INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFERENCE DEVICE, AND MACHINE LEARNING DEVICE

An information processing device includes: a target processing quantity reception part that receives a target processing quantity of substrates per unit time of a time when a processing action repeating a substrate processing and a transport processing on substrates is performed in a substrate processing apparatus; a device information acquisition part that acquires device information including transport processing information defining an action state of the transport processing of the time when the processing action is performed; and a support information generation part that generates support information including a recipe available time which is available for the substrate processing based on the target processing quantity and the device information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Japan application serial no. 2023-061606, filed on Apr. 5, 2023. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to an information processing device, an inference device, a machine learning device, an information processing method, an inference method, and a machine learning method.

Related Art

One of substrate processing apparatuses that perform various substrate processings on substrates such as semiconductor wafers is a substrate processing apparatus that performs chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP). Such a substrate processing apparatus includes, for example, a polishing unit that performs a polishing processing on the substrate, a finishing unit that performs a finishing processing (e.g., a washing processing and a drying processing) on the substrate after the polishing processing, and a transport unit that performs a transport processing of transporting the substrate between each unit. The substrate processing apparatus is configured to perform a series of processings by causing each unit to act sequentially (e.g., see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-301690).

A target processing quantity of substrates per unit time (so-called a target value of WPH) is used as an indicator when managing the operation of the substrate processing apparatus. The processing content of the substrate processing performed in the substrate processing unit such as the polishing unit and the finishing unit is defined by recipe information, so the substrate processing time required for the substrate processing changes depending on the setting of the recipe information, which affects achievement of the target processing quantity. In particular, to improve the processing performance (quality of the substrate surface and the like) of the substrate processing, there is a tendency for the substrate processing time to increase. At that time, in the operation of the substrate processing apparatus, not only is the substrate processing performed in the substrate processing unit, but a transport processing is also performed in the transport processing unit. Thus, to achieve the target processing quantity and improve the processing performance of the substrate processing, it is difficult to identity how much time is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information.

SUMMARY

An information processing device according to an aspect of the disclosure is an information processing device supporting an operation of a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes: a substrate processing unit that performs a substrate processing on a substrate according to recipe information indicating a processing content of the substrate processing; and a transport processing unit that performs a transport processing of transporting the substrate before the substrate processing and after the substrate processing. The information processing device includes a target processing quantity reception part, a device information acquisition part, and a support information generation part. The target processing quantity reception part receives a target processing quantity of the substrate per unit time of a time when a processing action repeating the substrate processing and the transport processing on a plurality of substrates is performed in the substrate processing apparatus. The device information acquisition part acquires device information including transport processing information which defines an action state of the transport processing of the time when the processing action is performed. The support information generation part generates support information including a recipe available time which is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information, based on the target processing quantity received by the target processing quantity reception part and the device information acquired by the device information acquisition part.

According to the information processing device according to an aspect of the disclosure, based on the target processing quantity of substrates per unit time and the device information including the transport processing information defining the action state of the transport processing, the support information generation part generates the support information including the recipe available time that is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information. Thus, when setting the recipe information, since the recipe available time that is available for the substrate processing can be identified in advance, the setting of the recipe information can be appropriately supported.

Other aspects of the disclosure will be illustrated in the embodiments for carrying out the disclosure to be described later.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an information processing device, an inference device, a machine learning device, an information processing method, an inference method, and a machine learning method capable of supporting setting of recipe information that defines a processing content of a substrate processing in a substrate processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a range necessary for descriptions for achieving the objective of the disclosure will be schematically illustrated, a range necessary for descriptions of the relevant portion of the disclosure will be mainly described, and parts for which descriptions are omitted will be regarded as based on the conventional art.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is an overall configuration view showing an example of a substrate processing system1according to a first embodiment. The substrate processing system1according to this embodiment includes a substrate processing apparatus2and an information processing device3A as main components, and is configured to be connected to a wired or wireless network4to be capable of sending and receiving various data to each other. The quantities of the substrate processing apparatus2and the information processing device3A and the connection configuration of the network4are not limited to the example inFIG.1and may be changed as appropriate.

The substrate processing apparatus2includes a substrate processing unit (to be described in detail later) that performs various substrate processings on a substrate (hereinafter referred to as a “wafer”) W such as a semiconductor wafer, and a transport processing unit (to be described in detail later) that transports the wafer W. In this embodiment, the substrate processing apparatus2includes a polishing unit and a finishing unit as the substrate processing unit, and performs a chemical-mechanical polishing processing (hereinafter referred to as a “polishing processing”), a finishing processing, a transport processing, etc. on the wafer W by causing the polishing unit, the finishing unit, and the transport processing unit to act. At that time, the substrate processing apparatus2controls actions of the polishing unit, the finishing unit, and the transport processing unit while referring to device setting information12that is composed of a plurality of device parameters set respectively in the polishing unit, the finishing unit, and the transport processing unit, and recipe information13that defines processing contents of the polishing processing and the finishing processing.

The information processing device3A is a terminal device used by a user and is composed of a stationary or portable device. For example, the information processing device3A receives various input operations via a display screen of an application program, a web browser, etc. and displays various information via the display screen.

The information processing device3A is a device that supports the operation of the substrate processing apparatus2by performing setting of the device setting information12and the recipe information13, formulation of an operation plan of the substrate processing apparatus2, confirmation of operation results, etc. In particular, the information processing device3A generates support information (to be described in detail later) for supporting the setting operation of the recipe information13and provides the support information to the user. The information processing device3A may be composed of a server-type or cloud-type device, and in that case, the information processing device3A may act in cooperation with a user terminal device (not shown) on a client side.

Substrate Processing Apparatus

FIG.2is a schematic plan view showing an example of the substrate processing apparatus2.FIG.3andFIG.4are schematic views showing an example of a transport route of the wafer W in the substrate processing apparatus2. The substrate processing apparatus2is configured to include a load/unload part21, a polishing part22, a finishing part23, a substrate transport part24, and a control unit25, inside a housing20in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.

The load/unload part21includes first and second front load parts210A and210B on which wafer cassettes (substrate cassettes such as FOUPs) capable of storing a large number of wafers W in the up-down direction are placed at wafer cassette positions LL1and LL2, and a supply discharge robot211that performs supply and discharge of the wafer W.

The supply discharge robot211is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction along the short-side direction of the housing20, and is configured to be movable in the up-down direction and the turning direction. The supply discharge robot211includes upper and lower hands (not shown) in two stages for handing over the wafer W. One of the hands is used when handing over a wafer W before the polishing processing, and the other of the hands is used when handing over a wafer W after the finishing processing. For example, the hands are configured to be extendable and capable of flipping the wafer W upside down.

