Abstract: A system for quickly and easily optimizing the parameters of an industrial machine or solving any trouble in industrial machine is provided. A factory (100) and vendor (200) are connected through a data communication network (300). A management apparatus (120) selectively gives the operation right of an industrial machine (110) to a factory-side operation apparatus (130) or a vendor-side operation apparatus (210) arranged at a remote site. The operation apparatus having the given operation right can operate the industrial machine (110) and obtain information representing the operation condition of the industrial machine.

Abstract: An arrangement, system and process for producing desired products (1) in at least one decentralized automated process system (3), which processes starting materials (2) provided therefor into the respective product (1) in accordance with formulation data (25) that are input into the process system (3). The process system (3) is connected to a remote central computational device (28) via a communications medium (27). An input device (22), which is also connected to the communications medium (27), serves for inputting a product selection (37), whereby the central computational device (28) obtains, according to the received product selection (37), the formulation data (25) that is necessary for producing the desired product (1), or conveys this formulation data to the process system. The formulation data are obtained from a formulation data collection for the automated process system (3).

Abstract: A method for designing an engine case static structure of a gas turbine engine includes creating signals representing an engine case static structure knowledge base of information. The knowledge base has a plurality of design rule signals with respect to a corresponding plurality of parameter signals of associated elements of an engine case static structure, wherein the knowledge base comprises at least one data value signal for each of the plurality of design rule signals. A desired data value signal is entered for a selected one of the plurality of parameter signals of an associated element of the engine case static structure and compared to the corresponding data value signal in the knowledge base for the corresponding one of the plurality of design rule signals. Signals representative of a geometric representation of the selected parameter signal may be created.

Abstract: A flow conversion system for a manufacturing process includes a flow decomposition module decomposing a process in a target process flow into lower processes based on a process decomposition table to create an intermediate lower process flow; a compatible flow generation module replacing the lower processes with a lower compatible process based on a lower process compatibility table to create an intermediate lower compatible process flow; a flow check module creating a lower process flow including all the lower processes available in production facilities from the intermediate and intermediate lower compatible process flows based on an available process table; a flow selection module selecting the lower process flow by calculating an attribute based on an attribute definition table. An external storage unit stores the process decomposition table, the lower process compatibility table, the available process table, and the attribute definition table.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, method and computer readable medium provide for sorting attribution information of a 3D model into a plurality of groups; selecting a group from the plurality of groups; and selectively displaying a part of the attribution information corresponding to the selected group with the 3D model in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for printed wiring boards divides printed wiring boards scheduled to be manufactured into non-fractional and fractional groups depending on the content of an order remainder list. The printed wiring boards categorized as non-fractional are panelized having the same shapes while the printed wiring boards categorized as fractional are grouped corresponding to manufacturing conditions thereof. Then, each group of the printed wiring boards are panelized with different shapes in a predetermined manufacturing block. Consequently, the generation of incidental products or the waste of material can be prevented.

Abstract: A remote track editor system, method, and computer readable medium is provided to remotely edit track flows and recipes of semiconductor processing tools. The editor system includes a processing track, a track controller, and a remote track editor for remotely editing recipes of at least one semiconductor processing tool. The editor system communicates with remote terminals and accesses multiple flows and recipes stored on network databases through a SECS/GEM interface. The remote track editor edits recipes without interrupting the process track and correctly renumbers line and flow numbers of the recipes when editing, deleting, or inserting steps. The remote track editor also performs side-by-side comparisons of multiple recipes, verifies the contents of recipes to master recipes, and provides indicators of mismatches.

Abstract: The supervisor is connected to at least one hollow glassware production line including a plurality of controlled moving members, and is defined by a line agent unit generating a virtual image of the line, a database memorizing all the data required for operation of the line, an interface, and an instruction analyzer. The database is defined by individual memory areas separately memorizing data relative to the structure of each line in a line table; data relative to production processes to be performed in a process table; and specific elementary operation instructions for the line members by means of a recipe table memorizing conditions relating the memorized lines and production processes. The instruction analyzer processes the line structure data and production process data, and generates specific instructions on the basis of the entered data.

Abstract: A multiple run by run process is described. A plurality of tools and a plurality of products to be run on the tools are provided. A desired recipe is calculated for each product on each tool based on a previous recipe used for each product on each tool and deviation of a parameter from a target value. Thereafter, the plurality of products is run on the plurality of tools. The desired recipe is updated after each run of each tool.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to quickly and accurately detect disorder or abnormality of a process state which occurs in a plant and to appropriately perform an operation for normalizing disorder or abnormality of the process without depending on experience or skill of an operator. A control system of the plant is divided into groups having relation, such as, the plant, processes, or steps, and a monitor picture is created for each of them. When an alarm is raised, the alarm is displayed on a picture associated with the alarm. A guidance picture for supporting how to deal with the alarm is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assembling and operating a physical system having a plurality of structural elements and structural interconnections from a remote location. The method includes the step of creating a graphical representation of the physical system at the remote location showing the elements and connections of the system to be assembled. The method further includes the steps of converting the graphical representation into an element list delineating the elements and the interconnections, transferring the element list from the remote location to an element controller and assembling and operating the system by the element controller in accordance with the element list.

Abstract: The invention is, in its various aspects, a method and apparatus for dynamically generating trace data reports in a semiconductor fabrication process employing fault detection control. The method comprises specifying data including at least one of a parameter, a trigger, and a frequency, for a trace data report; automatically generating from a fault detection controller a request including the specified data to a report generator; formulating the trace data report responsive to the request; and returning the formulated trace data report from the report generator based on the request.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer directed head stack assembly installation system with an installation software stored on recordable media directing the controlling a sequence of head stack installation assembly steps executed by a robotic assembly to pick and place a head stack assembly into a basedeck. The installation software program monitors compliance of the placement operation regarding mechanical resistance encountered by the head stack assembly engaging the basedeck compared to a dynamic force threshold F determined by the equation [F=(f(p)+/?x)] and against the dynamic slope V determined by the equation [V=V=(fn?fn?1)/(pn?pn?1). Upon successful installation of the head stack assembly into the basedeck forming the head disc assembly, the head disc assembly is released from the head stack assembly installation station.

Abstract: An assembly line data communication system using wireless transmission between access point transceivers along a plant data network and a mobile transceiver temporarily physically associated with each product proceeding down an assembly line served by the network. The unique identity of the product is communicated to the assembly line network controller at the entry end of each series of work cells and correct product order in a queue is maintained so that the specific identity and specification of the product is known at each of several subsequent and serially arranged work cells through which the product passes. Each work cell can talk to one or more access point transceivers in the network to communicate data to the mobile transceiver on the vehicle and to receive information back from it.

Abstract: A consolidated plan splitting methodology sends distribution orders to a distribution execution system and planned production to a manufacturing execution system. Instructions from the planning system involving only movements of inventory within the distribution s system (e.g., warehouse to warehouse transfers) are passed directly to the distribution execution system. Instructions from the planning system involving movements of inventory where either the source or destination is in the manufacturing system causes a splitter located between the planning system and the distribution and manufacturing execution systems to carry out a decisional process wherein the movement of inventory is broken down into a selected number of distinct intermediate legs. Control of inventory balances is passed between the distribution and manufacturing execution systems as appropriate as the inventory moves from one execution system to another.

Abstract: A computer assisted method is disclosed for making an optimized layout of a manufacturing cell to be used, for example, to locate, hold and process workpieces, such as in robotic welding of an assembly of stamped sheet metal parts. The items to be processed and employed in the cell are identified by physical structure and kinematic characteristics and given an initial location to start the process. Further movements of the parts toward attraction points and away from repelling points are evaluated on the computer by an optimization program to arrive at an optimized cell layout.

Abstract: Automatic generation of processing conditions will be provided, based on a database and process modeling by a computer equipped in semiconductor device fabrication equipment, by using input of wafer processing history including the thickness and quality. The computer equipped in semiconductor device fabrication equipment obtains the wafer processing and inspection results from a production line management computer in order to assist input of the process history. The computer in the fabrication equipment can be connected to computers in a fabrication equipment manufacturer on a communication network to automatically provide process conditions and maintenance schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting and selecting parts comprising a computer for designing a plurality of a first type of component parts and a plurality of a second type of component parts. Each job, which consists of the plurality of first component parts and the plurality of second component parts, is assigned a unique identification by the computer. In addition, the computer also assigns a part identification for each of the component parts. A first tooling machine computer-controller, coupled to the computer, receives the plurality of first component part designs, creates tooling instructions for the first component parts, and creates labels for each of the first component parts. The labels include the unique job identification and the part identification. A first tooling machine, coupled to the first tooling machine computer-controller, receives the first component part tooling instructions, receives material for the first component parts, and creates the first component parts.

Abstract: Databases store therein CAD drawings which different manufacturers have. Other databases store therein equipment specifications. All the databases are connected to a user terminal via a communication line. Data stored-destination address information is inputted to designate information on the CAD drawing or the equipment specification, from a user terminal, and one of the databases is searched based on the data stored-destination address information, thereby selecting the information on the CAD drawing or the equipment specification is selected from one of the databases, corresponding to the data-stored destination address information, based on the search.

Abstract: For monitoring production data, a grouping table in which machines are grouped into machine groups, machine components are grouped into machine component groups, chip manufacturing recipes are grouped into recipe groups or chip manufacturing parameters are grouped into parameter groups is used, whereby a considerable improvement in the comparability of the production data to be monitored is achieved.

Abstract: An automated configuration system (and method) is provided for facilitating the configuration of desired products, services, or other assemblages that require users to gather and assimilate disparate knowledge of makes, models, types, features, codes, and prices of the desired product/service to be configured. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, configuration is facilitated through interaction of a user with a frame engine that performs frame-based inferences to discern stored knowledge of a product (or the like), as supplemented by a rules-based inference system.

Abstract: A control method and to an industrial production installation (1) is provided, especially for manufacturing parts of unfinished vehicle bodies. The production installation (1) has 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). The installation control (10) controls the intelligent application components (3) by a web control system (2) by 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: Specification data including a method of measuring the dimension and mask design data for a photomask pattern is transmitted from an order-sender computer via a communication line. An element dimension calculating unit generates a measurement recipe according to the dimension-measurement method and the mask design data to transmit the measurement recipe to an element dimension measuring unit. The element dimension calculating unit calculates production error data of the pattern according to measurement data and the mask design data to transmit the error data to the order-sender via the communication line.

Abstract: In a system for manufacturing semiconductor devices, a customer information management apparatus is connected via a network to a plurality of customer terminals to receive orders from the customer terminals. A manufacturing management apparatus is connected between the customer information management apparatus and processing units and inspection units to control the processing units and the inspection units in accordance with the orders in the customer information management apparatus. Each of the orders includes a designated quantity of lots, a designated substrate, designated processing units, designated recipes thereof, designated inspection units and designated inspection recipes thereof.

Abstract: A production management method includes the steps of: pre-storing production information including delivery date information, manufacturing apparatus information and lot information; calculating a scheduled shipping date for each lot on the basis of the production information; reading a delivery date of the lot; calculating the number of delay days of the lot; outputting an alarm to the lot when the number of delay days is a positive number; and analyzing the main cause of the delay of the lot and generating an expedite instruction when the number of delay days is larger than 1.

Abstract: A time-shared communications architecture for communicating digitized information for an industrial process control system, which architecture includes various programmed operating units (8, 10, 11) in particular site units (8) situated at a process interface level, which units process and store information which can be accessed by at least one other unit internal to the system or by an external computer, via at least one industrial local area network of said communications architecture. At least some of the units contain servers (9) of the HTTP type so as to be capable of sending optionally interactive computer documents in response to requests received from another unit of the system or from a computer, in particular external to the system, equipped with an HTTP/TCP/IP protocol stack and acting as a customer, without disturbing the priority and deterministic interchange related to the real time control of the process.

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 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: Network-based methods and systems are disclosed for configuring and building systems and providing systems integration for the test, automation and measurement environment. The methods include internet or intranet-based applications that configure and quote a system or system integration project in response to selection of system features, system components and/or system configurations by a network user. The methods may be implemented as part of a build-to-order internet application.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information related to a set of automated resources that may cooperate in an environment to perform an automated process, the method comprising the steps of associating a specific environment location with the automated process, determining the locations of resources with respect to the specific location and, where resources are proximate the specific location, providing information related to the automated process. Also a method for facility communication between distributed resources where location or an attribute akin thereto is used to tag data and to monitor network data for specific required data.

Abstract: A system 10 for analyzing a component such as an air filter. System 10 may be created by and/or comprise software which resides within a conventional computer aided engineering (“CAE”) system. The system 10 utilizes a CAE model 12 to analyze the functionality or performance of an air filter based on certain attributes of the filter, such as the size, shape and media of the filter, and/or to determine certain attributes of the filter, such as the size of the filter, based on certain desired performance requirements of the filter.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates, to a computer-implemented system for improving manufacturing productivity. The system is comprised of at least one computer configured to: (1) receive a plurality of productivity data elements regarding a manufacturing process, a plurality of six sigma elements, and a plurality of lean manufacturing elements, and (2) aid in determining at least one productivity improvement to the manufacturing process by utilizing the plurality of six sigma elements and the plurality of lean manufacturing elements with the plurality of productivity data elements. The at least one productivity improvement is relied upon to reduce operating costs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling and manufacturing for concurrent product and process design, comprising: selecting a blank for machining into an actual part establishing a coordinate system; and creating a master product and process concurrent model comprising: a virtual blank corresponding to the blank; a manufacturing feature; virtual machining of the manufacturing feature into the virtual blank; where the manufacturing feature exhibits an associative relationship with the coordinate system. The method also includes generating a product drawing of the actual part; and generating machining instructions to create the actual part by machining the manufacturing feature into the blank.

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: The present invention relates to an automation system in which a functionality of at least two components from a programmable logic controller which can be regulated as required and/or from a drive controller which regulates rotation speed and/or position, and/or from a motion controller which regulates complex operations is integrated. The integrated controller constructed in this way can additionally have a single processor equipped with every functionality, further specific interfaces incorporation of engineering system and runtime system (RS) into the integrated controller, a web server functionality, a project data configuration using a single control action and an integrated, extensive data management unit (DM).

Abstract: A method is provided of using a neutral event specification file for manufacturing line analysis. The method includes the steps of constructing a neutral event specification file having a specification format including at least one event, wherein each event has a name, description, at least one signal, and at least one action. The method also includes the step of executing a manufacturing line analysis model using the neutral event specification file.

Abstract: A method is provided of using a neutral event file for manufacturing line analysis. The method includes the steps of constructing a neutral event file and executing a manufacturing line analysis model using the neutral event file. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a good manufacturing line exists based on the manufacturing line analysis model and using the manufacturing line analysis model to build the manufacturing line if a good manufacturing line exists.

Abstract: A method and a data network for automatically configuring to a parameterizing surface for peace one controller of machine tools or production machines are described. An actual machine topology is determined via a data network when the machine starts up and compared with stored desired machine topologies. If the actual machine topology differs from the desired machine topology, a corresponding dedicated parameterizing surface is generated from the determined actual machine topology, whereby for parameterizing the controller of the machine only the parameters and/or functions of the identified machine components are indicated to the user. In this way, a dedicated parameterizing surface matching the actual machine configuration can be easily generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for the maintenance of a production plant. The method and system of maintenance is carried out in the production plant (100) on objects of work which comprise production plant equipment. In addition, a plan is worked out for maintenance, in which the objects of work to be checked and the actions to be carried out on them during each maintenance cycle are defined, and an equipment card is made for each object of work to be maintained, which equipment card is maintained on an application server (30).

