Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for managing a knowledge base, a device and a computer readable storage medium. The method for managing a knowledge base includes: forking, in response to receiving a request for modification of a rule for a first namespace, the rule to the first namespace, the rule being used to constrain structured data in a knowledge base; modifying, based on the request for modification of the rule, the rule in the first namespace; and adding the modified rule to a rule base associated with the knowledge base.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a stylization application generates designs that reflect stylistic preferences. In operation, the stylization application computes characterization information based on a first design and a trained machine-learning model that maps one or more designs to characterization information associated with one or more styles. The stylization application then computes a style score based on the characterization information and a target style that is included in the one or more styles. Subsequently, the stylization application generates a second design based on the style score, where the second design is more representative of the target style than the first design. Advantageously, because the stylization application can substantially increase the number of designs that can be generated based on the target style in a given amount of time, relative to more manual prior art techniques, the overall quality of the design ultimately selected for production can be improved.

Abstract: A method for designing a part member of a custom-made furniture includes: producing a rectangular parallelepiped part member in a rectangular parallelepiped space; setting a XY coordinate system on six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped space using a corner of a rectangle of each face as an origin and two sides of a rectangle of each face as X axis and Y axis; setting one or more predetermined rules for determining positions of one or more machinings based on lengths p and q from a corner of the rectangle and designating a XY coordinate positions of the one or more machinings as a function of p and q; altering the dimensions of the rectangular parallelepiped space of the part member; calculating the positions of the machinings after the dimensions of the rectangular space are altered in accordance with the predetermined rules; and outputting the machining specification.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processing portion configured to perform information processing. The processing portion is configured to obtain definition information in which a first mnemonic and a second mnemonic different from the first mnemonic are associated with each other.

Abstract: A method for designing a part member of a custom-made furniture includes: producing a rectangular parallelepiped part member in a rectangular parallelepiped space; setting a XY coordinate system on six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped space using a corner of a rectangle of each face as an origin and two sides of a rectangle of each face as X axis and Y axis; setting one or more predetermined rules for determining positions of one or more machinings based on lengths p and q from a corner of the rectangle and designating a XY coordinate positions of the one or more machinings as a function of p and q; altering the dimensions of the rectangular parallelepiped space of the part member; calculating the positions of the machinings after the dimensions of the rectangular space are altered in accordance with the predetermined rules; and outputting the machining specification.

Abstract: A system determines an object-design for a three-dimensional model of an object. The object-design may exhibit a design continuity. The system breaks the object-design in to spatial patterns corresponding to the discrete surfaces making up the outward surface of the object. The system then generates flattened patterns by projecting the spatial patterns into a two-dimensional plane. The system prints the flattened patterns on to designated regions of material sheets in an orientation that preserves the design continuity of the object-design. The regions may be extracted from the sheets and then joined at their edges to form a cover for object that exhibits the continuity of the object design.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and a computer program product for object modeling is provided. The present invention may include generating a temporary modeling structure based on at least a digital model and one or more printing preferences. The present invention may include sending printing instructions to a 3D printer based on the temporary modeling structure. The present invention may include receiving feedback from a sensory based system, the sensory based system monitoring a printing chamber of the 3D printer. The present invention may include updating the printing instructions based on an analysis of the feedback of the feedback received from the sensory based system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design of physical structures using generative design processes, where the three dimensional (3D) models of the physical structures are produced in accordance with a design criterion that limits a minimum thickness of the generatively designed 3D models, include: obtaining a design space for an object to be manufactured and one or more design criteria including a thickness constraint; iteratively modifying a generatively designed 3D shape of the modeled object in the design space in accordance with the one or more design criteria, including measuring a current thickness for the 3D shape using an overall relationship of a volume of the 3D shape with respect to a surface area of the 3D shape; and providing the generatively designed model for use in manufacturing the physical structure using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems.

