Abstract: A system and method for computer control of machine processes. The system and method provide a set of predefined data management or data analysis tasks which an operator of the system can use when using the system to run a selected process.Measurement data structures for storing data measured during the running of processes, and related data, for a multiplicity of processes are defined and stored. Data is added to these data structures each time a process is run, and this data is automatically accessed when the operator requests data analysis on the data collected during previous uses of a selected process.Access to measurement data for detailed data management tasks is provided graphically through the use of trend charts and statistical quality control charts. These charts depict trends in the measurement data for selected processes. By pointing at any data point in the chart, the user can access the corresponding record of data for detailed data analysis or for use in a data management task.

Abstract: A system and method for computer control of machine processes. The operator of the system selects and specifies process control parameters through the use of a three level dynamic menu. The first level of the menu is used to select a group of process parameters. The second and third menus together have the visual appearance of a set of index cards, the second menu forming tabs on the index cards, and the third menu comprising the set of process parameters listed on each index card. Each process parameter has a preassigned entry status: operator unalterable, operator alterable, forced operator entry, or single time forced entry (value must be entered only once when the process is run several times). The selected process cannot be run until values have been entered for all parameters having an entry status of forced operator entry or single time forced entry. Edit field parameters limit the operator's options to a predefined set of parameter values.