Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus is provided and may include at least one build unit; a build platform; and at least one collector positioned on the apparatus such that the at least one collector contacts an outer surface of a build wall as the build wall is formed during a build. Methods are also provided for manufacturing at least one object.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing apparatus, along with methods of forming an object therewith, are provided. The additive manufacturing apparatus may include at least one build unit; a build platform (such as a rotating build platform); and a pair of collectors positioned on the apparatus such that a first collector contacts an outer surface of an object as it is formed on the build platform and a second collector contacts an inner surface of the object as it is formed on the build platform.

Abstract: A method and a system for scheduling apparatuses in a production line are disclosed. Each of the apparatuses on the production line includes one or more functional modules, each of the functional modules have a task sequence, and a task sequence includes one or more tasks. The method includes: obtaining a queuing time required for executing each of the tasks in the task sequence of the functional module; identifying a task that has a shortest queuing time in the task sequence as a target task; executing the target task; removing the target task from the task sequence and obtaining an updated queuing time required for executing each of the tasks in the task sequence. The method divides the apparatuses on the production line apparatus into a plurality of independent functional modules and executes the task having the shortest queuing time first with respect to each of the functional modules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making a metal article including repetitively depositing a layer of metal and cold working each metal layer to form the metal article. The method can be used to make a new article or repair an existing article. The metal article includes a customized local grain structure orientation which can vary by region based on design requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food packaging machine comprising a packaging material supply module, a food supply module, a filling module. The food packaging machine further comprises a hardware data processor operably connected to the packaging material supply module, operably connected to the food supply module, so operable to create a food data transaction, and operably connected to a network data processing system. The hardware data processor is operable to send the food data transaction to the network data processing system for the data transaction to be appended to a packaged food production data hash tree. The present invention further provides a system for packaging food comprising a plurality of food packaging machines as well as methods for tracking food data transactions in a food packaging machine and in a system for packaging food.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for generating customized products in collaboration with live designers is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securely managing operations of a field device in an industrial environment includes receiving a request to operate the field device from one or more data sources. The request includes information associated with the field device, requestor information, and at least one operation command to be executed on the field device. The method further includes generating one or more control signals to operate the field device based on the received request. Further, the method includes validating the generated one or more control signals based on information related to the field device and proximity of one or more objects with respect to location of the field device. The method includes outputting the generated one or more control signals to at least one field device via a network based on successful validation of the one or more control signals. The outputted one or more control signals operate the field device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot using control parameter values from a non-Euclidean control parameter space. The method includes performing a Bayesian optimization of an objective function representing a desired control objective of the robot over the control parameter space, wherein evaluation points of the objective function are determined by searching an optimum of an acquisition function in an iterative search. In each iteration, the following are performed: updating a candidate evaluation point using a search direction in the tangent space of the parameter space at the candidate evaluation point, mapping the updated candidate evaluation point from the tangent space to the parameter space, and using the mapped updated candidate evaluation point as evaluation point for a next iteration until a stop criterion is fulfilled, and controlling the robot in accordance with a control parameter value found in the Bayesian optimization.

Abstract: An automatic parts resupply system for building equipment including a model predictive maintenance system configured to determine a service time at which to perform service on the building equipment by performing a predictive optimization of a total cost of operating and servicing the building equipment over a time period. The service time is a decision variable in the predictive optimization. The automatic parts resupply system includes a resupply manager. The resupply manager is configured to generate a parts resupply order for the building equipment based on a result of the predictive optimization. The resupply manager is configured to determine a transmission time at which to transmit the parts resupply order to a parts supplier. The resupply manager is configured to transmit the parts resupply order to the parts supplier at the transmission time.

Abstract: Laser additive manufacturing and a method for preparing thin-walled preforms by laser metal deposition and follow-up rolling. This can solve the problems that when the existing laser metal deposition technology prepares the thin-walled preforms, the limit width size of a molten pool at high power affects the forming wall thickness of the preforms so that it is difficult to prepare preforms with wall thickness less than 2 mm, and the problems of poor surface quality and low accuracy of preforms due to convex and concave peaks caused by the interlayer overlapping, but also can solve the problems that a laser beam with a preset trajectory cannot act on the end surfaces of the preforms due to preform deformation caused by residual stress in a printing process so that the preforms cannot be continuously formed.

Abstract: A testing scenario (forming part of a computing environment executing a plurality of applications) is initiated to characterize performance of the applications. During the execution of the testing scenario, various performance metrics associated with the applications are monitored. Thereafter, data characterizing the performance metrics is provided (e.g., displayed, loaded into memory, stored on disk, transmitted to a remote computing system, etc.). The testing scenario is generated by monitoring service calls being executed by each of a plurality of automates across the applications, generating a service request tree based on the monitored service calls for all of the applications, and removing cyclic dependencies in the service request tree such that reusable testing components are only used once. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A position sensing tool for enabling topographical measurements of a working surface is provided. The tool includes sensors for mapping the tool environment and for positioning of the tool within the environment. The tool enables tracking of tool activity within the environment. The tool enables design and fabrication collaboration with other computer systems. The tool enables user and tool environment safety using tool positional, user position and tool environment awareness. Certain embodiments of the tool permit automated guidance of tasks in the tool environment.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for executing jobs for performing analytical methods are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may include at least one memory, and logic coupled to the at least one memory. The logic may be configured to receive a job request from a data system to perform a job, and determine an acquisition system to perform the job, the acquisition system to determine at least one task for the job, provide the at least one task to a task sequencer to coordinate performance of the at least one task, and provide data artifacts to the data system resulting from performance of the at least one task. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: There are provided a repair determination section that determines, based on failure information on the facility for manufacturing a product, a repair time required to repair the facility, and a recovery plan creation section that creates a recovery plan in accordance with a predetermined production evaluation indicator, based on the repair time and production information on a line with the failed facility, one or more other facilities, and on one or more other lines.

Abstract: A manufacturing support system may be provided. The manufacturing support system may comprise: an obtaining unit (IO) configured to obtain object data of an object to be manufactured; an artificial intelligence, Al, engine (20) configured to receive the object data as an input and to determine a hardware configuration of a manufacturing system for manufacturing the object with reference to information relating to available hardware for the manufacturing system; and an output unit (60) configured to output the determined hardware configuration.

Abstract: A maintenance recommendation for containerized services can find a time to perform maintenance on a particular service based on resource usage patterns such that the maintenance will have a reduced impact on dependent services. The dependent services can be determined for the particular service based on network interactions between the services.

Abstract: In some examples, a server may retrieve and parse test results associated with testing a software package. The server may determine a weighted sum of a software feature index associated with a quality of the plurality of features, a defect index associated with the defects identified by the test cases, a test coverage index indicating a pass rate of the plurality of test cases, a release release reliability index associated with results of executing regression test cases included in the test cases, and an operational quality index associated with resources and an environment associated with the software package. The server may use a machine learning algorithm, such as a time series forecasting algorithm, to forecast a release status of the software package. The server may determine, based on the release status, whether the software package is to progress from a current phase to a next phase of a development cycle.

Abstract: Updating performance of a display screen in a terminal device that displays a screen for remotely monitoring an object to be controlled by a control device is appropriately maintained. An information device for factory automation connected to the control device that controls an object communicates with a terminal device having a display capable of displaying a screen for remotely monitoring the control device. The screen includes one or more components. The screen data for displaying the screen includes attributes of the respective components relating to the display, and a logic executed by the programmable indicator to determine the attribute values. When the terminal device displays a screen, the programmable indicator transmits the attributes and attribute values of the respective components in the screen data to the terminal device.

Abstract: A first method includes detecting, based on sensor data, an environment state; selecting an action based on the environment state; determining an autonomy level associated with the environment state and the action; and performing the action according to the autonomy level. The autonomy level can be selected based at least on an autonomy model and a feedback model. A second method includes calculating, by solving an extended Stochastic Shortest Path (SSP) problem, a policy for solving a task. The policy can map environment states and autonomy levels to actions and autonomy levels. Calculating the policy can include generating plans that operate across multiple levels of autonomy.

Abstract: A memory stores shape information representing a shape of an object. A processor detects a plurality of feature lines from an image of an object that has been captured by an image capturing device in a manufacturing process of manufacturing the object, and produces a plurality of combinations by correlating each of a plurality of line segments in the shape information and each of the plurality of feature lines with each other. Next, the processor performs classification of each of the combinations into an identified combination that has a certain correlation result or an unidentified combination that has an uncertain correlation result. The processor also changes a result of the classification for the identified combination and the unidentified combination according to a reliability of each of the plurality of combinations and determines a degree of progress of the manufacturing process by using the identified combination included in the changed result.

Abstract: A schedule managing method includes: a number-of-worker inputting step of inputting the number of workers who perform arrangement work of arranging the members to arrangement means, in association with a production time point for producing products; a preparation time point changing step of changing a start time point or an end time point of the arrangement work in a preparation work schedule based on a work quantity of the arrangement work and the number of workers; a production time point changing step of changing a start time point or an end time point of production of the products in a production schedule based on a start time point or an end time point of the changed arrangement work; and a displaying step of displaying the production schedule, the preparation work schedule, and the number of workers along the production time point.

Abstract: A flexible assembly system for variable reconfiguration, and a method of reconfiguring a production line. The method includes receiving line configuration information based on a reconfigured production line, retrieving process terminals required to be included in the reconfigured production line based on the line configuration information, when at least one among the process terminals required to be included in the reconfigured production line is not retrieved, transmitting information about the process terminal not retrieved to a line installer terminal, when all the process terminals required to be included in the reconfigured production line are retrieved, dividing the line configuration information based on each of the retrieved process terminals, and transmitting the divided line configuration information to each of the retrieved process terminals and verifying whether a component is provided in each of the process terminals.

Abstract: A substrate manufacturing machine (component mounter) includes a substrate type setting section configured to set next and subsequent substrate types to be manufactured subsequently to a current substrate type currently being manufactured, a substrate type checking section configured to check whether the set next and subsequent substrate types are correct, a manufacturing condition investigation section configured to examine whether a manufacturing condition for manufacturing substrates of the next and subsequent substrate types is satisfied, and a manufacturing authorization section configured to authorize manufacturing of the substrates of the next and subsequent substrate types in a case where the next and subsequent substrate types are correct and the manufacturing condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Described herein are, among others, systems and methods associated with electrical test planning in a semiconductor manufacturing context. Within an electrical test planning system in the semiconductor industry, various models that allow a better utilization of installed capacity were developed. The workflow in the plant and the information flow in the electrical test planning area were analyzed to reduce or minimize setup times on the equipment. A paradigm shift is disclosed, with which planning is done at the product family level instead of at the level of the part number, starting with priority products required by the market.

Abstract: Instrumenting or modeling a bio-manufacturing process is disclosed. A data store holds information regarding one or more bio-manufacturing processes. For each process, the data store information includes workflow steps and per step indications of required equipment, services and consumables according to best practice and/or experts. A videographic user interface enables user interactive input regarding a subject bio-manufacturing process from the data store. The user-interface presents a model representation of deployment of the subject bio-manufacturing process. The user interactively navigates and makes selections in the displayed model representation. The user selections include certain bio-manufacturing products, equipment and services from an image database. The images from the image database enable the views of the model representation to appear true to life demonstrating equipment/product layout and physical equipment/computer connections used in the subject bio-manufacturing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manufacturing line computer system including: first and second computers. The first computer includes a storage section adapted to store a template that associates role information of the second computer and a network address of the second computer; and a reply section adapted to return the network address of the second computer associated with the role information to the second computer in response to reception of the role information from the second computer. The second computer includes an input section adapted to input the role information of the second computer; a transmission section adapted to send the input role information of the second computer to the first computer; and a network address setup section adapted to specify the network address, returned from the first computer, for the second computer.

Abstract: Proposal of data analysis components is enabled to be performed irrespective of the quantity of an implementation history of data analysis, and thus efficiency and cost reduction of production of software for data analysis are promoted. A data utilization platform server 101 is configured to includes a arithmetic device 112 which executes processing of generating analysis relationship information prescribing linkage between analysis target data and an analysis component executing analysis processing for the analysis target table on the basis of a relationship among a plurality pieces of the analysis target data collected from a plurality of predetermined systems; and processing of specifying a combination of a plurality of the analysis components available for predetermined data designated as an analysis target by a user on the basis of the analysis relationship information.

Abstract: A production module for performing a production function on a product, production system, production planning device, and method for planning the production of the product, wherein a plurality of production modules are intercoupled, where a self-description information set is stored within each production module as a database, e.g., NoSQL, OWL, ontology, SPARQL, which comprises properties of the production module, where if a production information set comprising the production steps required to produce the product is present, then the production information set and the self-description information sets or parts thereof are transmitted to a production planning device to plan production of the product and a production procedure plan for a product to be processed is determined, and where the production procedure plan comprises an information set about a sequence of production modules of the production system, which sequence a product should pass through to produce an intermediate product or end product.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for identifying a common change window for one or more services implemented on one or more hosts include querying time series performance data for each host of a service to identify time slots of low resource consumption on the host, annotating the time slots with service tags, where the service tags identify host information and service information, creating groups of time slots using the service tags, using dynamic clustering to create clusters of hosts using the groups of time slots, and generating at least one common change window by eliminating duplicate hosts from the clusters of the hosts.

Abstract: A cell control system that reduces an abnormality occurrence probability in a manufacturing cell according to a manufacturing cell operation plan includes a cell controller that transmits an operation instruction to a manufacturing machine of the manufacturing cell.

Abstract: A server is connected to machines that perform cutting machining via a network. A common database shared by the machines is stored in the server, the database includes machining result information used in steps included in a cutting machining process performed by the machine and information on a use frequency of the machining result information. A machining result information presentation request to present machining result information that satisfies cutting conditions input by an operator of the machine is received from the machine. When the machining result information presentation request is received, the machining result information that satisfies the cutting conditions is extracted from the database and is presented to the machine based on the use frequency of the machining result information. A machining program is created based on machining result information selected by the operator among pieces of machining result information from the machine and is presented to the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally managing aircraft assets according to which a maintenance activity, costs, and aircraft asset deposition are addressed. In one embodiment, the aircraft assets are aircraft and/or engines.

Abstract: In an assignment apparatus, it is provided to generate a plant model for an industrial plant with the aid of a computer, components being represented by structural elements, and to allocate the structural elements to nodes of a navigation tree, in each case it being checked, with computer assistance, whether the allocation matches structurally, in order to provide operative-control and/or output elements for the components in the navigation tree.

Abstract: This invention has disclosed an intelligent warehousing management method, apparatus, system, an unmanned intelligent warehousing device management method and an unmanned intelligent warehousing device.

Abstract: A production activity support system for supporting production activity in a component mounting system, comprises: a production information acquirer obtaining production information including a production plan of a production operation executed in the component mounting system and production performance information; a storage storing maintenance relevant information regarding execution history information indicating a history of the maintenance work executed on each of the maintenance targets; a maintenance work plan creation unit creating a work plan of the maintenance work executed on at the maintenance targets; and a display displaying a notification that the maintenance work indicated by the work plan created by the maintenance work plan creation unit is executed at the set maintenance execution date and time along with the production plan.

Abstract: Described herein are, among others, systems and methods associated with electrical test planning in a semiconductor manufacturing context. Within an electrical test planning system in the semiconductor industry, various models that allow a better utilization of installed capacity were developed. The workflow in the plant and the information flow in the electrical test planning area were analyzed to reduce or minimize setup times on the equipment. A paradigm shift is disclosed, with which planning is done at the product family level instead of at the level of the part number, starting with priority products required by the market.

Abstract: In a maintenance work support system for supporting maintenance works in a component mounting system, a storage stores: priority table information defining a maintenance priority for classifying a priority level at which execution of the maintenance work is necessary, based on an association of the recommended maintenance deadline with a use time or a use count of each of the maintenance targets; and execution history information indicating history of the maintenance work executed on each of the maintenance targets. A maintenance work plan creation unit creates a work plan of the maintenance work, based on the maintenance priority calculated by a priority calculator, changed with date and time, based on the execution history information and the priority table information.

Abstract: In an improved inventory control policy and associated data processing system, effective inventory level is compared with a variable reorder point, R(t). When the effective stock is lower than the reorder point R, a new order of Q units is placed. Also, the lot size is optimized for each order. Parameters R and Q are continuously updated based on Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimations obtained from a Prognostics and Health Monitoring (PHM) system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a packaging machine in which at least two operating states of the packaging machine are defined and independent from one another. At least one of a plurality of defined process sequences is allocated to each of the operating states and at least one actuator of the packaging machine is actuated by a process sequence, in order to carry out at least one action. Improved control and maintenance of the machine is made possible by an authorisation for access to an actuator being exclusively and specifically allocated to only one process sequence depending on the operating state.

