Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes a centralized computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) system; a plurality of sectional CIM systems respectively associated with a plurality of manufacturing facilities and coupled with the centralized CIM system; and a centralized basic record module, coupled and coordinated with the centralized CIM system, and designed for defining a unified process flow associated to a mobile object.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication architecture which includes a middleware component, a fabrication facility coupled to the middleware component, a real time dispatcher application program interface coupled between the fabrication facility and the middleware component, a work in progress application program interface coupled between the fabrication facility and the middleware component, an enterprise resource planning system coupled to the middleware component, and an order processing system coupled to the middleware component. The fabrication facility includes a manufacturing execution system and a real time dispatch system. The manufacturing execution system tracks overall processing of semiconductor wafers. The real time dispatch system provides near real time information regarding processing of semiconductor wafers. The real time dispatcher application program interfaces publishing information to the middleware component.

Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.

Abstract: A manufacturing execution system for manufacturing a product is provided. The manufacturing execution system includes a manufacturing execution plan having a set of manufacturing steps to be executed for manufacturing the product, a planning component for determining a data collection plan of data to be collected during the execution of one of the manufacturing steps, a service interface for providing the data collection plan in response to a service request, and a database for storing data that has been collected in accordance with the determined data collection plan.

Abstract: Carved solid face doors having inlaid overlays and methods of manufacture thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a carved, solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a design carved into at least one section of the face; one or more channels carved into the face adjacent to the design, each channel having a depth that is below a depth of the design carved into face of the door adjacent to the channel; and one or more inlay panels disposed in the one or more channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating manufacturing equipment with factory automation software. In one embodiment, an equipment integrator (EI) has a user interface to facilitate user input of configuration information to provide an adaptable interface between a manufacturing tool and a manufacturing execution system (MES) that is operable over a plurality of manufacturing tools. The user configurable interface of the EI is adaptable so that tool-independent MES data collection requests may be satisfied by tool-specific data publication through the EI. In a further embodiment, data collected by the EI from a particular manufacturing tool is mapped to the MES without tool-specific interface coding. During processing, the configurable EI may fill a request from the MES for manufacturing data by collecting a data from the manufacturing tool, identifying data based on the configuration information and returning data satisfying a data keying criterion defined in the MES.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer modeling the production process is disclosed. An integrated product and process engineering system may be a computer modeling system that models both a generic production process and a specific individual production process. The integrated product and process engineering system may store one or more time dependent process parameters related to the production process and one or more engineering change numbers related to different product designs. The effective time periods of the time dependent process parameters may be compared with the effective time periods of the engineering change numbers. Various flags may be associated with each comparison to indicate the validity of the time dependent process parameter.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, the invention provides an electronic device fabrication facility (Fab) that uses small lot carriers that may be transparently integrated into an existing Fab that uses large lot carriers. A manufacturing execution system (MES) may interact with the inventive small lot Fab as if the small lot Fab is any other Fab component in an existing large lot Fab without requiring knowledge of how to control small lot Fab components (e.g., beyond specifying a processing recipe). A small lot Fab according to the present invention may encapsulate the small lot Fab's internal use of small lot components and present itself to a large lot Fab's MES as if the small lot Fab is a component that uses large lot carriers.

Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing resource planning includes identifying multiple logical entities within a manufacturing facility; receiving supply information for each of the logical entities, the supply information for a particular logical entity including current and projected future inventories of resources assigned to the particular logical entity for use in manufacturing products; receiving demand information associated with manufacture of a requested product; identifying resources for use in manufacturing the requested product; and scheduling manufacture of the requested product using the identified resources at least one of the logical entities at least partially based on the supply information and the demand information.

Abstract: An aircraft wing box comprises a pair of half ribs (18, 20) joined to form a rib extending from an upper wing skin (12) to a lower wing skin (10). Each half rib (18) comprises a base (19) and a plurality of projections (4) that extend away from the base (19), the projections (4) defining a series of troughs (2a) and peaks (4a). Respective projections of one half rib (18) overlap with respective projections of the other half rib (20) thereby defining overlapping portions (3), the half ribs (18, 20) being joined in the regions of the overlapping portions (3). There may be projections (4) shaped such that the overlapping portion (3b) defined by the two projections is separated from the neutral axis N of the rib (18, 20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling in a wafer fab. The method comprising means for weighting inventories according to at least one of logpoints or reticle, and photolithography units, means for scheduling one of said inventories on one of said photolithography units, wherein said one of said inventories has a maximal weighting and means for eliminating any of said inventories not scheduled according to constraints.

Abstract: A manufacturing system, located at a manufacturing system site, includes a discharger for discharging a liquid material having fluidity onto a substrate, communication means for transmitting and receiving data through a communication line, and monitoring means for monitoring the state of the discharger and for outputting data obtained by the monitoring through the communication means. The communication means provides communication between the monitoring means at the manufacturing system site and a server located outside of the manufacturing system site. The monitoring means receives a control command from the server through the communication means.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (200) for managing components in a control system can include a plurality of devices (150) operably coupled to a processing system (125) for controlling a process run by the processing system. A server (100) is in communication with the plurality of devices. A client (20) is in communication with the server (100), wherein the client (20) or an instance between the client and the server, such as controller (15), is operable to identify at least one relevant item associated with the plurality of devices (150). The at least one relevant item is one of a plurality of items to be added to a group, an inactive one of the plurality of items of the group being activated or one of the plurality of items of the group wherein the group is being activated.

Abstract: An Intelligent Data Multiplexer (“IDM”) can be used to interface a plurality of host computers with a semiconductor manufacturing tool. In one embodiment, the IDM has a plurality of host-side ports configured to receive messages from each of the host computers interfaced with the semiconductor manufacturing tool. The IDM also includes a multiplexer configured to multiplex the messages received from the host-side ports. To process possible conflict messages from the host computers, the IDM has a conflict resolve module. The messages are then delivered from the IDM to the semiconductor manufacturing tool through a tool-side port used to connect the semiconductor manufacturing tool to the IDM.

Abstract: A computer (20) that determines a sequence of control vectors (16) using predetermined functional instructions. Each vector includes a number of vector elements (17). Each vector element (17) is designed for a maximum of one final drive unit (2 to 4) of a machine (1). Each control vector (16) comprises at least one vector element (17) for each final drive unit (2 to 4) of the machine (1). There is at least one positioning element (s*) for each final drive unit (2 to 4). The computer (20) stores the determined sequence of control vectors (16) as a control file (11). Once the file has been transmitted to a control unit (6) of the machine (1), the control unit retrieves the control file (11) and executes the stored sequence of control vectors (16). The control unit staggers the execution of successive control vectors (16) by a predetermined clock interval (delta t).

Abstract: With this invention, expert knowledge from machine manufacturers is applied quickly at any time to a machine via the Internet, by providing a main computer (host) for the production and provision of machine-related data and/or services and a machine-side working computer (client), which is connected to the main computer via a data communication link and by means of which (client) machine state data can be acquired in real time and transmitted to the main computer, and by means of which machine-related data and/or services generated by the main computer as a function of such machine state data can be received by means of an analysis and evaluation unit.

Abstract: Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Abstract: A method and system control for closing a plant application running on a manufacturing execution system (MES) application. The method includes the steps of providing to a set of classes, a custom shutdown rule to be customized at engineering time; defining, for certain classes belonging to the set of classis, certain shutdown rules with a set of actions to be performed by the MES application; notifying the closing request to the MES application; invoking the shutdown rules once for each object of the classes which have a defined shutdown rule; performing the actions defined in the invoked custom shutdown rules; by the MES application, closing or not closing the plant application according to the results of the invoked shutdown rules; by the MES application, notifying the PM launcher whether the plant application was closed or not.

Abstract: A paste dispenser and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The paste dispenser includes a stage having a substrate mounted thereon, at least one nozzle dispensing a paste on the substrate by relative movement between the nozzle and the substrate, a measuring means provided at a position facing into an outlet of the nozzle and directly measuring a position of an exchange nozzle, and a controller converting a compensation value in accordance with a displacement of the exchange nozzle based on data measured by the measuring means.

Abstract: PCB Logical design data is stored in a database according to a connectivity-based data model. Circuit functional blocks, inputs and outputs of functional blocks, and signals are stored as separate data structures. Those structures may be edited by users at separate clients during concurrent editing sessions. Profile data for each of multiple users specifies logical design data elements accessible by, and PCB design software to be provided to, that user. The PCB design software may be plug-ins executable within a web browser at a client, and the client computers may communicate with the database via the Internet. Layout data may also be stored in the database, with elements of the layout data mapped to elements of the logical design data. Constraint data may also be stored in the database, with elements of the constraint data being mapped to elements of the layout data.

Abstract: Integration of factory level advanced process control (FL-APC) system and tool level advanced process control (TL-APC) system using selectable APC operation modes indicating different operational settings for the FL-APC system and at least one TL-APC system is disclosed. During operation, the FL-APC system controls operation of the TL-APC system. The invention allows a manufacturing execution system (MES) to have additional capability to run the process control functions at FL-APC system and/or TL-APC system, and allows integration of a variety of different tools with a TL-APC system. An implementation method, system and program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a workpiece transportation control method and system that automatically processes a plurality of steps in a successive manner, thereby enhancing production efficiency. According to one embodiment, a transportation control method includes the steps of: monitoring the state of an automated manufacturing system to see if there is a request for transporting a workpiece; extracting the subsequent step path for the workpiece when a transportation request is issued; calculating a standard necessary period along the extracted step path; converting the subsequent standard necessary period into an evaluation value, issuing a transportation request, stacking tasks in response to other transportation requests; and selecting a workpiece with the shortest subsequent standard necessary period from the stacked transportation requests.

Abstract: An accompanying document for a printing substrate, which is to be printed in a printing press, is configured as an electronic data set that is stored in a memory of an RFID tag. Data relating to a production-preparatory generation of an adhesive surface, on the printing substrate to be fed to the printing press, is written into the data set. Data relating to the manufacturer of the printing substrate of to its supplier, and data relating to the manufacture of the printing substrate are also written into the data set. In the case of a commercial unit having a printing substrate that has been only partially printed during a production run of the printing press, the data set can be supplemented with data which, at least, characterizes an event. The event could relate to a break in the printing substrate or to changes to the commercial unit which occurred during the production process that was implemented in the printing press using the printing substrate of the commercial unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling a batch-type semiconductor processing apparatus is provided. The method checks whether a recipe set based on basic process information is within a recipe group stored in the semiconductor processing apparatus. The method also checks whether the quantity of wafers read through lot mapping is correlated to the quantity of wafers indicated by the basic process information. During the semiconductor fabrication process, the method also checks whether a current recipe of the semiconductor processing apparatus is correlated to the set recipe.

Abstract: Integration of factory level advanced process control (FL-APC) system and tool level advanced process control (TL-APC) system using selectable APC operation modes indicating different operational settings for the FL-APC system and at least one TL-APC system is disclosed. During operation, the FL-APC system controls operation of the TL-APC system. The invention allows a manufacturing execution system (MES) to have additional capability to run the process control functions at FL-APC system and/or TL-APC system, and allows integration of a variety of different tools with a TL-APC system. An implementation method, system and program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: To obtain a communication driver performing data conversion between a equipment and a management unit even when different data formats are used in a manufacturing system, in which the equipment that is equipped with a device for controlling a machine based on an instruction from the management unit and the management unit having a management application program that manages the equipment are connected to the machine, the communication driver includes device drivers (51a, 51b) provided for each type of devices (22a, 22b) in the manufacturing system and controlling communications with the devices (22a, 22b), and equipment drivers (52A, 52B) provided for each type of machines (21A, 21B) in the manufacturing system and accessing the machines (21A, 21B) to be accessed by using the device drivers (51a, 51b) in accordance with an instruction from the management application program (31). The device drivers (51a, 51b) and the equipment drivers (52A, 52B) are hierarchized.