Abstract: A functional object imaging system using functional object data is provided.

Abstract: A recipe management system is provided including a processor configured to receive a first job file for a processing tool through a network, said first job file including a master job file for said processing tool. The processor also receives a second job file through the network from a host processor associated with the processing tool. The processor compares the first and second job files, wherein the processor determines whether the first and second job files differ. A semiconductor manufacturing method is also provided. A first job file including a master job file for a processing tool is received through a network. A second job file is also received through the network from a host processor associate with the processing tool The job files are then compared to determine whether the first and second job files differ.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production control system which ensures easy storage and management of information, and prompt and proper retrieval of necessary information in production sites. The production control system comprises a plurality of terminals provided in production sites and a central processor (5) connected to the terminals via a network (2). The central processor (5) comprises a production control information storage section (7,8,9) which stores information on production control, and a data distributing section (6) for retrieving production control information from the production control information storage section (7,8,9) in response to a request from any of the terminals and transmitting the retrieved production control information to the terminal having requested the information. The production control system can centrally manage the production control information on a paperless basis, and promptly and properly retrieve the necessary production control information.

Abstract: The following processing is performed when a line gang pickup head can simultaneously pick up a maximum of n (here, 4) components. First, groupings of components of the same type, out of all of the components to be optimized, are set as component tapes and the component tapes are arranged descending order of the number of components to produce a component histogram (406a). Next, a partial histogram (400), which is part of the component histogram (406a), is taken from the component histogram (406a), and is arranged at two-dimensional coordinates where a horizontal axis (the Z-axis) represents an arrangement of component cassettes and a vertical axis represents a number of pickup operations by the line gang pickup head. After this, the component tapes are lined up, by arranging the partial histograms (401a and 401b), so as to produce a diagram (406b) whose width (number of components) in the horizontal axis is n (=4).

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.

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 production system including a production line having 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. 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, values that represent differences between current NC data that has been most recently acquired and the generated data, and outputs the values.

Abstract: Generic interface adapter builder software generates an interface adapter to tie tools into a centralized manufacturing execution system. As contemplated by embodiments of the present invention, the interface adapter allows a tool in a semiconductor manufacturing assembly to communicate with other hardware and software in the centralized manufacturing execution system in accordance with a standard protocol and be operable from a common view graphical user interface. The generic interface builder software uses a classification of the type library and desired parameters for a particular tool to generate the interface adapter that maps the interface methods of the tool to the interface of the manufacturing execution system and handles long running service request support. In one aspect of the invention, the tool to be integrated into the manufacturing assembly may be a material control system.

Abstract: A point on a surface of a detailed shape model is selected. Selected points are connected by lines, and a plane which is configured by the selected points, and the lines connecting the points as sides is finally formed when an instruction to create a plane is issued with a mouse. These operations are performed for the entire detailed shape model, whereby a simplified model the shape of which is simplified is created.

Abstract: In order to make it easier to specify the area with a shape other than a rectangle on the image plane of an image pickup device and to analyze an element in the range thereof, a test method of an image pickup device is provided, which comprises the steps of: preparing a plurality of layers in which a rectangular area may be specified; giving a priority for each layer; placing the layers on top of each other so as to divide an image plane of an image pickup device into a plurality of areas; specifying a certain area among the plurality of areas; and performing data analysis on pixels of an image pickup device in a specified area.

Abstract: A processing system having time-dependent combinatorial complexity is converted into a system having time-dependent periodic complexity. Consequently, system reliability is increased and system design is generally simplified.