Patent ID: 7937189
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling semiconductor manufacturing equipment operating at an energy level at which predetermined processing is not ready, comprising: determining a waiting time for a product to be provided to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment for the predetermined processing; selecting the energy level from a plurality of energy levels based on the waiting time, the plurality of energy levels having different required periods of time required for raising an energy level of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a level at which the semiconductor manufacturing equipment is ready to perform the predetermined processing, such that when two or more energy levels of the plurality have a required period of time less than the waiting time, an energy level corresponding with a lowest electric power and other energy consumption is selected as the energy level; comparing a remaining waiting time for the product to be provided to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment for the predetermined processing with a period of time required for raising the energy level of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment from the selected energy level to a level at which the semiconductor manufacturing equipment is ready to perform the predetermined processing; and raising the energy level of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including raising electric power and other energy used by the semiconductor manufacturing equipment, to the level at which the semiconductor manufacturing equipment is ready to perform the predetermined processing when the remaining waiting time is less than or equal to the required period of time.