Facility Reference System Web Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current facilities management systems are complex, limiting accessibility and compatibility with various operating systems, and require high computer programming skills, failing to provide a fully integrated distributed reference system for architectural and engineering data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented facility reference system that allows access to architectural and engineering data from multiple locations using a standard web browser, providing a user interface with tools for managing and editing data, and utilizing a hyperlinked index in an expandable document tree navigation structure, eliminating the need for specialized software and ensuring data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized facility management software is used to store and organize architectural and engineering data, then data organization and management capabilities are improved, but system complexity increases and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that mediates between the facility management data and users. The web server hosts a simplified web interface that interacts with the complex database system through standardized protocols, shielding users from system complexity while maintaining reliable data organization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the facility management system through a web interface. Instead of requiring users to interact with the complex database system directly, a simplified web-based representation is provided that replicates essential functionality while being accessible through standard web browsers.
2Reliability
If specialized facility management software is used to manage architectural and engineering data, then data management capabilities are improved, but programming skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the facility management system universally accessible through a web interface that can be accessed by any user with a standard web browser. The system performs multiple functions (data storage, retrieval, display, and management) through a single unified web-based interface, eliminating the need for specialized software installation or programming knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The web interface acts as an intermediary that translates complex database operations into simple user-friendly web interactions. Users interact with the system through standard web browser commands rather than requiring programming skills, while the web server handles the complex data management operations in the background.
3Ease of operation
If hard copy paper plans and specifications are used to store facility information, then data accessibility is improved for individual viewing, but information availability across distributed locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the facility management system from a two-dimensional physical space (hard copy papers stored in locations) to a networked digital dimension. The web-based system allows information to be accessed from any distributed location simultaneously, adding the dimension of network accessibility while maintaining ease of viewing through standard web browsers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of architectural and engineering data that can be distributed and accessed across multiple locations. Instead of relying on single physical copies, the system stores digital replicas in a centralized database that can be simultaneously accessed by multiple users from different locations, preventing information loss while maintaining viewing ease.
4Loss of information
If distributed access to facility information is implemented across multiple locations, then information accessibility is improved, but system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distributed access through a universal web interface that can be accessed from any location with internet connectivity. The web server handles all distribution and integration requirements centrally, allowing multiple users across distributed locations to access information without requiring complex local system integrations at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server acts as a central intermediary that manages all distributed access requests. Instead of requiring complex peer-to-peer integration between distributed locations, all access requests are routed through the web server, which handles authentication, data retrieval, and delivery, simplifying the overall system integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A facility reference system and method are disclosed by which data and information can be organized, accessed, viewed, and monitored. The information can be installed and accessed from a local computer, system, or network and can include data and documents of a variety of formats. The information is presented so as to provide access for persons both from technical and non-technical backgrounds. One principal of the invention is to provide consistent, centralized access to facilities management information. Further, a mechanism can be implemented to allow the user to easily email information residing in the system to an email recipient. Further still, printing capabilities can be implemented that will allow consistent, standard output of the data. Editing capabilities are provided to allow editing of spreadsheet data. A search mechanism is also provided to efficiently locate and view required data.