Abstract: A packaging unit includes at least two of a bagging unit, a pallet loading device, and a pallet securing device. The bagging unit, the pallet loading device, and the pallet securing device are connected to each other via at least one data transmission device.

Abstract: In a method for generating a switching sequence in an industrial plant which includes components for transferring the plant to an energy-saving state, a state model of the plant is used with regard to the components and information about a task-specific action schema with regard to the components. An extended state model is determined by supplementing the state model with the task-specific action schema using circuit-relevant variables. The switching sequence is generated from a start state to a desired target state by calculating proceeding from the target state back to the start state in the extended state model, and the switching sequence is executed.

Abstract: A method includes providing a visual representation of a targeting environment to a display of a rifle scope, where the visual representation includes a target and a reticle. The method further includes receiving a trigger pull signal at a processor coupled to the display, determining an impact location of a virtual shot in response to receiving the trigger pull signal, and dynamically adjusting the target within the visual representation in response to determining the impact location.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a power generator operatively connected to a plurality of sensors and a processor. The processor is configured to observe usage-based or event-based data regarding one or more components and consumables of the power generator. A usage-based service schedule is observed for the one or more event-based components and consumables. Operation-based data is received from the plurality of sensors regarding the functioning of the power generation system and one or more operation-based components and consumables of the power generator. An operation-based service schedule is determined for the one or more operation-based components and consumables based on the operation-based data. A blended service schedule is generated, the blended service schedule including the usage-based service schedule and the operation-based service schedule. The blended service schedule is then provided to at least one of a local monitor or a remote monitor.

Abstract: A travelling vehicle system that allows smooth travelling of a priority travelling vehicle includes travelling vehicles that travel along a route and a host controller that controls the travelling vehicles. The host controller includes a priority travelling vehicle transmitter that selects a priority travelling vehicle among the travelling vehicles, a passage command transmitter that transmits a passage command to a normal travelling vehicle to pass through a point in a predetermined range on the route which the priority travelling vehicle is scheduled to pass through, the normal travelling vehicle having a stop command to schedule to stop at the point, and a cancel command transmitter that transmits a cancel command to the normal travelling vehicle to cancel the given passage command when the priority travelling vehicle passes through the point.

Abstract: An information display method includes a step of inputting, by an input, a work information for identifying a maintenance work to be conducted in a plant, and a step of displaying, by a display, a set of device-state-related information generated by at least a field device associated with the maintenance work identified by the work information.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for inventory management. A number of parts to monitor is identified. A number of agents is generated to form a number of agent societies. A number of tasks is assigned to the number of agent societies. Dynamic task result data is received from the number of agent societies. Inventory information is predicted based on the task result data.

Abstract: An application design server, method and system are provided. The application design server according to an exemplary embodiment includes a communicator configured to receive design data from a first host device and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a request for the design data from a second host device, transmit the received design data to the second host device, and in response to receiving updated design data corresponding to the design data from the first host device, control the communicator to transmit the updated design data to the second host device.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally managing aircraft assets according to which a maintenance activity, costs, and aircraft asset deposition are addressed. In one embodiment, the aircraft assets are aircraft and/or engines.

Abstract: Communication in industrial control is restricted (42). Virtual private network functionality is integrated (32) within a programmable logic controller (20) of an industrial control network so that physical access to network interface (16) is insufficient to access information. The programmable logic controller (20) only accepts commands or messages provided through the virtual private network interface (21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31) and does not accept (42) messages routed directly to the programmable logic controller (20) itself, preventing security breaches in communications.

Abstract: A processor includes an operations scheduler to schedule execution of operations at, for example, a set of execution units or a cache of the processor. The operations scheduler periodically adds sets of operations to a tracking array, and further identifies when an operation in the tracked set is blocked from execution scheduling in response to, for example, identifying that the operation is dependent on another operation that has not completed execution. The processor further includes a counter that is adjusted each time an operation in the tracking array is blocked from execution, and is reset each time an operation in the tracking array is executed. When the value of the counter exceeds a threshold, the operations scheduler prioritizes the remaining tracked operations for execution scheduling.