Abstract:
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for marking equipment parts. The system consists of electronic parts marking instruction cards, databases, and, in many applications, remote parts marking equipment. The system also includes analysis and monitoring components for monitoring parts marking programs, including opportunistic parts marking programs. The computer product described utilizes electronic parts marking instruction cards, and allows multiple users at multiple locations to mark parts for complex equipment as they are being operated and maintained.

Description:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a symbolic diagram of an example system of the opportunistic parts marking management system and its components; 
     FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the electronic marking instruction card generation process of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the parts marking and verification process of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the parts marking status review and revision operations of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are screen shots of an example network interface tool used in the parts search process of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a screen shot of an example network interface tool used in the part serial number generation process of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 are screen shots of a two screen electronic parts marking card (electronic task card) of an example network interface tool used in the parts marking process of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a screen shot of example bar codes generated by an example network interface tool used in the parts marking process of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a screen shot of a parts marking validation screen produced by an example network interface tool used in the parts marking verification process of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is a screen shot of parts data available through an example network interface tool that performs the status review process in the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a computer network-based system to enable parts marking implementation, efficiency, coordination, and program control. The present invention enables unique serialization of components being marked across disparate geographic locations. The present invention greatly assists in parts management for fielded fleets of airplanes, motor vehicles, and any other devices or equipment that require ongoing parts maintenance and replacement. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an example system of a network-based opportunistic parts marking management system  5  implementing the present invention. The system  5  includes one or more databases  10  coupled to a parts marking and scanning subsystem  40 , a status/management subsystem  50 , and an electronic card entry/revision subsystem  30  over a network  60 . The databases  10  are preferably supported on a processor-based server. The parts marking and scanning subsystem  40 , status/management subsystem  50 , and electronic card entry/revision subsystem  30  are preferably processor-based systems. In other configurations of the invention, the databases, parts marking and scanning, status/management, and electronic card entry/revision subsystems may be variously distributed and/or combined in different locations and in different processor based systems. The network utilized may be a direct connection or wireless network, and may be a public or private local area network, or a wide area network. In one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the network utilized is a diffuse computer network, such as the World Wide Web. 
     The parts marking and scanning subsystem  40  includes a bar code scanner  44 , or similar scanner, often handheld, and a marking device  42 , here a label printer. Alternative marking devices and methods are well known and are discussed in more detail below, under block  160  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the electronic parts marking card generation entry process utilized by the system  5 , FIG. 1, of the present invention. 
     First, at “input new electronic card” block  100 , a maintenance person or other designated person enters information and instructions for the marking of a specific equipment component as an electronic parts marking card (electronic task card). At “author validation” decision block  110 , the system determines whether the author is validated to save the new electronic parts marking card, or in the case of revision to a card, recording or saving the revisions to an existing card. Validation is suitably conducted utilizing a network connection  60  to an authorizing/validation database  12 . The authorizing/validation database  12  maintains basic information to permit the system to determine whether a particular author or a particular electronic parts marking card may be validated. If in the “author validation” decision block  110 , the author is not validated, an alternative author may be sought to input a new or revised electronic parts marking card. After validation of the author of the new or revised electronic parts marking card, at “card validation” decision block  120  the card itself is validated for form and/or substance, again utilizing information over the network  60 , from the authorizing/validation database  12 . If the card is not validated, an alternate entry may be made, or an alternate author may be sought to input the new or revised electronic card. 
     The electronic parts marking card documents the parts marking method for a specific part and permits a uniform method to publish and maintain the marking method for each component part entered into the system of the present invention. Upon author validation and card validation for the new or revised electronic parts marking card, the card is stored in the database of approved cards  14 . The electronic parts marking card generated by the process of FIG. 2 is described further below in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. In a present embodiment of the invention, the process shown in FIG. 2 is performed by the electronic card entry/revision subsystem  30  (FIG.  1 ). 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the parts marking and verification process of the invention, performed in the present embodiment primarily by the parts marking and scanning subsystem  40  of FIG.  1 . At “Identify/Locate Part” block  130 , the maintenance person, or other designated person, identifies and locates the particular part to be marked. At “field access approved electronic card” block  140 , that person accesses the approved electronic marking card through the computer network  60  from the database of approved cards  14 . In the present invention parts marking may occur in remote locations. This access to the network may be through a wireless link to the computer network. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, part or all of the network connections are wireless, in some instances using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). 
