Abstract: A position detecting system and method for an electronic device used an audio signal input module of the electronic device and a signal receiver to connect to the audio signal input module convert an external position signal into an audio signal. A position detecting software running on the electronic device analyzes the audio signal. Accordingly, the current position of the electronic device is obtained. The audio signal input module of the electronic device is employed as an input port for the external position signal, thus saving the construction cost of the system. Besides, the current position of the electronic device with an ever-changing position can be obtained during a test process, such that the electronic device can start or stop a test item accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a system. In various embodiments, values of identification codes are read from each of a plurality of electronic devices of the system. The values of the identification codes are used to generate a system identifier value.

Abstract: A system is provided in which electronic tags are pre-encoded and mounted on a continuous web for subsequent application to packaging at a packaging supplier plant. A B2B portal provides the information needed to coordinate the pre-encoding of the electronic tags with the packaging manufacture according to a goods packager's requirements.

Abstract: A method for associating objects in a manufacturing process. In response to an occurrence of an event for an object, a time is recorded of the event for the object. Entries for parts and assemblies associated with the object are located within a database. An entry of the event for the object is created within the database. The entry includes the event for the object, the time of the event for the object, and the entries for the parts and the assemblies associated with the object.

Abstract: A method for dispatching wafers for processing in a tool includes identifying a queue of wafers available to be processed in the tool. One of the wafers is randomly selected based at least in part on a length of time each wafer has been in the queue. The selected wafer is dispatched for processing in the tool.

Abstract: A method for continuous asset verification using at least one radio frequency identification tag for at least one piece of well equipment comprising: writing information about the well equipment into a transportable data storage device; engaging the transportable data storage device with a controller forming a smart controller; encoding the information onto at least one radio frequency identification tag; removably attaching the radio frequency identification tag to the well equipment; transporting the well equipment with the smart controller to a site and scanning the well equipment with the smart controller during at least one predefined interval during transport; and writing the stored scanned radio frequency identification tag information from the transportable data storage device to data storage in communication with a third processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automation system with a control unit, to which at least one sensor or actuator is connected. To connect it to the control unit, the sensor or actuator is connected to the connector which features an RFID chip with relevant data of the sensor or actuator. The data for use in the control unit can be read out by means of a reader.

Abstract: RFID tags of very small size are embedded in products or composed of products in a manufacturing process. The system employs different read and write modes to enable auto-tracking of material, some assembly, assembly and component items through various stages of the manufacturing process. As each item passes special predetermined points in the manufacturing process, the embedded tag is activated and placed in track mode. The tag transmits its ID and a track count representing the number of stations passed. The tag's track count is incremented and the updated track count is stored in non-volatile memory in the tag. The tags can be programmed so that once the count exceeds a predetermined count, a status bit is set in the tag's memory indicating that the item has been completely through the manufacturing process. Thus, the system can determine whether an item or product has been completed. After manufacture the same RFID tag can be used for tracking, inventory and item authentication.

Abstract: A method for uniquely identifying an assembly of at least two components, comprising the steps of: reading a first identifier associated with a first component; reading a second identifier associated with a second component; joining the first component to the second component with a joinder process; associating the first identifier and the second identifier with the joint, yielding a joint identification, the joint identification being recalled upon the reading of either the first identifier or the second identifier; associating the first identifier and the second identifier with the assembly, yielding an assembly identification, the assembly identification being recalled upon the reading of either the first identifier or the second identifier; storing in a machine-accessible memory the joint identification, the assembly identification, and all associations.

Abstract: A system and method manages configuration data within a hardware component of a device to support hardware component changes during development or manufacture of the device. A Standardized Virtual Part (SVP) file is formed as a binary file and includes a SVP header that comprises metadata of one of at least schema version, revision numbers, part numbers, creator and description. The SVP file also includes hardware configuration data and a SVP trailer that includes error checking data for data authentication. The SVP file is loaded onto the device during development or manufacture for configuring the hardware component.

Abstract: Substantially related objects are identified by providing a first wireless sensing device having a first sensor and providing a second wireless sensing device having a second sensor. Next, comparing data derived from the second sensor with data derived from the first sensor to determine whether data from the first sensor is substantially related to data from the second sensor. The first wireless sensing device is identified as substantially related to the second wireless sensing device if data derived from the first sensor is substantially related to data derived from the second sensor.

Abstract: A method of recognizing ID marks encompasses reading the ID marks appended on base materials, and converting the ID marks into bit data; identifying the converted bit data with one of original bit data, when deterioration of the ID mark is within an error correction ability; specifying the converted bit data as damaged data, when the deterioration of the ID mark is beyond the error correction ability; comparing candidate original data with the damaged data and calculates the concordance ratios, the candidate original data is an original bit data not identified by the converted bit data; conjecturing one of candidate original data having the highest concordance ratio as the conjectured bit data of the subject damaged data; and judging whether the conjectured bit data can be adopted as a true bit data for the damaged data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing movement of small lots between processing tools within an electronic device manufacturing facility. In some embodiments, a number of priority lots to be processed is determined and an equivalent number of carrier storage locations are reserved at a substrate loading station of a processing tool. The number of reserved carrier storage locations are made available either by processing and advancing occupying non-priority lots and/or moving unprocessed occupying non-priority lots from the substrate loading station. Priority lots are then transferred to the reserved carrier storage locations. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Items of equipment and assemblies for use in drilling or completion of a well or in other well operations are monitored from the time they are assembled for shipment to a particular well site for a job through the time of delivery and installation at the well site. Radio frequency identifier devices (RFID's) are mounted with the items to electronically tag them as they are assembled for shipment. The items are assembled into containers which can be readily inventoried during transit to detect loss or pilferage. Detailed information about the individual items can be encoded into the RFID at the time of electronic tagging. If desired, the shipping containers can be provided with separate RFID's detailing the particular items within the container and the progress of the shipment monitored remotely by satellite or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking articles and monitoring them on a real time basis comprising the use of a tag and one or more reader disposed within a locale being monitored and structured to communicate received data transmission to or from a host controller, for additional administrative processing in terms of determining the existence, location, state and/or movement of various articles with which the plurality of tags are directly associated. Depending on their category the tags may be activated by either entering an electric field of a predetermined first frequency or by receiving an activation signal from the reader assembly also transmitted at the first predetermined frequency. Communication between the tags and the reader occurs at a second frequency being different from the first frequency.

Abstract: A container comprising a body having embedded therein a plurality of chipless radio frequency identification elements. The chipless radio frequency identification elements comprises a plurality of categories of resonant elements. The resonant elements can be utilized in a system having a binary code feature. The combination of different resonant elements can be read and translated to identify the features of a particular product. The container can be prepared by compounding moldable compositions with the resonant elements and molding the moldable compositions containing the resonant elements into the final product. The invention also provides a system and a method for reading the binary code provided by the chipless radio frequency identification elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method directed to encoding data from an object in order to simultaneously identify a serialization value of the object from the data while incrementally tracking the object's position from the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking carcass intervention data accumulated during carcass processing. An identification is assigned to the carcass. The carcass is subjected to at least one intervention, during which processing data is accumulated. The carcass identification and the processing data are then associated and compared to predetermined processing parameters.

Abstract: A computer unit 71 disposed at a vehicle assembly plant 70 sends to an information providing center 40 chassis number information and MAC address information and phone number information of a communication unit 15 of a vehicle. A computer unit 81 at a vehicle sales shop 80 transmits to the center 40 chassis number information and information representing the number plate of the vehicle. The center 40 registers the sent information pieces as movable-body-specifying information and user-specifying information, respectively. By use of an apparatus 10, a user requests the center 40 to provide information. The center 40 authenticates the movable-body-specifying information and the user-specifying information sent from the apparatus 10, checks whether or not the present location of the vehicle coincides with a predetermined location, and specifies the user. Then, the center 40 provides information to the specified user.

