Abstract: The object of the invention is to facilitate the entry of a sensor node and the adoption of a protocol in the existing sensor network system effectively utilizing limited resources of radiocommunication. To achieve the object, the following are provided. A sensor node has a radiocommunication unit that transmits a measured value sensed by a sensor and an identifier of a sensor node as binary measured data. A base station has a radiocommunication controller that receives the measured data from the sensor node, a wire communication controller that transmits the received measured data to a server, a conversion definition information selector that selects conversion definition information corresponding to the identifier included in the measured data out of preset plural conversion definition information and a conversion engine that converts the binary measured data to measured data in a text format based upon the selected conversion definition information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented land planning system is designed to generate at least one conceptual fit solution to a user-defined land development problem. The system electronically creates at least one candidate solution to the land development problem. The candidate solution incorporates a number of engineering measurements applicable in development of an undeveloped land site. A fitness function quantitatively evaluates the candidate solution based on its fitness. A heuristic problem-solving strategy manipulates the engineering measurements of the candidate solution to achieve a more quantitatively fit solution to the land development problem. A computer output device outputs to a user documentation illustrating the fit solution to the land development problem.

Abstract: A system and method for designing stamping tools that produce parts of desired dimensions. The system and method compensate for post stamping deviations from the desired dimensions in the shape of the tools used to produce the parts. The compensated tools result in nearly ideal parts.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, and associated computer program products and systems, are disclosed for generating electronic data for use in planning the execution of a manufacturing process. The methods, generally, are used in the structural transformation of execution-level routings for manufacturing processes into planning-level routings. The methods applies various transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes alternative paths, and different transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes parallel paths. Planning modes are created in the case of alternative paths, and parallel paths generally do not cause multiple modes to be created. Parallel and alternative paths in a planning-level operation also has impacts on how the a planned duration formula is determined.

Abstract: Generating data used in planning the execution of a manufacturing process includes consistency checks that are performed on proposed groupings of manufacturing operations to make sure that the groupings are defined in a way that enables the information to be aggregated for use in planning. To do this, defined groupings are received for multiple execution-level manufacturing operations that are defined in a manufacturing process execution-level electronic data model and that define a process flow to produce a product. In one aspect, for each of the defined groupings, it is determined whether the defined grouping includes multiple occurrences of a process step definition that has multiple different defined alternative steps, and if so, the defined groupings are changed so that each defined grouping of the defined groupings has no more than a single occurrence of a process step definition that has multiple different defined alternative steps.

Abstract: A method for specifying a folding option for a print job includes displaying a file from the print job, after selection by a user for printing, the file comprising a legend, opening the file in a preview window, displaying markers in corners of the preview window, reading out a user selected marker, after selection of a displayed marker by a user, reading out a number of user set preprogrammed fold variables from a list of preprogrammed fold variables, and folding based on the user selected marker and the number of user set preprogrammed fold variables.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive design of a product includes the steps of identifying an ideal design solution by identifying an unnecessary design parameter having a predetermined significant influence on a variable design response and fixing a predetermined nominal value of the identified unnecessary design parameter at which the variable design response is a minimum and the product design is an uncoupled design or a decoupled design. The method also includes the steps of selecting a most robust ideal design solution from the identified ideal design solution that is the most uncoupled design or the most decoupled design. The method further includes the steps of optimizing the most robust ideal design solution to obtain a pareto-optimal design solution for use in the design of the product that includes a design parameter having an independent design response.

Abstract: The invention facilitates the creation of a control software for a data processing device of a specific automation system. The method generates a structure representation, describing a specific automation system, from a model structure representation which describes a general automation system. The model structure representation includes a structured representation of functional groups of the general automation system and the interconnections thereof and each functional group can be associated with one or several components of the specific automation system.

Abstract: A system and method for the modeling of biopharmaceutical batch process manufacturing facilities uses process time lines. The system employs an eleven-field delimited string code which specifies the unit identifier code and the iteration value for each of the ten levels of nested scheduling cycles of the biopharmaceutical drug production process being modeled. The method includes generating a process time line using operational parameters, a block flow diagram, and a set of scheduling cycles for each of a sequence of unit operations. The process time line is used as a tool for batch processing and facility design.

