Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for automated fatigue and structural analysis of a structural element. The method, system and computer program product consolidate and manage the fatigue and structural analysis tools and are responsive to user requests for fatigue and structural analysis of elements based upon user-provided information regarding the element. As such, the appropriate fatigue and structural analysis tools are automatically selected and run, and the output of the tools is automatically evaluated to provide immediately useful fatigue and structural analysis results to the user without requiring further manual input. Thus, people without specialized training can quickly obtain fatigue and structural analysis results for an element. In addition, because the fatigue and structural analysis tools are integrated, the tools may be accessed from remote locations via a computer network.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit that has at least one roller cone and a plurality of cutting elements, including selecting initial bit design parameters. Drilling simulations are then used to determine wear, and the simulated drill bit is changed to reflect the determined wear. Then, at least one design parameter is adjusted. The simulation, determination, change of the simulated drill bit, and adjustment may be repeated until at least one performance parameter of the drill bit is optimized. A drill bit can be designed using such a method.

Abstract: The field of view of a sensor mounted on a satellite (or other spacecraft) is obscured by various objects, such as celestial bodies and the satellite's own solar panels. A method is disclosed for visualizing and quantifying, with respect to time, variations in the portions of the sensor's field of view that are obscured. The graphical output of a satellite systems analysis program, which features high-resolution, three-dimensional, animated images of spacecraft, celestial bodies and other objects in the space environment, is utilized. The graphical output is simplified to only a few colors to differentiate only background and irrelevant objects from relevant objects. Differentiation is also made, using different colors, in representation of those portions of the field of view that overlap relevant (obscuring) objects from the remainder of the field of view which is unobscured. By counting pixels of the respective colors, frame-by-frame during animation, the percentage of obscuration over time is quantified.

Abstract: A computer assisted method is disclosed for making an optimized layout of a manufacturing cell to be used, for example, to locate, hold and process workpieces, such as in robotic welding of an assembly of stamped sheet metal parts. The items to be processed and employed in the cell are identified by physical structure and kinematic characteristics and given an initial location to start the process. Further movements of the parts toward attraction points and away from repelling points are evaluated on the computer by an optimization program to arrive at an optimized cell layout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating electronic impacts or shots of fired shots in a shooting range for sportsmen and for hunter training. The target to be shot at is provided as a light spot and is projected onto a target wall (1) via a light source in such a way that said target can move in all directions. An infrared camera (7) records the shooting image on the target wall (1) for evaluating the impact. The aim of the invention is to increase accuracy and reduce the evaluation time. Target co-ordinates arm detected while the target is being provided. Said target coordinates arm compared to the impact co-ordinates obtained by means of the impact evaluation. An impact is signalled when an impact falls short of a given divergence.

Abstract: A computer numerical control (CNC) code-simulating system includes a number of client computers (6), a server (1), and a database (2). The database stores all information used and generated by the system. The client computers provide user interfaces enabling users to timely view information on machining of workpieces. The server is connected to a production management system (5), and is used for: obtaining turret information and machining paths of tools from the database; generating CNC code files according to the turret information and the machining paths of tools; constructing figurations of the tools according to parameters of the tools recorded in the CNC code files; simulating machining of the workpieces according to the figurations, the machining paths and of the tools and the turret information; and exporting relevant production management information to the production management system to generate statements for controlling of machining processes. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of designing a component that vibrates in use, comprising the steps of, repeatedly: a) analysing (20) a component design to determine a critical vibration mode of the component, wherein the critical vibration mode is the vibration mode at which stress in the component design is maximal; and then b) varying (30, 32) the component design to reduce the stress in the component at the critical vibration mode.

Abstract: A simulated steering feel system 10 for use in a vehicle, Laboratory Simulator, or entertainment device employs a servo disk motor 14. The servo disk motor 14 is utilized to import improved torque feedback to a steering wheel or input device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a joint simulator for duplicating the biomechanical properties of body segments with joints.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit in an earth formation, including defining parameters for a simulation of the drill bit drilling in earth formation, where the parameters comprise at least bit design parameters; executing the defined simulation; obtaining radial forces resulting from the executing of the defined simulation; applying a criterion to the obtained radial forces; and adjusting one of the at least bit design parameters in response to the applying of the criteria.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a cutting arrangement for a drill bit includes selecting a cutting element arrangement for the drill bit and calculating a score for the cutting arrangement. This method may be used to evaluate the cutting efficiency of various drill bit designs. In one example, this method is used to calculate a score for an arrangement based on a comparison of an expected bottomhole pattern for the arrangement with a preferred bottomhole pattern. The use of this method has lead to roller cone drill bit designs that exhibit reduce tracking over prior art bits.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to receive a selection of a center of motion for an assembly of computer aided design (CAD) models of a mechanical design and a selection of a component of the assembly associated with the selected center of motion. Once the selections are received, a range of motion for the component is determined. Then, the computer instructions operate to receive a selection of an origin for a grid pattern, where the grid pattern is automatically generated based upon the determined range of motion. This automatically generated grid pattern is automatically displayed at the selected origin. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions is embodied in a distribution storage medium.

