Method and system for automatically isolating suspect items in a manufacturing or assembly environment
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for automatically isolating suspect items in a manufacturing environment, the method comprising:
- inputting one or more suspect item definitions into a computer database;
automatically detecting an identifier for an item in a manufacturing or assembly process;
comparing the detected item identifier with the one or more suspect item definitions; and
if the detected item identifier falls within one or more of the suspect item definitions, automatically isolating the item in the manufacturing or assembly process.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer-implemented method and system includes capabilities for receiving suspect item definitions (e.g. item serial numbers, lot numbers, operation identifiers, date ranges, etc.) into a computer database, detecting item identifiers in a manufacturing or assembly process, and comparing the item identifiers with the suspect item definitions. If the detected item identifier falls within one of the suspect item definitions, the item is automatically isolated or otherwise rejected from manufacturing or assembly process. Other aspects of the invention include functionality for determining the location of suspect items. Locations may be inferred and off-site. Another aspect includes automatically modifying the manufacturing or assembly process to bypass one or more suspect manufacturing or assembly operations. A plurality of user interfaces are provided for defining, locating and managing suspect items. Suspect item definitions and location information may by broadcast or otherwise communicated to distributed locations (e.g. holding areas, warehouses, etc.).
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for automatically isolating suspect items in a manufacturing environment, the method comprising:
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inputting one or more suspect item definitions into a computer database;
automatically detecting an identifier for an item in a manufacturing or assembly process;
comparing the detected item identifier with the one or more suspect item definitions; and
if the detected item identifier falls within one or more of the suspect item definitions, automatically isolating the item in the manufacturing or assembly process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer system for automatically isolating suspect items in a manufacturing environment, the system comprising one or more computers operably programmed and configured to:
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receive information including one or more suspect item definitions into a computer database;
receive information including an identifier for an item in a manufacturing or assembly process;
comparing the item identifier with the one or more suspect item definitions;
if the detected item identifier falls within one or more of the suspect item definitions, output a signal to a manufacturing or assembly station whereat the item is automatically isolated from manufacturing or assembly process. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification