Tool, network and method for asset data updating

• US 20030061159A1
• Filed: 09/21/2001
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kyndryl Incorporated (Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Adams, Douglas B., Parent, Wayne L., Boisselle, Robert J. Jr., Ferris, Tony Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 7,493,276 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/40
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0027 of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063 Operations research, analysis or management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06311 Scheduling, planning or task assignment for a person or group
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0284 Time or distance, e.g. usage of parking meters or taximeters
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/10 together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity

Abstract

A tool, network and method of asset data updating is provided. The tool comprises: a portable computing device capable of wirelessly receiving a GPS location and updating of asset data including, among other things, asset condition and/or GPS location. The tool may also comprise knowledge based software capable of time tracking, work order management and billing. The knowledge based software may be provided alone or in combination with the asset updating. A network capable of wirelessly communicating with the tool is discloses as is a method of using the tool.

Claims

1. A tool for use with an asset, the tool comprising:

a portable computing device;

a database located on the portable computing device;

a wireless interface adapted for connecting the portable computing device to a network via a wireless access protocol;

knowledge base software installed on the portable computing device;

a global positioning system (GPS) device attached to the portable computing device; and

asset tracking software, installed on the portable computing device, for receiving an asset GPS location via the wireless interface, and for updating asset data via the wireless interface.

2. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the knowledge based software includes at least one of a diagnostic module adapted to conduct diagnostic tests on the asset, a data entry module adapted to record information, and a barcode scanning module adapted to scan a barcode on the asset.

3. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the knowledge based software includes a time tracking module adapted to track user time, a work order management module adapted to manage work orders, and a billing module adapted to generate billing information.

4. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the knowledge based software includes an electronic signature module adapted to receive electronic signatures on the portable computing device.

5. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the knowledge based software includes messaging software.

6. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the asset tracking software includes a travel time calculating module adapted to calculate travel time from a first location to a second location.

7. The assistant tool of claim 1, wherein the asset tracking software includes a mapping module adapted to provide a real-time map based on a GPS location of the tool.

8. A network for managing a portable computing device used by a user servicing an asset, the network comprising:

a wireless interface adapted for communicating with the portable computing device via a wireless access protocol; and

asset tracking software for providing asset data including an asset GPS location via the wireless interface to the portable computing device, and for receiving an update of asset data from the portable computing device via the wireless interface.

9. The network of claim 8, further comprising knowledge based software including a time tracking module adapted to track user time, a work order management module adapted to manage work orders and a billing module adapted to generate billing information.

10. The network of claim 9, wherein the knowledge based software further includes an electronic signature module adapted to receive electronic signatures from the portable computing device.

11. The network of claim 8, further comprising at least one database.

12. A tool for use with an asset, the tool comprising:

a portable computing device;

a database located on the portable computing device;

means for connecting the portable computing device to a network;

means for accessing the database;

means, attached to the portable computing device, for determining a global position of the portable computing device; and

means for providing an asset GPS location that is received via the means for connecting, and for updating asset data via the means for connecting.

13. A tool for use with an asset, the tool comprising:

a portable computing device;

a database located on the portable computing device;

a wireless interface adapted for connecting the portable computing device to a network via a wireless access protocol; and

knowledge based software installed on the portable computing device for accessing the database,

wherein the knowledge based software includes a time tracking module adapted to track user time, a work order management module adapted to manage work orders and a billing module adapted to generate billing information.

14. The tool of claim 13, further comprising:

a global positioning system (GPS) device attached to the portable computing device; and

asset tracking software, installed on the portable computing device, for receiving an asset GPS location via the wireless interface, and for updating asset data via the wireless interface.

15. A method of utilizing a tool for use with an asset, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a work order for the asset;

receiving asset data for the asset at the tool, the asset data including an asset GPS location;

proceeding to the asset based on the asset GPS location;

determining whether the asset data is correct; and

correcting the asset data where the asset data is incorrect.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of proceeding to the asset includes following a real-time map provided on the tool.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of proceeding includes determining a travel time to the asset.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the steps of receiving are conducted electronically between the tool and a base network.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the asset data further includes at least one of an asset type, an asset model and an asset condition.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of correcting includes transmitting corrected asset data to a base network.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the asset GPS location is received from one of a GPS and a base network that communicates with the GPS.

22. A tool for use with an asset, the tool comprising:

a portable computing device;

a database located on the portable computing device;

means for connecting the portable computing device to a network;

knowledge based software including;

means for tracking time of a user on the tool;

means for managing work orders on the tool; and

means for generating billing information on the tool;

means, attached to the portable computing device, for determining a global position of the portable computing device; and

means for providing an asset GPS location that is received via the means for connecting, and for updating asset data via the means for connecting.