Modular optimizer with foreign module learning feature for optimization of component placement machines
First Claim
1. A method for use in determining a configuration of a production line comprising one or more component placement machines used to place components for assembly, the configuration being determined using a modular optimizer having associated therewith at least one machine optimizer module for a given component placement machine type, the method comprising the steps of:
- estimating an output value for at least one foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer; and
utilizing the estimated output value in the modular optimizer to determine the configuration of the production line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular optimizer, for use in determining a configuration of a production line with one or more component placement machines, is configured to learn a foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer. The modular optimizer includes an adapting estimator which estimates an output value, such as a placement cycle time measure, for the foreign optimizer module. The estimated output value may be used in determining the configuration of the production line.
22 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for use in determining a configuration of a production line comprising one or more component placement machines used to place components for assembly, the configuration being determined using a modular optimizer having associated therewith at least one machine optimizer module for a given component placement machine type, the method comprising the steps of:
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estimating an output value for at least one foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer; and
utilizing the estimated output value in the modular optimizer to determine the configuration of the production line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for determining a configuration of a production line comprising one or more component placement machines used to place components for assembly, the configuration being determined using a modular optimizer having associated therewith at least one machine optimizer module for a given component placement machine type, the apparatus comprising:
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a memory for storing information characterizing at least a portion of the production line; and
a processor coupled to the memory and operative to estimate an output value for at least one foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer, and to utilize the estimated output value in the modular optimizer to determine the configuration of the production line. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A modular optimizer for determining a configuration of a production line comprising one or more component placement machines used to place components for assembly, the modular optimizer comprising:
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at least one machine optimizer module for a given component placement machine type; and
an estimator operative to estimate an output value for at least one foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer;
wherein the modular optimizer utilizes the estimated output value in determining the configuration of the production line. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. An article of manufacture comprising a machine-readable medium for storing one or more software programs for use in determining a configuration of a production line comprising one or more component placement machines used to place components for assembly, the configuration being determined using a modular optimizer having associated therewith at least one machine optimizer module for a given component placement machine type, the one or more programs when executed implementing the steps of:
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estimating an output value for at least one foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer; and
utilizing the estimated output value in the modular optimizer to determine the configuration of the production line. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification