Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-26
2004-09-28
Robinson, Greta (Department: 2177)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06799187
DESCRIPTION:
The present invention provides a computer network-based system to enable parts marking implementation, efficiency, coordination, and program control. The present invention enables unique serialization of components being marked across disparate geographic locations. The present invention greatly assists in parts management for fielded fleets of airplanes, motor vehicles, and any other devices or equipment that require ongoing parts maintenance and replacement.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example system of a network-based opportunistic parts marking management system 5 implementing the present invention. The system 5 includes one or more databases 10 coupled to a parts marking and scanning subsystem 40 , a status/management subsystem 50 , and an electronic card entry/revision subsystem 30 over a network 60 . The databases 10 are preferably supported on a processor-based server. The parts marking and scanning subsystem 40 , status/management subsystem 50 , and electronic card entry/revision subsystem 30 are preferably processor-based systems. In other configurations of the invention, the databases, parts marking and scanning, status/management, and electronic card entry/revision subsystems may be variously distributed and/or combined in different locations and in different processor based systems. The network utilized may be a direct connection or wireless network, and may be a public or private local area network, or a wide area network. In one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the network utilized is a diffuse computer network, such as the World Wide Web.
The parts marking and scanning subsystem 40 includes a bar code scanner 44 , or similar scanner, often handheld, and a marking device 42 , here a label printer. Alternative marking devices and methods are well known and are discussed in more detail below, under block 160 of FIG. 3 .
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the electronic parts marking card generation entry process utilized by the system 5 , FIG. 1 , of the present invention.
First, at “input new electronic card” block 100 , a maintenance person or other designated person enters information and instructions for the marking of a specific equipment component as an electronic parts marking card (electronic task card). At “author validation” decision block 110 , the system determines whether the author is validated to save the new electronic parts marking card, or in the case of revision to a card, recording or saving the revisions to an existing card. Validation is suitably conducted utilizing a network connection 60 to an authorizing/validation database 12 . The authorizing/validation database 12 maintains basic information to permit the system to determine whether a particular author or a particular electronic parts marking card may be validated. If in the “author validation” decision block 110 , the author is not validated, an alternative author may be sought to input a new or revised electronic parts marking card. After validation of the author of the new or revised electronic parts marking card, at “card validation” decision block 120 the card itself is validated for form and/or substance, again utilizing information over the network 60 , from the authorizing/validation database 12 . If the card is not validated, an alternate entry may be made, or an alternate author may be sought to input the new or revised electronic card.
The electronic parts marking card documents the parts marking method for a specific part and permits a uniform method to publish and maintain the marking method for each component part entered into the system of the present invention. Upon author validation and card validation for the new or revised electronic parts marking card, the card is stored in the database of approved cards 14 . The electronic parts marking card generated by the process of FIG. 2 is described further below in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9 . In a present embodiment of the invention, the process shown in FIG. 2 is performed by the electronic card entry/revision subsystem 30 (FIG. 1 ).
FIG. 3 illus
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Beggs Robert M.
Buchanan Bradley J.
Bucknell Allan
Carson Ron
Eldridge Martin
Beaufait Mark S.
Black Linh
Black Lowe & Graham PLLC
Robinson Greta
The Boeing Company
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