BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today, we as humans are constantly innovating new ways to make our lives easier while also focusing on sustainable development. The key to excellent water distribution is to distribute water with ease, quickly, any temperature, and efficiently; and mostly, to distribute water precisely without wasting water. Those are the key functions of the “Electronic Water Distribution Center”. The “Electronic Water Distribution Center (EWDC)” is not an electronic faucet; the said apparatus is a universal system that can turn any manual faucet known to man into a faucet that is operated electronically. The said apparatus is constructed with a controller module (either wired or wireless (ex: wireless controller, mobile device, Bluetooth, WIFI, RC/RF), a main MCU system, and one or more electronic water solenoid valves. The “Electronic Water distribution center” is an electronic device with many functionalities. The said apparatus can output water by the press of one of the Temperature switch push buttons or with the option of an on-board motion sensor or an external motion sensor. The said apparatus also saves repetitiously used water depth for anytime access (ex: washing dishes or bathing). The user can auto-fill saved water depth with automatic cut-off, hence can have full operation of the electronic stopper (patent application #) The electronic Stopper is an apparatus for the drain system of any home or business. The Electronic stopper electronically actuates the stopper head, up and/or down, on any drain system by way of motion sensor and many other different inputs, including the said Electronic Water Distribution Center system. The Electronic Water Distribution Center also has a measurement system to output, but not to be limited to, 1-5 cups of water by way of the on-board motion sensor, the external motion sensor, or mobile device application. The “Electronic Water Distribution Center” is the answer for anybody who want to have the faucet of their choice and make it operate electronically. The said apparatus is universal, which means, it can hook up to any faucet the user has in mind, or the user can use the faucet he/she already have at their home/business and have the system up and running in ten minutes, hence make it operate electronically without the need for a plumber. The “Electronic Water Distribution Center” even hook up to and electronic faucet. These features allow the user to have more control of how you want your kitchen or bathroom sink/tub faucet to look as opposed to a generic electronic faucet that is restricted to one simple faucet design. If the user has a solid gold faucet and want it to operate wireless and electronically, the “Electronic Water Distribution Center” is all user need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiment's of the invention include, but not to be limited to, multiple types of Electronic Water Distribution Center Controller(s), a main MCU device, and several electronic water solenoid valves. The types of controllers the Electronic Water Distribution Center consist of is either wired controlled or wireless controlled. The wired controlled version of the Electronic Water Distribution Center has an external motion controller device and/or on-board motion controller, hot, cold, and warm temperature push button controller, an electronic overflow circuit, a depth saving function to save repetitiously used water depth for any time use, connect to the Electronic Stopper(patent application #), and also have full access to all controls on your mobile device, tablet, or computer by means of Bluetooth and/or WIFI. The wireless controlled version of the Electronic Water Distribution Center has a temperature push button controller that has a microcontroller, Bluetooth/WIFI connectivity, and a motion sensor that is on-board the temperature push button controller. The temperature push button controller consists of hot, cold, and warm water temperature switch buttons, an electronic overflow circuit, a depth saving function to save repetitiously used water depth for any time use, and also have full access to all controls of the Electronic Water Distribution Center via your mobile device, tablet, or computer by means of Bluetooth and/or WIFI. The said apparatus also has a vibrator and/or piezo buzzer to signal the user to let them know that water is on or off, or a mode is entered or exited. The vibrator and piezo buzzer is used to produce a signal back to the user every time a button is pressed. The Difference between the two controllers is that the wired version has Cables that connect to the main MCU module from the controllers and the wireless module has no cables. The main MCU module in both wired and wireless units consist of a microcontroller, a driver circuit, and a Bluetooth and/or WIFI module(s) circuit. Lastly, Water solenoid valves are used to control the water output, hence to actuate the water flow Electronically. The system is also equipped with one or more manual shut/off valves to revert your faucet back to full manual operations.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) external motion controller and water detect circuit electronic schematics.
FIG. 1B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) push button controller module that only utilize push button functions electronic schematics.
FIG. 1C Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) main MCU electronic schematics and its connectivity with the external motion controller with water over-flow detect, the push button controller connectivity, and also how the electronic solenoid valve modules are connected to the main MCU.
FIG. 1D Illustrates models of the external enclosures for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) external motion sensor controller with water over-flow detect, and the Electronic Water Distribution Center push button controller.
FIG. 2A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) push button controller with motion sensor circuit module electronic schematics.
FIG. 2B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) main MCU unit electronic schematics and its connectivity with the push button/motion sensor controller; the water over-flow detect circuit is located on the main MCU unit.
FIG. 2C Illustrates A model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) push button with motion sensor controller.
FIG. 3A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless push button controller with motion sensor circuit module electronic schematics.
FIG. 3B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless main MCU unit electronic schematics and its connectivity upon the push button with motion sensor controller; the water over-flow detect circuit is located upon this wireless main MCU unit.
FIG. 3C Illustrates A model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless push button with motion sensor controller.
FIG. 4 Illustrates A model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired and wireless main MCU unit.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
All components utilized in conjunction with the Electronic Water Distribution Center's illustrations in this particular patent are subject to change, and should not be limited to what is depicted, but are utilized to fulfill the policy of this patent. All components whether mechanical or electrical will be re-analyzed and different components may or may not be utilized to assemble the Electronic Water Distribution Center. Any and all new components used will have similarities as the stated used components in conjunction with the electronic stopper or Electronic Water Distribution Center.
FIG. 1A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) external motion controller (40) and water over-flow detect (45) circuit electronic schematics. The external motion controller circuit (40) is constructed with and infrared receiver transmitter package; the infrared transmitter and receiver is first connected dose together in proximity; the said transmitter emit an infrared beam signal into the atmosphere; if the user wave their hand or object in the range of the infrared transmitter/receiver package circuit, the infrared beam then bounces off of the object and is collected within the receiver to produce an output signal to interrupt the microcontroller (75) on the main MCU unit (FIG. 1C); the motion controller circuit is utilized upon the apparatus to first, output water by way of motion detection from a human or an object; second, is utilized to output the last temperature that was pressed by the temperature switch push button controller (FIG. 1B) to output for anytime use; third, is utilized to output a selected cup size of water, ranging from 1-5 cups, that is switched by the cup size button (30) upon the push button controller (FIG. 1B). The water over-flow detection circuit (45) is configured with a low frequency/fast switching/ultra-low current sensing/audio transistor. A small positive input signal is applied through an fast switching 1n4148 diode and the low frequency audio amplifier is utilized to produce the output signal to the microcontroller; if a small body of water reaches the input and output signal of the water over-flow detection circuit (45) sensors in unison, the water over-flow detection sensor (45) will then output a signal to the microcontroller (75) on the main MCU unit (FIG. 1C), hence automatically turn both hot and/or cold water solenoid valves (95) and (100) off until water is under the input and outputs to the water over-flow detection (45) circuit; once water is under the water over-flow circuit (45) the water can then be operated again.
FIG. 1B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) push button controller module that only utilize push button functions electronic schematics, First, the said apparatus hot button (5), cold button (15), and/or warm button (10) is utilized upon the system for the user to output selected water temperature from the said apparatus for a prolonged period of time; second, is utilized to select which ever water temperature the user want the motion sensor circuit (40) to operate on; the tri-led (1) is used to let user know what temperature of water that is coming out of the apparatus and/or what temperature the motion sensor circuit (40) is to operate on. third, the menu button (20) is there to select and change water depth mode and fill sink/tub mode; water depth mode allow the user to save a preferred amount of water that is used normally (to wash dishes or/and to get in the tub); sink/tub fill up button (25) is to activate the save water depth and temperature that was selected during the saving procedure by way of the press of a button. If you have the electronic stopper circuit (patent application #), when sink/tub push button (25) is pressed, the automatic stopper actuates down, hence the selected water temperature is selected and the water depth that was saved is then reactivated to refill the sink/tub to the previously saved water depth. The c-size button (30) is the cup size select button. The c-size button (30) is used to select how many cups of water, between 1-5 cups of water can be selected, that is outputted by the motion sensor circuit (40). The vibrator and/or sounder circuit (35) is utilized on the system as an audio or physical indicator. For example: to let the user know that the water is on or off, that a certain mode is selected, or that the water depth level is saved.
