NLP Failure Classification for Semiconductor Equipment Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor equipment failures often require extensive manual troubleshooting due to unreliable experiences, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and repair.

Innovation Solution

A natural language processing system that preloads records of failure histories from semiconductor equipment, using a processor to generate an abnormal model classification table, which classifies topics of issues and provides corresponding solutions, thereby aiding engineers in quick identification and resolution of equipment problems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If engineers use manual troubleshooting based on undependable experiences to fix semiconductor equipment failures, then they can resolve equipment issues, but they waste a lot of time and the reliability of the repair process is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of repair processVSAvoidtime spent on troubleshooting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing and storing failure history data in an abnormal model classification table before actual troubleshooting occurs. The natural language processing is performed in advance on historical failure records, extracting key features and organizing them into a structured classification system that can be quickly queried during equipment failures, eliminating the need for engineers to manually analyze raw historical data each time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copied and structured representation of unstructured failure history data. By using natural language processing to extract and organize key information from historical records into a standardized abnormal model classification table, the system creates a simplified copy of the original complex data that can be efficiently searched and applied to current troubleshooting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If engineers rely on undependable experiences to troubleshoot semiconductor equipment, then they can perform repairs, but the consistency and accuracy of repair solutions are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of problem identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of troubleshooting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormal model classification table serves as an intermediary between the unstructured failure history data and the engineer's decision-making process. The natural language processing system acts as a mediator that automatically extracts, standardizes, and organizes historical failure information into a structured format, eliminating the need for engineers to manually interpret unstructured data and reducing reliance on inconsistent personal experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the parameters of failure data from unstructured natural language text into structured, standardized parameters organized by abnormal models and categories. This parameter transformation includes extracting key features, assigning classifications, and organizing data into a consistent format that enables accurate and repeatable troubleshooting across different engineers and scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11645463B2Natural language processing system, natural language processing method and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2023.05.09 NAN YA TECH
  • US11645463B2 patent drawing
  • US11645463B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A natural language processing system includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device is configured to preload records of failure histories of semiconductor equipment, and the records of the failure histories of the semiconductor equipment include natural language. The processor is electrically connected to the storage device and is configured to perform a natural language process on the records of the failure histories of the semiconductor equipment to generate an abnormal model classification table.