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: A method for ordering parts for a machine being serviced within an e-commerce environment transmits diagnostic data from a local computing device at the machine to a host computing device via a network. A part to be replaced within the machine is identified as a function of the diagnostic data. A part identifier is determined as a function of the part and retrofit information stored on the host computing device. The part identifier is transmitted from the host computing device to an order processing device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a photo mask. The method includes preparing a model group including optical proximity correction (OPC) models and generating a preliminary mask layout using an integrated circuit (IC) layout. A contour image may be produced from the preliminary mask layout through a simulation using an optical model. Subsequently, the preliminary mask layout may be compared with the contour image and the comparison result may be analyzed to produce analysis data for providing criteria used in selecting an OPC model. An OPC model suitable for the preliminary mask layout may be selected from the model group based on the analysis data. An OPC process may be performed on the preliminary mask layout using the selected OPC model to generate a mask layout.

Abstract: The design/manufacture support system has a self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit for storing the correspondence between parts numbers of self company and correspondent parts, a self company parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts of a self company product, a correspondent parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts purchased from a correspondent, a representative part creation unit for creating a representative part from the correspondence between self company and correspondent parts numbers stored in the self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit, and a parts bill creation unit for creating a parts bill from the representative part created by the representative part creation unit, the self company parts bill stored in the self company parts bill storage unit and the correspondent parts bill stored in the correspondent parts bill storage unit.

Abstract: A computer program product for performing automated error checking in an automated production line, includes instructions for: receiving change information for changing a production process; comparing the change information to standard information for the production process; and reporting information from the comparing. Manufacturing execution software and a system for employing the manufacturing execution software are provided.

Abstract: An industrial controller that can be utilized in an environment that supports message queuing comprises a receiver component that receives a message from a queue, wherein the message conforms to a message queuing protocol. A message queuing component communicatively coupled to the receiver component interprets the message and alters control logics within the controller based at least in part upon contents of the message. Furthermore, for example, the message queuing engine can be configured to generated messages that conform to the message queuing protocol.

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: A system for handling a production disturbance/opportunity event includes a network having data processing units running a MES software for controlling/monitoring a production process operating production components. A production modeler defines a plant model of the production process, and a production scheduler generates an executable production schedule for the execution of operating procedures for the production components. A production executor executes the production process following the generated executable production schedule, and a production disturbance/opportunity event identifier detects a production disturbance event and identifies a production opportunity event which allows to maintain an efficiency of the production process at least as close as possible to an efficiency given by the executable production schedule as originally generated by the production scheduler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for integrated development of projects of different levels, especially of automation projects in the MES and Controls area. The integrated development is facilitated by the use of uniform models. In this case a first project planning solution, especially an automation solution at the control level, is created in a first project planning environment (1), a second project planning solution, especially a solution for coordination of processes and/or execution sequences of the first project planning solution, is created in at least a second project planning environment (2) with a common data and/or object model being used by the project planning environments at least for the creation of the project planning solutions of the project planning environments and data and/or objects being identified in one of the two project planning solutions for use in the other project planning solution in each case.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing production cycle time of a hard disk drive and a generic hard disk drive ready for customization. A generic disk drive is provided for stocking until a shipment order is issued. When a shipment order defining customer requirements is received, a generic disk drive from stock is pulled from stock. Then, the generic disk drive is featured to meet the customer requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a method and device for listening to communications between processes and tools, recording report and report trigger definitions, matching reports from tools with the recorded definitions, and translating messages into a context-insensitive format. Other aspects of the present invention include dynamically enhancing tool status reports, migrating processes form tool control hosts to distributed processors, and screening requests for tool status information from hosts and distributed processors. More detailed descriptions of aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A method, system and a computing apparatus for determining a target molding material user for distribution of molding material equipment to molding material users from a molding material producer is disclosed. The computing apparatus, for example, includes a processing module operable to receive (i) supply information representative of molding material equipment available for distribution from the molding material producer, and (ii) demand information representative of at least one molding material user in need of molding material equipment, and to determine the target molding material user to which to supply molding material equipment from the molding material producer in accordance with at least the supply information and the demand information.

