Computer-implemented method and apparatus for monitoring statistical process control data
First Claim
1. A process monitoring apparatus, comprising:
- (a) means for collecting measured data values representing one or more characteristics of a process at discrete intervals during its operation;
(b) means for storing the measured data values in a memory; and
(c) means for displaying a target control chart on a monitor, wherein the target control chart comprises a Specification Limits ball graphically depicting specification limits for the process, a Control Limits ball graphically depicting control limits for the process, and a Data Population ball graphically depicting one or more characteristics of a sample comprising at least one of the and wherein the Specification Limits ball, the Control Limits ball and the Data Population ball are displayed on the monitor in a manner to represent an interrelation between the specification limits for the process, the control limits for the process, and the characteristics of the sample, so that an ideal environment is represented by concentrically overlaying the Specification Limits ball, Control Limits ball and Data Population ball.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for monitoring a process operating under statistical process control (SPC). The computer displays a "target control chart" to represent SPC data from the process. The target control chart comprises a Specification Limits ball graphically depicting the specifications limits for the process, a Control Limits ball graphically depicting the control limits for the process, and a Data Population ball graphically depicting one or more characteristics of a sample population of the measured data values for the process. Once defined, the Specification Limits ball remains static, and its display is not altered. The Control Limits ball may be static, or may be re-positioned and re-sized as additional measured data values are included in the sample population. The Data Population ball is dynamic and is re-positioned and re-sized as additional measured data values are included in the sample population. The position of the Data Population ball on a Y axis of the target control chart is calculated by averaging all measured data values in a specified study length or moving window of the sample population. The diameter of the Data Population ball is calculated by determining a standard deviation of all measured data values in the specified study length or moving window of the sample population.
58 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A process monitoring apparatus, comprising:
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(a) means for collecting measured data values representing one or more characteristics of a process at discrete intervals during its operation; (b) means for storing the measured data values in a memory; and (c) means for displaying a target control chart on a monitor, wherein the target control chart comprises a Specification Limits ball graphically depicting specification limits for the process, a Control Limits ball graphically depicting control limits for the process, and a Data Population ball graphically depicting one or more characteristics of a sample comprising at least one of the and wherein the Specification Limits ball, the Control Limits ball and the Data Population ball are displayed on the monitor in a manner to represent an interrelation between the specification limits for the process, the control limits for the process, and the characteristics of the sample, so that an ideal environment is represented by concentrically overlaying the Specification Limits ball, Control Limits ball and Data Population ball. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for monitoring a process, comprising:
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(a) collecting measured data values representing one or more characteristics of a process at discrete intervals during its operation; (b) storing the measured data values in a memory; and (c) displaying a target control chart on a monitor attached to a computer, wherein the target control chart comprises a Specification Limits ball graphically depicting specification limits for the process, a Control Limits ball graphically depicting control limits for the process, and a Data Population ball graphically depicting one or more characteristics of a sample of at least one of the measured data values, and wherein the Specification Limits ball, the Control Limits ball and the Data Population ball are displayed on the monitor in a manner to represent an interrelation between the specification limits for the process, the control limits for the process, and the characteristics of the sample, so that an ideal environment is represented by concentrically overlaying the Specification Limits ball, Control Limits ball and Data Population ball. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification