Abstract: A method for selecting a parts kit detail for the installation of a pressure transducer on a container such as a pipeline or a vessel, the container for containing a fluid material, the method including two steps. The first step is to establish at least two different installation categories, each such different installation category being defined by the properties of the fluid material. The second step is to establish at least two different parts kit details, at least two of such different parts kit details being applicable to the different installation categories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finding contamination occurrence and for preventing the propagation of the contamination is provided according to the present invention, which altogether constitutes a contamination prevention system. The present invention employs a computer for examining a process flow in order to find out whether a process step is contaminated by using a contaminated tool and therewith to show a proper representation on a process flow. Any process flow that passes the contamination prevention system of the present invention can be free of any contamination problem. Furthermore, The contamination prevention system according to the present invention gives a tag for each object. If an object is tagged “contaminated”, then the system forbids the next process step, that includes uncontaminated tools, to be executed. The present invention can be built to an automatic system to prevent the propagation of contamination from occurring.

Abstract: A distributed system having a central server, one or more remote supplier nodes, one or more remote manufacturer nodes, and one or more remote client nodes that communicate with one another via the Internet. The server maintains a centralized component database containing information corresponding to the components sold by the suppliers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. The server also maintains a centralized process database containing information corresponding to the manufacturing processes performed by the manufacturers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. Each supplier and manufacturer is responsible for accessing the server via the Internet to store/update the information maintained in the appropriate database for its components/processes. Each client accesses the server via the Internet to provide a set of desired attributes for a proposed package.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a set of desired machine specifications. The method and system includes inputting a set of data to a processor, the data including information relevant to a machine, a machine tool, and a machined part, determining a required set of specifications of the machine as a function of the data, and outputting the required set of specifications to a user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating a plurality of bottleneck delta virtual work in process time (“VWIP”) values. Each of the bottleneck delta VWIP values represents the time until one of n bottleneck workstations begins to risk starvation. The calculating includes deriving one or more baseline cycle times based on an X-factors method.

Abstract: An optimization system is provided utilizing a Bayesian neural network calculation of a derivative wherein an output is optimized with respect to an input utilizing a stochastical method that averages over many regression models. This is done such that constraints from first principal models are incorporated in terms of prior art distributions.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which continuously executes oxidation and CVD in a multiprocess apparatus includes an internal apparatus controller which selects the type of process and supplies a start signal and stop signal for the process to the multiprocess apparatus, and a process controller which calculates the process state for each process on the basis of the internal information of the apparatus. Upon receiving the stop signal from the controller, the controller sends the stop signal to the multiprocess apparatus to stop the current process by the multiprocess apparatus and switches to the next process.

Abstract: This invention entails a data analysis system and method that was developed to specifically address the unique issues in understanding the capacity components of multi chamber systems. The analysis system expresses all components of capacity loss for all chambers in each tool in terms of a full tool equivalent (FTE). The analysis system measures how long the tool is available with only 1 chamber, 2 chambers, etc. working. It then combines that data with the WIP states to accurately determine the production, idle-no-WIP, idle-no-operator, and down components of a full tool.

Abstract: A system for process control management and quality navigation is described which provides an intranet based approach to providing management with run and control charts for more effective tracking and management of quality related processes. The quality navigation system includes intuitive quality navigation. Data which formerly may have been redundantly collected and stored is now centrally stored and made available on a web site. The system automatically links top level indicators to core and sublevel process and quality outcome indicators. To this end, core processes, measures of quality and sources of data are identified. Data is collected and stored in a database. Hierarchical relationships of processes and subprocesses are established. Strengths of relationships of the linkages of processes and subprocesses are identified and stored. Indicators for strengths of relationship are stored and displayed within families of linked charts.

Abstract: A method and an assistance system for supporting a multistage decision process for producing a work plan for a reduction process is provided. The decision process proceeds from a formulation of tasks, which uniquely characterizes the initial situation on which the decision process is based. In particular, the decision process proceeds from a feature-based CAD model of the workpiece to be produced. The decision process also includes individual decisions, which are built on one another hierarchically and are combined with one another in the form of a decision tree. In order to support the production of a work plan, use is made of an assistance system which is coupled to a database in which the individual decisions taken in the past are stored as cases, those cases which correspond to individual decisions building on one another hierarchically being combined with one another in a relational fashion.

Abstract: A central processor of a factory automation system which has an application program 13 for issuing instructions to a plurality of controllers 1 to 4 in parallel and controlling the controllers 1 to 4, a plurality of interface 30a, 30b for connecting the application program 13 and the controllers 1 to 4, and interface control 35c for dynamically increasing or decreasing the number of the interface 30a, 30b in response to the number of the instructions issued by the application program 13 to the controllers 1 to 4 in parallel.

Abstract: A system and method of using at least one computer to construct a technical plan for a specific process. The invention includes providing a rule-based logic model for the specific process and inputting data relating to the specific process. The data is compared to the logic model to identify exceptions in the data to rules in the logic model. The data are formatted into a technical plan that includes the exceptions. The technical plan is then outputted for review.

Abstract: The present invention provides a throughput monitoring and analysis system and method, comprising: a factor-fetching means and a terminal means. Wherein the factor-fetching means fetches a plurality of raw time data of the production factors corresponding to selected operation events during execution of operation events of the complex machine. The terminal means stores the time data and related information of the production factors and displaying the monitoring results according to set required condition and the data and information.

Abstract: A software control method and apparatus for implementing a knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar within an object scene. The undockable toolbar can be used to perform actions on objects created and managed by computer software applications. A knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar can merges into a relatively small area, tools for executing various commands that would require substantial screen space if represented by standard icons on a toolbar. The present invention can be used to manipulate non-constrained objects or groups of objects included in an assembly that are linked to each other by constraints. The knowledge based polymorph undockable toolbar can also act to reduce the number of user interactions needed to perform a manipulation task.

Abstract: A computer-based system to create and modify documents used in a tool management program. A word processing module is used to create the document, in conjunction with a graphics module. The graphics module includes representations of all of the tools used in a maintenance program, as well as representations of toolbox panels into which the tools are placed. A user simply drags selected tools into selected panels to. create a tool-filled panel graphic which may be directly imported into the document in the word processing module. The tools also have certain attributes defined by associated data. A data interface arrangement is operable to convey certain selected data from the graphics module to the document in the word processing module, after preselected sorting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated tracking system and method for providing a company and its customers with information about part and repair status. The tracking system broadly comprises a central processing unit for receiving data about a plurality of parts to be tracked. The central processing unit includes a staging table module for receiving and gathering the inputted data, a master table module for receiving the inputted data from the staging table module and for analyzing, organizing, and standardizing the inputted parts data, and a temporary table module for aggregating transactional records about the parts, which transactional records contain performance metrics on the parts.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a mesh model for engineering analysis by a user is provided. The system includes a user computer system, a remotely located computer system and a data storage means. The method includes the steps of selecting a plurality of component parts having a best practice mesh model format and selecting a predetermined property for each of the selected component parts, wherein the predetermined property is selected from a best practice library stored on the data storage means. The method also includes the steps of determining if the mesh model for each of the selected component parts meets a predetermined mesh quality condition using a best practice mesh quality checking software program.

Abstract: A method of re-engineering a part includes generating a parametric master model for the part from an editable geometry for the part and generating a manufacturing context model from a design master model. The design master model includes the parametric master model, and the manufacturing context model includes a number of tooling features. The method further includes creating a tooling master model from the manufacturing context model. The tooling master model includes a tooling geometry for the part. A system for re-engineering a part includes a part design master model module configured to generate the parametric master model from the editable geometry and a tooling master model module configured to receive the parametric master model, to generate the manufacturing context model from the parametric master model, and to create the tooling master model from the manufacturing context model.

Abstract: A system and method of integrating geometric models, comprising identifying a product to design or manufacture, generating a product template, initiating the generation of at least one geometry, associating knowledge with the geometry, performing operations on the geometry, comparing results of the operations to rules, modifying the geometry and the knowledge, propagating the modifications to at least one second geometry, and updating the template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling jobs having a staging time and a processing time are described. In one method, the jobs are divided into subsets based on a predetermined criteria such as depending on whether the staging time is longer than the processing time. In this method, the jobs in each subset are ordered independently. The jobs are then scheduled by alternating between the ordered subsets. In a second method, the jobs are again divided into subsets based on a predetermined criteria such as depending on whether the staging time is longer than the processing time. The jobs in each subset are ordered independently. The jobs in one subset are then simply appended to the other subset. In a third method, the jobs are ordered according to a predetermined criterion into a list and are executed by alternating between both ends of the list. The invention is also applicable to scheduling jobs having a destaging time.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling manufacturing resources based on user defined scheduling and routing goals. Attributes and constraints may be assigned to manufacturing resources and SKUs that facilitates the planning and scheduling of the resources. Resource transitions may be restricted only to desirable transition by using product wheels. Excess work-in-process may be minimized by scheduling orders that consume the excess work-in-process.

Abstract: A method and a system for designing a spline coupling, comprising the steps of creating signals representing a spline coupling knowledge base of information having a plurality of rule signals with respect to a corresponding plurality of parameter signals of associated elements of the spline coupling, wherein the spline coupling knowledge base comprises at least one data value signal for each one of the plurality of rule signals. Included are the steps of entering a desired data value signal for a selected one of the plurality of parameter signals of an associated element of the spline coupling, and comparing the entered desired data value signal for the selected one of the plurality of parameter signals with the corresponding at least one data value signal in the spline coupling knowledge base for the corresponding one of the plurality of rule signals.

Abstract: A method for dispatching available lots to unallocated machines is provided that includes receiving metrics data (26) providing performance measurements for a plurality of machines (18). The method next provides for determining a state for each of the machines (18) based on the metrics data (26). The method next provides for receiving one or more lots (22) to be dispatched where each lot (22) has a lot type and each lot type is associated with one of a plurality of models. The method next provides for selecting a preferred lot type (50) for each of the plurality of models associated with each of the machines (18) based on the state of the machine. The method next provides for selecting a preferred model (52) based on a time since a last run of the model, a cost of switching to a new model and lot type, and the state of the machine (18).

Abstract: A method for process plant design which comprises (a) preparing a detailed design for a process plant in a product line including a detailed design of at least one engineered component and (b) preparing a detailed design for another process plant in a different product line wherein the detailed design of the at least one engineered component of (a) is reused in (b).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating virtual WIP time (“VWIP”) in a multiple-bottleneck, multi-product manufacturing facility. The system and method provide for calculation of one or more bottleneck VWIP values. Each of the bottleneck VWIP values represents the amount of work approaching one of n bottleneck workstations, where n>0. The work approaching the bottleneck workstation comprises at least one of m products, where m>0.

Abstract: This invention includes the generation of forming information and its manipulation scheme as a method to form curved plates in ship hull-pieces. This invention consists of three components as follows: one is to construct and utilize a database which includes data about flat plates, objective curved plates, plates which are being formed, and their forming information, another is to infer new forming information with an artificial neural network system, and the third is to obtain forming information through calculating in-plane and bending strains. In the third, initial forming information is obtained by calculating strains from relationship between flat plates and objective curved plates. And new forming information is yielded through calculating the strains from relationship between partially formed curved plates and objective curved plates.

