The present disclosure generally relates to resource management and, more specifically, to time and expense tracking of workers being mobilized from one geographic area to another as part of a work order.
Organizations that maintain and operate various utility distribution systems, such as, electrical power distribution and/or transmission systems, cellular, telecommunications, cable TV, water and sewer, natural gas and others, are generally responsible for maintaining and operating a large number of devices or objects that are distributed across a large geographic area. In order to repair distribution systems, organizations will hire private contractors and other utility operators to help install, repair, and restore distribution systems. This is especially true after large disruptive events, such as, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. Keeping track of repair teams is often done by paper and pencil because cellular and other services may not operate reliably, particularly when the electric power distribution system is down. Addressing issues with particular components, parts, and subsystems and maintaining the operations of utility systems is a challenge. It can also be a challenge when documenting time and expense for government agencies, such as public utility commissions.
More broadly, in addition to utility distribution systems, organizations that manage, track, and pay resources for all kinds of emergencies face similar challenges. These include wildland firefighters, search and rescue, delivering aid from humanitarian organizations, and more. These organizations, like utilities, must organize both internal and external resources to respond to a situation in which the teams must be accounted for both logistically and financially.
The present invention provides a novel system and method for capturing time and expense reporting. The time and expense reporting use includes utility distribution systems, such as, electrical power distribution and/or transmission systems, cellular, telecommunications, cable TV, water and sewer, natural gas and others. These utility distribution systems include a large number of devices or objects that are distributed across a big geographic area.
The present invention replaces paper and pencil systems that were necessary after a large disruptive event, such as such as, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and earthquakes because power was not working reliably and cellular communications and other wireless communication is down.
A combination of business rules on a portable electronic device and rules on the server helps to ensure that time and expense reporting is accurate and timely. The user interface may use color schemes to help the crew understand when business rules are in compliance for time and expense entries. Crew identifiers, such as facial recognition, finger print recognition, and near-field communications tags, are used to authenticate the crew working on repairs. Pictures of vehicles, including identifiers such as VINs and GPS coordinates, helps to ensure accurate records. Authorized GPS locations may be tied to equipment location, staging areas, and other known GPS coordinates. Rosters may be pre-populated on the portable electronic device ahead of time from a central server. This pre-population reduces transcription errors for worker crew member's names. Further, the pre-population reduces duplicate entries of names, such as a given legal name and nicknames, which are often counted twice.
In one example the computer-implemented method and system for time and expense management. A server is used to provide a time and expense management interface to track a plurality of crews to perform work in a target geographic location. The crew-specific information includes an identifier of at least one or more members of a selected crew in the plurality of crews. The crew-specific information is received from a representative for each of the plurality of crews, wherein the crew-specific information includes the number of crew members and skill type of each crew member and vehicle information.
The system sends a mobilization work order from the server to a portable electronic device associated with the selected crew. Next, the server receives a mobilization start time by the server from the portable electronic device used by the crew.
In one example, receiving the mobilization start time includes automatically sending the mobilization start time in response to the portable electronic device moving outside a defined geographic start region.
The server calculates an estimated mobilization time period to have the selected crew relocate from its current geographic position to the target geographic location. Based on the portable electronic device associated with the selected crew being in proximity to a wireless communication infrastructure in the target geographic location, it automatically sends a mobilization end time to the server from the portable electronic device. Next, based on receiving the mobilization end time, the server automatically calculates an actual elapsed mobilization time from the start time.
In one example, prior to automatically sending the mobilization end time to the server from the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device cannot connect to a wireless telecommunications network due to necessary infrastructure being unavailable, and during the actual mobilization time, any information received is locally cached on the portable electronic device before automatically sending the mobilization end time to the server.
The server verifies the actual elapsed mobilization time with the estimated mobilization time in accordance with one or more business rules. Based on one or more business rules being verified, the elapsed mobilization time for the selected crew as part of the mobilization work order is placed into an approval process, and the status of the selected crew is changed from a mobilization mode to an arrival mode. Based on the approval process being complete, sending from the server to the portable electronic device, an authorization to submit an invoice for portions of the mobilization work order that have completed the approval process. Otherwise, the system automatically begins a dispute escalation process if a business rule is not satisfied.
In one example, the authorization to submit the invoice for portions of the mobilization work order that have completed the approval process includes only authorization to submit the invoice for those portions of the mobilization work order i) not already paid or ii) that have been previously submitted and completed the approval process.
The present invention helps to document time and expense for government agencies, such as public utility commissions. This documentation is often used to assist with setting special charges on customer invoices.
The process continues by sending a site assignment order from the server to a portable electronic device associated with the selected crew. An en-route start time is received by the server from the portable electronic device. The server calculates an estimated en route time period to have the selected crew relocate from its current geographic position to a site in the site assignment order. Based on the portable electronic device associated with the site being in proximity to a wireless communication infrastructure in the site, it automatically sends an en route end time to the server from the portable electronic device. Based on receiving the en route end time, automatically calculating by the server, an actual elapsed en route time from the en route start time. The server verifies the actual elapsed mobilization time with the estimated en route time in accordance with one or more business rules. Based on one or more business rules being verified, automatically authorize the elapsed en route time for the selected crew as part of the site order and change the status of the selected crew from an en route mode to a site arrival mode.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present disclosure, in which:
As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosed subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather, to provide an understandable description.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as “connected,” although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. The term “configured to” describes hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software that is adapted to, set up, arranged, built, composed, constructed, designed or that has any combination of these characteristics to carry out a given function. The term “adapted to” describes hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software that is capable of, able to accommodate, to make, or that is suitable to carry out a given function.
The term “vendor” is used interchangeably with “employee”, and “contractor”, who are performing services under a work order.
The term “work order” is usually a task or a job for a customer that can be scheduled or assigned to someone. Such an order may be from a customer request or created internally within the organization. Work orders may also be created as follow-ups to inspections or audits. A work order may be for products or services.
As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosed subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description.
The utility distribution system 100 includes at least one computer server 104 that controls, coordinates, otherwise facilitates, or combinations of these, the operation of a time management system. The computer server 104, for example, maintains databases, including workers or members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew, their images, and business rules. The computer server 104 in one example, receives information from members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew and performs other functions. The computer server 104 sends customized business rules business rules, images of the members of the crew, and other information related to the members of the crew to portable communications devices 120, 122, 124 of the members 110, 112, 114. The computer server 104 presents information to operators (not shown). In some examples, parts or all of several of the methods described below are performed by the computer server 104 or a similar computing apparatus.
One or more workstation(s) 102 provide a user interface for operators to interact with the computer server 104 and communicate with members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew. In some examples, the workstation(s) 102 include graphical displays that are able to present images, videos, alphanumeric information, other information, or combinations of these. Further, the workstation(s) 102 in some examples include facilities to implement audio communications with members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew. In various examples, an operator at workstation(s) 102 is able to provide indications of the geographic location for the observation of selected object, and provide ratings for observation data received from members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew. The computer server 104, in this example, is connected to a wide area wireless communications system 106. The wide area wireless communications system depicted in this example is able to include various components, such as publicly available cellular data communications, other wireless communications, or combinations of these. The wide area wireless communications system 106 in some examples, includes a number of radio transmission towers and transceivers to allow wireless communications over a wide area.
An example number of members 110, 112, 114 of a given work crew who each have a portable communications device. In an example, each portable communications device 120, 122, 124 has a camera along with other components to support the operation of the below-described systems and methods. In this example, a first member 110 has a first communications device 120, a second member 112 has a second communications device that has a member camera 122, and a third member 114 has a third communications device 124. In operation, utility distribution system 100 is able to have any number of members with communications devices. For example, the wide area wireless communications system 106 supports communications between the computer server 104 and the communications devices held by the various members. In general, the members are able to have similar or different communication devices, each with a camera.
The communications devices for each member, in an example, can receive information from the computer server 104, capture observation data such as images, videos, other observation data, or combinations of these, communicate the observation data back to the computer server 104, and support interactions between the member and an operator at a workstation(s) 102 working via the computer server 104. In some examples, the communications devices, such as the first communications device 120, the second communications device that has a member camera 122, and the third communications device 124, each have location equipment to determine and report the present geographic location of that device, and thus the present geographic location of the member associated with that device. In some examples, the location equipment sends reports of the present geographic location that is determined by the location of its communications device to the computer server 104 for use in determining which members are near a geographic location for observation.
In the following discussion, interactions between the computer server 104 and the members 110, 112, 114 are conducted through a respective communications device that is associated with each member. In an example, each communications device has a camera that is able to capture images, such as images of an object to be observed. In general, a description of sending any information, instructions, offers, other data, or combinations of these to a member is referred to as sending such information, instructions, offers, other data, or combinations of these to a member camera that is associated with that member.
It is important to note that the communication devices 120, 122, and 124 are configured to work completely “offline” in the event that communications are not available with computer server 104. This is important because disruptive events, such as hurricanes, often disrupt power distribution systems. The software as will be discussed further below on the communication devices 120, 122, and 124 is designed to work offline and synchronize back up with the computer server 104 at a later time, when communication systems are available.
The utility distribution system 100 depicts a portion of an electrical distribution system 150. The depicted portion of the electrical distribution system includes a pole 152 that has a pole-mounted transformer 154. In an example, the three (3) members depicted in the members 110, 112, 114 are in the vicinity of pole 152. For example, the vicinity of the pole is defined as being a threshold distance from the pole 152. In general, the present camera location 134 and the object location 136 are three-dimensional location values that are precisely determined, such as by GPS receivers. Moreover, communication devices 120, 122, and 124 may include camera pose angle determination equipment, such as a compass (not shown) to determine an azimuth direction of the pose angle 132 and an accelerometer (not shown) to determine elevation angles 130 of the pose angle 132. Also shown is a utility truck 180. In this example, the utility truck 180 is a bucket truck, and it includes identifying features, such as a license plate, DOT number, or fleet number, to help identify it in images.
In this example, transformer 162 is mounted on pole 152 as shown. Using the camera on communication device 122, member 112 can perform camera movement up 170, camera movement down 172, camera movement right 174, and camera movement left 176. In addition, other photographic techniques, such as image-stitching to create panoramic horizontal 182, 184 and vertical 178, 180 are possible.
It is important to note that although reference is made to software apps on communication devices, the present invention can be implemented as a web-based interface presenting a series of webpages to the user as well. The webpages, like the app, may be designed to cache data and apply some rules locally in the event communications between the communication devices and the webserver is not available.
The present disclosure generally relates to tracking time and expense and, more specifically, to tracking time and expense of contract workers installing, repairing, and restoring utility distribution systems.
Based on a series of customizable business rules, the system automatically calculates different types of hourly pay rates, including mobilization pay rates, working pay rates, holiday pay rates, and overtime pay rates. This automatic calculation eliminates steps in the review process.
The present invention is designed with several major groups as follows: 1) Administrators, 2) Resource Planners, 3) Travel Coordinators, 4) Vendors, 5) Team Leads, 6) Logistics, 7) Section Chiefs, 8) Program Leads, and 9) Mobilization Leads. Note that the system may be implemented with more or fewer major groups.
The present invention assists the system administrators in creating an overall event, such as a storm event.
The present invention assists the resource planner in interacting with vendors to secure necessary resources for a storm event. Actions include:
Common Process Issues: Assigning key Resource: If the resource name is not available in “Resource to Assign,” the resource planner will need to add/modify the contact with the correct storm role. Travel Orders: If the resource planner creates a new travel order with an earlier date than the original, the system will cancel the original travel order
The present invention assists the vendor in providing teams and invoices for storm events, include:
The present invention assists the Travel Coordinator in interacting with vendors to create teams and communicate with team leads throughout a storm event. Actions include:
Common Process Issues: A team will not be auto-approved if it has more than 30 people on the team, if they do not have a team lead, or if the team lead does not have an email. Contingent functionality will group teams that need to travel together. All teams grouped in a contingent will display a contingent name. Once grouped, the team must travel together. Once created, contingents may be edited to add or remove teams.
The present invention assists the Production Leads in managing resources and assets at the sites and distributing work. Actions include:
The present invention assists Team Leads in managing that team and ensures time and expenses are captured daily. Actions include:
The present invention assists the Resource Planner in assigning and allocating teams to work locations. Time and expense approvals are dependent on management at the work location, so proper assignment assists with proper time and expense approval routing. Actions include:
The present invention uses business rules that can automatically route, authorize, and change the flow of many tasks. The system, for example, may use customizable business rules to determine if travel time is within a settable threshold, and if the elapsed time and/or expense is below a settable threshold, the travel time is automatically authorized.
The overall flow shown in
Turning now to
In the case where the team does not need to be updated in step 1080, the process continues to step 1080, and the storm event or standard team is selected in 1082. The process flows to step 1054, select team lead, as further described below.
In step 1044, in the case that there is not an existing team, the process continues to step 1046 to create a new team. The departure goals are reviewed in step 1048, the members of the roster are reviewed in step 1050, and the quantity of equipment needed is 1052. The select teams lead in step 1054 is to review team members and finalize the team. A test is made if teams meet criteria 1058. In the case the team meets the criteria, the process flows to system admin 660 for admin approval 1062 and ends in step 1090. Otherwise, in the case the team does not meet the criteria, the process has the vendor 530 approve or reject 1032 and the flows to travel coordinator 1040 for approval or reject final team 1088.
More specifically,
In the case that no additional sites are selected in step 1210, the process flows to the vendor submits proposal 1232. In the case that the vendor does not submit a proposal 1232, the process continues to step 1252, where the resource planner 1150 creates a commitment (external), and the vendor 1130 must respond to the commitment 1234. The process flows to step 1254, in which the resource planner 1150 reviews the commitment. Otherwise, in the case that the vendor 1130 does not submit a proposal 1232, the process flows to step 1254 as described above. The resource acquisition in step 1254 is approved or denied 1256. In the case the resource acquisition in step 1256 is not approved, the process flows to connector “3” in
In
In
In
In
In
In
In step 2004, a web interface for time and expense management is presented by the server. The time and expense management interface is used to track a plurality of crews to perform work in a target geographic location. The crew-specific information includes an identifier of at least one or more members of a selected crew in the plurality of crews. The crew-specific information is received from a representative for each of the plurality of crews, wherein the crew-specific information includes the number of crew members and skill type of each crew member and vehicle information. The process continues to step 2006.
In step 2006, the system sends a mobilization work order from the server to a portable electronic device associated with the selected crew. Next, the server receives a mobilization start time by the server from the portable electronic device used by the crew. The process continues to the optional step 2008.
In optional step 2008, the step of 2006 of receiving the mobilization start time includes automatically sending the mobilization start time in response to the portable electronic device moving outside a defined geographic start region. The process continues to step 2010.
In step 2010, the server calculates an estimated mobilization time period to have the selected crew relocate from its current geographic position to the target geographic location. Based on the portable electronic device associated with the selected crew being in proximity to a wireless communication infrastructure in the target geographic location, it automatically sends a mobilization end time to the server from the portable electronic device. Next, based on receiving the mobilization end time, the server automatically calculates an actual elapsed mobilization time from the start time. The process continues to the optional step 2012.
In optional step 2012, prior to automatically sending the mobilization end time to the server from the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device cannot connect to a wireless telecommunications network due to necessary infrastructure being unavailable, and during the actual mobilization time, any information received is locally cached on the portable electronic device before automatically sending the mobilization end time to the server. The process continues to the optional step 2014.
In step 2014, the server verifies the actual elapsed mobilization time with the estimated mobilization time in accordance with one or more business rules. Based on one or more business rules being verified, the elapsed mobilization time for the selected crew as part of the mobilization work order is placed into an approval process, and the status of the selected crew is changed from a mobilization mode to an arrival mode. Based on the approval process being complete, sending from the server to the portable electronic device, an authorization to submit an invoice for portions of the mobilization work order that have completed the approval process. Otherwise, the system automatically begins a dispute escalation process if a business rule is not satisfied. The process continues to the optional step 2016.
In optional step 2016, the authorization to submit the invoice for portions of the mobilization work order that have completed the approval process includes only authorization to submit the invoice for those portions of the mobilization work order i) not already paid or ii) that have been previously submitted and completed the approval process. The process continues to the optional step 2018.
