Inspection workstation data entry method

• US 4,641,250 A
• Filed: 06/11/1984
• Issued: 02/03/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
• Original Assignee: United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force
• Inventors: Strong, David
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/619,244
• Time in Patent Office: 967 Days
• Field of Search: 364/480, 364/481, 364/491, 364/506, 364/507, 364/550, 364/551, 371/25, 371/26
• US Class Current: 73/588
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/30 Arrangements for calibrating or comparing, e.g. with standard objects
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30141 Printed circuit board [PCB]
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30148 Semiconductor; IC; Wafer
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30152 Solder
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/0008 checking presence/absence
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/001 using an image reference approach

Abstract

An inspection workstation data entry method is used by electronic assembly inspector to substantially increase throughput and eliminate data entry errors. The method utilizes a sonic digitizer cursor and x-y linear microphones to record unique registration data and defect data. The inspector, without manual intervention for data entry, positions the assembly in a workarea, records a registration hole location and defect locations along with identifying information or processing requirements. The method minimizes errors due to manual data entry and eliminates the need for on-hand reference materials.

Claims

1. An inspection workstation data entry method for inspecting an electronic assembly comprising the steps of:

(a) determining whether a selected electronic assembly has at least one defect thereon by visual inspection;

(b) entering identifying information of said selected electronic assembly having at least one defect thereon into a means for processing data;

(c) positioning said electronic assembly against a reference bar in a work area of a workstation table, the position of said reference bar on said workstation table being known to said means for processing data;

(d) positioning a sonic digitizer cursor over a registration point of said electronic assembly while said electronic assembly is positioned on said bar;

(e) actuating said cursor while positioned over said registration point whereby a sound is emitted and received by a x-y linear microphone apparatus, said x-y linear microphone apparatus transmitting signals that correspond to the x-y location of said registration point;

(f) positioning said cursor over a defect on said electronic assembly while on said bar;

(g) actuating said cursor while positioned over said defect whereby a sound is emitted and received by said x-y linear microphone apparatus, said x-y linear microphone apparatus transmitting signals that correspond to the x-y location of said defect;

(h) positioning said cursor over a defect description contained within a menu;

(i) actuating said cursor while positioned over said defect description whereby a sound is emitted and received by said x-y linear microphone apparatus, said x-y linear microphone apparatus transmitting signals that correspond to the x-y location of said defect description;

(j) reviewing information about said electronic assembly and said defect in said means for processing for correctness;

(k) causing said information to be stored in said means for processing;

(l) repeating steps (c) to (e) when said electronic assembly is repositioned against said bar;

(m) repeating steps (f) to (k) for each defect on said electronic assembly; and

(n) causing said information to be stored in a general purpose computer for data processing after all said defects upon said electronic assembly are recorded.

2. An inspection workstation data entry method as defined in claim 1 wherein said electronic assembly is a printed wiring assembly.

3. An inspection workstation for use in a data entry method, said workstation comprising:

a table, said table having a substantially flat work area, said work area having a straight reference bar thereon, said bar acting as a stop against which an electronic assembly is placed during inspection;

means for receiving a sound in an orthogonal manner, said means for receiving being mounted about said work area, said means for receiving outputting signals upon receipt of an omitted sound, said signals corresponding to an x-y position upon said work area;

means for selectively emitting said sound, said means for emitting being hand transportable about said work area, said means for selectively emitting having aiming means, said aiming means positioning said means for selectively emitting said sound whereby when said emitted sound is received by said means for receiving, said output signals correspond to a position being a target of said aiming means;

a data entry menu, said menu being located near said work area, said menu having a plurality of items, each item being a statement relating to the inspecting of said electronic assembly being inspected, an inspector selecting said statement by use of said means for selectively emitting sound;

a display means, said display means being located near said table, said display means outputting information about said electronic assembly being inspected;

a data input means for inputting information; and

a processing means, said processing means connected to said means for receiving, said display means, and said data input means, said processing means having stored therein the location of said reference bar, information about said electronic assembly, and a program to process defect information of said electronic assembly.