Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and a method for the configuration and/or parameterization of diagnostic devices for test objects. The system includes a first data object having a collection of technological test object parameters of the test object and its components, and a second data object having a collection of technological parameters of hardware components of the diagnostic device. The system further includes a first program object containing data sentences for the assignment of at least test object parameters and technological parameters of hardware components, and a second program object for processing the data sentences assigned in the first program object. Via the data and program objects, a knowledge base is created that results in a configuration mainly automatically controlled by the knowledge of the system and/or parameterization of the diagnostic device including the test structure and evaluation. In this manner, the cost of such preparations is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for sharing geometric information and maintaining parametric consistency amongst different software applications in a collaborative environment is presented. The method is based on geometric information sharing via neutral files, and incorporates Internet based messaging mechanisms amongst applications to maintain the parametric control over the exchanged geometry. In a preferred embodiment the proposed method is applied to Heterogeneous Assembly Modeling (HAM). By means of the presently disclosed method, within the heterogeneous assembly model, the parametric control over part geometry is maintained, even though the parts are imported in the assembly via neutral files originated by other CAD applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e.g., electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.

Abstract: Firstly, definitive identifiers are determined, which are the screen needed for the software to be produced. Next, words existing in the definitive identifier are sorted out, as well as the homogeneity map is created where all pallets needed for the software are placed according to the process flow based on the definitive identifier. Next, the necessary file is determined based on the sorted-out words and the created homogeneity map. Next, the following tense control vectors are created: the first tense control vector that implements screen editing or file editing for all the sorted-out words; the second tense control vector that determines the homogeneity route for all the sorted-out words; and the third tense control vector that implements file updating.

Abstract: A system and method of engineering project design using a real-time interface with a global computer network comprises a database for approved engineering specific Universal Record Locator (URL) links which is indexed according to predetermined engineering search queries. The URL database is in communication with an Internet server and is accessed by a user via a Web browser. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided which allows a user to perform a categorized database inquiry for an engineering project for using a cascading drop-down menu process for a selected engineering project. A design process template is provided for a specific engineering project which includes formulas and a menu for the project. The user inputs critical parameters regarding the specification and requirements for the engineering project, and iterative calculations are performed to arrive at an acceptable final design using material and component data retrieved from Web pages.

Abstract: A process, in which the original master diagram, which is used as the generic representation of the variation spectrum of the product and in which at least one symbol corresponds to every possible component of the product, is stored in the coded form in the memory of the information processing unit, is disclosed for the computerized generation of engineering data for products that are assembled according to individual specifications of the components. The conditions for the presence of components or of operating materials of components in an expression of the product that meets the specification are stored in the memory such that they are associated with the symbols of the original master diagram that correspond to the component or to an operating material of the component.

Abstract: A virtual assembly design environment that simulates axial and planar constrained motion for multiple parts in any combination and application order. Dynamic simulation methods are used to simulate object behavior in the design environment using physical laws and collision detection algorithms. The physical properties, e.g., mass properties, of parts in an assembly are created in a separate CAD system. In one embodiment, physical property information is transferred from the CAD system to the virtual reality environment where it is used in dynamic simulations. The parts behave realistically in a user's hand, constrained on the base part, or moving freely in space. A swept volume can be generated directly in the CAD system. Real-time bi-directional data transfer between a VR environment and the CAD system is also provided. As a result, the user can perform parametric design modifications in the virtual environment by the use of a CAD system.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and apparatus for the automatic creation of the topology, component sizing, placement, and routing of complex structures, such as electronic circuits or mechanical systems, to satisfy prespecified high-level design goals. The present invention uses a population of entities which are evolved over a series of generations by an iterative process involving the application of operations, such as mutation, crossover, reproduction, and architecture-altering operations. The individuals in the population are each developed, in a developmental process, into a structure that may potentially satisfy the design goals. The present invention also determines the placement of components within the developing structure and determining the routing of the connecting means (wires for electrical circuits) between the components.