Abstract: A model creation unit creates a three-dimensional optical model in which one or more optical components are disposed on an optical path extending from a light source to an image forming position. For creating optical axis models in the three-dimensional optical model, an optical axis auto-creation unit figures out behaviors of beams of light on the basis of predetermined set parameters. The optical axis auto-creation unit provides a display of the behaviors of beams of light in the three-dimensional optical model, for verification, and further provides a print output of letters or the like created by use of the model.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling rooms or chambers in a structure for intuitive and accurate estimation of process parameters (e.g., material and labor costs for performing the process) associated with the rooms. A graphical user interface to an estimation program enables an estimator to insert a model of a room and thereafter morph and mold the model to approximate the room undergoing estimation. The model is represented as a polyhedron having a plurality of planes that may be assigned attributes such as floors, walls and ceilings. During the morphing process, the modified and other affected planes of the polyhedron are continually revised to maintain the integrity of the closed volume represented,by the polyhedron.

Abstract: A method for crack propagation simulation in which a definition of a three-dimensional structure and of an initial crack are provided, a cut of the structure along a crack propagation is calculated, a new crack front is determined by determining stress values by a finite element calculation and by using a crack propagation function. The propagated crack is then triangulated, and the aforementioned steps are repeated until a predetermined end condition is fulfilled.

Abstract: A recycling analyzing system comprising: a standard operation time memory which stores standard time for disassembling operation of each component beforehand; an operation time memory which stores time for disassembling operation of each component to be disassembled; an operation time counting unit which counts the time for disassembling operation time of each component constituting the item to be recycled, and stores them in the operation time memory; and a difficult operation extracting unit which refers to the standard time stored in the standard operation time memory, and the time for disassembling operation of each component stored in the operation time memory, and extracts disassembling operations which is difficult.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of simulating an indoor behavior of a pesticidal compound, and aims to provide a simulation method which can process simultaneous differential equations necessary for simulation accurately in a short time, and to evaluate safety of the compound with respect to a human body. The simulation method includes a step of dividing an indoor environment into predetermined media and forming a differential equation concerning a fugacity of the compound in each of the media; a step of determining the fugacity of the compound in each of the media from the differential equation; a step of determining the indoor behavior of the compound from the fugacity of the compound in each of the media; a step of changing, in response to a fluctuation in mass balance of the compound indoors, a minute time unit used when solving the differential equation; and a step of evaluating, according to the indoor behavior of the compound, safety of the compound with respect to the human body.

Abstract: A method for generating a three-dimensional mesh for a structure to be subjected to three-dimensional structural finite element analysis entails the steps of providing a triangulation of the surface of said structure, providing a master mesh encompassing said structure, processing, by performing at least one of the steps of cutting and remeshing, at least those elements of the master mesh that are intersected by said triangulation such that the elements internal to said structure correspond to elements of said three-dimensional mesh each having a first predetermined topological property, and discarding elements of the master mesh external to said structure. The three-dimensional meshes are generated in a fully or at least partially automated fashion. The generated three-dimensional meshes have good properties for the subsequent finite element calculations.

Abstract: Detecting poor data quality for a sensor includes obtaining measurement data for the sensor, determining a plurality of data quality indicators using the measurement data, combining the data quality indicators into a single scalar value, and determining if the single scalar value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Combining the data quality indicators may include, for each of the data quality indicators, squaring a difference between the measurement data for the sensor and the mean for each of the data quality indicators and dividing the result thereof by the variance to provide a partial value, wherein the single scalar value is the sum of all of the partial values. Detecting poor data quality may include providing a 1×n array of mean values for the data quality indicators, wherein there are n data quality indicators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional shape data in analytic surface expression form by using polygonal shape data. In the polygonal shape data, at least a portion of a shape is approximated by a combination of a plurality of polygons. A set of polygons is generated from the polygonal shape data, each of the polygons satisfying a predetermined selection criterion. An analytic surface is fitted in place of the obtained set of polygons. The step of fitting is repeated by obtaining another set of polygons until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for designing high performance products incorporating signal processing and feedback control is disclosed. In one embodiment, a block diagram may be used for a design cycle, for design optimization, or for design estimation. The block diagram contains a set of differential equations or difference equations, and the solution of these sets of equations may be performed by commercially available software tools. In order to utilize the software tools without requiring access to source code or other descriptions of the internal structure of the tools, the system is decomposed using the technique of waveform relaxation. The decomposition using waveform relaxation operates directly to speed up the computations for the block diagram system. The remaining interprocessor communications may be held pending until the end of each iteration's calculations in each block, allowing the software tools to be executed on independent multiple processors.

