Abstract: A configurable mutual exclusion function oversees movement of appliances mobile over a common physical space in an automated laboratory workstation. A configurable mutex is allotted for each moveable appliance and is configurable to protect a task site when obtained for the respective appliance.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a cooling fan for a storage array. During operation, an input-output (I/O) metric of the storage array is monitored. Then, the cooling fan is controlled based on the I/O metric.

Abstract: An operating method is disclosed for a processing system that comprises multiple process modules each adapted to perform substantially the same process upon a substrate. During process module conditioning as a preparatory step for executing a required process recipe, each time one process module completes conditioning, successive transfer of unprocessed substrates from a cassette to the process module is started on an associated substrate transfer route, and successive processes that use the process module are started for the unprocessed substrates. The processing system can be operated efficiently, even if the nonuniformity of the conditioning time required exists between process modules of the same specifications.

Abstract: A lot processing start determining method includes: storing, in a memory, processing conditions of each lot in a first substrate vessel and a maximum usable number of dummy substrates in a second substrate vessel; counting the used number the dummy substrates in the second substrate vessel; and calculating the number of dummy substrates required to process all substrates of a next lot in the first substrate vessel based on the processing conditions of each lot which are stored in the memory, adding the calculated number of the dummy substrates of the next lot to the counted used number of the dummy substrates, and determining whether the added value exceeds the maximum usable number of the dummy substrates stored in the memory. The method further includes prohibiting start of processing the next lot when the added value is determined to exceed the maximum usable number of the dummy substrate.

Abstract: Techniques are described which simplify and/or automate many of the tasks associated with the configuration, deployment, and management of network resources to support cloud-based services.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for service parts planning in a network having one or more service parts. For at least a subset of the one or more service parts, a calculation is performed to determine a location within the network at which allocating the service part provides the greatest gain in system availability per item cost. In an embodiment, the calculations are based, at least in part on machine-specific information. In one embodiment, inventory position is determined based, at least in part, on a unique identifier associated with a service part.

Abstract: A method and system of specifying a device that is the root cause of impeding productivity of a production line in consideration of even mutual influence among processes of production fluctuation with respect to the subject of specifying a device in which productive capacity is reduced due to a problem that the productive capacity of the device is changed due to production that one machine works for multiple process and a problem that the productive capacity of device is changed due to high product mix and low product volume production. A measure for changing productive capacity of devices intentionally and simulating influence to the whole production system, a measure for measuring mutual influence among processes of production fluctuation produced by the simulation and a measure for specifying a device that is the root cause of impeding the productivity on the basis of the measured result are provided.

Abstract: An emitter for an LED-based lighting device has multiple groups of LEDs that are independently addressable, allowing the emitter to be tuned to a desired color bin (e.g., a specific white color) by adjusting the relative current supplied to different groups. The LED dies for the groups and a phosphor chip for each LED die are individually selected such that each LED-die/phosphor-chip combination produces light in a desired source region associated with the group to which the LED belongs. Robotic pick-and-place systems can be used to automate assembly of the emitters by selecting LED dies from a bin based on based on spectral characteristics and phosphor chips from a number of distinct phosphor chip types.

Abstract: A method for displaying values specified in a number of offers for a number of offer variables with respect to price includes receiving data for multiple offers that reflects values specified in the offers for multiple offer variables and generating a display of the received data. The display includes multiple offer variable windows that are each associated with an offer variable. Each offer variable window includes an offer price axis representing a range of offer prices and an offer variable axis substantially perpendicular to the offer price axis that represents a range of values for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window. Each offer variable window includes multiple bars. Each bar represents a value specified in offer for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window and is positioned with respect to the offer price axis according to an offer price specified in the offers.

Abstract: A customizable scheduling tool is used in a system for managing and controlling manufacturing processes planned by enterprise resource planning (ERP) and produced by a plant floor. A manufacturing executing system (MES) implements the planned manufacturing process and controls the corresponding production at the plant floor. The scheduling tool contains a set of built in data relating to the plant floor forming a data model and built in formula templates. The scheduling tool contains measures for defining new data, and the measures are operable to edit new fields to expand the built in set of data, and measures for modifying a built-in formula template. Ideally a manufacturing executing system (MES) contains such a tool and utilizes a method of using the tool.

Abstract: A production planning system for allocating production capacity to meet a demand includes an operational module and a simulating module. The operational module is for receiving demand inputs, calculating a consolidated demand based on the demand inputs, calculating and storing a production capacity, and creating a production plan. The simulating module includes a data retriever, a simulated data handler, and a simulating planner. The data retriever is for retrieving and storing consolidated demand and capacity data from the at least one operational processor. The simulated data handler is for receiving a simulated demand input and creating a simulated consolidated demand by adding the simulated demand input to the retrieved consolidated demand. The simulating planner is for creating a simulated production plan based on the simulated consolidated demand.

Abstract: Arbitrating access to industrial resources as a function of controller identify is provided herein. For example, a unique identifier can be associated with a control module that can distinguish the module from other components of a system. Upon receiving a request to control a resource, the identifier of the requesting module can be associated with that resource. In a case of multiple requests, an arbitrated ID can be chosen and added to an owner queue. The chosen ID is then published and, if the published identifier matches the module identifier, the module can assume control of the resource; if not, the module's request is placed into a request queue for further arbitration. The subject innovation provides for generally applicable arbitration that can reduce redundant code crafted for each module of a system, greatly reducing overhead costs associated with such redundancy.

Abstract: A method is provided and includes detecting a fault condition in a refrigeration system, determining a maintenance cost to correct the fault condition, and determining a monetary value associated with continued operation of the refrigeration system with the fault condition. The method also includes comparing the maintenance cost to the monetary value and determining a level of urgency for correcting the fault condition based on the comparison. The method also includes scheduling maintenance to correct the fault condition based on the level of urgency.

Abstract: A system for determining batch sizes for a print job may include a computing device and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for receiving a print job having a job size, receiving speed information for each of a plurality of document production devices in a production line, identifying a plurality of batches associated with the print job, performing a discrete event simulation to model a makespan for the print job in processing each of the plurality of batches on the plurality of document production devices using the speed information and repeating the identifying and performing until a plurality of final batches is determined, each having a unique final batch size.

Abstract: A method for feedback-based optimization of a measurement data life cycle in joining processes during production, comprising the following steps: 1) analysing and simulating production on the basis of assumptions, in particular on the basis of production data, in order to prepare an initial production strategy and/or inspection strategy, 2) preparing and/or adapting a production and/or inspection order, 3) checking the production and/or inspection order for consistency, 4) exporting and storing the production and/or inspection order, 5) aligning and/or joining a component made of at least two sub-assemblies in an assembly zone, 6) analysing and simulating production on the basis of actual measurement results and feedback of an optimized production and/or inspection order into method step 2), and 7) at least one repetition of method steps 2) to 6). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Techniques are described which simplify and/or automate many of the tasks associated with the configuration, deployment, and management of network resources to support cloud-based services.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets. License, channel, and lease data from a communications authority is collected and formatted into individual polygon maps. The maps could be drawn according to county or state boundaries, or by some other mapping standard. The maps are then divided and redrawn into several market service areas and several basic trading areas. The maps are also divided and redrawn according to the bandwidth spectrum of one or more channels. Since the maps are drawn with several different boundary conditions, the layout of all of the maps result in some maps being partially overlaid onto other maps for the same region. These regions containing partially overlaid maps are redefined as superblocks. Each superblock contains all of the data from each overlaid map portion for that particular region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.

Abstract: A method for resource management and planning includes receiving manufacturing information associated with multiple distributed enterprise facilities; generating manufacturing plans based at least in part on the manufacturing information; receiving feedback regarding execution of the manufacturing plans; identifying at least one of the manufacturing plans describing manufacturing activities planned to occur within a fixed time period in the future; modifying the identified manufacturing plan based on the feedback; and communicating the modified manufacturing plan to the distributed enterprise facilities.

Abstract: Embodiments of flexible laser manufacturing systems are disclosed herein. A flexible laser manufacturing system configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a plurality of laser processing stations. Each laser processing station can include a laser source configured to generate a laser beam for processing target material, and a first controller coupled to the laser source. The flexible laser manufacturing system also includes a second controller coupled to the first controller of the individual laser processing stations. The second controller is configured to monitor and instruct each of the first controllers for processing target material of each of the corresponding laser processing stations.

Abstract: A computerized automated demand-based parts delivery management system and method is disclosed. Parts for use in a production facility are received at a warehouse and housed in storage inventory areas such as trailers parked in a yard. Data about the parts in storage inventory areas and their locations as well as an inventory of parts in the warehouse are stored in a database. A “demand pegging” operation is performed by viewing current delivery inventory levels within the warehouse and applying them to production demand data to determine when parts will be depleted from delivery inventory areas. The operation further identifies storage inventory areas that have the needed parts. Process times for transporting parts between locations are considered in determining task times for transporting parts from storage inventory areas to delivery inventory areas so parts are replenished in advance of the deplete time determined by the demand pegging operation.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for managing parts shortages is disclosed. The computerized system and method analyzes inventory and production demand data over a period of time to whether the parts in inventory are sufficient to meet production demand. The projections allow a logistics provider to determine when parts shortages are likely to occur and the nature of the potential shortages. Information about the type and time of potential parts shortages allow the logistics provider to take action to prevent shortages entirely or minimize their impact on production. Some shortages may be covered by requesting delivery of parts from various locations within the site inventory or by locating parts within the site inventory. Other shortages may be covered by ordering more parts from suppliers. The ability to detect various types of shortages and take mitigating actions allow a logistics provider to maintain a flow of parts to production.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for controlling cancelled orders in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling cancelled orders in a manufacturing environment can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in compressors and, in particular, to an improvement in a method of controlling variable speed dynamic compressors to avoid ‘motor overload as a result of choking.1 The invention therefore comprises a method of controlling a compressor to provide compressed gas at a target delivery pressure (Pt) and prevent excessive motor power consumption, the compressor being driven by a variable speed motor which has motor windings, wherein the gas inlet temperature (Tin), gas output delivery pressure (Pd), motor speed (Vm) and the motor winding temperature (Tmw) are continuously measured during operation of the compressor. The gas inlet temperature (Tin) is used to determine a predetermined maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) limit. The maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) is used (to set a maximum motor speed (Vmmax) limit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for scheduling vertices in a distributed data processing network and allocating computing resources on a processing node in a distributed data processing network are provided. Vertices, subparts of a data job including both data and computer code that runs on the data, are assigned by a job manager to a distributed cluster of process nodes for processing. The process nodes run the vertices and transmit computing resource usage information, including memory and processing core usage, back to the job manager. The job manager uses this information to estimate computing resource usage information for other vertices in the data job that are either still running or waiting to be run. Using the estimated computing resource usage information, each process node can run multiple vertices concurrently.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer program product for identifying incompatible manufacturing tools. The system receives measurements of products that were subject to a manufacturing process involving a plurality of manufacturing tools. The measurements pertain to a performance characteristic of each product. The system evaluates whether each manufacturing tool implemented in a sequential manufacturing process individually performs normally based on the received measurements. In response to evaluating each manufacturing tool implemented in said manufacturing process individually performs normally, the system evaluates whether a first combination of the manufacturing tools together in sequential manufacturing process perform normally based on the received measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes determining a number of planned starts of a product during a predetermined time period for future processing, averaging the number of planned starts for the predetermined time period, and setting a production rate for a first range based on the average number of planned starts.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently transcribing verbal messages transmitted over the Internet (or other network) into text. The verbal messages are initially checked to ensure that they are in a valid format and include a return network address, and if so, are processed either as whole verbal messages or split into segments. These whole verbal messages and segments are processed by an automated speech recognition (ASR) program, which produces automatically recognized text. The automatically recognized text messages or segments are assigned to selected workbenches for manual editing and transcription, producing edited text. The segments of edited text are reassembled to produce whole edited text messages, undergo post processing to correct minor errors and output as an email, an SMS message, a file, or an input to a program. The automatically recognized text and manual edits thereof are returned as feedback to the ASR program to improve its accuracy.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage module run sequences in a process control environment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a module including a plurality of function blocks, receiving an indication of a subset of the plurality of function blocks, and receiving an indication of a first sequence of execution for the subset, wherein the first sequence of execution is different than a second sequence of execution associated with the module. The example method also includes associating the subset with a run sequence identifier, and associating the run sequence identifier with a trigger condition.

Abstract: A system for managing a project that includes multiple tasks and a plurality of workers. Input information includes characterizations based upon a human model, a team model and a product model. Periodic reports, such as one or more of a monthly report, a task plan report, a schedule report, a budget report and a risk management report, are generated and made available for display or further analysis or collection into a customized report template. An extensible database allows searching for information based upon context and upon content. Seven different types of project risks are addressed, including non-availability of required skill mix of workers. The system can be configured to exchange data and results with corresponding portions of similar project analyses, and to provide user-specific access to specified information.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and software associated with the development of a resource or production plan within an enterprise's integration system are described in the present disclosure. In one of many embodiments, a method is described. Upon obtaining a master planning schedule, the method includes evaluating an inventory of resource associated with the master planning schedule. A production schedule associated with the master planning schedule is evaluated. Also, the method includes estimating carbon emission information associated with the master planning schedule.

Abstract: Provided is a statistical inventory management system that optimizes inventory investment using historical usage and/or consumption of an inventory component. Generally, the system determines an target inventory level. Once actual inventory is below the replenishment level, an additional supply of an inventory component is ordered. The target inventory level is determined based at least in part on the usage variability of the component. In one arrangement, the usage of the component over periods of time that correspond to a supplier lead-time of that component are utilized. The usage groups generally include several days (or other time periods) of usage data and typically haw a reduced variance compared to, for example, day-to-day usage. These reduced variance usage groups may be utilized to more accurately calculate future inventory levels for an inventory component. Further, all information is based on actual historical usage data as opposed to unsupported forecasts (e.g., sales growth forecasts).

Abstract: A boundary definer or data processor establishes an outer boundary of a work area and defines an offset between an inner boundary and the outer boundary. A reference path module or data processor defines a primary reference path with a target angular heading within the work area. The reference path module or data processor generates secondary reference paths spaced apart from and generally parallel to the primary reference path. An incident angle estimator estimates an incident angle of incidence of the vehicle with the outer boundary. The former or data processor establishes an inner boundary point spaced apart from the outer boundary by the offset and coextensive with a corresponding one of the reference paths. Further, the former or data processor interconnects the established inner boundary points to form the inner boundary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of supplying molten metal to an automatic pouring machine and equipment therefor. The equipment can not only supply the molten metal into the automatic pouring machine corresponding to the molding speed of the high-speed molding machine, but it can also appropriately supply the molten metal to the automatic pouring machine, so that the quality of that molten metal in the pouring ladle matches that of the molten metal that is poured in the molds. The method includes the steps of; after supplying a required quantity of alloy materials in a treating ladle, supplying the molten metal from the melting furnace into the treating ladle; transporting the pouring ladle to the treating ladle; pouring the molten metal from the treating ladle into the pouring ladle; and fixing the pouring ladle that received the molten metal to the automatic pouring machine.

Abstract: A method to be performed in a procedure of manufacturing a product includes receiving, in a computer system, a request to initiate a manufacturing procedure including at least a first physical operation modeled as a manufacturing-type operation in the computer system and a second physical operation modeled as a warehouse-type operation in the computer system. Information to be used in the manufacturing procedure, identifying the manufacturing-type operation and the warehouse-type operation, is generated in response to the request. Using the information, the manufacturing procedure including the first and second physical operations is initiated. A post-manufacturing procedure for a product can include a manufacturing-type operation and a warehouse-type operation. A computer system includes an operation management module for managing a manufacturing-type operation and a warehouse-type operation. The computer system includes initiation components for initiating the operations.

Abstract: Workability management system including operations of: storing resource identification information for identifying said resource and said work history information in association with each other in a storage medium; extracting said work history information corresponding to said resource identification information from said storage medium when a change occurs in said work history information, updating a change content and storing it into said storage medium; extracting said work history information corresponding to said resource identification information of said resource for judging workability of said resource from said storage medium, taking out total use information of said resource from said work history information, and creating a change with time of said total use information as said casual sequence information; and judging workability of said resource by said casual sequence information.

Abstract: In various implementations, a sales order are received from a sales order requester for at least one good, wherein the sales order includes product options for ordered goods via a sales product requirement specification object. A sales order confirmation is generated at least partially based on the sales order and a plan for production of the ordered goods. The ordered goods to be produced based on the plan are allowed. And an outbound delivery request defined by a planning product requirement specification object is generated, wherein the ordered goods are delivered to the sales order requestor based on the delivery request.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs that facilitate verification of activity in an environment of predefined activity orchestration. Activity is captured on image capture devices in the environment of predefined activity orchestration. The activity is verified to be consistent with the predefined activity orchestration. An event is generated based upon whether the activity is consistent with the predefined activity orchestration.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a manufacturing facility for solid state thin film battery devices. The method can include providing a plurality of processing tools for arrangement within a predetermined spatial region of one or more manufacturing facilities. A plurality of variables can be assigned for the plurality of processing tools. A target financial variable can be defined to evaluate different manufacturing processing tool configurations. The plurality of variables in the tensor relationship can be processed to reduce a magnitude of the target variable. An optimized set of the plurality of processing tools and respective configuration with the plurality of tools associated with the reduced magnitude of the target variable can be determined through processing. The optimized set of the plurality of processing tools in the respective configuration can be used in the one or more manufacturing facilities for the manufacture of a solid state thin film battery device.