Abstract: A method for generation of a sequence of operations for a manufacturing process including modeling the manufacturing process through a finite state machine to create a sequence of operations generator operative to generate a list of sequences of operations for the manufacturing process and utilizing the sequence of operations generator to input process information and automatically generate a list of sequences of operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing movement of small lots between processing tools within an electronic device manufacturing facility. In some embodiments, a number of priority lots to be processed is determined and an equivalent number of carrier storage locations are reserved at a substrate loading station of a processing tool. The number of reserved carrier storage locations are made available either by processing and advancing occupying non-priority lots and/or moving unprocessed occupying non-priority lots from the substrate loading station. Priority lots are then transferred to the reserved carrier storage locations. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: An operational guide system (10) adapted to provide visual indicators to an individual to guide sequential actions includes at least one sensor apparatus (26), a controller (20), and at least one directional light device (22, 24). The sensor apparatus (26) is operable to detect operation information and generate an output indicative of the sensed operation information. The controller (20) receives at least a first input signal indicative of the operation information and selectively provides at least one command signal in response to the first input signal. The at least one directional light device (22, 24) being selectively operable to project and target at least one indicating light in response to the at least one command signal from the controller (20).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the variation in film thickness on a plurality of semiconductor wafers having multiple deposition paths in a semiconductor manufacturing process is disclosed. A film of a varying input thickness is applied to semiconductor wafers moving through various film deposition paths. The deposition path of each of the semiconductor wafers is recorded. A subset of semiconductor wafers is measured and an average film input thickness corresponding to each of the film deposition paths is calculated. If semiconductor wafer in the specific film deposition path does not have measurement data, by default it uses historical measurement data. The average film input thickness of the deposition path corresponding to a given semiconductor wafer is then used to modify the recipe of a process tool, such as a Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) Process Tool. An improved manufacturing process is achieved without the use of excess measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus dynamically store data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly to enhance lifecycle management of the assembly. The supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. The supply chain events or characteristic data may be stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In addition, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalization, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. Other information that may be stored on the RFID tag includes country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status parameter.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for computer-assisted furnishing of materials in elevator construction, wherein materials are provided with a readable or writable data transmitter, these materials are furnished, data of the data transmitter are written or read with computer assistance and these data are checked with computer assistance.

Abstract: A system that tracks a lot of items being manufactured comprises a receiver component that receives control logics for manufacturing the lot, the control logics include information relating to number of items within the lot and number of items within sublots. A partitioning component automatically creates a plurality of virtual sublots that represent sublots being manufactured. A tracking component automatically tracks each of the sublots across multiple processes during manufacture of the items and associates tracking data with corresponding virtual sublots.

Abstract: An open mold system provides various unique molds which are released from a plurality of staging queues and loaded onto a mold transportation circuit in relation to a particular customer order and transportation vehicle. A batch of molds are sequenced in an order in which a particular transportation vehicle is to be loaded. After each part is demolded, the molds are returned to their appropriate staging queues or storage areas. The parts are inspected and are sent to either a minor repair area, a major repair area, or directly to a trimming and packaging area. From the packaging area, the parts are moved to a relatively small shipping area where the batch of parts are already ordered to be effectively loaded directly onto the transportation vehicle. As the finished parts come off line in the batch particular to the transportation vehicle, a large shipping area and inventory area is avoided.

Abstract: A photoresist system is disclosed. A graphical user interface of the system allows an operator to initiate a bottle switching operation, among other operations. Barcode data of a photoresist bottle is obtained by an equipment server from a controller. Photoresist data relating to the bottle is obtained by the equipment server from a database through a constraint server. The equipment server, preferably with assistance from the constraint server, determines whether the bottle contains appropriate photoresist for the semiconductor processing to be performed on semiconductor wafers. If the bottle contains appropriate photoresist, the equipment server, through the constraint server, stores the expiration date of the bottle and the batch identifier of the bottle, as indicated by the barcode data, in the database. If the bottle contains inappropriate photoresist, then the system acts to prevent the semiconductor processing of the semiconductor wafers with the inappropriate photoresist contained in the bottle.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for tracking product data for a product mass flow in a transport storage section of the tobacco-processing industry having the steps: production of product data sets which each correspond to approximately equal portions of the product mass flow entering the transport storage section, writing the product data sets into corresponding memory units of a data memory and reading the product data sets corresponding to the product mass flow emerging from the transport storage section from the data memory. The application further relates to a corresponding product dating tracking system.