     At “Determine Manufacturer Code and Part Number” block  150 , the manufacturer code and part number is determined. In a present embodiment this is done through a look-up consisting of various manufacturers&#39; part numbers and part descriptions. Once the manufacturer code and part number for the part to be marked is determined, the system in block  160 , “Generate Serial Number/Part Record,” generates a unique serial number and blank part record for the part to be marked. The unique serial number itself can be formatted in compliance with any of several industry identification standards, or a system unique to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the serial number is generated via a computer network  60  by a serial number/part database generator  16 . 
     At block  160 , when the serial number and parts record is generated additional information concerning the part may be input at block  162 , either automatically or by manual entry. Such information may include the location of the part, the condition of the part, its status, and, if installed, information concerning the equipment in which it is installed. After the unique serial number and part record for the part is generated, the system at block  170 , “Create Label/Mark Part,” creates a mark for the part, and the mark is applied to the part by the maintenance person, or other designated individual. The mark generated for the part can be a wide variety of computer readable or scanner readable marks, including linear bar codes, stencil markings, and two dimensional matrix symbols or codes. Marking systems include ATA Spec 2000 and ANSI MH10 Systems. The labels or marks themselves may be created and/or applied through non-intrusive marking methods, including labels, direct printing including ink jet printing, laser bonding, stenciling, silkscreening, or applying contact memory buttons or RFID tags. Marks can also be created and/or applied using intrusive means, including abrasive blasting, stamping, dot-peen processes, chemical etching, laser coloring/etching/engraving, or laser induced vapor deposition. Labels, if used for marks, may include self-stick adhesive labels, or adhesive mounted and sealed labels. The mark itself may be installed on the part automatically by machine, or installed on the part by a maintenance person or other designated individual. 
     At block  180 , “Scan Newly Marked Part,” quality control of the parts marking process is verified. At block  180  the newly marked part is scanned by the operator or designated person. At decision block  190 , “Quality Verified,” the system analyzes whether the parts mark is verified as readable and is linked to its part record. If the part cannot be properly scanned and verified, then the part can be rescanned under block  180  “Scan Newly Marked Part.” If scanning and verification continues to fail, a new part mark can be generated and the part can be re-marked under block  170 , “Create Label/Mark Part.” If the parts mark quality is verified, then the system proceeds to block  200 , “Store Serial Number Database/Update Status Database” where the part serial number is recorded via the network  60  in the serial number/part database  18 . The marking status tracking database  20  is also updated through a network  60 . As the serial number/part database  18  is updated, information from that database may be transmitted directly to the status-tracking database  20 , to keep it updated in real time. 
     FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates the parts marking status and management process performed by the status/management subsystem  30  (FIG.  1 ). At block  220 , “Review/Analyze Marking Status,” an operator, or a manager utilizing management and/or analysis protocols, reviews and analyzes the marking status of the marking operation. As part of that operation, status and/or completion metrics, displays or data may be generated and output under block  222 , “Output Status/Completion Metrics.” The review and analysis of marking status may be done remotely from the status-tracking database  20  by connections through a computer network  60 . At decision block  230 , “Change Marking Instructions,” the review and analysis involves a decision whether to change the marking instructions and/or protocols utilized for parts marking. If marking is proceeding successfully, the system continues marking under block  235 , “Continue Marking.” If the system is not resulting in proper or successful marking, marking instructions may be changed under block  240 , “Revise Electronic Cards,” involving revising the electronic marking cards (electronic task cards). 
     The electronic card generation process in FIG. 2, the parts marking and verification processes of FIG. 3, and the parts marking status review and analysis processes of FIG. 4 are combined and operated by the unified but dispersed system  5  of FIG.  1 . Any one or more of these subprocesses may be conducted at any given location, or any given time, by singular or multiple users. The flexibility of remote marking utilizing computer readable and computer generated marks, in connection with a uniform published parts marking system consisting of electronic parts marking cards (electronic task cards) provides great flexibility in implementing parts marking strategies. Easy remote marking permits “opportunistic parts marking” (OPM) whenever it is convenient to gain access to parts. Targeted “seek and mark” protocols can direct the marking of particular parts in rapid sequence. “Gated” strategies either mark, or require prior marking, at chosen locations in the parts distribution system. Remote operation also permits “vendor marking at source” by the parts manufacturer. Alternately, parts may be marked at the “equipment build” stage when the equipment is either assembled, or rebuilt for long standing or “legacy” systems. All of these strategies are supported by the system  5  of FIG. 1 of the present invention, utilizing the suboperations of electronic marking card generation and revision of FIG. 2, parts marking and verification of FIG. 3, and system updating and monitoring of FIG.  4 . 
     Additional subsystems may be added in any of the given operations. For example, generating or revising electronic parts marking cards may also include further steps of querying the database of approved cards to determine whether a parts marking methodology has already been developed. Temporary lockouts may be implemented for the database of approved cards, while work is in progress on updating or generating a new or revised electronic parts marking card for the given part. Document marking methods may be reviewed and compared through test installations and test scanning, including checking for label readability and access when the part is installed. Documentation included in any given electronic parts marking card may be updated and proofed, such as with new or more complete photographs or graphic information. 
     In a present embodiment, the serial number for a particular part is generated at a controlled central register, which produces a unique number when the logic calls for a serial number to be generated. That present embodiment utilizes a computer based number generator linked to the serial number/part database, with computer network enabled delivery, to complete this step. 
     Also, in a present embodiment, a centralized website enables coordination of management of the parts operation, with information delivered over the computer network. 
     FIGS. 5-12 are screen shots generated by an example embodiment of the present invention. These FIGURES illustrate example input and output methods for the invention utilizing communications over a local area or wide area computer network. 
     FIG. 5 is a part search screen of the direct parts marking management system of the preferred embodiment. The screen in FIG. 5 permits searching for a part through entry of the manufacturer&#39;s commercial and government entity code (CAGE) which may be entered by the maintenance person or a designated person using the parts marking system through the screen of FIG. 5 at the CAGE entry location  300 . The part entry section  305  also permits entry of a specific part type number. A search button  310  signals the central database to search for the requested part. General system management keys on the screen permit the user to step back to a prior screen, utilizing a back step key  500 , or to jump to a menu using a main menu key  505 . 
     FIG. 6 is a screen shot that shows the results of a search based upon the example CAGE entry shown on FIG.  5 . The database of the system has returned a list of parts registered for the particular vendor. That list  320  allows the user to click on the part being marked. 
     If the part is not already marked, FIG. 7 shows a screen shot of the part number generation and validation steps of the system. With the CAGE code  300 , and the part number  305  of the part selected being displayed, a unique serial number  315  for the part to be marked is generated by selecting a generate key  320 . At this point, the system, at block  160 , “Generate Serial Number/Part Record,” of FIG. 3 generates a serial number and a part record for the part to be marked, connecting through the network with the serial number/part record generator. Additional information may be manually input, or automatically input to the record for the specific part to be marked. After the generation of the unique serial number  315 , the screen of FIG. 7 permits a mark to be generated for the part by the selection of a create label key  325 . The system then generates a mark or set of labels for the part to be marked, with the marking type dependent upon the particular part being marked. 