Abstract: An operation confirming method capable of making, in order to enhance an operation program correction efficiency, an operation path at an operation confirming time (teaching mode) identical with that at an actual job time (play mode) as much as possible; and a control device therefor. The method comprises the steps of inputting respective shaft operation instruction values (&ohgr;j) based on an actual operation speed to a mechanical simulator-carrying low-speed instruction converter (7), and instructing to a servo controller unit (4) a quantity (&ohgr;ij) (=&ohgr;sj/P), obtained by dividing an output (&ohgr;sj) from the mechanical simulator by a specified positive real number P at the low-speed instruction converter, as respective shaft operation values N times (N; maximum natural number not exceeding the real number P).

Abstract: A composite design optimization process for designing a laminate part includes steps for generating a globally optimized 3-D ply definition for a laminate part, optimizing the 3-D ply definition at the individual tow level, subsequently generating a feedback signal providing tow specific information, and modifying the 3-D ply and 3-D tow definition responsive to the feedback signal. A laminate part constructed using a composite design optimization process and a composite design optimization system used in designing a laminate part, comprising circuitry for generating globally optimized 3-D ply and 3-D tow definitions for a laminate part are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting timing of future service events of a product. A database contains a plurality of service information and performance information for the product. A statistical analyzer analyzes the plurality of processed service information to determine a plurality of compartment failure information. A performance deterioration rate analyzer analyzes the performance deterioration rate of the product from the plurality of service information and performance information. A simulator, simulates a distribution of future service events of the product according to the plurality of compartment failure information and the performance deterioration rate analysis.

Abstract: A method of simulating a behavior of a mechanism on the basis of description data using a hybrid model. The description data is parsed to extract a description of continuous system equations, a description of switching of the continuous system equations upon state transition, and a description of an additional process other than any process relating to the continuous system equations. A simulation of the behavior of the mechanism is executed, wherein an activated continuous system equations is solved by numerical integration. The additional process is executed in response to occurrence of an event which may integrally be managed with other events relating to the continuous system equations.

Abstract: A second piston includes a first protruding portion that protrudes toward a first piston and a second protruding portion that protrudes toward a stopper. By changing a height of the first protruding portion and a height of the second protruding portion it is possible to adjust both a stroke S1 and a stroke S2, and an overall stroke. Further, it is possible to independently change the respective heights of the protruding portions using a cutting process.

Abstract: A method for calculating using a digital computer an approximation of properties of a concrete sandwich panel. The method allows for a manufacturer of concrete sandwich panels to design sandwich panels using a range of available components to meet architectural specifications.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and analyzing a paper manufacturing process, is disclosed in which a large number of quantities (xi, t) are measured from the process, the measured quantities (xi, t) are entered as an input vector ({overscore (X)}, t) into a neural network, which, in response to the input vector, produces an output vector ({overscore (Y)}, t) as a continuous quantity, at least one fingerprint consistent with a good process situation in regard of runnability, i.e. an optimal output vector ({overscore (Y)}o, t) is determined and stored in memory, the stored fingerprints and fingerprints or output vectors obtained in a normal process situation are compared substantially in real time, and based on the comparison, a difference to be presented in a graphic form to the user is determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simulation of a welding process using integrated models which are interconnected by an interconnection tool to determine stresses and distortions of a material being welded. The method and apparatus includes determining a model of a geometry of a set of materials to be welded, defining a set of coordinates of elements and nodes of the geometry model for a finite element analysis mesh, delivering the finite element analysis mesh coordinates to a thermal analysis model, the thermal analysis model including an analytical solution model and a finite element analysis model, and determining a thermal analysis of the welding process, the thermal analysis responsively providing a thermal history of the welding process. The method and apparatus further includes delivering the thermal history of the welding process to a structural analysis model, and providing a structural analysis of the welding process as a function of the thermal history.