Abstract: An equivalent material constant calculation system that calculates an equivalent material constant of a structure constituted by a plurality of materials includes a shape data input portion that inputs shape data, a material data input portion that inputs material constant data, a dividing portion that divides the structure into a plurality of small regions, and a small region interior calculation portion that calculates equivalent material constants in the small regions, in which the small region interior calculation portion, based on the shape data and material constant data, with a function that includes a value in a variable that expresses a position in at least one direction in the small region, expresses an equivalent material constant for a region that is a portion of a small region, and using the function, calculates an equivalent material constant for the small region with respect to the at least one direction.

Abstract: A sequence design support system is used to support a design of a sequence control program which controls a flow path condition of a fluid in an apparatus and piping system which is constructed connecting apparatus such as a valve with piping and comprises a valve pattern plan generation unit which generates a valve pattern plan which is plan data showing the flow path condition per time step of the fluid in the apparatus and piping system from apparatus and piping system plan data which is plan data showing the apparatus and piping system and time chart sheet which is obtained defining the condition of the apparatus in the apparatus and piping system per time step.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a vehicle dealer and manufacturer to match dealer orders and manufacturing plant shipments easily and equitably are disclosed. The method significantly decreases processing time, saving valuable time, money, and manpower resources. An automated linear expression calculation for determining and balancing vehicle allocation allows for equitable balancing of manufacturing plant orders and efficient optimization. The linear expression calculation may be performed in an iterative series of steps. The linear expression calculation handles a plurality of attribute features, thereby accommodating a plurality of dealer requests and vehicle options. The linear expression calculation creates a matrix representing the plurality of attribute features, and with each iteration the values within the matrix are refined and optimized, with the resulting matrix representing an optimized and balanced allocation of manufacturing plant production orders among a plurality of manufacturing plants.

Abstract: A method to achieve perceived reliability for repairable systems including goal setting of different phases of the product life cycle. The method includes consideration of a plurality of product life cycle phases to determine a plurality of failure rate multipliers which are transformed to mean time between failures multipliers and normalized. Using these computed mean times between failures multipliers and a chosen level of customer use, the box-of-parts required mean time between failures level can be calculated. Also, the required mean time between failures for design, manufacturing, infant mortality, and service phase of product life cycle can be computed.

Abstract: An interactive method and apparatus are disclosed through which a fluid purification system operator inputs the system's parameters and the method then identifies one or more fluid purification equipment packages which will be optimized at the component level to the operator's specific requirements. The invention includes a relational database containing data on fluid purification equipment, the components thereof and ancillary equipment, and associated operational software to which the operator gains access through a computer and which then presents to the operator a series of questions relevant to gas purification equipment and system requirements. The questions are such that the responses elicited from the operator for each question determine what the successive questions will be and what optimal components will be identified. The software and databases may be in memory on the computer, embodied on CDs or DVDs run by the computer, or accessed through the Internet.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for virtually designing a medical device conformed for use with a specific patient. Using the system, a three-dimensional geometric model of a patient-specific body cavity or lumen is reconstructed from scanned volume images such as obtained x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), angiography or other imaging modalities. Knowledge of the physical properties of the cavity/lumen is obtained by determining the relationship between image density and the stiffness or elasticity of tissues in the body cavity or lumen and is used to model interactions between a simulated device and a simulated body cavity or lumen.

Abstract: A development department stores physical characteristic data concerning a product to be manufactured, such as shape and CAD data, in a database. Cost factor data are provided from a plurality of potential makers of the product. The cost factor data is stored in a database. Manufacturing costs are calculated for the respective makers based on the cost factor data, and then displayed. The provided information, the cost factor data stored in the databases, and the estimated manufacturing costs can be browsed through a network. Further, the cost factor data stored in the databases can be updated by the makers through the network.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automating a sequence of basic chemistry operations through a recipe. Software running on a workstation communicating with a controller allows an operator to operate the process controller, view the process, log the process, and maintain the recipe. The controller communicates with the process hardware and receives commands from the workstation, stores the commands, interprets the commands to perform the process, and provides monitoring information to the workstation. The workstation software uses a recipe to control the process. The recipe is expressed in terms of the process. The controller runs software routines for process control and for hardware control.

Abstract: A parts-combining method having high quality or yield for a product having a large number of parts. First entering an identification number group of nondefective completed products, a table of a product identification number group and a parts identification number group, a characteristic data group of parts A with respect to identification numbers of the parts A and a characteristic data group of parts B with respect to identification numbers of the parts B, and calculating a nondefective product space. Before a new product is manufactured, entering a characteristic data group of parts A with respect to identification numbers of the parts A and a characteristic data group of parts B with respect to identification numbers of the parts B, and conducting calculations on statistical distances and combinatorial computations between the parts. Finally outputting a combination table having the identification numbers of both the parts A and the parts B.

Abstract: An automatic digital-circuit design apparatus receives a control target model written in a design description language, generates a control target model represented by a finite state machine model, stores the generated control target model, receives a control specification model written in a design description language, generates a control specification model represented by a finite state machine model, stores the generated control specification model, generates a control apparatus synthesis model by composing the generated control target model and the generated control specification model, computes controllable simulation relation, stores the computed controllable simulation relation, determines whether the control apparatus synthesis model is a model capable of providing the control, generates a permissible operation model, stores the generated permissible operation model, determines a control rule, generates a control apparatus model represented by a finite state machine, and converts the control apparatus

Abstract: A specification plan of an order-made product suitable for a building structure plan is generated promptly. A WWW server 11 and a database server 12 are provided to the equipment designer's side. The database server 12 has a drawing database 9 that registers a CAD symbol for each product. A CAD symbol for each product includes: effective space information, which expresses a space to be secured for installation of the product; product name information expressing a name of the product; structure information expressing structural features (size, shape, etc.); product specification information; option data; etc. On the other hand, WWW server 11 has a symbol generation data interface 3, through which requirements specification data for an order-made product can be received from a WWW client terminal 2, and a CAD symbol of the order-made product can be taken out from the side of the WWW client terminal.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a reusable new product planning model is provided. The method includes gathering historical demand data for products in a product set and determining a launch period for the products, the historical demand data broken down by time periods. For each of the time periods, the method includes determining a transition percentage for each of the products, grouping the transition percentages by respective launch-based time periods, and averaging the transition percentages, resulting in an averaged transition range. The method further includes calculating fast and slow transition ranges for each of the launch-based time periods. The method further includes developing a production plan for a new product by applying one of the transition ranges to the new product before product launch, and allocating a remaining demand percentage to existing products in the product set using the selected transition range and for a corresponding launch-based time period.

Abstract: An estimation system for estimating an injection-molding related cost comprises an input unit, storage, a data processing unit, and an output unit. The storage stores a mold estimation function for each of cost items of a mold used to produce a molded product, and a mold estimation reference value table for recording mold estimation reference values in association with prescribed conditions. The data processing unit acquires a fabrication condition of the molded product through the input unit, reads the mold estimation function and one of the mold estimation reference values from the storage corresponding to the fabrication condition, and estimates a cost of the mold based on the mold estimation function and the selected mold estimation reference value. The output unit outputs a mold cost estimation result made by the data processing unit.

Abstract: A manufacturing process control apparatus that controls a manufacturing process divided into a plurality of steps that are controlled by a plurality of user terminals, comprising transmitting means that, when conditions for the execution of one step of said plurality of steps are met, transmits to the user terminal that controls said one step information to the effect that said step can be started, and receiving means that, when said one step of the plurality of steps is complete, receives from the user terminal that controls said one step information to the effect that said one step is complete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comprehensive front-end method and system for automatically generating and processing photomask orders. This method and system includes two separate, but related software components. The first software component of the present invention is used to generate a photomask order in a specified format. The second software component of the present invention processes at least a portion of the photomask order (which was generated using the first software component) into a substantially ready-to-write jobdeck file and/or a substantially ready-to-write inspection file, which in turn is transferred to a remote photomask manufacturer's system to manufacture a photomask. These software components can be installed as separate programs on a computer system or operate as a single software package performing multiple functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic retrieval of engineering data from installations. The engineering and runtime objects are described by a uniform object model. This allows the correspondence between engineering objects and runtime objects to be determined at object level and no information is lost as a result of the mapping. In addition, a direct communication between engineering and runtime objects can take place, which can be utilized when the method is carried out.

