Please download the dossier by clicking on the dossier button x
×

System and method utilizing temporal constraints to coordinate multiple planning sessions

  • US 6,898,475 B1
  • Filed: 05/27/2004
  • Issued: 05/24/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method implemented in a computer control system for utilizing temporal constraints to coordinate multiple planning sessions for multi-step production processes such that scheduling constraints are satisfied and flexibility for individual job planning is retained, wherein said computer control system includes an outer planner loop module and an individual job planner, and wherein each job resides in a queue in which jobs are marked as being planned or unplanned, the method comprising:

  • checking the queue of jobs for at least one imminent planned job, wherein said at least one imminent planned job is defined as any at least one planned job scheduled to begin soon, wherein soon is defined to be before a time at which the individual job planner will be done planning the next job, wherein said next job is defined as being an unplanned job to be pulled from the queue of jobs;

    performing a temporal clamping process for said planned jobs scheduled to begin soon;

    releasing said at least one planned job for production;

    checking for additional imminent planned jobs;

    calling the individual job planner to produce a plan for said next job if no said imminent planned jobs are identified; and

    producing a plan for said next job, comprising;

    receiving job specifications from the outer planner loop, wherein said job specifications specify desired objects to be produced, and wherein said outer planner loop manages the queue of planned and unplanned jobs and interacts with the computer control system;

    receiving temporal constraint database from the outer planner loop, wherein said temporal constraint database includes at least one feasible time window for each time point, wherein said time point includes abstract identifiers for actions;

    returning a plan for said next job to the outer planner loop;

    updating temporal constraint database, wherein said updated temporal constraint database includes information about the time points of said next job; and

    returning said updated temporal constraint database to the outer planner loop.

View all claims
  • 7 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×