Abstract: In order to allow effective utilization of a printing device when operators are absent, such as nighttime and further effective utilization of the printing device in business hours that operators are present, when a received print order is determined to be processable outside predetermined hours, an attribute indicating processability outside the predetermined hours is set to the print order. Thus, the print order to which the attribute is set is allocated to the outside of the business hours when the print order cannot be scheduled to be processed inside the predetermined hours.

Abstract: Approximating cycle times within a material flow network is disclosed. One embodiment includes assigning an approximate cycle time for completion of a part number PN within the material flow network by using a model that rounds the approximate cycle time to a nearest aggregate time period and adjusting the assigned approximate cycle time based on a mathematical function representing an aggregate accuracy of an aggregation of cycle times throughout the material flow network.

Abstract: By defining a section-related WIP limit or a throughput-related WIP limit, an efficient “look ahead” characteristic may be established to efficiently control the WIP in a complex manufacturing environment, such as a semiconductor facility. The respective critical WIP values may enable efficient reduction of priority of products moving towards an increased WIP queue, thereby reducing or substantially avoiding the release of products that are expected to run into the WIP queue. In this way, the efficiency of shared tools may be increased, since process capacity no longer required for the processing products running into WIP queues may be allocated for other operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calculating a distribution of a quantity over receiver objects. In one implementation, a data processing system is provided that comprises application programs adapted to generate a distribution request, storage means for storing rules adapted for distribution of the quantity and storing an assignment of a sub-set of the rules to each application program, each rule having an assigned priority of execution and each sub-set of rules having an assigned identifier. The system may also comprise means for receiving the request comprising the identifier of the sub-set of rules assigned to the one of the application programs, the quantity to be distributed, and the identifiers of receiver objects, the distribution calculation means adapted to access the storage means for execution of the sub-set of rules assigned to the one of the application programs.

Abstract: A system for optimizing blending. The system can include a processor configured to aggregate material information, aggregate production information, model consumer liking of the at least one product, and provide plan information for controlling production resources based on the material information, the production information, and the consumer liking. The material information can be associated with a product input of the at least one product. The production information can be associated with the production resources of the at least one product.

Abstract: Manufacturing facility process optimization includes monitoring communication signals within a facility device network, analyzing work station specific patterns in the communication signals, developing operational dependencies for work stations based upon the work station specific patterns, and predictively evaluating impacts to the work stations of the proposed configuration of the manufacturing facility process based upon the operational dependencies.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a tangible computer usable medium, and a data processing system allocate materials to an automated purchase assembly conversion process to support a dynamic configure-to-order production operation. A configure-to-order backlog order is analyzed to determine demand for a particular purchase assembly. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, the on-hand purchase assembly in inventory is allocated to fill the demand. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can not be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, a determination is made as to whether the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled by reallocating other similar on-hand purchase assembly in inventory and on-hand individual parts.

Abstract: A method for allocating resources among a plurality of client work machines includes representing at least one client work machine as a resource object, representing at least one manufacturing process executable at a client work machine as a process, defining at least one usage capability for a resource object, selecting one of at least two states of the usage capability, and executing at least one manufacturing process on at least one client work machine according to the selected state of the usage capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an identification information setting device and an identification information setting method that can easily set identification information for a transfer chamber. In an embodiment of the present invention, a storage portion (31) stores field identification information that is previously set for each position where a transfer chamber having a transfer robot can be arranged. A reception portion (32) receives, as specification information, information on the position where the transfer chamber is actually arranged and the transfer chamber. The storage portion (31) stores correspondence between the actually arranged transfer chamber and identification information.

Abstract: Metrology data associated with a plurality of workpieces processed at a selected operation in the process flow including a plurality of operations is retrieved. A processing context associated with each of the workpieces is determined. The processing context identifies at least one previous tool used to perform an operation on the associated workpiece prior to the selected operation. A plurality of performance metrics is determined for a plurality of tools capable of performing the selected operation based on the metrology data. Each performance metric is associated with a particular tool and a particular processing context. A set of the performance metrics is identified for the plurality of tools having a processing context matching a processing context of a selected workpiece awaiting performance of the selected operation. The selected workpiece is dispatched for processing in a selected one of the plurality of tools based on the set of performance metrics.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a system for fault conditions, determining an estimated energy loss based on the fault condition, determining an estimated product loss and/or sales loss based on the fault condition, and scheduling maintenance to correct the fault condition. Maintenance is schedule to correct the fault condition prior to the energy loss and the product loss exceeding maintenance costs.