Abstract: A method comprises using a computer system to acquire information for design and assembly planning of commercial aircraft. The computer system uses an assembly situation model to identify causes of issues with an assembly situation. The assembly situation model includes an initial state, a final state, and an assembly process for transitioning from the initial state to the final state. The computer system stores each cause in computer memory as a relational form of parameters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a data acquisition device comprises a plurality of sensors to detect an environmental condition, a configurable processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the configurable processor is configured to receive one or more signals from the plurality of sensors, process the one or more signals to generate environmental data representative of the environmental condition, wherein the environmental data is, and a first input/output module to transmit the data to a remote device. Other embodiments may be disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring work flow of a resource is disclosed. The method accounts for the expected work flow of the resource in determining the location of the resource as well as dwell times at each work zone. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by determining if subsequent work zones sequentially follows the first work zone in the expected sequence of work zones.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes removably securing a target to a portion of the aircraft in a predetermined position on the portion of the aircraft. The method further includes scanning the target with a scanning device to acquire information about at least one of a location and orientation of the target. The method also includes processing the acquired information to determine at least one of a location and orientation of the portion of the aircraft. In addition, the method includes working the aircraft using the processed information and removing the target from the portion of the aircraft before completing manufacture of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring work flow of a resource is disclosed. The method accounts for the expected work flow of the resource in determining the location of the resource as well as dwell times at each work zone. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by determining if subsequent work zones sequentially follows the first work zone in the expected sequence of work zones.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes removably securing a target to a portion of the aircraft in a predetermined position on the portion of the aircraft. The method further includes scanning the target with a scanning device to acquire information about at least one of a location and orientation of the target. The method also includes processing the acquired information to determine at least one of a location and orientation of the portion of the aircraft. In addition, the method includes working the aircraft using the processed information and removing the target from the portion of the aircraft before completing manufacture of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring work flow of a resource is disclosed. The method accounts for the expected work flow of the resource in determining the location of the resource as well as dwell times at each work zone. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by determining if subsequent work zones sequentially follows the first work zone in the expected sequence of work zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring work flow of a resource is disclosed. The method accounts for the expected work flow of the resource in determining the location of the resource as well as dwell times at each work zone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mobile platform. The platform includes a structure and a member assembled to the structure. Further, the member has a first and a second surface with a thickness defined there between that is varied. The method includes leaving the member on the structure. Also, the method includes advancing a tool through the member while on the structure. The tool is stopped before the tool advances into the structure by more than about a first pre-selected tolerance. Also, a mobile platform assembly is provided that includes a structure, a member, and a fastener fastening the structure and member via a hole through the structure and assembly. The hole has a first diameter through the structure and a second diameter through the member, wherein the diameter changes within an acceptable depth range. In another preferred embodiment, a boroscope, adapted for inspecting holes having two diameters, is also provided.