Abstract: A method of generating a manufacturing process for producing an assembly and a computer system or systems implementing the method. The method generally includes the steps of: designing at least one assembly to be produced having at least two components to be engaged to one another such that the area where the components are to be engaged thereby defines at least one contact area; generating a representation, typically a three-dimensional representation, of the assembly; assigning a unique identifier to each individual component of the assembly or, when a group of more than one identical components is utilized in the assembly, assigning identical unique identifiers to each component of the group, thereby identifying each component as identical; assigning manufacturing instructions to the contact area; and generating manufacturing instructions for the manufacturing process based at least in part on the identifier and the contact area.

Abstract: A dynamic planning method (DPM) generates a DPM project planning model. The DPM project planning model provides an activity pre-structured process model for activities of a DPM project plan. The DPM project planning model also provides a relationship pre-structured model for activity time precedence relationships of the DPM project plan. The DPM project planning model is dynamically adjusted to generate a DPM project plan, whereby reliability buffers are associated with one or more activities of the plan. Time precedence relationships are associated with the reliability buffers and with the activities. A variety of DPM simulation outputs are also generated. The DPM simulation outputs provide a comparison of the DPM project plan with conventional project plans generated by conventional project planning models.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a progressive lens is disclosed. The method includes modifying a reference progressive lens design having a peripheral design which is suitable for a wearer and design features with known values. The modification of the reference progressive lens design provides a new progressive lens design in which at least one of the design features have been customized according to the wearer's preference. The new progressive lens design has substantially the same peripheral design as the reference progressive lens design.

Abstract: By providing a detailed hierarchical structure for an APC algorithm and by dynamically adapting a hierarchical level in this structure, an efficient utilization of controller data is ensured, while at the same time a large number of process conditions may be taken into consideration without requiring a re-design of the hierarchical structure.

Abstract: A method is provided of embedding tooling control data within a mechanical fixture design to enable programmable logic control verification simulation. The method includes the steps of constructing at least one of a mechanical fixture design, a workcell design, and a controls design. The method also includes the steps of executing a virtual programmable logic control (VPLC) simulation with a VPLC verification simulator to verify the at least one of the mechanical fixture design, the workcell design, and the controls design.

Abstract: There is provided a method for determining an interference between a first physical part and a second part in an assembly of manufactured parts. The method comprises: acquiring three-dimensional digital data representing the first physical part; forming a virtual representation of the first physical part using the digital data; placing the virtual representation of the first physical part and a virtual representation of the second part in a common reference frame, the second part corresponding to one of a second physical part and a nominal part; and determining the interference between the first physical part and the second part using the virtual representation of the first physical part and the virtual representation of the second part.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a location to perform a process are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives tool data defining a tool including its location within a manufacturing facility and process data defining a process for assembling at least a portion of a vehicle. The system stores the tool data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the tool data satisfies a selected process definition. The system outputs a representation of the tool's location along a first axis, a representation of the process along a second axis, and a representation relative to the first axis and the second axis indicating that the tool satisfies the process if the tool data satisfies the process definition thereby enabling a user to select a location to perform the process.

Abstract: A plurality of artifacts, in a plurality of repositories, are maintained under revision control. A plurality of artifact tuples, in another repository, are maintained under revision control. At least one first artifact tuple comprise first information providing access to at least one of the artifacts. At least one second artifact tuple comprises second information providing access to at least one other artifact tuple. Each of the artifact tuples are associated with at least one of a plurality of product development processes. An apparatus comprises a plurality of repositories, each maintaining under revision control a plurality of artifacts and another repository that maintains under revision control a plurality of artifact tuples. A workflow process is adapted to allow users to associate each of the artifact tuples with at least one of a plurality of product development processes.

Abstract: A system and method for the simulation and modeling of biopharmaceutical batch process manufacturing facilities using process time lines is described herein. The system employs an eleven-field delimited string code which specifies the unit identifier code and the iteration value for each of the ten levels of nested scheduling cycles of the biopharmaceutical drug production process being modeled. The method includes generating a process time line using operational parameters, a block flow diagram, and a set of scheduling cycles for each of a sequence of unit operations. The process time line is used as a tool for batch processing and facility design.

Abstract: Managing attribute information to provide output for other applications (e.g., applications for generating manufacturing instructions) may involve identifying attribute information associated with instances of a selected item type (e.g., parts fasteners). For example, in the case of fasteners, each of the instances of the selected item type is associated with a common part or product. The instances of the selected item type may then be sorted into initial groups based on grouping criteria such as part ID number, etc. Proximity rules may then be applied to the sorted instances. Applying proximity rules to the sorted instances may include grouping the instances into groups depending on whether or not have common relationships with other items. For example, in the case of fasteners, the proximity rules may involve determining whether each fastener passes through the same set of solids and/or shares common attributes.

Abstract: A design supporting system includes a unit that acquires, from a component design supporting program which is executed in a client terminal, component design information including volume information indicative of a volume of a designed component, a unit that generates list information that is indicative of a list of names of usable materials for the component classification corresponding to the designed component, and sends the list information to the client terminal, an acquisition unit that acquires, from the material database, controlled substance information corresponding to the material name that is selected from the list information by the client terminal, a unit that calculates a content of the controlled substance that is included in the designed component when the material of the selected material name is applied to the designed component, and a unit that outputs the calculated content of the controlled substance as evaluation information of the designed component.

Abstract: Configuration of a business program in a business system is modified by a managing computer using a script. Upon deployment of the business program, at least one business computer compatible with operating conditions of the business program is selected by performing a lookup on a first set of data. Programs prerequisite for the business program is searched for by performing a lookup on a second set of data. Differences in business system configuration information between pre-modification configuration and post-modification configuration of the business system are determined with respect to the business program and the programs prerequisite for the business program. Some of the plurality of script components required to apply the differences to the configuration of the business system is obtained, and arranged in an order determined on the basis of the prerequisite information, to compose the script. The business program is deployed to the at least one business computer by executing the composed script.

Abstract: A design data management program directs a computer to perform a procedure of converting design data generated at a designing side to a data format applicable to a production side and transmitting the data to the production side, and a procedure of converting the data to data described in a predetermined language and storing the data in the storage device when a notification of a change of the design data is received from the production side.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated creation of a pricing schedule comprising steps and an implementation for providing a set of plans created with a software design tool and a palette of parametric symbols corresponding to respective plan elements. At least one symbol corresponding to a plan element is inserted into the plans. A cost value for each of the inserted symbols is calculated corresponding to respective plan elements. A schedule is created including the total cost for all the inserted symbols corresponding to respective plan elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling ahead in a process flow for a manufacturing domain entity are disclosed. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a triggering event defined for a current process operation on the manufacturing domain entity; and scheduling the target process operation upon expiration of a timed offset from the detection of the triggering event responsive to the detection thereof, the timed offset being defined for the target process operation scheduling. In various aspects, the apparatus includes a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, perform such a method and a computer programmed to perform such a method. In still other aspects, the apparatus includes a process flow implementing such a method.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an engineered object comprising an estimate generator, layout drawing generator, and design generator. The estimate generator generates a cost estimate based on a request for proposal defining the engineered object. The layout drawing generator generates a layout drawing based on the request for proposal. The design generator generates, based on an order and a proposal, an object design comprising an assembly specification, a detail specification, and machine control files. The proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the layout drawing. The order is generated based on the proposal. Manufactured components are generated based on the machine control files. Subassemblies are generated from the manufactured components and the procured components based on the detail specifications. The engineered object is generated based on the subassemblies and the assembly specifications.

Abstract: A method of optimizing production of semiconductor devices on a wafer comprises steps of characterizing at least one effect of at least one manufacturing component on at least one optimization criterion; inputting user optimization data; and, based on the at least one effect and the user optimization data, performing optimization to determine a layout of semiconductor devices on the wafer that optimizes performance according to the user optimization data.

Abstract: A method, system and medium of automation performed on a semiconductor manufacturing tool. The method creates a designed set of experiments for the tool and runs the created set of experiments. The method also collects data resulting from running the experiments and creates a model based on the collected data. The created model is used in automatically controlling the tool.

Abstract: A computer-implemented-ergonomic system for designing manufacturing workstations is provided. The system includes a data store for storing a plurality of workstation templates. Each workstation template includes parameters for a particular type of manufacturing workstation. Additionally, the system provides a data store for storing vehicle data indicative of a vehicle to be manufactured in the workstation. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a configuration subsystem adaptive to receive vehicle data and at least one workstation template and operative to configure the workstation template for the vehicle. Additionally, the system provides a data store for storing ergonomic design rules that govern a design of a manufacturing workstation. The system further includes an evaluation subsystem adaptive to receive the ergonomic design rules in data communication with the configuration subsystem.

Abstract: A computer implemented management domain for controlling the production of low volume advanced technology articles of manufacture is provided. The management domain includes an information library, an integrated manufacturing intelligence, and an interrogation network which includes a plurality of analyzers. The information library includes a plurality of databases, each of which include objects of an object schema. Objects of the object schema of any one database are linked or linkable to dependent objects of objects of an object schema of another of the databases. The integrated manufacturing intelligence includes a plurality of processors for processing data of the databases. Each analyzer of the plurality of analyzers executable with regard to an advanced technology article of manufacture and/or any object of the objects of said object schema of the databases.

Abstract: To provide a fan selection device capable of selecting a fan using a small amount data prepared in advance and also using simple computations. A required ventilation flow quantity is computed by computing means 4 when predicted total electric power consumption and a predicted air temperature rise are entered into a predetermined computational expression. Parameter range determining means 5 determines a parameter range of a proper flow quantity ratio necessary for cooling. Required flow quantity computing means 7 computes a minimum required flow quantity and a maximum required flow quantity by dividing the required ventilation flow quantity by the upper and lower limit values of the parameter range of the proper flow quantity ratio, respectively.

Abstract: An ordering apparatus receives unit information for specifying units constituting a composite apparatus to be ordered. The ordering apparatus creates composite state information for specifying a composite state of units based on the received unit information, according to a predetermined rule. Meanwhile, the composite apparatus recognizes unit information for specifying units constituting itself, and creates composite state information based on the recognized unit information, according to the same rule as the above rule. Then, the composite state information created by the ordering apparatus and the composite state information created by the composite apparatus are compared. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a managing system capable of appropriately managing a complicated composite apparatus at the time of ordering, shipment, setup, subsequent maintenance, etc.

Abstract: Method, system and program product for planning production for complementary demands are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining complementary demand values including at least one daily going rate (DGR) demand and a service demand; running a first planning production model in which the at least one DGR demand is included and the service demand is excluded; and running a second planning production model in which DGR related variables are fixed to values determined in the first planning production model and the service demand is included. Demands that are only considered by one of the planning production models are considered complementary demands.

Abstract: A method for designing a PAB door for an invisible airbag provided to a passenger-side seat of a vehicle includes defining levels of a noise factor depending on a process condition of laser scoring for forming a tearseam on an inner surface of an instrument panel. Control factors and levels of each control factor are defined that affect stress distribution and deformation rate of the tearseam. A combination is arranged that includes levels of the control factors according to an experimental design, inputting each noise factor to each combination and measuring a minimum impulse ‘X’ that is able to tear the tearseam, and a maximum impulse ‘Z’ that is unable to tear the tearseam in the case of a head impact. The level of each control factor is selected based on the measured minimum impulse ‘X’ and the measured maximum impulse ‘Z’.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing a cascading timeline of manufacturing events leading to completion of a manufactured product is disclosed. A cascading timeline, or waterfall chart, is updated and distributed weekly to provide week-to-week analysis for supply increase activities, week to week analysis for excess inventory solutions and consolidation of supply issue factor by product by week.