Author: claimsbot

1. A method of facilitating trading among a set of processes having respective owners, comprising:
automatically, via a computer, operating at least one of the processes according to an order processing methodology by
retrieving a decision table having at least two rules specifying at least one of a discovery strategy and an order handling strategy, each rule having at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market, and
automatically evaluating whether the at least one condition for each of the rules is satisfied, and

for each of the rules having a satisfied condition, automatically, via a computer, configuring the at least one process to act on the at least one action,
wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, the holding tank having one or more market-related conditions associated therewith that are applicable to the holding tank as a whole, the method further comprising monitoring the one or more conditions of the holding tank and when the one or more conditions are met, removing all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and taking at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one process is a trading process.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one process is a market process.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one condition is based on order characteristics.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one condition is based on market characteristics.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one action that the at least one process is configured to act upon includes assigning a value to a parameter.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one action that the at least one process is configured to act upon includes transferring to another rule.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rules also specifies a time for acting on its at least one action.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one action in at least one of the rules is a wait operation.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of processes includes at least two market processes and at least two trading processes and is operative on a platform that enables the trading processes to communicate in a standardized manner.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one action is selected by the owner of the process from the group comprising (i) generating an order, (ii) obtaining more information, and (iii) evaluating another rule in the decision table.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the decision table includes a plurality of holding tanks.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more market-related conditions associated with each holding tank are separate from the one or more market-related conditions associated with other holding tanks in the plurality of holding tanks.
14. A method of facilitating trading, comprising:
automatically, via a computer, retrieving, at an order handling process operated on behalf of a process owner that is one of a plurality of process owners, a decision table representing an order processing methodology, the decision table having at least two rules specifying at least one of a discovery strategy and an order handling strategy, each rule having at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market, and
automatically, via a computer, applying, at the order handling process, the decision table to process an order when a specified event occurs,
wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, the holding tank having one or more market-related conditions associated therewith that are applicable to the holding tank as a whole, the method further comprising monitoring the one or more conditions of the holding tank and when the one or more conditions are met, removing all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and taking at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the order handling process is a trading process.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the order handling process is a market process.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one condition is based on order characteristics.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one condition is based on market characteristics.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the decision table includes, in at least one of a condition and an action of at least one of the rules, a nested decision table.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the rules define a sequence of actions to be taken using explicit control instructions.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one action is to request information from an order room.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one action is to transfer to another rule.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the specified event is receiving of an order.
24. The method of claim 14, wherein the specified event is completing price discovery.
25. The method of claim 14, wherein the specified event is receiving a bid or offer relating to an order handled by the order handling process.
26. The method of claim 14, wherein the specified event is receiving notice of a price improvement opportunity.
27. The method of claim 14, wherein the specified event is reporting execution of an order.
28. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one action is selected by the owner of the process from the group comprising (i) generating an order, (ii) obtaining more information, and (iii) evaluating another rule in the decision table.
29. The method of claim 14, wherein the decision table includes a plurality of holding tanks.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the one or more market-related conditions associated with each holding tank are separate from the one or more market-related conditions associated with other holding tanks in the plurality of holding tanks.
31. A system for facilitating trading, comprising:
a computer having a processing component, wherein the processing component is configured to process an order by retrieving a decision table having rules that specify at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the at least one condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market, and
wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, the holding tank having one or more market-related conditions associated therewith that are applicable to the holding tank as a whole, the processing component being further configured to monitor the one or more conditions of the holding tank and when the one or more conditions are met, to remove all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and take at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the one or more conditions of the holding tank further includes a period of time, and wherein the holding tank is configured to store the orders until the period of time has elapsed.
33. The system of claim 31, wherein the processing component provides a market for trading between two or more processes operating via the computer, and the one or more conditions of the holding tank is a condition internal to the market.
34. The system of claim 31, wherein the processing component provides a market for trading between two or more processes operating via the computer, and the one or more conditions of the holding tank is a condition external to the market.
35. The system of claim 31, wherein the decision table includes a plurality of holding tanks.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the one or more market-related conditions associated with each holding tank are separate from the one or more market-related conditions associated with other holding tanks in the plurality of holding tanks.
37. A computer-accessible medium having executable instructions stored thereon for facilitating trading, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause a computer to:
process an order in accordance with a decision table, wherein the decision table has rules that specify at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the at least one condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market, and wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, and
wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computer to monitor one or more market-related conditions associated with the holding tank as a whole and when the one or more market-related conditions are met, to remove all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and take at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.
38. The computer-accessible medium of claim 37, wherein the one or more conditions of the holding tank further includes a period of time, and wherein the instructions cause the computer to store the orders in the holding tank until the period of time has elapsed.
39. The computer-accessible medium of claim 37, wherein the instructions cause the computer to provide a market for trading between two or more processes, and wherein the one or more conditions of the holding tank is a condition internal to the market.
40. The computer-accessible medium of claim 37, wherein the instructions cause the computer to provide a market for trading between two or more processes, and the one or more conditions of the holding tank is a condition external to the market.
41. The computer-accessible medium of claim 37, wherein the decision table includes a plurality of holding tanks.
42. The computer-accessible medium of claim 41, wherein the one or more market-related conditions associated with each holding tank are separate from the one or more market-related conditions associated with other holding tanks in the plurality of holding tanks.
43. A computer system for facilitating trading, comprising:
means for retrieving a decision table having at least two rules specifying at least one of a discovery strategy and an order handling strategy, each rule having at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market,
means for evaluating whether the at least one condition for each of the rules is satisfied, and for each of the rules having a satisfied condition, acting on the at least one action, wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, the holding tank having one or more market-related conditions associated therewith that are applicable to the holding tank as a whole, and
means for monitoring the one or more conditions of the holding tank and when the one or more conditions are met, removing all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and taking at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.
44. A method of trading, comprising:
using a computer to operate an order handling process which retrieves from a memory a decision table representing an order processing methodology, the decision table having at least two rules specifying at least one of a discovery strategy and an order handling strategy, each rule having at least one condition and at least one action to be taken when the condition is satisfied, wherein the decision table further includes a holding tank storing a plurality of unrelated orders that have been generated but not yet submitted for execution at a market,
applying, at the order handling process, the decision table to process an order when a specified event occurs, wherein at least one action of at least one rule in the decision table is to store an order in the holding tank, the holding tank having one or more market-related conditions associated therewith that are applicable to the holding tank as a whole, and
using the computer to monitor the one or more conditions of the holding tank and when the one or more conditions are met, removing all of the plurality of unrelated orders from the holding tank and taking at least one specified trading-related action with respect to each of the removed orders.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An optical assembly, comprising:
a photosensor array, comprising a plurality of photosensors;
a spacing layer, comprising a solid optically transmissive material, adjoining the photosensor array; and
a plenoptic microlens array adjoining the spacing layer, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is situated between the photosensor array and the plenoptic microlens array and is configured to separate the photosensor array from the plenoptic microlens array.
2. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array is created using photolithography.
3. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array is created by stamping and curing.
4. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created as successive photolithographically deposited layers.
5. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created from the same material.
6. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created from the same photolithographically deposited layer.
7. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array comprises a plurality of plano-convex microlenses, each plano-convex microlens comprising:
a flat surface abutting the spacing layer; and
a convex surface.
8. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created using photoresist.
9. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array comprises a plurality of layers of microlenses.
10. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array comprises a plurality of microlenses, wherein each microlens corresponds to an integral number of photosensors of the photosensor array.
11. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the plenoptic microlens array comprises a plurality of microlenses, wherein each microlens corresponds to a square comprising an integral number of photosensors of the photosensor array.
12. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacing layer adjoins the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.
13. An optical assembly, comprising:
a photosensor array, comprising a plurality of photosensors;
a planarization layer adjoining the photosensor array, the planarization layer having a top surface and a bottom surface;
a spacing layer, comprising a solid optically transmissive material, adjoining the top surface of the planarization layer; and
a plenoptic microlens array adjoining the spacing layer, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is situated between the planarization layer and the plenoptic microlens array and is configured to separate the planarization layer from the plenoptic microlens array.
14. The optical assembly of claim 13, wherein:
the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created from a material having a first index of refraction; and
the planarization layer is created from a material having a second index of refraction different from the first index of refraction.
15. The optical assembly of claim 13, wherein:
the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created using photoresist; and
the planarization layer is created using silicon dioxide.
16. The optical assembly of claim 13, wherein the spacing layer adjoins the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.
17. A method for manufacturing an optical assembly, comprising:
adding a spacing layer to a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors, the spacing layer comprising a solid optically transmissive material, adjoining the photosensor array; and
adding a plenoptic microlens array adjoining the spacing layer, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is added in such a manner as to be situated between the photosensor array and the plenoptic microlens array and configured to separate the photosensor array from the plenoptic microlens array.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plenoptic microlens array is added using photolithography.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the plenoptic microlens array comprises:
stamping the plenoptic microlens array; and
curing the plenoptic microlens array.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
stamping the plenoptic microlens array comprises stamping the plenoptic microlens array using a light-transmissive stamp; and
curing the plenoptic microlens array comprises curing the plenoptic microlens array through the light-transmissive stamp.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the spacing layer and adding the plenoptic microlens array comprise adding successive photolithographically deposited layers.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created from the same material.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array are created from the same photolithographically deposited layer.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the plenoptic microlens array comprises adding a plurality of plano-convex microlenses, each plano-convex microlens comprising:
a flat surface abutting the spacing layer; and
a convex surface.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array comprise creating the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array using photoresist.
26. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the plenoptic microlens array comprises adding a plurality of layers of microlenses.
27. The method of claim 17, wherein the spacing layer adjoins the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.
28. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the plenoptic microlens array comprises adding a plurality of microlenses, wherein each microlens corresponds to an integral number of photosensors of the photosensor array.
29. The method of claim 17, wherein adding the plenoptic microlens array comprises adding a plurality of microlenses, wherein each microlens corresponds to a square comprising an integral number of photosensors of the photosensor array.
30. A method for manufacturing an optical assembly, comprising:
adding a planarization layer to a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors, the planarization layer adjoining the photosensor array, the planarization layer having a top surface and a bottom surface;
adding a spacing layer, comprising a solid optically transmissive material, adjoining the top surface of the planarization layer; and
adding a plenoptic microlens array adjoining the spacing layer, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is situated between the planarization layer and the plenoptic microlens array and is configured to separate the planarization layer from the plenoptic microlens array.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein:
adding the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array comprise creating the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens from a material having a first index of refraction; and
adding the planarization layer comprises creating the planarization layer from a material having a second index of refraction different from the first index of refraction.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein:
adding the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array comprise creating the spacing layer and the plenoptic microlens array using photoresist; and
adding the planarization layer comprises creating the planarization layer using silicon dioxide.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the spacing layer adjoins the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.
34. An optical assembly, comprising:
a photosensor array, comprising a plurality of photosensors;
a spacing layer, comprising a solid optically transmissive material; and
a plenoptic microlens array, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is situated between the photosensor array and the plenoptic microlens array, and is configured to separate the photosensor array from the plenoptic microlens array with no air gap between the spacing layer, the top surface of the photosensor array, and the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.
35. A method for manufacturing an optical assembly, comprising:
adding a spacing layer to a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors, the spacing layer comprising a solid optically transmissive material; and
adding a plenoptic microlens array, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the photosensor array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the spacing layer is added in such a manner as to be situated between the photosensor array and the plenoptic microlens array and configured to separate the photosensor array from the plenoptic microlens array with no air gap between the spacing layer, the photosensor array, and the bottom surface of the plenoptic microlens array.

1. A production system for a product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
means for inputting functional and operational product information associated with a first element group, wherein the functional and operational product information comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: system layout, logical design, layout design, and manufacturing process design, wherein the means for inputting is associated with a first independent business entity and wherein the first independent business entity possesses an industrial property right that is associated with said functional and operational product information;
a first information processing device including a first attributes information storage area for receiving and storing the functional and operational product information associated with the first element group;
means for producing the first element group of the product based on the functional and operational product information in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, wherein the means for producing is associated with a second business entity;
means for combining a second element group with the first element group, producing the product, and selling at least one product in which the first and second element groups have been combined, wherein the means for combining is associated with a third independent business entity, and
means for determining, in the third independent business entity, and for sending, from the third independent business entity, production yield and production plan information for each type of the product to the information processing device of the first independent business entity.
2. A production method for manufacturing a product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
storing, in an information processing device of a first independent business entity having an industrial property right associated with said product, functional and operational product information, including at least one selected from the group consisting of: a system design, a logical design, a layout design and a manufacturing process design, and storing an identifier for identifying a type of the product, and corresponding manufacturing process and processing conditions;
retrieving, by a second independent business entity, the functional and operational product information from the information processing device of the first independent business entity,
manufacturing, in the second business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a first element group of the product according to the product information retrieved from the information processing device and of the first independent business entity according to production plan information corresponding to the type of the product;
manufacturing, in a third independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a second element group to be assembled with at least one element of the first element group;
assembling, at the third independent business entity, the product with at least elements of the first and second element groups; and
determining, in the third independent business entity, and sending, from the third independent business entity, production yield and production plan information for each type of the product to the information processing device of the first independent business entity.
3. A production method for manufacturing a product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
performing, in a first independent business entity having an industrial property right associated with said product, at least one selected from the group consisting of: system design, logical design, layout design, and manufacturing process design of the product;
storing, in a first attributes information storage area of a first information processing device, an identifier for identifying a type of the product and corresponding manufacturing process and processing conditions;
creating, in a second independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, a manufacturing process program based on information in the first attributes storage area in the information processing device;
recording, in a second attributes information storage area of a second information processing device, the identifier and production information including production volume, a production schedule, and a lot number, for the type of product corresponding to the identifier;
manufacturing elements of a first element group of the product according to the production information;
manufacturing, in a third independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a second element group, wherein at least one element of the second element group is to be assembled and fit with at least one element of the first element group; and
recording, in a third attributes information storage area of a third information processing device, a production yield and a production plan information for each type of the product,
wherein:
the first, second and third information processing devices are connected via one of special lines or public lines,
the first independent business entity and the second independent business entity share the first attributes information storage area, and
the second independent business entity and the third independent business entity share the second attributes information storage area and the third attributes information storage area.
4. A production method for manufacturing a product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
performing, in a first independent business entity having an industrial property right associated with said product, at least one selected from the group consisting of: system design, logical design, layout design, and manufacturing process design of the product;
storing, in a first attributes information storage area of a first information processing device, an identifier for identifying a type of the product and corresponding manufacturing process and processing conditions;
creating, in a second independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, a manufacturing process program based on information in the first attributes information storage area in the first information processing device;
recording, in a second attributes information storage area of a second information processing device, the identifier and production information including production volume, a production schedule, and a lot number for the type of product corresponding to the identifier;
manufacturing an element of a first element group of the product according to the production information;
forming a protective film on the element of the first element group to prevent breakage of the first element group due to at least one of environmental pollution and static electricity;
removing the protective film from a first substrate in a third independent business entity;
manufacturing, in the third independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a second element group, wherein at least one element of the second element group is to be assembled and fit with at least one element of the first element group; and
recording, in a third attributes information storage area of a third information processing device, a production yield and a production plan information for each type of the product;
wherein:
the first, second and third information processing devices are connected via one of special lines or public lines,
the first independent business entity and the second independent business entity share the first attributes information storage area, and
the second independent business entity and the third independent business entity share the second attributes information storage area and the third attributes information storage area.
5. A production method for manufacturing an integrated product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
performing, in a first independent business entity having an industrial property right associated with said integrated product, at least one selected from the group consisting of: system design, logical design, layout design, and manufacturing process design of the integrated product;
storing, in a first attributes information storage area of a first information processing device, an identifier for identifying a type of the integrated product and corresponding manufacturing process and processing conditions;
creating, in a second independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, a manufacturing process program based on information in the first attributes information storage area of the first information processing device;
manufacturing elements of a first element group of the integrated product based on information in a second attributes information storage area in which the identifier and production yield for a corresponding product type are stored;
manufacturing, in a third independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a second element group, wherein at least one element of the second element group is to be assembled and fit with at least one element of the first element group;
establishing a production plan information for each type of the integrated product; and
storing, in a third attributes information storage area of a third information processing device, the identifier and production yield for the corresponding product type;
wherein:
at a first production line owned by the second independent business entity, a first identifier is assigned to each of a first plurality of substrates and processing conditions for each of the first plurality of substrates are assigned in association with the first identifier;
information relating to the processing conditions is stored in the second attributes information storage area of a second information processing device;
one grouping comprising the first plurality of substrates is loaded onto a carrier;
a second identifier for distinguishing the one grouping is assigned to the carrier;
management information comprising an aggregate of processing conditions based on the first identifier is recorded in the second attributes information storage area of the second information processing device;
a manufacturing process is managed based on process progress information obtained on the basis of the second identifier and processing information obtained on the basis of the first identifier;
the first element group is formed to each of plural sections divided up on the first plurality of substrates;
at least one of a first quality information and first characteristic information relating to the first element group formed on the first plurality of substrates between specific processes in a first process is collected and associated with the first identifier and saved in the second information processing device,
at a second production line owned by the third independent business entity, the first plurality of substrates is divided into a second plurality of substrates;
one grouping consisting of the second plurality of substrates is treated as a second lot and is processed according to a second process;
the second element group is formed in correspondence with a plurality of sections divided up on the second plurality of substrates;
at least one of a second quality information, second characteristic information relating to the second element group between specific processes in the second process, a third quality information, and product information relating to where the first element group and the second element group have been composed, is collected;
at least one of the first quality information and the first characteristic information is collated with at least one of the second quality information, the second characteristic information, the third quality information, and the product information;
information specifying an address of a section of a first substrate recognized as a non-defective product is recorded in the third attributes information storage area in the third information processing device;
each of the second plurality of substrates is separated into the sections to generate single-unit functional members; and
only functional members which the address-specifying information indicates are non-defective products are selected and integrated with other functional members and modularized.
6. A production method for manufacturing an integrated product assembled from a plurality of element groups, comprising:
performing, in a first independent business entity having an industrial property right associated with said integrated product, at least one selected from the group consisting of: system design, logical design, layout design, and manufacturing process design of the integrated product;
storing, in a first attributes information storage area of a first information processing device, an identifier for identifying a type of the integrated product and corresponding manufacturing process and processing conditions;
creating, in a second independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, a manufacturing process program based on information in the first attributes information storage area of the first information processing device;
manufacturing elements of a first element group of the integrated product based on information in a second attributes information storage area in which the identifier and production yield for a corresponding product type are stored;
manufacturing, in a third independent business entity and in accordance with conditions associated with the industrial property right, elements of a second element group, wherein at least one element of the second element group is to be assembled and fit with at least one element of the first element group;
establishing a production plan information for each type of the integrated product; and
storing, in a third attributes information storage area of a third information processing device, the identifier and production yield for the corresponding product type;
wherein:
at a first production line owned by the second independent business entity, a first identifier is assigned to each of a first plurality of substrates and processing conditions for each of the first plurality of substrates are assigned in association with the first identifier;
information relating to the processing conditions is stored in the second attributes information storage area of a second information processing device;
one grouping comprising the first plurality of substrates is loaded onto a carrier;
a second identifier for distinguishing the one grouping is assigned to the carrier;
