Method and apparatus for integrating dispatch and process control actions
US6790686B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method includes scheduling a plurality of workpieces for processing by a plurality of tools. Each workpiece has an associated priority. The processing in at least one of the tools is controlled in accordance with a process control model. A process control request associated with the controlling of the tool is generated. The priorities of at least a subset of the workpieces are determined based on the process control request. A manufacturing system includes a plurality of tools for processing workpieces, a dispatch unit, and a process control unit. The dispatch unit is configured to schedule a plurality of workpieces for processing by the tools. Each workpiece has an associated priority. The process control unit is configured to control the processing in at least one of the tools in accordance with a process control model and generate a process control request associated with the controlling of the tool. The dispatch unit is further configured to receive the process control request and determine the priorities of at least a subset of the workpieces based on the process control request.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.