Abstract:
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for determining a manufacturing capacity at a facility with assemblers performing assembly instructions in a computer directed assembly (CDA) system. Determining a manufacturing capacity includes selecting a production time interval for a product assembled using a sequence of assembly instructions. A scheduler system identifies assemblers available during the timeframe that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions. Once this set of assemblers is identified, the scheduler projects an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instructions during the production time interval. The projected individual capacity is projected based on historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database. The manufacturing capacity is then generated by aggregating the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval.
Abstract:
Provided is a method and system for creating assembly instructions and using them on a computer system to direct assemblers working in a light-manufacturing environment. The assembly instructions break the assembly process into smaller elemental steps with specific instructions to be performed and verified in sequence during assembly. Each assembly instruction may identify a specific pocket in a matrix tray holding the material to be used in the assembly. Before the assembler begins assembling the manufactured product, in some embodiments, a training history is retrieved with the assembler's experience, If the assembler has fulfilled a prerequisite training sequence or equivalent from the training history, in some embodiments, assembly instructions are provided through the user interface coordinated with multimedia assembly data that guide the assembler to combine materials with the component and complete the assembly.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for managing tools and calibrating tools when performing assembly instructions in a computer directed assembly system. To ensure tools remain calibrated, in one embodiment a tool identifier associated with a tool required for the assembly instruction is obtained. Using the tool identifier, a tool usage time for the tool is aggregated from an assembly record database. To determine whether the tool may need calibration, the tool usage time from a last calibration point is compared with a tool usage threshold for calibrating the tool as provided for by the associated assembly instruction. If the tool usage threshold is exceeded, using the tool is disallowed unless the tool is recalibrated. Alternatively, the tool is authorized for use to perform the assembly instruction when it is determined that the tool usage time from the last calibration point does not exceed the tool usage threshold.
Abstract:
A computer-implemented user interface displayed on a display of a computer directed assembly workstation is provided for interacting with a sequence of assembly instructions. In some embodiments, an in-use view area is displayed on the user interface providing a “live” image of an item the assembler is currently working on. This in-use view area generally involves taking videos of tools, materials, matrix trays with materials, and/or components of the final product as they are manipulated by the assembler. The user interface further displays a preassembled view area providing an image of at least one preassembled item provided as an example of a properly assembled item. This example helps the assembler process each assembly instruction with greater accuracy and speed. This preassembled view area may include other products previously assembled and useful to the assembler performing the assembly task including images and videos of materials, components, and/or matrix trays with materials.
Abstract:
A data recording apparatus is disclosed for recording production and product data output from at least one electronic device. A data collector device assigned to the electronic device records the production and product data and converts said data into transmission data to be transmitted, which are subsequently stored in a storage device. A configuration device connected between the data collector device and the storage device controls the storage of the transmission data.
Abstract:
A method of generating control commands to be executed by a motion control system under control of a plurality of system users to move an object in a desired manner. At least one restricted program element associated with the motion control system is identified. An application program used by the system users when controlling the motion control system is provided. The application program employs the at least one restricted program element. A plurality of access levels are determined. Each restricted program element is associated with one of the access levels. Each of the plurality of system users is associated with one of the access levels. Motion control commands are generated based on the application program, the access level of each system user, and the access level of each restricted program element.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a field device for automation systems, comprising a unit for internal data organisation, means for recording process parameters and/or means for outputting regulation parameters, means for processing signals according to the recorded regulation parameters or the regulation parameters to be output, and at least one communication interface. The means and the communication interface thus communicate with a unit for internal data organisation in order to exchange data between each other. A transaction manager unit, which is provided to control blockings, transactions and/or users, is used to control the access via the means and via the at least one communication interface to the data of the unit for internal data organisation between the means, the at least one communication interface and the unit for internal data communication.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus are presented for selectively locking controls from operators operating equipment. The invention actively detects when an operator accesses a control for which lockout is desired. After detection, the invention locks the control to prevent the operator from operating the control. Thus, operators are permitted selective access to controls. The active detection of when an operator is accessing a control is performed by first generating a signal, which is passed to a plate, where it is then coupled through the operator to a receiver. The signal is detected at a signal detector attached with a control so the control can react to the signal. In an automotive situation, the plate may be in a vehicle seat, with the signal coupling through a driver or passenger upon actuation of a control. Based on the signal received, the function of the control may be eliminated, altered, or reduced.
Abstract:
When access to proprietary data or sensitive information stored in a memory device of a programmable unit is attempted, a check is carried out to determine whether the requested access has been or could have been initiated by someone who is not authorized to do so, and in that the memory device outputs requested data, and/or stores data which is supplied to it only when the check shows that it can be assumed that the relevant access has not been initiated or could not have been initiated by someone who is not authorized to do so. Access is controlled, for example, by identifying the source of the requested access, or by associating the requested access with the execution of a secure command.