Patent Abstract:
A process provides automated coherent documentation of the construction of variably configured assemblies and systems, which consist of mechanical, electrical or electronic subassemblies or components using relational database software. A relational database software program is used to define the location of subassemblies or components within the final assembly or system, define important configuration information for the subassemblies and define the interconnection of the subassemblies within the assembly or system. This process improves upon prior art utilizing schematics, assembly drawings, parts lists and configuration logs based upon ANSI standard documentation practices by reducing the time required to produce such documentation and improving the accuracy of such documentation. The use of a relational database allows for various data manipulations that may be desirable such as error prevention, error detection, data analysis and specified searches.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to documentation of the construction of assemblies and systems and more particularly to the use of relational database software for the automated production of documentation for the construction and support of variably configured electrical or electronic assemblies and systems, including electronic assemblies and systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Documentation of the construction of electrical or electronic assemblies and systems is commonly accomplished with schematics, assembly drawings, parts lists and configuration logs. Schematics and assembly drawings are generated by drafting a design using either traditional manual drafting tools such as paper, pencil, triangles, squares, etc. or by modern computer aided design (CAD) software tools. Both of these methods result in drawings (illustrations and text) identifying the proper construction of electrical, electronic and mechanical subassemblies and assemblies. Parts lists or Bill of Materials are generally tabular information containing information such as the part number, description of the part, quantity of part used, unit of measure, source of supply and reference designated location of use. A configuration log is a parts list for a specific assembly potentially including identification information of the subassemblies contained within the assembly.  
           [0003]    The purpose of a schematic is to illustrate the physical interconnection of components. The accuracy of a schematic may depend upon its use. An electrical schematic used to fabricate a printed circuit board needs to be very accurate for the circuit board to perform its intended function. On the other hand, a schematic for the wiring of a house may not need to be completely accurate for the wiring in the house to operate correctly because the electrician wiring the house can correct errors during installation.  
           [0004]    The purpose of assembly drawings is to illustrate the mechanical assembly process and desired end result for the combination of several components. The accuracy of an assembly drawing also may depend upon its use. The architectural plans for a house may be very detailed when necessary to achieve a specific observable result, but may also be vague when details are left to the discretion of a skilled craftsman. For a high volume product produced by a factory, the drawings may need to be very accurate due to a company policy for documentation control or they may be allowed to be inaccurate when the factory has implemented other processes to correct the deficiencies. An assembly drawing will often contain instructions in addition to illustrations for clarity.  
           [0005]    The purpose of the parts list is to identify the components required to produce an assembly. The parts list is often complemented with the schematic and/or assembly drawings to aid the assembler in achieving the desired result or end item. The parts list is typically correlated to the schematic by a reference designator which is an alpha-numeric string unique to the location of each part. The parts list is also typically correlated to the assembly drawing by either the reference designator or an item number which also uniquely identifies the location of each part.  
           [0006]    The purpose of a configuration log is to record data such as serial numbers and parts numbers for subassemblies that make up an assembly. Manufacturers use configuration logs to record products shipped and shipping dates usually to identify the product&#39;s warranty period or collect data about customers buying habits.  
           [0007]    The industry standard for defining reference designated location of use is ANSI Y32.16-1975. This specification provides a method for defining and utilizing uniquely identified locations for components, subassemblies, assemblies and cables, as well as standards for marking&#39;such items to aid in construction.  
           [0008]    Documentation produced by these traditional means is often error prone due to the inability of disparate systems to fully inter-operate. Factories responsible for the construction of assemblies often require several cycles of correction to the documentation in order to improve its clarity, consistency and correctness.  
           [0009]    These traditional systems may also be time-consuming and therefore costly. They are usually very general purpose and therefore require very detailed and careful input and checking, especially for consistency between systems. Since the quality of the documentation is entirely determined by the care of the drafter and checker, inconsistent, missing, and misleading or ambiguous results are common.  
           [0010]    Traditional systems work well for documenting assemblies with limited configuration options. Conversely, these systems are not as efficient for documenting the assembly instructions for highly re-configurable or variable systems.  
           [0011]    An accurate database of configuration information may benefit a customer when a repair for an assembly is required. The information contained in the database may be essential to the repair and not readily available from other sources. For example, a repair manual for a highly re-configurable assembly may simply not be able to identify all configuration options and corresponding repair procedures.  
           [0012]    The present invention complements the traditional methods of documenting re-configurable assemblies by simplifying the creation of the variable portion of the documentation for assemblies with significant configuration options.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    Tabular and other data representing the construction of assemblies and systems is entered in a relational database. The relational database produces output consisting of reports representing the construction of the assembly. The relational database is preferably structured to use an applicable industry standard such as ANSI Y32.16-1975 specifications with modifications necessary to allow for the coherent representation of data within a relational database.  
           [0014]    The relational database contains two categories of information. The first category consists of lookup tables containing commonly or repetitively used data. The second category is assembly specific tables containing links or relationships to the lookup tables for commonly used data and additional data unique to the particular assembly.  
           [0015]    The lookup tables contain two types of data. The first type defines the generic or unpopulated assembly by its list of reference designated locations. For example, for electrical and electronic assemblies, the list of locations may exclude cables since cables interconnect subassemblies at different locations. However, cables are identified by unique reference designators. The second type defines the list of all components and subassemblies (parts) and their characteristics. The characteristics of components and subassemblies may include configuration parameters and interfaces. Configuration parameters are significant elements of data about a component or subassembly. Interfaces are places on the component or subassembly where electrical or mechanical connections from other components or subassemblies are possible. The definition of the reference designated locations may restrict the parts eligible for use in any particular location. The definition of the interfaces may restrict the eligibility of mating interfaces for later assembly. Additionally, parts may be categorized into part types. Some part types may have common properties that differ from other part types. For example, cables may be excluded from location definitions or software may be excluded from supporting the definition of interfaces.  
           [0016]    The assembly specific data tables combine the definition of reference designated locations with a list of parts specific to an assembly. The characteristics of the specific parts used in the assembly are available from the relationship to the parts definition contained in the parts list lookup tables. The assembly specific data includes relationships defining the reference designated locations, the specific parts list and additional unique part characteristic data such as configuration parameter values and interconnection data. The values of configuration parameters provide data unique to the use of a part within a specific assembly. The interconnection data provides a cross reference of electrical and mechanical connections within a specific assembly. A specific assembly may either be a specific configuration of an assembly produced in some quantity or a unique assembly, perhaps identified by a serial number. The fundamental process for defining an assembly consists first of creating a list of parts. The parts are then assigned to the pre-defined locations within the final assembly. Then the parts are interconnected within the assembly and finally, configuration parameter values are assigned. A report may be generated to present this information in an orderly, understandable way. Other data managed by the database may require additional steps in the fundamental process.  
           [0017]    The benefit of having a definition of the reference designated locations in the assembly is that parts may be selected from the parts list and assigned to appropriate locations (where they belong). The benefit of having a definition of the characteristics of a part is that the important characteristics of a part are known and recorded consistently. The benefit of having a definition of the interfaces of a part is that the definition of one interface may be used to select an appropriate mating interface. The existence of these definitions, which only occurs once for each assembly and part, enables the rapid construction of many different configurations of the parts within the assembly. The use of a relational database to perform this process enables the addition of significant error prevention and error detection capabilities to the process, thus enhancing the accuracy of the data contained within the assembly definition. The database also allows reporting of almost any conceivable data analysis.  
           [0018]    A single database may contain any number of reference designated location definitions, part definitions and assembly definitions. A good database design would incorporate user friendly forms for user data input and various reports that may be printed for reference. The preferred embodiment will present the underlying schema or database table structure for the present invention. The process for using the database will be shown. The user interface, query and report designs are not presented in this document as their implementation will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. A sample report from the database is presented to support the preferred embodiment.  
           [0019]    The preferred embodiment presents a relational database system for defining the construction of variably configured computer systems. These computer systems consists of cabinets populated with modular components such as power supplies, circuit card assemblies, mass memory devices, loaded software, and human machine interface (HMI) devices such as keyboards, trackballs and monitors. The invention, however, is not limited to the construction, repair or maintenance of such computer systems. It may be used for virtually any item of manufacture, particularly with products have a variety of different configurations, such as automobiles and many other types of goods. The described embodiment may also be used to document the configuration of a system of computers on a local area network in a building. In its most general sense, the present invention documents a system of interconnected nodes at specified physical locations, the nodes having various properties or configuration parameters that define their function In the claims of this document, the word “unit” includes items of manufacture as well as interconnected node systems, or for the wiring of buildings, ships, planes, telephone switching centers and many other applications. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 1, 2 and  3  show the relational database schema. Each table  100  has a name in the header and a list of fields. Field names that include a preceding asterisk “*” are fields that make up the primary key for the table. The primary key is a unique entry in the table. When the primary key name begins with “ID”, a counter field is assumed to insure uniqueness. When multiple fields make up the primary key, they are sorted top to bottom in order of increasing uniqueness. Two kinds of relationships between tables are shown. The first is a one-to-many relationship depicted as line with an arrow  10  where the arrow points from the one table to the many table. The second kind of relationship has no arrows  12  and indicates that the corresponding fields are related but not strictly. To reduce clutter, connectors such as  14  are added to relationship lines. Connectors mate with other connectors containing the same letter.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 shows the relational database schema for the parts definition lookup tables including the part type table  100 , the part list table  102 , the kit definition table  104 , the interface definition tables  106 ,  108  and  110  and the parameter definition tables which include  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 shows the relational database schema for the reference designated location definition lookup tables  200 ,  202  and  204  and associated part family definition tables  206  and  208 . FIG. 2 also shows the configuration management tables  210  and  212 .  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 shows the relational database schema for the assembly, otherwise known as Unit, configuration tables including the unit definition  300 , the unit parts list  302 , the unit configuration parameters  304 , the unit interconnect  306 , the unit processor group definition  308  and the operating system definition table  310 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates key elements of the process for the definition of parts, locations and units and of the process for unit assembly and unit support.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 shows a sample database report containing parts list information.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a unit illustration for a database report.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a part configuration illustration that shows a representative jumper connection for particular pins of an electronic part.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 shows a sample database report containing a processor group definition.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 shows a sample database report containing a configuration parameter definition.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 shows a sample database report containing an interconnect cross reference.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 shows a sample database report containing a cable tag marking reference. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0032]    The embodiment will be presented in the order of the Figures. The Figures show the relational database schema for the part definition, location definition and unit definition respectively. The Figures also show the process for operation of a user interface to the database tables. The description of the process will show how the features of the table schema are used to achieve the intended purpose. The process will not be described in terms of any specific implementation of a user interface since such a user interface will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The primary output report of the embodiment will be described.  
         [0033]    Data lookup table tlkpPartType  100  is used to categorize parts and provide control flags that determine which features of the database may or may not apply to each part category. Table I defines the fields of tlkpPartType.  
                                 TABLE I                           Fields of Table tlkpPartType                Field Name   Field Type   Field Description                       *IDPartType   Counter   A unique key for each part type.           Description   Text   A description of the part type.                   Typical values might include, Power                   System, Enclosure, Storage,                   Processor, Cable, HMI, kit, etc.           FlagLoc   Yes/No   Indicates whether the part type may                   be assigned to pre-defined location.                   Cables would normally not be                   assigned a location since they span                   locations.           FlagIF   Yes/No   Indicates whether the part type may                   have an interface assigned to it.                   Parts such as software would not                   have a physical interface.           FlagSize   Yes/No   Indicates whether the part type                   supports variable size. Certain types                   of parts may vary in size such as the                   number of slots for modular circuit                   cards that plug into a rack.                                  
 
         [0034]    Data lookup table tlkpPartsList  102  is used to contain the complete list of available parts or subassemblies to be later constructed into assemblies or systems called units. A typical part has a part number and description. Parts are categorized by part type. Of special interest is the size field. Situations may occur requiring population of multiple parts into a single location or a single part into multiple locations. A size of one or more will indicate the part takes one or more consecutive locations. A size of zero indicates a part can be added to populated location without requiring additional space. For example, a mezzanine module on a circuit card assembly or a software component added to a mass storage device. This table also uses the OS_Supported field to identify a compatibility matrix for operating systems with each part. This used in the unit definition to assign parts to processor groups when multiple processors with varying operating systems are used within the system. A set of fields are also provided for configuration management control of part definitions. When a part is “Released”, its definition is protected from further modification. When the part is not “Released”, its definition is modifiable, but a record of the explanation for the change is maintained. Table II defines the fields of tlkpPartsList  102 .  
                             TABLE II                           Fields of Table tlkpPartsList            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDPart   Counter   A unique key for each part.       PartNumber   Text   A unique part number to identify               each part.       Description   Text   A description of the part.       IDPartType   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartType 100 to               identify the type of the part.       Size   Integer   Indicates the number of locations the               part requires.       DefaultRefDes   Text   Used to define the default reference               designator for cables. Since cables               are not assigned locations, the have               either fixed or variable designations.               This is the fixed designation. A               variable designation is assigned               when the unit is constructed. Alpha-               numeric reference designators need               to be represented with fixed length               numeric strings in order to sort               properly (e.g. A001, A010).       OS_Supported   Text   A character string where each               position corresponds to a specific               type of operating system. A “Y” at               the character position indicates the               operating system is supported by the               part. A “N” at the character               position indicates the operation               system is not supported by the part.       CM_MstrKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               group of configuration management               records for a part.       CM_CurKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               current configuration management               records for a part.       Status   Long Integer   The current configuration status.               Either “Released”, “Unreleased” or               “In Process”. Released is used to               write protect the part definition.                  
 
