Abstract: A method of evaluating and validating additive manufacturing operations includes generating a multidimensional space defined by a plurality of bounds, each of the bounds being defined on a distinct parameter of an additive manufacturing process and each of the parameters affecting the occurrence of a keyhole porosity flaw, each of the parameters being a dimension in a multi-dimensional coordinate system, determining a coordinate position of at least one additive manufacturing operation within the multi-dimensional coordinate system, and categorizing the operation as free of keyhole porosity flaws when the coordinate position is within the multi-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method of evaluating and validating additive manufacturing operations includes generating a multidimensional space defined by a plurality of bounds, each of the bounds being defined on a distinct parameter of an additive manufacturing process and each of the bounds being directly related to the occurrence of a balling flaw, each of the parameters being a dimension in a multi-dimensional coordinate system, determining a coordinate position of at least one additive manufacturing operation within the multi-dimensional coordinate system, and categorizing the operation as free of balling flaws when the coordinate position is within the multi-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method of evaluating and validating additive manufacturing operations includes generating a multidimensional space defined by a plurality of bounds, each of the bounds being defined on a distinct parameter of an additive manufacturing process and each of the parameters being directly related to the occurrence of a horizontal lack of fusion flaw, each of the parameters being a dimension in a multi-dimensional coordinate system, determining a coordinate position of at least one additive manufacturing operation within the multi-dimensional coordinate system, and categorizing the operation as free of horizontal lack of fusion flaws when the coordinate position is within the multi-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method of evaluating and validating additive manufacturing operations includes generating a multidimensional space defined by a plurality of bounds, each of the bounds being defined on a distinct parameter of an additive manufacturing process and each of the bounds being directly related to the occurrence of a downskin roughness flaw, each of the parameters being a dimension in a multi-dimensional coordinate system, determining a coordinate position of at least one additive manufacturing operation within the multi-dimensional coordinate system, and categorizing the operation as free of downskin roughness flaws when the coordinate position is within the multi-dimensional space.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, computer program product, and system for continuous replication in a virtual environment comprising recovering, replication of, a volume on a first site after the crash of the first site, receiving, using an API, the differences between a previous point in time of the first volume and the current point in time of the first volume wherein the volume is being replicated to a second site, and using the determined differences to restore replication of the first volume of the replication site at the second site.

Abstract: A machine learning device and a machine learning method for optimizing timing at which a tool is to be compensated in a machine tool, and a machine tool including the machine learning device. The machine learning device includes a state observation unit for observing a time interval for compensating the tool, a processing error amount of a workpiece processed by the machine tool, and a machine working ratio of the machine tool as state variables, and a learning unit for learning an action value with respect to a change of a tool compensation interval based on the tool compensation interval, the processing error amount of a workpiece, and the machine working ratio that are observed by the state observation unit.

Abstract: A fiber placement system is provided. The fiber placement system provides a plurality of working zones relative to a common gantry system. Such a configuration permits for the use of one working zone while another working zone is loaded/unloaded with parts. Also provided is a method for manufacturing composite parts using a fiber placement system having a plurality of working zones arranged relative to a common gantry.

Abstract: A system processes streaming data and includes at least one processor. The system may write streaming data received from a data source as messages in queues at a queuing cluster. The queuing cluster includes a coordinator node to direct the messages to non-coordinator nodes of the queuing cluster. The system may retrieve the data from the queues based on subscription of topics and store the retrieved data in a consumable repository.

Abstract: A system processes streaming data and includes at least one processor. The system may write streaming data received from a data source as messages in queues at a queuing cluster. The queuing cluster includes a coordinator node to direct the messages to non-coordinator nodes of the queuing cluster. The system may retrieve the data from the queues based on subscription of topics and store the retrieved data in a consumable repository.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing decision support related events and solutions includes a plurality of case management elements. Each of the case management elements is in communication with at least an associated one of a corresponding plurality of portal access controllers associated with a corresponding unit within an organization. Each of the case management elements includes at least a corresponding one of a plurality of solution elements. Each of the solution elements is configured to receive solution information from the at least one corresponding portal access controller and to communicate the solution information only with each other one of the solution elements. The solution information comprises data regarding a decision support related event associated with a case associated with the corresponding unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visualizing an assembly of parts for an aircraft. A shop order instance is identified for the assembly of parts for the aircraft. A volume is identified for the shop order instance. The assembly of parts is displayed within the volume in context with a number of assemblies of other parts within the volume.

Abstract: In various implementations, sales orders are received and product requirement specifications are generated based on the sales orders. Planning for the production of the goods occurs based on the product requirement specification and the goods are produced based on the plan.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus includes a processor configured to input an inquiry for a change date candidate for changing specifications of hardware resources used in information processing related to a service; and a storage unit configured to store at least one among a planned backup date for a process result of the information processing related to the service and a planned restore date for the information processing related to the service using the process result. The processor is further configured to determine as the change date candidate, a date within at least one period among a first period from a date of input of the inquiry until the planned backup date and a second period after the planned restore date, by referring to the storage unit, and to output the determined change date candidate.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for parallelizing order-by-order planning in a supply chain network. The system includes a database configured to store data describing a demand priority sequence, each demand priority sequence comprising at least one demand of an end-item and data describing the supply chain network comprising a plurality of network components, each network component configured to supply one or more items to satisfy demand. The system further includes a server coupled with the database, the server accesses the data describing the demand priority sequence and accesses the data describing the supply chain network. The server further creates mapping tables for each end-item, generates a dependency map for each end-item, generates a list of demand levels, and generates an order plan of end-items for planning in parallel comprising the orders planned for the demands at each demand level.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to determine data quality issues in data processing jobs. The data processing job is received, the data processing job specifying one or more processing steps designed based on one or more data schemas and further specifies one or more desired quality metrics to measure at the one or more processing steps. One or more state machines are provided, that are generated based on the quality metrics and on the data schemas. Input data to the data process job are processed using the one or more state machines, in order to generate output data and a set of data quality records characterizing a set of data quality issues identified during the execution of the data processing job.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to determine data quality issues in data processing jobs. The data processing job is received, the data processing job specifying one or more processing steps designed based on one or more data schemas and further specifies one or more desired quality metrics to measure at the one or more processing steps. One or more state machines are provided, that are generated based on the quality metrics and on the data schemas. Input data to the data process job are processed using the one or more state machines, in order to generate output data and a set of data quality records characterizing a set of data quality issues identified during the execution of the data processing job.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe a smart docking station. The smart docking station may contain a data transfer and an electrical connection which allow a sensor wafer to be charged and to upload and download data. The smart docking station may be located at an off-track storage position above a tool. This location enables an automated materials handling system (AMHS) to retrieve the sensor wafer and deliver it to a tool requiring analysis. The sensor wafer may be stored in a smart front opening unified pod (FOUP). It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling inventory requests includes receiving an inventory request requesting an inventory item and selecting the requested inventory item from an inventory holder. The method further includes storing the requested inventory item in an order holder associated with the inventory request and moving the order holder to a storage space. In addition, the method includes detecting a triggering event and in response to detecting the triggering event, retrieving the order holder from the storage space.

Abstract: A manufacturing process including a quality control procedure for verifying the completion of forming processes, heat treating and chemically treating parts. Sheet formed blanks, tubular blanks, extrusions and casting are traced through a manufacturing process from the time the parts are received. Metallurgical data relating to parts as received is recorded and marked on the parts. Forming data, heat treating data and chemical treating data may also be recorded by scanning and marking parts throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A statistical inventory management system may optimize inventory investment using historical usage and/or consumption of an inventory component by determining one or more target inventory levels (e.g., replenishment levels). Historical usage data may be summed for a plurality of at least partially non-overlapping time periods that may be each equal in duration to a supplier lead-time period for the component to create lead-time usage data. The lead-time usage data may be utilized to more accurately determine future inventory levels (e.g., target inventory levels) because the lead-time usage data may have a reduced variance compared to, for example, day-to-day usage. The inventory management system may be employable by a computing system having a display module (e.g., GUI) that allows a user to receive at least one graphical representation indicative of at least one target inventory level of at least one inventory component (e.g., by selectively interacting with the display module).

