Patent · US Expired

System and method utilizing temporal constraints to coordinate multiple planning sessions

US6898475B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
15References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 27, 2004
Grant dateMay 24, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 27, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P90/02
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method implemented in a computer control system utilizes temporal constraints to coordinate multiple planning sessions for multi-step production processes such that scheduling constraints are satisfied and flexibility for individual job planning is retained. The computer control system includes an outer planner loop module, which manages the queue of planned and unplanned jobs and interacts with the computer control system, and an individual job planner. The method includes checking the queue of planned jobs for imminent planned jobs, performing a temporal clamping process for planned jobs scheduled to begin soon, and releasing planned jobs for production. Checking is performed for additional imminent planned jobs and the individual job planner is called to produce a plan for the next job if no imminent planned jobs are identified. A plan is produced for the next job by the individual job planner.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.