         [0035]    Data lookup table tlkpKitDef  104  is used to group parts into kits. A kits of parts is useful for more quickly assembling a parts list when multiple parts are always used together. Table III defines the fields of tlkpKitDef  104 .  
                             TABLE III                           Fields of Table tlkpKitDef            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               IDKitPN   Long Integer   A link to tlkpPartsList 102 for a part               of part type kit. This record is               added when a kit type part is               created.       IDPart   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartsList 102 to               add parts to a kit.       Qty   Integer   The quantity of part within a kit.                  
 
         [0036]    Data lookup table tlkpIF_Def  106  is used in conjunction with tlkpIF_Family  108  and tlkpTagDef to define the interfaces of a part. A part has one set of defined interfaces that are used to connect to other parts. To simplify the process of interconnecting parts, interfaces are grouped into interface families. An interface family is a collection of interfaces that are functionally and mechanically compatible with each other. Interface families are grouped into the part types to help organize them because there may be very many different interface families. An interface includes gender plugs or jacks. Two interfaces are compatible when they share the same interface family and opposite gender. Additionally, each interface of a cable may have a tag associated with it. The cable tag is added to the cable interface end and is marked with the name of the interface, the cable reference designator, and the reference designator and interface name of the destination or mate of the cable end. This type of marking insures proper assembly and operation of the system. Table IV defines the fields of tlkpIF_Def. Table V defines the fields of tlkpIF_Family. Table VI defines the field of tlkpTagDef.  
                             TABLE IV                           Fields of Table tlkpIF_Def            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *ID_IF   Counter   A unique key for each interface.       IDPart   Long Integer   A link to tlkpPartsList 102 to               correlate an interface to a part.       ID_IF_Family   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpIF_Family 108 to               define the interface family for the               interface.       Name   Text   A name for the interface.       Description   Text   A description of the function of the               interface.       Gender   Text   The value Plug or Jack.       ID_Tag   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpTagDef 110 to               correlate an interface to the tag used               to mark the interface with its name               and destination.                  
 
         [0037]    [0037]                             TABLE V                           Fields of Table tlkpIF_Family            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *ID_IF_Family   Counter   A unique key for each interface               family.       IDPartType   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartType 100 to               group an interface family into a part               type.       Description   Text   A description of the interface family.                    
         [0038]    [0038]                                 TABLE VI                           Fields of Table tlkpTagDef                Field Name   Field Type   Field Description                       *ID_Tag   Counter   A unique key for each cable Tag.           TagPN   Text   A part number of a tag. Used to                   group all markings on the same tags                   when printing the tags in a factory.           Description   Text   A description of the use of the tag.                        
         [0039]    Data lookup table tlkpParamDef  118  is used in conjunction with tlkpParamDesc  116  to define multiple sets of general purpose configuration parameters for a part. Multiple sets of configuration parameters are defined for parts that have more than one pre-definable configuration The configuration parameter list for a part pre-defines the information deemed important about a part. In some cases the default value of a parameter may be defined. In other cases, only the parameter is defined and the value is left blank for assignment of a value during construction of a unit. In some cases, an illustration of the part is used to simplify the configuration of part in by showing the location and settings of variable switches, and the like.  
         [0040]    The data lookup tables tlkpParamList  112  and tlkpParamGrp  114  provide a list of pre-defined and reusable parameters. Reusable parameters are necessary to support clarity of the collected data and to support searching and sorting of the data. Parameters are categorized into parameter groups to help organize the parameters and facilitate grouping when printing reports. Typical groups of parameters may include revision identification information such as serial numbers, weight, power requirements, switch settings, firmware settings, networking information, etc.  
         [0041]    Table VII defines the fields of tlkpParamList  112 . Table VIII defines the fields of tlkpParamGrp  114 . Table IX defines the fields of tlkpParamDesc  116 . Table X defines the fields of tlkpParamDef  118 .  
                             TABLE VII                           Fields of Table tlkpParamList            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDParam   Counter   A unique key for each parameter.       Description   Text   A description of the parameter.       IDParamGrp   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpParamGrp 114 to               assign the parameter to parameter               group.       HelpNotes   Text   Amplifying data entered to describe               the use of the parameter.       FlagCopy   Yes/No   A flag indicating whether the               parameter value is cleared when one               unit is copied to a different unit.               Used for information such as               subassembly serial numbers that are               unique to each unit.                  
 
         [0042]    [0042]                             TABLE VIII                           Fields of Table tlkpParamGrp            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDParamGrp   Counter   A unique key for each parameter               group.       LongDescription   Text   A long form of the description of               the parameter group. Used for               printing reports.       ShortDescription   Text   A short form of the description of               the parameter group. Used on               input forms to save space.                    
         [0043]    [0043]                             TABLE IX                           Fields of Table tlkpParamDesc            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDPart   Long Integer   A link to tlkpPartsList 102 to               correlate a parameter set to a part.       *PN_CfgNo   Integer   A number to uniquely identify the               set of configuration parameters.       Description   Text   A description of the set of               configuration parameters.       LRU_DwgPath   Text   The name of a file or set of files               containing the illustration of the               particular configuration of the part.                    
         [0044]    [0044]                             TABLE X                           Fields of Table tlkpParamDef            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDPart   Long Integer   A link to tlkpPartsList 102 to               correlate a parameter set to a part.       *PN_CfgNo   Integer   A link to tlkpParamDesc 116 to               identify the set of configuration               parameters.       *IDParam   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpParamDesc 116 to               define a parameter.       DefaultValue   Text   The default value of the parameter               or blank if the parameter value is               determined when the unit is               constructed.                    
         [0045]    Data lookup table tlkpEquipType  200  combined with tlkpLocDesc  202  and tlkpLocDef  204  defines a type of equipment and the locations within the equipment that fixed subassemblies (not cables) may be placed. Multiple sets of location definitions are supported for an equipment when necessary. An illustration may be associated with a location definition to illustrate the location definition in printed reports. This illustration should have callouts identifying the reference designated locations for subassemblies. A set of fields are also provided for configuration management control of location definitions. When a location definition is “Released”, its definition is protected from further modification. When the location definition is not “Released”, its definition is modifiable, but a record of the explanation for the change is maintained.  
         [0046]    In order to sort alpha-numeric reference designators properly, they must be represented with fixed length numeric strings (e.g., A001, A002, A010 vs. A1, A10, A2.) Part families are used to control the assignment of subassemblies to locations in which subassemblies are compatible. In order to sort alpha-numeric reference designators properly, they must be represented with fixed length numeric strings (e.g. A001, A002, A010 vs. A1, A10, A2). Data lookup tables tlkpPartFamilyDef  208  and tlkpPartFamDesc  206  define the list of parts that make up a part family. A part family is then assigned to a location in tlkpLocDef  204 . Table XI defines the fields of tlkpEquipType  200 . Table XII defines the fields of tlkpLocDesc  202 . Table XIII defines the fields of tlkpLocDef. Table XIV defines the fields of tlkpPartFarmDesc  206 . Table XV defines the fields of tlkpPartFamilyDef  208 .  
                             TABLE XI                           Fields of Table tlkpEquipType            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDEquipType   Counter   A unique identifier of an equipment               type.       Description   Text   A description of the equipment.       CM_MstrKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               group of configuration management               records for an equipment.       CM_CurKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               current configuration management               records for an equipment.       Status   Long Integer   The current configuration status.               Either “Released”, “Unreleased” or               “In Process”. Released is used to               write protect the location definition.                  
 
