Methods, systems and computer program products for altering video images to aid an operator of a fastener insertion machine

A method for establishing and monitoring the insertion of at least one fastener onto a work piece using a computer system in communication with a fastener insertion machine and a video monitor comprising the steps of:

• a. importing an electronic image of a work piece into the computer system;
• b. displaying the image on the video monitor;
• c. identifying at least one location on the displayed image for inserting a fastener onto the work piece;
• d. altering the displayed video image at each location where a fastener is to be inserted;
• e. where multiple insertions are to be performed, setting up a sequence for performing each such insertion on the work piece;
• f. where different fastener types are to be inserted, identifying at least one different location on the displayed image for inserting a fastener of a different type onto the work piece;
• g. receiving a signal from the machine indicating completion of an insertion operation;
• and
• h. further altering a location on the displayed image to reflect the performance of the insertion operation at that location.

A method for monitoring the insertion of fasteners into a work piece comprising the steps of:

• a. importing an electronic image of a work piece into a computer system that is in communication with a fastener insertion machine;
• b. displaying the image on a video screen;
• c. identifying at least one location on the displayed image for inserting a fastener onto the work piece;
• d. altering the displayed video image at each location where a fastener is to be inserted;
• e. receiving at least one signal from the machine following the insertion of a fastener;
• and
• f. further altering the displayed video image at each location where a fastener is to be inserted in a sequence upon receipt of each such signal.

A method for monitoring at least one operation to be performed on a work piece using a displayed video image of the work piece comprising the steps of:

• a. importing an electronic image of a work piece into a computer system that is in communication with a machine;
• b. displaying the image on a video screen;
• c. identifying at least one location on the displayed image for at least one operation to be performed on the work piece;
• d. altering the displayed video image at each location where such operation is to be performed;
• e. receiving at least one signal from the machine following the performance of an operation;
• and
• f. further altering the displayed video image at each location where an operation has been performed in a sequence upon receipt of each such signal.

A computer program product comprising:

• a computer usable medium;
• computer readable instructions embodied on said computer useable medium for use in an image processing environment, the instructions directing a computer to perform the steps of:
• a. importing an image of a work piece into said processing environment;
• b. displaying the image on a video screen;
• c. identifying at least one location on the displayed image for at least one operation to be performed on the work piece;
• and
• d. altering the displayed video image at each location where such operation is to be performed.

A system for establishing at least one location for insertion of a fastener onto a work piece using a displayed video image of the work piece comprising the steps of:

• a. importing an image of a work piece into a computer system;
• b. displaying the image on a video screen;
• c. identifying at least one location on the displayed image for inserting a fastener onto the work piece;
• and
• d. altering the displayed video image at each location where a fastener is to be inserted.