Web Server for Facility Document Normalization and Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current facility management systems face challenges with access to up-to-date documentation, compliance tracking, and accurate space management, particularly in emergency situations, due to outdated or inaccessible documents stored in physical or proprietary digital formats, leading to inefficiencies and increased risks of property damage and personal injury.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system that enables remote access to disparate data sources, normalizes and overlays data for strategic access, providing real-time compliance tracking, emergency response information, and accurate space calculations, using a server connected to various data depositories including physical and digital documents, regulatory databases, and building code databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If documents are stored in physical form or local servers in proprietary formats, then document security and format control are maintained, but access to documents becomes problematic and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized web server as an intermediary between document repositories and users. The server hosts documents in standardized formats (PDF, HTML, XML) and provides web-based access through browsers, eliminating the need for users to physically travel to document locations or use proprietary software. The server acts as a mediator that maintains security through controlled access while enabling universal access via standard web protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of physical documents and converts proprietary formats into standardized web-compatible formats (PDF, HTML, XML). These copies are stored on the web server and can be accessed remotely by any user with a browser, eliminating the need to access original physical documents or use specialized software while maintaining document integrity and security through controlled distribution.
2Device complexity
If technical documents are stored at a remote document repository, then centralized document management is achieved, but technicians must travel to retrieve documents resulting in waste of time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical document retrieval (traveling to repositories, handling physical documents) with an electronic information system. Users access documents remotely through web browsers, eliminating the need for physical travel. The system substitutes mechanical document handling with digital document delivery over the internet, significantly reducing retrieval time while maintaining centralized management through the web server.
3Adaptability or versatility
If documents are kept in proprietary formats on local servers, then format control is maintained, but access requires specialized software and becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access system where documents are converted to standardized formats (PDF, HTML, XML) that can be viewed by any web browser without requiring proprietary software. The web server provides a universal interface that works across different operating systems and devices, eliminating software barriers while maintaining format control through server-side document management and standardized output formats.
4Device complexity
If facility management systems use outdated documentation, then system simplicity is maintained, but risks of property damage and personal injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the web server automatically notifies users when updated documents are uploaded. The system provides real-time feedback about document versions, ensuring users always access current information. This automated feedback loop maintains system simplicity while significantly improving safety by ensuring up-to-date documentation is always available without requiring complex manual update procedures.
5Adaptability or versatility
If first responders rely on localized department documents, then departmental autonomy is maintained, but access to current floor plans and emergency information is delayed during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of access by implementing web-based remote access alongside traditional localized document storage. First responders can access emergency information through web browsers from any location, adding a remote access dimension without eliminating local document repositories. This multi-dimensional access approach maintains departmental autonomy while enabling rapid access to current floor plans and emergency information during crises.
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized system for managing disparate data comprising: a server in electronic communications with a remote access point and data depositories taken from the group consisting of: physical documents, digital documents, third party databases, regulatory databases, building code databases, or any combination; and, a set of server computer readable instructions that for retrieving disparate information from data depositories, normalizing the data in the data depositories, adding functional overlays to the normalized data, displaying the normalized data in response to a user request.