WO2001059646A1

WO2001059646A1 - Model creation system

Info

Publication number: WO2001059646A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2001/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Mark Evans
Original assignee: Encos Limited
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-08
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: AU3623901A

Abstract

A model creation system is disclosed, which includes a computer (data storage means and data processing means with a visual display unit), an electronic link to at least one working, real-time system and processing engine, and a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs, 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) for displaying the model using input data (3, 13, 14, 16, 27, 28, 33, 34). The input data (3, 13, 14, 16, 27, 28, 33, 34) is in the form of a plurality of transactions. The GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) show this data after it is processed by the working, real-time system, said input data (3, 13, 14, 16, 27, 28, 33, 34) relating to at least a partial chain of supply of a product or a partial chain of events.

Description

TITLE: MODEL CREATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for simulation and trial of computer-based monitoring systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modelling system and method for monitoring supply chains and for monitoring information. Yet more particularly, the present invention relates to model systems for tπalling supply chain computeπsed systems and systems for capturing and monitoring data relating to step by step events m a 'live' process.

BACKGROUND ART

The specifications for two applications, PCT/NZOO/00257 and PCT/NZ00/00258, relating to a "System and Method for Monitoring Supply Chains" and a "System and Method for Computeπsed Monitoring of Information" respectively, are incorporated herein by reference.

As disclosed in those specifications, both inventions relate to systems and methods requiπng the inputting to data storage means of individual items of information ("transactions", as defined in those specifications), incorporating a unique identifying number for each item of information. Most of the information is input in an automatic or semi-automatic manner from data capture devices ("DCDs"), as set out in both specifications.

As will be appreciated with such DCDs, neither of the two earlier inventions lends itself to an informative visual overview or display of the process of each invention. Further, neither system is structured for trial or testing As the systems are live, with real data and constant, incoming transactions, and live processing of these transactions, it is virtually impossible to isolate a set of 'test' data for demonstration purposes or for testing.

Interested parties, wishing to view the systems with an eye to use of the inventions, need a means to view, review and to assess these systems. A model of the working system, with the ability to input a limited number of transactions regarding a new product/process (or range of these) to demonstrate the manner in which the inventions work, is advantageous. However, the process and methods of the inventions cannot be used for modelling the inventions themselves and there are no known systems which can be adapted for such purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a model creation system wherein said system comprises:

(a) data storage means and data processing means connected with a visual display unit (VDU) and each other, (b) an electronic link to at least one working, real-time system which working system includes a processing engine, said engine being adapted to process incoming information to identify, separate and create a transaction for each event, which transaction includes a unique identifying number (UID); and which engine processes further information regarding either said event or changes to said event, each item of input information being processed into an individual transaction, and wherein said event is either information relating to a product or to an individual event,

(c) a plurality of graphical user interfaces which can be displayed on the VDU through the data storage means and processing means, and which are each capable of presentation of at least one format, and wherein;

(d) input data is processed by said processing engine; and

(e) the display of the transactions is via at least one said graphical user interface m at least one format on the VDU, and wherein

(f) said input data relates to at least a partial chain of supply of a product or events

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a model creation system substantially as descπbed above wherein said system further includes, under step (d), means to enter the input data for the transactions which is selected from the group- the direct electronic transfer from at least one DCD; manual input of data through an external interface; and a combination of these.

Optionally, said external interface for the manual input of data is selected from, keyboards; numeπc pads; wπte-on screens, touch screens; translation of a vocal instruction; and a combination of these According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a model creation system substantially as descπbed above wherein said electronic link (providing a link between the VDU and the or each working system) is between at least two computers, or two systems of computers, physically remote one from the other.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a model creation system substantially as descπbed above wherein each said transaction is selected from the group: a plurality of inputs regarding one parent/child relationship; a plurality of inputs regarding ownership; a plurality of inputs regarding custodianship; and a plurality of inputs incorporating a combination of all of these.

Preferably, said graphical user interfaces are represented as a plurality of windows presented on the VDU which are navigated manually, for example by a keyboard and mouse (etc) which are associated with the said VDU or the computer generally.

