Exception handling in manufacturing systems combining on-line planning and predetermined rules

Patent 7043321 Issued on May 9, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 27, 2024. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Job scheduling system
Patent #: 5093794
Issued on: 03/03/1992
Inventor: Howie, et al.

System for generically describing and scheduling operation of modular printing machine Patent #: 5696893
Issued on: 12/09/1997
Inventor: Fromherz, et al.

Inventors

Application

No. 10855938 filed on 05/27/2004

US Classes:

700/100, Job scheduling700/110, Defect analysis or recognition705/8, Allocating resources or scheduling for an administrative function700/223, Collating or sorting700/108, Performance monitoring700/121Integrated circuit production or semiconductor fabrication

Examiners

Primary: Picard, Leo P.
Assistant: Kosowski, Alexander

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Robb; Linda M.

International Class

G06F 19/00

Abstract

A method for performing exception handling operates within a computer controlled multi-step production system for producing objects. The system includes a system controller, within which reside a planner/scheduler and module controller(s). The system controller receives a stream of object specifications for objects to be produced including the jobs to which they belong. The planner/scheduler plans and schedules the jobs incrementally, and the system controller sends commands to the module controller(s) directing production of the planned and scheduled objects by production system modules. The method includes receiving notice in the system controller of a problem situation present within the multi-step production system and halting planning for the production of subsequent objects. Plans are canceled plans for all objects that have not begun production, and all objects affected by the problem situation are marked as bad objects. The system controller planned exception handling/recovery or module controller directed exception handling/recovery is applied and normal operation is resumed.

Other References

U.S. Appl. No. 10/424,322 entitled “Monitoring and Reporting Incremental Job Status System and Method”, Fromherz et al., filed Apr. 28, 2003.
U.S. Appl. No. 10/424,661 entitled “Predictive and Preemptive Planning and Scheduling for Different Job Priorities System and Method” Fromherz et al., filed Apr. 28, 2003.
U.S. Appl. No. 10/424,620 entitled “Planning and Scheduling for Failure Recovery System and Method” Fromherz et al., filed Apr. 28, 2003.