Abstract: A multiple fluid model tool for utilizing a 3D CAD point-cloud to automatically create a fluid model is presented. For example, a system includes a modeling component, a machine learning component, and a three-dimensional design component. The modeling component generates a three-dimensional model of a mechanical device based on point cloud data indicative of information for a set of data values associated with a three-dimensional coordinate system. The machine learning component predicts one or more characteristics of the mechanical device based on input data and a machine learning process associated with the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional design component that provides a three-dimensional design environment associated with the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional design environment renders physics modeling data of the mechanical device based on the input data and the one or more characteristics of the mechanical device on the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A method for computer-aided design of a modeled object having several faces, comprising a steps of identifying, for each of said faces of the object, at least another of said faces related to said face according to geometrical criteria, and marking such faces as connected; computing a plurality of points forming a tessellated representation of each of said faces; based on this tessellation, defining critical regions by determining and storing data representative of intersection between a three-dimensional geometrical figure and the face related to said face; determining whether intersections occur for each point of the tessellated representation of a face and for each face of the object; computing frontiers between points according to their respectively stored data and determines zones according to the determined frontiers; and, re-computing surfaces according to the determined zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for compressing numerical data comprising a structured set of floating point actual values. A floating point value is defined by a sign, an exponent and a mantissa. The method comprises computing a floating point predicted value related to a target actual value of the set. The computing includes performing operations on integers corresponding to the sign, to the exponent and/or to the mantissa of actual values of a subset of the set. The method also comprises storing a bit sequence representative of a difference between integers derived from the target actual value and the predicted value. Such a method is particularly efficient for reducing the storage size of a CAD file.

Abstract: A method and system to evaluate image-guided dental implant treatment plans with error simulation. Error sources contributing to the inaccuracy of implant cases come from impressions, stone models, radiographic guides, CT scan and its image processing, surgical guides, as well as the surgical procedures. They are translated into the deviations between the planned and actual implant positions and orientations. The error simulation is to continuously modify and update treatment plans with the possible deviations so that the treatment plans can be visually evaluated along with other evaluation tools.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a manufacturability of a casting design. The system includes at least one of a geometry analyzer, a casting evaluation tool, a residual stress evaluation tool, and a machining evaluation tool. The geometry analyzer analyzes a geometric design of the casting design to determine its geometric design-ability, the casting evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine its cast-ability, the residual stress evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine its heat treat-ability, and the machining evaluation tool evaluates the casting design to determine a machine-ability of the casting design. If the casting design is determined as not geometrically design-able, not cast-able, not heat treat-able, or not machine-able by the geometry analyzer, the casting evaluation tool, the residual stress evaluation tool, or the machining evaluation tool, respectively, then modifications to the casting design are recommended to optimize the casting design for manufacturing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating CAD design of one or more structures by automatically categorizing and/or associating multiple drawings without pre-existing knowledge as to the type of drawings being categorized. In some examples, a computing system receives a set of CAD drawings from a third-party, and a host manager automatically determines which of the drawings are host, stand-alone, and external reference drawings. Moreover, the host manager can determine which of a set of external references comprises a broken reference, such as a network pathway that does not contain the desired external reference. For each broken or corrupt reference, the host manager can create a dummy (proxy) drawing that can be inserted in place of the broken reference so that the system can process (e.g., bind) the set of drawings without crashing. An interface may be further provided for displaying the categorized set of drawings to the user.

Abstract: A method and system generates a building design and a three-dimensional image thereof. First building information comprising a length, width, total height and wall height of a building is received via a first graphical user interface. If the length, width, total height, wall height, and a selectable building shape yield a valid set of building parameters, a design of said building is generated at a first software module, which is configured to generate the design, including wall portions and a roof portion, using minimum information consisting of the length, width, total height, wall height, and selectable building shape. A first image and a structural analysis of the design are generated. A second software module generates a second three-dimensional image of the building, which is different from the first image. A second graphical user interface permits a user to modify the second image to include predefined building elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating products on demand. In some embodiments, a manufacturable model, which may include information about a three-dimensional representation of a product to be fabricated, is received by a user of an electronic system and may be validated by the electronic system. A prototype of the product can be generated based at least in part on the manufacturable model, and the manufacturable model and/or the product can be made available for selection by other users of the system. The product may be fabricated based at least in part on the manufacturable model using, for example, a three-dimensional printer, and may be delivered to users of the electronic system.

Abstract: A process of using finite element analysis for determining the behavior of a system, submitted to predetermined load and displacement boundary conditions with a degree of freedom relative to a local coordinate system released at one system node. For a geometrically non-linear solution scheme, a plurality of incremental steps are carried, for which computing for a finite element of the system a displacement vector at the nodes of the finite element is performed by minimizing the energy of the system. For a geometrically linear solution scheme, a single solving step is carried. The step of minimizing is carried out, for a node having a released degree of freedom, in a local frame of reference, and the released degree of freedom at the node is expressed along one axis of such frame. Hybrid reference frames allow expressing and considering in the formulation the constraints of the non-released degrees of freedom simply.

Abstract: Architectural structure design methods, architectural structure design apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an architectural structure design method includes responsive to user input, modifying a visual representation of an architectural structure, wherein the visual representation comprises an object of the architectural structure, first displaying the visual representation comprising the object at a first moment in time, wherein the object is positioned at a first location of a display screen, responsive to user input, selecting an attribute for the object from a second location of the display screen which is different than the first location of the display screen, responsive to user input, associating the attribute with the object after the selecting, and displaying the visual representation comprising the object having the attribute at a second moment in time after the associating.

Abstract: A design system for generating an object design for producing an engineered object, the design system includes an estimate generator, a layout drawing generator, and a design generator. The estimate generator generates a cost estimate based on at least one of a request for proposal defining the engineered object, components of the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The layout drawing generator generates a layout drawing based on at least one of the request for proposal, the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The design generator generates the object design based on a proposal and an order. The proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the layout drawing. The order is generated based on the proposal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object modeling tool is described that can derive the 2D cross sections of one or more lofted or unlofted surfaces, allowing those surfaces to be modified instantly. The modeling tool (loft tool) includes sub-tools for selecting a surface, moving a 2D section, editing a 2D section, creating a 2D section, and removing a 2D section. By analysis of the selected lofted surface and its faces, the loft tool can derive an appropriate number of 2D cross section to present to the user for manipulation. When deriving the 2D cross section the modeling tool operates by simplifying the curves making up the lofted surface, and from these can generate 2D cross section that can be easily manipulated and used to instantly update the lofted surface and redisplay it for further user modification.

Abstract: Techniques for time-dependent storage management with a portable application programming interface are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for time-dependent storage management. The method may comprise interfacing with a host and a storage system having one or more storage devices. The method may also comprise intercepting all write commands that the host issues to the storage system. The method may additionally comprise performing a copy-on-write operation for each intercepted write command, wherein copy-on-write data and metadata associated with each intercepted write command are recorded, the metadata including at least a timestamp associated with each intercepted write command.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a reference polar coordinate system on a display screen, and displaying a radiation pattern image on the display screen in juxtaposition with the displayed reference polar coordinate system. In another aspect, an angled line is drawn on a display screen to represent the proposed layout of a leaky coaxial cable. A point of interest is selected that is spaced from the proposed cable layout, and one of the segments of the cable is determined as likely to produce a dominant level of irradiation with respect to the point of interest.

Abstract: A digital design system 10 is described which includes a user interface 12 that is used to interact with a digital data set 14. The digital model data set 14 is augmented by smart model attributes and business process attributes stored in data sets 16 and 18, respectively. Business process attributes data set 18 may include information associated with quality information, safety information, revision information, and information links to other data sets. A knowledge base data set engine 20 inferentially applies attributes to various features, components, and processes defined in the digital model data set 14.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a graphical program which accesses registers of a hardware device. In one embodiment, a register access node or primitive may be included in a graphical program, such that when the graphical program is executed on the computer system, the register access node is operable to access (i.e., either read or write) registers of a hardware device in the computer system. The method may comprise first displaying a register access node in the graphical program in response to user input. For example, the user may select the register access node from a palette and drag and drop the register access node onto a window of the graphical program being created. The user may then configure the register access node to access one or more registers of a selected hardware device, e.g., by using a user interface for performing this configuration.

Abstract: A parametric design system comprises an estimate generator, a layout drawing generator, and a design generator. The estimate generator for generating a cost estimate based on at least one of predetermined properties of the engineered object as defined by a request for proposal defining the engineered object, parameters associated with components of the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The layout drawing generator generates a layout drawing based on at least one of specifications of the engineered object as defined by the request for proposal, parameters associated with components of the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The design generator generates the object design based on an order and a proposal. The proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the layout drawing. The order is generated based on the proposal.

Abstract: A three dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of a composite part to include a plurality of plies is described. The model includes an explicit representation for each individual ply utilized to form the composite part, where each individual ply is created as one of a solid or tessellated volume. Each ply representation is in a proper spatial orientation with related component definitions.

Abstract: The present method is a method to automate the repeatable process of application engineering microprocessor based control systems and creating the related documentation to submit for engineer approval and construct the control system. Prior to this method engineering every decision about point assignment, part selection, controller addressing et al was either made and only recorded upon the engineering documents or made in the field and either recorded manually or not at all. As the result when those engineering decisions were required elsewhere in the engineering documents individuals could only refer to those documents when retabulating the information. The present method allows a user to record all most all of the engineering decisions in a soft environment allowing the decisions to be repeatably used in every engineer document. As the result efficiency in the task of application engineering is increased and errors created as information is transferred are eliminated.

Abstract: Data for a 3D sheet metal part model is stored in a file. The stored data includes features of the part and manufacturing information. When different manufacturing processes are used, different geometry can be created. The file can store multiple processes for manufacturing the part and the geometry associated with each process. Thus, when manufacturing the part, the user can view information for multiple stored processes because all of the information is stored together. In addition, both 2D and 3D data is stored for the part.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for constructing an object by stacking up functional features thereof. The present invention is also exemplified with a drawing die. Functional features and their main control parameters can be identified through functional analysis, functional decomposition and geometric analysis. In the present invention, a design knowledge base, a functional feature library, a functional feature module and a graphic user interface can be utilized optionally. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented on the Windows XP system through a commercial CAD software and an API.

Abstract: A design of a tire can be facilitated. An optimization apparatus 30 inputs known design parameters of the shape, structure, and pattern of a tire, and performances thereof by an experimental data input unit 40 and learns, as a conversion system of a neural network, a correlation between design parameters of the shape, structure, and pattern of the tire, and performances thereof. Ranges which constrain performances of the tire and design parameters of the shape, structure, and pattern of the tire, which are to be optimized, are inputted in an optimization item input unit 42, and the performances of the tire are predicted in an optimization calculation unit 34 from the design parameters of the shape, structure, and pattern of the tire by using the optimization item and models of the calculation unit 32, and an objective function is optimized until the objective function which is the performances of the tire is converged.

Abstract: An intelligent 3D fixture design method, which can solve interference problems between each workpiece, tool and fixture module to design optimal types, specifications and layouts of the fixture system. The design method of the present invention is based on a parametric solid model of 3D CAD software, which uses a space vector to determine if interference exists, and the interference position of such, between the solid models of workpieces, tools and fixture modules, and further utilizes a genetic algorithm to search type and its design shape and position parameters of each fixture modules, to design an optimal fixture system and related specification and layout.

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: In a method for determining a minimum value of an optimization function under constraints given by equations, a set of points which satisfy the constraints is regarded as a Riemannian manifold within a finite-dimensional real-vector space, the Riemannian manifold is approached from an initial position within the real-vector space. An exponential map regarding a geodesic line equation with respect to a tangent vector on the Riemannian manifold ends at a finite order, an approximate geodesic line is generated as a one-dimensional orbit. An approximate parallel-translation is performed on the tangent vector on the Riemannian manifold and on the orbit generated in the orbit generating step by finite-order approximation of the exponential map regarding the parallel translation of the tangent vector.