     Example part labels are shown in FIG. 10, a screen shot of the label screen created by the mark creation process of the invention. For this example mark, a separate bar code is generated for the manufacturer number  360 , for the part number  365 , and for the unique serial number for the part being marked, bar code  370 . The screen of FIG. 10, after the creation of the mark, permits the user to select the printing of the mark by selection of a print bar  375 , or canceling of the mark through a close bar  380 . Not shown are screens which would show two-dimensional matrix or other marks for alternative marking systems, such as dot peening or stenciling. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 are screen shots of the electronic parts marking card (electronic task card) of the present invention that provides the user with instructions as to the specific type, placement, and application of the parts marks. The electronic parts marking card provides a step by step listing of the steps for marking the part, through an instruction list  330 . The instruction list may be one or more pages. A present embodiment allows selection of first  335 , and last  340  pages of the electronic task card for display. A go bar  345  permits jumping to a particular page and an enlarge bar  350  allows any portion of the card or card data to be enlarged. As shown on FIG. 9, a second screen shot of the electronic parts marking card, images may be part of the task card. In this example marking card, as shown in FIG. 9, the label positions for the parts marks are shown by presenting a marking step illustration  355 , showing the marks, in this case labels, applied to the part. This step illustration  355  permits the designated user to clearly see the proper location and orientation of the label as applied to the part. 
     In a present embodiment, the electronic parts marking card screen, as shown on FIG. 8 allows additional alternative choices, including a new search bar  510  for a new search for a different part if the wrong part has been selected. An opportunity is permitted to comment on the usefulness of or errors in the electronic parts marking card through a “make a comment bar”  520 . Bar code generation can be directly selected through a bar code button  525 . An image of the part may be shown through a view image bar  515 . A wide variety of data, including dimensional data, descriptive text, engineering drawings, and photographs, may be incorporated into an electronic parts marking card to properly demonstrate installation of the parts label. 
     FIG. 11 is a screen shot of the parts marking validation screen utilized by an example system of the present invention for validating the label as attached to the part being marked. After a unique serial number for the part has been generated, and the label has been created and applied, the part label is scanned by the remote operator to confirm validity of the installed label. In this example, the CAGE code  362 , the vendor part number and the serial number  372  of the example part just marked have been scanned, and all confirm proper marking. At this point, the user selects the create record bar  385  which causes the completed part record to be stored via the computer network to the serial number/part database. Accompanying updates are simultaneously made to the parts marking status tracking database, as shown at block  200 , “Update Status Database” (FIG.  3 ). 
     FIG. 12 is an example screen shot of the review and analysis component of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows the parts from a particular manufacturer labeled and/or marked by using the system of the present invention. This data is presented through a parts screen list  390  generated by the program implementing the system. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the system can include publishing draft marking methods for each part type. The system can include a step for review and authorization of the marking methods. It can provide for more formal publication and direct distribution of the authorized method of parts marking. Alternative mechanisms of feedback may be utilized for returning marking information and marking method difficulties or successes from the field. Various registers for part types and components may be utilized to capture further information regarding the parts being installed, their service dates and other information. A wide variety of unique serial number systems may be implemented for the marked parts, as may a wide variety of marking systems. As noted, automated and hand entered supplemental information may accompany the marking of each part, or the marking of groups and subgroups of parts. Statistical data may be gathered or generated automatically at the same time as marking, including the time required to mark each part, productivity of marking, and percentage of completion of parts marking tasks. In each case the system as described provides for systematized and efficient marking process development, authorization, publication, and implementation. Authorized marking is able to carried by multiple teams in remote locations simultaneously. Part number and serial number errors are removed by delivering unique part number and serial number configuration control processes to the remote locations, including multiple remote locations simultaneously and nearly instantaneously. The system also can track the progress of multiple marking operations simultaneously, and compare this progress against the marking plan sought to be implemented. 
     Marking may continue at the same time as the information is utilized for maintenance and operation planning for the equipment fleet for which the parts are being marked. In the preferred embodiment, the system is utilized for a legacy fleet of aircraft, but the system is not limited to aircraft, but may be applied to fixed and mobile systems of electronic, chemical, and/or mechanical equipment where efficiency, cost, and reliability of operation maintenance are important. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.