areas so parts are replenished in advance of the deplete time determined by the demand pegging operation.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for managing parts shortages is disclosed. The computerized system and method analyzes inventory and production demand data over a period of time to whether the parts in inventory are sufficient to meet production demand. The projections allow a logistics provider to determine when parts shortages are likely to occur and the nature of the potential shortages. Information about the type and time of potential parts shortages allow the logistics provider to take action to prevent shortages entirely or minimize their impact on production. Some shortages may be covered by requesting delivery of parts from various locations within the site inventory or by locating parts within the site inventory. Other shortages may be covered by ordering more parts from suppliers. The ability to detect various types of shortages and take mitigating actions allow a logistics provider to maintain a flow of parts to production.