Patent · US Expired

Computer based interactive defect reporting system for the paperless reporting of problems in a vehicle forming part of a fleet

US6345257B1 · kind B1 · utility

20Cited by
38References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 14, 1998
Grant dateFeb 5, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 14, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06Q10/20
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An interactive defect reporting system is designed to handle enroute equipment problems and repairs in a paperless process that enables on-board personnel to report equipment problems using a phone. After calling the system, the on-board personnel describes the, problem in their own words in as much detail as necessary. The computerized reporting system assigns a unique Trouble Ticket number to the report and all subsequent repairs. Mechanics listen to the Trouble Tickets or have transcribed copies faxed to their facilities. Trouble Tickets are also immediately available to all downline maintenance facilities so that mechanics can prepared for problems on a train well in advance of its arrival. Once a problem is fixed, the mechanics called in the repair and describe in detail what was done to fix the problem. On-board personnel can listen to the repairs or request a fax copy of the Trouble Ticket. The system updates an existing nationwide master system that contains all information pertaining to trains within the fleet so that any one with access to the master system can also access the Trouble Tickets and repair histories therefor. The interactive defect reporting system also has …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.