As a transport processing PT of the wafer W, the supply discharge robot211performs a substrate supply processing PT1of taking out a wafer W before the polishing processing from the wafer cassette and supplying the wafer W to a first transport unit240, and a substrate discharge processing PT10of receiving a wafer W after the finishing processing from the finishing part23(in this embodiment, third finishing units232A and232B) and storing the wafer W to the wafer cassette.

Polishing Part

The polishing part22includes a plurality (four in this embodiment) of polishing units22A to22D that respectively perform a polishing processing PP on the wafer W. In this embodiment, the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D are arranged side by side along the long-side direction of the housing20and perform the polishing processing PP on the wafer W in parallel at polishing positions LP1to LP4. The first to fourth polishing units22A to22D are configured to be accessible at polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4for handing over the wafer W. The polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4are individually set for the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D.

FIG.5is a perspective view showing an example of the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D. In this embodiment, the basic configuration and function of the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D will be described as common among each other.

Each of the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D includes a polishing table220that rotatably supports a polishing pad2200having a polishing surface, a top ring (substrate holding part)221that rotatably holds the wafer W and polishes the wafer W while pressing the wafer W against the polishing pad2200on the polishing table220, a polishing fluid supply part222that supplies a polishing fluid to the polishing pad2200, a dresser223that rotatably supports a dresser disk2230and causes the dresser disk2230to contact the polishing surface of the polishing pad2200to dress the polishing pad2200, and an atomizer224that sprays a washing fluid to the polishing pad2200.

The polishing table220includes a rotational movement mechanism part220bthat is supported by a polishing table shaft220aand rotationally drives the polishing table220around its axis, and a temperature adjustment mechanism part220cthat adjusts the surface temperature of the polishing pad2200.

The top ring221includes a rotational movement mechanism part221cthat is supported by a top ring shaft221amovable in the up-down direction and rotationally drives the top ring221around its axis, an up-down movement mechanism part221dthat causes the top ring221to move in the up-down direction, and a swinging movement mechanism part221ethat causes the top ring221to turn (swing) around a support shaft221bas a center of turning. The rotational movement mechanism part221c, the up-down movement mechanism part221d, and the swinging movement mechanism part221efunction as substrate movement mechanism parts that cause movement of the relative position between the polishing pad2200and the polished surface of the wafer W.

The polishing fluid supply part222includes a polishing fluid supply nozzle222athat supplies a polishing fluid to the polishing surface of the polishing pad2200, a swinging movement mechanism part222cthat is supported by a support shaft222band causes the polishing fluid supply nozzle222ato turn and move around the support shaft222bas a center of turning, a flow rate adjustment part222dthat adjusts the flow rate of the polishing fluid, and a temperature adjustment mechanism part222ethat adjusts the temperature of the polishing fluid. The polishing fluid may be a polishing liquid (slurry) or pure water, and may further contain a chemical solution, or a dispersant may be added to the polishing liquid.

The dresser223includes a rotational movement mechanism part223cthat is supported by a dresser shaft223amovable in the up-down direction and rotationally drives the dresser223around its axis, an up-down movement mechanism part223dthat causes the dresser223to move in the up-down direction, and a swinging movement mechanism part223ethat causes the dresser223to turn and move around a support shaft223bas a center of turning.

The atomizer224includes a swinging movement mechanism part224bthat is supported by a support shaft224aand causes the atomizer224to turn and move around the support shaft224aas a center of turning, and a flow rate adjustment part224cthat adjusts the flow rate of the washing fluid. The washing fluid is a mixed fluid of a liquid (e.g., pure water) and a gas (e.g., nitrogen gas) or is a liquid (e.g., pure water).

In the polishing processing PP, by moving the top ring221to the polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4and adsorbing and holding the wafer W before the polishing processing onto the lower surface of the top ring221, the wafer W before the polishing processing is received from second transport units241A and241B. Then, by moving the top ring221to the polishing positions LP1to LP4on the polishing table220and pressing the wafer W against the polishing surface of the polishing pad2200to which the polishing fluid has been supplied from the polishing fluid supply nozzle222a, the wafer W is polished. When the polishing processing PP ends, the top ring221moves to the polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4and hands over the wafer W after the polishing processing to the second transport units241A and241B.

Finishing Part

The finishing part23includes a plurality (in this embodiment, six with three types each arranged in upper and lower (two) stages) of finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B that respectively perform a finishing processing PC on the wafer W. In this embodiment, the first to third finishing units230A to232A are arranged in the upper stage side by side along the long-side direction of the housing20, and the first to third finishing units230B to232B having the same configuration are arranged in the lower stage side by side along the long-side direction of the housing20. The first to third finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B respectively perform the finishing processing PC in their arrangement sequence (finishing process sequence) at finishing positions LC1to LC3.

As the finishing processing PC of a most upstream process, the first finishing units230A and230B perform a roll sponge washing processing (first finishing processing PC1) of washing the wafer W after the polishing processing using a roll sponge2300. The second finishing units231A and231B perform a pen sponge washing processing (second finishing processing PC2) of washing the wafer W after the roll sponge washing processing using a pen sponge2310. As the finishing processing PC of a most downstream process, the third finishing units232A and232B perform a drying processing (third finishing processing PC3) of drying the wafer W after the pen sponge washing processing. The finishing processing PC may also start with, for example, the pen sponge washing processing, omitting the roll sponge washing processing.

Instead of or in addition to any of the first and second finishing units230A,230B,231A, and231B, the finishing part23may also include a finishing unit (not shown) that performs a buff washing processing of washing the wafer W using a buff, and any of the first and second finishing units230A,230B,231A, and231B may be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, although the first to third finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B have been described as holding the wafer W in a horizontal position (horizontal holding), they may also hold the wafer W in a vertical or oblique position.

FIG.6is a perspective view showing an example of the first finishing units230A and230B which perform the roll sponge washing processing. The first finishing units230A and230B include a substrate holding part2301that holds the wafer W, a washing fluid supply part2302that supplies a substrate washing fluid to the wafer W, a substrate washing part2303that rotatably supports the roll sponge2300and causes the roll sponge2300to contact the wafer W to wash the wafer W, and a washing tool washing part2304that washes (self-cleans) the roll sponge2300with a washing tool washing fluid. The substrate washing fluid may be any of pure water (rinse liquid) and a chemical solution, and may be a liquid or a two-fluid mixture of a liquid and a gas, or may contain a solid such as dry ice. The washing tool washing fluid may be any of pure water (rinse liquid) and a chemical solution.

In the roll sponge washing processing performed by the first finishing units230A and230B, the wafer W is rotated in a state held at the first finishing position LC1by the substrate holding part2301. Then, with the substrate washing fluid supplied to the washed surface of the wafer W from the washing fluid supply part2302, the wafer W is washed by slidably contacting the roll sponge2300, which is rotated around its axis by the substrate washing part2303, with the washed surface of the wafer W.

FIG.7is a perspective view showing an example of the second finishing units231A and231B which perform the pen sponge washing processing. The second finishing units231A and231B include a substrate holding part2311that holds the wafer W, a washing fluid supply part2312that supplies a substrate washing fluid to the wafer W, a substrate washing part2313that rotatably supports the pen sponge2310and causes the pen sponge2310to contact the wafer W to wash the wafer W, and a washing tool washing part2314that washes (self-cleans) the pen sponge2310with a washing tool washing fluid.

In the pen sponge washing processing performed by the second finishing units231A and231B, the wafer W is rotated in a state held at the second finishing position LC2by the substrate holding part2311. Then, with the substrate washing fluid supplied to the washed surface of the wafer W from the washing fluid supply part2312, the wafer W is washed by slidably contacting the pen sponge2310, which is rotated around its axis by the substrate washing part2313, with the washed surface of the wafer W.

FIG.8is a perspective view showing an example of the third finishing units232A and232B which perform the drying processing. The third finishing units232A and232B include a substrate holding part2321that holds the wafer W, and a drying fluid supply part2322that supplies a substrate drying fluid to the wafer W. The substrate drying fluid is, for example, IPA vapor and pure water (rinse liquid), and may be a liquid or a two-fluid mixture of a liquid and a gas, or may contain a solid such as dry ice.

In the drying processing performed by the third finishing units232A and232B, the wafer W is rotated in a state held at the third finishing position LC3by the substrate holding part2321. Then, with the substrate drying fluid supplied to the washed surface of the wafer W from the drying fluid supply part2322, the drying fluid supply part2322is moved to the lateral edge side (radially outer side) of the wafer W. Afterward, the wafer W is dried by being rotated at high speed.

Substrate Transport Part

FIG.9is a schematic side view showing an example of the substrate transport part24(second transport units241A and241B and transfer robot243).FIG.10is a schematic side view showing an example of the substrate transport part24(third transport units242A and242B and transfer robot243). The substrate transport part24is composed of a plurality of transport processing units in which a transport route of the time when transporting the substrate in the transport processing may be selected.

As shown inFIG.2, the substrate transport part24includes a first transport unit240, second transport units241A and241B, third transport units242A and242B, and a transfer robot243. In this embodiment, the second transport unit includes a second transport unit241A arranged on the first and second polishing unit22A and22B side (hereinafter referred to as a “right side”), and a second transport unit241B arranged on the third and fourth polishing unit22C and22D side (hereinafter referred to as a “left side”). Further, the third transport unit includes a third transport unit242A arranged in the upper stage and a third transport unit242B arranged in the lower stage.

The first transport unit240is arranged between the polishing part22and the finishing part23, and is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction between a first transport start position LS1and a first transport end position LE1along the long-side direction of the housing20.

As the transport processing PT on the wafer W, the first transport unit240performs a pre-polishing transport processing PT2of transporting a wafer W before the polishing processing, which is supplied by the supply discharge robot211, from the first transport start position LS1to the first transport end position LE1.

The second transport units241A and241B are arranged on the polishing part22side and are configured to be movable in the horizontal direction along the long-side direction of the housing20and movable in the up-down direction.

The right-side second transport unit241A includes a plurality (in this embodiment, three arranged in three stages in the up-down direction) of transport mechanisms2410A to2412A that move in the horizontal direction independently of each other between a transfer robot handover position LR1and the polishing unit handover positions LT1and LT2, a first pusher mechanism2413A that is arranged at the polishing unit handover position LT1and moves in the up-down direction, and a second pusher mechanism2414A that is arranged at the polishing unit handover position LT2and moves in the up-down direction.

The left-side second transport unit241B includes a plurality (in this embodiment, three arranged in three stages in the up-down direction) of transport mechanisms2410B to2412B that move in the horizontal direction independently of each other between a transfer robot handover position LR2and the polishing unit handover positions LT3and LT4, a first pusher mechanism2413B that is arranged at the polishing unit handover position LT3and moves in the up-down direction, and a second pusher mechanism2414B that is arranged at the polishing unit handover position LT4and moves in the up-down direction.

As the transport processing PT on the wafer W, each of the plurality of transport mechanisms2410A to2412A and2410B to2412B in the second transport units241A and241B performs a pre-polishing transport-in processing PT4of transporting the wafer W before the polishing processing from the transfer robot handover positions LR1and LR2to the polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4, and a post-polishing transport-out processing PT5of transporting the wafer W after the polishing processing from the polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4to the transfer robot handover positions LR1and LR2.

The third transport units242A and242B are arranged on the finishing part23side and are configured to be movable in the horizontal direction between a third transport start position LS3, the first finishing position LC1, the second finishing position LC2, and the third finishing position LC3along the long-side direction of the housing20.

The upper-stage third transport unit242A includes a wafer station2420A that holds the wafer W after the polishing processing and at which the wafer W is capable of standing by during a standby time WS, and a transport mechanism2421A that moves in the horizontal direction between the wafer station2420A and the first to third finishing units230A to232A. The lower-stage third transport unit242B includes a wafer station2420B that holds the wafer W after the polishing processing and at which the wafer W is capable of standing by during the standby time WS, and a transport mechanism2421B that moves in the horizontal direction between the wafer station2420B and the first to third finishing units230B to232B. The transport mechanisms2421A and2421B include a pair of left and right hands2422and2423for handing over the wafer W. One hand2422is used when handing over the wafer W after the polishing processing and before the finishing processing, and the other hand2423is used when handing over the wafer W after the finishing processing. For example, the hands2422and2423are configured to be capable of extending and flipping the wafer W upside down.

As the transport processing PT on the wafer W, the transport mechanisms2421A and2421B in the third transport units242A and242B perform a post-polishing transport processing PT7of transporting the wafer W after the polishing processing from the third transport start position LS3to the finishing part23(in this embodiment, the first finishing position LC1of the first finishing units230A and230B), and during-finishing transport processings PT8and PT9of transporting the wafer W during the finishing processing between each finishing unit. In this embodiment, as the during-finishing transport processing, the third transport units242A and242B perform a first during-finishing transport processing PT8of transporting the wafer W during the finishing processing from the first finishing units230A and230B (first finishing position LC1) to the second finishing units231A and231B (second finishing position LC2), and a second during- finishing transport processing PT9of transporting the wafer W during the finishing processing from the second finishing units231A and231B (second finishing position LC2) to the third finishing units232A and232B (third finishing position LC3).

The transfer robot243is configured to be movable in the up-down direction and movable in the turning direction. The transfer robot243includes a hand2430for handing over the wafer W. For example, the hand2430is configured to be extendable and capable of flipping the wafer W upside down.

As the transport processing PT on the wafer W, the transfer robot243performs a pre-polishing transport processing PT3of receiving the wafer W before the polishing processing from the first transport unit240at the first transport end position LE1and handing over the wafer W to the second transport units241A and241B at the transfer robot handover positions LR1and LR2, and a post-polishing transport processing PT6of receiving the wafer W after the polishing processing from the second transport units241A and241B at the transfer robot handover positions LR1and LR2and handing over the wafer W to the third transport units242A and242B at the third transport start position LS3.

Control Unit

FIG.11is a block diagram showing an example of the substrate processing apparatus2. The control unit25is electrically connected to each part21to24and functions as a control part that comprehensively controls each part21to24. Hereinafter, a control system (modules, sensors, and sequencers) of the polishing part22, the finishing part23, and the substrate transport part24will be described as an example. Since the basic configuration and function of the load/unload part21are also common with the other parts, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The polishing part22includes a plurality of modules227that are arranged respectively at each substrate processing unit (in this embodiment, the first to fourth polishing units22A to22D) and serve as control targets, a plurality of sensors228that are arranged respectively at the plurality of modules227and detect data (detection values) necessary for the control on each module227, and a sequencer229that controls the action of each module227based on the detection value of each sensor228.

The finishing part23includes a plurality of modules237that are arranged respectively at each substrate processing unit (in this embodiment, the first to third finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B) and serve as control targets, a plurality of sensors238that are arranged respectively at the plurality of modules237and detect data (detection values) necessary for the control on each module237, and a sequencer239that controls the action of each module237based on the detection value of each sensor238.

The substrate transport part24includes a plurality of modules247that are arranged respectively at each transport processing unit (in this embodiment, the first transport unit240, the second transport units241A and241B, the third transport units242A and242B, and the transfer robot243) and serve as control targets, a plurality of sensors248that are arranged respectively at the plurality of module247and detect data (detection values) necessary for the control on each module247, and a sequencer249that controls the action of each module247based on the detection value of each sensor248.

The modules227,237, and247include a rotating motor, a linear motor, an air actuator, a hydraulic actuator, etc., provided at each part, and perform rotational motion and linear motion. Further, the sensors228,238, and248include, for example, a linear sensor, an encoder sensor, a limit sensor, a torque sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a current sensor, a flow rate sensor, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, etc.

The control unit25includes a control part250, a communication part251, an input part252, an output part253, and a storage part254. For example, the control unit25is composed of a general-purpose or dedicated computer (seeFIG.12to be described later).

The communication part251is connected to the network4and functions as a communication interface for sending and receiving various data. The input part252receives various input operations. The output part253functions as a user interface by outputting various information via a display screen, signal tower lighting, and buzzer sounds.

The storage part254stores various programs (operating system (OS), application programs, web browsers, etc.) and data (device setting information12, recipe information13, etc.) to be used in the action of the substrate processing apparatus2. The device setting information12and the recipe information13are data that are editable by the user via the display screen.

The control part250acquires detection values of the plurality of sensors218,228,238, and248(hereinafter referred to as a “sensor group”) via the plurality of sequencers219,229,239, and249(hereinafter referred to as a “sequencer group”), and causes the plurality of modules217,227,237, and247(hereinafter referred to as a “module group”) to act in cooperation. Then, the substrate processing apparatus2performs an automatic operation by controlling each part21to24with the control part250and sequentially performing the polishing processing PP, the finishing processing PC, the transport processing PT, etc. on a plurality of wafers W in the wafer cassette.

The device setting information12is information that defines the action content of the substrate processing apparatus2of the time when a processing action (automatic operation) repeating the substrate processing and the transport processing on the plurality of wafers W is performed in the substrate processing apparatus2. The device setting information12has a plurality of device setting items, and the action content of the substrate processing apparatus2is defined by setting a setting value respectively for each of the plurality of device setting items.

The device setting items include, for example, a coordinate value, a moving speed, a moving acceleration, a timer time, etc. of each transport processing unit. The device setting items may also include a coordinate value, a moving speed, a moving acceleration, a timer time, etc. of the substrate processing unit (in this embodiment, the polishing units22A to22D and the finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B).

The recipe information13is information indicating processing contents of the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing PC. The recipe information13has a plurality of recipe setting items, and the processing contents of the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing PC are defined by setting a setting value respectively for each of the plurality of recipe setting items. The recipe information13may be set for each one wafer W or may be set for each plurality of wafers W constituting a lot.

The recipe setting items of the polishing processing PP include, for example, a table rotation speed of the polishing table220, a top ring pressing time of the top ring221, a wafer pressing load, a wafer rotation speed, a supply amount of the polishing fluid supplied by the polishing fluid supply part222, a supply timing, a dresser action time of the dresser223, an atomizer action time of the atomizer224, etc.

The recipe setting items of the finishing processing PC include, for example, a roll sponge action time, a roll sponge rotation speed, a wafer rotation speed, a supply amount and a supply timing of the substrate washing fluid in the roll sponge washing processing (first finishing processing PC1), a pen sponge action time, a pen sponge rotation speed, a wafer rotation speed, a supply amount and a supply timing of the substrate washing fluid in the pen sponge washing processing (second finishing processing PC2), a drying action time, a wafer rotation speed, a supply amount and a supply timing of the substrate drying fluid in the drying processing (third finishing processing PC3), etc.

Hardware Configuration of Each Device

FIG.12is a hardware configuration view showing an example of a computer900. The control unit25of the substrate processing apparatus2and the information processing device3A are each composed of a general-purpose or dedicated computer900.

As shown inFIG.12, the computer900includes, as main components, a bus910, a processor912, a memory914, an input device916, an output device917, a display device918, a storage device920, a communication interface (I/F) part922, an external device I/F part924, an input/output (I/O) device I/F part926, and a media input/output part928. These components may be omitted as appropriate depending on the use of the computer900.

The processor912is composed of one or more arithmetic processing devices (central processing unit (CPU), micro-processing unit (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.), and acts as a control part that coordinates the entire computer900. The memory914stores various data and a program930and is composed of, for example, a volatile memory (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) that functions as a main memory, a non-volatile memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc.

The input device916is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, an electronic pen, etc. and functions as an input part. The output device917is composed of, for example, a sound (voice) output device, a vibration device, etc. and functions as an output part. The display device918is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an electronic paper, a projector, etc. and functions as an output part. The input device916and the display device918may be integrally configured, such as a touch panel display. The storage device920is composed of, for example, an HDD, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. and functions as a storage part. The storage device920stores various data necessary for executing the operating system and the program930.

The communication I/F part922is connected in a wired or wireless manner to a network940(which may be the same as the network4inFIG.1) such as the Internet or an intranet, and functions as a communication part that sends and receives data to and from other computers according to a predetermined communication standard. The external device I/F part924is connected in a wired or wireless manner to an external device950such as a camera, a printer, a scanner, a reader/writer, and functions as a communication part that sends and receives data to and from the external device950according to a predetermined communication standard. The I/O device I/F part926is connected to an I/O device960such as various sensors and actuators, and functions as a communication part that sends and receives various signals and data, such as detection signal detected by sensors and control signals for actuators, to and from the I/O device960. The media input/output part928is composed of, for example, a drive device such as a DVD drive and a CD drive and performs read and write of data from and to media (non-transitory storage media)970such as a DVD and a CD.

In the computer900having the above configuration, the processor912calls the program930stored in the storage device920to the memory914to execute the program930, and controls each part of the computer900via the bus910. The program930may be stored in the memory914instead of the storage device920. The program930may be recorded on the media970in an installable file format or an executable file format and may be provided to the computer900via the media input/output part928. The program930may also be provided to the computer900by downloading over the network940via the communication I/F part922. Further, in the computer900, the various functions realized by the processor912executing the program930may also be realized by hardware such as FPGA and ASIC, for example.

The computer900is composed of, for example, a stationary computer or a portable computer and is an electronic device of any form. The computer900may be a client-type computer, may be a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer, or may be, for example, an embedded-type computer called a control panel, a controller (including a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller, and a sequencer), etc. The computer900may also be applied to devices other than the substrate processing apparatus2and the information processing device3A.

Information Processing Device

FIG.13is a block diagram showing an example of the information processing device3A according to the first embodiment.FIG.14is a function illustrative view showing an example of the information processing device3A according to the first embodiment.

The information processing device3A includes a control part30, a communication part31, a storage part32, an input part33, and an output part34. The specific hardware configuration of each part30to34shown inFIG.13is formed by the general-purpose or dedicated computer900shown inFIG.12, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The control part30functions as a target processing quantity reception part300, a device information acquisition part301, a support information generation part302A, and an output processing part303. The communication part31is connected to an external device (e.g., the substrate processing apparatus2) via the network4and functions as a communication interface for sending and receiving various data. The storage part32stores various programs (operating system, information processing program, etc.), data (the device information10, the transport processing information11, the device setting information12, the recipe information13, and the support information14) etc., to be used in the action of the information processing device3A. The input part33receives various input operations. The output part34functions as a user interface by outputting various information via a display screen or voice.

The target processing quantity reception part300receives a target processing quantity TWPH of wafers W per unit time of the time when a processing action (automatic operation) repeating the substrate processing and the transport processing on a plurality of wafers W is performed in the substrate processing apparatus2. For example, the target processing quantity reception part300displays a display screen on the output part34and receives a target processing quantity TWPH as an input operation of the user on the display screen.

The device information acquisition part301acquires device information10including various information of the time when the substrate processing apparatus2performs the processing action. The device information10includes transport processing information11and device setting information12. The device information10may at least include the transport processing information11, and may further include other information. The device setting information12is the same as the information stored in the storage part254of the substrate processing apparatus2, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

The transport processing information11is information that defines the action state of the transport processing of the time when the substrate processing apparatus2performs the processing action. In this embodiment, transport processings PT1to PT10are performed by the supply discharge robot211, the first transport unit240, the second transport units241A and241B, the third transport units242A and242B, and the transfer robot243as the plurality of transport processing units.

The transport processing information11includes, for example, a transport route selected when executing the processing action, and unit transport processing times TT1to TT10required for each of the transport processings PT1to PT10performed by the plurality of transport processing units when executing the processing action. The transport processing information11may be acquired for each one wafer W or may be acquired for each plurality of wafers W constituting a lot.

A path or a sequence by which a wafer W passes each transport processing unit when the wafer W is transported by the plurality of transport processing units is acquired as the transport route. The transport route differs depending on the processing content for the wafer W, such as the difference between the case where the washing processing is performed after the polishing processing and the case where the washing processing is performed both before the polishing processing and after the polishing processing. Further, the transport route differs depending on the difference in the priorities among transport processings in the case where a plurality of transport processings are performed in one transport processing unit. For example, in the transfer robot243, in the case where the pre-polishing transfer processing PT3and the post-polishing transfer processing PT6may be performed at the same time, the transport route differs depending on which one is to be performed as the higher priority transport processing.

For example, a substrate supply time TT1, a pre-polishing transport time TT2, a pre-polishing transfer time TT3, a pre-polishing transport-in time TT4, a post-polishing transport-out time TT5, a post-polishing transfer time TT6, a post-polishing transport time TT7, a first during-finishing transport time TT8, a second during-finishing transport time TT9, and a substrate discharge time TT10are acquired as the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10.

For example, in the case where the transport processing information11and the device setting information12are stored in an external production management device as generation history information of the time when the substrate processing apparatus2performed the processing action in the past, the device information acquisition part301acquires the device information10from the external production management device. The device information acquisition part301may acquire the device information10, for example, by sending and receiving data to and from the substrate processing apparatus2via the communication part31or by referring to the storage part32.

In particular, the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10may be actual measured values obtained by measuring the time when the transport processing unit actually acts. Further, the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10may also be theoretical values calculated from the specifications of the transport processing unit, and in the case where the moving speed, the moving acceleration, etc. of the transport processing unit are included in the device setting information12, the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10may also be calculated based on the setting values thereof. Furthermore, the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10may also be inferred values that take into account errors (actual action errors) between the above theoretical values and the actual measured values when the transport processing unit actually acts, or the actual action errors may be calculated using an estimation model such as machine learning to calculate the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10based on the actual measured values and the actual action errors.

Based on the target processing quantity TWPH per unit time received by the target processing quantity reception part300and the device information10acquired by the device information acquisition part301, the support information generation part302A generates support information14including a recipe available time TRPW that is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information13.

In this embodiment, since the substrate processing apparatus2performs the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing PC as the substrate processing, a recipe available time TRPW1for the polishing processing PP and a recipe available time TRPW2for the finishing processing PC are calculated as the recipe available time TRPW. Hereinafter, a calculation method for the support information generation part302A to respectively calculate the recipe available times TRPW1and TRPW2of the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing PC will be described.

FIG.15is a view showing a calculation example of the recipe available time TRPW1for the polishing processing PP.FIG.16is a view showing a calculation example of the recipe available time TRPW2for the finishing processing PC. The transport routes inFIG.15andFIG.16are the same as those inFIG.3andFIG.4, and illustrate the case where the pre-polishing transfer processing PT3is prioritized over the post-polishing transfer processing PT6. InFIG.15andFIG.16, to facilitate description, the polishing processing time (corresponding to a polishing processing time TP shown inFIG.3) required for the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing time (corresponding to finishing processing times TC1, TC2, and TC3shown inFIG.4) required for the first to third finishing processings PC1, PC2, and PC3are shown, but calculation of these times as the recipe available times TRPW1and TRPW2is realized as a function of the support information generation part302A.

First, the support information generation part302A converts the target processing quantity TWPH per unit time into a unit processing time TAPW per wafer W (e.g., a wafer W1and a wafer W2). For example, in the case where the target processing quantity TWPH is “60 sheets/hour”, the unit processing time TAPW is converted as “60 seconds/sheet”.

Next, the support information generation part302A calculates a unit transport time TTPW required for the transport processing PT per wafer W based on the transport processing information11. At that time, the unit transport time TTPW is calculated by adding up the unit transport processing times TT1to TT10according to the transport route.

For example, in the case where the transport processing PT performed after the end of the polishing processing PP until the start of the polishing processing PP on a next wafer W2is specified as a part of the pre-polishing transfer processing PT3and the pre-polishing transport-in processing PT4as shown inFIG.15, as the unit transport processing times TT required, a unit transport time TTPW1is calculated by adding up a part of the pre-polishing transfer time TT3and the pre-polishing transport-in time TT4. When specifying the transport processing PT described above, it may also be specified as the post-polishing transport-out processing PT5and a part of the post-polishing transfer processing PT6, and in that case, the unit transport time TTPW1may be calculated by adding up the post-polishing transport-out time TT5and a part of the post-polishing transfer time TT6.

Further, in the case where the transport processing PT performed after the end of the first finishing processing PCI until the start of the first finishing processing PCI on a next wafer W2is specified as the post-polishing transfer processing PT7and the first during-finishing transfer processing PT8as shown inFIG.16, as the unit transport processing time TT required, a unit transport time TTPW2is calculated by adding up the post-polishing transfer time TT7and the first during-finishing transport time TT8.

That is, the support information generation part302A specifies the transport processing PT performed after the end of the substrate processing until the start of the substrate processing on a next wafer W2according to the transport route (path or sequence by which the wafer W passes each transport processing unit), and calculates the unit transport time TTPW by adding up the unit transport processing times required for the specified transport processing PT.

Then, the support information generation part302A calculates the recipe available time TRPW per wafer W by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW from the unit processing time TAPW. In the example ofFIG.15, the recipe available time TRPW1(black arrow) of the polishing processing PP is calculated by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW1from the unit processing time TAPW. In the example ofFIG.16, the recipe available time TRPW2(black arrow) of the finishing processing PC is calculated by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW2from the unit processing time TAPW.

In addition, based on the device setting information12, the support information generation part302A may calculate a unit overhead time TOPW required for a preparation action per wafer W of the time when the preparation action is performed before and after the substrate processing on the wafer W held in the substrate processing unit (in this embodiment, the polishing units22A to22D and the finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B).

The preparation action of the polishing processing PP includes, for example, an adsorption action in which the top ring221adsorbs the wafer W before the polishing processing, a turning action of moving to the polishing positions LP1to LP4, a lowering action of lowering to cause contact with the polishing pad2200, a rising action of rising such that the top ring221separates the wafer W after the polishing processing from the polishing pad2200, a turning action of moving to the polishing unit handover positions LT1to LT4, an adsorption release action of releasing the adsorption, etc. The unit overhead time TOPW1of the polishing processing PP is calculated, as shown inFIG.15, based on setting values set for the device setting items such as the moving speed, the moving acceleration, the timer time, etc., of the top ring221in the device setting information12.

The preparation action of the finishing processing PC includes, for example, a holding action in which the substrate holding parts2301,2311, and2321hold the wafer W before the finishing processing, a moving action in which the substrate washing parts2303and2313move to cause the roll sponge2300and the pen sponge2310to contact the wafer W before the finishing processing, a moving action of moving to separate the roll sponge2300and the pen sponge2310from the wafer W after the finishing processing, a holding release action in which the substrate holding parts2301,2311, and2321release the holding of the wafer W after the finishing processing, etc. The unit overhead time TOPW2of the finishing processing PC is calculated, as shown inFIG.16, based on the setting values set for the device setting items such as the timer time of the substrate holding part2301and the moving speed and the moving acceleration of the substrate washing part2303in the device setting information12.

Then, the support information generation part302A may calculate the recipe available time TRPW per wafer W by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW and the unit overhead time TOPW from the unit processing time TAPW. In the example ofFIG.15, the recipe available time TRPW1(white arrow) of the polishing processing PP is calculated by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW1and the unit overhead time TOPW1from the unit processing time TAPW. In the example ofFIG.16, the recipe available time TRPW2(white arrow) of the finishing processing PC is calculated by subtracting the unit transport time TTPW2and the unit overhead time TOPW2from the unit processing time TAPW.

Further, the recipe available time TRPW may also be calculated as a difference value with respect to a predetermined reference time. For example, in the case where the recipe information13(which may also be a default value) has already been set, the substrate processing time of the time when the substrate processing is performed according to this recipe information13may be calculated, and taking this substrate processing time as a reference time, the recipe available time TRPW may be calculated as a difference value from this reference time. In this embodiment, as the reference time, as shown inFIG.15, a polishing reference time TPB is calculated, and as shown inFIG.16, a finishing reference time TCB is calculated, based on the recipe information13.

Then, the recipe available time TRPW1(arrow with hatching) for the polishing processing PP is calculated as a difference value with respect to the polishing reference time TPB as shown inFIG.15. Further, the recipe available time TRPW2(arrow with hatching) for the finishing processing PC is calculated as a difference value with respect to the finishing reference time TCB as shown inFIG.16.

At that time, the support information generation part302A acquires the recipe information13, for example, by sending and receiving data to and from the substrate processing apparatus2via the communication part31or by referring to the storage part32. The recipe information13may be based on the user's input operation or may be acquired from an external production management device (not shown). Then, the support information generation part302A acquires the polishing reference time TPB and the finishing reference time TCB by respectively adding up the times required for the polishing processing PP and the finishing processing PC based on the setting value set for each recipe setting item in the recipe information13. For example, the support information generation part302A acquires the polishing reference time TPB based on the setting value set for the recipe setting item of the polishing processing PP. Further, the support information generation part302A acquires the finishing reference time TCB based on the setting value set for the recipe setting item of the finishing processing PC.

The polishing reference time TPB and the finishing reference time TCB may, for example, take into account actual measured values obtained by measuring the time when the polishing units22A to22D and the finishing units230A to232A and230B to232B actually act. At that time, for example, in the case where the actual measured values are stored in the substrate processing apparatus2or an external production management device, the support information generation part302A may acquire the actual measured values as the polishing reference time TPB and the finishing reference time TCB from the substrate processing apparatus2or the external production management device, and may correct, based on the actual measured values, the polishing reference time TPB and the finishing reference time TCB calculated from the recipe information13.

The output processing part303performs an output processing for outputting the support information14generated by the support information generation part302A. For example, the output processing part303may display and output the support information14via the output part34or may store the support information14to the storage part32. Further, the output processing part303may send the support information14to the substrate processing apparatus2via the communication part31, and the substrate processing apparatus2may display and output the support information14.

