Patent ID: 6487544
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: G06N,H05K,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for configuring a line of manufacturing equipment, which line comprises at least first and second machines, the method comprising executing the following in a digital data processing device:a. supplying a population of strings; b. generating at least one simulated configuration based on the population, using a heuristic layout generator, which heuristic layout generator comprises: i. at least one first module for supplying a simulated allocation of parts between the first and second machines; ii. at least one second module for supplying a first simulated configuration of the first machine; and iii. at least one third module for supplying a second simulated configuration of the second machine; c. evaluating the at least one simulated configuration; d. supplying an evaluation result; e. applying a genetic algorithm to the population in response to the result; f. repeating steps c. through e. until the result reaches a criterion; g. supplying a configuration based on the population at the time the result reaches the criterion.