Abstract: An electronic data processing (EDP)-based method and configurator are for creating a plant concept from a number of plant components. A desired specification of a technical plant is recorded using specification data. Then, from a stored supply of plant component types, those plant component types which are required for satisfying the desired specification of the technical plant are selected on the basis of the specification data using a classification device. The selected plant component types are linked up to form a plant configuration, using the classification device, in such a way that in principle the plant configuration at least substantially satisfies the desired specification of the technical plant. Finally, from the plant configuration, a plant concept is created using a selection device, the plant component types being replaced by plant components. The result is that the plant concept describes an actually feasible technical plant.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. Labels for alarm system device are automatically generated and automatically resequenced. Riser details may be generated in multiple formats. The system also allows standard CAD drawings to be imported into the alarm CAD system. This feature includes a gravitate command which automatically connects unconnected wire paths to the nearest alarm appliance. Circuit requirements can be listed with either a base unit, an appliance, or both. When both the base unit and the corresponding appliance have circuit requirements listed, the circuits are combined into a single listing.

Abstract: A Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system enables high efficiency and high quality. The CAM system of this invention includes a unit that uses a computer aided design (CAD) model that is solid model data of a metal mold to be made and a measured work geometric model that is geometric model data of a work, which is obtained by measuring a work to be machined, to generate a cutting margin model that is difference between the measured work geometric model and the CAD model, and unit that generates numerical control (NC) data based on the generated cutting margin model. According to this invention, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily machine an actual article in conformity with the actual shop floor in the actual factory to make a metal mold.

Abstract: An object may be colored to indicate draft angles of a pull direction at various locations of the object. The coloration advantageously employs a color map specifying a color spectrum for a range of trigonometric values of the draft angles.

Abstract: A method of designing the form of a cable clamp and cables using a three-dimensional CAD system for easily designing the form of the cables passing through the cable clamp is disclosed. According to the method, the cable clamp is checked by comparing the area necessary for clamping the cables with the inner-diameter area of the cable clamp; the control points related to the cable clamp are designated; and the data of the designated control points are added to the data of control points assigned to each cable in advance. Therefore, the form of the clamped portion of each cable can be simultaneously determined together with the forms of the other portions of the cable, so that the designer can execute the verification of the cable clamp and the design of the cable forms in a short time.

Abstract: An editor in a computer system for editing an schematic having a number of pages. The editor may cut a selected portion of the schematic from any one of the schematic pages, paste the cut portion of the schematic onto any one of the schematic pages, and connect nets located on the same schematic page. The editor may search for objects such as signal labels and cells within the schematic netlist as well as other editing functions. Further a navigator is provided for interactively viewing netlist data from a high level schematic where the data includes schematic page numbers, cell names, nets, signal labels and segments. The project viewer software and project schematic netlist data may be contained in a computer-readable medium. The project viewer software controls output schematic images and enables a user to view, trace and search objects throughout the project netlist data.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. The electrical circuit connections define wire gauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire types may be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placed in a single physical path. Subsequently, the CAD system performs electrical calculations associated with the alarm system. The electrical calculations may be based on a supervisory mode of operation as well as an alarm mode of operation. The resistance of wires in the alarm system may be based on a scaled wire length and/or a schematic (non-scaled) wire length. In one example, a backup battery capacity requirement is calculated.

Abstract: A method and system of coordination between CAD drawings for collision checking purposes. By linking to a common data file structure in a central location, collisions can be detected between drawings whether the drawings are in the same computer, elsewhere on a network or, through data communications networks such as the internet, on the other side of the world. This process can be applied to any project where work in more than one CAD drawing is required.

