Patent ID: 6731999
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
A start order release method, comprising the steps of:a. providing a control model that provides a step-by-step process to follow which optimizes the release of work lots to the manufacturing line; b. providing a set of control algorithms with steps that optimize production of lots on a wafer fab line; c. calculating an X-ratio comprised of a start date of processing, the committed date due, and the theoretical process time: X-ratio=(Ciâˆ’D)/Ti â€ƒwhere: Ci=Committed due date of the ith lot D=Wafer start date Ti=Theoretical process time of the ith lot; d. providing a lower-bound constraint that gives added weight to customer's needs; e. providing an upper-bound constraint using linear programming techniques to handle the technology process variables such as: â€ƒMax Daily Output: Y=X1+X2+ . . . +Xj a11X1+a12X2+ . . . +a1jXj&lE;S1*W1*A1*24_(the_first_tools_constra int) a12X1+a22X2+ . . . +a2jXj&lE;S2*W2*A2*24_(the_second_tools_constra int) . . . ai1X1+ai2X2+ . . . +aijXj&lE;Si*Wi*Ai*24_(theâ€”ith_tools_constra int) X1&gE;0,X2&gE;,Xj&gE;0 â€ƒwhere: Y=daily_start_quantity Xj=the_daily_start_quantity_of_theâ€”ith_techno log y_process aij=the_repetitve_times_of_theâ€”ith_tool_type_inâ€”jth_techno log y_process_flow Si=total_tool_set_ofâ€”ith_tool_type Wi=WPH(wafer_per_hour)_of_theâ€”ith_tool_type Ai=tool_available_time_ofâ€”ith_tool_type and, f. generating an optimized Start-To-Build plan (STB) based on the constraint rules of this method that maximizes use of the manufacturing production line.