System and method for carrying out an inspection or maintenance operation with compliance tracking using a handheld device

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for inspections and compliance verification of industrial equipment using a handheld device. An inspector first segments an inspected component into logical inspection points. The inspector then scans a unique machine-readable tag, such as an RFID tag, with a handheld device at each logical inspection point. The inspector then takes a media sample, such as a digital photograph, of the physical component referred to by each corresponding logical inspection point. Then the inspector associates the media samples with the corresponding scan of the unique machine-readable tag. For each of the actions the inspector carries out on the handheld device, a timestamp is added that represents evidence of a date and a time of physical visitation to the associated logical inspection point. The inspector may then annotate the media samples in such ways that substantiate inspector statements of problems with inspected components found during inspection.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 122,632, filed on Dec. 15, 2008, and entitled “A system, method and apparatus for inspections and compliance verification of industrial equipment using a handheld device,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is generally related to inspection systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a system for inspection of industrial equipment assisted by a handheld device, which helps to ensure compliance of the safety and security of industrial equipment fit for business use. The present invention may be used to help prevent accidents that can happen during usage of such industrial equipment, as well as prevent negligent, missed or incomplete inspections of such industrial equipment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]National U.S. statistics show that approximately 20% of accidents on constructi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]Another embodiment of the present invention involves correlating any subset of inspection data segmented...

Problems solved by technology

4), which amounts to an average of 44 fatal crane accidents per year, with an average of one human life lost per crane accident.

The number of crane-related deaths are on the rise since those statistics were compiled, due to a number of factors, including an increase in the number of construction projects, an increase in the size of the construction projects, and an increase in the economic pressures to complete construction projects on time and under budget, which have resulted in shortcuts many consider to be unsafe.

Crane assembly/dismantling fatalities usually occur “when a worker underneath the boom was knocking the boom pins out while the boom was held by the pendant line.

Rigging failures mostly occurred because the load slipped from the rigging or the rigging broke during the lift.

Overloading resulted in fatalities due to boom collapse or crane overturning.

A rash of crane accidents is occurring around the country resulting in national and international news.

These construction projects are on extremely tight time and budget schedules because of the economic realities of high energy, and specifically petroleum, prices.

The result has been an unprecedented number of deadly, costly, and highly publicized crane accidents.

For example, on Jun. 18, 2008, a crane accident at a Texas oil refinery killed four people and injured six others.

On May 30, 2008, a crane accident in New York City killed two workers when the boom and cab snapped off the turntable and fell, apparently because of a bad weld in the rotating plate.

Proper inspections were not carried out on the crane, and the New York City Buildings Department Head was fired by the Mayor over this and another preceding incident.

On Mar. 25, 2008, a crane accident in Miami killed two workers in the fall of a 20-foot section that was being lifted to extend the height of the crane.

On Mar. 15, 2008, a second crane accident in New York City killed seven people when a piece of nylon webbing broke, dropping a six-ton metal collar that was being installed.

Proper inspections were not carried out on the crane, the construction site had numerous safety violations, and neighbors, residents,...

Images