Preferably, said transactions are capable of later use as some or all of the initial transactions of a further working, real-time system

Thus it can be seen that a model, on a computer remote from a working, real-time system of the type previously described, can be run using the system, but operating independently of it. A model, not operating in real time, and using a small sample of transactions, can be operated on a small computer with only a telephonic (or wireless) connection to the working system for the processing of the tπal transactions. This completed, the invention displays the information m a format that is visually distinctive, and easily assessed.

In this manner the (detailed) operation of the working system need not be taught to a person who wishes only to view the efficacy of a working system or to see the application of a working system to a particular set of transactions. Such set of transactions may be a representative sample of an industry of interest. An assessment of the working system, of ability, efficacy and efficiency, can be reviewed without the need for training before a person determines if the training and familiarisation is required, or desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following descπption which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a representation of a first graphical user interface for displaying information on the DCDs used in the model in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a representation of a second graphical user interface for defining an item type m the model in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a representation of a graphical user interface for defining a location type in the model in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a representation of a graphical user interface defining an organisation type used in the model in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a representation of a graphical user interface, displaying a process used in the model in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a representation of a graphical user interface displaying a screen for managing a process m accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present mvention; and

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic flow chart of the supply chain modelled by the interface displays of Figures 1 to 6, m accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A preferred example of the present mvention will be descπbed with reference to use of a system for monitoring a chain of supply from a farm (for example, through an abattoir) for one item, said working system and the method of its use bemg as per the mvention from PCT/NZOO/00257, entitled "System and Method for Monitoring Supply Chains" The supply chain exampled here is the processing of a meat animal from a farm through to a plurality of cuts of meat.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a first graphical user interface (GUI) screen 2 which allows for the definition of the particular data capture device (DCD, 3) being used for the tπal. GUI 2 shows this as a saw 3 (for example, m an abattoir). The open window shows the item as being owned by (owner) Farmer Brown Inc (4)

Fig. 2 shows a GUI 12 which allows for the definition or type of the item (carcass) 13. This item 13 is to be subject to the operation of the saw 3 (from Fig. 1). A second item 14 allow for the definition of the object after being subjected to the saw 3. The item 14 (in this instance cuts of meat) are represented both in words (14) and with an icon (15).

The GUI 22, of Fig. 3 displays the location of the carcass 13 or sheep 16 (of Fig. 2). Said location includes a graphical representation of the sheep 16 (as icon 26) and a graphical representation 27 of the location or locations of the sheep 26. For example, the sheep, whether words 16 or icon 26, can be located m a paddock 27 (icon) or can be being transported by aircraft (28).

Referring to Figs. 3 & 4 the GUI 32 allows graphical representation of the connection between the two possible locations (27, 28) or sequential locations of the sheep 16 and 26. These are represented by the blocks 34 and 35 Blocks 34 and 35 may also represent an organisation type owning or controlling the product (for example, the sheep 16 or meat cuts 14, 15)

Fig. 5 shows a GUI 42 which represents the process from the earlier GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32) in sequential order as each transaction is entered onto the trial system. The carcass 13 is represented both numeπcally (13) and graphically (23). The transaction, as the carcass 13 passes through the saw 3 to multiple cuts, is shown, as well the result of the application of the DCD 3a to the carcass 13, this being the cuts of meat (represented visually as both the icon 15 and the words 14).

The GUI 52 of Fig. 6 represents, m an alternative manner, the locations entered through the GUI 32 of Fig. 4. The process displayed on Fig. 5 is also represented on this GUI 52.

Referπng to Fig. 7, a diagrammatic flow chart shows the flow of data (in the form of transactions) from DCDs (3) to each GUI (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52). Also shown is the cross-relationship between the information presented on the GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) by the arrows and lines between the DCDs (3), the product(s) as processed, and the change m other relationships along the supply chain.

