CA2400341A1 - System and method for remotely following up or assessing a project - Google Patents
System and method for remotely following up or assessing a project Download PDFInfo
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- CA2400341A1 CA2400341A1 CA002400341A CA2400341A CA2400341A1 CA 2400341 A1 CA2400341 A1 CA 2400341A1 CA 002400341 A CA002400341 A CA 002400341A CA 2400341 A CA2400341 A CA 2400341A CA 2400341 A1 CA2400341 A1 CA 2400341A1
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- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
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Abstract
A system and a method for remotely following up or assessing the various ste ps of a manufacturing or construction project comprises a data server on which data representing images, videos, descriptions, layouts, graphs, tests results, reports and other information relating to the project, its various steps and their evolution can be stored. Remote workstation may be connected to the data server via the Internet or any other appropriate secure communication network to access this information.
Description
02 ~ 17:27.FA7C 514 S97 9485 BROUILLETTE ~HARPB~TI~ CA000128%
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY
t=field of the tnYentlon The present invention relates to a system and a method which allow a client to follow up or assess each step in a manufacturing or construction project such as 14 the manufacturing of a piece of equipment, particularly a heavy equipment like a travelling crap~, a fluid tank, etc. It can also be extended to a service or any other manufactured items, including domestic items such as a computer or a piece of furniture and certain construction projects.
Globalization of the markets has created new opportunities for many companies to expand the pool of clients to those iacated in far away places. In many industrial contexts, once a contract is signed and the construction of an equipment begins, representatives of the client need to be constantly kept informed of the progression of the work and of the results of the various quality, performance andlor other tests. These information are hitherto transmitted by mail, courier, telephone, small or fax. A representative of the client often needs to travel to the plant to inspect the equipment and gather information that is not otherwise easily available. These exchanges of information and travels are often inefficient, costly and time consuming.
US patent 5,835,898 (Burg 8 al) describes a visual schedule management system far a manufacturing facility. The purpose of Barg' system is to allow management staff of a manufacturing organization to constantly monitor and evaluate the performance of its machinery and workers by locating scheduling bottlenecks arid idle areas in order to improve the profitability of the manufacturer and permit interactive manipulation of job' schedules to alleviate conflict (column 2, lines 25 to 30). it is not des~ned, as the present invention, to allow a client to follow the progress of a construction or manufacturing job which is being carried out by a manufacturer for the client. It is destined to be op~rated on a standard network (column 5, lines 34-35) rather than through a wide area network ar the intemet.
AMENDED SHEET _ _ _ _ _ _ __-F @ p- f a-",..-~ . . . . . . _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ ___. __ __. .
O1/ lti v~ ..,:~~ 17: 27 FAa 514 397 94d5 BROUILLBTTR ~~TI~ CA000128 i r 2 US patent 5,889,574 (Burdick & al) describes a method and system for generating' product performance history and more particulatiy to provide engineering data related to the manufacture of semi-conductor devices in a uniform format and a centralized database. A graphical user interface is provided to access said data.
The purposes to allow a production engineer to track th~ semt-conductor devices to determine why a production problem existed, correct the problem if necessary and intercept other semi-conductor devices similarly affected before performing additional process steps or shipping the products to the customer (column 2, tine 27 to 32).
US patent 5,54$,506 (Srinivasan) describes an automated, electronic network based, project management server system, for an improved organizational process for compiling tracking and managing multiple projects within an organization (column 1, line 37-39). It is not designed in any way to improve the manufacturer- cli~nt relationship.
US patent 5,907,490 (0liver) describes a system and method for project management and assessment of the performance of a project providing detailed earned value information and related analysis information (column 2, Ilnes 20-24) Again this patent does not teacfi in any way a system for improving communication with a xhlrd party client.
US patent 5,233,6$8 (Too) relates to a method and apparatus for process monitoring and a method of constructing a network diagram for process monitoring whiich can cope with changes in a configuration of the system, it monitors easily and flexibly (column 1, lines 41-04. No discussion relating to providing follow-up or assessment information to a third party client is provided.
US patent 5,537,524 (Aprile) relates to a process for converting two dimensional 3o data into a multidimensional flow model. More particularly, the system takes information related to a project or process which can be generated in a textual format or a two dimensional flow model and graphically generate same as a multidimensional model (column 1, lines 91-14)_ It is concerned by the use of AMENDED SHEET
Emaf-a"~~-~.~.-.- ~ . _.. ___ __ __ _.__ _-__ __._ _ __ 4 , la! "' . . CA000128;
11-01-2002 ~ 17 : y7 FAg 514 397 9485 BROLIILI,ET~ ~~~TI~
three dimensional polygons to represents entities as opposed to a system to provide follow-up or assessment information to'a third party client.
US patent 5,826,252 (Wolters & ail relates to a system for manafling multiple 6 projects of a similar type using dynamically updated global database for storing data for ail participating projects which is dynamically updated with best current data representing best currant practices across alt participating projects in the system. This system is used to transfer the lessons learned and best practices developed in prior projects to new or ongoing projects (column 1, lines 18-23). It is ~0 thus an internal learning tool as opposed to a follow up or assessment tool tv be used 6y a third party client.
Computer based systems fior graphically generating temporal relationships between tasks in a project are also shown in US patent 5,101,3417 (Nonaka et al.), 15 US patent 5,303,170 (l/alko), US patent 5,563,994 (Harmon et al.), and US
patent 5,442,730 (Bigus).
However, these patents relate to PERT and other critical path. systems and not to an easy to use system to obtain detailed information in respect to the actual 20 progress and the actual output of each step of a manufacturing or construction project.
Summary of the Invention 25 The present Invention is aimed at providing a system and a method to ease the exchange of information and allow a manufacturer or a contractor to keep a client informed of the progression of the work in relation to a given project at any time of the day. Another important benefit of the invention is the possibility to create an easily accessible system with an extensive amount of information.
Any production of a piece of equipment involves a succession of steps, starting for instance from the selection and ordering of the raw materials and so forth.
Other typical steps involve cutting, welding, painting, testing, insp~cting, etc.
These steps AMENDED SHEET ___ __ ____ _.
___ . E~pt~~~o~~a" ".~.., _ __ --__ _.___ _ _ 11-01-2002 i CA000128 Ol/I1/02 vFN 17:28 FAa s14 997 9485 BROi3ILLETTE ~PE~'~TIER
3a may be put together to create basic models. One model may be adapted for the manufacture of a travelling crane, another for a supporting structure, etc.
Each project is based on one of these models.
The invention allows a user to follow each step of the manufacturing or construction process using a dedicated web browser designed for communicating with a main server. The exchange of data is made in a secure manner over the Internet through a direct eommunfcafion link or through other known communication systems. A standard web browser could also be used in some applications. Acoess to the data of a particular project is controlled by the project managers) who manage the access rights so as to maintain con~dentiafity of each client's date. One way to~achieve this is to send a key by e-mail. Once installed on the client's workstation, the key will allow the client's web browser to retrieve the desired data.
More particularly, the invention relates to a computerized system (100) allowing a client to remotely follow up for assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing or construction project carried on by a manufacturer comprising:
a) a data server (110) itself comprising:
i. computer processor mean for processing data, ii. storage means (120) for storing data r~fating to various steps of said project on a storage medium;
iii. means (120) for selectively accessing sold data;
iv. a plurality of graphical intertace means each associated with one of said steps (figure 2);
v, data transceiver means;
b) at least one individual workstation (300) used by said client said workstation (300) itself comprising:
i. computer processor means for processing.data;
AMENDED SHEET
___ _______-_ _____EmY.-o""~-_.. __ __. __.___-__ _-_- __ _ X11-01-2002 N 17:28 FAX 514 39T 9485 HRQUILL.ETTR CHARPENTIER
3b ii. visual display screen connected to said computer processor means;
ui. means adapted to display said graphical interface means on , said visual display screen;
iv. data transceiver means;
c) a data communication network (210) adapted to connect said workstation (300) to said data server (110) trough their respective data transceiver means;
The invention also relates to a method for allowing a client to remotely follow up or assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing or construction project carried , out by a manufacturer comprising the following steps:
a) inputting data concerning each step on a data server (110) as described in claim 1; -b) associating a graphical interface means (figure 2) with each said . step;
c) connecting a remote workstation (300) accessible by said client to said data server using a data communication network (210) as described in claim 1;
d) accessing said data with the use of said remote workstation (300).
AMENDED SHEET
-_ ~-~p~aO8SZ81t I I ~J~al1~ L3~JU __ __ ______-_ -____..._ 01/il/ue y~ 1T:28 FAa 514 S9? 9485 BROUILLE'ITE ~F~TI~ , CA000128~
Brief description of the drawings FIG.1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system in accordance with a 5~ preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a computer screen generated by a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
'f 0 FlG. 3 is an example of a grid used to design the graphical models used in project using an embodiment of the invention.
D~tailed description of the preferred embodiment 15 As shown In FIG.1, the invention comprfses a main server running a &pedaity designed software. The system stores and retrieves data from a database. The main server and the related components create an Extranet, which is. a private network to which internal or extemai clients for whom a manufacturing or construction project is being executed have access from outside. The managers) 20 of the project have access to the managing modules of the system through a web browser and a secure Internet or other data communication connection. Data is supplied to the main server by manual inputs, probes, sensors, scanners, cameras, portable devices or other similar devices. Other computers may be connected to the project managers workstation or to the main server to feed data 25 thereto.
The system is able to graphically represent each step of the manufacturing process with easy to understand symbols such as the simple geometrical figures shown in F1G. 2. Once a step is completed, the symbol of that step is changed to 30 a predetermined color such as green, indicating that the step is over.
Other colors may be used as well. For instance, red yr another predetermined color may be used to identify steps that are stopped or otherwise delayed. Clicking on a symbol of a particular step with an on-screen pointer will retrieve information to be AMENDED SHEET
_.. ___ Emufa~ro~«~a ~-,.~~~~--~~-~~ . -_ .__ _. __ _ _____ 1/11/02 VEN 17:29 FA7C 514 387 9485 BROUII~ET~~ ~p~TI~ CA000128~
_ CA 02400341 2002-04-26 displayed elsewhere on the browser screen, for example at fhe bottom thereof.
Additional extended menus can also appear, if desired.
The system uses a simple programming language to customize the standard 5 models or make changes to a previously created project. The software preferably allows trte project managers) to perform an on-line customiza~on of the project on an as needed basis.
For example, as shown in FI0.2, a circle symbol can be chosen to mean a simple 1D step, a square symbol to indicate that an inspection will be conducted, an octagon Symbol to mean that there will be a documented inspection report (DIR), and a triangle symbol to mean that a representative of the client will come to the plant for inspection. In this example, the "SC° symbol was chosen to mean that a subcontractor is used. Any other combination of known or newly created symbols may be used in conjunction with the invention.
FIG.3 shows an example of a grid used by the project manager to make or change the graphics~l models. Whether a box is filled or left empty tails the system to display or not a corresponding symbol.
in this example, the "c01° in the first box instructs the system to display "01" in a circle in the project step position corresponding to the position of said "c01 a in the grid. The resulting display is shown in figure 2.
As can be seen, in this example, "c" represents a circle which symbolizes a simple .step, "s° represents a square which symbol'~zes an inspection Step, "t" represents a triangle which symbolizes a client inspection step, "dir" represents an octagon in which the letters °d1<" are placed to symbolise a documented inspection report step in the project.
The relevant worksheets, digital pictures of the equipm~nt, videos, graphs, quality testing results and any other relevant data are accessible through the client's browser. Far instance, a welding step (for example the circle with "02" in it as AMENDED SHEET
__._ _____ Emofa..~~__. _ . __ ___ .___ _-__ __. __ ___ ___ . 11-41-2002 BROUIt.t>z'rE c~~TI~x Gl~l~.",, ....~ 17:29 Fly 514 ~9? 9485 CA000128%
s shown in figure 2) may be finked by clicking or other known means to the relevant detailed procedure followed by the welder (position of the pieces, cleaning of the surfaces, etc),' as found in the quality procedures of the manufacturelcontractor, The client may even have access to data relating to the welder to check his or her quatlflcations. Such data may include a picture, quaitflcatlons and other background information. A remotely-controllable real time video camera may even be used to inspect the work in real time.
1'he main advantage of the system and method is that the client can follow the progression of the manufacture or construction proj~ct without leaving his or her office, or having to contact someone at the plant. The use of this system wilt reduce the need for the client to do on-site inspections.
It is, of course, understood that the Invention is not to be Limited to the exact details of the system and method for following up or assessing a manufacturing or construction project described above. A variety of departures from the foregoing disclosure may be made in order to confirm to the design preferences or the requirements of each specific application of the invention. It is therefor appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the fair meaning or proper scope of the claims that follow.
AMENDED SHEET
_ _ __Emp_f_a~~~Z~-~~,-,.-~-" -. .. __ __ _____ ______ ~__ __ __
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY
t=field of the tnYentlon The present invention relates to a system and a method which allow a client to follow up or assess each step in a manufacturing or construction project such as 14 the manufacturing of a piece of equipment, particularly a heavy equipment like a travelling crap~, a fluid tank, etc. It can also be extended to a service or any other manufactured items, including domestic items such as a computer or a piece of furniture and certain construction projects.
Globalization of the markets has created new opportunities for many companies to expand the pool of clients to those iacated in far away places. In many industrial contexts, once a contract is signed and the construction of an equipment begins, representatives of the client need to be constantly kept informed of the progression of the work and of the results of the various quality, performance andlor other tests. These information are hitherto transmitted by mail, courier, telephone, small or fax. A representative of the client often needs to travel to the plant to inspect the equipment and gather information that is not otherwise easily available. These exchanges of information and travels are often inefficient, costly and time consuming.
US patent 5,835,898 (Burg 8 al) describes a visual schedule management system far a manufacturing facility. The purpose of Barg' system is to allow management staff of a manufacturing organization to constantly monitor and evaluate the performance of its machinery and workers by locating scheduling bottlenecks arid idle areas in order to improve the profitability of the manufacturer and permit interactive manipulation of job' schedules to alleviate conflict (column 2, lines 25 to 30). it is not des~ned, as the present invention, to allow a client to follow the progress of a construction or manufacturing job which is being carried out by a manufacturer for the client. It is destined to be op~rated on a standard network (column 5, lines 34-35) rather than through a wide area network ar the intemet.
AMENDED SHEET _ _ _ _ _ _ __-F @ p- f a-",..-~ . . . . . . _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ ___. __ __. .
O1/ lti v~ ..,:~~ 17: 27 FAa 514 397 94d5 BROUILLBTTR ~~TI~ CA000128 i r 2 US patent 5,889,574 (Burdick & al) describes a method and system for generating' product performance history and more particulatiy to provide engineering data related to the manufacture of semi-conductor devices in a uniform format and a centralized database. A graphical user interface is provided to access said data.
The purposes to allow a production engineer to track th~ semt-conductor devices to determine why a production problem existed, correct the problem if necessary and intercept other semi-conductor devices similarly affected before performing additional process steps or shipping the products to the customer (column 2, tine 27 to 32).
US patent 5,54$,506 (Srinivasan) describes an automated, electronic network based, project management server system, for an improved organizational process for compiling tracking and managing multiple projects within an organization (column 1, line 37-39). It is not designed in any way to improve the manufacturer- cli~nt relationship.
US patent 5,907,490 (0liver) describes a system and method for project management and assessment of the performance of a project providing detailed earned value information and related analysis information (column 2, Ilnes 20-24) Again this patent does not teacfi in any way a system for improving communication with a xhlrd party client.
US patent 5,233,6$8 (Too) relates to a method and apparatus for process monitoring and a method of constructing a network diagram for process monitoring whiich can cope with changes in a configuration of the system, it monitors easily and flexibly (column 1, lines 41-04. No discussion relating to providing follow-up or assessment information to a third party client is provided.
US patent 5,537,524 (Aprile) relates to a process for converting two dimensional 3o data into a multidimensional flow model. More particularly, the system takes information related to a project or process which can be generated in a textual format or a two dimensional flow model and graphically generate same as a multidimensional model (column 1, lines 91-14)_ It is concerned by the use of AMENDED SHEET
Emaf-a"~~-~.~.-.- ~ . _.. ___ __ __ _.__ _-__ __._ _ __ 4 , la! "' . . CA000128;
11-01-2002 ~ 17 : y7 FAg 514 397 9485 BROLIILI,ET~ ~~~TI~
three dimensional polygons to represents entities as opposed to a system to provide follow-up or assessment information to'a third party client.
US patent 5,826,252 (Wolters & ail relates to a system for manafling multiple 6 projects of a similar type using dynamically updated global database for storing data for ail participating projects which is dynamically updated with best current data representing best currant practices across alt participating projects in the system. This system is used to transfer the lessons learned and best practices developed in prior projects to new or ongoing projects (column 1, lines 18-23). It is ~0 thus an internal learning tool as opposed to a follow up or assessment tool tv be used 6y a third party client.
Computer based systems fior graphically generating temporal relationships between tasks in a project are also shown in US patent 5,101,3417 (Nonaka et al.), 15 US patent 5,303,170 (l/alko), US patent 5,563,994 (Harmon et al.), and US
patent 5,442,730 (Bigus).
However, these patents relate to PERT and other critical path. systems and not to an easy to use system to obtain detailed information in respect to the actual 20 progress and the actual output of each step of a manufacturing or construction project.
Summary of the Invention 25 The present Invention is aimed at providing a system and a method to ease the exchange of information and allow a manufacturer or a contractor to keep a client informed of the progression of the work in relation to a given project at any time of the day. Another important benefit of the invention is the possibility to create an easily accessible system with an extensive amount of information.
Any production of a piece of equipment involves a succession of steps, starting for instance from the selection and ordering of the raw materials and so forth.
Other typical steps involve cutting, welding, painting, testing, insp~cting, etc.
These steps AMENDED SHEET ___ __ ____ _.
___ . E~pt~~~o~~a" ".~.., _ __ --__ _.___ _ _ 11-01-2002 i CA000128 Ol/I1/02 vFN 17:28 FAa s14 997 9485 BROi3ILLETTE ~PE~'~TIER
3a may be put together to create basic models. One model may be adapted for the manufacture of a travelling crane, another for a supporting structure, etc.
Each project is based on one of these models.
The invention allows a user to follow each step of the manufacturing or construction process using a dedicated web browser designed for communicating with a main server. The exchange of data is made in a secure manner over the Internet through a direct eommunfcafion link or through other known communication systems. A standard web browser could also be used in some applications. Acoess to the data of a particular project is controlled by the project managers) who manage the access rights so as to maintain con~dentiafity of each client's date. One way to~achieve this is to send a key by e-mail. Once installed on the client's workstation, the key will allow the client's web browser to retrieve the desired data.
More particularly, the invention relates to a computerized system (100) allowing a client to remotely follow up for assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing or construction project carried on by a manufacturer comprising:
a) a data server (110) itself comprising:
i. computer processor mean for processing data, ii. storage means (120) for storing data r~fating to various steps of said project on a storage medium;
iii. means (120) for selectively accessing sold data;
iv. a plurality of graphical intertace means each associated with one of said steps (figure 2);
v, data transceiver means;
b) at least one individual workstation (300) used by said client said workstation (300) itself comprising:
i. computer processor means for processing.data;
AMENDED SHEET
___ _______-_ _____EmY.-o""~-_.. __ __. __.___-__ _-_- __ _ X11-01-2002 N 17:28 FAX 514 39T 9485 HRQUILL.ETTR CHARPENTIER
3b ii. visual display screen connected to said computer processor means;
ui. means adapted to display said graphical interface means on , said visual display screen;
iv. data transceiver means;
c) a data communication network (210) adapted to connect said workstation (300) to said data server (110) trough their respective data transceiver means;
The invention also relates to a method for allowing a client to remotely follow up or assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing or construction project carried , out by a manufacturer comprising the following steps:
a) inputting data concerning each step on a data server (110) as described in claim 1; -b) associating a graphical interface means (figure 2) with each said . step;
c) connecting a remote workstation (300) accessible by said client to said data server using a data communication network (210) as described in claim 1;
d) accessing said data with the use of said remote workstation (300).
AMENDED SHEET
-_ ~-~p~aO8SZ81t I I ~J~al1~ L3~JU __ __ ______-_ -____..._ 01/il/ue y~ 1T:28 FAa 514 S9? 9485 BROUILLE'ITE ~F~TI~ , CA000128~
Brief description of the drawings FIG.1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system in accordance with a 5~ preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a computer screen generated by a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
'f 0 FlG. 3 is an example of a grid used to design the graphical models used in project using an embodiment of the invention.
D~tailed description of the preferred embodiment 15 As shown In FIG.1, the invention comprfses a main server running a &pedaity designed software. The system stores and retrieves data from a database. The main server and the related components create an Extranet, which is. a private network to which internal or extemai clients for whom a manufacturing or construction project is being executed have access from outside. The managers) 20 of the project have access to the managing modules of the system through a web browser and a secure Internet or other data communication connection. Data is supplied to the main server by manual inputs, probes, sensors, scanners, cameras, portable devices or other similar devices. Other computers may be connected to the project managers workstation or to the main server to feed data 25 thereto.
