Patent ID: 6876898
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying work performed on a workpiece in a work line comprising a plurality of zones, wherein each zone comprises a plurality of workstations that perform the same type of operation, said method comprising the steps of: (a.) in a first one of the zones, moving the workpiece from a first input area to a first workstation; (b.) working on the workpiece in the first workstation; (c.) after step (b), moving the workpiece to a first output area in the first one of the zones; (d.) marking the workpiece with a first mark at the first output area, said first mark indicating that the first workstation worked on the workpiece; (e.) moving the workpiece to a second input area in a second one of the zones; (f.) moving the workpiece from the second input area to a second workstation in the second one of the zones; (g.) working on the workpiece in the second workstation; (h.) after step (g.), moving the workpiece to a second output area in the second one of the zones; and (i.) marking the workpiece with a second mark at the second output area, said second mark indicating that the second workstation worked on the workpiece.