The present invention helps to document time and expense for government agencies, such as public utility commissions. This documentation is often used to assist with setting special charges on customer invoices.
Next, in step 2018, the process continues by sending a site assignment order from the server to a portable electronic device associated with the selected crew. An en-route start time is received by the server from the portable electronic device. The server calculates an estimated en route time period to have the selected crew relocate from its current geographic position to a site in the site assignment order. Based on the portable electronic device associated with the site being in proximity to a wireless communication infrastructure in the site, it automatically sends an en route end time to the server from the portable electronic device. Based on receiving the en route end time, automatically calculated by the server, an actual elapsed en route time from the en route start time. The server verifies the actual elapsed mobilization time with the estimated en route time in accordance with one or more business rules. Based on one or more business rules being verified, automatically authorize the elapsed en route time for the selected crew as part of the site order and change the status of the selected crew from an en route mode to a site arrival mode. The process proceeds to step 2020 to end.
Turning now to
Beginning with the left-side of this user interface 2100, section 2106 illustrates a status area of various activities, including “Open Activities”, “Approval History”, “Files” that were uploaded.
Section 2108 illustrates a listing of Time Sheets with the “Date”, “User”, “Original Value (or status)” and “New Value or status” as shown.
Section 2110 illustrates sheet entries of the crew with the “Crew Member Name”, “Type of Time,” e.g., regular overtime, travel time, etc. Section 2112 is a timesheet currently being edited and revised.
Section 2114 the corresponding expense reports for any time sheet.
Referring to the right side of this user interface 2100, section 2120 is information about the current timesheet, e.g. “Name”, “Start Date”, “End Date”, “Total Hours”, “Number of Time Sheet Entry Count”, “Working Hours”, “Travel order, “Production lead” and “Midnight Time.”
Section 2122 is the crew or team information, including “Vendor Name, “Team Lead”, “Team Name” followed by “System Information”.
Referring to
The handheld device 2300 includes a microprocessor 2302 that controls the overall operation of the handheld device 2352. The microprocessor 2302 interacts with the above-described communications subsystem elements and also interacts with other device subsystems such as non-volatile or flash memory 2306, random access memory (RAM) 2304, auxiliary input/output (I/O) device 2338, data port 2328, display 2334, keyboard 2336, speaker 2332, microphone 2330, a short-range communications subsystem 2320, a power subsystem 2322, and or any other device subsystems.
One or more sensors 2382 are incorporated into or coupled with handheld device. The sensor 2382 is operative to sense such movement by any sensing device currently known and understood within the relevant art, or hereinafter invented. Examples of sensor 2382 include one or more accelerometers, Global Positioning System (GPS), G-force meter, gravimeter, gradiometer, inclinometer, clinometer, tiltmeter, micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS), compass, or the like, using any known technology, including liquid capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, piezoceramic, or other technology currently known and understood within the relevant art, or hereinafter invented. Such devices or technology enable the conversion of movement information to an electric signal that is interpreted by microprocessor 2302.
Pairs or triplet combinations, or bi-axial or tri-axial implementations of sensor 2382 may are used for detecting movement in two or three dimensions. Sampling rates of sensor 2382 are selected to balance cost and other factors, with a requirement for the perception of responsiveness and smooth movement desired for a user. One or more accelerometers may provide information regarding a rate of speed or acceleration of a handheld device, and may also provide information pertaining to the orientation of the handheld device 2300, as well. Algorithms or software which may be executed by microprocessor 2302, for converting spatial, coordinate, or other reference information embedded within such electric signal, to an angular orientation of the sensing device and/or an orientation of a device into which the sensing device is connected or associated, is understood by one skilled in the relevant art.
A battery 2324 is connected to a power subsystem 2322 to provide power to the circuits of the handheld device 2352. The power subsystem 2322 includes power distribution circuitry for providing power to the handheld device 2300 and also contains battery charging circuitry to manage recharging the battery 2324. The power subsystem 2322 includes a battery monitoring circuit that is operable to provide status of one or more battery status indicators, such as remaining capacity, temperature, voltage, electrical current consumption, and the like, to various components of the electronic handheld 2300. There may be an external power connector 2326 electrically coupled to an external power supply 2354 as shown.