         [0047]    [0047]                             TABLE XII                           Fields of Table tlkpLocDesc            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDEquipType   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpEquipType 200               defining the equipment type               associated with the location               definition.       *EquipCfgNo   Integer   A number to uniquely identify a set               of location definitions.       Description   Text   A description of the location               definition.       EquipDwgPath   Text   The name of a file or set of files               containing the illustration of the               particular location definition of the               equipment.                    
         [0048]    [0048]                             TABLE XIII                           Fields of Table tlkpLocDef            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDEquipType   Long Integer   Link to tlkpLocDesc 202 defining               the equipment type associated with               the location definition.       *EquipCfgNo   Integer   Link to tlkpLocDesc 202 to identify               a set of location definitions.       *RefDes   Text   A unique location within the               equipment. Alpha-numeric               reference designators need to be               represented with fixed length               numeric strings in order to sort               properly (e.g. A001, A010).       Description   Text   A description of the location               definition.       IDPartFamily   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartFamilyDef               208 defining the part family               compatible with the location.       Required   Yes/No   A flag indicating whether the               location is required to be populated.               Used for error checking.       ID_DefaultPN   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartsList 102 to               identify a part such as a cover.               Should be used to fill a location               when no other part has been               assigned to the location. Expedites               filling required locations with a               default part.       AdjRefDes   Text   The reference designator of an               adjacent location that may be used               for parts with a size greater than               one. Alpha-numeric reference               designators need to be represented               with fixed length numeric strings in               order to sort properly (e.g. A001,               A010).                    
         [0049]    [0049]                             TABLE XIV                           Fields of Table tlkpPartFamDesc            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDPartFamily   Counter   A unique identifier for a part family.       IDPartType   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartType 100 to               categorize a part family by a part               type.       Description   Text   A description of the part family.                    
         [0050]    [0050]                             TABLE XV                           Fields of Table tlkpPartFamilyDef            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDPartFamily   Long Integer   A link to tlkpPartFamDesc 206 to               define a part family for a list of parts.       *IDPart   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartsList 102 to               define a list of parts in a part family.                    
         [0051]    Data lookup tables tblCM_Memo  212  and tblCM_Status  210  are used to record an explanation of changes that occur to definitions of parts, locations, or assembled units. A unique master key is assigned to each part, location definition, or unit definition defining the group of records related to it. The current key identifies the most recent comment record. A new record is added when the status changes to “Released” and no records currently exist in the tables. After this initial record is created, a new record is created each time the status changes from “Released”. The time, date and identity of the user are also recorded. Table XVI defines the fields for tblCM_Memo  212 .. Table XVII defines the fields for tblCM_Status  210 .  
                             TABLE XVI                           Fields of Table tblCM_Memo            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *CM_MstrKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 defining               the group of configuration               management records for a part               definition, location definition or unit               definition.       *CM_CurKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 defining               the current configuration               management records for a part               definition, location definition or unit               definition.       Comment   Text   A description recorded to justify the               change.                  
 
         [0052]    [0052]                             TABLE XVII                           Fields of Table tblCM_Status            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *CM_MstrKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Memo 212 defining               the group of configuration               management records for a part               definition, location definition or unit               definition.       *CM_CurKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Memo 212 defining               the current configuration               management records for a part               definition, location definition or unit               definition.       *DateStatus   Date   The date and time of the last status               change.       Status   Text   The current configuration status.               Either “Released”, “Unreleased” or               “In Process”. Released is used to write               protect the part definition,               location definition or unit definition.       User   Text   The name of the user responsible for               making the change.                    
         [0053]    Unit definition data table tblUnitEquip  300  defines a unique system or assembly. A unit is identified by the combination of fields IDEquipType, SerialNumber and Instance. The IDEquipType field identifies the type of equipment to be assembled. The SerialNumber field identifies a unique piece of equipment. The Instance field further identifies a different version of a SerialNumber equipment if so desired. The EquipCfgNo field is selected from the corresponding field in data lookup table tlkpLocDesc  202  to select a specific location definition for the selected equipment type. An illustration may be associated with a Unit definition which can provide a functional block diagram of the system in printed reports. The functional block diagram enhances the understanding of the tabular data provided by the database without being too detailed or costly to produce. A set of fields are also provided for configuration management control of the unit definition. When a unit definition is “Released”, its definition is protected from further modification. When the unit definition is not “Released”, its definition is modifiable, but a record of the explanation for the change is maintained. Table XVIII defines the fields for tblUnitEquip  300 .  
                             TABLE XVIII                           Fields of Table tblUnitEquip            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDUnitEquip   Counter   A unique identifier of the unit.       IDEquipType   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpLocDesc 202 to               select an equipment location               definition.       EquipCfgNo   Integer   Selected from tlkpLocDesc 202 to               identify a set of location definitions.       SerialNumber   Text   A serial number for a specific unit.       Instance   Text   Any text describing a different               version of the same SerialNumber               unit.       Description   Text   A description of the unit.       FuncDwgPath   Text   The name of a file or set of files               containing the illustration of the               functional block diagram for the               unit.       CM_MstrKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               group of configuration management               records for a unit.       CM_CurKey   Long Integer   Link to tblCM_Status 210 and               tblCM_Memo 212 defining the               current configuration management               records for an unit.       Status   Long Integer   The current configuration status.               Either “Released”, “Unreleased” or               “In Process”. Released is used to               write protect the unit definition.                  
 