The system is able to graphically represent each step of the manufacturing process with easy to understand symbols such as the simple geometrical figures shown in F1G. 2. Once a step is completed, the symbol of that step is changed to 30 a predetermined color such as green, indicating that the step is over.
Other colors may be used as well. For instance, red yr another predetermined color may be used to identify steps that are stopped or otherwise delayed. Clicking on a symbol of a particular step with an on-screen pointer will retrieve information to be AMENDED SHEET
_.. ___ Emufa~ro~«~a ~-,.~~~~--~~-~~ . -_ .__ _. __ _ _____ 1/11/02 VEN 17:29 FA7C 514 387 9485 BROUII~ET~~ ~p~TI~ CA000128~
_ CA 02400341 2002-04-26 displayed elsewhere on the browser screen, for example at fhe bottom thereof.
Additional extended menus can also appear, if desired.
The system uses a simple programming language to customize the standard 5 models or make changes to a previously created project. The software preferably allows trte project managers) to perform an on-line customiza~on of the project on an as needed basis.
For example, as shown in FI0.2, a circle symbol can be chosen to mean a simple 1D step, a square symbol to indicate that an inspection will be conducted, an octagon Symbol to mean that there will be a documented inspection report (DIR), and a triangle symbol to mean that a representative of the client will come to the plant for inspection. In this example, the "SC° symbol was chosen to mean that a subcontractor is used. Any other combination of known or newly created symbols may be used in conjunction with the invention.
FIG.3 shows an example of a grid used by the project manager to make or change the graphics~l models. Whether a box is filled or left empty tails the system to display or not a corresponding symbol.
in this example, the "c01° in the first box instructs the system to display "01" in a circle in the project step position corresponding to the position of said "c01 a in the grid. The resulting display is shown in figure 2.
As can be seen, in this example, "c" represents a circle which symbolizes a simple .step, "s° represents a square which symbol'~zes an inspection Step, "t" represents a triangle which symbolizes a client inspection step, "dir" represents an octagon in which the letters °d1<" are placed to symbolise a documented inspection report step in the project.
The relevant worksheets, digital pictures of the equipm~nt, videos, graphs, quality testing results and any other relevant data are accessible through the client's browser. Far instance, a welding step (for example the circle with "02" in it as AMENDED SHEET
__._ _____ Emofa..~~__. _ . __ ___ .___ _-__ __. __ ___ ___ . 11-41-2002 BROUIt.t>z'rE c~~TI~x Gl~l~.",, ....~ 17:29 Fly 514 ~9? 9485 CA000128%
s shown in figure 2) may be finked by clicking or other known means to the relevant detailed procedure followed by the welder (position of the pieces, cleaning of the surfaces, etc),' as found in the quality procedures of the manufacturelcontractor, The client may even have access to data relating to the welder to check his or her quatlflcations. Such data may include a picture, quaitflcatlons and other background information. A remotely-controllable real time video camera may even be used to inspect the work in real time.
1'he main advantage of the system and method is that the client can follow the progression of the manufacture or construction proj~ct without leaving his or her office, or having to contact someone at the plant. The use of this system wilt reduce the need for the client to do on-site inspections.
It is, of course, understood that the Invention is not to be Limited to the exact details of the system and method for following up or assessing a manufacturing or construction project described above. A variety of departures from the foregoing disclosure may be made in order to confirm to the design preferences or the requirements of each specific application of the invention. It is therefor appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the fair meaning or proper scope of the claims that follow.
AMENDED SHEET
_ _ __Emp_f_a~~~Z~-~~,-,.-~-" -. .. __ __ _____ ______ ~__ __ __
Claims (10)
1. A computerized system (100) allowing a client to remotely follow-up or assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing ar construction protect carried on by a manufacturer comprising:
a) a data server (110) itself comprising:
i. computer processor mean fiord processing data, ii. storage means (120) for storing data relating to various steps of said project on a storage medium;
iii. means (120) for selectively accessing said data;
iv. a plurality of graphical interface means each associated with one of said steps (figure 2);
v. data transceiver means;
b) at least one individual workstation (300) used by said client said workstation (300) itself comprising:
i. computer processor means for processing data;
ii. visual display screen connected to said computer processor means;
iii. means adapted to display said graphical interface means on said visual display screen;
iv. data transceiver means;
c) a data communication network (210) adapted to connect said workstation (300) to said data server (110) trough their respective data transceiver means;
a) a data server (110) itself comprising:
i. computer processor mean fiord processing data, ii. storage means (120) for storing data relating to various steps of said project on a storage medium;
iii. means (120) for selectively accessing said data;
iv. a plurality of graphical interface means each associated with one of said steps (figure 2);
v. data transceiver means;
b) at least one individual workstation (300) used by said client said workstation (300) itself comprising:
i. computer processor means for processing data;
ii. visual display screen connected to said computer processor means;
iii. means adapted to display said graphical interface means on said visual display screen;
iv. data transceiver means;
c) a data communication network (210) adapted to connect said workstation (300) to said data server (110) trough their respective data transceiver means;
2. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 1 wherein said graphical interface means comprise a symbol associated with each said step (figure 2).
3. A computerized system (900) as described in claim, 2 comprising means to change the color or another visual characteristic of said symbol to represent the status of said step (figure 2).
4. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 2 wherein each said symbol is coded as to its shape, its color and indicia associated therewith (figure 2).
5. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 4 wherein said indicia are numbers and or letters {figure 3).
6. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 4 wherein each said shape is associated with a predetermined type of said step.
7. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 4 wherein each said color is associated with a predetermined status of said steps.
8. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 4 wherein each said indicia is associated with a predetermined characteristic of said steps.
9. A computerized system (100) as described in claim 4 wherein each said shape, said color and said indicia is associated with a predetermined type of said step, each said color is associated with a predetermined status of said steps and each said indicia is associated with a predetermined characteristic of said steps.
10. a method for allowing a client to remotely follow up or assess the progress of a multi-step manufacturing of construction project carried out by a manufacturer comprising the following steps:
a) inputting data concerning each step on a data server (110) as described in claim 1;
b) associating a graphical interface means (figure 2) with each said step;
c) connecting a remote workstation (300) accessible by said client to said data server using a data communication network (210) as described in claim 1;
d) accessing said data with the use of said remote workstation (300).
a) inputting data concerning each step on a data server (110) as described in claim 1;
b) associating a graphical interface means (figure 2) with each said step;
c) connecting a remote workstation (300) accessible by said client to said data server using a data communication network (210) as described in claim 1;
d) accessing said data with the use of said remote workstation (300).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16172799P | 1999-10-27 | 1999-10-27 | |
| US60/161,727 | 1999-10-27 | ||
| PCT/CA2000/001287 WO2001031477A2 (en) | 1999-10-27 | 2000-10-27 | System and method for remotely following up or assessing a project |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2400341A1 true CA2400341A1 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
Family
ID=22582452
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002400341A Abandoned CA2400341A1 (en) | 1999-10-27 | 2000-10-27 | System and method for remotely following up or assessing a project |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU1123601A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2400341A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001031477A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002109169A (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2002-04-12 | Hitachi Ltd | Method and system for supporting work and recording medium having work supporting method recorded thereon |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5233688A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1993-08-03 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Method and apparatus for process monitoring and method of constructing network diagram for process monitoring |
| US5548506A (en) * | 1994-03-17 | 1996-08-20 | Srinivasan; Seshan R. | Automated, electronic network based, project management server system, for managing multiple work-groups |
| US5625816A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1997-04-29 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Method and system for generating product performance history |
| US5537524A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1996-07-16 | Hypercubic Tunneling Industries, Inc. | Process for converting two dimensional data into a multidimensional flow model |
| US5835898A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1998-11-10 | Dcd Corporation | Visual schedule management system for a manufacturing facility |
| US5826252A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-10-20 | General Electric Company | System for managing multiple projects of similar type using dynamically updated global database |
| US5907490A (en) * | 1997-06-10 | 1999-05-25 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | System and method for project management and assessment |
-
2000
- 2000-10-27 AU AU11236/01A patent/AU1123601A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-10-27 WO PCT/CA2000/001287 patent/WO2001031477A2/en active Application Filing
- 2000-10-27 CA CA002400341A patent/CA2400341A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2001031477A2 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
| AU1123601A (en) | 2001-05-08 |
| WO2001031477A3 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
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