In modern manufacturing systems, the key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined as a set of metrics to reflect operation performance. The KPIs are not independent and may have intrinsic mutual relationships. In this paper, by categorizing such data into basic and comprehensive KPIs and supporting metrics, we introduce a hierarchical structure for identification and analysis of KPIs in manufacturing operation management, and use it to investigate pairwise relationship and dependencies between KPIs and supporting metrics.

We describe a real-time component-based system for an inspection application. We chose the inspection application and the accompanying task (or scenario) so that we might fully exercise and test our theories about real-time complex systems, system architectures, design methodologies, and software tools. We describe the application, give a history and description of our system architecture and design methodology, describe the real-time software tools we used, and conclude with a discussion of real-time and object-oriented challenges solved.

An on-line method for piecewise linear approximation of open or closed space curves is described. The algorithm guarantees approximation within a deviation threshold and is offered as an efficient, on-line alternative to the split and merge approach. Other efficient methods operate only on planar curves, whereas the approach we offer is also appropriate for space curves. A simple function of chord and arc length is used to form the initial set of approximating points. Preliminary Gaussian smoothing, posterior merging and least squares fitting are optional and can be done depending on the application. The algorithm performance has been tested on a variety of planar curves and comparisons made with other piecewise linear curve approximation algorithms.

We present algorithms that allow an intelligent system to dynamically convert between two representations of spatial occupancy, namely, certainty grids and object boundary curves. These algorithms can be used to accomplish many real-time tasks of a mobile robot such as mapping, navigation, object recognition, and robot localization. For conversion from certainty grid to object boundaries, an edge linking algorithm is appropriately modified. Certainty grid 'images' are transformed into a set of object boundary curves. The latter are expressed as oriented piecewise linear segments. Image processing techniques, such as edge detection, thinning, curve tracing, and linear approximation are employed with various modifications. Modifications include a new method for linear curve approximation that is simple, accurate, and efficient. This method monitors chord and arc length and its excellent performance is demonstrated against similar algorithms. The certainty grid to object boundary algorithm is tested against simulated noisy certainty grid maps. An algorithm to do the inverse operation, namely, to convert object boundary curves to an occupancy grid, is also presented.