Patent ID: 7039482
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: G05B,G06Q,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method to handle operation exceptions in an automated manufacturing system, said method comprising: providing an automated manufacturing system comprising a means to track progress of work in process against standard process flows and a means to select said product lots for processing from said work in process and to select equipment for processing said product lots based on next step information from said standard process flows; monitoring said automated manufacturing system for operation exception events wherein said product lots must deviate from said standard process flows; selecting a floating process flow corresponding to said operation exception event and said product lots from a floating process flow database; linking said floating process flow to said standard process flow such that said next step is derived from said floating process flow; thereafter continuing manufacturing using said floating process flow; unlinking said floating process flow and said standard process flow such that said next step is derived from said standard process flow when said floating process flow is completed.