Charles Bayliss - Cincinnati OH, US Raymond Ellis - Austin TX, US Toni Guckert - Austin TX, US Timothy Yoas - Austin TX, US
International Classification:
G06F 15/173
US Classification:
709223000
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the implementation of automated job management for equipment in a factory. A multi-protocol multi-client equipment server is provided for communicating with equipment and clients utilizing multiple protocols. The equipment server incorporates an object model of each tool and communicates directly in real- time with factory equipment. By providing a multi-protocol multi-client platform, data consumer clients are effectively decoupled from job management clients, allowing next generation station controllers for monitoring and controlling equipment processing to be easily implemented.