Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/598,774

CONTROL APPARATUS, SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

Non-Final OA §102
Filed
Mar 07, 2024
Priority
Mar 24, 2023 — JP 2023-048169
Examiner
ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ, CARLOS R
Art Unit
2119
Tech Center
2100 — Computer Architecture & Software
Assignee
Kokusai Electric Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
77%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
10m
Est. Remaining
87%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 77% — above average
77%
Career Allowance Rate
552 granted / 718 resolved
+21.9% vs TC avg
Moderate +10% lift
Without
With
+10.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 1m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
752
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.6%
-36.4% vs TC avg
§103
56.3%
+16.3% vs TC avg
§102
25.6%
-14.4% vs TC avg
§112
12.1%
-27.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 718 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
DETAILED ACTION Claims 1-19 are pending. Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Willis et al., US Patent No. 7,477,960 (hereinafter Willis). Regarding claims 1-19, Willis discloses all the claimed limitations, as outlined below. Claim 1. A control apparatus comprising: a memory that stores an event item indicating at least one event related to a target apparatus (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - the apparatus being monitored); and a controller that is capable of controlling notifying a display of an event item corresponding to an occurred event when the event item corresponding to the occurred event is stored in the memory (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - displaying an alarm corresponding to the event. See Fig 5 below wherein faults are detected and alarms are triggered. Corresponding control strategies are executed). PNG media_image1.png 640 390 media_image1.png Greyscale Claim 2. The control apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the display includes an event item display screen, and wherein the event item display screen includes an event item display area that displays at least one event item that is currently occurring (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61. (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes. See display screen shown in Fig 6 below). PNG media_image2.png 472 618 media_image2.png Greyscale Claim 3. The control apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the at least one event item is arranged and displayed on the event item display area in order of a new occurrence time that is a time when the event occurred (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 4. The control apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the event item includes at least one selected from the group of an event name, an event occurrence time that is a time when the event occurred, and an outline of the event (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 5. The control apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the display includes an event display button for display of the event item display screen, and wherein the display displays the event item display screen according to an operation of the event display button (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 6. The control apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the event display button includes a display area that displays at least one selected from the group of an event occurrence icon indicating occurrence of the event and an event occurrence count indicating the number of occurrences of the event n(C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 7. The control apparatus of Claim 6, wherein a display format of the event occurrence icon differs between a case where the event occurs and a case where no event occurs (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 8. The control apparatus of Claim 6, wherein the event occurrence count is displayed when the event occurs and the number of occurring events is displayed (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 9. The control apparatus of claim 8, wherein the event occurrence count is not displayed when the occurring event disappears (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 10. The control apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the event item display screen being displayed is not displayed according to the operation of the event display button or switching to another screen (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 11. The control apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory further stores information indicating an event response screen that performs a response to the event, and wherein the display displays, when the event item is selected, the event response screen corresponding to the event of the selected event item (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 12. The control apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the display disables the operation of the event display button when no event occurs, or does not display the event item display screen even though the event display button is operated (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 13. The control apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the display further displays an information display screen that displays various information about the target apparatus, wherein the event item display screen is a screen independent from the information display screen, and wherein the display displays the event item display screen on a top (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 14. The control apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the display displays the event item display screen immediately below the event display button when the event display button is operated (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 15. A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a process container in which processing of a substrate is performed; and the control apparatus of Claim 1 that is capable of controlling the processing of the substrate based on an event occurrence status (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 16. The substrate processing apparatus of Claim 15, wherein the processing of the substrate is performed based on a recipe that defines a process condition of the substrate (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 17. The substrate processing apparatus of Claim 16, wherein the event item includes at least one selected from the group of a recovery standby of an alarm occurred in a self-operating apparatus, a condition standby for executing the recipe, a recovery standby due to crack detection in the substrate, a condition standby for continuing the processing of the substrate including the recipe, and an installation standby of an update program (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - When a fault condition is declared, the FDC system can perform a notification and/or intervention. Notification can be via e-mail, pager, cell phone, or other wireless device. Notifications can be configured by person, by day, and by time of day. For example, one or more GUI screens (not shown) can be provided for the tool operator, the process engineer on a workstation, and a host monitor. The GUI display can show the position for the wafer during the paused process, and can show the current process positions for other wafers in other processing modules that are not paused. It can also be noted that the system can store information for different types of alarms, and messages can be displayed on one or more GUI screens, such as an Alarm Summary screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, an alarm summary screen includes a table 601 with entries for an alarm number 602, an alarm time 604, alarm identification information 606, a description of the alarm 608, an alarm type 610, an indication of whether the alarm has been set or cleared 612, an indication of the tool which raised the alarm 614, an indication of the module which raised the alarm 616, and a source of the alarm 618. Alarm groups can include alarms that occurred at the tool, alarms that occurred in the software, and alarms that occurred due to a run rule violation. The software application may generate software alarms in a number of different circumstances. For example, alarms having varying levels of severity can be generated when starting up; when shutting down; when connecting to a tool and/or module; when disconnecting from or losing connection with a tool and/or module; when performing an unsuccessful control action; and when encountering any error. The software alarms can be differentiated by the assignment of error codes). Claim 18. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: storing, in a memory, an event item indicating at least one event related to a substrate processing apparatus (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - the event related to the processing apparatus); notifying a display of an event item corresponding to an occurred event when the event item corresponding to the occurred event is stored in the memory; displaying the event item notified to the display; and controlling processing of a substrate based on an occurrence status of the event (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - displaying the notification and making adjustments. See Fig 5 below wherein faults are detected and alarms are triggered. Corresponding control strategies are executed). PNG media_image1.png 640 390 media_image1.png Greyscale Claim 19. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a program that causes, by a computer, a substrate processing apparatus to perform a process comprising: storing, in a memory, an event item indicating at least one event related to the substrate processing apparatus (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - the event related to the processing apparatus); notifying a display of an event item corresponding to an occurred event when the event item corresponding to the occurred event is stored in the memory; displaying the event item notified to the display; and controlling processing of a substrate based on an occurrence status of the event (C10 L26-41, C21 L40-67, C22 L1-24, C29 L40-61 - - displaying the notification and making adjustments. See Fig 5 below wherein faults are detected and alarms are triggered. Corresponding control strategies are executed). PNG media_image1.png 640 390 media_image1.png Greyscale Citation of Pertinent Prior Art The following prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: 1. Agrawal et al., US Patent No. 5,546,301 – relates to equipment control system. 2. Smith et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0063010 – control system comprising multiple alarms. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CARLOS R ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ whose telephone number is (571)272-3766. The examiner can normally be reached on Mon-Fri 10:00 am- 6:30 pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Mohammad Ali can be reached on 571-272-4105. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /CARLOS R ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2119
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Prosecution Timeline

Mar 07, 2024
Application Filed
Apr 02, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
77%
Grant Probability
87%
With Interview (+10.5%)
3y 1m (~10m remaining)
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