Computer integrated manufacturing rework apparatus and method

Abstract

A manufacturing rework station is integrated with a computer. A repair cell program running on the computer functions as an interface between the rework station operator, one or more databases, and one or more knowledge bases. The repair cell provides the operator with an easy to use graphical environment which aids in the diagnosis and repair of defects. The cell simultaneously provides operator assistance, records operator activity, and collects new knowledge when the problem under analysis was previously unknown. The databases contain manufacturing history for each individual article. The operator will input the serial number of the article with a bar-code reader, causing the program to fetch the record of the article. The computer generates an image of the article on the display. The operator may select a component of the article with a lightpen. In response to the selection of a component, the computer displays the possible diagnoses and repair actions associated with that component, together with a figure of merit. The operator may also invoke an expert consultation mode, in which the computer suggests a diagnosis or requests additional information while searching a directed graph. When a diagnosis is made, the computer automatically updates its databases. A plant monitoring and reporting program has access to the diagnostic statistics, and can generate a warning when a particular defect exceeds a limit, or generate defect reports on request.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.