Abstract: The client accesses a reception screen using a public line and makes a contract with the manufacturer. The client can change the manufacturing process without needing an operator at the manufacturing site. The client also checks the progress status of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A supervisory parallel switching device is designed for use with a CIM system including a host computer unit connected via an extended computer integrated unit to at least one equipment unit through an SECS-compliant (Semiconductor Equipment Communication Standard) serial communication link, for the purpose of allowing the equipment unit to be continuously under computer control even in the event of an unanticipated shutdown to the extended computer integrated unit.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a wiring harness or a substrate for wiring wherein the wiring diagram applied to the substrate is based on the wiring harness information. Entities representing connectors, binding parts, and wiring length information of wirings are input. The wiring arrangement diagram includes lines that correspond to the wirings and do not have a length corresponding to actual length of the wirings. The wiring harness is made using the information including total length of wiring between each of the connectors, harness information generated based on the entities, and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. Alternatively, the wiring harness information is used to draw a wiring diagram for fixing on the substrate.

Abstract: A communication system for automatic synthesis apparatus is formed of an automatic synthesis apparatus and a computer connected to the automatic synthesis apparatus. The automatic synthesis apparatus has a reaction block to produce synthetic compounds along synthesis procedures, and an operation notification creation device for creating operation notification mails according to operating conditions in the synthesis procedures. The computer includes a per-operation transmission setting device for setting to the automatic synthesis apparatus as to whether transmissions of the operation notification mails along the synthesis procedures to the computer are performed or not, and an operation notification mail display device for displaying the operation notification mail. The operating conditions can be monitored by the operation notification mail display device as desired.

Abstract: A miniature mobile robot provides a relatively inexpensive mobile robot. A mobile robot for searching an area provides a way for multiple mobile robots in cooperating teams. A robotic system with a team of mobile robots communicating information among each other provides a way to locate a source in cooperation. A mobile robot with a sensor, a communication system, and a processor, provides a way to execute a strategy for searching an area.

Abstract: A method estimates a refresh parameter for a system having a life cycle and an affect that the refresh parameter has on the system. By estimating a refresh parameter, such a method provides one with a refresh strategy for achieving a system implementation, such as the most cost-effective implementation. For example, one can determine the most cost-effective system configuration for a given refresh strategy. Or, for a given system configuration, one can determine the most cost-effective refresh strategy. Alternatively, one determine the most cost-effective combination of refresh strategy and configuration.

Abstract: Within both a method for operating a plurality of fabrication facilities and a system for operating the plurality of fabrication facilities there is providing within each of the plurality of fabrication facilities a corresponding plurality of backup control systems. Within the method and the system, each backup control system is connected with the remaining backup control systems within the remaining fabrication facilities within the plurality of fabrication facilities, and each backup control system is programmed to forward a request for fabrication in a remote fabrication facility within the plurality of fabrication facilities and receive a request for fabrication from a remote fabrication facility within the plurality of fabrication facilities. The method and the system are particularly useful for fabricating semiconductor integrated circuit microelectronic fabrications.

Abstract: A systematic way of linking structure constraints of components of a common object and checking and resolving their inconsistency is used to improve detection results in image-based decision systems. A multilevel Chain-And-Tree (CAT) model is used to direct processing using both forward and backward scans through the related components. Since components occur as parts of an object, the context (relational structure) in which the component appears can be used to reduce noise and variation affects. In the method, object knowledge is translated into constraints between components. The constraints are used to enhance feature detection, defect detection, and measurement accuracy and consistency.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus for and method of detection the position of a pattern formed on a substrate (e.g, a wafer). The apparatus (100) comprises an illumination system capable of illuminating the pattern, and an imaging optical system arranged to converge light from the substrate (126) to form an image of the pattern. The apparatus further includes a detector (170) that photoelectrically detects the pattern image and generates a first output signal containing a representation of the image, and position detection system (174), electrically connected to the detector, that detects a position of the pattern based on the first output signal, and determines a deviation of the position from an ideal position. The position detection system then generates a second output signal containing deviation information representing the deviation.

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 for coordinated inter-organizational information sharing. The system includes an information exchange center, a design organization, a production organization, a test organization, and an application design organization. The production organization manufactures the product according to the design specification designed by the design organization, and sends manufacturing problems to the information exchange center. The test organization tests the product, and sends test problems to the information exchange center. The application design organization designs peripheral applications according to the design specification without the product, tests the peripheral applications with the product, and sends application test problems to the information exchange center.

Abstract: A machining simulation is performed on a graphic data basis prior to machining. Machining simulation means (17) simulates a forced-vibration frequency and/or a load variation frequency occurring due to interrupted cutting on the basis of machining information, and numerical control command generating means (18) generates a numerical control command on the basis of the frequencies obtained from the machining simulation means (17). A spindle rotation speed can be reflected on the actual machining and the generation of a machining program under conditions optimum for the actual machining. Therefore, the interrupted-cutting forced-vibration frequency and/or load variation frequency, or harmonic frequencies thereof which are integral multiples thereof are prevented from being close to the natural frequency of a machine, a tool, a jig or a workpiece. Thus, chattering due to resonance can be prevented, thereby improving a surface accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an estimation system that can provide a highly reliable estimation result when the estimation system estimates person-hours required to prepare a film pattern for a circuit to be printed on a board. Upon receiving design conditions from a cline machine, a reference pin calculator of the estimation system calculates a number of reference pins on the basis of a total number of pins extending from parts to be integrated on the printed circuit board and a special specification requirement to be applied to the printed circuit. An additional pin calculator calculates a number of additional pins on the basis of a signal line wiring method. A total estimated pin calculator corrects a sum of the reference pins and the additional pins on the basis of design difficulty, which is determined from a number of signal layers to be made in the printed circuit, a number of signal lines arrangeable between adjacent pins and a pin density, to calculate a total estimated number of pins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implementing an automated processing environment employing specialized, autonomous, active software agents are disclosed. The software agents are specialized by the type of entity they represent and the function they perform in the process flow. The apparatus includes a process flow comprising a plurality of manufacturing domain entities and a plurality of such software agents for scheduling a first subset of the manufacturing domain entities for consuming the process resources provided by a second subset of the manufacturing domain entities. The method includes instantiating such software agents and then permitting them to operate as programmed.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for workflow editing. Such methods and apparatus permit, for example, user-defined and/or other tasks to be combined in any combination or combinations to specify a workflow. The tasks can be linked for direct, serial processing and/or for conditional processing that includes branching and/or looping. The invention also improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with extensible actions. The invention provides, further, improved methods and apparatus for workflow definition and processing which utilize workflow variables for communication of data and control information among tasks within a workflow. The invention provides, still further, improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with enhanced messaging.

Abstract: A wafer map host system and methodology that supports the use of and manipulation of wafer map information for multiple semiconductor processes is disclosed. The system includes a database for storing wafer maps; an interface for providing interfaces to a plurality of wafer manufacturing processes and/or equipment; and a wafer map processor coupled between said database and said interface for managing relationships of various tasks during a wafer map data transaction between the processes and/or equipment and the database. The tasks include deciding which wafer map is required, which equipment is involved, what is the manufacturing flow being used, how to re-map the various bin assignments considering the next manufacturing process, and merging two or more wafer map data for the next manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pair of complementary masks for use in an electron projection lithographic (EPL) technique uses an algorithm for distributing the design data to a pair of EPL masks. The algorithm allocates a positive sign or negative sign to each of the pattern data, summation of the areas of the pattern data having positive signs while subtracting the areas of the pattern data having negative signs, for obtaining a minimum of the sum. One or more of initial combination of the signs is prepared and the vicinity of the initial combination is calculated therefrom for obtaining an optimum combination.

Abstract: A method for fabricating at least one component using a server system is provided. The server system is coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes receiving fabrication data for at least one component from a client system, receiving a component order from a client system, storing fabrication data and component order data in the centralized database, creating routing operations for fabricating each ordered component, creating Numerical Control (NC) code for fabricating each ordered component, and fabricating each ordered component.

Abstract: An equipment management method for managing the semiconductor equipment through an equipment manager that includes a configuration controller, an equipment driver, and a generic equipment interface for communication between the configuration controller and the equipment driver is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a production scenario to be written into the production scenario database of the configuration controller, transmitting the production scenario into the equipment behavior database of the equipment driver via the generic equipment interface messages, and transforming the production scenario into equipment rules and SECS II messages via transformation rules set in the database of the equipment driver so as to send these SECS II messages to the equipment for management purposes.

Abstract: In a method and in a controller for an advanced process control one or more currently valid process states are stored and are compared, upon the occurrence of a reset event, with a subsequent valid process state that has been established after the re-initialization of the process controller. Upon comparison of the previously established process state, including the associated history information to the process state established after occurrence of the reset event on the basis of the newly gathered history information, it is decided whether or not a reset of the process controller has been necessary. If it is assessed that a reset has not been necessary, process control is continued on the basis of the previously established process state and possibly the presently valid process state and the relevant history information.

Abstract: A CAD supporting apparatus supports an assembling of an assembly by a CAD for assembling an assembly constituted of a plurality of components, which creates a geometry of objects, in cooperation with the CAD.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a production cell information system base on activity costs and an architecture therefore. The present invention let a plurality of production cells to execute most of the functions originally existing in the conventional MES (Manufacturing Execution System). The present invention not only can effectively overcome the shortcomings of centralized MES, but also can let each production cell collect and display its production information according its characteristics. Furthermore, the present invention performs a cost evaluation based on all the activity costs spent on each production cell, so as to evaluate the performance of each production cell, and meanwhile, the related personnel is informed in time for achieving the objectives of profit center and consistently improving the production efficacy. According to the present invention, the production cell information system comprises: a cell controller, an equipment manager, a data service means and a web server.

Abstract: A production machine that allows a machine user to accurately and simply determine a parts code for a desired part in order to replace a defective or exhausted part. A production machine includes a production machine body and a controller for controlling the machine. The controller has a parts registration device for registering therein information identifying parts constituting the production machine body and a parts retrieval device. The controller preferably includes a parts identification information transmission device for transmitting parts identification information retrieved by the parts retrieval device, to an information processing device of a parts supplier. The parts retrieval device includes a specification device for specifying a part and a parts device for allowing a display device to display a parts code for the specified part. The parts display device can enlarge each component of the production machine body as required.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting instructions to control at least one fabrication machine includes generating a user interface including a series of selectable instructions, selectable machines and at least one graphical input associated with executing selected instructions on at least one selected fabrication machine receiving an indication that the input has been selected, processing the series of selectable instructions using at least one XML schema, transmitting the processed instructions to the at least one fabrication machine, receiving a response from the at least one fabrication machine indicating whether the processed series of selectable instructions have been executed, and generating a second user interface based on the received response.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively inspecting the wall thickness of a component, where the dimensions of the component or of the component surface are measured, substantially without making any contact, and are described by digital data. In accordance with the present invention, a multiplicity of the component's surface points, which substantially completely describe the component, is automatically calculated in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Starting from each of the surface points, going out in one direction that runs perpendicularly to the surface point into the material, one scans for at least one opposite surface point. The wall thickness of the component at the surface point is ascertained as the distance between the surface point and the at least one opposite surface point. The component is visually displayed and, in the visual display, surface points are highlighted for which the wall thickness falls below and/or exceeds one or more predefined values.

Abstract: A flexible control system and method of controlling a processing operation. The control system and method may be employed to control a high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to present a control system that can be constructed using existing equipment and that can be adapted easily to changes in a production line. A product processing apparatus 2 or an RCU 3 and information terminals 4 are interconnected by the Internet or by an intranet 5. A WWW server 34 and a CGI are loaded onto the RCU 3, and a WWW browser is loaded onto the information terminal 4a. A processing program 39 that reads and writes operational information between the WWW server 34 and an operational program 31 that operates within the control unit of the product processing apparatus 2 and the RCU 3 is loaded onto the RCU 3. When a WWW browser accesses a web page prepared in advance on the WWW server 34, the processing program 39, activated by the CGI, provides operational information to the WWW server 34. The WWW server 34 presents the operational information to the WWW browser.

Abstract: A flexible control system and method of controlling a processing operation. The control system and method may be employed to control a high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A method of selecting the optimum mix of resources for achieving an outcome while minimizing risk is presented. In one embodiment, the method is applied to selecting the optimum mix of manufacturing technologies and amount of use of each technology for fabricating a helicopter fuselage structure in order to minimize the recurring cost and keep the risk below a pre-selected value. The method involves selecting a plurality of resources which can be used to achieve the desired outcome. Determining an associated outcome for each resource. Establishing at least one target risk level for the desired outcome. Calculating an associated outcome and risk for a plurality of combinations of the resources at a plurality of percentage applications of each resource. Then determining an optimum mix of resources and percentage of application of each resource which maximizes the outcome while maintaining the risk below the at least one target risk level.

