Production history information apparatus and method using a bar code system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG.
1A shows an example of a rework data card used in a typical production history information system.
FIG.
1B depicts an exemplary history card for recording inspection and repair data as used in the typical system.
The history card provides entries for serial and model numbers, operational test data, and defect correction data through manual recordation.
Real-time collection and analysis of such production data is nearly impossible in this conventional technology that relies upon manual data entry.
Actual data analysis to identify patterns and relationships in production defects can occur in such a system only after a substantial time delay.
The bar code system contemplated in the present invention has seen widespread use in a variety of contexts.
In its essence, a bar code is a representation of alphanumeric characters by series of adjacent stripes of varying widths; that is, a special combination of bars and spaces.
A bar code reader is used to enter the bar coded information into a computer system.
The following brief description will suggest some of the advantages afforded by such a system as one component in a practical data input means for production defect information.
As a pattern of variations in visible-light reflectance, a bar code is relatively impervious to adverse environmental factors such as magnetic fields, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
It can be read without contact between the reader and the pattern substrate.
The substrate (e.
g.
, a label or tag) may consist of inexpensive and easily adaptable materials.
Thus, bar code systems provide a convenient and effective means for collecting information wherever that information may be generated.
In view of these advantages, bar codes have become a popular means for on-line collection of information in, for example, point of sale (POS) systems in supermarkets and department stores and point of production (POP) systems used by manufacturers of finished goods and parts.
Substantially all types of information amenable to processing by computers can be encoded in the form of bar codes