Information Processing Method

FIG.17is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method performed by the information processing device3A according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S100, for example, as a user instructs generation conditions (e.g., a lot number of the wafer W serving as the support target, a model number of the substrate processing apparatus2serving as the support target, a target processing quantity TWPH of wafers W per unit time, etc.) of the support information14on a support screen displayed on the information processing device3A and instructs start of generation of the support information14, the information processing device3A receives the input operation.

Next, in step S110, the target processing quantity reception part300receives the target processing quantity TWPH according to the input operation received in step S100.

Next, in step S120, the device information acquisition part301acquires device information10of the time when the substrate processing apparatus2performs a processing action according to the input operation received in step S100. The device information10includes transport processing information11and device setting information12. For example, the device information acquisition part301acquires the transport processing information11associated with the lot number of the wafer W instructed by the input operation and acquires the device setting information12associated with the model number of the substrate processing apparatus2instructed by the input operation.

Next, in step S130, the support information generation part302A generates support information14by calculating a recipe available time TRPW based on the target processing quantity TWPH received in step S110and the device information10acquired in step S120.

Then, in step S140, the output processing part303performs an output processing for outputting the support information14generated in step S130, and ends the series of information processing method shown inFIG.17. In this information processing method, step S110corresponds to a target processing quantity reception process, step S120corresponds to a device information acquisition process, step S130corresponds to a support information generation process, and step S140corresponds to an output processing process.

As described above, according to the information processing device3A and the information processing method according to this embodiment, based on the target processing quantity TWPH of wafers W per unit time and the device information10including the transport processing information11defining the action state of the transport processing, the support information generation part302A generates the support information14including the recipe available time TRPW that is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information13. Thus, when setting the recipe information13, since the recipe available time TRPW that is available for the substrate processing can be identified in advance, the setting of the recipe information13can be appropriately supported.

That is, instead of the case of setting the recipe information13and then calculating the processing quantity of wafers W per unit time of the time when the processing action (automatic operation) is performed according to the set recipe information13, herein, when the target processing quantity TWPH is set, to achieve the set target processing quantity TWPH, an allowable range of the substrate processing time required for the substrate processing is calculated backward as the recipe available time TRPW. Thus, the user can set the recipe information13on the basis of identifying how much time can be used in the substrate processing to achieve the target processing quantity TWPH.

Second Embodiment

FIG.18is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device3B according to a second embodiment.FIG.19is a function illustrative view showing an example of the information processing device3B according to the second embodiment.

The information processing device3B according to the second embodiment differs from the information processing device3A according to the first embodiment in that the information processing device3B acts as a machine learning device5that generates a learning model16by machine learning using learning data15, and a support information generation part302B generates the support information14using the learning model16generated by the machine learning device5, as shown inFIG.19. The other configurations and actions of the substrate processing apparatus2and the information processing device3B are similar to those in the first embodiment, so the same reference signs will be labeled and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The control part30further functions as a learning data acquisition part304and a machine learning part305. In this embodiment, although the machine learning device5is described as being incorporated into the information processing device3B, the machine learning device5and the information processing device3B may also be configured as separate devices, and in that case, a learned learning model16may be provided to the information processing device3B via the network4or any storage media.

Similar to the storage part32in the first embodiment, a first storage part32A stores various programs and data, and a second storage part32B stores the learning data15and the learning model16. The second storage part32B functions as a learning data storage part that stores the learning data15, and a learned model storage part that stores the learned learning model16. The first and second storage parts32A and32B may be composed of one storage part or may be external storage devices.

FIG.20is a view showing an example of the learning data15and the learning model16. The learning data15to be used for machine learning of the learning model16are composed of the target processing quantity TWPH of wafers W per unit time and the device information10as input data, and the support information14including the recipe available time TRPW as output data. The device information10may at least include the transport processing information11, and may further include other information (e.g., device setting information12).

For example, in the case where generation history information of the time when the substrate processing apparatus2performed the processing action in the past is stored in a database of an external production management device, the learning data acquisition part304acquires the processing quantity of wafers W per unit time and the device information10from the external production management device, and calculates the recipe available time TRPW of that time based on the generation history information. Then, the learning data acquisition part304acquires a plurality of sets of learning data15associating them, and stores the plurality of sets of learning data15to the second storage part32B.

The learning model16, for example, adopts the structure of a neural network and includes an input layer160, an intermediate layer161, and an output layer162. Synapses (not shown) that respectively connect each neuron are stretched between each layer, and a weight is respectively associated with each synapse. A weight parameter group composed of the weight of each synapse is adjusted by machine learning. The input layer160has neurons in a quantity corresponding to the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10serving as the input data, and each value of the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10is inputted to each neuron, respectively. The output layer162has neurons in a quantity corresponding to the support information14serving as the output data, and a prediction result (inference result) of the support information14for the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10is outputted as the output data.

The machine learning part305executes machine learning using a plurality of sets of learning data15stored in the second storage part32B. That is, the machine learning part305inputs a plurality of sets of learning data15to the learning model16, generates a learned learning model16by causing the learning model16to learn the correlation between the input data and the output data included in the learning data15, and stores that learning model16(specifically, adjusted weight parameter group) to the second storage part32B.

The support information generation part302B generates support information14for the device information10and the transport processing information11by inputting, to the learning model16, a target processing quantity TWPH received by the target processing quantity reception part300and device information10acquired by the device information acquisition part301.

Machine Learning Method

FIG.21is a flowchart showing an example of a machine learning method performed by the machine learning device5.

First, in step S200, as an advance preparation for starting machine learning, the learning data acquisition part304acquires learning data15in a desired quantity and stores the acquired learning data15to the second storage part32B.

Next, in step S210, to start machine learning, the machine learning part305prepares a pre-learning learning model16in which the weight of each synapse is set to an initial value.

Next, in step S220, the machine learning part305acquires, for example, one set of learning data15randomly from a plurality of sets of learning data15stored in the second storage part32B.

Next, in step S230, the machine learning part305inputs fluid supply information (input data) included in the one set of learning data15to the input layer160of the pre-learning (or during-learning) learning model16that has been prepared. As a result, an output data is outputted as an inference result from the output layer162of the learning model16, but this output data has been generated by the pre-learning (or during-learning) learning model16. Thus, in the pre-learning (or during-learning) state, the output data outputted as the inference result shows information different from the output data (correct answer label) included in the learning data15.

Next, in step S240, the machine learning part305executes machine learning by comparing the output data (correct answer label) included in the one set of learning data15acquired in step S220with the output data (inference result) outputted as the inference result from the output layer162in step S230, and executing a processing (backpropagation) of adjusting the weight of each synapse.