Abstract: A method for simulating the dynamic response of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. Methods for simulating drilling tool assemblies may be used to generate a visual representation of drilling, to design drilling tool assemblies, and to optimize the drilling performance of a drilling tool assembly. One method for designing a drilling tool assembly includes simulating a dynamic response for the drilling tool assembly, adjusting a value of at least one drilling tool assembly design parameter, and repeating the simulating. The method further includes repeating the adjusting and the simulating until at least one drilling performance parameter is determined to be at an optimum value. One method for optimizing at least one drilling operating parameter for a drilling tool assembly includes simulating a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly, adjusting the value of at least one drilling operating parameter, and repeating the simulating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating a surface quality of a simulated stamping which includes the steps of obtaining a CAD model of a desired part, calculate and display at least one image of true reflect line on the CAD model, obtaining a blank mesh representative of the part before the part is formed, and processing the blank mesh with a springback simulation software to obtain a deformed finite element analysis springback blank. True reflect lines are then calculated and displayed on the deformed FEA springback blank, and the reflect lines are compared with the true reflect lines on the CAD model to determine variance of the deformed springback blank with the CAD model.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the optimum control parameter values for a screw joint tightening process carried out by a power wrench which is controlled by a programmable control system utilizing the determined parameter values. The control system is provided with screw joint tightening characteristic parameter values and operation parameter values characteristic of the actually used power wrench. The tightening process is mathematically simulated by using the screw joint and power wrench characteristic parameter values as well as pre-chosen operation control parameter values. And the result of the simulated tightening process is evaluated in view of predetermined evaluation criteria, thereby determining the suitable operation control parameter values to be used during production tightening of the actual type of screw joint.

Abstract: A method of determining thermal performance of a condenser and a condensing unit within a cooling system includes selecting the condenser and the condensing unit from a condensing unit database. A compressor is selected from a compressor database based on at least one of capacity, electrical characteristics and refrigerant flowing through the cooling system. Simulation points for the cooling system are determined and condensing unit characteristics and compressor characteristics are processed based on user-specified simulation points to provide thermal performance data for the condenser or condensing unit.

Abstract: A method and system estimates manufacturing costs for conventional and advanced materials and processes based on a process-oriented approach. A computer system comprises an input display for selecting one or more designs and one or more design parameters. Cost models are based upon process-oriented manufacturing cost estimates for a plurality of designs utilizing materials and manufacturing of processes. Software is programmed to receive selected designs and selected design parameters from the input display and pass the selected designs and design parameters to the cost models. An output display shows the manufacturing costs estimated by the cost models for the selected designs and design parameters. A manufacturing process flow simulation model highlights and quantifies the magnitude of the manufacturing process cost drivers.

Abstract: A GUI unit displays a model representing a three-dimensional form and a moving unit according to the information stored in a part information storage unit, and couples models of arbitrary moving units by a dragging operation using a mouse, etc., thereby specifying a moving unit and a subordinately moving unit. Furthermore, it displays the binding condition of each moving unit and the direction of the propagation of an interlock movement, and extracts and displays with high intensity a shape for determination of a geometric binding condition.

Abstract: Systems for implementing methods for generating platform location sets comprising selecting a set of platform locations; determining additional platform locations to add to the set of platform locations; validating the additional platform locations, and determining an optimum location for each platform location in the set of platform locations.

Abstract: A method for selecting a parts kit detail for the installation of a pressure transducer on a container such as a pipeline or a vessel, the container for containing a fluid material, the method including two steps. The first step is to establish at least two different installation categories, each such different installation category being defined by the properties of the fluid material. The second step is to establish at least two different parts kit details, at least two of such different parts kit details being applicable to the different installation categories.

Abstract: A method for determining a model for a welding simulation, and the associated model. The method includes the steps of determining a history annihilation model of a material being welded, determining a strain hardening model of the material being welded, determining a three-dimensional virtual elements detection model of the material being welded, and incorporating the above models into a constitutive model for the welding simulation.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A strength distribution diagram 33 of selected building structural components, which are selected from a virtual three-dimensional model of building structural components of a building structure created by a CAD program, is constructed on a plane. Stress values of the building structural components arranged in the strength distribution diagram 33 are computed based on stress computational data of the building structural components consistent with attributes of the building structural components. A plurality of strength level display modes is provided for each building structural component, and strength of each building structural component is indicated with a predetermined color based on the computed stress value.