The data port 2328 is able to support data communications between the handheld device 2300 and other devices through various modes of data communications, such as high speed data transfers over optical communications circuits or over electrical data communications circuits such as a USB connection incorporated into the data port 2328 of some examples. Data port 2328 is able to support communications with, for example, an external computer or other device.
Data communication through data port 2328 enables a user to set preferences through the external device or through a software application and extends the capabilities of the device by enabling information or software exchange through direct connections between the handheld device 2352 and external data sources rather than via a wireless data communication network 2359. In addition to data communication, the data port 2328 provides power to the power subsystem 2322 to charge the battery 2324 or to supply power to the electronic circuits, such as microprocessor 2302, of the handheld device 2300.
Operating system software used by the microprocessor 2302 is stored in flash memory 2306. Further examples are able to use a battery backed-up RAM or other non-volatile storage data elements to store operating systems, other executable programs, or both. The operating system software, device application software, or parts thereof, are able to be temporarily loaded into volatile data storage such as RAM 2304. One example of data storage in RAM is time and expense environment 250. Data received via wireless communication signals or through wired communications are also able to be stored to RAM 2304.
The microprocessor 2302, in addition to its operating system functions, is able to execute software applications on the handheld device 2300. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications, is able to be installed on the handheld device 2300 during manufacture. Examples of applications that are able to be loaded onto the device may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to the device user, such as, but not limited to, email, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items.
Further applications may also be loaded onto the handheld device 2300 through, for example, the wireless network 2350, an auxiliary I/O device 2338, data port 2328, short-range communications subsystem 2320, or any combination of these interfaces. Such applications are then able to be installed by a user in the RAM 2304 or a non-volatile store for execution by the microprocessor 2302.
In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message or web page download is processed by the communication subsystem, including wireless receiver 2312 and wireless transmitter 2310, and communicated data is provided the microprocessor 2302, which is able to further process the received data for output to the display 2334, or alternatively, to an auxiliary I/O device 2338 or the data port 2328. A user of the handheld device 2352 may also compose data items, such as email messages, using the keyboard 2336, which is able to include a complete alphanumeric keyboard or a telephone-type keypad, in conjunction with the display 2334 and possibly an auxiliary I/O device 2338. Such composed items are then able to be transmitted over a communication network through the communication subsystem.
For voice communications, overall operation of the handheld device 2300 is substantially similar, except that received signals are generally provided to a speaker 2332 and signals for transmission are generally produced by a microphone 2330. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the handheld device 2300. Although voice or audio signal output is generally accomplished primarily through the speaker 2332, the display 2334 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, for example.
Depending on the conditions or statuses of the handheld device 2300, one or more particular functions associated with a subsystem circuit may be disabled, or an entire subsystem circuit may be disabled. For example, if the battery temperature is low, then voice functions may be disabled, but data communications, such as email, may still be enabled over the communication subsystem.
A short-range communications subsystem 2320 provides for data communication between the handheld device 2352 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem 2320 includes an infrared device and associated circuits and components or a Radio Frequency based communication module such as one supporting Bluetooth® communications, to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices, including the data file transfer communications described above.
A media reader 2360 is able to be connected to an auxiliary I/O device 2338 to allow, for example, loading computer readable program code of a computer program product into the handheld device 2300 for storage into non-volatile memory such as flash memory 2306. One example of a media reader 2360 is an optical drive such as a CD/DVD drive, which may be used to store data to and read data from a computer readable medium or storage product such as computer readable storage media 2362. Examples of suitable computer readable storage media include optical storage media such as a CD or DVD, magnetic media, or any other suitable data storage device. Media reader 2360 is alternatively able to be connected to the electronic device through the data port 2328 or computer readable program code is alternatively able to be provided to the handheld device 2300 through the wireless network 2350.
U.S. Pat. No. 11,556,872, entitled, “Time And Expense Tracking System,” inventors Molly CARTY et al. and commonly assigned herewith, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Although specific examples of the subject matter have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. The scope of the disclosure is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific examples, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and examples within the scope of the present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63002046 | Mar 2020 | US | |
63057238 | Jul 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17915561 | Sep 2022 | US |
Child | 18390306 | US |