         [0054]    Unit definition data table tblUnitPartsList  302  contains a list of parts selected from tlkpPartsList  102 . Parts may be added to the list in groups by selecting kits from data lookup table tlkpKitdef  104 . Each part is added to the parts list of the unit assuming quantity one for each. This is necessary for each part to be uniquely configured and connected to other parts in the assembly. Only the IDPart field of a part from tlkpPartsList is added to the parts list table since the definition of the part is always available from the part definition lookup tables. When a part is added to the parts list, it is assigned the next sequential item number in the ItemNumber field to uniquely identify the part. When a kit is added to the parts list, each part in the kit is assigned the next sequential kit item number in field KitNumber. The KitNumber field maintains a grouping of all parts added from each kit. The KitPartNumber field preserves a link to the part number of the kit for reference. The PN_CfgNo field is selected from the corresponding field in data lookup table tlkpParamdesc  116  to select a specific set of configuration parameters for a part and it is also used as a link to get to the LRU_DwgPath field. The RefDes field is selected from the data lookup table tlkpLocDef  204 . The ProcessorGrp field is used to combine parts that all need to be grouped under a single computer operating system. This is useful for multiprocessor systems. The ProcessorGrp field is selected from unit definition data table tblUnitProcGrp  308 . The Spare field is used to designate a part that is not configured within the unit, such as a spare shipped separately. Table XIX defines the fields of tblUnitPartsList  302 .  
                             TABLE XIX                           Fields of Table tblUnitPartsList            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDUnitPartsList   Counter   A unique identifier of a part.       IDUnitEquip   Long Integer   A link to tblUnitEquip 300 to               assign the part to a unit.       ItemNumber   Integer   A sequential number unique to each               part within a unit.       IDPart   Long Integer   Selected from tlkpPartsList 102 to               link to all other tables using IDPart               to supply part definition information               from the lookup tables.       KitNumber   Integer   A sequential number unique to each               kit and assigned to all the parts in               each kit.       KitPartNumber   Long Integer   Selected from kit part types within               tlkpPartsList 102 to define the kit               part number.       PN_CfgNo   Integer   Selected from tlkpParamDesc 116               to link also to tlkpParamDef 118 to               identify a set of configuration               parameters for each part within the               unit.       RefDes   Text   A reference designator selected               from tlkpLocDef 204 or manually               entered for parts such as cables that               do not have a fixed location. Alpha-               numeric reference designators need               to be represented with fixed length               numeric strings in order to sort               properly (e.g. A001, A010).       ProcessorGrp   Integer   The number of a processor group               selected from tblUnitProcGrp 308.       Spare   Yes/No   A flag indicating whether a part is               to be configured within the unit or               kept separate.                  
 
         [0055]    Unit definition data table tblUnitParam  304  defines the list of parameters associated with a part in tblUnitPartsList. When a particular configuration of a part is selected from tlkpParamDesc  116  associated with field PN_CfgNo, the corresponding records from tlkpParamDef  118  are copied into tblUnitParam  304 . This copy is performed to allow changing any of the parameter values unique to a part without affecting the default values in tlkpParamDef  118 . Table XX defines the fields of tblUnitParam  304 .  
                                 TABLE XX                           Fields of Table tblUnitParam                Field Name   Field Type   Field Description                       *IDUnitParts   Counter   A unique identifier of a part.           List           *IDParam   Long Integer   A link to tlkpParamDef 118 to                   define the parameter.           Value   Text   The value of a parameter.                      
 
         [0056]    Unit definition table tblUnitConnect  306  defines all connections between interfaces within the unit. All unconnected (no connect) interfaces are also recorded. When all interfaces are accounted for within tblUnitConnect, the connection process is verifiably completed. Each connection has a unique field IDUnitConnect which is necessary for deleting connections from the table. The use of field IDUnitEquip also allows enhanced performance by grouping records associated with the unit under construction. Connections are established by identifying the IDUnitPartsList from tblUnitPartsList  302  value of a part and an interface ID_IF from tlkpIF_Def  106  associated with the part. A mate is selected based upon the following criteria. The interface must be in the same unit, not previously assigned, not on a spare part, in the same interface family (field ID_IF_Family in tlkpIF_Def  106  ), and of opposite gender. If a mate is not selected, then the field FlagNoConnect may be set with the interface. It does not matter whether an interface is assigned to the _A fields or the _B fields. Table XXI defines the fields of tblUnitConnect  306 .  
                             TABLE XXI                           Fields of Table tblUnitConnect            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDUnitConnect   Counter   A unique identifier of a connection       IDUnitEquip   Long Integer   A link to tblUnitEquip 300 to               group the connections within a               unit.       IDUnitPartsList_A   Long Integer   A link to tblUnitPartsList 302 to               identify a part.       ID_IF_A   Long Integer   A link to tlkpIF_Def 106 to               identify an interface of the part               IDUnitPartsList_A       IDUnitPartsList_B   Long Integer   A link to tblUnitPartsList 302 to               identify a part.       ID_IF_B   Long Integer   A link to tlkpIF_Def 106 to               identify an interface of the part               IDUnitPartsList_B       FlagNoConnect   Yes/No   Indicates that the interface in               either the _A fields or the _B               fields is not connected to a mate.               This method is probably faster               than detecting the undefined               values in the mating fields.                  
 
         [0057]    Unit definition table tblUnitProcGrp  308  is used in conjunction with tlkpOS  310  to define a processor group and assign the processor group to an operating system. The processor group is then used to select the processor group for parts in tblUnitPartsList  302 . A processor group is a collection of parts that operate under a single operating system. This would include parts such as processors, mass storage devices, HMI devices and software. This grouping is helpful in systems with multiple processors and operating systems to insure operating system compatibility of parts.  
         [0058]    Data lookup table tlkpOS  310  contains an index which is a sequential number and a description corresponding to an operating system. The index is used as a character array index into field OS_Supported of tlkpPartsList  102 . The treatment of field OS_Supported as an array allows for a varying number of operating systems without affecting the design of the database. If the character at the indexed position of field OS_Supported is a “Y”, then the operating system is supported, otherwise it is not. When a part in tblUnitPartsList is assigned a processor group, the OS_Supported field of the part is verified to support the operating system assigned to the processor group. Additional parameters are provided in tblUnitProcGrp  308  to farther define the configuration of the processor group. Table XXII defines the fields of tblUnitProcGrp  308 . Table XXIII defines the fields of tlkpOS  310 .  
                             TABLE XXII                           Fields of Table tblUnitProcGrp            Field Name   Field Type   Field Description               *IDUnitEquip   Long Integer   A link to tblUnitEquip 300 to group               the connections within a unit.       *ProcessorGrp   Integer   A sequential number for each               processor group within a unit.       Description   Text   The description of the processor               group       Index   Integer   Selected from tlkpOS to               correspond the processor group to               an operating system.       Password   Text   The login password for the default               login name.       BootPath   Text   A text string indicating the source               of the operating system that               executes on the processor group.               For example, the operating system               may be loaded from a local mass               storage device or over a local area               network from a remote mass               storage device.                  
 
