Dynamic load balancing using virtual controller instances

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates enabling efficient load allocation within an industrial automation environment. A controller with a processing capability can be associated with an industrial automation environment. A balance component can distribute a portion of a load to the controller based upon an evaluation of at least one of the load or the processing capability.

METHOD FOR DETERMINING A DISTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL OBJECTS ON STATIONS OF A SYSTEM OF STATIONS

The invention relates to a method for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations, a device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a program element. According to the inventive method for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations comprising a plurality of stations, said stations are grouped together into a plurality of groups of stations based on a respective functionality of the stations. Furthermore, a plurality of combined loads are formed, each combined load comprising at least one portion of the stations of a group of stations. A load distribution is determined for the combined loads based on load minimization and/or load homogenization. The physical objects are to be distributed to the stations of the combined loads according to the load distribution.

KONTROLLMETHODE ZUR REIHENAUSBALANCIERUNG, GERÄT ZUR REIHENAUSBALANCIERUNG UND MASCHINE ZUR MONTAGE DER BESTANDTEILE

Verfahren zur Justierung von Verarbeitungsparametern plattenförmiger Gegenstände in einer Verarbeitungsvorrichtung

Method for determining a dispatch of physical objects to stations of a system of stations, device, computer-readable storage medium and program element

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC JOB ASSIGNMENT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a machine and continuous data set including process data, quality data, specific actor data, and ergonomic data (among others) to create more accurate job assignments that maximize efficiency, quality and worker safety. Using the data set, tasks may be assigned to actors based on objective statistical data such as skills, task requirements, ergonomics and time availability. Assigning tasks in this way can provide unique value for manufacturers who currently conduct similar analyses using only minimal observational data.

Verfahren zur Justierung von Verarbeitungsparametern plattenförmiger Gegenstände in einer Verarbeitungsvorrichtung

LINE BALANCE CONTROL METHOD, LINE BALANCE CONTROL APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT MOUNTING MACHINE

To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line 100 is equipped with a printing machine 120, a coating machine 130, a component mounting machine 101, a component mounting machine 102, and a reflow machine 140, and they are connected through a communication line 110, respectively. In addition, a line balance control device, which is equipped with possibility inquiring means which makes an inquiry of whether or not it is possible to mount components to be allocated, among the components to be mounted, to the component mounting machines 101, 102, possibility obtaining means which obtains a response to the inquiry in the possibility inquiring means, and allocating means which allocates components to be mounted, to each component mounting machine 101, 102, in such a manner that mounting time at each component mounting machine is equalized, on the basis of the response obtained in the possibility obtaining means, is disposed in a device which configure the production line 100.

CONTEXTUAL TRAINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more senor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for contextual training using the one or more sensor streams and machine learning based action recognition.

HARNESS ASSEMBLY LINE BALANCING

This application discloses a computing system implementing a line balancing tool to generate a structured bill of materials for a wire harness based on a harness design and available fabrication processes. The computing system can decompose the structured bill of materials into tasks and assign the tasks to workstations in a production line configured to manufacture the wire harness. The computing system can determine dependencies between a plurality of the tasks and verify the tasks assigned to the workstation conform to the dependencies between the plurality of the tasks. The dependencies can indicate an order for performance of the operations associated with the tasks. The computing system can identify unassigned tasks capable of assignment to one or more of the workstations and determine which of the workstations the unassigned assembly tasks, if assigned, would conform with the dependencies between the plurality of the assembly tasks.

METHOD FOR DETERMINING A DISTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL OBJECTS ON STATIONS OF A SYSTEM OF STATIONS

TRACEABILITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing, restaurants and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for establishing traceability.

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PROCESSING PARAMETERS OF AT LEAST ONE PLATE-LIKE OBJECT IN A PROCESSING TOOL

Processing parameters of at least one plate-like object (20), e.g. a semiconductor device or wafer, or a flat panel display, in a processing tool (1) are adjusted depending on which processing device (2a) out of at least one set of processing devices (2a, 2b) has been used for the semiconductor device (20) in a preceding step. This is provided by generating a virtual or physical token (10a), which connects the semiconductor device (20) identification with the processing device (2a, 2b) identification. This enables a compensation of tool-dependent effects in previous processing of a single device. An example is chemical mechanical polishing prior to lithography, where alignment marks can be deteriorated differently between CMP-apparatus. The amount of compensation is detected and evaluated by means of metrology tools, which - depending on the sequence of the metrology step relative to the processing step to be adjusted - either feed-forward or feed-backward their results to the processing ...

WORKSPACE ACTOR COORDINATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Workspace coordination systems and methods are presented. A method can comprise: accessing in real time respective information associated with a first actor and a second actor, including sensed activity information; analyzing the information, including analyzing activity of the first actor with respect to a second actor; and forwarding respective feedback based on the results of the analysis. The feedback can includes an individual objective specific to one of either the first actor or the second actor. The feedback includes collective objective with respect to the first actor or the second actor. The analyzing can include automated artificial intelligence analysis. Sensed activity information can be associated with a grid within the activity space. It is appreciated there can be various combinations of actors (e.g., human and device, device and device, human and human, etc.). The feedback can be a configuration layout suggestion. The feedback can be a suggested assignment of a type of ...

AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Method for determining a dispatch of physical objects to stations of a system of stations, device, computer-readable storage medium and program element

The invention relates to a method for determining a dispatch of physical objects to stations of a system of stations, a device, a computer-readable storage medium and a program element. In the method for determining a dispatch of physical objects to stations of a system of stations with a plurality of stations, the stations are grouped to form a plurality of station groups on the basis of a respective station functionality. Furthermore, a plurality of resource pools is formed, a respective resource pool containing at least some of the stations of a station group. For the resource pools, a load distribution is determined on the basis of load minimization and/or load homogenization, the physical objects having to be dispatched to the stations of the resource pools in accordance with the load distribution.

LINE BALANCE CONTROL METHOD, LINE BALANCE CONTROL APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT MOUNTING MACHINE

To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line 100 is equipped with a printing machine 120, a coating machine 130, a component mounting machine 101, a component mounting machine 102, and a reflow machine 140, and they are connected through a communication line 110, respectively. In addition, a line balance control device, which is equipped with possibility inquiring means which makes an inquiry of whether or not it is possible to mount components to be allocated, among the components to be mounted, to the component mounting machines 101, 102, possibility obtaining means which obtains a response to the inquiry in the possibility inquiring means, and allocating means which allocates components to be mounted, to each component mounting machine 101, 102, in such a manner that mounting time at each component mounting machine is equalized, on the basis of the response obtained in the possibility obtaining means, is disposed in a device which configure the production line 100.

AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF REAL TIME CONDITIONS IN AN ACTIVITY SPACE

Efficient and effective workspace condition analysis systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, a method comprises: accessing information associated with an activity space, including information on a newly discovered previously unmodeled entity; analyzing the activity information, including activity information associated with the previously unmodeled entity; forwarding feedback on the results of the analysis, including analysis results for the updated modeled information; and utilizing the feedback in a coordinated path plan check process. In one exemplary implementation the coordinated path plan check process comprises: creating a solid/CAD model including updated modeled information; simulating an activity including the updated modeled information; generating a coordinated path plan for entities in the activity space; and testing the coordinated path plan. The coordinated path plan check process can be a success. The analyzing can include automatic identification of potential ...

LINE BALANCE CONTROL METHOD, LINE BALANCE CONTROLLER, AND COMPONENT MOUNTING UNIT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a line balance control method requiring no host apparatus, a line balance controller, and a component mounting unit. SOLUTION: A production line 100 is provided with a printer 120, an applicator 130, a component mounting unit 101, a component mounting unit 102, and a reflow machine 140 each of which is connected via communication lines 110. Moreover, an apparatus constituting the production line 100 is provided with the line balance controller equipped with: propriety inquiry means for inquiring the component mounting units 101, 102 which become distribution destinations whether it is possible or not to mount distributing components out of components to be mounted; propriety acquisition means for acquiring an answer to an inquiry by the propriety inquiry means; and distribution means for distributing the components to be mounted to each of the component mounting units 101, 102 so that a mounting time at each component mounting unit may be equalized based ...

