| 20100194548 | DOWNTIME MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring and facilitating a process, through the use of wirelessly-linked, portable signal units. The signal units have one or more signal lights, and can be placed adjacent to process stations. When a signal light is actuated by operator input at one or more of the process stations, the lights at all of the other process stations also are illuminated in a recognizable pattern to enhance visibility and identification at a glance as to which process station needs attention. Signal units also can function as repeaters to facilitate communication and operation. Designation of certain signal units as repeaters and optimization of communication between signal units is automatically carried out in accordance with one or more optimization approaches. In an embodiment, a time-based record of operation of the signal lights is provided for process monitoring and improvement. | 08-05-2010 |