         [0059]    [0059]                                 TABLE XXIII                           Fields of Table tlkpOS                Field Name   Field Type   Field Description                       *Index   Integer   A unique identifier of a operating                   system. Used as in index into the                   array in field OS_Support in                   tlkpPartsList 102.           Description   Text   A description of the operating                   system.                        
         [0060]    The process for manipulating data in the relational database tables will be described assuming a hierarchical set of actions which is typical of an event driven graphical user interface. The following tables have a column identifying the level of hierarchy for an action using an outline numbering scheme, a brief description of the action and additional explanation about the action if necessary to fully describe the action. Table XXIV defines the top level process. Major steps in the process will be decomposed in subsequent tables.  
                             TABLE XXIV                           Actions of Main Menu            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               1   Part Definition   The parts definition process (Table               XXV).       2   Location   The location definition process (Table           Definition   XXVII).       3   Unit Definition   The unit definition process (Table               XXVIII).       4   Maintenance   Maintenance of other tables (Table               XXXI.)                  
 
         [0061]    The part definition process involves the creation of database records to define the configuration information for parts. The definition process begins with the creation of the part, and continues with the addition of parameter definitions and interface definitions. Parts defined as kits will not have parameter definitions or interface definitions. To edit field OS_Supported in tlkpPartsList  102 , use tlkpOS to index into the OS_Supported array and toggle the character for each operating system between “Y” and “N”. For certain, parts that add on to other parts without taking extra space, set the Size field in tlkpPartsList  102  to zero. The field DefaultRefDes in tlkpPartsList  102  is only used for cables with a fixed reference designator assignment. When the part is initially created, the Status field is set as In-Process. When the part definition process for a part is completed, the status is set to Released. Further modifications of the part definition will require changing the status back to In-Process and recording an explanation for the change. Table XXV defines the part definition process.  
                             TABLE XXV                           Actions of Part Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               1.1   View Parts List   Display the list of parts from               tlkpPartList 102.       1.1.1   Add Part   Add new record to tlkpPartsList 102.       1.1.2   Delete Selected   Delete part from tlkpPartsList 102 and           Part   related data from tlkpParamDesc 116,               tlkpParamDef 118, tlkpIF_Def 106,               tlkpPartFamilyDef 208 and tlkpKitDef.               A part cannot be deleted if used in any               unit definition.       1.1.3   Copy Selected   Copy all of the data defining a part           Part to New Part   (configurations, interfaces and part               families as in 1.1.2) to a new part.       1.1.4   Edit Selected   Change the values of fields in           Part Description   tlkpPartsList 102 except field               PartNumber.       1.1.5   Edit Selected   Edit parameter definitions (Table           Part Parameters   XXVI).       1.1.6   Edit Selected   Edit interface definitions (Table           Part Interfaces   XXVII).       1.1.7   Status Selected   Change configuration status of selected           Part   part.       1.2   View Kit List   Displays all parts of part type Kit       1.2.1   Add Kit Part   Adds a new record to tlkpKitDef 104 to               add a part to a kit.       1.2.2   Delete Kit Part   Delete a part from tlkpKitDef 104.                  
 
         [0062]    The parameter definition subprocess within the part definition process allows for the creation of multiple sets, or configurations, of parameters for a part. The parameter definition lookup table structure is a general purpose method to define arbitrary information about a part. Parameters are created to be reusable on all parts so that queries may be written to extract desirable information. Parameters are also created as members of parameter groups to help organize the parameters. The values assigned at this point are default values since parameters and values are copied from the selected configuration when configuring a unit. The field FlagCopy in tlkpParamList indicates that a parameter value, such as a subassembly serial number, must be cleared when one unit is copied to another. To save space within the database, the name of an illustration file or set of files (using wildcards) may be used in field LRU_DwgPath in tlkpParamDesc  116 . The file or files can be temporarily brought into the database during printing operations. The HelpNotes field of tlkpParamList  112  provides direction to the user on the meaning of the parameter and its possible values. Parameters may include information such as weight and power consumption which can be calculated with additional queries. Table XXVI defines the parameter definition subprocess of the part definition process.  
                             TABLE XXVI                           Actions of Parameter Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               1.1.5.1   Add   Add a new record to tlkpParamDesc           Configuration   116.       1.1.5.2   Delete   Delete record in tlkpParamDesc 116           Configuration   and related parameters in               tlkpParamDef 118. Configuration               cannot be deleted if used in unit               definition.       1.1.5.3   Copy   Add a new record to tlkpParamDesc           Configuration   116 with next PN_CfgNo and copy               parameters in tlkpParamDef 118 to               new PN_CfgNo.       1.1.5.4   Edit   Edit parameters of selected PN_CfgNo           Configuration   from tlkpParamDesc 116.       1.1.5.4.1   Add Parameter   Add new parameter selected from               tlkpParamList 112 to tlkpParamDef               118.       1.1.5.4.1.1   Create   Add new parameter definition to           Parameter   tlkpParamList 112. Field IDParamGrp               selected from tlkpParamGrp 114.       1.1.5.4.2   Delete   Delete parameter from tlkpParamDef           Parameter   118. Parameters cannot be deleted if               used in unit definition.       1.1.5.4.3   Edit Parameter   Edit field DefaultValue in               tlkpParamDef 118.                  
 
         [0063]    The interface definition subprocess of the part definition process allows for the creation of a list of interfaces for connection of the corresponding part to others parts. In a large system, the number of types of interfaces is large so the interfaces need to be organized. Interface families are used to categorize interfaces into functionally and mechanically compatible groups. Additionally, the number of interface families may be large so the interface families are also grouped into categories of part types. As a general rule, the part type of an interface family should be based on the more fixed type of connector (not cable interfaces). An interface is assigned to an interface family and given a gender. The gender, plug or jack, is used to allow interfaces within the same interface family to mate when constructing a unit. As a general rule, the more fixed type of connector is defined as a Jack and more flexible connectors are defined as Plugs (cable interfaces). If a cable interface may be connected to a variety of mates, a cable tag may be assigned to the interface which can be marked with information defining the connection (source and destination). For example, if cable W100 interface P1 connects to subassembly A1A2J2, the marker is “W100P1 (A1A2J2)”. The parentheses indicate the destination of the cable interface. Table XXVII defines the interface definition subprocess of the part definition process.  
                             TABLE XXVII                           Actions of Interface Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               1.1.6.1   Add Interface   Add a new record to tlkpIF_Def 106.               Field ID_IF_Family selected from               tlkpIF_Family 108. Field ID_Tag               selected from tlkpTagDef 110. Select               field Gender from “Plug” or “Jack”.       1.1.6.1.1   Add Interface   Add a new record to tlkpIF_Family           Family   108. Field IDPartType selected from               tlkpPartType 100.       1.1.6.2   Delete Interface   Delete record from tlkpIF_Def 106.               Cannot be deleted if used in unit               definition.                  
 
         [0064]    The location definition process is used to create a type of equipment or system and assign location definitions to it. Multiple sets of location definitions may be required for some types of equipment or systems. A location definition is a list of reference designated locations corresponding to places within the equipment or system for fixed subassemblies. This does not include cables used to connect the subassemblies. In some cases, the location definition may be augmented with an illustration implemented as a file or set of files identified by the field EquipDwgPath of tlkpLocDesc  202 . Part families are used to insure that only parts compatible with a location are later assigned to that location during the unit construction process. A part family is a list of parts compatible with location. Since parts are categorized into part types, so are part families. When the equipment is initially created, the Status field is set as In-Process. When the location definition process for an equipment is completed, the status is set to Released. Further modifications of the location definition will require changing the status back to In-Process and recording an explanation for the change. Table XXVIII defines the location definition process.  
                             TABLE XXVIII                           Actions of Location Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               2.1   Add Equipment   Add a new record to tlkpEquipType           Type   to create a type of equipment.       2.1.1   Add Configuration   Add a new record to tlkpLocDesc               202.       2.1.2   Delete   Delete record in tlkpLocDesc 202           Configuration   and related records in tlkpLocDef               204. Configuration cannot be               deleted if used in unit definition.       2.1.3   Copy   Add a new record to tlkpLocDesc           Configuration   202 with next EquipCfgNo and               copy records in tlkpLocDef 204 to               new EquipCfgNo.       2.1.4   Edit Configuration   Edit locations of selected               EquipCfgNo from tlkpLocDesc               202.       2.1.4.1   Add Location   Add new location to tlkpLocDef               204. Select field IDPartFamily               from tlkpPartFamilyDesc 206.               Adjust reference designator to use               fixed length numeric fields (e.g.               A001).       2.1.4.1.1   Create Part Family   Add new part family definition to               tlkpPartFamilyDesc 206.       2.1.4.2   Delete Location   Delete location from tlkpLocDef               204. Location cannot be deleted if               used in unit definition.       2.1.4.3   Add Part to Part   Add new part to a part family in           Family   tlkpPartFamilyDef 208. Select part               family from tlkpPartFamDesc 206.       2.1.4.4   Delete Part from   Delete part from a part family in           Part Family   tlkpPartFamilyDef 208. Select part               family from tlkpPartFamDesc 206.       2.2   Status Selected   Change configuration status of           Equipment   selected equipment.                  
 
         [0065]    The unit definition process results in a description of the construction of a unit assembly or system. A unit is made of parts selected from the parts definition tables. The parts are assigned to locations according to the part family definitions of the location definition of the selected equipment type. Processor groups may be defined and parts assigned to them. The parts are then interconnected based upon the interface definitions and interface families in the part definition. Finally, the parts are assigned configuration parameters based on the configuration parameter definitions in the part definition. The completed unit definition may be printed on reports to be described later. The unit definition is linked to the part definition and location definition for efficiency and coherency. When the unit is initially created, the Status field is set as In-Process. When the unit definition process for an equipment is completed, the status is set to Released. Further modifications of the unit definition will require changing the status back to In-Process and recording an explanation for the change. Table XXIX defines the unit definition process.  
                             TABLE XXIX                           Actions of Unit Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               3.1   Add Unit   Add a new record to tblUnitEquip               300 to create a unit for assembly.               Select the IDEquipType from               tlkpEquipType 200 and               EquipCfgNo from tlkpLocDesc               202.       3.2   Edit Unit   Select a unit from tblUnitEquip 300.       3.2.1   Edit Parts List   View the unit parts list from               tblUnitPartsList 302.       3.2.1.1   Add Part   Add a part from tlkpPartsList 102               to tblUnitPartsList 302. Use the               next sequential item number starting               at 1. If the part is a kit, add all the               parts of the kit (multiply any               quantities greater than 1) and use               the next sequential kit number               starting at 1. Copy the               DefaultRefDes field from               tlkpPartsList 102 to the RefDes               field of tblUnitPartsList 302.       3.2.1.2   Delete Part   Delete a part from tlkpPartsList 102               and all corresponding records from               tblParam 304 and tblUnitConnect               306.       3.2.1.3   Delete Kit   Delete all parts of a kit according to               3.2.1.2.       3.2.2   Assign Locations   Assign field RefDes in           to Parts   tblUnitPartsList 302 based on a part               family compatible, unoccupied               location from tlkpLocDef 204.               Additional parts may be added to an               occupied location of their size is               zero (e.g. putting software on a               hard disk). Spare parts are               excluded from this step. Automatic               assignments may be made for parts               that have only one possible location.       3.2.3   Define Processor   Add a record to tblUnitProcGrp           Groups   308 to define a processor group.               Select field Index from tlkpOS 310.       3.2.4   Assign Processor   Assign field ProcessorGrp in           Groups to Parts   tblUnitPartsList 302 selected from               tblUnitProcGrp 308. Insure that the               OS_Supported field from               tlkpPartsList allows the part to be               assigned to the operating system               based on field Index from tlkpOS               310. Spare parts are excluded from               this step.       3.2.5   Interconnect Parts   Display the list of parts with               interfaces, the interfaces and the               connections to the interfaces (Table               XXIX). Spare parts are excluded               from this step.       3.2.6   Assign Parameters   Display the list of parts with           to Parts   configuration parameters and their               parameters (Table XXXI).       3.3   Status Selected   Change configuration status of           Unit   selected unit.       3.4   Print Reports   Print a set of reports for a unit               definition (Table TBD).                  
 
         [0066]    The unit interconnection process is used to interconnect the parts in the unit that have interfaces defined. Mating interfaces are selected from the parts within the unit have interfaces in the same interface family and opposite gender and are unconnected. To know when the interconnection subprocess is completed, all unconnected interfaces are defined explicitly as “No Connects” thus accounting for all interfaces within a unit. The field IDUnitConnect of tblUnitConnect  306  is necessary to delete records from the table. The field IDUnitEquip of tblUnitConnect accelerates queries for connections within a unit. Table XXX defines the unit interconnection subprocess of the unit definition process.  
                             TABLE XXX                           Actions of Unit Interconnect Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               3.2.5.1   Assign Cable   Assign values to cable reference           Reference   designators since they are not           Designators   assigned during location definition.       3.2.5.2   Auto-assign   Detect all interfaces that have only           Connections and   one possible mate or no possible           No Connections   mates and automatically assign               them.       3.2.5.3   Assign Connection   Select a mate for an interface that is               in the same interface family,               opposite gender and unconnected               and assign a connection in               tblUnitConnect 306.       3.2.5.4   Assign No   Assign a No Connect record in           Connection   tblUnitConnect 306.       3.2.5.5   Delete Connection   Delete a record in tblUnitConnect               306.                  
 
         [0067]    The unit parameter definition process is used to assign a specific set of configuration parameters to each part within a unit. The parameters from the selected configuration are copied to tblUnitParam  304  so that parameter values may be modified independent of the part definition. A link to the original parameters in maintained with field PN_CfgNo in tblUnitPartsList so that the description and illustration fields in tlkpParamDesc  116  may be used. Parts that have only one configuration may be automatically assigned. Table XXXI defines the unit parameter definition subprocess of the unit definition process.  
                             TABLE XXXI                           Actions of Unit Parameter Definition            Level   Description   Additional Explanation               3.2.6.1   Auto-assign   Copy all parameters from           Configurations   tlkpParamDef 118 to tblUnitParam               304 for parts with only one               configuration in tlkpParamDesc               116. Assign the PN_CfgNo field of               tblUnitPartsList 302 to the value               from tlkpParamDesc 116.       3.2.6.2   Select   Select a configuration from           Configuration   tlkpParamDesc 116 and copy all               parameters from tlkpParamDef 118               to tblUnitParam 304. Assign the               PN_CfgNo field of tblUnitPartsList               302 to the selected value from               tlkpParamDesc 116.       3.2.6.3   Delete   Delete a configuration from           Configuration   tblUnitParam 304 and clear field               PN_CfgNo in tblUnitPartsList 302.       3.2.6.4   Edit Configuration   Edit the values in tblUnitParam 304.           Values                  
 
         [0068]    The maintenance of supporting tables requires basic record operations. The supporting tables are not modified as part of normal activities and are considered more of an administration activity. Table XXXII defines the maintenance process.  
                                 TABLE XXXII                           Actions of Maintenance                Level   Description   Additional Explanation                       4.1   Edit Part Type   Add, delete and edit part type               Definitions   definitions in tlkpPartType 100.           4.2   Edit Operating   Add, delete and edit operating               System Definitions   system definitions in tlkpOS 310.           4.3   Edit Parameter   Add, delete and edit parameter               Group Definitions   group definitions in tlkpParamGrp                   114.           4.4   Edit Cable Tag   Add, delete and edit cable tag               Definitions   definitions in tlkpTagDef 110.                      
 
         [0069]    The configuration management tables tblCM_Status  210  and tblCM_Memo  212  are used by the part definition process, the location definition process and the unit definition process to record explanations for changes in status. The status is used to secure records when the data is considered complete. When the first change in status occurs, no records will exist in the tables so an initial record is created. The initial record defines a new master key in field CM_MstrKey which assigns all records under this key the associated part, equipment or unit. The new master key is the next sequential value from the largest master key. A new current key is established in field CM_CurKey which identifies each separate explanation in field Comment. A new record is added and a new current key is established each time the status is change from Released to In-process. Each time the status changes, a new record is added to tblCM_status recording the date and time, the user and the status.  
         [0070]    The primary printed reports that may be generated define the construction of a selected unit. This report could be called a configuration identification index (CII). Other reports may be generated to create a hard copy of part definitions or location definitions. The CII requires several chapters of reports for each topic to be printed. This document could also include title page and tables of contents. Table XXXIII defines a basic set of chapters for a CII.  
                             TABLE XXXIII                           Configuration Identification Index Report            Chapter   Title   Description               1   Parts List   A report containing a list of parts           (See FIG. 5 for   sorted by either part number or           an example)   reference designator. A group of               parameters containing information               such as item serial numbers could               also be reported.       2   Illustrations   A report containing the illustrations           (See FIGS. 6 and   within a unit followed by a unit           7)   functional block diagram, followed               by the location definition and               followed by the part drawings.       3   Processor Groups   A report containing a list of the           (See FIG. 8)   processor groups and associated               fields. This report could also               contain a list of all the parts               assigned to each processor group.               It may also be practical to include               configuration parameters of               operating system software in each               processor group.       4   Configuration   A report containing a list of all parts           Parameters   with configuration parameter           (See FIG. 9)   groups not previously reported.               The parts would be organized in               part number or reference designator               order. The parameters for each part               would be presented in group order               and then parameter order               (alphabetical).       5   Interconnection   A report containing a list of all           (See FIG. 10)   interfaces and their mates or No               Connect flags. The interfaces               would be organized in reference               designator order and interface name               order.       6   Cable Tags   A report containing a list of all           (See FIG. 11)   interfaces requiring cable tags and               the marking required for the tags.                  
 
         [0071]    An example use of the present invention is the documentation of the construction of a computer assembly. The part types of a computer may include, power system (power supplies, fans, etc.), human machine interface (keyboards, monitors, etc.), circuit cards (processors, I/O, etc.), storage devices (hard disk, tape, CD ROM etc.), enclosures (cabinets, panels, etc.), networking (routers, switches, transceivers, etc.) and cables. Software can come in two categories, installed and uninstalled. Installed software, such as operating systems can be put in the same category as storage devices and given size zero. Then the software can be located on the storage device during the location assignment process. Uninstalled software would be treated as spare parts since it is separate from the assembly. A variable computer using circuit card slots and a backplane may support multiple processors and operating systems. Processor groups would be used to separate storage devices, circuit cards and HMI devices into their respective groups. Circuit cards that are mezzanines on other cards and do not require additional slots can be assigned size zero and added to locations along with the primary circuit card in the location. All of the types of illustrations; part, equipment and functional block diagram, could be used to complement the tabular data. A genealogy of reference designators would be used with each location assigned a unique reference designator and each cable assigned a unique reference designator. The equipment illustration would show the reference designators for locations.  
         [0072]    The basic process for configuring a computer is to define the parts and their associated operating system compatibility matrix parameters and interfaces  401 . The next step is to define the locations in the enclosure for the subassemblies and create part families for the locations  402 . The last step is to construct the computer by creating the unit with selected a location definition, build the parts list, assign the parts to locations, define the processor groups, assign the parts to processor groups, define the interconnections, select configuration parameters and assign values to the parameters. The unit may then be assembled and tested  404  according to the configuration defined in the database and the CII report may be generated. The data may be used to support the product  405  after delivery.  
         [0073]    The present invention is equally capable of documenting the construction of a system of many computers connected by a network. Instead of reference designators for locations within a enclosure, the locations may be defined by a grid within a building. Each computer in the building would be assigned a location. Other parts such as software (size=0) could be added to each computer. The configuration parameters for the computer could identify specific configuration information about the computer such as hardware features. Other parts such as networking hubs and switches would also be included. The interconnect definition would completely define the network topology. Parameters such as cable lengths could be recorded as well as installation dates, cable routing information, and maintenance records. The process for configuring a computer system is identical to the process for configuring a computer assembly, although more dynamic since a typical installation is constantly changing.  
         [0074]    Although the embodiment preferred by the inventor is electronic units, the invention is applicable to virtually any type of manufactured goods, particularly where the good is produced with a number of configurations or versions, such as automobiles, computers, airplanes and many other products.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8