FIG. 1C Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) main MCU electronic schematics and its connectivity with the external motion controller with water over-flow detect (FIG. 1A), the push button controller (FIG. 1B) connectivity, and also how the Hot and Cold electronic water solenoid valves (95) (100) are connected to the main MCU. The main MCU unit power supply source is constructed with, but not to be limited to, a maxim 1737 IC, which is a battery charger integrated circuit (55). The maxim 1737 is a lithium ion battery charger circuit (55) that charges the system battery and also provide system power in unison; the system battery (65) is provided for a power outage situation and/or to operate the system by battery power and/or by solar. Once the system battery (65) reach full charge, the system battery (65) no longer is charging or is discharging unless dc wall plug has a power failure. The system microcontroller (75) is an 8-bit microcontroller which is used for various functions and purposes. The microcontroller (75) holds the C++ program that accepts the inputs from the external motion controller circuit (40), water over-flow circuit (45), and the temperature controller remote (FIG. 1B); the microcontroller (75) then outputs a signal to the driver circuit (90), which is constructed with a Darlington pair, a half h-bridge, or a full h-bridge driver; the said Driver circuit then output an amplified signal to the hot water solenoid valve (95) and/or the cold water solenoid valve (100) to output the water temperature that was selected by the user; microcontroller (75) also mean for the user to save their preferred water depth and output that saved water depth by pressing the sink/tub fill-up button (25) once; microcontroller means (75) to send and receive data through its full duplex UART/USART system via ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85). The Electronic Water Distribution Center has either a ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85) communication system for the means of communicating with the system via mobile device (android or apple), or from any computer device via a Bluetooth or WIFI device self-contained app; any device that is utilized to control the apparatus through Bluetooth, WIFI, or ZIGBEE (85)connectivity will have full control of the apparatus and will be able to control all of the apparatus's said functions from that device via the device application.
FIG. 1D Illustrates models of the external enclosures for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 1) external motion sensor controller with water over-flow detect (FIG. 1A), and the Electronic Water Distribution Center push button controller (FIG. 1B. The said version was invented for the user to be able to mount the external motion sensor circuit (FIG. 1A), the temperature push button controller (FIG. 1B), and the main MCU unit (FIG. 4) where ever the user wanted for their own convenience. For example: The user might want the external motion sensor controller (FIG. 1A) in the back of the sink and the temperature push button controller (FIG. 1B) on the lip of the sink. It was created for the user to have more versatility and convenience with how the system is operated in their own home or business.
FIG. 2A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) push button controller with motion sensor circuit module electronic schematics. This specific version of the Electronic Water Distribution Center has the motion sensor circuit (FIG. 1A) and the temperature push-button controller (FIG. 1B) all in one controller. The water over-flow detection circuit (45) is located upon the (version 2) main MCU unit (FIG. 2B). The motion controller circuit (40) is constructed with and infrared receiver transmitter package; the infrared transmitter and receiver is first connected close together in proximity; the said transmitter emit an infrared beam signal into the atmosphere; if the user wave their hand or object in the range of the infrared transmitter/receiver package circuit, the infrared beam then bounces off of the object and is collected within the receiver to produce an output signal to interrupt the microcontroller (75) on the main MCU unit (FIG. 2B); the motion controller circuit is utilized upon the apparatus to first, output water by way of motion from a human or an object; second, is utilized to output the last temperature that was pressed upon the temperature switch push button controls to output for anytime use; third, is utilized to output a selected cup size of water, ranging from 1-5 cups, that is switched by the cup size button (30) upon the push button controls. Now concerning the push-button controls; First, the said apparatus hot button (5), cold button (15), and/or warm button (10) is utilized upon the system for the user to output selected water temperature from the said apparatus for a prolonged period of time; second, is utilized to select which ever water temperature the user want the motion sensor circuit (40) to operate on; the tri-led (1) is used to let user know what temperature of water that is coming out of the apparatus and/or what temperature the motion sensor circuit (40) is to operate on. third, the menu button (20) is there to select and change water depth mode and fill sink/tub mode; water depth mode allow the user to save a preferred amount of water that is used normally (to wash dishes or/and to get in the tub); sink/tub fill button (25) is to activate the save water depth and temperature that was selected during the saving procedure by way of the press of a button. If you have the electronic stopper circuit (patent application #), when sink/tub push button (25) is pressed, the automatic stopper actuates down, hence the selected water temperature is selected and the water depth that was saved is then reactivated to refill the sink/tub to the previously saved water depth. The c-size button (30) is the cup size select button. The c-size button (30) is used to select how many cups of water, between 1-5 cups of water can be selected, that is outputted by the motion sensor circuit (40). The vibrator and/or sounder circuit (35) is utilized on the system as an audio or physical indicator. For example: to let the user know that the water is on or off, that a certain mode is selected, or that the water depth level is saved.
FIG. 2B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) main MCU unit electronic schematics and its connectivity with the push button/motion sensor controller; the water over-flow detect circuit is located on this main MCU unit. The main MCU unit power supply source is constructed with, but not to be limited to, a maxim 1737 IC, which is a battery charger integrated circuit (55). The maxim 1737 is a lithium ion battery charger circuit (55) that charges the system battery and also provide system power in unison; the system battery (65) is provided for a power outage situation and/or to operate the system by battery power and/or by solar. Once the system battery (65) reach full charge, the system battery (65) no longer is charging or is discharging unless dc wall jack plug has a power failure. The system microcontroller (75) is an 8-bit microcontroller which is used for various functions and purposes. The microcontroller (75) holds the C++ program that accepts the inputs from the motion controller circuit (40), water over-flow circuit (45), and the temperature controller remote (FIG. 1B); the microcontroller (75) then outputs a signal to the selected driver circuit (90), which output a signal to the hot water solenoid valve (95) and/or the cold water solenoid valve (100) to output the water temperature that was selected by the user; microcontroller (75) also mean for the user to save their preferred water depth and output that saved water depth by pressing the sink/tub fill button (25) once; microcontroller means (75) to send and receive data through its full duplex UART/USART system via ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85). The Electronic Water Distribution Center has either a ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85) communication system for the means of communicating with the system via mobile device (android or apple), or from any computer device via a Bluetooth or WIFI device self-contained app; any device that is utilized to control the apparatus through ZIGBEE, Bluetooth, or WIFI (85) connectivity will have full control of the apparatus and will be able to control all of the apparatus's said functions from that device via the device application. The water over-flow detection circuit (45) is configured with a low frequency/fast switching/ultra-low current sensing/audio transistor. A small positive input signal is applied through an fast switching 1n4148 diode and the low frequency audio amplifier is utilized to produce the output signal to the microcontroller; if a small body of water reaches the input and output signal of the water over-flow detection circuit (45) sensors in unison, the water over-flow detection sensor (45) will then output a signal to the microcontroller (75), hence automatically turn both hot and/or cold water solenoid valves (95) and (100) off until water is under the input and outputs to the water over-flow detection (45) circuit; once water is under the water over-flow circuit (45) the water can then be operated again.
FIG. 2C Illustrates A model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired (version 2) temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller. The said version was invented for the user to be able to mount the temperature push button/motion sensor circuit controller, (FIG. 2A), and the main MCU unit (FIG. 4) where ever the user wanted for their own convenience. For example: This unit is a two-piece unit that has the motion sensor and the temperature switch push buttons on one controller for the user only having to mount one controller unit. The user might want the temperature push button/motion sensor controller (FIG. 2A) in the front of the sink because he/she is in a wheelchair and don't want to lift up to reach the motion sensor or the push-button controls. It was created for the user to have more convenience with how the system is operated in their own home or business.
FIG. 3A Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller module electronic schematics. The wireless temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller unit power supply source is constructed with, but not to be limited to, a maxim 1737 IC, which is a battery charger integrated circuit (50). The maxim 1737 is a lithium ion battery charger circuit (50) that charges the system battery and also provide system power in unison; the system battery (60) is provided for a power outage situation and/or to operate the system by battery power and/or by solar. Once the system battery (60) reach full charge, the system battery (60) no longer is charging or is discharging unless dc wall jack plug has a power failure. The wireless temperature switch push-button controller communicates with the main MCU (FIG. 3B) unit via Bluetooth, ZIGBEE, WIFI, and/or radio controlled. The motion controller circuit (40) is constructed with and infrared receiver transmitter package; the infrared transmitter and receiver is first, connected close together in proximity; the said transmitter emit an infrared beam signal into the atmosphere; if the user wave their hand or object in the range of the infrared transmitter/receiver package circuit, the infrared beam then bounces off of the object and is collected within the receiver to produce an output signal to interrupt the microcontroller (70); the motion controller circuit is utilized upon the apparatus to first, output water by way of motion from a human or an object; second, is utilized to output the last temperature that was pressed upon the temperature switch push button controls to output for anytime use; third, is utilized to output a selected cup size of water, ranging from 1-5 cups, that is switched by the cup size button (30) upon the push button controls. Now concerning the push-button controls; First, the said apparatus hot button (5), cold button (15), and/or warm button (10) is utilized upon the system for the user to output selected water temperature from the said apparatus for a prolonged period of time; second, to select what water temperature the user want the motion sensor circuit (40) to operate on; the tri-led (1) is used to let user know what temperature of water that is coming out of the apparatus and/or what temperature the motion sensor circuit (40) is to operate on. third, the menu button (20) is there to select and change water depth mode and fill sink/tub mode; water depth mode allow the user to save a preferred amount of water that is used normally (to wash dishes or/and for bathing); sink/tub fill button (25) is to activate the saved water depth and temperature that was selected during the saving procedure by way of the press of a button. If you have the electronic stopper circuit (patent application #), when sink/tub push button (25) is pressed, the automatic stopper actuates down, hence the selected water temperature is selected and the water depth that was saved is then reactivated to refill the sink/tub to the previously saved water depth. The c-size button (30) is the cup size select button. The c-size button (30) is used to select how many cups of water, between 1-5 cups of water can be selected, that is outputted by the motion sensor circuit (40). The vibrator and/or sounder circuit (35) is utilized on the system as an audio or physical indicator. For example: to let the user know that the water is on or off, that a certain mode is selected, or that the water depth level is saved. The system microcontroller (70) is an 8-bit microcontroller which is used for various functions and purposes. The microcontroller (70) holds the C++ program that accepts the inputs from the temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller, the microcontroller (70) then outputs a signal to the main MCU unit (FIG. 3B) via ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (80), to the microcontroller (75). Hence the microcontroller (75) send an output signal to the selected driver circuit (90), which output a signal to the hot water solenoid valve (95) and/or the cold water solenoid valve (100) to output the water temperature that was selected by the user; microcontroller (75) also mean for the user to save their preferred water depth and output that saved water depth by pressing the sink/tub fill-up button (25) once; microcontroller means (70) to send and receive data through its full duplex UART/USART system via ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (80) to The Electronic Water Distribution Center's microcontroller (75) via BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85) communication system for the means of communicating with the system's hot or cold water solenoid valves.