Abstract: A method for providing a displayable task schedule of tasks to be performed on behalf of specific service tasks such as individuals by a particular worker of a plurality of workers is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving worker identification information; compiling a list of tasks to be performed by a worker in response to the received identification information based on a role assigned to the worker and a list of service tasks; and initiating display of the compiled list of tasks. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automation system for the erection and operation of industrial plants, in particular for the design, project engineering, implementation, commissioning, maintenance and optimization of individual plant components or complete plants in the basic materials industry, which plants have a computer-based control system which, for a description of the process in control engineering terms, has recourse to process models, for example in he form of mathematical/physical models, neural network models or knowledge-based system, in order to develop the system to the extent that straightforward and cost-effective decentral process management and optimization may be achieved remote from the plant, decentralized process management and optimization by means of one or more interlinked control points is proposed, process changes are continuously monitored online or offline or at least checked by modelling, using modern, public communication means, and the process models, parameters and software are a

Abstract: A computer-based system to create and modify documents used in a tool management program. A word processing module is used to create the document, in conjunction with a graphics module. The graphics module includes representations of all of the tools used in a maintenance program, as well as representations of toolbox panels into which the tools are placed. A user simply drags selected tools into selected panels to. create a tool-filled panel graphic which may be directly imported into the document in the word processing module. The tools also have certain attributes defined by associated data. A data interface arrangement is operable to convey certain selected data from the graphics module to the document in the word processing module, after preselected sorting.

Abstract: A computerized method/system is provided for planning motion of a robot within a free space confined by obstacles, from an initial position to a goal position. In executing the method/system, a plan is generated so that the robot can hold and maneuver a workpiece throughout a sequence of bending operations to be performed by a bending apparatus. A plurality of proposed movements to be made by the robot are proposed for an mth movement within a sequence of movements, and at least a portion of the robot and the obstacles that confine the free space are modeled. A determination is made as to whether a collision will occur between the robot and an obstacle for each proposed movement, and a plan is generated including the sequence of movements by choosing for each movement in the sequence of movements, a proposed movement that will not result in a collision and that will bring the robot closer to the goal position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system (10) for task scheduling. The system (10) models an enterprise in terms of products, tasks and resources used to make them, and constraints imposed in scheduling tasks. A scheduling engine, comprised of a genetic algorithm (13) and a schedule builder (14), operates on the model to produce candidate schedules. The schedule builder (14) uses graph theory techniques to solve tightly constrained scheduling problems. Each candidate schedule is evaluated and used to generate an improved schedule in accordance with genetic processing, until a best schedule is produced.

Abstract: A system and method for organizing the computer network components, including hardware, software, peripherals and services (i.e. internet and online backup). This, in order to make the creation of a computer network environment more user friendly, highly organized and easy to follow. The present invention is specifically targeted at the small business owner, in order to enable them to efficiently establish their own network system. This system will enable them to run their businesses more productively, with greater ease and less down time. This is accomplished through the use of an effective kit or packaging system containing all the required network components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system of a manufacturing apparatus, which controls a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, comprising an interface which is connected to an exclusive-use circuit and which to transmits and receives information to and from the exclusive-use circuit, a processor which transmits at least one of recipe information and software for controlling the manufacturing apparatus to the manufacturing apparatus having an interface from the interface via the exclusive-use circuit, and a database which is connected to the processor and which stores at least one of the recipe information and software.

Abstract: A data processing system stores a first database of component data on components of an equipment. The data processing system stores a second database of maintenance personnel associated with corresponding qualifications. The data processing system associates at least one predictive maintenance factor (for a component) with the corresponding component data. A scheduler schedules maintenance for a maintenance time period for at least one of the components based on the first database, the second database, the associated predictive maintenance factor, and an elapsed time with respect to an installation date of at least one component. The predictive maintenance factor may be defined by one or more of the following: a longevity estimate, a probability of failure, a financial estimate on maintenance of a component.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and addressing out of control (OOC) events in a semiconductor processing line. The method includes steps of (a) opening OOC entries in an OOC database, and (b) working the OOC entries. Opening an OOC entry is performed in response to one or more OOC events in wafer lots being processed in the semiconductor processing line. A lot record addresses an isolated occurrence pertaining to one wafer lot. An issue record addresses a trend of repeated defects or failures. Opening an OOC entry in the OOC database preferably includes assigning and recording an “owner” responsible for addressing the OOC entry. Working the OOC entries includes opening activity records for the OOC entries, receiving user input on corrective measures, and recording the measures in the activity records. The method preferably also includes steps of (c) closing OOC entries after working the OOC entries, and (d) reassigning OOC entries if ownership is transferred for the entries.