Next, in step S250, the machine learning part305determines whether a predetermined learning end condition has been satisfied, for example, based on an evaluation value of an error function based on the output data (correct answer label) included in the learning data15and the output data serving as the inference result, or based on a remaining number of the unlearned learning data15stored in the second storage part32B.

In step S250, in the case where the machine learning part305determines that the learning end condition has not been satisfied and machine learning is to be continued (“No” in step S250), returning to step S220, the processes of steps S220to S240are executed multiple times on the during-learning learning model16using the unlearned learning data15. On the other hand, in step S250, in the case where the machine learning part305determines that the learning end condition has been satisfied and machine learning is to be ended (“Yes” in step S250), the process proceeds to step S260.

Then, in step S260, the machine learning part305stores, to the second storage part32B, the learned learning model16(adjusted weight parameter group) generated by adjusting the weight associated with each synapse, and ends the series of machine learning method shown inFIG.21. In the above machine learning method, step S200corresponds to a learning data storage process, steps S210to S250correspond to a machine learning process, and step S260corresponds to a learned model storage process.

As described above, according to the machine learning device5and the machine learning method according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a learning model16capable of generating (inferring) the support information14including the recipe available time TRPW from the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10.

Information Processing Method

FIG.22is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method performed by the information processing device3B according to the second embodiment.

First, in step S300, similar to the first embodiment, as the user instructs generation conditions of the support information14and start of generation of the support information14, in step S310, the target processing quantity reception part300receives a target processing quantity TWPH. Then, in step S320, the device information acquisition part301acquires device information10.

Next, in step S330, the support information generation part302B generates the support information14for the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10based on output data outputted from the learning model16by inputting, as input data to the learning model16, the target processing quantity TWPH received in step S310and the device information10acquired in step S320.

Then, in step S340, the output processing part303performs an output processing for outputting the support information14generated in step S330, and ends the series of information processing method shown inFIG.22. In the above information processing method, step S310corresponds to a target processing quantity reception process, step S320corresponds to a device information acquisition process, step S330corresponds to a support information generation process, and step S340corresponds to an output processing process.

As described above, according to the information processing device3B and the information processing method according to this embodiment, the support information generation part302B generates the support information14including the recipe available time TRPW that is available for the substrate processing performed according to the recipe information13, by inputting, to the learning model16, the target processing quantity TWPH of substrates per unit time and the device information10including the transport processing information11defining the action state of the transport processing. Thus, when setting the recipe information13, since the recipe available time TRPW that is available for the substrate processing can be identified in advance, the setting of the recipe information13can be appropriately supported.

Other Embodiments

The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented with various changes within the scope without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. All of such changes are included in the technical concept of the disclosure.

In the above embodiments, although the substrate processing apparatus2and the information processing devices3A and3B have been described as being composed of separate apparatuses, they may also be composed of one apparatus. For example, the information processing devices3A and3B may be incorporated into the control unit25of the substrate processing apparatus2. Further, the machine learning device5may be incorporated into the control unit25of the substrate processing apparatus2.

In the above embodiments, although the substrate processing apparatus2has been described as one that performs a chemical-mechanical polishing processing as the polishing processing, the substrate processing apparatus2may also perform a physical-mechanical polishing processing instead of the chemical-mechanical polishing processing. Further, although the substrate processing apparatus2has been described as one that performs a polishing processing and a finishing processing on the wafer W as the substrate processing, the substrate processing apparatus2may also perform any of the polishing processing and the finishing processing, and may perform other substrate processings in addition to or instead of the polishing processing and the finishing processing.

In the above embodiments, it has been described that the substrate processing apparatus2includes each substrate processing unit (polishing unit and finishing unit) and each transport processing unit, as shown inFIG.2. However, as the configuration of the substrate processing apparatus2, the quantity, arrangement, upstream-downstream relationship, parallel relationship, and serial relationship of each substrate processing unit and each transport processing unit are not limited to the example inFIG.2and may be appropriately changed. For example, the quantity of the polishing unit may be one or plural, and the quantity of the finishing unit may be one or plural. Further, as the quantity of the transport processing unit, the quantity of the supply discharge robot may be one or plural, the quantity of the first to third transport robots may be one or plural, and the quantity of the transfer robot may be one or plural. Further, the positions to hand over the wafer W, the positions to cause the wafer W is temporarily stand by, etc. between each substrate processing unit and each transport processing unit may be appropriately changed, and the quantities of these positions may be increased as appropriate. In such a case, the calculation method of the recipe available time TRPW in the support information generation part302A may be changed according to the configuration of each substrate processing unit and each transport processing unit. Further, the data structure of the input data and the output data in the learning data15and the learning model16may be changed according to the configuration of each processing unit.

In the above embodiments, although it has been described that a neural network is adopted as the learning model that realizes machine learning performed by the machine learning part305, other machine learning models may be also adopted. Examples of other machine learning models include a tree type such as decision trees and regression trees, ensemble learning such as bagging and boosting, a neural network type (including deep learning) such as recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and LSTM, a clustering type such as hierarchical clustering, non-hierarchical clustering, a k-nearest neighbor algorithm, and a k-means clustering, multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and logistic regression, support vector machine, etc. Further, the machine learning algorithm executed by the machine learning part305may also adopt reinforcement learning instead of supervised learning.

Machine Learning Program and Information Processing Program

The disclosure may also be provided in the form of a program (information processing program) for causing the computer900to function as each part included in the information processing devices3A and3B, or a program (information processing program) for causing the computer900to perform each process included in the information processing method according to the above embodiments. Further, the disclosure may also be provided in the form of a program (machine learning program) for causing the computer900to function as each part included in the machine learning device5, or a program (machine learning program) for causing the computer900to perform each process included in the machine learning method.

Inference Device, Inference Method, and Inference Program

The disclosure is not only provided in the form of the information processing devices3A and3B (information processing method or information processing program) according to the above embodiments, but may also be provided in the form of an inference device (inference method or inference program) that supports the operation of the substrate processing apparatus. In that case, a memory and a processor may be included as the inference device (inference method or inference program), and this processor may perform a series of processings. The series of processings include a target processing quantity reception processing (target processing quantity reception process) of receiving the target processing quantity TWPH of substrates per unit time, a device information acquisition processing (device information acquisition process) of acquiring the device information10including the transport processing information11, and an inference processing (inference process) in which, upon reception of the target processing quantity TWPH in the target processing quantity reception processing and acquisition of the device information10in the device information acquisition processing, the support information14including the recipe available time TRPW is inferred based on the target processing quantity TWPH and the device information10.

By providing in the form of the inference device (inference method or inference program), it becomes possible to apply to various devices simply compared to the case of implementing an information processing device. It is readily understandable to those skilled in the art that when the inference device (inference method or inference program) infers the support information, an inference technique executed by the support information generation part may be applicable using a learned learning model generated by the machine learning device and the machine learning method according to the above embodiments.