Abstract: A method and system for producing production control software for a plurality of electronic control modules, is provided. The electronic control modules are located on production machines. Each production machine includes a subset of the electronic control modules. The system includes a part file staging area for receiving and storing new production control software from a design engineering group. A product engineering workstation is coupled to the part file staging area and operated by a product engineering user. The product engineering user can review, modify and approve the new production control software. A production staging area, coupled to the product engineering workstation, receives and stores approved production control software and receives an order for a production machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e.g., electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated design and manufacturing system (100). The system (100) includes a specification step (102), a sequence of events step (104), a model step (106), a graphics step (108), a method sheets step (110), a configuration control step (112), and a parts list step (114). Through the use of libraries of standards, or defaults, as well as the use of an integrated product team, the system (100) establishes the product and process definition for a new part. A product-specific series of documentation is developed and includes the following: Specification, Model, Parts List, Graphics, Sequence of Events (SOE), Work Instructions (Method Sheets), and Configuration Control. Upon completion of all of these, the design of both the product and the process is compatible and complete and is released into production. Since production will be working directly from the Method Sheets, an end-item-requirements document is not necessary.

Abstract: A software modeling environment is presented that supports the development and execution of software that can be dynamically configured. This is achieved by introducing a design-time object modeling construct called a dynamically configurable type (DCT) that supports the subdivision of an object into a plurality of subsets of semantics and allows dynamic merging of these semantic subsets together in different combinations in order to allow the resultant object to exhibit different semantics over time to serve different purposes. Specific process modeling constructs are included which take advantage of this semantic merging capability. Also included are other supporting design-time and run-time constructs and services. One embodiment of the present invention allows this software modeling environment to be integrated into a standard software development environment, enhancing the modeling capabilities already present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for integrating an intelligent manufacturing system with an expert sheet metal planning and bending system. The intelligent manufacturing system manages and distributes part design and manufacturing information throughout the locations of a production facility. The expert planning system includes a plurality of expert modules for proposing a bending plan, including bend sequence and tooling selections, and robot motion planning and repositioning. Through the various features and aspects of the present invention, an operator can selectively modify and adapt these integrated systems for particular bend applications, including robot-based and human assisted bending operations.

Abstract: An enhanced chronological feature browser for computer aided design indicates dependencies among features of an object, including identifying a feature of the object for which a logical dependency is to be displayed and augmenting a chronological feature display with an indicator of the logical dependency.

Abstract: A designed object workability evaluating system for evaluating quantitatively at a stage of designing an article whether a structure of the article as designed can be realized with work easy to do in a manufacturing stage for thereby selectively determining a best structure from a plurality of design plans through comparative evaluation thereof. A server machine section of the system includes an evaluation-destined element estimating module for estimating the evaluation-destined elements to be performed on parts constituting an article given by a design plan subjected to evaluation, a part workability evaluation module for evaluating easiness of works to be performed on the parts, an article workability evaluation module for evaluating easiness of works involved in realizing the article, and a best design plan selection/determination module for selectively determining a best structure on the basis of comparative evaluation of a plurality of design plans.

Abstract: A dynamic mate inferencing system permits display and manipulation of a computer model, including features of allowing a user to select a feature of the model, determining a characteristic geometry of the feature, dynamically previewing the mating of the feature to a component of the model, allowing the user to alternate between different mating scenarios, and permitting the user to mate the feature to the component in the previewed geometry.

Abstract: A computer system for modeling is disclosed, where the computer system has a storage device, first and second platforms, a portable persistent model, and first and second platform-dependent computerized modeling systems (CMS). Each platform is interfaced to the storage device and provides system-dependent services. The first platform has a first type of operating system and a first type of computer hardware including a first memory, and the second platform has a second type of operating system and a second type of computer hardware including a second memory. The model resides in the storage device in a platform-independent format and includes persistent component objects. The first CMS resides in the first platform memory and the second platform-dependent CMS resides in the second platform memory.

Abstract: A model of a physical object is constructed in a modeling system running on a computer system. The model includes model objects and constraints. The constraints on the model describe the relationship between the model objects. The modeling system constructs a graph representing the model. The graph has nodes representing the modeling objects and arcs representing the relationships between the model objects. The relationships are either directed or nondirected. The modeling system then identifies the set of cycles in the graph. The cycles have a subset of the nodes of the graph coupled by arcs representing nondirected relationships. The modeling system starts with a first cycle from the set of cycles and determines the set of programs that can be used to satisfy all of the relationships between the model objects represented by nodes in the first cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e.g., electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.

Abstract: An icon based DMIS program allows for simplified and enhanced use in a coordinate measurement machine environment. Each listed icon is associated with an underlying DMIS code. Double clicking on a DMIS icon will open a window which shows the underlying DMIS code for that icon, allowing changes to be made to that DMIS code. Both the Iconized DMIS list as well as the DMIS window allow for full editing capabilities such as deletions, insertions, change of numerical values and copy/paste facilities.

Abstract: A personal design system according to the present invention designs the appearance of an equipment suiting the sensibility and the physical features of a user by establishing data communication between a user terminal comprising a user information inputting section and a server on the side of a producer. The user inputs user information such as the sensibility and the physical features of the user corresponding to the designed appearance of the equipment using the user information inputting section. The equipment having the designed appearance intended by the user is produced on the basis of the inputted user information and a database provided in the server by designing means provided in the user terminal.

Abstract: Kit models stored in the storage are displayed on a display by the display unit. The kit model being displayed has geometric shape data such as points, curved lines and curved surfaces as well as correlation data which indicates correlation of the geometric shape data. Responsive to modification information, a modification unit modifies the kit model. When a curved line which is included in the geometric shape data is modified, other curved lines which intersect the modified curved line as well as other components such as curved surfaces which include the modified curved line as a boundary line are detected based on the correlation data and are associatively modified. The modification unit moves or changes the object line based on the modification data, and associatively modifies, as the object line is modified, all points, curved lines and curved surfaces which intersect the object line. Thus, a three-dimensional model is formed by modifying kit models stored in a memory.

Abstract: In a method for managing design data regarding an electronic circuit in order to design and analyze the electronic circuit, the design data is arranged according to a hierarchical-layer module structure. The design data in each of hierarchical layers of the hierarchical-layer module structure is divided into objects. The objects together for each of the hierarchical layers are connected together and the objects are connected together over the hierarchical layers. The design data including design data having different items and design data having different data lengths is integrally managed.

Abstract: Geometric objects including points, lines, curves, surfaces and solids are defined and constructed in a system which retains and utilizes relationships and dependencies between objects in a directed graph (digraph) data structure. The primary advantage is automatic updating of the model, preserving dependencies, when an underlying object is changed. Multiple types of parametric curves and surfaces and multiple levels of dependency are easily supported through a recursive program structure. Difficulties of surface-surface intersection and trimming are largely avoided by provision of novel entities which permit construction of accurate and durable joins between surface objects.

Abstract: A simulation method and design systems are provided for simulating and analyzing the properties of a periodically structured material such as a semiconductor or a superconductor to develop a novel periodically structured material. In the simulation method of the present invention, an overlap integral between Bloch functions, .psi..sub.m (k.sub.A) and .psi..sub.i (k.sub.B), for two adjacent wave number vectors, k.sub.A and k.sub.B, in Brillouin zone is found as S.sub.im =<.psi..sub.i (k.sub.B).vertline..psi..sub.m (k.sub.A)> whereby a matching degree in terms of symmetrical nature of the Bloch functions, .psi..sub.m (k.sub.A) and .psi..sub.i (k.sub.B), can be quantitatively estimated. Accordingly, if the band array operation matrix, ##EQU1## is diagonalized to find an eigenvalue, .gamma..sub.p and an eigenvector, U.sub.np, then there can be found from .gamma..sub.p and U.sub.np the Bloch functions in a one-to-one relation with two adjacent wave number vectors, k.sub.A and k.sub.

Abstract: Concurrent tradeoff analysis (10) first ascertains a set of constraints (16) and variables (18) for specifying a solution, and then defines characteristics for specifying the merit of the solution. Computations are made to determine the values for the variables (18) and characteristics, which represent a current solution state. The current solution state is checked (42) to ensure that there are no violations of the constraints (16). If a violation exists, one or more alternatives are generated (46) via a number of methods, and the alternatives are evaluated (48) along with the current solution state. One or more most promising alternative is chosen, and the process proceeds until values for all of the variables (18) and characteristics are computed.