Enhanced system management and user assistance through software monitoring

• US 20050194448A1
• Filed: 08/02/2004
• Published: 09/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Dusio, Joseph M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,325,741 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/472.02
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 by checking functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066

Abstract

A data utilization installation has various components such as a management computer, a mobile computer system, an access point, a printer, and application software. The management system collects status information from the components, and evaluates whether the components necessary for a particular user e.g. of the mobile computer system, to carry out a task, are ready for use. Status information is communicated to the user based on the evaluation by the management system. The management system of the utilization installation may be located remote from the other components of the installation, and communicate via the Internet or other wide area medium, or the management system may be located locally to the user, e.g. in a branch management station, or in one of the devices to be employed by the user, including the mobile computer system that at least in part may be worn or otherwise carried by the user. In one embodiment, each of the devices may carry an indicator such as a signal light, that is controlled by the management system to communicate to the user whether or not the needed data handling components are ready for use in carrying out the task of the user.

Claims

1. In a data utilization installation,

a data handling system comprising:

a first data handling device, and

a second data handling device for use by an individual user for carrying out a task which also utilizes the first data handling device; and

a management system coupled to the first and second data handling devices, for making a determination of whether the data handling system is ready for use;

said management system generating status information based on the determination of whether the data handling system is ready for use, for delivery to an individual user of the second data handling device.

2. In a data utilization installation according to claim 1, said management system having a communication path to the user or to the second device, for delivery of status information to the user of the second data handling device.

3. In a data utilization installation according to claim 1, said management system being part of a network including a wireless communication link to the user or to the second device, for delivery of status information to the user of the second data handling device.

4. In a data utilization installation according to claim 1, said management system being part of a network including a wireless communication link to the user or to the second device, for delivery of status information to the user of the second data handling device, said management system receiving and utilizing information concerning resources required by the user to perform assigned tasks, and the status information delivered to the user taking account of whether or not such resources are available to the user.

5. In a data utilization installation according to claim 1, said first data handling device having a program controlling the first data handling device in its support of the user in carrying out the task, and said management system generating status information based on the determination of whether the program of the first data handling device is ready for use in support of the task to be carried out by the user.

6. In a data utilization installation according to claim 1, said first data handling device having a program controlling the first data handling device in its support of the user in carrying out the task, and said management system having a communication path to the user or to the second data handling device, for delivery of status information to the user of the second data handling device, which status information is based at least in part on the determination of whether the program of the first data handling device is ready for use in support of the task to be carried out by the user.