Systems and methods for line balancing

In various embodiments, a method includes receiving one or more sensor streams with an engine. The engine identifies one or more actions that are performed at first and second stations of a plurality of stations within the sensor stream(s). The received sensor stream(s) and identified one or more actions performed at the first and second stations are stored in a data structure. The identified one or more actions are mapped to the sensor stream(s). The engine characterizes each of the identified one or more actions performed at each of the first and second stations to produce determined characterizations thereof. Based on one or more of the determined characterizations, automatically producing a recommendation, either dynamically or post-facto, to move at least one of the identified one or more actions performed at one of the stations to another station to reduce cycle time.

VERFAHREN ZUM ERMITTELN EINER VERTEILUNG VON PHYSIKALISCHEN OBJEKTEN AUF ANLAGEN EINES ANLAGENSYSTEMS

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CREATING STATISTICALLY ACCURATE ERGONOMICS DATA

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for analyzing ergonomic data from the one or more sensor streams.

Optimization of manufacturing processes, especially production of semiconductor wafers in a wafer fab, whereby production stations are grouped and loads apportioned to them so that an overall load distribution can be seen

Method for determining the distribution of objects at stations within a system of a multiplicity of stations. According to the method the stations are grouped into a number of station groups, based on the functionality of the stations. Additionally a number of combined loads are formed, each combined load comprising at least one portion of the stations of a station group. A load distribution is determined for the combined load according to the load distribution. The invention also relates to a corresponding device, computer readable storage medium and a program element.

LINE BALANCE CONTROL METHOD, LINE BALANCE CONTROL APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT MOUNTING MACHINE

METHOD FOR DETERMINING A DISTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL OBJECTS ON STATIONS OF A SYSTEM OF STATIONS

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Ermitteln einer Verteilung von physikalischen Objekten auf Anlagen eines Anlagensystems, eine Vorrichtung, ein Computerlesbares Speichermedium und ein Programm-Element. Bei dem Verfahren zum Ermitteln einer Verteilung von physikalischen Objekten auf Anlagen eines Anlagensystems mit einer Mehrzahl von Anlagen werden basierend auf einer jeweiligen Anlagenfunktionalität die Anlagen zu einer Mehrzahl von Anlagengruppen gruppiert. Ferner wird eine Mehrzahl von Lastverbunden gebildet, wobei ein jeweiliger Lastverbund zumindest einen Teil der Anlagen einer Anlagengruppe enthält. Für die Lastverbunde wird eine Lastverteilung auf Basis einer Lastminimierung und/oder einer Lasthomogenisierung ermittelt, wobei gemäß der Lastverteilung die physikalischen Objekte auf die Anlagen der Lastverbunde zu verteilen sind.

REAL TIME ANOMALY DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for process validation, anomaly detection and in-process quality assurance.

Automation system

Dynamic scheduling of jobs/batches using earliest completion time algorithm in cellular manufacturing with batch-splitting of jobs above certain size

The present application a new and improved system and method of enhanced Lean Document Production (LDP), which applies cellular manufacturing to document printing operations. The LDP process incorporates process friendly cells and, a push model to order to improve efficiency, reduce work in progress and smooth out the "frictions" in production environments. The current application presents an earliest-completion-time strategy for assigning jobs to cells and a dynamic-priority-based-batch-scheduling algorithm.

Method for adjusting processing parameters of at least one plate-shaped object in a processing tool

Processing parameters of at least one plate-shaped object, e.g. a semiconductor device or wafer, or a flat panel display, in a processing tool are adjusted depending on which processing device out of at least one set of processing devices has been used for the semiconductor device in a preceding step. A virtual or physical tag is generated, which connects the semiconductor device identification with the processing device identification. This enables a compensation of tool-dependent effects in previous processing of a single device. An example is chemical mechanical polishing prior to lithography, where alignment marks can be deteriorated differently between CMP-units. The amount of compensation is detected and evaluated by metrology tools, which—depending on the sequence of the metrology step relative to the processing step to be adjusted—either feed-forward or feed-backward their results to the processing tool. The yield of semiconductor device production is advantageously increased.

Processing method of workpieces using combined processing machines

Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Product line balance control method, product line balance controller, and component mounting unit

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PROCESSING PARAMETERS OF AT LEAST ONE PLATE-LIKE OBJECT IN A PROCESSING TOOL

Processing parameters of at least one plate-like object (20), e.g. a semiconductor device or wafer, or a flat panel display, in a processing tool (1) are adjusted depending on which processing device (2a) out of at least one set of processing devices (2a, 2b) has been used for the semiconductor device (20) in a preceding step. This is provided by generating a virtual or physical token (10a), which connects the semiconductor device (20) identification with the processing device (2a, 2b) identification. This enables a compensation of tool- dependent effects in previous processing of a single device. An example is chemical mechanical polishing prior to lithography, where alignment marks can be deteriorated differently between CMP-apparatus. The amount of compensation is detected and evaluated by means of metrology tools, which - depending on the sequence of the metrology step relative to the processing step to be adjusted - either feed-forward or feed-backward their results to the processing ...

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PROCESSING PARAMETERS OF AT LEAST ONE PLATE-LIKE OBJECT IN A PROCESSING TOOL

Method for adjusting processing parameters of at least one plate-shaped object in a processing tool

Processing parameters of at least one plate-shaped object, e.g. a semiconductor device or wafer, or a flat panel display, in a processing tool are adjusted depending on which processing device out of at least one set of processing devices has been used for the semiconductor device in a preceding step. A virtual or physical tag is generated, which connects the semiconductor device identification with the processing device identification. This enables a compensation of tool-dependent effects in previous processing of a single device. An example is chemical mechanical polishing prior to lithography, where alignment marks can be deteriorated differently between CMP-units. The amount of compensation is detected and evaluated by metrology tools, which-depending on the sequence of the metrology step relative to the processing step to be adjusted-either feed-forward or feed-backward their results to the processing tool. The yield of semiconductor device production is advantageously increased.

REAL TIME ANOMALY DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for kitting products, including real time verification of packing or unpacking by action and image recognition.

Method and device for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations

The invention relates to a method for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations, a device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a program element. According to the inventive method for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations comprising a plurality of stations, said stations are grouped together into a pluralityof groups of stations based on a respective functionality of the stations. Furthermore, a plurality of combined loads are formed, each combined load comprising at least one portion of the stations ofa group of stations. A load distribution is determined for the combined loads based on load minimization and/or load homogenization. The physical objects are to be distributed to the stations of the combined loads according to the load distribution.

DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING USING VIRTUAL CONTROLLER INSTANCES

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates enabling efficient load allocation within an industrial automation environment. A controller with a processing capability can be associated with an industrial automation environment. A balance component can distribute a portion of a load to the controller based upon an evaluation of at least one of the load or the processing capability.

LINE BALANCE CONTROL METHOD, LINE BALANCE CONTROL APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT MOUNTING MACHINE

To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line 100 is equipped with a printing machine 120, a coating machine 130, a component mounting machine 101, a component mounting machine 102, and a reflow machine 140, and they are connected through a communication line 110, respectively. In addition, a line balance control device, which is equipped with possibility inquiring means which makes an inquiry of whether or not it is possible to mount components to be allocated, among the components to be mounted, to the component mounting machines 101, 102, possibility obtaining means which obtains a response to the inquiry in the possibility inquiring means, and allocating means which allocates components to be mounted, to each component mounting machine 101, 102, in such a manner that mounting time at each component mounting machine is equalized, on the basis of the response obtained in the possibility obtaining means, is disposed in a device which configure the production line 100.

Method for adjusting processing parameters of plate-like objects in a processing tool

WORKSPACE ACTOR SELECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

In one embodiment a method comprises: accessing information associated with a first actor, including sensed activity information associated with an activity space; analyzing the activity information, including analyzing activity of the first actor with respect to a plurality of other actors; and forwarding feedback on the results of the analysis, wherein the results includes identification of a second actor as a replacement actor to replace the first actor, wherein the second actor is one of the plurality of other actors. The activity space can include an activity space associated with performance of a task. The analyzing can comprise: comparing information associated with activity of the first actor within the activity space with anticipated activity of the respective ones of the plurality of the actors within the activity space; and analyzing/comparing deviations between the activity of the first actor and the anticipated activity of the second actor.

Traceability systems and methods

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing, restaurants and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for establishing traceability.

Processing method of workpieces using combined processing machines

Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Assembly line balancer

Assembly line balancer groups tasks of multi-sided, mixed model assembly lines on the basis of per side and per model constraints. Resulting compound tasks involve less computational time and power in balancing the line.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEM, CONTROL APPARATUS FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

A mechanical equipment control system includes a mechanical apparatus, a load ratio detection circuit, and an integration control circuit. The mechanical apparatus includes a motor which is configured to drive the mechanical apparatus. The load ratio detection circuit is configured to detect a load ratio of the motor. The integration control circuit is configured to control the mechanical apparatus based on an operation parameter while keeping the load ratio in an allowable load state.

Line balance control method, line balance control apparatus, and component mounting machine

To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line 100 is equipped with a printing machine 120 , a coating machine 130 , a component mounting machine 101 , a component mounting machine 102 , and a reflow machine 140 , and they are connected through a communication line 110 , respectively. In addition, a line balance control device, which is equipped with possibility inquiring means which makes an inquiry of whether or not it is possible to mount components to be allocated, among the components to be mounted, to the component mounting machines 101, 102 , possibility obtaining means which obtains a response to the inquiry in the possibility inquiring means, and allocating means which allocates components to be mounted, to each component mounting machine 101, 102 , in such a manner that mounting time at each component mounting machine is equalized, on the basis of the response obtained in the possibility obtaining means, is disposed in a device which configure the production line 100.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LINE BALANCING

In various embodiments, a method includes receiving one or more sensor streams with an engine. The engine identifies one or more actions that are performed at first and second stations of a plurality of stations within the sensor stream(s). The received sensor stream(s) and identified one or more actions performed at the first and second stations are stored in a data structure. The identified one or more actions are mapped to the sensor stream(s). The engine characterizes each of the identified one or more actions performed at each of the first and second stations to produce determined characterizations thereof. Based on one or more of the determined characterizations, automatically producing a recommendation, either dynamically or post-facto, to move at least one of the identified one or more actions performed at one of the stations to another station to reduce cycle time. 1. A method comprising:receiving one or more sensor streams with an engine;utilizing the engine to identify one or more actions within the one or more sensor streams that are performed at a first station of a plurality of stations;utilizing the engine to identify one or more actions within the one or more sensor streams that are performed at a second station of the plurality of stations;storing in a data structure the received one or more sensor streams, the identified one or more actions performed at the first station, and the identified one or more actions performed at the second station, the identified one or more actions performed at each of the first and second stations are mapped to the one or more sensor streams;utilizing the engine to characterize each of the identified one or more actions performed at each of the first and second stations to produce determined characterizations thereof; andbased on one or more of the determined characterizations, automatically producing a recommendation, either dynamically or post-facto, to move at least one of the identified one or more actions ...

AUTOMATED WORK CHART SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for automatic creation of work charts.

AUTOMATED BIRTH CERTIFICATE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for automatic creation of birth certificates for each instance of a subject product or service. The birth certificate can string together snippets of the sensor streams along with indicators of cycles, processes, action, sequences, objects, parameters and the like captured in the sensor streams.

AUTOMATION SYSTEM

An automation system which includes a first and a second controller for controlling an appliance or an installation, first and second input and/or output (I/O) units for receiving an electronic signal from the installation appliance or the installation and/or for outputting an electronic signal to the appliance or the installation, a control program which includes a plurality of control program modules for controlling the appliance or the installation, and a superordinate controller that associates the control program modules with the first and/or second controllers such that the appliance or the installation is controlled or can be controlled in accordance with the control program when the control program modules are executed within the respective control units, where the automation system is additionally configured such that each of the two control units interchange electronic data for controlling the appliance or the installation both with the first and with the second I/O units.

Assembly line balancer

Assembly line balancer groups tasks of multi-sided, mixed model assembly lines on the basis of per side and per model constraints. Resulting compound tasks involve less computational time and power in balancing the line.

Processing method of workpieces using combined processing machines

Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Method,device,computer readable storage medium and program element for determining a distribution of physical objects on stations of a system of stations

本发明是相关于一种用于决定将物品分布于包括复数个站台之站台系统的该等站台的方法，装置、计算机可读取之储存媒体以及一程序组件。在该用于决定将物品分布于包括复数个站台之站台系统的该等站台的方法中，该等站台乃会以一分别的站台功能性作为基础而进行分群，进而形成复数个站台群组。再者，复数个资源池是会加以形成，且一分别的资源池是包含有一站台群组之该等站台的至少一些。并且，对该等资源池而言，一负载分配乃是以负载最小化及/或负载均匀化作为基础而加以决定，且该等物品是必须要依照该负载分配而被分布至该等资源池的该等站台。

Method for adjusting processing parameters of at least one plate-like object in a processing tool

Line balance control method, line balance controller, and component mounting unit

Product knitting systems and methods

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for kitting products, including real time verification of packing or unpacking by action and image recognition.

Automation system

Mechanical equipment control system, mechanical equipment controller, and mechanical equipment control method

[Problem] To improve operability of mechanical equipment. [Solution] This mechanical equipment control system 1, provided with multiple robots 2-5 driven and controlled by motors 14, comprises a load factor detection unit 35 which detects the load factor of all motors 14, an operation unit 21 which receives input for configuration of prescribed operation parameters in the mechanical equipment control system 1, and an integrated controller 6 which, while maintaining both the load factor and an allowed load state, controls the multiple robots 2-5 in accordance with the prescribed operation parameters inputted for configuration. The robots 2-5 comprise servo amplifiers 13 which control driving of the motors 14, and an internal sensor 36 and an external sensor 40 which detect the state data of at least one of the motors 14 and the servo amplifiers 13. The load factor detection unit 35 calculates, as the load factor, the margin of operation of at least one of the motors 14 and the servo amplifiers 13 on the basis of the detected state data.

Workspace actor selection systems and methods

In one embodiment a method comprises: accessing information associated with a first actor, including sensed activity information associated with an activity space; analyzing the activity information, including analyzing activity of the first actor with respect to a plurality of other actors; and forwarding feedback on the results of the analysis, wherein the results includes identification of a second actor as a replacement actor to replace the first actor, wherein the second actor is one of the plurality of other actors. The activity space can include an activity space associated with performance of a task. The analyzing can comprise: comparing information associated with activity of the first actor within the activity space with anticipated activity of the respective ones of the plurality of the actors within the activity space; and analyzing/comparing deviations between the activity of the first actor and the anticipated activity of the second actor.

System and methods for dynamic scheduling in cellular manufacturing with batch-splitting

The present application a new and improved system and method of enhanced Lean Document Production (LDP), which applies cellular manufacturing to document printing operations. The LDP process incorporates process friendly cells and, a push model to order to improve efficiency, reduce work in progress and smooth out the “frictions” in production environments. The current application presents an earliest-completion-time strategy for assigning jobs to cells and a dynamic-priority-based-batch-scheduling algorithm.

Automatisierungssystem

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Automatisierungssystem (100), umfassend: - eine erste und eine zweite Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140) zur Steuerung eines Geräts (165) oder einer Anlage (160, 165) sowie eine erste und eine zweites Ein- und/oder Ausgabe-Einheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 145) zum Empfang eines elektronischen Signals von dem Gerät (165) bzw. der Anlage (160, 165) und/oder zur Ausgabe eines elektronischen Signals an das Gerät (165) bzw. die Anlage (160, 165), und - ein Steuerprogramm, umfassenden mehrere Steuerprogrammbausteine, zur Steuerung des Geräts (165) oder der Anlage (160, 165), wobei - das Automatisierungssystem (100) weiterhin derart ausgebildet und eingerichtet ist, dass jede der zwei Steuereinheiten (110, 120, 130, 140) sowohl mit der ersten als auch mit der zweiten Ein- und/oder Ausgabeeinheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 145) elektronische Daten zur Steuerung des Geräts (165) oder der Anlage (160, 165) austauschen kann, und - das Automatisierungssystem (100) weiterhin eine übergeordnete Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) umfasst, welche die Steuerprogrammbausteine der ersten und/oder zweiten Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140) derart zuordnet, dass beim Ablauf der Steuerprogrammbausteine innerhalb der jeweiligen Steuereinheiten (110, 120, 130, 140) das Gerät (165) oder die Anlage (160, 165) entsprechend dem Steuerprogramm gesteuert wird oder steuerbar ist.

Automatisierungssystem

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Automatisierungssystem (100), umfassend: - eine erste und eine zweite Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140) zur Steuerung eines Geräts (165) oder einer Anlage (160, 165) sowie eine erste und eine zweites Ein- und/oder Ausgabe-Einheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 145) zum Empfang eines elektronischen Signals von dem Gerät (165) bzw. der Anlage (160, 165) und/oder zur Ausgabe eines elektronischen Signals an das Gerät (165) bzw. die Anlage (160, 165), und - ein Steuerprogramm, umfassenden mehrere Steuerprogrammbausteine, zur Steuerung des Geräts (165) oder der Anlage (160, 165), wobei - das Automatisierungssystem (100) weiterhin derart ausgebildet und eingerichtet ist, dass jede der zwei Steuereinheiten (110, 120, 130, 140) sowohl mit der ersten als auch mit der zweiten Ein- und/oder Ausgabeeinheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 145) elektronische Daten zur Steuerung des Geräts (165) oder der Anlage (160, 165) austauschen kann, und - das Automatisierungssystem (100) weiterhin eine übergeordnete Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) umfasst, welche die Steuerprogrammbausteine der ersten und/oder zweiten Steuereinheit (110, 120, 130, 140) derart zuordnet, dass beim Ablauf der Steuerprogrammbausteine innerhalb der jeweiligen Steuereinheiten (110, 120, 130, 140) das Gerät (165) oder die Anlage (160, 165) entsprechend dem Steuerprogramm gesteuert wird oder steuerbar ist.

机械设备控制系统、机械设备控制装置以及机械设备控制方法

提高机械设备的操作性。一种具备由马达(14)驱动控制的多台机器人(2～5)的机械设备控制系统(1)，包括：负载率检测部(35)，检测所有马达(14)的负载率；操作部(21)，接受机械设备控制系统(1)中的预定运用参数的设定输入；以及综合控制装置(6)，在任一个负载率都维持允许负载状态的同时，与设定输入的预定运用参数对应地控制多台机器人(2～5)，机器人(2～5)包括控制马达(14)的驱动的伺服放大器(13)、以及检测马达(14)和伺服放大器(13)中的至少一者的状态数据的内部传感器(36)和外部传感器(40)，负载率检测单元(35)基于检测出的状态数据计算马达(14)和伺服放大器(13)中的至少一者的动作裕度作为负载率。

Harness assembly line balancing

This application discloses a computing system implementing a line balancing tool to generate a structured bill of materials for a wire harness based on a harness design and available fabrication processes. The computing system can decompose the structured bill of materials into tasks and assign the tasks to workstations in a production line configured to manufacture the wire harness. The computing system can determine dependencies between a plurality of the tasks and verify the tasks assigned to the workstation conform to the dependencies between the plurality of the tasks. The dependencies can indicate an order for performance of the operations associated with the tasks. The computing system can identify unassigned tasks capable of assignment to one or more of the workstations and determine which of the workstations the unassigned assembly tasks, if assigned, would conform with the dependencies between the plurality of the assembly tasks.

ハーネス組立ラインの釣り合わせ

本出願は、ハーネス・デザインと利用可能な製造プロセスに基づいてワイヤ・ハーネス用のストラクチャ型部品表を生成する、ライン釣り合わせツールを実装する計算装置に関する。計算装置はストラクチャ型部品表を複数の作業に分解し、ワイヤ・ハーネスを製造するように構成された生産ライン中のワークステーションに作業を割り当てる。計算装置は、複数の作業間の依存性を決定し、ワークステーションに割り当てられた作業が複数の作業間の依存性に適合することを検証する。依存関係は作業に関連する操作の実行の順位を示し得る。計算装置は、１つ以上のワークステーションに割り当てることができる未だ割り当てられていない作業を識別し、ワークステーションのどれが、未だ割り当てられていない組立作業が割り当てられる場合に、複数の組立作業間の依存性に適合するのかを決定する。

Real time anomaly detection systems and methods

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for process validation, anomaly detection and in-process quality assurance.

生产线平衡控制方法、生产线平衡控制装置及元件安装机

提供了一种不需要更高级别的设备的生产线平衡控制方法、生产线平衡控制装置、和元件安装机。生产线100被配备有打印式机器120、贴胶机130、元件安装机101、元件安装机102以及回流机140。其分别通过通信线110而连接。另外，在构成生产线100的设备中配备有生产线平衡控制设备，所述生产线平衡控制设备具有：可能性查询装置，向元件安装机101、102做出在要被安装的元件中是否可以安装要被分配的元件的查询；可能性获取装置，获取对于在可能性查询装置中的查询的响应；以及分配装置，基于在可能性获取装置中获取的响应，以诸如每个元件安装机的安装时间相等的方式向每个元件安装机分配要被安装的元件。

