Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Time analysis
Patent
1987-04-28
1989-02-14
Pitts, Harold I.
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Time analysis
235375, G06K 710
Patent
active
048048291
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data handling system for collecting data relating to workshop activities, such as time-study work measurements, the names of personnel responsible for having carried out work, and like data.
When practising the known and usual procedure in this regard, the work to be carried out in the workshop is first structurized and the various tasks then allotted to various workmen which when commencing their respective tasks are given a time card or work card, which they stamp in a calculator time clock. The time card is also stamped when work is finished, or during breaks in a working period.
When the work allotted is completed, the planning department calculates the total time taken as recorded on the time card. It is highly essential that an engineering or production company is able to compare the total time taken to complete a specific task with a calculated or estimated total time, in order to be able to follow up and change the costs calculated, since these costs form the basis of the company's invoicing or billing and/or the calculated manufacturing costs.
There are two reasons why it is essential to retain the time card. One reason is that the card has recorded thereon data relating to the work to be carried out, and hence the card serves as an instruction sheet and also as a memorandum for the workman concerned. The other reason is because the time card constitutes a document which records the time worked and which can be used to check that the wages of respective workmen have been calculated correctly.
One paramount disadvantage with the described methodology, however, is that the task of manually compiling the information relating to the times (hours, minutes) recorded on the time card together with the respective work load, and then comparing, more or less manually, the estimated time for carrying out the work concerned with the actual time taken and calculating the respective wages is highly time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes this drawback while enabling the time card to be retained.
Thus, the present invention relates to a data handling terminal comprising a microcomputer, which is preferably intended for connection to a central computer, and a memory, the system being characterized in that it further comprises a time-card feed path, a card reader arranged along said path and operative to read a bar code installed on the card, a printer, and a sensor arranged to send a signal to the microcomputer when the time card is located in a pre-determined position in relation to the printer; in that the terminal incorporates a control circuit for controlling the printer in response to signals from the microcomputer; in that an identifying means is provided for reading a code individual to respective employees; and in that the microcomputer is programmed to store in said memory information corresponding to said bar code, said identification code, and information concerning relevant time entries printed by the printer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
An exemplifying embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of part of the interior of a data handling system;
FIG. 2 illustrates schematically and in side view a part of the interior of a data handling system, and also a block schematic; and
FIG. 3 illustrates a key.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a data handling system 1 constructed in accordance with the invention.
The system 1 incorporates a microcomputer 2 which is preferably intended for connection to a central computer 3 and which includes a RAM-type memory 3. The system 1 also incorporates a feed path, generally referenced 5, which is intended to feed a so-called time card through the system 1. The feed path 5 is of conventional construction and may, in principle, be of the same kind as, for example, the feed paths intended for advancing punched cards. The
REFERENCES:
patent: 4401994 (1983-08-01), Witts
patent: 4409657 (1983-10-01), Van de Lely
patent: 4423314 (1983-12-01), Kato
patent: 4494127 (1985-01-01), King
patent: 4536646 (1985-08-01), Adams
International Terminal Systems AB
Pitts Harold I.
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