Hand held data collection and monitoring system for nuclear facilities

• US 5,864,784 A
• Filed: 04/30/1996
• Issued: 01/26/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fluor Daniel Hanford, Inc. (Fluor Corporation), General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: Fluor Daniel Hanford, Inc. (Fluor Corporation)
• Inventors: Brayton, Darryl D., Thornton, Michael W., Marquez, Diana L., Scharold, Paul G.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAH, KAMINI S
• Application Number:
  US08/643,148
• Time in Patent Office: 1,001 Days
• Field of Search: 364/550, 364/406, 364/401, 364/402, 364/468, 364/561, 364/449, 364/560, 364/705.01, 364/705.03, 342/357, 342/457, 340/988-996, 250/336.1, 250/432 R, 705/22, 705/404
• US Class Current: 702/187
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems

Abstract

Apparatus and method is disclosed for a data collection and monitoring system that utilizes a pen based hand held computer unit which has contained therein interaction software that allows the user to review maintenance procedures, collect data, compare data with historical trends and safety limits, and input new information at various collection sites. The system has a means to allow automatic transfer of the collected data to a main computer data base for further review, reporting, and distribution purposes and uploading updated collection and maintenance procedures. The hand held computer has a running to-do list so sample collection and other general tasks, such as housekeeping are automatically scheduled for timely completion. A done list helps users to keep track of all completed tasks. The built-in check list assures that work process will meet the applicable processes and procedures. Users can hand write comments or drawings with an electronic pen that allows the users to directly interface information on the screen.

Claims

1. A data collection and monitoring system for a facility, comprising:

a. a hand held computer means for collecting data from inspection sites in a facility and storing data therein;

b. instruction means within the hand held computer means for guiding the user of the data collection and monitoring system through various inspection sites and procedural steps;

c. display means within the hand held computer for displaying text and graphics to the user of the hand held computer means;

d. input means connected to the hand held computer means to allow the user to interact with the graphics displayed in real time wherein the user may edit the information shown on the display means;

e. interface means connected to the hand held computer means for downloading data; and

f. a main computer system connected to the interface means for receiving the downloaded data for further processing and uploading new collection monitoring and information to the hand held computer.

2. A data collection and monitoring system as recited in claim 1 wherein the hand held computer means is a pen based computer.

3. A data collection and monitoring system as recited in claim 2 wherein the instruction means is implemented in windows based software programs.

4. A data collection and monitoring system as recited in claim 3 wherein the input means is comprised of a keyboard and electronic pen for editing the information in the display means.

5. A data collection and monitoring system as recited in claim 4 wherein the interface means is a device that provides for power charging of the hand held computer and data transfer to and from the hand held computer.

6. A data collection and monitoring system as recited in claim 5 wherein the main computer is a personal computer.

7. A method for data collection and monitoring inspection sites in a facility, comprising the steps of:

a. storing location, procedural maintenance steps, component parameters, and data values in a hand held computer;

b. displaying instruction windows and graphics to the data collector for each location;

c. providing real time interaction means for the data collector to edit the information displayed or input new information into the hand held computer.

d. downloading information from the hand held computer to a main computer means; and

e. uploading updated information from the main computer means to the hand held computer for data collection and maintenance.