Remote loading dock authorization systems and methods
First Claim
1. A system for use with a loading dock station, comprising:
- a docking station control unit; and
a remote control unit communicatively coupled to the docking station control unit, the remote control unit being programmed with computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause the remote control unit to;
receive an authorization request from the docking station control unit, the authorization request requesting authorization to deviate from a workflow protocol;
display the authorization request to a user;
receive an authorization input from the user; and
transmit an authorization signal to the docking station control unit in response to receiving the authorization input from the user, the authorization signal permitting the docking station control unit to proceed with the requested deviation from the workflow protocol.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.
108 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for use with a loading dock station, comprising:
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a docking station control unit; and a remote control unit communicatively coupled to the docking station control unit, the remote control unit being programmed with computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause the remote control unit to; receive an authorization request from the docking station control unit, the authorization request requesting authorization to deviate from a workflow protocol; display the authorization request to a user; receive an authorization input from the user; and transmit an authorization signal to the docking station control unit in response to receiving the authorization input from the user, the authorization signal permitting the docking station control unit to proceed with the requested deviation from the workflow protocol. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer-implemented method for controlling operation of a loading dock station, the method comprising:
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automatically transmitting an authorization request to a remote control unit when a request to deviate from a loading dock station workflow protocol is made at a loading dock station control unit; generating an authorize or decline signal at the remote control unit in response to receipt of the authorization request; and transmitting the authorize or decline signal from the remote control unit to the loading dock station control unit, wherein the loading dock station is prohibited from performing an operation that deviates from the workflow protocol while the authorization request is outstanding, wherein receipt of an authorize signal at the loading dock station control unit permits the loading dock station control unit to perform the requested deviation from the workflow protocol, and wherein receipt of a decline signal at the loading dock station control unit prohibits the loading dock station control unit from performing the requested deviation from the workflow protocol. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification