Abstract:
A system for marking parts including an automated parts labeling (APL) software module for producing information labels for marking parts, a processor for executing the APL software module, and at least one of peripheral label device communicatively connected to the processor for receiving part identification information from the processor and marking said information labels.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to tagging, marking or labeling parts with identification information. More specifically the invention relates to an integrated computer based automated system for tagging, marking or labeling parts  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Industrial assembly plants must stock a multitude parts to be used during the assembly process. These parts must be identified and cataloged for storage and retrieval of the parts. Typical known methods for marking the parts on the shop floor incorporate using many manual tools and processes. For example, air pencils are used to etch identification numbers in metal tags that are attached to a part, or a rubber stencil or electrical type writer is used to print information on labels that are affixed to a part. Typically, a worker would manually receive a work order and a part, then have to manually read the identification information from the work order. The worker would then have to manually transfer the identification information to a specified type of tag, e.g. metal, paper, plastic, or synthetic, using the appropriate marking device such as the air pencil, typewriter, or rubber stencil. Finally, the worker would attach or affix the identification tag or label to the part. This method is laborious and time consuming, and prone to typographical errors. Additionally, correcting such errors is even more laborious and time consuming.  
           [0003]    Therefore, it would be desirable to identify and catalog parts utilizing an automated parts labeling system that utilizes a computer to interface to several peripheral devices such as a printer, a metal tag machine, an ink jet marking machine and a bar code reader.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In one preferred embodiment a system is provided for marking parts including an automated parts labeling (APL) software module for producing information labels for marking parts, a processor for executing the APL software module, and at least one peripheral label device communicatively connected to the processor for receiving part identification information from the processor and marking the information labels.  
           [0005]    In another preferred embodiment a method is provided for marking parts. The method includes executing an automated parts labeling (APL) software module utilizing a processor. Additionally, the method includes entering input data, utilizing a processor-user interface, into at least one interactive panel generated by the APL software module. Furthermore, the method includes marking an information label utilizing the APL software module and at least one peripheral label device communicatively connected to the processor.  
           [0006]    In yet another preferred embodiment a method is provided for using a computer to mark parts with identification information. The method includes displaying at least one interactive panel having a plurality data entry fields, and receiving input data entered in the data entry fields using a processor-user interface. Additionally, the method includes communicating with a plurality peripheral label devices, thereby instructing the peripheral label devices to mark the input data on an information label. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic of an automated parts labeling system (APLS) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an APLS Main panel generated by an APLS software module executed by system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for automatically labeling parts utilizing the APLS software module executed using system  10  shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an APLS Setup panel generated the APLS software module executed by the system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a Label Format panel generated by the APLS software module when a Label Format option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a Setup panel generated by the APLS software module when a Setup option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is an illustration of an Edit panel generated by the APLS software module when an Edit option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is an illustration of a Print Preview panel generated by the APLS software module when a Print Preview option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is an illustration of a Metal Tag Type panel generated by the APLS software module when a Metal Tag Type option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a New Password panel generated by the APLS software module when a New Password option of the Setup panel shown in FIG. 4 is highlighted.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a schematic of an automated parts labeling system (APLS)  10 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. System  10  is can be a stand alone system or a subsystem of network such as a LAN. System  10  is utilized to label parts to be stocked, stored and/or used. As used herein the term “label” or “labeled” is defined to mean any method or device used to put identification information on a part. For example, a label can be a metal tag, a plastic tag, a paper tag, an ink stamp, a metal stamp, a paper label, a synthetic label, or a stencil tag. The parts to be labeled can include anything capable of being labeled, for example, mechanical parts, electrical parts and chemical solutions. The parts can be intended to be used in a stand alone manner or in conjunction with other parts to assemble any system requiring the interconnection of more than one part, such as any device, circuit, structure, machine, equipment, synthetic or composition. An exemplary use of system  10  would be to label parts to be stored, stocked, and/or utilized in a manufacturing facility that assembles or repairs aircraft.  