Abstract: In a method of generating and/or executing a diversified program flow from a program source code for or on at least two processing units of a machine tool, production machine or robot, a machine code is generated from a program source code by a compiler for at least one processing unit with a programmable processing module. The program source code is also used to generate by a converter or interpreter a description file which is run interpretatively in at least one further processing unit by at least one programmable processing module. Data of the processing units is saved in at least one common memory and checked for a match through respective data comparison.

Abstract: A manufacturing network system comprises at least one master computer and at least one network computer linked therewith for the purpose of network management. The network computer is linked with a number of local control devices in the area of assembly lines, work stations, or the like. The local control devices are associated with field devices, such as initiators, actuators, screw control modules, or the like, of which corresponding work devices are controllable and/or actuable along the assembly lines, in the work stations, or the like. The net server is provided with a number of software modules and/or is linked with software modules in the manufacturing network system for the purpose of data acquisition, management and/or evaluation. The system provides a manufacturing network system which facilitates collection, storage, management and evaluation of data in many ways, and which allows queries at almost any point of the network system.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques that enable conventional computer-aided design software applications to be used to precisely control application of tape. A system comprising a design software application that outputs design data defining at least one object within a multidimensional space. The design software application may comprise a computer-aided design (CAD) software application that presents a graphical user interface for manipulating the object within the multidimensional space. The system further comprises a translation module to generate instructions based on the object, and to apply tape to a surface in response to the instructions. The translation module may generate the instructions to cause the tape applicator to cut the tape based on a second object described by the data. In this manner, the invention allows any conventional design software to be used to control the layout and application of tape using a tape applicator.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a surface mounting process are proposed. Barcodes of feeder trays in a work station are scanned, prompting an inquiry module to retrieve a corresponding work station serial number, which is transmitted to a microprocessor module. This then prompts the microprocessor module to generate a signal to the work station, so as to inform an operator to place the scanned feeder trays in the work station. After placing the feeder trays in position, the microprocessor module generates another signal to inform the operator whether or not the surface mounting process is readily initiated. A printer device is prompted by the microprocessor module to print a list of material serial numbers of the feeder trays to be replenished, allowing the operator to perform replenishment for the feeder trays according to the list, so as to maintain the progress of the surface mounting process.

Abstract: Within both a system for managing a work in process (WIP) workload lot within a fabrication facility and a method for managing the work in process (WIP) workload lot within the fabrication facility, there is provided for direct customer access for requesting a change in handling instructions for the work in process (WIP) workload lot within the fabrication facility. The direct customer access when requesting the change provides for enhanced flexibility when operating the fabrication facility.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system including at least one module, a operational unit mounted to said at least one module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to control the operational unit. The at least one module and the local controller together are capable of operating in a standalone operation or of integration into a flexible manufacturing system. The local controller is further adapted to receive a reference signal from the flexible manufacturing system and to synchronize the operational unit to the flexible manufacturing system when the at least one module is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.

Abstract: An apparatus for executing a block program includes a block table listing records corresponding to a plurality of blocks in the block program. A block library is included to hold algorithms associated with the blocks. An executing program selectively processes the blocks in the block program that receive a new input value that is different from a previous input value, in accordance with the associated algorithms in the block library.

Abstract: In a CAD-data management system for managing a plurality of types of CAD data: a plurality of CAD-data processing units are capable of processing a plurality of predetermined types of CAD data, respectively: a processing-request generation unit receives a manipulation input designating CAD data of one of the plurality of types, and generates a processing request corresponding to the manipulation input and being directed to one of the plurality of CAD-data processing units which is capable of processing CAD data of the one of the plurality of types; and a linkage processing unit executes processing defined in a function in conjunction with the one of the plurality of CAD-data processing units, where the function is predefined corresponding to the processing request.

Abstract: A method and system for generating at least one disassembly sequence from a geometric representation of an assembly. The method comprises selecting at least one part for removal from the assembly and generating the disassembly sequence for the part based on a plurality of pre-computed relational information from the geometric representation.

Abstract: A manufacturing process starts from installing a wireless communication subsystem on a computer system, and allows information exchanges made wirelessly by the computer system and a manufacturing control computer of the wireless information network to complete manufacturing the computer system.

Abstract: To provide a product development and manufacturing system to be used in the increasingly competitive electronic equipment market, which enables the process from product planning to design, manufacturing, and sales of a product to be performed efficiently while incorporating newly developed techniques, to thereby minimize or avoid risks. The present invention provides a production system for a product by multiple companies which enables multiple corporations or companies cooperating to perform product development, manufacturing and sales in a new product field, to mutually utilize techniques and sales networks owned by the respective companies to thereby further strengthen their competitiveness and develop their business.

Abstract: A method for sharing geometric information and maintaining parametric consistency amongst different software applications in a collaborative environment is presented. The method is based on geometric information sharing via neutral files, and incorporates Internet based messaging mechanisms amongst applications to maintain the parametric control over the exchanged geometry. In a preferred embodiment the proposed method is applied to Heterogeneous Assembly Modeling (HAM). By means of the presently disclosed method, within the heterogeneous assembly model, the parametric control over part geometry is maintained, even though the parts are imported in the assembly via neutral files originated by other CAD applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a pre-determined electrical trace from a printed circuit board to manufacturing a printed circuit board with options corresponding to a specific catalog number. The apparatus comprises a computer numerically controlled milling machine control by a computer having a processor installed with a software program. The method comprises installing the software program into the computer and inputting a catalog number into the computer. The software is used to define a catalog data table that corresponds to the inputted catalog number. The catalog data table matches a cut data table whose information provides operational commands to control the movement of the cutting element of the milling machine. Once the catalog number is recognized by the processor, an operator is prompted to load the printed circuit board onto a work surface of the milling machine.

Abstract: A robot provides a communicating means to move based on the transmission and reception of information to/from the outside, thereby making it possible to realize a robot with high usability. In addition, it recognizes the user's condition based on sensors provided around a user and outputs a response message according to the recognition. Thus, an information processing system which is very helpful can be realized.

Abstract: A method for facilitating manufacturing includes capturing changes to a part from a process, incorporating the captured changes in a regenerated electronic model, and utilizing the regenerated model to further fabricate the part.

Abstract: A substrate processing system comprises a substrate processing apparatus, an information storage server and a support computer, which are connected to a network respectively. When the substrate processing apparatus causes a failure, an alarm processing part extracts a necessary relevant log file and stores the same in a hard disk of the information storage server. A failure information generation part generates failure information, which in turn is finally stored in the hard disk of the information storage servers as a failure information database. An apparatus information uncasing part renders the relevant log file and the failure information database readable from the support computer located in a remote place. Thus, the relevant log file and the failure information database can be immediately read. In other words, provided is a substrate processing system rendering operation information immediately readable from a remote place when the substrate processing apparatus causes a failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and to an industrial production installation (1), especially for manufacturing parts of unfinished vehicle bodies. The production installation (1) comprises one or more intelligent application components (3), especially multiple-axle robots (4), welding, gluing or chucking installations or comparable treatment installations, and at least one installation control (10). Said installation control (10) controls the intelligent application components (3) by a web control system (2) by means of a Fast Ethernet data network (16). The intelligent application components (3) are provided with a respective web server (13) with at least one individual homepage (17) according to internet standard, web control can also take place within the application components (3), the control elements (25) and the associated device elements (26) of the intelligent application components being interlinked via a web control system (2) and a Fast Ethernet data network (16).

Abstract: The client accesses a reception screen using a public line and makes a contract with the manufacturer. The client can change the manufacturing process without needing an operator at the manufacturing site. The client also checks the progress status of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A production system including a production line being a series of pieces of production equipment each of which has a parts supply unit. The production system includes: an NC management apparatus that is connected with each piece of the production equipment via a local-area network and acquires therefrom NC data used for operating each piece of the production equipment; and a scheduling apparatus that generates a production schedule and transmits the generated production schedule to the NC management apparatus via the local-area network. Here, the NC management apparatus generates, for each piece of the production equipment, data that is required to perform production according to the production schedule, obtains, for each piece of the production equipment, differences between current NC data that has been acquired the most recently and the generated data, and outputs the obtained differences.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating software such that coding of a source program for use in controlling equipments may be automatically performed to the selection of data corresponding to a SECS message defining operations of the semiconductor fabricating equipments in the SECS message communications for a semiconductor fabricating or processing system. According to the present invention, it is possible to rapidly automate the equipment and perform ease maintenance and repair of the fabricating equipments and provide a more static environment for fabricating the semiconductor.