management information comprising an aggregate of processing conditions based on the first identifier is recorded in the second attributes information storage area of the second information processing device;
a manufacturing process is managed based on process progress information obtained on the basis of the second identifier and processing information obtained on the basis of the first identifier;
the first element group is formed to each of plural sections divided up on the first plurality of substrates;
at least one of a first quality information and first characteristic information relating to the first element group formed on the first plurality of substrates between specific processes in a first process is collected and associated with the first identifier and saved in the second information processing device,
a protective film is formed on a first substrate to prevent breakage of the first element group due to at least one of environmental pollution and static electricity, and
the protective film is removed from the first substrate in the third independent business entity,
at a second production line owned by the third independent business entity, after the protective film is removed, the first plurality of substrates is divided into a second plurality of substrates;
one grouping comprising a second substrate is treated as a second lot and is processed according to a second process;
the second element group is formed in correspondence with a plurality of sections divided up on the second plurality of substrates;
at least one of a second quality information, second characteristic information relating to the second element group between specific processes in the second process, a third quality information, and product information relating to where the first element group and the second element group have been composed is collected;
at least one of the first quality information and the first characteristic infonnation is collated with at least one of the second quality information, the second characteristic information, the third quality information, and the product information;
information specifying an address of a section of the second substrate recognized as a non-defective product is recorded in the third attributes information storage area in the third information processing device;
each of the second plurality of substrates is separated into the sections to generate single-unit functional members; and
only functional members which the address-specifying information indicates are non-defective products are selected and integrated with other functional members and modularized.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An electrical connector comprising;
a housing made of insulator to be mounted on a solid circuit board and provided thereon with an opening through which a flat circuit device is inserted into the housing and which opens on one of a first pair of opposite end portions of the housing,
a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing, each of which has a contacting portion positioned in the housing and a connecting terminal portion projecting from the other of the first pair of opposite end portions of the housing to the outside of the housing and the contacting portion comes into contact with a connecting terminal provided on the flat circuit device inserted in the housing through the opening provided thereon, and
a shell member mounted on the housing for covering partially the same and provided with a holding portion formed in a body therein and operative to be put in engagement with the flat circuit device inserted in the housing for holding the same, a releasing portion formed in the body therein and operative to release the holding portion from the engagement with the flat circuit device inserted in the housing and a connecting portion formed in the body therein for connecting the releasing portion with the holding portion,
wherein the releasing portion extends from a portion of the shell member covering one of a second pair of opposite end portions of the housing to the outside of the housing on the side of said one of the first pair of opposite end portions of the housing, the connecting portion extends to be bent from the releasing portion, and the holding portion extends to be bent from the connecting portion toward the other of the first pair of opposite end portions of the housing, so that a U-shaped portion is constituted in the shell member with the releasing portion, the connecting portion and the holding portion.
2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the holding portion and the releasing portion constitutes a resilient movable arm-shaped portion.
3. An electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the holding portion is provided thereon with an engaging end portion for engaging with an engaging portion provided on the flat circuit device inserted in the housing and operative to swing with a fulcrum placed at a root of the holding portion connected with the connecting portion, and the releasing portion is provided thereon with a manipulatable part on which manipulation for shifting the releasing portion toward the holding portion is exerted and operative to swing with a fulcrum placed at a root of the releasing portion connected with the shell member.
4. An electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion is operative to come into contact with a positioning portion provided on the housing to be restricted in position thereby when the manipulatable part of the releasing portion is not manipulated to shift the releasing portion toward the holding portion and operative to come into contact with a contacting portion provided on the housing and move the engaging end portion provided on the holding portion to approach to the root of the releasing portion connected with the shell member when the manipulatable part of the releasing portion is manipulated to shift the releasing portion toward the holding portion.
5. An electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein the holding portion is operative to cause a top end part of the engaging end portion provided on the holding portion to be positioned at the inside of the opening provided on the housing when the holding portion is restricted in position by the positioning portion provided on the housing and then to cause the top end part of the engaging end portion provided on the holding portion to go away from the inside of the opening provided on the housing when the holding portion is operative to shift the engaging end portion provided on the holding portion so as to approach to the root of the releasing portion connected with the shell member.
6. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a couple of sets of the holding portion and the releasing portion of the shell member are formed in a body respectively in a pair of portions of the shell member which cover the second pair of opposite end portions of the housing, respectively.