Abstract: A downtime calculator for a computer network system has a downtime request module, a user activity computation engine, and a downtime computation engine. The downtime request module receives attributes of a downtime request for the computer network system. The user activity computation engine determines activities of the computer network system based on geographic regions and local times of users accessing the computer network system. The downtime computation engine calculates a recommended downtime of the computer network system based on the attributes of the downtime request and user activities on the computer network system.

Abstract: An information processing device stores, in a storage device, command execution user data associating an attribute of a command with a name of a user entitled to execute the command. When execution of the command is requested, a service of the information processing device extracts, from the command execution user data, a name of a user entitled to execute the requested command and executes the command with the extracted user name.

Abstract: An implementation of a print job processing sub-system includes a first bundle configured for rendering print jobs for a first print device and a second bundle configured for rendering print jobs for a second print device. The sub-system also includes a regionally-aware component configured to direct print jobs to the first or second bundles.

Abstract: A management system for operation items used in manufacturing on a production line includes a module on which one of several production based operation items is storable as a header of a group list in relation to a manufacturing sub-system. For each production based operation item, at least one non-production based operation item is storable as a content of the corresponding group list, so that a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is provided in order to input them on a processing unit in a standard form. Since a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is permanently provided for each subsystem and their processes to be managed, a very simple and uniform/universal structure for management of all items can be advantageously obtained in a central way at the processing unit.

Abstract: A first embodiment is a method for semiconductor process control comprising clustering processing tools of a processing stage into a tool cluster based on processing data and forming a prediction model for processing a semiconductor wafer based on the tool cluster. A second embodiment is a method for semiconductor process control comprising providing cluster routes between first stage tool clusters and second stage tool clusters, assigning a comparative optimization ranking to each cluster route, and scheduling processing of wafers. The comparative optimization ranking identifies comparatively which cluster routes provide for high wafer processing uniformity.

Abstract: A method produces a pharmaceutical product using a manufacture execution system (MES), and an automation system, such as a batch system. The automation system is configured to drive and to monitor production machines located at a plant floor level. The method is characterized in that it communicatively couples the MES with the automation system, it receives at the MES from the automation system at least one event representative of a situation that has occurred at the plant floor level and relative to the machines, and it depends on the event received at the MES starting at least one workflow controlled by the MES.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing system and methods of using are provided. The modular manufacturing system includes a plurality of manufacturing heads that perform different manufacturing processes. These heads may include multi-axial machining heads, fiber placement heads including fiber tow and fiber tape lay-up heads. The heads are fixably attachable to a single positioning system that can manipulate the various heads along a plurality of different degrees of freedom relative to a tool or material blank.

Abstract: A method on a processor customizes a fixation plate for repairing a bone fracture. A digital CAD model of an implant contains smooth analytic geometry representations including NURBS. The CAD geometry is directly manipulated to generate a customized implant CAD model that conforms to the desired region of the bone surface of a patient. Direct manipulation of NURBS geometry is computationally fast and suitable for interactive planning. The patient specific customized implant is produced directly from the generated customized CAD model with a standard CNC machine before surgery. The patient customized implant is implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for automated repair of a machine component is provided. According to the proposed method, a first geometry of the component, including a damaged portion of the component, is digitalized. A trough is then machined over the damaged portion of the component. The machining is numerically controlled using digitalized geometrical data of the first geometry of the component. A second geometry of the component is then digitalized subsequent to the machining, the second geometry including the trough. Subsequently, a material is deposited over the trough. The deposition of the material is numerically controlled digitalized geometrical data of the second geometry of the component.

Abstract: A manufacturing execution system (MES) with virtual-metrology capabilities and a manufacturing system including the MES are provided. The MES is built on a middleware architecture (such as an object request broker architecture), and includes an equipment manager, a virtual metrology system (VMS), a statistical process control (SPC) system, an alarm manager and a scheduler. The manufacturing system includes a first process tool, a second process tool, a metrology tool, the aforementioned MES, a first R2R (Run-to-Run) controller and a second R2R controller.

Abstract: A defect analyzing method includes acquiring a position and a size of a defect obtained in a defect inspection of a semiconductor device and a waveform of a reflected light in a region which includes the defect, the waveform being obtained in an optical inspection; acquiring process step information which includes a plurality of process steps to manufacture the semiconductor device and a processing content per the process step; performing a process simulation of the semiconductor device based on the position and the size of the defect and the process step information; performing an optical simulation on a result of the process simulation thereby to generate a waveform of a reflected light; calculating a similarity degree between the acquired waveform of the reflected light and the generated waveform of the reflected light; and judging whether or not the calculated similarity degree exceeds a threshold value registered in advance.

Abstract: A method for importing data from a first system into a second system includes receiving configuration information about data storage structures in the first and second systems and information about communicating with the first and second systems. Information to be used in creating an import configuration file is entered via a user interface. The import configuration file is for use in preparing the second system to receive data from the first system. Based on the information about data storage structures, the information about communicating with the first and second systems, and the information entered via the user interface, the import configuration file is created to prepare the second system to receive data from the first system. Based on the import configuration file, data is transferred from the first system into the second system.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing system and methods of using are provided. The modular manufacturing system includes a plurality of manufacturing heads that perform different manufacturing processes. These heads may include multi-axial machining heads, fiber placement heads including fiber tow and fiber tape lay-up heads. The heads are fixably attachable to a single positioning system that can manipulate the various heads along a plurality of different degrees of freedom relative to a tool or material blank.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for collaboratively generating content from multiple users is described. This system may allow multiple users to create and maintain content that includes a complicated object, including linked spatial and text information, which can include dynamic spatial relationships between components in the complicated object. In particular, the system may receive one or more modifications to content associated with the complicated object from one or more users, and may provide signals to display the modified complicated object in a 3-d space or virtual environment on a display based at least in part on the cumulative modifications.

Abstract: A smart responsive electrical load (10) is operatively connectable to an electricity supply network (20). The smart responsive electrical load (10) comprises an electrical power-consuming device (30) and a control arrangement (40) for controlling a supply of electrical power from the network (20) to the device (30). The control arrangement (60, 110, 150, 160, 170) is operable to impose a variable time delay (tp) before supplying electrical power to the device (30) after a request for power to be provided to the device (30). The variable time delay (tp) is a function of a state of the network (20), for example its frequency (f) and/or its voltage amplitude (V). Optionally, the device (30) is a battery charger, for example for use with a rechargeable electric vehicle. Beneficially, the smart responsive load (10) is supplied with electrical power from a population of micro-generation devices (500) operable to provide supply network response.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method of remotely managing a vessel forming production line, the method comprising communicating from a remote data processing resource a plurality of consumer or event data to a controller, the controller controls a plurality of vessel forming stations having a plurality of shape forming operations and a plurality of non-shape forming operations, configuring each of the plurality of shape forming operations and the plurality of non-shape forming operations based in part on the plurality of consumer or event data to manufacture the shaped vessel, and manufacturing the shaped vessel. Other embodiments include completing a sales transaction resulting in generation of the plurality of consumer or event data, generating the plurality of consumer or event data based in part on the current status of an event, and decorating the shaped vessel based in part on the plurality of consumer or event data.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method for the customized, on-demand production of minted metal pieces or minted metal assemblies is presented herein. Particularly, the system includes an on-demand management system and data storage device comprising a plurality of selectable metal data and/or selectable housing data for ordering, customizing and the on-demand production of minted metal and/or housings thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates an automated mass production method, adapted for an automated mass production system in manufacturing at least an electronic device having a storage unit, the method includes steps of: determining a protocol type of the Auto Handler to select one of the agents; establishing a first communication protocol communication between the MP tool module and the selected agent; establishing a second communication protocol communication between the selected agent and the Auto Handler; the Auto Handler outputting a processing command to the selected agent; the selected agent converting the processing command into a MP tool module executable MP tool instruction; and the selected agent outputting the corresponding MP tool instruction to the MP tool module so as to have the MP tool module executed the MP tool instruction to automatically perform a corresponding mass production process to the electronic device.

Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.

Abstract: A factory control server stores module configuration data for modules. The modules include processes for producing a final product and have corresponding module requirements. The factory control server analyzes in real-time actual product output data that is generated by a final product tester after a factory produces at least one final product to determine whether the actual product output data meets an expected product output. The factory control server analyzes actual module data in real-time to determine a new module requirement to cause new actual product output data for a subsequent final product to meet the expected product output in response to a determination that the actual product output data does not meet the expected product output. The factory control server notifies a module controller in real-time of the new module requirement. The module controller changes parameters in real-time to manufacture the subsequent final product.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes: a plurality of processing devices capable of outputting processing information including a processing detail performed to a work; a processing tool capable of outputting backup information including a processing detail performed to the work; and a management device configured create management information by associating the processing information and the backup information with identification information identifying the work.

Abstract: An energy-saving optimizing program works closely with conventional process simulation programs by applying energy saving paradigms embodied in script files that may review data inherent in the simulation program to identify possible energy-saving opportunities. When the script files identify a possible energy savings, they may interact with the simulation program to evaluate the savings potential and present the same to a user. In this way opportunistic energy savings may be provided even for processes that resist close form global optimization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for process aware metrology are provided. One method includes selecting nominal values and one or more different values of process parameters for one or more process steps used to form the structure on the wafer, simulating one or more characteristics of the structure that would be formed on the wafer using the nominal values, and determining parameterization of the optical model based on how the one or more characteristics of the structure vary between at least two of the nominal values and the one or more different values.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical circuit includes measuring actual values of components of a given type that are held in a stock, and storing the measured actual values in a computerized stock-record. An actual property of an electrical circuit under assembly is determined. Based on the determined actual property, and on a specified response of the circuit, a required value is calculated for a set of one or more of the components of the given type. Responsively to the calculated required value, the stock-record is searched, and a set of one or more of the components is selected from the stock and assembled into the circuit.

Abstract: A method assembling parts uses a shim for filling a void between interfacing part surfaces. The surface profile of each of the part surfaces is determined and a digital volume is generated that substantially matches the void. A three dimensional digital representation of the shim is generated by mapping the part surface profiles onto the digital volume. The shim is fabricated using the three dimensional representation of the shim.

Abstract: A Mass Custom Manufacturing System and methods are provided. A single master file is created for a restoration (or multiple restorations for a single patient) from a scan. Copings/cores, abutments and other companion pieces are designed using the master file through a deconstruction method allowing for simultaneous CAM of those pieces. A centralized system controls design and manufacturing, allowing the system to “learn” from feedback from the CAM operations of prior pieces and incorporate such feedback into the design phase.

Abstract: The present specification provides a novel process platform that replaces paper-based work instructions and data collection used for manufacturing products. Specifically, the present specification provides a method and platform for performing automated testing of a product being manufactured. The process platform of the present invention may be deployed at multiple locations and be integrated with existing quality control systems. The process platform includes a plurality of pre-defined instructions and is programmed to execute these instructions automatically at different stages for performing desired quality checks on the product being manufactured at multiple manufacturing stages.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.