DE102006020618A1 - Procedures for monitoring work processes - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for monitoring work processes in which a predetermined object is to be arranged and / or used at least briefly at a predetermined object and / or location, a predetermined object and / or a predetermined location being provided with a digitally detectable object / location marking and in order to identify a predetermined object that is to be used at the predetermined object / location, a digital reference image is created as an image file, whereby the predetermined object can be identified, the object being assigned to the object / location by the object / location marker assigned to the reference image in at least one computer unit and the assignment is stored in the at least one computer unit, the predetermined object is arranged at the predetermined object / location, the object / location marking is digitally recorded at the predetermined object / location, at the predetermined object / location ndthere another digital photo of the object is created, the digitally recorded object / location marking and the digital photo of the object created at the predetermined object / location are transmitted to the computer unit and the correct assignment of the object to the object / location is checked by the digitally recorded object / location marking with the stored object / location marking and the digital photo of the ...

Description

The The present invention relates to a method of monitoring of workflows, at which a predetermined object, in particular an advertising medium, such as a poster, at least for a short time on a predetermined object and / or location, especially on an advertising medium, such as a Billboard, arranged and / or used.

Companies, who work in the so-called out-of-home media industry, rent advertising media to their customers different kind, they according to the customer request over a predetermined Equip period with a predetermined advertising medium. When advertising For example, there are billboards or poster holders, building walls, bus stops, electronically controlled media or the like are available are set up in different locations. Serve as advertising media conventional Posters, three-dimensional media, giant posters, the whole house facades dress, etc.

Should now for Customers are provided with predetermined advertising media on predetermined advertising media, So, for example, should be positioned at predetermined locations billboards be placarded with predetermined posters, so are appropriate Job lists are created in which posters associated with corresponding billboards are. These order lists are sent to employees or to subcontractors forwarded, which should carry out the poster.

The Order lists accordingly become the predetermined locations approached by the subcontractor and the posters at the predetermined billboards positioned. After completion of the orders, the execution is carried out by the employee or subcontractor to the out-of-home media company reported, for example, by the order lists with appropriate Note sent back become. In this way, the out-of-home media company can control the workflows or Track and monitor order processing.

This way of organizing and monitoring work processes has some disadvantages:
On the one hand, the confirmation of the order processing takes place with a time delay, because the notification is not made immediately after the execution of the work but usually only in the evening or on one of the following days. Problems that occur during the execution are therefore detected late by the out-of-home media company, so that it is not possible to react immediately. For example, if one of the advertised by the customer advertising space is defective, so a repackaging is required. This means that a poster is placarded on a billboard other than the billboard actually intended. If such Umplakatierung not immediately reported or fails completely, so for example there is a risk that advertising space can be rented multiple times or that there are unjustified complaints. Timely notification of completed orders, changes made, problems encountered or the like is therefore very desirable in order to check the work processes and to coordinate future work processes.

To the others can Messages also be erroneous. For example, it is quite possible that an order completion message takes place without the Order actually was executed, the erroneous message from the employee or subcontractor accidentally or consciously can be done. To check the orderly execution by the employee or the subcontractor, it is therefore necessary that its Work on the part of the out-of-home media company, at least on a random basis on-site, so that, for example, whether a predetermined advertising medium actually according to the order completion message on a predetermined advertising medium was arranged. This type of review is very time and cost intensive.

Finally done The comparison of order lists and order processing messages currently not automated, which harbors another source of error and also uneconomical.

All in all is the organization and monitoring of work processes of the type mentioned currently very difficult. It is therefore a task of the present invention to provide a detection method which an at least partially automated or fully automated and timely monitoring of such procedures allows.

These Problem is in accordance with the present invention through a monitoring procedure of work processes solved according to claim 1. The dependent ones claims refer to individual embodiments of the present Invention.

In the method according to the present invention, a predetermined object and / or a predetermined location is provided with a digitally detectable object / location mark and in this way uniquely identified. Further, from a predetermined object to be used at the predetermined object / location, a reference digital image is created as an image file to uniquely identify the object as well. The picture The file may be supplied by the customer or, for example, this may be done by scanning a printed image or by making a digital photograph of the object. Subsequently, the object is assigned to the object / location by assigning the object / location marking to the reference image in at least one computer unit and storing the assignment in the at least one computer unit. For this purpose, a corresponding mapping software is preferably used. Now, the predetermined object is placed on the predetermined object / location, whereupon at the predetermined location, both the object / location mark is digitally detected and a digital photograph of the subject is created. The digitally captured object / location mark and the digital photograph of the object taken at the object / location are then transmitted to the computing unit, where the proper assignment of the object to the object / location is finally verified. The check is made by comparing the digitally captured object / location mark with the stored object / location mark and the digital photograph of the subject at the predetermined object / location with the stored digital reference image in the computing unit.

According to the present Registration, the term "object" refers to a thing or a person, which can be clearly assigned, such as an advertising medium, a car, a security guard, etc. The term "location" refers to a unique location position, such as a road junction, a plot of land or similar. The term "object" finally refers to a uniquely identifiable facility arranged at a location can be or is mobile, such as an advertising medium, a Parking, a building Etc.

Based digital capture of object / location marking and creation the digital photograph of the object at the predetermined object / location can be stated that the Object located or used on this object / location was, so that easily check the work result or the work process. The digital acquisition of the object / location marking and creation the digital photograph of the object at the predetermined object / location also facilitate a very timely review, since the generated here Data for review immediately transmitted to the computer unit can be. Furthermore, the review can be made under Use of appropriate verification software automatically and thus quickly without human effort. After all can the verification result in Digital form easily forwarded without any time delay be so that it the person directly affected.

is the assignment check result is positive, Thus, the predetermined object was actually at the predetermined Object / location arranged, the workflow was successful completed. If this is not the case, then there is an error and it can Immediately appropriate measures be taken to correct this. For example, a Postereller directly and optionally automatically from the computer unit via the informs unsatisfactory check result so that he can fix the error immediately.

According to one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is carried out digital acquisition of the object / location marking by means of a Recording software stored on a mobile phone memory and creating the digital photograph of the object at the predetermined one Object / location by means of a mobile phone camera. The preferred Using a mobile phone camera as a hardware to capture Two-dimensional codes are due in particular to the fact that such Mobile phones with integrated camera commercially in the most diverse versions available, very are handy and relatively inexpensive. Further, currently available Mobile phones are suitable for different types of software to save and execute in different formats. Finally, the using the software stored on the mobile phone recorded data directly above the mobile phone are sent, for example by means of GPRS, UMTS, GMS, SMS, MMS or the like.

It should be clear that too other mobile devices, such as handhelds or the like, in conjunction with a digital camera can be used, but below only is not referred to as restrictive to a mobile phone understand is.

The data generated in the digital detection of the object / location marking and in the creation of the digital photograph of the object are advantageously transmitted to a computer unit in the form of a central computer unit, which, as previously mentioned, for example by means of GPRS, UMTS, GMS, SMS, MMS or the like can be done directly with the mobile phone. The checking of the assignment then preferably takes place directly by means of a checking software stored on the central computer unit, wherein the checking result is advantageously stored on the central computer unit in data form. The workflow monitoring has access to the data stored in the central computer. The examination result is preferably returned directly to the mobile sent telephone, so that, for example, the billboard is informed directly about the result. This can rectify occurring errors accordingly immediately.

The automatic verification of Allocation can also or alternatively by means of a verification software and an assignment that is integrated into a mobile phone or connectable to this Computer unit are stored. The when capturing the object / location marker and generated in the creation of the digital photograph of the object Data is transmitted accordingly to this computer unit and checked there. On this way, the person who has the item and the object / location marker on the Object / location recorded digitally, even the possibility the success of the performed To check on-site without while being dependent on a central computer unit. Is the automatic check with Help of the mobile phone, so the verification result of course, too be transmitted directly to a central processing unit, if a such is present. A sending of the created digital photo of the object and the digitally captured object / location mark as well as the review in the central computer unit can then possibly be superfluous.

The verification results are preferably stored in the computer unit, so that on this also to a later one Timing can be accessed.

Of course, further can further data is transmitted to the computer unit. For example, impairments of work processes be reported as defective billboards, transplacements, the Condition of the advertising media or the like.

Prefers the verification of the Allocation of object / location marking and object completely automatic. That way you can Time and costs can be saved.

Especially If the item is an advertising medium, such as a Poster, a giant poster, a three-dimensional medium or the like. The object is preferably a fixed position Advertising space such as a billboard, a building wall, a bus stop, an advertising space on a means of transport, etc. The object can, however, also be an identification means for identification and / or Time registration at a position positioned at a predetermined object / location Identification device to be used briefly.

The Object / location marking is preferably a one-dimensional code, a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip, a two-dimensional Code or the like, wherein the use of a two-dimensional Data matrix codes are considered advantageous. Such data matrix codes can be solved with the help of suitable hardware and powerful software capture very quickly and are due to extensive error correction capabilities very safe and robust. Furthermore, they have a very small footprint and are visually pretty unremarkable.

following becomes an exemplary embodiment the method according to the invention described in more detail.

One company active in the out-of-home media industry Customers a variety of advertising media to disposal, where various advertising media can be arranged. at the advertising media For example, they can be frame systems in which posters or Posters are positionable, conventional billboards or Advertising pillars, Bus stop houses, building facades, where, for example, giant posters can be attached, or the like act firmly positioned in a location or even mobile are such as a bus or the like.

each this advertising medium is inventively of the Out-of-home media company provided with a digitizable object / location marking, where the different object / location marks are for differentiation the individual advertising medium serve. The object / location marker is present around an optically detectable two-dimensional Code, such as a data matrix code. The object / location markers can on the advertising media be suitably attached or integrated in this.

From a customer receives For example, the out-of-home media company is mandated to predetermined posters on some of the available ones Objects / Locations positioned billboards provide.

The Out-of-home media company receives digital from the customer Reference images of the posters as image files or, if not In the case, create such reference pictures yourself by scanning printed billboard images or by creating digital photos from the posters. These reference images are for identification of the individual posters. If several posters have the same motif, so is for these posters, of course, a single reference image sufficient.

After this the posters are identifiable using the reference images the reference images in a central processing unit using a suitable software according to the customer's object / location markings digitally assigned, with the assignment in the central computer unit is stored. This means that through this association each Reference image clearly an object / location marker and thus each poster clearly assigned a predetermined billboard becomes.

Of the the contract given to the entrepreneur by the customer will now, for example, via the Internet, forwarded to a subcontractor, the one for the practical execution responsible for the contract is. For example, the subcontractor may be a billboard act.

Of the Subcontractor drives then with the posters to the individual objects / locations, where the predetermined billboards are located, and assigns the Posters according to the order list on the associated billboards.

To the implementation recorded each poster the subcontractor the object / location mark and created using a digital camera connected to a mobile phone connected or integrated into this, from each poster digital photo, wherein the marker detection by a corresponding, Supporting software stored in the mobile phone is supported. In this way, the work result can be documented.

The detected Data is then acquired by the subcontractor in a further step sent a central processing unit of the out-of-home media company. In the central computer unit, the work result with the help a suitable verification software checks by the object / location marker detected at an object / location with the object / location mark stored in the central processing unit and the digital photograph of the object taken at the object / location with the reference image stored in the central computer unit is compared, this review automatically he follows. Voices that seized Data matches the stored mapping data, so it can be assumed be that the Mating of advertising medium and advertising media according to the order the subcontractor is done. Voices the data collected at the object / location on the other hand, does not match the assignment, it means that the order incorrectly executed has been. Corresponding countermeasures can then immediately by the out-of-home media company be initiated. For example, the poster can directly on the be notified errors so that he nachbessern the work result accordingly can. Also, for example, an erroneous job be reacted in the form of a discount or the like.

The verification software may alternatively or additionally be deposited on the mobile phone of the subcontractor, so that this even after the performed Can check billboards, whether the work was carried out according to the order, before sending an appropriate message to the out-of-home media company he follows.

Together with the on-site digitally captured object / location markings and the created digital photos and / or the check result can also even more data transmitted become. Thus, for example, an immediate Umplakatierung or damage to an advertising medium. The out-of-home media company will be able to do so in the way already granted and also the future orders and work processes to the modified To adjust the situation.

With Help of the described procedure can be the out-of-home media company on the one hand to quickly understand which customer orders through the subcontractor has already been executed and which still perform which gives the company a very good and timely overview of his Order processing receives. On the other hand unforeseen problems more effectively resolved and the Order processing or the work processes accordingly restructured and customized become. Furthermore, the inventive method offers the out-of-home media company the possibility, to control his subcontractor. Finally, the monitoring according to the invention Order processing at least partially automated so that sources of error and costs are reducible.

It it should be clear that that inventive method changed or may be modified without the scope of the present invention Invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (9)

Method for monitoring workflows in which a predetermined object is to be arranged and / or used at least for a short time on a predetermined object and / or location, wherein - a predetermined object and / or a predetermined location is provided with a digitally detectable object / location mark and thus identifiable, - of a predetermined object attached to the predetermined object / location is to be used, a digital reference image is created as an image file, with which the predetermined object is identifiable, - the object is assigned to the object / location by the object / location mark associated with the reference image in at least one computer unit and the assignment in the at least one computer unit is stored, - the predetermined object is placed at the predetermined object / location, - the object / location mark is digitally detected at the predetermined object / location, - another digital photograph of the object is created at the predetermined object / location, The digitally acquired object / location mark and the digital photograph of the object created at the predetermined object / location are transmitted to the computer unit, and the orderly assignment of the object to the object / location is checked by the digitally acquired object / location mark having the stored object / location mark and the created at the predetermined object / location digital photo of the object with the stored digital reference image in the computer unit are compared. The method of claim 1, wherein the verification of proper assignment in the computer unit automatically by means of an appropriate software he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital capture of the object / location mark by means of a Mobile phone camera and one stored on a mobile phone memory Acquisition software takes place. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one Computer unit integrated in the mobile station or to this connectable is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one computer unit is a central computer unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the item is an advertising medium and the item is an advertising medium. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object / location marker one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code or an RFID chip is. The method of claim 7, wherein the two-dimensional Code a data matrix code is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the verification result is stored in the at least one computer unit.