Abstract: WIP status updates, as received from semiconductor manufacturing suppliers, is converted to transactions. In one approach, supply chain events, for example lot splits, lot merges, and lot scrap, are identified based on previous lot statuses and current lot statuses from the WIP status update. Identified events are interpreted as transactions, which can be used to interface with a transactional system such as an ERP system.

Abstract: A sorting system is provided for electronic components such as LED devices which includes a testing station for testing and determining a characteristic of each electronic component. A first tray has a plurality of receptacles for receiving tested electronic components and a second tray has more receptacles than the first tray for receiving tested electronic components. Electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with greater frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the first tray and electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with lower frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the second tray.

Abstract: In one aspect, an electric field device for use in process automation is provided to simplify supply of an electric field device located at an installation site in the process with information originating from its process environment. At least one transponder is arranged in the area of the installation site. The transponder comprises a memory containing data with predetermined information on the process environment of the field device. The field device comprises a reader unit for contactlessly reading the data and an evaluation unit for processing the information for the functions to be carried out by the field device within the framework of process automation.

Abstract: A management method is provided for a removable device attached to an apparatus and to be removed for maintenance. Maintenance data for each removable device is stored in a data management unit. An identification code is given to each removable device. The identification code of the removable device is read and input and output together with information required for maintenance, via a mobile terminal. The maintenance data is sent and received between the mobile terminal and the data management unit via a personal handphone system radio relay device. Since the management method enables maintenance of the removable device to be performed via the mobile terminal, it is possible to easily manage the location and history of the removable device requiring maintenance.

Abstract: A chip information character set including a lot ID for chip-marking, which has a smaller number of characters than that of a conventional lot ID used in a fabrication line for a semiconductor device, is generated by coding the conventional lot ID using a decimal numeration system or a 62 decimal numeration system. A wafer identifier for chip-marking having 1-character is generated by coding a conventional number of a wafer using a set of identification symbols. A chip coordinate for chip-marking is having either 1-character or 2-characters is generated by coding a conventional coordinate of a chip in the wafer using the decimal or 62 decimal numeration system. The chip information character set has a simplified form to be written in a relatively short time, thereby increasing a productivity of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electronic circuits including generating CAD data, a bill of materials and an approved component vendor list for an electronic circuit and employing the CAD data, the bill of materials and the approved component vendor list for automatically generating a pick & place machine-specific component loading specification, a pick & place machine-specific component placement sequence and pick & place machine-specific component data for governing the operation of at least one specific pick & place machine in a manufacturing line.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present technique provides a medical device component having an RF tag that is configured to provide information regarding the medical device component. Particularly, the RF tag may contain and provide information regarding maintenance, installation, and manufacture of the medical device component. Indeed, the exemplary embodiment of the present technique may facilitate the development of an “as built” or hardware configuration of the medical device through the use of RF tags. Advantageously, the medical device may be surveyed by activating the RF tags, which contain and transmit information regarding the various components in the medical device.

Abstract: A data tracking method applied in semiconductor manufacturing is provided. Split historical data of a wafer lot is retrieved and it is determined whether the end of lot data of the wafer lot is read. If not, a maximum split number required for a split processing applied to the wafer lot is determined. Next, a virtual sub split number required for the current process station is determined according to the maximum split number and a current split number. At least one virtual sub lot for the current process station is created according to the virtual sub split number. Process data of an original wafer lot corresponding to the virtual sub lot is copied to the virtual sub lot and virtual sub lots for the next process station is continuously created when creation is complete.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an appliance comprising receiving indication of an appliance coupling to a communication port on a communication network and retrieving, over the communication network, a first identification assigned to the appliance during manufacturing of the appliance. The appliance is validated using the first identification and a status of the appliance is determined.

Abstract: A method for marking items includes determining production-date information indicative of a production date associated with an item; at least in part on the basis of the production-date information, determining a production-date range corresponding to the production-date information; retrieving expiration-date information corresponding to the production-date information; and marking the item with a mark representative of the expiration-date information.

Abstract: A “Woodprint™” characterization and identification technique employs cameras (16), lighting (14), camera interface hardware (18), a computer (20), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood (8) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece (8), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece (8) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece (8).

Abstract: A dynamic lean replenishment method for handling inventory management is provided. The method includes performing analysis to determine a projected inventory stock. The analysis is performed in accordance with at least one of a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode. In the synchronous mode, a computer is configured to perform the analysis to determine the projected inventory stock after consumption has occurred. The consumption is deemed to have occurred when a first bin of a plurality of bins is consumed and changes from a bin state of on-hand to the bin state of empty. In the asynchronous mode, the computer is configured to perform the analysis to determine the projected inventory stock after a preset time interval. The method also includes comparing the projected inventory stock to a safety stock to determine replenishment.

Abstract: There is provided an article management system having a previous process and a next process successively connected, which is provided with a product data creation unit to create product data corresponding to products of the previous process, a part data creation unit to create part data corresponding to parts in the next process, an identification assigning unit to assign virtual identification information to a group of management targets, and a management data creation unit to create management data formed of a single file. The identification assigning unit assigns same identification information to a same group of management articles. The management data creation unit passes, to the next process, the management data having link information when products manufactured in the previous process reach the next process; and passes the management data having link information to update corresponding management data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distribution of a product that may be configured in accordance with any of a plurality of sub-model configurations. An unconfigured product may be shipped to a customer accompanied by a plurality of authorization codes each representing a possible sub-model configuration of the unconfigured product. The authorization code may be encrypted and indicates the serial number of the product and the corresponding sub-model code. The product's controller may configure the product at the time of end-user installation or purchase using the authorization code and returns an acknowledgement message to the product manufacturer indicating the selected sub-model configuration of the product. The authorization codes and acknowledgement message may be encrypted using public key encryption. The acknowledgement message may be returned manually as a report or electronically to the manufacturer for product sales auditing.

Abstract: By providing a safety material, such as an adhesive foil, the probability for transport-related damage or destruction of substrates caused by broken substrates may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: In a method for controlling material flow in production, or a consumable or replacement part maintenance, of a product comprised of a plurality of individual parts, the individual parts are delivered to a goods receipt of a logistic system, a transponder being associated with the individual parts. In the transponder are stored production and delivery data regarding the individual part. The data of the transponder are read at the goods receipt and used for controlling further material flow such that the individual parts are transported in a controlled manner to subsequent process stations.

Abstract: A method for confirming information using multiple information gathering subsystems is provided. In one embodiment, the method attempts to gather primary information using a first information gathering subsystem. The method also attempts to gather secondary information using a second information gathering subsystem. Thereafter, the method compares the primary information when gathered by the first information gathering subsystem with the secondary information when gathered by the secondary information gathering subsystem. In various embodiments, information gathered from one information gathering subsystem can be used to derive information not retrieved (due to a failed gathering attempt) from the other information gathering subsystem. In still other embodiments, a third information gathering subsystem can be used to gather tertiary information. The tertiary information can be used when needed to confirm or derive primary or secondary information.

Abstract: A substrate transfer system is used in fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The system includes a cassette having a bar code, a cassette stocker to store the cassette; an auto guided vehicle that is able to transfer the cassette; a moving path unit to determine a moving path of the auto guided vehicle, a plurality of process stages at which processes are conducted on a substrate during fabrication of the LCD device, and a host to control the cassette stocker, the auto guided vehicle and the process stages. At least one of the auto guided vehicle and the cassette stocker having a bar code reader.

Abstract: An integrated circuit identification device (ICID) to be incorporated into an integrated circuit (IC) includes an array of electronic cells in which the magnitude of an output signal of each cell is a function of randomly occurring parametric variations which vary from cell-to-cell. The ICID also includes a circuit for measuring the output of each cell and for producing output data having a value reflecting the particular combination of measured characteristics of all of the elements of the array. When we make the number of elements in the array large enough, we insure that to a high degree of probability, the pattern of measured array cell characteristics for an ICID embedded in any one IC will be unique and distinguishable from such patterns measured by ICIDs embedded in millions of other ICs. Thus the value of the output data produced by an ICID circuit acts as a unique “fingerprint” for the IC in which it is installed, and can be used as a unique identification (ID) for that IC.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.