Tsutomu Tabe

Analysis of production ordering quantities and inventory variations in a multi-stage production ordering system

In the Japanese automobile and electrical industries it is often necessary to consider the production ordering systems as multi-stage production inventory systems. Previous analyses of production ordering systems have left untouched the variations in the production ordering quantities and inventory at each stage, in spite of the fact that the amplification phenomena of these variations are critical in a multi-stage production inventory system. Generally, we are able to classify the multi-stage production ordering systems into two types, i.e. the push-type and the pull-type. This paper discusses the following subjects concerning the push-type and multi-stage production ordering system based on forecasting: (1) the effects of demand fluctuations and forecast errors on the amplification of production order variations and inventory variations in terms of a basic production ordering model, and (2) the same effects in a modified production ordering model which is able to decrease both the variations in the prod...

Knowledge elicitation in scheduling FMS: Towards a hybrid intelligent system

Abstract The paper presents preliminary information on a methodology for developing a hybrid intelligent system for scheduling FMS. For this purpose a computer simulator for FMS was developed with interactive and look-ahead capabilities. The results have indicated that the protocol analysis with a GOMS model is a useful tool to elicit knowledge for FMS scheduling in a real-time interactive environment. Furthermore, the elicited knowledge was transferred into a computer as a knowledge-based system for FMS scheduling. The hybrid intelligence, which is a combined model of human intelligence and machine intelligence, includes knowledge-based systems, traditional algorithms and human decision making.

Design and utilization of a fuzzy knowledge-based system for design feature recognition of freehand illustrations

This paper concentrates on a task support system for design feature recognition performed as the first stage of a CAPP (computer-aided process planning system) in the Japanese apparel industry. The purpose of this study is to confirm that a fuzzy knowledge-based system incorporating two points of view (overall/global and localized) and the concept of fuzzy set can be efficiently applied to the recognition of the design features of freehand plane illustrations. It has been confirmed through the experimentation on a prototype that the method is effective.

Development of a Coloration Support Tool for Making Web Page Screens User-Friendly for Color Blind

Websites are providing more and more information because of their convenience. Information is often discriminated by color vision ability between individuals. Some people cannot discriminate information depending on the coloration. In these cases, information cannot be correctly discerned. Therefore, the development of a supporting tool for configuring screens is needed.

A Skill Transfer Method for Manual Machine Tool Operation Utilizing Cutting Sound

This study focuses on the inheritance of skills that has faced difficulties through the years in Japan. Sensorimotor knowledge, which is hard to be described by words alone, is often seen in technical skills in a manufacturing environment in Japan. Interpreting sensorimotor knowledge as formal knowledge, attempts have been made to impart technical skills but have faced barriers particularly in lathe processing due to no visual check of finished quality being allowed. Thus, this study suggested training on the inheritance of skills utilizing the level of cutting sound generated in process. Novice workers served as experimental subjects for an experiment to verify the effectiveness of proposed training.

A Method for Evaluating the Relationship among Four Perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard

The purpose of this study is to clarify a method for quantitatively evaluating the relationship among the four perspectives of the BSC. In order to establish the purpose of this study, we (1) clarify the methodology to quantitatively understand the vision and relationship among the four perspectives, (2) analyze the KPI data of a corporation model which is similar to practical business with the evaluation method shown in this study and (3) verify the practical effectiveness of the method based on the obtained results.

Evaluation method of e-learning materials by α-wave and β-wave of EEG

The invention concerns a process for producing lactulose from lactose, wherein a saturated aqueous solution of lactose monohydrate is heated under reflux in the presence of an alkaline phosphite. The lactulose present in the solution obtained is purified by passing the solution in succession through a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin. The lactose is possibly separated by silica gel chromatography and evaporating the eluate.

A method for generating plans for retail store improvements using text mining and conjoint analysis

Sales at retail stores in Japan have been declining for various reasons. One important factor has been a steady diversification in the lifestyles and needs of customers. If a retail store is to sustain itself and continue developing, it must search for the latent demands of customers and adapt itself to accommodate those demands. A support system for store improvement capable of viewing specific improvement plans will prove useful as a tool for improving stores on a sustainable basis. In this research we develop a method for generating effective store-improvement plans to accommodate actual customer demands. The method employs both Text Mining and Conjoint Analysis techniques. We also demonstrate a sequence and a test run of a prototype.

An approach on developing an advice system for starting a new business: The case of a supermarket

Abstract This paper gives preliminary information on the methodology for developing an advice system based on a knowledge-based system for planners that want to start new businesses such as supermarkets.