FIG. 3B Illustrates the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless main MCU unit electronic schematics and its connectivity upon the wireless temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller; the water over-flow detect circuit is located on the wireless main MCU unit. The main MCU unit power supply source is constructed with, but not to be limited to, a maxim 1737 IC, which is a battery charger integrated circuit (55). The maxim 1737 is a lithium ion battery charger circuit (55) that charges the system battery and also provide system power in unison; the system battery (65) is provided for a power outage situation and/or to operate the system by battery power and/or by solar. Once the system battery (65) reach full charge, the system battery (65) no longer is charging or is discharging unless dc wall jack plug has a power failure. The system microcontroller (75) is an 8-bit microcontroller which is used for various functions and purposes. The microcontroller (75) holds the C++ program that accepts the inputs from the wireless temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller (FIG. 3A), the water over-flow circuit (45), and/or via BLUETOOTH/WIFI/ZIGBEE (85); the microcontroller (75) then outputs a signal to the selected driver circuit (90), which output a signal to the hot water solenoid valve (95) and/or the cold water solenoid valve (100) to output the water temperature that was selected by the user, microcontroller (75) also mean for the user to save their preferred water depth and output that saved water depth by pressing the sink/tub fill button (25) once; microcontroller means (75) to send and receive data through its full duplex UART/USART system via ZIGBEE/BLUETOOTH/WIFI/Radio Control (85); the Electronic Water Distribution Center has either a ZIGBEE, BLUETOOTH, WIFI, or Radio Control (85) communication system for the means of communicating with the system via mobile device (android or apple), the Electronic Water Distribution Center temperature switch with motion sensor controller, or from any computer device via a Bluetooth or WIFI device self-contained app; any device that is utilized to control the apparatus through ZIGBEE, Bluetooth, or WIFI (85) connectivity will have full control of the apparatus and will be able to control all of the apparatus's said functions from that device via the device application. The water over-flow detection circuit (45) is configured with a low frequency/fast switching/ultra-low current sensing/audio transistor. A small positive input signal is applied through an fast switching 1n4148 diode and the low frequency audio amplifier is utilized to produce the output signal to the microcontroller; if a small body of water reaches the input and output signal of the water over-flow detection circuit (45) sensors in unison, the water over-flow detection sensor (45) will then output a signal to the microcontroller (75), hence automatically turn both hot and/or cold water solenoid valves (95) and (100) off until water is under the input and outputs to the water over-flow detection (45) circuit; once water is under the water over-flow circuit (45) the water can then be operated again.
FIG. 3C Illustrates A model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wireless temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller. The wireless Temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller has a power switch (105) located on the side of the device. The said temperature controller is equipped with a charging dock (110) with the charging connections (115) and (120) on the bottom of the temperature controller; the said Temperature switch push button with motion sensor controller can plug into any wall outlet to charge and also have a very wide communication range, but not to be limited to 40 ft. The wireless apparatus can be assembled to any home and/or business plumbing in less than 10 minutes without the need for a plumber.
FIG. 4 Illustrates a model of the external enclosure for the Electronic Water Distribution Center's wired and wireless main MCU unit. The main MCU enclosure will be utilized for all units; the main MCU unit, as well as all of the other stated controller units within this patent, all are constructed with waterproof plastics and/or metal enclosure; for this reason, there is a zero percent chance for the system to malfunction and cause some type of electrical shock to the user; the unit can be hung on a wall, under the sink, and even under the house; main MCU storage depends solely on the user preference.
CONCLUSION
The Electronic Water Distribution Center Has Been Modified Time After Time in The Last year and a half, and will continue to be modified in due time. There are plenty of Other modifications that will be created for the said apparatus and the modifications made will be pertaining to the apparatus getting smarter and smarter; also said modifications will continue to make sure power consumption drops even less than what it is. I been running this system in my house for one year in a half now strong without any bugs in the system. The main MCU C++ program does exactly what its programmed to do and is ready for manufacturing.