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Automated tool management in a multi-protocol environment

  • US 7,403,984 B2
  • Filed: 07/05/2001
  • Issued: 07/22/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for automated tool management comprising the steps of:

  • receiving a first message in a first selected protocol from a first client application, wherein said first message comprises a first request to perform a first action on a first tool;

    extracting a first pointer from the contents of said first message in order to identify a first object in an equipment model, wherein said equipment model comprises a logical representation of said first tool;

    invoking a first procedure of said first object in response to said first message;

    transferring a first return value to said first client application, wherein said first return value is associated with said first action;

    receiving a second message in a second selected protocol from a second client application, wherein said second message comprises a second request to perform a second action on said first tool;

    extracting a second pointer from the contents of said second message in order to identify said first object in said equipment model, wherein said second selected protocol is different than said first selected protocol;

    invoking a second procedure of said first object in response to said second message; and

    transferring a second return value to said second client application, wherein said second return value is associated with said second action;

    wherein if said first request comprises a request for data and if said first tool is an asynchronous source of said data, then the method further comprises the steps of;

    if valid information exists corresponding to said data, creating said first return value based on said valid information;

    if valid information does not exist corresponding to said data, creating said first return value based on a database of said equipment model;

    incorporating said first return value into a return message to said first client application; and

    transferring said return message in said selected protocol to said client application in response to an address provided by said client application.

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