Workspace actor selection systems and methods

In one embodiment a method comprises: accessing information associated with a first actor, including sensed activity information associated with an activity space; analyzing the activity information, including analyzing activity of the first actor with respect to a plurality of other actors; and forwarding feedback on the results of the analysis, wherein the results includes identification of a second actor as a replacement actor to replace the first actor, wherein the second actor is one of the plurality of other actors. The activity space can include an activity space associated with performance of a task. The analyzing can comprise: comparing information associated with activity of the first actor within the activity space with anticipated activity of the respective ones of the plurality of the actors within the activity space; and analyzing/comparing deviations between the activity of the first actor and the anticipated activity of the second actor.

Workspace actor coordination systems and methods

Workspace coordination systems and methods are presented. A method can comprise: accessing in real time respective information associated with a first actor and a second actor, including sensed activity information; analyzing the information, including analyzing activity of the first actor with respect to a second actor; and forwarding respective feedback based on the results of the analysis. The feedback can includes an individual objective specific to one of either the first actor or the second actor. The feedback includes collective objective with respect to the first actor or the second actor. The analyzing can include automated artificial intelligence analysis. Sensed activity information can be associated with a grid within the activity space. It is appreciated there can be various combinations of actors (e.g., human and device, device and device, human and human, etc.). The feedback can be a configuration layout suggestion. The feedback can be a suggested assignment of a type of actor to an activity.

Systems and methods for automatic job assignment

Embodiments of the present invention provide a machine and continuous data set including process data, quality data, specific actor data, and ergonomic data (among others) to create more accurate job assignments that maximize efficiency, quality and worker safety. Using the data set, tasks may be assigned to actors based on objective statistical data such as skills, task requirements, ergonomics and time availability. Assigning tasks in this way can provide unique value for manufacturers who currently conduct similar analyses using only minimal observational data.

Automated certificate systems and methods

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for automatic creation of certificates for each instance of a subject product or service. The certificate can string together snippets of the sensor streams along with indicators of cycles, processes, action, sequences, objects, parameters and the like captured in the sensor streams.

线束组装线平衡

本申请揭示了一种实施线平衡工具的计算系统，用于基于线束设计和可用的制作过程来生成线束的结构化物料清单。计算系统可以将结构化物料清单分解成任务，并且将任务分派给被配置来制造线束的生产线中的工作站。计算系统可以确定多个任务之间的依赖性并且验证分派给工作站的任务符合多个任务之间的依赖性。依赖性可以指示执行与任务相关联的操作的顺序。计算系统可以确认能够分派给一个或多个工作站的未分派的任务，并且确定未分派的组装任务如果被分派给哪些工作站将会符合多个组装任务之间的依赖性。

Automated certificate systems and methods

The systems and methods provide an action recognition and analytics tool for use in manufacturing, health care services, shipping, retailing and other similar contexts. Machine learning action recognition can be utilized to determine cycles, processes, actions, sequences, objects and or the like in one or more sensor streams. The sensor streams can include, but are not limited to, one or more video sensor frames, thermal sensor frames, infrared sensor frames, and or three-dimensional depth frames. The analytics tool can provide for automatic creation of certificates for each instance of a subject product or service. The certificates can string together snippets of the sensor streams along with indicators of cycles, processes, action, sequences, objects, parameters and the like captured in the sensor streams.

机械设备控制系统、机械设备控制装置以及机械设备控制方法

提高机械设备的操作性。一种具备由马达(14)驱动控制的多台机器人(2～5)的机械设备控制系统(1)，包括：负载率检测部(35)，检测所有马达(14)的负载率；操作部(21)，接受机械设备控制系统(1)中的预定运用参数的设定输入；以及综合控制装置(6)，在任一个负载率都维持允许负载状态的同时，与设定输入的预定运用参数对应地控制多台机器人(2～5)，机器人(2～5)包括控制马达(14)的驱动的伺服放大器(13)、以及检测马达(14)和伺服放大器(13)中的至少一者的状态数据的内部传感器(36)和外部传感器(40)，负载率检测单元(35)基于检测出的状态数据计算马达(14)和伺服放大器(13)中的至少一者的动作裕度作为负载率。