Abstract: An improved conical panoramic mirror element design is disclosed such that the panoramic vertical field of view is not fixed and the image covers at least 90% of the toroidal image pixels of an imaging device. The data required to prescribe the panoramic conical element includes the position of the detector device, the most negative vertical scene angle, the most positive vertical scene angle, the panoramic cone's base diameter, the cone's apex to base ratio. These are utilized according to a mathematical prescription that optimizes the mirror element's design.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronic warfare signal simulation which is used in an external test system to simultaneously test a plurality of “victim” communication systems for vulnerability to jamming. The test system includes a remote radiator of a signal free of jamming effects, and a remote radiator of one or more radio frequency control signals which represent one or more predetermined jamming threats in the low and mid bands.

Abstract: The changed state of a shape of a transformable element of each part is preregistered to a library in an assembly simulation. When two parts collide with each other, the changed state of the element is selected according to an interference condition such as a material, a direction in which force is applied, etc., and the interference between parts is verified based on the selected shape after being changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for simulating a security checkpoint. While the present invention is presented in the context of an airport, the simulation may be easily adapted for any type of security checkpoint at any location. Specifically, the present invention provides a model that evaluates the time costs of security measures related to checking-in baggage, screening passengers, and screening the passengers' carry-ons. The model is robust to allow changes in security configurations, schemes, devices, and personnel. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a security demand model.

Abstract: The ability to perform Assembly/Disassembly analysis of one or more components of the geometric model (e.g., a CAD model) of a multi-component assembly is helpful for design, construction and tear-down, maintenance (in-place and replacement), and reuse/recycling of the assembly. To facilitate assembly and disassembly analysis of geometric models, methods have been developed which allow generating, editing, validating and animating/digitizing assembly/disassembly sequences and directions for 3D geometric models, e.g., CAD models. These methods allow assembly/disassembly analysis to be performed based on non-contact geometric reasoning (i.e., spatial reasoning rather than contact reasoning) to determine an optimal non-interfering sequence (a valid sequence) to disassemble/assemble the modeled components.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building comprises the use of plastic foam pieces to form the building shape. The inner and outer surfaces of the foam are coated with glass fiber reinforced concrete to form a composite building. The invention discloses how to perform a finite element analysis using a computer on the composite building. Such an analysis allows this non-traditional building to be analyzed and permitted for construction by local building authorities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus evaluates the runability of a photomask inspection tool that inspects plural sets of die, each die having a standard simulated industrial device feature at plural technology nodes. A technology node size is determined for each feature at which inspection by the tool provides no false detection of faults. A sensitivity module included on a photomask test plate along with a runability module allows determination of inspection tool sensitivity and runability in a single test sequence.

Abstract: An electronic device for processing image data, particularly image data pertaining to medical procedures, includes a user interface with force feedback (4) corresponding to tool reactions, a “collision” module (18) for estimating a point of intersection between a straight line embodying a displacement derived from the action of the tool and a surface mesh of a given object, and an internal forces module (16) which estimates internal forces exerted on nodes of a first part of at least a volume mesh of the object, on the basis of a displacement applied on nodes pertaining to the surface mesh containing a point of intersection, of boundary conditions, and of node tensors and link tensors, from matrices of rigidity, and a reaction module (20) for determining the reaction force of the object corresponding to its deformation estimated on the basis of the internal forces, such that the force generated by the user interface (4) is balanced by reaction force.

Abstract: An engine crankshaft torque observer (10) and method of operation. An engine combustion process (14) is modeled (26) to develop modeled pressure estimates of combustion chamber pressures in engine cylinders according to certain engine inputs, such as fuel (20), EGR (22), and timing (24), that influence combustion chamber pressures. Kinematics (16) relating reciprocal motion of pistons in the engine cylinders to an engine crankshaft and engine friction (18) relating running friction of the engine to engine crankshaft rotation are also modeled (28; 30). A processor processes the certain engine inputs through the combustion process model to develop modeled pressure estimates which are processed through the kinematics model to develop modeled positive torque contribution due to combustion processes and through the friction model to develop modeled torque loss due to running friction.

Abstract: A method for determining bit wear in a drill bit of a drilling rig system is disclosed. The method provides a first drill bit design. The first drill bit design having a first geometry. The method also generates a geological model of given formation. The geological model including a geological characteristic based on a length of formation drilled in a given amount of time. The method predicts the first wear rate of the first drill bit design based on the first geometry compared to the geological model for the length of formation drilled.