Relational database method for accessing information useful for the manufacture of, to interconnect nodes in, to repair and to maintain product and system units6438535Abstract 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. Claims What is claimed is: Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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.
*A counter field type is one where an index number is increased by one
count for each new record.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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 tlkpPartFamDesc 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 corrections 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 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.
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. 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 further define the configuration of the processor group. Table XXII defines the fields of tblUnitProcGrp 308. Table XIII 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 the
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.
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).
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.
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
newPN_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.
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 A1A2 J2, the marker is "W100 P1 (A1A2 J2)". 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 Deleter record from tlkpIF_Def 106.
Cannot be deleted if used in unit
definition.
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.
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.e. 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 tblUnitsPartsList 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).
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 that 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.
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 of 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
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.
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. 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 FIG. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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