AUTOMATED AUDITING SYSTEM

Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device testing unit. The testing unit may include sensors and circuits for identifying particular worker who are performing the test. The testing unit includes a testing circuitry for continuous or on-demand verification of the efficacy of the ESD device. A communication system allows the testing unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.

Description: AUTOMATED AUDITING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Static electricity creates problems in the electronics and other industries, particularly with the advent of integrated circuits and other microelectronic components. Components such as integrated circuits, for instance, may be disabled or destroyed by over-voltages or power density resulting from static electricity. Certain junctions in such circuits can be destroyed by as little as a 50 volt potential, which radically changes the doping structure in their lattices. Power densities resulting from excessive potential and imperfections in circuit layout or structure can vaporize or radically alter the silicon substrate and thus impair or destroy a circuit's performance. Yet a person walking on carpet on a dry day can accumulate as much as 30,000 volts of potential, and he or she can triboelectrically generate thousands of volts by simply changing his or her position in a chair or handling a styrofoam cup. Such a person can inadvertently discharge such static potential into a circuit or component by touching it and causing over-voltage or excessive power density. Additionally, the potential in such a person's body can induce a charge in a circuit that can later cause over- voltage or excessive power density when the circuit is subsequently grounded. Those in industries in which integrated circuits and other microelectronic components are handled or assembled may take measures to limit the failure rate of those circuits and components by attempting to keep them as well as their environment at zero electrical potential. Such measures include providing workers and work stations with electro-static discharge (ESD) devices, such as antistatic carpet, conductive or dissipative grounded desk top work surfaces, hot air ion generators which emit ions to neutralize static changes, grounding wrist straps, heel grounders and other garments to keep workers at zero potential. The situations in which grounding wrist straps are used heighten the importance of their being effective, reliable, and predictable. The person working on microelectric components or integrated circuits may be completely unaware that he or she has accumulated minor static electrical charges, and may therefore unknowingly be in a position to disable circuits on which he or she is working or which he or she is handling. If the strap is loose or has been removed or if it is not functioning properly for other reasons, the worker may be unaware that electrical discharges transmitted from his or her fingers are disabling the circuits. (A typical person cannot sense a static electrical discharge of less than approximately 3,500 volts.) No one may discover that the circuits have been disabled or damaged until hours, days or weeks later, when the circuits have been placed in components or devices which fail in the field. Removal and repair or replacement of these circuits once in the field is far costlier than avoiding potential failure while the worker is handling the circuits. Various procedures for ensuring the proper use and efficacy of ESD devices have been developed. For instance, wrist strap or heel grounder testers have been developed which allow a worker to verify the efficacy of the device. These testing units may be used periodically or may continuously monitor the efficacy of the ESD device. In other words, each work area may have an ESD device testing unit with which each worker verifies his or her ESD device(s) prior to beginning a shift. Alternatively, each work station may be equipped with an ESD device monitor which continuously monitors the efficacy of the ESD device and warns the worker in the event of a failure. Such testing units are of little value, however, if they are not used in a manner which creates confidence that the ESD devices are being tested frequently and consistently enough to ensure reliable function. Thus, protocols have may be established for periodic testing or auditing of the ESD devices. For instance, the ISO 9000 standards include requirements that workers record their use of the devices and periodically verify their efficacy with test equipment. Where continuous monitoring is used, a record is made of each occasion on which the failure of an ESD device is detected. These records are used to certify the products under the standard. Other industry standards or internal operating procedures also may require documentation of ESD auditing programs. One problem created by conventional methods for recording and tracking of ESD auditing programs is the generation of large amounts of printed documents or records. Such documentation is, however, required for many manufacturing processes. These records can be bulky and so voluminous that they are practically useless for analytical purposes. Thus, in order to provide the data that can be used in meaningful ways, the records must be entered by hand into a computer database - an expensive and time consuming process. Furthermore, maintaining such records by hand can introduce errors resulting from mis-recording or worker inattention. This is particularly true where continuous monitoring is required, as brief interruptions in ESD device operation may go unnoticed. Moreover, the conventional method of recording ESD data, i.e., by hand, typically fails to record data which may be particularly useful in establishing, monitoring and improving an ESD auditing program and the ESD devices themselves. For instance, if the test of a wrist strap or other ESD device fails, the worker typically adjusts the device and re- tests, repeating the process until a satisfactory test result is achieved. The user then records the fact that the test was performed and passed and proceeds to a work station. The records do not reflect, however, the fact that several tries may have been necessary in order to pass the test. This information is valuable because it can give statistical information as to the reliability and durability of the ESD device. Another limitation of manual data entry is the lack of real-time availability of the data to the program supervisor. Currently, if a supervisor wishes to determine whether all ESD devices have been properly tested according to program requirements, he or she must go to each testing station and examine the log book. In a large fabrication facility, the examination of each log book may be difficult or even impossible to do in a short time. Similarly, where continuous ESD device monitoring is required, a supervisor has no way of determining which ESD devices are functioning properly at any given time. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention provides an automated system for performing ESD device tests and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems according to the present invention comprise at least one ESD device testing unit. The testing unit may provide functionality for identifying the worker who is performing the test and include testing circuitry for continuous or on-demand verification of the efficacy of the ESD device. A communication system allows the testing unit to communicate with a central computer or processor which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. To perform on-demand verification, a worker connects his or her ESD device to the testing unit. An identification device, such as a card bearing a bar code, magnetic stripe or other information storage medium, is read by the test unit. The identity of the worker is verified from an employee database and the appropriate test procedure for that worker is determined. The test unit then assesses the efficacy of the ESD device or devices. If the device is functioning properly, that fact is recorded by the unit and the worker may disconnect from the testing unit and proceed to his or her work assignment. The test unit may operate a relay which controls access to the work area via an electronic door, turnstile, or it may otherwise control access to or activation of the worksite. If the device is not functioning properly, the unit records that fact and indicates it to the worker. The worker then adjusts the device and repeats the testing process. This may be repeated as many times as necessary until the device functions properly or is replaced. A central computer periodically polls the test units and downloads the test data stored therein. These data are compiled in the desired format to comply with documentation standards. Furthermore, statistical analysis may be performed to generate other desired data. Where continuous monitoring is required, the worker connects his or her ESD device into a monitor provided at the workstation. Other ESD devices associated with the workstation may also be connected to the monitor. The monitor provides a continuous indication of the status of the ESD devices. In the event of a device failure, the monitor can present an audible or visual alarm to the worker. At the same time, a central computer can continuously poll the monitor and display and record the status of the ESD devices. Thus, a supervisor may monitor the ESD devices in real time and detailed records of any failures over a given period of time may be recorded. The automated auditing system of present invention presents several advantages over the conventional method of performing and documenting the testing of ESD devices. The automated system eliminates the bulky and voluminous logs associated with a manual recordation system. Furthermore, because the data is recorded on a central device, the likelihood of lost logs and the need for a separate log at each testing station is eliminated. The speed at which tests are performed and recorded is also reduced. A worker need only perform the test and the test data is automatically recorded, allowing the worker to proceed to his or her work assignment without undue delay. In a continuous monitoring environment, the worker need not even record the failure, but may instead devote his or her time to correcting the problem. These factors combine to increase worker productivity and reduce production costs, particularly documentation costs. The automated system can record all data required by documentation standards, such as ISO 9000. Reports required by such standards may be produced automatically without the need for incorporating bulky log books into the documentation or manually inputting data from log books into an electronic format. Thus, documentation processing requirements are dramatically reduced. The automated system also reduces or eliminates worker errors, both in testing and recording of test results. Furthermore, by identifying automatically each worker performing the test the system increases worker accountability. Moreover, a supervisor may instantly confirm that all testing has been performed at any given time or that each ESD device is functioning properly without having to go to each testing station and review a paper log. In addition to simplifying data acquisition and processing, the automated system creates the ability to collect and analyze more sophisticated and valuable information. Because the system may record every time that a test is performed and its result (rather than the mere recordation of a successful test) and therefore the number of failed tests, a supervisor or designer of ESD devices may analyze the test results to determine the status of the ESD devices over time. This allows analysis of the reliability and durability of the devices and improvement of the designs thereof. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which eliminates the need for manual recordation of test results. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which eliminates the need for voluminous hard-copy records while providing the reports required under applicable manufacturing standards. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which allows complete information regarding testing procedures to be recorded. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which allows the accumulated data to be manipulated and analyzed in a meaningful way. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which allows instant access to ESD auditing program records at a central location. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which collects and formats test result data in a predetermined manner. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which reduce the time associated with performing and recording the results of test procedures. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which automatically identify the worker being tested. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which allows instant access to all test records from a central location. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which records all test results, including failures, to allow more sophisticated analysis of ESD device performance and reliability. It is a further object of the present invention to provide automated systems for continuously testing, verifying, documenting, and reporting the status and efficacy of ESD devices, allowing analysis and manipulation of the data acquired thereby and providing access control which allows the status of all such devices to be observed from a central location. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the remainder of this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram which represents the topology of a first embodiment of an automated auditing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates one form of a test station of the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a testing and logic circuit of the automated test unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a testing and logic circuit of an optional footwear tester for the automated test unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a footwear power supply and isolation circuit of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates the main logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates the "Access Denied-Log" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates the "Access Denied-Ignore" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 illustrates the "No Test Required" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 illustrates the "Wrist Strap Only" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 illustrates the "Footwear Only" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 illustrates a first portion of the "Wrist Strap and Footwear" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 A illustrates a second portion of the "Wrist Strap and Footwear" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 illustrates the "Wrist Strap or Footwear" logic flow for the control software of the automated test unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram which represents the topology of a second embodiment of automated auditing systems according to the present invention. FIG. 14 shows one form of a workstation of the automated system of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 shows one form of a graphical display of the central computer of the automated system of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1-12 shows a first embodiment of automated auditing systems 10 for on- demand testing of ESD devices in accordance with the present invention. System 10 generally comprises central computer 12 and testing system 14. Communication module 16 may be provided if communications protocols between computer 12 and system 14 are dissimilar. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, system 14 transmits data via the RS485 protocol while computer 12 transmits and receives data via the RS232 protocol. Thus, module 16 converts the data transmissions as appropriate. In the ilustrated embodiment, module 16 is an off-the-shelf RS485 to RS232 converter, such as those available from Coastal Data Products, Inc., 6135 N.W. 167th Street, Hialeah, FL 33015 Computer 12 may be any conventional computer, such as a personal computer. In the illustrative embodiment, computer 12 is an IBM® compatible personal computer with the following specifications: DOS 5.0 or higher 286 Processor or higher 512k Minimum RAM At least one Serial Communication Port Hard Drive with minimum of 2MB available Computer 12 receives test data from system 14 as a data file in ASCII format or other standard character set. The data file may then be transferred into a conventional spreadsheet or database application for manipulation and processing. Alternatively, a custom database application may be provided which automatically formats the data in the desired or required manner. System 14 includes a number of test stations 17, each in turn including an automated test unit 18 and, if desired, optional tester 20. FIG. 2 shows a test station 17 including test unit 18 and optional tester 20 connected thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, optional tester 20 is a footwear tester which comprises grounded foot-plate 21 and handgrip 22. Automated test unit 18 comprises a conventional electronic time clock, such as the SmartClock™, available from Coastal Data products, Inc., 6135 N.W. 167th Street, Hialeah, FL 33015, modified to include ESD testing and logic circuits. A conventional time clock typically includes a clock, a memory for storing employee information and may have a relay which may control some form of access system. For example, such a time clock may be used to clock in employees and allow or deny access to a work area via an electronic door or turnstile. A conventional time clock (or if desired, a custom time clock) is modified to create automated test unit 18 by including programming which allows each unit to store or otherwise have access to the specific testing requirements for each worker, or one or more relevant workers, associated with the resident database of all workers. In other words, different workers may have different testing protocols which they must satisfy. For instance, a supervisor who does not touch production materials may not be required to wear an ESD device and therefore may be allowed to enter work areas without conducting an ESD test. Similarly, cleaning staff may be required to wear ESD footwear, but need not wear a wrist strap. Thus, the database allows the appropriate test to be prompted for each worker as appropriate. Programming of the database, i.e., entry of worker name, identification number and test requirements, and other relevant data may be performed via computer 12. The time clock also is modified to include additional circuits and hardware for performing the ESD device verification. FIG. 3 shows logic circuit 24 which is integrated into a conventional time clock. Circuit 24 comprises closed-loop resistive testing circuit 60 and data interface circuit 80. Testing circuit 60 may be any conventional closed-loop resistive testing circuit. Similarly, systems 10 according to the present invention can employ capacitative or other testing circuits as desired; the invention should not be interpreted as limited to resistive testing circuits. In the illustrated embodiment using resistive measuring techniques, circuit 60 comprises push-button 61, banana jack input 62, high resistance comparator 63, low resistance comparator 64 and safe level logic 65. Circuit 60 functions by comparing the resistance in a loop created by joining push-button 61 and input 62 to reference resistor 66. The loop is formed through the worker's body when the worker connects his or her wrist strap to input 62 and presses button 61. When button 61 is depressed, a voltage also is applied to reference resistor 66. Multiple reference resistors may be provided so that the worker or employer may select from several different test levels. The resistance of the loop is compared to the resistance of reference resistor 66 by high resistance comparator 63 and low resistance comparator 64. If the resistance of the loop exceeds a predetermined level or threshold, this result is detected by comparator 63 and a "high" signal is delivered to circuit 80 via line 67. Likewise, if the resistance in the loop is too low, this result is detected by comparator 64 and a "low" signal is delivered to circuit 80 via line 68. If the resistance of the loop is in an acceptable range, logic 65 delivers a "safe" signal to circuit 80 via line 69. Logic circuit 80 converts, via logic device 71, the signals received from comparator logic circuits 63-65 into a format which is recognized by the time clock. In the illustrative embodiment, logic device 71 delivers the formatted data to keypad interface 72 which is connected to the keypad input interface of a conventional time clock. The time clock may be programmed to store the test data appropriately. An additional interface 73 also is provided for accepting test signals from optional device 20. Optional device 20 may be an ESD device testing unit for verification of other types of ESD devices such as heel straps or other garments. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, optional device 20 is a footwear tester comprising handle unit 22 and grounded foot plate 21. FIG. 4 shows footwear tester circuit 90 which is connected to interface 73 of circuit 24 (see FIG. 3) and allows footwear test data to be downloaded to automated test unit 18. Circuit 90 comprises low resistance amplifier 91, high resistance amplifier 92, comparator logic circuit 93 and IR detector and logic circuit 94. In order to test footwear, the worker steps on plate 21 and grasps hand bar 22, thereby forming a loop. When hand bar 22 is grasped, the worker's hand breaks an infrared beam which triggers circuit 94 and energizes the circuit 90. Other triggering mechanisms, such as mechanical switches, may also be used. Comparator circuit 93 compares the resistance of the loop to high and low resistance values generated by amplifiers 92 and 91 , respectively. As with circuit 24, "high," "low" or "safe" signals are delivered to circuit 80 as appropriate. It may be desirable to isolate circuit 90 electrically from the circuits of automated test unit 18 to avoid false or erroneous test result arising from unintended grounding of the worker through automated test unit 18. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a separate power supply 95 may be provided. Furthermore, the output of logic circuit 93 may be directed to interface 73 of circuit 80 via optical isolators 96, each of which pass data without the use of electrical signals, thus preventing the formation of an inadvertent ground loop between automated test unit 18 and optional tester 20. In order to perform a test and record the test data, an employee approaches test station 17, shown in FIG. 2. The employee inserts a connector from his or her ESD device into port 28. This connects the ESD device to testing circuits 24. The employee then swipes ID card 30, which bears the employee's identification number in some form, through slot 32 of unit 18. Automated test unit 18 reads all bar code formats supported by the logic circuit provided by the time clock, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a HBCR-1611 decoder IC. The characters are read from the bar code, magnetic stripe, proximity reader, or other data storage formats, any of which may be selected as appropriate. Automated test unit 18 parses characters from employee identification card 30. The user may program automated test unit 18 with the start parse position and ID length (number of characters) via the RS485 interface through the control software described below. Automated test unit 18 stores these values in non-volatile memory. The user is also able to query, via computer 12, automated test unit 18 via the RS485 interface to determine the current values of the start parse position and ID length. If the card is not read properly a "VOID" message will appear in LCD readout 34. The worker may then slide the card through the slot again. Once his or her identification is verified (by readout 34), he or she presses button 36, which initiates the test and indicates the results on screen 34. If the test is successful, the employee unplugs his or her device and proceeds to the appropriate workstation. If the device fails, the employee adjusts the device and retests until the test is successful. One of the following messages may appear on LCD readout 34, when performing a wrist strap test: MESSAGE RESISTANCE RANGE A. PASS/SAFE 1 MEG ± 15% TO 10 MEG ± 15% TO 100 MEG ± 15% B. FAIL/HI RESIST RESISTANCE TOO HIGH C. FAIL/LO RESIST RESISTANCE TOO LOW Other messages may displayed as appropriate. Testing results are stored in automated test unit 18 and are periodically automatically transferred to computer 12 when automated test unit 18 is polled. The data may be stored as a data string consists of 26 characters representing: Where test results are represented as follows: 1 = PASS//SAFE 2 = FAIL/HI RESIST 3 = FAIL/LO RESIST Other data formats may be used as desired. To test the integrity of properly worn footwear the worker steps onto grounded stainless steel plate 21 which forms part of the footwear tester. The worker then slides his or her card through slot 32 of automated test unit 18. If the card is not read properly, a "VOID" message will appear on LCD readout 34. The worker may then repeat sliding the card through slot 32. The worker firmly grasps the stainless steel contact bar on the front of the grip 22, when "Conduct Test" appears on LCD readout 34. LCD readout 34 will change to "Footwear Tester". The worker maintains a grip on the bar until the test results appear in LCD readout 34. One of the following messages may appear on the LCD readout: Message EN652 Indication Definition Pass/Safe Green LED Resistance between pre-set limits Fail/Hi Resist Yellow LED Resistance above pre-set limits Fail/Lo Resist Red LED Resistance below pre-set limits The test results are periodically automatically transferred to computer 12 when automated test unit 18 is polled. The data may be transferred as a data string consisting of 26 characters representing: 01 I 0000 1 960411 1 11216 1 10100014 I 41 Line Test Date Time ID Card Test Result* No. Unit No. No. Where test results are represented as follows: 41 = Pass/Safe 42 = Fail/Hi Resist 43 = Fail/Lo Resist Automated test unit 18 can include a relay or other desired circuit which may be used to control worker access to work areas. For example, a worker may be required to verify his or her ESD devices before entering a clean room. The door to the clean room is controlled by the relay. The relay in automated test unit 18 activates only when there is "PASS/SAFE' status from either the wrist strap test unit 22 or footwear test unit 20 . The user may, via computer 12, program the "on time" of the relay, in seconds, via the RS485 interface, for instance, to give the worker enough time to move from automated test unit 18 to the door. Automated test unit 18 stores this value in non-volatile memory. Thus, the door cannot be opened until a test has been performed and passed. FIG. 5 illustrates the logic flow followed by automated test unit 18 when ID card 30 is swiped through slot 32. Once card 30 is swiped through the reader, automated test unit 18 looks up the employee ID in the employee database or table to determine which function must be performed. Seven functions, as listed below, may be provided. Function Function Value "Access Denied-Log" 3 "Access Denied-Ignore" 12 "No Test Required" 36 "Wrist Strap Only" 48 "Footwear Only" 66 "Wrist Strap AND Footwear" 129 "Wrist Strap OR Footwear" 192 Additionally, the user may program automated test unit, via