Abstract: Photolithography operation in a wafer fab using relative weightings of work in progress to iteratively schedule wafers.

Abstract: A method of etching a hafnium containing layer includes disposing a substrate having the hafnium containing layer in a plasma processing system, wherein a mask layer defining a pattern therein overlies the hafnium containing layer. A process gas including a HBr gas is introduced to the plasma processing system, and a plasma is formed from the process gas in the plasma processing system. The hafnium containing layer is exposed to the plasma in order to treat the hafnium containing layer. The hafnium containing layer is then wet etched using a dilute HF wet etch process.

Abstract: A method for implementing a virtual inspection of a virtually machined workpiece is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes defining a set of master reference planes, defining a set of positioning planes with respect to the set of master reference planes, and defining a pair of intersecting cutting planes from the set of positioning planes. The pair of intersecting cutting planes define an inspection line at the intersection thereof, wherein the inspection line is swept through a selected area of the workpiece, thereby collecting inspection data for the workpiece.

Abstract: A food waste monitoring system and related methods are disclosed. The food waste monitoring system may include a local food waste monitoring device that is coupled to an electronic scale for weighing food waste. The monitoring device may capture and record the weight of food waste as well related information, such as the type of food wasted, the reason for the food becoming waste, the user weighing the food waste, and the type of container the food waste is weighed in. The system may also include a host device in communication with the local monitoring device that provides remote configuration and control of the local monitoring device.

Abstract: A design data management program directs a computer to perform a procedure of converting design data generated at a designing side to a data format applicable to a production side and transmitting the data to the production side, and a procedure of converting the data to data described in a predetermined language and storing the data in the storage device when a notification of a change of the design data is received from the production side.

Abstract: A substrate processing system allows to reduce the number of works that should be done by a software engineer. The system 100 includes a substrate processing apparatus 101; a substrate processing controller 102 for controlling the substrate processing apparatus 101; and a server 103 for storing therein commands, i.e., instructional statements, for defining an operation of each device. The substrate processing controller 102 has a RAM 105 serving as a work space for creating a macro file corresponding to each of processes divided from the whole substrate processing or for changing the content of a macro file; and an executor 108 composed of, e.g., CPU for executing a process sequence macro obtained by a combination of the created macro files. The user creates a macro file describing a sequential operation of each process or changes the content of a macro file by arranging the stored commands.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing product randomization and analysis in a manufacturing environment are provided. A method includes processing products for a plurality of lots, at process equipment, using a randomization technique for selecting each product in the lots. The method further including generating an operation identification record for each operation in the process recipe that includes mapping, for each operation, a slot identifier associated with a randomly selected product to a process variable identifier, a process tool, and the operation. The method also includes defining slot groupings using slot identifiers for a product carrier and identifying product yield patterns by analyzing historical yields for each of the slot groupings.

Abstract: A method for managing collected data in a semiconductor processing environment. The collected data can include: raw data collected during a process, trace file data received during a process, and process log file data received during a process. The raw data is synchronized with the trace file data and process log file data to create wafer data and summary data, and a file is created containing the wafer data and the summary data.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for making a memorial piece. The method includes capturing an initial digital image representative of memorial information. The digital image is edited to create an adjusted digital image, which is then converted to create a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is used to generate a three-dimensional pattern, which in turn is used to generate a mold cavity. At least some memorial information is contained in the mold cavity. A rough casting is formed within the mold cavity such that the memorial information is imparted to the rough casting. The rough casting is then cleaned and prepared. The casting is then oxidized to form a memorial piece with memorial information thereon.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.