Abstract: Computer implemented techniques for edge correlation between design objects in computer-aided design systems are provided. According to one embodiment, a source edge is exported from a source CAD system into a data representation in a global scene. The global scene is imported into a target CAD system so that one or more candidate target edges can be identified. Once the candidate target edges are identified, they are exported into a data representation of a local scene. Through a series of techniques, which can include an edge overlap algorithm, a region containment algorithm, an edge containment algorithm, and an edge extension algorithm, non-overlapping candidate target edges are removed from the local scene until a correlated set of target edges is produced. Design features, such a round or chamfer operation, can then be performed in the target CAD system on the correlated set of edges, just as they are in the source CAD system.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional shape and size measurement of a three-dimensional body surface comprising providing a three-dimensional scanner, providing a processor, providing a three-dimensional Computer Aided Design system, scanning in three dimensions with the three-dimensional scanner at least a portion of the three-dimensional body surface, creating a data file representative of the three-dimensional body surface, processing the data file with the processor, importing the data file into the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System, employing the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System relative to the data file to define and record three-dimensional measuring data relative to at least a portion of the three-dimensional body surface, A and employing the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System to exploit the three-dimensional measuring data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wobble die (9) for shaping the internal contour or the external contour of a workpiece (4) in a wobble process. Thereby a wobble movement is initially selected. The three-dimensional geometry of the workpiece (4) is described. From the three-dimensional geometry of the workpiece (4) there is prescribed a virtual die (5), the shape of which corresponds in substance to the negative geometry of the workpiece (4). The virtual die (5) is deformed, taking into account the parameters of the selected wobble movement, to a geometry describing the wobble die (9). Finally, a wobble die (9) is produced on the basis of the geometry obtained in the preceding step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a controlled, dynamically loaded, modular, cryptographic implementation for integration of flexible policy implementations on policy engines, and the like, into a base executable having at least one slot. The base executable may rely on an integrated loader to control loading and linking of fillers and submodules. A policy module may be included for use in limiting each module's function, access, and potential for modification or substitution. The policy may be implemented organically within a manager layer or may be modularized further in an underlying engine layer as an independent policy, or as a policy created by a policy engine existing in an engine layer. The policy module is subordinate to the manager module in the manager layer in that the manager module calls the policy module when it is needed by the manager module. The policy module is preferably dynamically linkable, providing flexibility, and is layered deeper within the filler module than the manager module.

Abstract: A method is presented for path planning after changes in task space. In one embodiment, the method is applied to planning a path for a robot arm. The method identifies areas in the configuration space which are affected by the changes in task space. Cost waves can then be repropagated in these affected areas to allow for planning in N dimensions and using space variant metrics. The method is also adapted to use in the presence of phantom obstacles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for facilitating design and production engineering processes in a multi-disciplinary computer aided design environment. The system includes first enterprise including a workstation running a CAD application relating to a first engineering discipline; a second workstation running a CAD application relating to a second engineering discipline; a first storage device coupled to the first workstation; a second storage device coupled to the second workstation; a server executing a multi-discipline universal CAD library application; and a network connection for allowing the workstations and the server to communicate. The system also comprises a communications link to a second enterprise for allowing the second enterprise to communicate with the first enterprise. The system also comprises a commercial database accessible to both enterprises via the communications link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for path planning are presented. Path planning involves propagating cost waves in a configuration space representation of a task space. A space variant metric and budding are used for cost wave propagation. The disclosed method and apparatus are readily adaptable to robots with n degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method and a system for designing a spline coupling, comprising the steps of creating signals representing a spline coupling knowledge base of information having a plurality of rule signals with respect to a corresponding plurality of parameter signals of associated elements of the spline coupling, wherein the spline coupling knowledge base comprises at least one data value signal for each one of the plurality of rule signals. Included are the steps of entering a desired data value signal for a selected one of the plurality of parameter signals of an associated element of the spline coupling, and comparing the entered desired data value signal for the selected one of the plurality of parameter signals with the corresponding at least one data value signal in the spline coupling knowledge base for the corresponding one of the plurality of rule signals.

Abstract: A network (in particular a neuronal network) which is used for determining at least one proportion of at least one component of a formulation, and subsequently for the production of a product (e.g., a molded article) having a pre-selected (or desired) color is described. The neuronal network comprises: (a) a neuronal network (or neuronal processor); (b) at least one of, (i) an input for inputting at least one color coordinate of a component of the formulation into the neuronal processor, and (ii) an input for inputting at least one preselected color coordinate of the product into the neuronal processor; and (c) an output for outputting a proportion of at least one component of the formulation from the neuronal processor. Inputs (b)(i) and (b)(ii), and output (c) are each independently connected (e.g., electronically and/or digitally) to the neuronal processor. Also described is a method of determining the proportions of components in a formulation for producing a product (e.g.