computer 12, with a "No Match Function." This parameter specifies which of the 7 functions listed above automated test unit 18 will perform when an employee's ID does not match any in the table. For instance, a default value may be Function 12 - "Access Denied" ignore. FIG. 6 illustrates the logic flow for the "Access Denied-Log" function. In this function mode, the employee data retrieved from ID card 30 is recorded in memory. However, access to the testing functions and work areas is denied. FIG. 7 illustrates the logic flow for the "Access Denied-Ignore" function. In this function mode, no data is recorded and access to testing functions and work areas is denied. These functions are provided to exclude unauthorized personnel from work areas. The Access Denied-Log function may be provided to record attempts at unauthorized entry. FIG. 8 illustrates the logic flow for the "No Test Required" function. In this mode, data from the ID card 30 is recorded in memory, however, a message reading "no test required" is displayed on the screen. This function may be provided to allow individuals who are not required to use ESD devices (such as supervisors) to enter a work area. FIG. 9 illustrates the logic flow of the "Wrist Strap Only" function. In this functional mode, the employee's ID information is recorded following a card swipe. When the employee initiates the test of the wrist strap, automated test unit 18 performs the test and records whether or not the test was passed. If the test was passed automated test unit 18 displays a "Pass/Safe," beeps and opens the relay. If the test is failed, the appropriate display appears (either "Fail/High" or "Fail/Low") and the employee must retest. FIG. 10 illustrates the logic flow for the "Footwear Only" function. This logic flow is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 9 and described above with the exception that it is directed to testing of footwear ESD devices. FIG. 11 and 11 A illustrate the logic flow of the "Wrist Strap and Footwear" function. In this function both the wrist strap and footwear ESD devices are tested. The same logic flow would be applicable to any other testing of multiple ESD devices being used by one employee. This functional flow essentially combines the logic flows described in FIGS. 9 and 10 such that when a first test, e.g., a footwear test is performed, a passed test does not open the relay and allow the employee to proceed, but rather prompts a test of the second ESD device, such as the wrist strap. FIG. 12 illustrates the logic flow for the "Wrist Strap or Footwear" test function. This functional mode allows an employee to choose between footwear or wrist strap testing. Once the test is selected the functional mode transfers to either the wrist strap only functional flow or the footwear only functional flows described above. Software for use on a personal computer (PC) may be provided which may be used to periodically poll automated test units 18. The polling function captures data from automated test units 18 for later use. The software also allows automated test units 18 to be programmed from a central location. The interface for the software may be menu or screen based. Screen one displays line information used to configure the software so that computer 12 may communicate and receive data from automated test units 18. This screen may include conventional communications configuration elements, such as identification and assignment of communications ports of computer 12 to be used for communication with automated test units 18. Screen two displays and allows manipulation of information regarding automated test units 18, such as unit number. Unit number may be, for instance, a four digit field specifying automated test unit 18 address (0000-9999 are valid). All automated test units 18 in communication with computer 12 are defined to be accessed during the polling operation. For example, the first automated test unit number may be set to 0000 and additional units may be numbered sequentially. Screen three allows the user to synchronize all automated test units 18 for date/time. When that function is selected, the software will prompt the user as necessary. Screen four allows the user to begin the data acquisition of testing results: a. Continuous Polling may be selected. b. The Continuous Poll Interval may be set. For instance, the default may be a 30 second interval. The user may accept the default or enter a new interval. c. Continuous polling is initiated. Screen five allows print out of test results. If a printer is attached to the computer, a print out of the transactions may be obtained. Screen six, the polling status log, allows the user to view polling status of automated test units 18. The test result data are stored on the PC hard drive as automated test unit 18 is polled by the PC software. The data may reside in the same directory as the polling program. The strings maybe stored in ASCII format. The ASCII file may be easily imported into a spreadsheet or data base program for sorting by fields. An example of the data file format is shown below. Line Unit Date Time Operator Test # # ID Result 0 960610 1622 10100002 22 0 960610 1622 10100002 22 0 960610 1622 10100002 33 0 960610 1629 10100002 33 0 960610 1631 10100008 33 0 960610 1631 10100008 33 0 960610 1631 10100008 33 0 960610 1631 10100008 33 0 960610 1631 10100008 33 0 960610 1632 10100008 33 0 960610 1632 10100008 33 Each time automated test units 18 are polled, the data is downloaded to computer 12 and erased from automated test unit 18 memory. Test results are stored in a database which may periodically be compiled into an archive. For example, automated test units 18 may be polled once every twenty-four hours. Thus, a database is created for each day. At the end of each week, each of these databases may be compiled into an archive for that week. The archive data may then be manipulated as required to meet reporting requirements. The duration of each of the time intervals, i.e., polling period and archiving period, may be programmed by the use. Moreover, the user may periodically access test data without erasing automated test unit 18 memory or creating an archive. The user may select a "copy" function, by which all automated test units 18 are polled and all stored data may be copied into a temporary file which allows the user to view the most recent data without interrupting the usual data collection procedures. This allows a supervisor to instantaneously view test results. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a second embodiment of automated auditing system 100 for continuously monitoring ESD devices in accordance with the present invention. Automated auditing system 100 comprises computer 102, one or more data hubs 104 and one or more workstations 106. Workstation 106 comprises continuous ESD device monitor 108 and one or more ESD devices, such as static mat 110, wrist strap 112 and ion generator 114. Other ESD devices may be employed at workstation 106 as appropriate. Each of the various ESD devices are connected to monitor 108 while workstation 106 is in use. Monitor 108 contains one or more (depending on the number of ESD devices to be used) resistive loop circuits or other testing circuits similar to those described above or otherwise. Rather than being activated on-demand by the worker, however, the test circuits of monitor 108 are always energized and thus continuously monitor the status of the devices connected thereto. Monitor 108 may have visual and/or auditory alarms which alert the worker anytime that any of the devices are not performing properly. The alarms may be varied with respect to each ESD device in use so as to allow the worker to quickly identify the source of the problem. For example, if a wrist strap and a static mat are both in use, monitor 108 may have one LED display marked "wrist strap" and another marked "static mat," each of which displays the status of the corresponding device. Monitor 108 is also capable of generating one or more data signals, each signal corresponding to the status of a particular ESD device. Thus, a monitor 108 having a static mat 1 10 and a wrist strap 112 may generate distinct signal indicating the failure of one or both of these devices should such an event occur. This data may be directed to output line 116. A work area may have one or more workstations 106. Monitor 108 of each workstation 106 is connected, via line 116, to data hub 104. Data hub 104 comprises one or more monitoring circuits, each of which monitors a line 116 from a monitor 108. In the illustrated embodiment, data hub 104 transmits and receives data using the RS485 protocol. Communications with computer 102 are in the RS232 protocol. Thus, a RS485 to RS 232 converter module 16 such as that described above may be provided to allow communication between computer 102 and data hub 104. Whenever a failure event is transmitted from monitor 108, data hub 104 stores the information, including the time of the event and the identity of the device which failed, in a memory. Computer 102 periodically polls data hub 104 and generates a display of the status of each workstation 106. The polling rate may be very high, e.g., once per second, to generate a virtually continuous, real-time display of work station status. Software is provided for computer 102 which provides a visual display of workstation status and, in addition, data summaries similar to those described for the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, display 118 of the software may provide an indication of the status of one or more workgroups 120, each of which is made up of one or more work stations 106. Each workstation 106 may be represented by a multi-part icon. Each part of the icon represents an ESD device. Thus the icon may include a desktop 122, representing an antistatic mat and a chair 124, representing a wrist strap. The desk may be displayed in different colors or patterns, each color or pattern representing a particular status. For example, a red desk may represent a mat failing high (i.e., excessive resistance), a yellow desk might signify a fail-low (i.e., insufficient resistance), green might represent an properly operating mat and white the absence of a mat. Similar color schemes may be used to represent status of other devices. The display may be manipulated in other ways to present other types of information. For instance, the chair icon may be shown in different positions to reflect the presence of absence of a worker (since the wrist strap is used on the workers person, his or her presence may be inferred by the presence or absence of a wrist strap signal). A log or record of all failures may be generated by computer 102 in a manner similar to that described for the first embodiment. A record of each failure, the failed device, the time and duration of the failure and the associated worker is stored in a date file. The data file is periodically archived and may be copied at any time as described above. The manner in which information is displayed and stored may be programmed by the user. For instance, each icon displayed may be associated with a data file for a particular employee. Thus, a supervisor monitoring the display, upon detecting a failure, may immediately access the data file and determine which employee or workstation is experiencing the failure. Systems 10 according to the present invention, accordingly, may include a number of static control related sensors which may be connected in a number of ways to processors in order automatically to test particularized static control requirements for wrist straps and other devices, in order to store, process, communicate, document and control other equipment and control access based on testing results. Although the foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining and describing two of such systems in particular detail, modifications and adaptations to the described systems and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A method for automatically auditing the efficacy of electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices comprising the steps of: a) testing the ESD device with at least one of a plurality of testing units; b) temporarily storing the results of the test; and c) periodically downloading the stored test results to a central computer database. 2. The method of claim 1 in which the step of testing the ESD device is performed on demand. 3. The method of claim 1 in which the step of temporarily storing the test results is performed by the testing unit. 4. The method of claim 1 in which the step of testing the ESD device is performed continuously. 5. The method of claim 4 in which the step of temporarily storing the test results is performed by a data hub. 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of visually displaying the downloaded test results. 7. The method of claim 6 in which the step of periodically downloading the stored test results is performed with sufficient frequency so as to provide a virtually real-time visual display of the status of the ESD devices. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of periodically archiving the downloaded test results. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of periodically formatting the archived test results in a manner prescribed by a ESD auditing program reporting standard. 10. The method of claim 9 in which the step of formatting the archived test results is performed in accordance with ISO 9000. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of controlling access to a work area in accordance with the test results. 12. A system for auditing the efficacy of electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices comprising: a) at least one ESD device testing unit having at least one logic circuit for evaluating the efficacy an ESD device, worker identification circuitry; a clock and a memory; b) a computer in communication with the testing unit; and c) a software program resident on the computer for programming the testing unit and periodically downloading and formatting test data from the testing unit. 13. The system of claim 12 in which the testing unit further comprises at least one circuit for testing resistance. 14. The system of claim 12 in which the clock is a conventional time clock. 15. The system of claim 12 further comprising a circuit and interface for downloading data from the testing unit to the computer. 16. The system of claim 12 further comprising a circuit for downloading test criteria based on worker identity, performing tests according to the criteria, and storing and processing results of the tests. 17. The system of claim 12 further comprising a circuit, responsive to the logic circuit, for controlling access to a work area. 18. A unit for testing the efficacy of electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices comprising: a) a clock; b) an employee database; c) a sensor for identifying an employee in communication with the employee database; d) a function database in communication with the employee database; e) at least one resistive loop logic circuit; f) a test results database in communication with the clock, the logic circuit and the sensor. 19. The unit of claim 12 in which the sensor is a magnetic stripe reader. 20. The unit of claim 12 in which the sensor is a numeric pad. 21. The unit of claim 12 in which the sensor is a proximity device. 22. The unit of claim 12 in which the sensor is a bar code reader. 23. A system for monitoring the efficacy of a plurality of electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices comprising: a) a plurality of ESD device monitors, each monitor being in communication with at least some of the ESD devices; b) a plurality of data hubs, each hub being in communication with at least some of the plurality of ESD device monitors; and c) a computer in communication with the data hub for storing and displaying data retrieved from the monitors via the data hubs. 24. The system of claim 23 in which the monitor further comprises at least one circuit for testing resistance. 25. The system of claim 23 further comprising a circuit and interface for downloading data from the data hub to the computer. 26. The system of claim 23 further comprising a software program resident on the computer for programming the data hubs and periodically downloading and formatting test data from the data hubs. 27. The system of claim 27 in which the software program graphically displays the status of the ESD devices in real-time.

Inventors: BRADLEY EDWIN C, BREIDEGAM ALBERT C, JUBIN BRADFORD T, SANCHEZ MICHAEL A, BRADLEY, EDWIN, C., BREIDEGAM, ALBERT, C., JUBIN, BRADFORD, T., SANCHEZ, MICHAEL, A.
Applicants: SEMTRONICS CORP, SEMTRONICS CORPORATION
Application year: 1998
Main classification: H05F3
IPC codes: G01R31