Abstract: A web-based data processing system is used in a Business-to-Business (B2B) exchange for providing one-stop manufacturing solutions. In a B2B exchange, this system provides a moderator desktop for project planning, quoting, coordination and supervisory of all web-based business transactions from mechanical/electronic design and production of first article, tooling, production, financing, insurance, warehousing to end-product delivery. Also, this system provides a machine web communication desktop for web-based maintenance and support to members, process lines, systems and machines, and web-based resource sharing to “pay as you go” members and “flat fee” members. Likewise, this system provides dedicated desktops for other participants in the B2B exchange for direct and critical communication, collaboration and commerce transaction with moderator and machine web communication center.

Abstract: The present invention defines three types of data, namely production flow data 6, work condition data 8, and product work condition assignment data 10, creates manufacturing method information 1 using their data formats, and registers it so that these data can be combined to generate work record information 2.

Abstract: A method for controlling a decisional process when pursuing an overall aim in a specific field of application, such as economic, technical, organisational or similar, which is automated by the placing in relation, according to rules and strategies predetermined in accordance with the overall aim of at least one knowledge object reflecting a point of view of the field of application and comprising an item of information interpreted as an alarm sign for the decisional process with other knowledge objects reflecting other points of view or other fonctional competencies of the same field of application or of other fields.

Abstract: A method for resetting a process recipe in a semiconductor factory automation (FA) system, includes the steps of: a) sending the process recipe and a lot identifier inputted from an operator to a process equipment, wherein the process recipe represents a set of semiconductor process conditions corresponding to a lot of semiconductor wafers and the lot identifier corresponds to the lot of semiconductor wafers; b) processing the lot of semiconductor wafers according to the process recipe; c) measuring the processed lot of semiconductor wafers to generate semiconductor measurement data; d) writing the semiconductor measurement data to a trace file, wherein the trace file includes the process recipe, the semiconductor measurement data and the lot identifier; e) retrieving the semiconductor measurement data contained in the trace file in response to a retrieval command inputted from the operator; and f) resetting the process recipe in response to a reset command inputted from the operator if the process recipe is

Abstract: An automation system with at least one automation object (A1 . . . An) having a first component (K1) for generating a system functionality, a second component (K2) for generating a base functionality, and a third component (K3) for managing at least one module (M1 . . . Mn). Each module has a first module component (MK1) for generating a system functionality, a second module component (MK2) for generating a base functionality and a third module component (MK3) for generating a technological functionality.

Abstract: A method of designing an outer air seal for the turbine blades of a gas turbine engine utilizes a knowledge-based product model software program for generating a parametric, three-dimensional, geometric model of the air seal. The product model software program is embodied in a knowledge-based engineering system. The model is created by the program through user selection of various structural feature options available for the air seal. The product model software program uses its internal knowledge base of configuration dependent parameter relationships and rules to design the model. Various types of analyses may then be run to validate the model. The model may be changed, if necessary, as a result of the analyses. The air seal model output from the product model software program is in a file format that defines the topology and dimensions of the geometry of the air seal.

Abstract: A blank oscillator 300′ is prepared for each office, and control data is written into this blank oscillator 300′, thereby manufacturing an oscillator 300. Upon receiving an order from a user terminal 10, a business center server 100 selects the most suitable office for the delivery of the oscillator and sends the data to the office. A data writing apparatus 200 installed in this office generates control data based on the data, and writes the control data into the blank oscillator 300′, thereby manufacturing the oscillator 300.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining an object (1), and a maintenance system. At the object (1), the operation is monitored to report the situation prevailing at the object (1) to on-call duty personnel (14). In the method, at least one transmission step is taken, in which at least one notice message is formed, and at least one formed notice message is transmitted by short-range communication means (4). If, within the range of the short-range wireless communication means (4), at least one device (10), equipped with means (5) for receiving said at least one transmitted notice message, detects the transmitted notice message, at least a receiving step to receive the transmitted notice message and a sorting step are further taken in said device (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method therefor of sorting and unloading various pieces cut from sheet blanks which have different dimensions in a sheet metal fabricating environment. To achieve this end, prior to the production run, the various program routines whose operations for effecting the cutting of the sheet blanks are retrieved and the data relevant to the to be cut pieces are grouped and analyzed so that pieces of different dimensions cut in accordance with the different program routines are respectively allocated to the corresponding sorting addresses for unloading. Accordingly, different pieces with the same dimension cut from different program routines during the same production run are unloaded to the same location of the unloader area. Optimization of the unloading process and optimal utilization of the available loading space are thereby achieved.

Abstract: A manufacturing information providing system is provided. The system makes it possible to efficiently plan manufacturing information to improve manufacturing achievements. The system enables a manufacturing plant to manufacture a desired high-level product in a short time even if the plant has no know-how to manufacture it. Manufacturing information is obtained by planning and/or preparing a manufacturing machine, a manufacturing process, arrangements or the like necessary for the business of a user 1 engaged in manufacturing products. The obtained information is packaged and provided to the user through a communication medium 6, such as electronic mail or a home page on the Internet, or a portable storage medium 7, such as an FD, a CD, an MO or a DVD.

Abstract: A product configuration can be managed on a product basis for each of component parts which include each of products from manufacturing to disposal of the products. A product manufacturer device 15, part manufacturer devices 16, 17, and a device 11 of a customer who possesses a product are interconnected through a communication line. The product manufacturer device includes configuration information on each of component parts which comprises a product on a product number basis, and a function of providing information and services on the product. The part manufacturer device in turn includes configuration information on each of lower parts which include each of the component parts on a manufacturing lot or product number basis for each type of component parts, and a function of providing information and services on each of the parts. When the product configuration is changed, the change in the configuration is reflected to the configuration information of the product and the component parts.

Abstract: A configurable scheduling method and apparatus for scheduling orders and worker according to a constraint set including a programmable constraint set and a fixed constraint set. The programmable constraint set programmed by a service organization to alter the schedule process from a normal process governed by the fixed constraint set to a reconfigured process also governed by the programmable constraint set.

Abstract: In a system of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit, a client 1, a data-managing center 3, a designing center 4, and a manufacturing center 5 are connected together via the Internet 2. The data-managing center has a cost/number-of-days database 31, a reservation status database 32, and a design/manufacture status database 33. Each of the centers 3, 4, 5 uses information contained in the databases 31, 32, 33 of the data-managing center 3, performs two-way communication with the client 1, and thereby progresses the production of the semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: Due to the diversity of the requirements to be met for controlling the movement of production machines, a system and method based on a range of hardware modules, which are provided with adequate computing capacity, a real-time operating system and specific basic functionality, a network (for example Profibus) for constructing a decentralized system with distributed control functionality and also operating and monitoring units with planned interfaces is disclosed. The invention comprises a configurable, distributable and programmable control software system for individually adapting the control solution to the client's requirements, with which the planned control solution is distributed among hardware modules and in which an engineering system used for management, configuration, programming, monitoring, debugging and commissioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an editor (1) for creating process plans, having storage means (2) for storing various process objectives, having storage means (3) for storing rules for the forming of process plans by linking process objectives via process planning steps and/or branches, having indicating means for indicating process objectives, process planning steps, branches and process plans and having checking means (9) for checking process plans, it being possible, dependent on the check, for a release message to be activated.