It will be appreciated that, whilst the GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) shown in Figs. 1-7 can be programmed to allow for the manual input of data for the transactions used in a simulation on the system of the preferred embodiment, this is not the only method m which a trial simulation (or model) on the system of the present invention may be effected. For example, a DCD 3 (Fig. 1), from which data can be isolated and electronically input to the system displayed by the GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52), can also produce data for a trial simulation in which the GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) display the method of the or each working, real-time system or a new working, real-time system.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled m the art that such information as used m the tπal system can be used as the basis for the information/transaction input into data storage means for the operation of another working, real-time system. This can be done after the trial system has been operated, without the need to input the data a second time when the or each working system is used m real time.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been descπbed with reference a supply chain which would be usable for processing meat from one animal. It will be appreciated that the present invention can equally be used for modelling the processing of information, or any other sequence of data or class of events

Also, it will be appreciated that the type of GUI (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) used can depend on the data storage means, data processing means and VDU available to the person using the modelling system of the present mvention. Such GUIs (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) can include for example: a windows based operation system; a DOS based operating system; a tπal system remote from the data storage means, and data processing means used in the or each working, real-time system.

It will be appreciated that a proposed working system can be remotely tπalled, using the modelling system of the present invention, without the need to download any information or data to the computer on which the simulation/model is being run. Thus, if a working system is proposed on a large scale which would require a large capacity memory and processing capability, it can be accurately modelled on a small, isolated computer.

It will also be appreciated that both systems may be contained on the same system and not be a remote one from the other. Such system may be a Local Area Network or a Wide Area Network. If the computers are not on a common network, electronic and telephonic (or wireless) communication between the computers (being of known type, for example WAP or a modem connection) can be easily effected so that the model is run over physically separate computers in a distributed manner.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A model creation system wherein said system provides:

(a) data storage means and data processing means connected with a visual display unit (VDU) and each other,

(b) an electronic link to at least one working, real-time system which working system includes a processing engine, said engine being adapted to process incoming information to identify, separate and create a transaction for each event, which transaction includes a unique identifying number (UID); and which engine processes further information regarding either said event or changes to said event, each item of input information being processed into an individual transaction, and wherein said event is either information relating to a product or to an individual event;

(c) a plurality of graphical user interfaces which can be displayed on the VDU through the data storage means and processing means, and which are each capable of presentation of at least one format, and wherein,

(d) input data is processed by said processing engine; and

(e) the display of the transactions is via at least one said graphical user interface in at least one format on the VDU; and wherein

(f) said input data relates to at least a partial chain of supply of a product or a partial chain of events

2. A model creation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said system further includes, under step (d), means to enter the input data for the transactions which is selected from the group: direct electronic transfer from at least one DCD; manual input of data through an external interface; and a combination thereof.

3. A model creation system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said external interface for the manual input of data is selected from: keyboards; numeric pads; write-on screens; touch screens; translation of a vocal instruction; and a combination thereof.

4. A model creation system as claimed m any preceding claim wherein said electronic link is between systems which are selected from the group: at least two computers physically remote one from the other, and at least two systems of computers physically remote one from the other; at least two systems on the same computer.

5. A model creation system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each said transaction is selected from the group: a plurality of inputs regarding at least one parent/child relationship; a plurality of inputs regarding ownership; a plurality of inputs regarding custodianship; and a plurality of inputs incorporating a combination of all of these.

6. A model creation system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said graphical user interfaces are represented as a plurality of visual displays presented on the VDU which are navigated manually by a keyboard and mouse which are associated with the said VDU.

7. A model creation system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said graphical user interfaces are selected from: a windows based operation system; a DOS based operating system; a trial system remote from the data storage means and data processing means used in the or each working, real-time system

8. A model creation system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said graphical user interfaces display information selected from: information on DCDs used; the or each location type; the or each organisation type; and a combination of these

9 A model creation system as claimed m any preceding claim wherein said transactions are capable of use as the initial transactions for a further working, real-time system.

10. A model creation system as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said transactions are capable of incorporation into one or more working, real-time systems.

11. A method of use of a model creation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said use is selected from: model creation; trial of data for transactions; trial of a new supply chain; tπal of a new seπes of events as transactions; tπal of a new sequence of events as transactions; pretesting of a further proposed working, real-time system; a simulation of a further proposed working, real-time system and a combination of these.

12. A model creation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.