         [0019]    System  10  includes a computer  16  that includes a processor  22  suitable to execute all functions of computer  16 , and an electronic storage device  28 . Storage device  28  is a computer readable medium, such as a hard drive, for storing such things as software modules or programs, algorithms, information and data. Additionally, system  10  includes a processor-user interface  32 . Processor-user interface  32  is connected to computer  16  and includes a display  34 , a keyboard  40 , a mouse  42  and a bar code scanner  44 . Display  34  is allows a user to view such things as information, data, and graphical representations, while keyboard  40 , mouse  42  and bar code scanner  44  allow a user to input information, data, and queries to computer  16 . Display  34 , keyboard  40 , and mouse  42  are communicatively connected to computer utilizing any suitable computer I/O communication port or connection. For example display  34 , keyboard  40 , and mouse  42  can be communicatively connected to computer  16  via the standard display, keyboard and mouse connectors/ports or via infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) wireless communication connections. Bar code scanner  44  is also connected to computer  16  utilizing any suitable computer I/O connector or port such as a PS2 port, a RS232 port, a parallel port, a USB port, or IR or RF wireless communication connections.  
         [0020]    In an alternate embodiment, computer  16  is a laptop computer wherein processor-user interface  32  is included in computer  16  such that display  34  is hingedly connected to computer  16  and keyboard  40  and mouse  42  are integrally formed with computer  16 . Bar code scanner  44  is connected to the laptop utilizing any suitable computer I/O connector or port as described above.  
         [0021]    Furthermore, system  10  includes a data base  46  and a plurality of peripheral label devices  48 . Database  46  is used for storing information and data specific to the parts to be labeled and to the facilities in which the parts are to stocked, stored and/or utilized. For example, database  46  may store algorithms utilized by system  10 , and/or a plurality of predefined information or data formats used to label the parts. In a preferred embodiment, database  46  is included in storage device  28 . In an alternate embodiment, computer  16  includes database  46  separate from storage device  28 . In another alternate embodiment, database  46  is separate from and communicatively connected to computer  16 . Peripheral label devices  48  are a variety of printing or marking devices that mark a variety of label types with the desired part identification information. The labels are then at least temporarily, preferably permanently, associated with the corresponding part. For example, peripheral devices  48  could be an ink jet printer used to print directly on the part or print paper or plastic labels or tags affixed to the part, or a metal tag stamping or etching device for marking the information on a metal tag that is affixed or attached to the part. Additionally, peripheral devices  48  could be a synthetic tag device for printing synthetic tags affixed or attached to the part, or a stencil tag device used to create stencils for stamping or marking the part. Peripheral label devices  48  are communicatively linked with computer  16  in any suitable manner, for example, utilizing any standard computer I/O connector or port such as a PS2 port, a RS232 port, a parallel port, a USB port, or utilizing IR or RF wireless communication connections.  
         [0022]    System  10  further includes an APLS software module, or program,  52  stored on storage device  28  and executed by processor  22  using inputs from at least one of keyboard  40 , mouse  42  and bar code scanner  44 . Execution of software module  52  creates at least one interactive screen or panel that is graphically displayed on display  34 . The panel graphically displays such things as data entry fields, pull down menus, selectable function buttons and selectable label format options. A user views the panels, selects a desired format, inputs data in the data entry fields and selects a desired function button. The software module, via processor  22 , interprets the data, stores the data if necessary on storage device  28  or in database  46 , and communicates the formatted input data to the appropriate peripheral label device  48 .  
         [0023]    Although the description of the present invention is described below in terms of APLS software module  52  having a direct effect on, and direct control of, system  10 , is should be understood that it is the instructions generated by the execution of APLS software module  52  by processor  22 , and the subsequent implementation of such instructions by processor  22  that have direct effect, on and direct control of, system  10 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an APLS Main panel  100  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) executed by system  10  (shown in FIG. 1). Main panel  100  includes an APLS information window  106 , an APLS format window  112  and a standard metal tag window  118 . The APLS information window includes a plurality of automated data entry fields  124 , a plurality of print buttons  130 , a transfer button  136  and a plurality of manual data entry fields  142 . Standard metal tag window also includes an automated entry field  124  and print button  130 . Each automated data entry field  124  is associated with one of the print buttons  130  which is in turn associated with a specific peripheral label device  48 . Thus, each automated data entry field  124  and related print button  124  associated with a specific label device  48  and used to produce the specific label type intended for use with the specific label device  48 . For example, one print button  130  and data entry field  124  pair is associated with an inkjet printer and utilized to produce a paper identification label, while another print button  130  and data entry field  124  pair is associated with a stencil tag device and utilized to produce a stencil tag.  
         [0025]    In one preferred embodiment, the data entered into each automated data entry field  124  is automatically entered using bar code scanner  44 . It is envisioned that a user receives a part to be labeled and an accompanying work order that includes information describing the type of label to be affixed to the part and a bar code containing all the information that is to be marked on the label. However, the bar code could be on any other associated paperwork, platform, or media associated with the part and system  10 . The user scans the bar code utilizing bar code scanner  44  and APLS software module  52  interprets the information contained in the bar code is automatically enters the information in each automated data entry field  124 . Additionally, APLS software module  52  formats the information entered into each automated data entry field  124  in a format specific to the type of label device  48  and label associated with each print button  130  data entry field  124  pair. For example, APLS software module  52  interprets the scanned bar code information and enters the information in the inkjet automated data entry field  124  such that the data is in a format specific to parts to be labeled using the labels produced by the inkjet label device  48 . Additionally, APLS software module  52  enters the information in the synthetic tag automated data entry field  124  such that the data is in a format specific to parts to be labeled using the labels produced by the synthetic tag label device  48 .  
         [0026]    Alternatively, the user manually enters the information using the transfer button  136  and manual data entry fields  142 . It is further envisioned that in addition to the bar code, each work order includes alphanumeric text containing the identification information to be marked on the label. To manually enter the data, the user utilizes keyboard  40  to manually enter the identification information shown on the work order into manual data entry fields  142 . After the information is manually entered, the user selects transfer button  136  using mouse  42  or keyboard  40  and APLS software module  52  interprets the manually input data and enters the data in each automated data entry field  124  in the appropriate format.  
         [0027]    It is envisioned that APLS software module utilizes Windows® drivers. Thus, the font of information or data entered in automated data entry fields  124  and manual data entry field  142  can be altered with respect to font size and type, as described below in relation to FIG. 5.  
         [0028]    Standard metal tag window  118  includes an automated data entry field  124 , print button  130 , a quantity field  148  and a metal selection button  154 . Quantity field  148  is used to designate how many copies of metal tags the user desires to make. The user manually enters a desired number of copies in the quantity field utilizing keyboard  40 . Using mouse  42  or keyboard  40 , the user can select metal selection  154  to indicate a desired type of metal the user desires the metal tag to be composed of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum. Upon selection of metal selection button  154 , APLS software module  52  presents a pop-up window showing a selection of available metal types from which the user may select one using mouse  42 .  
         [0029]    Label format window  112  includes a list of selectable label formats specific to a plurality of facilities or locations in which system  10  can be implemented. Various facilities or locations in which system  10  is implement may desire the identification information on each label be in a specific format and contain certain information. For example, an aircraft wing assembly shop may desire the information on the labels affixed to wing part be presented in a specific format and showing only specific information contained in the bar code. However, an aircraft landing gear assembly shop may desire the information on the labels affixed to landing gear parts be presented in a different format, showing different specific information contained in the bar code. To specify the desired identification information format, the user can select the desired format before or after entering data in data entry fields  124  or  142 . Thus, when a bar code is scanned, APLS software  52  formats the information with respect to the type of tag associated with each automated data entry field and additionally with respect to which format has been selected from label format window  112 .  
         [0030]    Additionally, label format window  112  includes a speed field  160  and a delay field  166  which are used to set print parameter of the inkjet label device  48 . Display field  160  and delay field  166  are utilized when inkjet label device  48  includes a sensor head (not shown) and is connected to a material handling system used for batch processing. The sensor head is placed on a conveyor system (not shown) on which parts are placed on the conveyor system and pass under the sensor head. Speed field  160  and delay field  166  are set such that as a part passes under the sensor head, inkjet label device  48  prints the identification information directly on the part. Furthermore, each of the APLS information window  106 , the APLS format window  112  and the metal tag window includes a close button  166  used to close the respective window. Thus, the user could close any of the windows and just view the remaining windows that have not been closed.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 is a flow chart  200  of a method for automatically labeling parts utilizing the APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) executed using system  10  (shown in FIG. 1). Upon initial execution of APLS software module  52 , by processor  22 , main panel  100  is presented on display  34 . The user then utilizes mouse  42  or keyboard  40  to select an information format from APLS format window  112 , as indicated at step  204 . After the desired format has been selected, the user scans the bar code on the work order utilizing bar code scanner  44 , as indicated at step  208 . Alternatively, the user selects transfer button  136  and manually enter the identification information from the work order, as indicated at step  212 . Also alternatively, the user could enter data/information in either of the data entry fields  124  or  142 , then select a desired information format from APLS format window  112 . At which point APLS software module will automatically update the information format data entry fields  124  or  142 .  
         [0032]    Next the user determines which type of label is to be used based on the information on the work order, e.g. inkjet label, synthetic tag, stencil tag, or metal tag, as indicated at step  216 . The user then loads one or more labels in the label device  48  associated with the desired label type, as indicated at step  220 . Some label devices  48 , such as inkjet label device  48 , may include label containers and be self-loading, e.g. a paper drawer containing a plurality of inkjet labels. Conversely, other label devices may require the user to load a label each time a label is to be marked utilizing the related label device  48 . For example, the metal tag device may require the user to load a metal tag label each time a metal tag label is to be marked. In which case the user may also be required to load a label having a specific characteristic, for example, the work order may require the user load an aluminum or stainless steel label in metal tag label device  48 , or the work order may require the user load a specific color of label in synthetic tag label device  48 .  
         [0033]    After the desired label is loaded in the proper label device  48 , the user selects the print button  130  associated with the type of label to be marked, as indicated at step  224 , and APLS software module  52  transmits, as indicated at step  228  the identification data to the label device  48  associated with the selected print button  130 . The user then removes the label from label device  48  and affixes the label to the related part, as indicated at step  232 . The label is affixed to the related part in any suitable manner and as indicated on the work order. For example the label could be affixed to the part using adhesive, rivets, screws, welding, nailing, nylon tie wraps, tape, or solder. After a part is labeled, the user merely scans in the bar code, or manually enters the identification information on the next work order and APLS software module automatically overwrites  
         [0034]    In an alternate embodiment, processor-user interface  32  includes, and APLS software module  52  is adapted to utilize a touch screen monitor. In which case, in the all instances above, the user can choose not to utilize one or both of mouse  42  and keyboard  40 , but instead make selections and enter information/data in Main panel  100  utilizing the touch screen.  
         [0035]    APLS software module  52  also includes setup features utilized after APLS software module  52  is first installed on a computer  16 . Once APLS software module  52  is installed on computer  16 , the APLS software module  52  must be setup, or configured, to meet the specific needs and requirements of the facility or location in which system  10  is deployed.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an APLS Setup panel  300  generated APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) executed by system  10  (shown in FIG. 1). APLS software module  52  generates Setup panel  300  when the user depresses an alternate button on mouse  42  when a cursor displayed on display  34  is positioned in any area between buttons, options, and data entry fields on Main panel  100 . Typically, the alternate mouse button is the right button, and the procedure to generate Setup panel  300  could alternately be described as ‘Right Clicking’ on the area between buttons, options and data entry fields on Main panel  100 . Setup panel  300  includes a Label Format option  304 , a Setup option  308 , an Edit option  312 , a Print Preview option  316 , a Metal Tag Type option  320 , and New Password option  324 , an New Program Manager option  328 , an APLS Init File option  332 , a Help option  336  and an About option  340 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a Label Format panel  350  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the Label Format option  304  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. Label format panel  350  is used to configure default settings dictating how Main panel  100  (shown in FIG. 2) is displayed, e.g. font size of data entered in data entry fields  124  and  142  and what fields and options are displayed, when computer  16  is booted up and APLS software generates Main panel  100 . Each facility or location may desire Main panel  100  to be displayed in a manner that is most convenient for that specific facility or location. When the user highlights Label Format option  304 , APLS software module  52  generates a pull-down menu  354  that includes a plurality of format options  358 . To set the default format of Main panel  100 , the user then selects one of format options  358 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a Setup panel  400  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the Setup option  308  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. Setup panel  400  is used to configure, or setup, the parameters of peripheral label devices  48  (shown in FIG. 1). Each label device  48  must be configured with default settings that allow communication with computer  16 , e.g. baud rate, port type, etc. When the user highlights Setup option  308 , APLS software module  52  generates a pull-down menu  404  that includes a plurality of names of label devices  48  that can be configured. To set the default settings of a specific label device  48 , the user selects the name of the label device  48  shown in pull-down menu  404 . At which point, APLS software module  52  generates at least on subsequent interactive window (not shown) that allows the user to select or enter the desired default settings.  
         [0039]    Additionally, pull-down menu  404  includes a Zebra Comm Setup option  408 , an Organization option  412 , a Shop Phone # option  416  and a Lot Number option  420 . Zebra Comm Setup option  408  is used to configure the parameters of scanner  44  (shown in FIG. 1). Organization option  412  is used input the identification of the facility or location in which system  10  is deployed. Likewise, Shop Phone # option  416  and Lot Number option  420  are used input the phone number and lot number of the facility or location in which system  10  is deployed. The facility identification, phone number and lot number are all then included the information marked on each label produced by system  10 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 7 is an illustration of an Edit panel  450  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the Edit option  312  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. Edit panel  450  is used to edit any information or data entered in any panel generated by APLS software module  52 . When the user highlights Edit option  312 , APLS software module  52  generates a pull-down menu  454  that includes stand Windows® edit options such as cut, copy, and paste, which can be used to edit any data entered in data entry fields  124  and  142  (shown in FIG. 2).  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 8 is an illustration of a Print Preview panel  500  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the Print Preview option  316  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. Print Preview panel  500  is used to preview how a label will appear once the label is marked with the identification information. Thus, if utilization of Print Preview panel  500  shows that all the identification information will not fit on the label, the user can reduce the font size Label Format option  304 . When the user highlights Print Preview option  316 , APLS software module  52  generates a pull-down menu  504  that includes a list of the various label devices  48  for which the user can preview the label prior to marking the label, e.g. inkjet label device, synthetic tag label device, and stencil tag label device.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 9 is an illustration of a Metal Tag Type panel  550  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the Metal Tag Type option  320  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. Metal Tag Type panel  550  is used to include additional information on the metal tag labels marked using metal tag label device  48 . Some parts, for example an engine block, may require that specific characteristics of the part, for example stress values or maximum load, be marked on the identification label. If a user is going to use metal tag labels to label a plurality of parts that require the same characteristic information be marked on the label, the user highlights utilizes Metal Tag Type option  320  and APLS software module generates pull-down menu  554  that include a plurality of information options  558 . The user then selects the desired information to be marked each label from pull-down menu  554 . For example if all metal tags were to be marked with propulsion system information, the user would select the propulsion system option  558  from pull-down menu  554  If no additional part characteristic information is desired to be marked on the metal tag label, the user selects the general metal tag option  558  from pull-down menu  554 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a New Password panel  600  generated by APLS software module  52  (shown in FIG. 1) when the New Password option  320  of Setup panel  300  (shown in FIG. 4) is highlighted by the user. APLS software module  52  utilizes password to protect the system configuration and setup from unwanted changes. When the user ‘Right Clicks’ on Main panel  100  to evoke Setup panel  300 , APLS software module requires the user to enter an APLS function password to indicate that the user is authorized to make changes to the APLS functions as described above in reference to FIGS.  4 - 9 . Furthermore, a user desires to change the manner in which APLS software module  52  interacts with the operating system installed on computer  16 , for example if the user desired to alter an .ini file, APLS software module  52  requires the user to enter a system password. New Password panel  550  is used to enable the user change the APLS functions password and/or the system password.  
         [0044]    When the user highlights New password option  324 , APLS software module  52  generates pull-down menu  604  that include an APLS Function option  608  and a System option  612 . To change the APLS function password the user selects APLS Function option  608  and enters the desired new password in a subsequent window (not shown) generated by APLS software module  52 . Likewise, if the user desires to change the system password the user selects System option  612  and enters the new password accordingly.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 4 APLS Init File option  332  is used for configuring computer  16  such that processor  22  properly executes software module  52 . Upon boot-up of computer  16  an APLS.ini file is executed that contains configuration information that configures computer  16  to run software module  52 . As computer  16  is booted-up all the information in the APLS.ini file is read by processor  22  and displayed on display  34 .  
         [0046]    When the user selects Help option  336 , APLS software module generates a help menu (not shown) that provides the user with information about using APLS software module  52 . The appearance and functionality of the Help menu generated is essentially the same as a standard well know Windows® Help menu.  
         [0047]    About option  340  is used display information about software module  52 , such as the version, compliancy, and date the installed version was created.  
         [0048]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.