WO2003091865A1

WO2003091865A1 - Method and system for graphical data representation

Info

Publication number: WO2003091865A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/012732
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor I. Marmon; Goni Hary; Christopher Bissel; David Hary; Ofer Azoulay
Original assignee: Marmon Victor I; Goni Hary; Christopher Bissel; David Hary; Ofer Azoulay
Priority date: 2002-04-24
Filing date: 2003-04-24
Publication date: 2003-11-06
Also published as: AU2003231085A1

Abstract

A method and system for graphical data presentation. A graphical data presentation system includes graphical representations of items (113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123) associated with their geographic or physical locations such as their location in a building (206). In addition, data is linked to the items (113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123,) A graphical user interface is generated using the graphical representations and the locations where the position of the items (113, 115, 117, 117, 119, 121, 123) displayed in the graphical user interface represent the items locations in a building (206). A user uses an item’s graphical representation to update item data that is stored in a database (204) maintained by the graphical data presentation system.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GRAPHICAL DATA REPRESENTATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to graphical data representation systems and more specifically to visual representation, access, and manipulation of an item's data using graphical depictions of the items's physical location depicted in a graphical user interface.

Management of a large building usually entails keeping track of large amounts of data regarding items or assets used in the building. The kinds of items included in a building are varied and each has a unique set of attributes or data associated with it. In addition, some items, such as furniture, may only need a minimal amount of data kept on them, primarily their location.

Other items, such as office equipment, have much higher data demands such as keeping track of maintenance events and users manuals. Some of the items that need to be tracked may be easily moved, such as furniture or desktop office equipment. Other items, such as sprinkler systems are fixed in their location and may never be moved. In addition to keeping and tracking information about items in the building, there also exists a need to keep information about a building as well. For example, each building may have a unique floor layout, with some buildings having multiple floors thus resulting in multiple layouts for the building. Keeping track of safety information, such as evacuation routes, the location of safety equipment, the location of breaker panels, etc. then becomes problematic as the information may be unique to each building and even to separate floors of each building.

Finally, there maybe multiple users that need to access the item and building information.

For example, a building engineer may need to know about each piece of safety and office equipment, an office manager may only be concerned with office equipment and furniture, and a worker in the building may only care about knowing the best evacuation route out of the building in case of an emergency. As each of these building users has different data needs, it is difficult to make the needed data available to each without overloading the building users with unnecessary data.

Therefore, a need exits for a data management system that allows different users of a building or other facility to quickly access the data they need about the building or facility. Various embodiments of the present invention meet such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a system for graphical data presentation includes graphical representations of items associated with their geographic or physical locations such as their location in a building. In addition, data is linked to the items. A graphical user interface is generated using the graphical representations and the locations where the position of the items displayed in the graphical user interface represent the items physical locations such as their locations in a building. A user uses an item's graphical representation to update item data that is stored in a database maintained by the graphical data presentation system.

A method and system for graphical data representation provides for the visual representation, access, and manipulation of data associated with items. The items are represented, accessed and manipulated using graphical depictions of their location on a graphical interface.

The system may include one or more data communication links. The data communications links may form a network. The network may be a computer network having personal computers, workstations or other user terminals and devices coupled to the network. A network server may execute the system at a central location with the network server coupled to one or more data storage devices. Any number of monitoring devices may also be coupled to the network to provide spatial or atmospheric conditions. For example, any number of fire alarms, smoke detectors, video cameras, motion sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, thermometers, heat sensors, fire extinguishing systems, doors, windows, window fixtures, and any other devices. Such devices may be directly coupled to the network for both control and monitoring.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system may be used in connection with graphical depictions of a building floor plan. All of the floors and rooms may be included in the graphical depiction similar to blueprint of a building. For every floor and room, a graphical depiction of any desired element, device, or item may be provided. For example, the exits, doors, windows, stairways, elevators, furniture, sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, video cameras, furniture, electrical outlets, information technology ports, such as those for network connections, lights, circuit breakers, electrical panels, security cameras, security monitors, and any other desired items and fixtures that may be located in a building. Additionally, the depiction may include dimensions of the rooms and floors, temperature and climate information, exit routes, and the like.

In another embodiment, multiple buildings or areas may be supported by the system. For example, several buildings on a school or college campus may be monitored and control by a central system. Similarly, several building on a corporation's campus may utilize the system.

All graphical depictions may be associated with data on a storage device, such as a database, hard disk, or other memory device. Data associated with any of the graphically depicted items may be changed by a user by identifying the item on the graphical user interface, which may be a computer aided design ("CAD") drawing or any other form of illustration. For example, by selecting, highlighting, or otherwise marking an item on the graphical interface, the system may show information regarding the particular item. For example, marking by the user of a fire extinguisher may provide the user with the type of the fire extinguisher, the date the fire extinguisher was last serviced, the size, weight, location, and any other desired information. Any type of graphics may be used in the representation on the graphical interface. The data may be stored at a central location such that multiple users will all have access to the same information. Data used to generate the graphical interface may be stored at a central location on a network. The network may be any suitable network such as an Internet, an intranet, a LAN, WAN, or other network. Preferences may be included such that some users may have the authority to change and update the data. If data associated with any item is changed, the data viewed by all users may be updated and changed accordingly. Users may view items on the graphical interface selectively. The user may elect to view or not view any items associated with the building floor plan. For example, the user may choose to display all the fire escapes of the building or floor. The user may choose to view any combination of items associated with the building floor plan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a user interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a deployment diagram of a graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a entity relationship diagram database records in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG.4 is a sequence diagram of a data display and update process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a sensor reading process and end device command process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sequence of a sensor reading and sensor data presentation process and an end device command process in response to a user request in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an architecture diagram of a data processing system suitable for use as a geo asset server host in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a user interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The user interface includes a graphical illustration of a building floor plan 101. This allows a graphical data representation system to organize data in a spatial fashion, enabling the user to find data based on a user's understanding of the likely spatial location of the data, such as the floor in a building, rather than knowledge of data indices in an abstract database. In addition, the use of a level view feature permits a user to locate data applicable to a particular floor in a building. The graphical illustration shows examples of objects and elements which can be represented spatially on a graphical interface. For example, the graphical illustration includes an indication of doorways 105, elevators 107, and stairways 109. Such information is useful in the case of an evacuation of the building. For example, in the occurrence of a fire or other event in a first room 111 , the location of the fire, or other event that prevents passage through that area, may be graphically indicated. An exit path 150 may be dynamically generated by the system illustrating the safest passage out of the building. The graphical illustration may also show where fire alarms 112 or fire extinguishers or fire hoses are located which may used by persons encountering the fire or other event. Evacuation routes may be either static or dynamic. In static evacuation routing, a user clicks on a location and toggles an evacuation icon and a pre-determined evacuation route is highlighted from the selected location. If a situation mandating evacuation is discovered at a particular building location, the location of the danger can be depicted graphically by the graphical data representation system. The user can then select from available static evacuation routes the routes that avoid the danger. For example, if a bomb is discovered on floor 10 of a building, someone who knows the location can mark the location using the graphical data representation system. Anyone with access to the graphical data representation system, which can be anyone with a connection and a computer, can see where the bomb has been discovered and choose an evacuation route to avoid the danger. In addition, if an evacuation route is not usable because an exit is blocked or a dangerous condition exists along the route, the location of the blocked exit or dangerous condition can be selected by a user using the graphical data representation system and the graphical data representation system can automatically hide or show as closed the affected evacuation routes, dynamically selecting and highlighting for the user the unaffected pre-selected evacuation routes now available to the user.

If the location or nature of a dangerous condition renders all pre-selected static evacuation routes unusable for a user, the graphical data representation system can hide those routes or show them as closed, and, using pre-determined rules, dynamically select and show the user alternative evacuation routes. The graphical illustration may also include items or assets such as furniture 113, computers 115, windows 117, electrical outlets 119 or information system ports 121. Information may be associated with each item included on the graphical illustration, such as the type of information technology port 121, type of computer 115 or other office equipment. Such information may be useful in keeping an inventory of the furniture or information systems equipment that is kept in the building or an area in the building. Planning can be performed based on the location of outlets and ports in a particular area.

The graphical illustration may also include video cameras 123 showing the areas that are within the range of the camera or security system and which areas may be out of view. The areas maybe shown with a graphical representation of the range and scope of view 130 of the cameras or security system sensor. The graphical illustration may include dimensional information 140 such as the size of rooms and square footage. Measurements of rooms or distance between two points maybe taken easily if needed for any purpose. A user may learn about a particular room by selecting on the associated area. For example, the selection or marking of a room may provide the user with temperature information, activity occurring in the room, lighting information, and any other details.

Referring to the graphical depiction of an exit route 150, such exit or evacuation routes may be dynamically created depending on where the harmful event occurs. For example, if there is a fire or explosive device reported in one area of a building, escape route maybe dynamically created to chart a path away from the location of danger. The route may be accessed by any user with access to the system.

In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user interface of the graphical data representation system includes a toggle bar, which looks like a common Windows® button/icon interface, to turn (toggle) data layers on and off. FIG. 2 is a deployment diagram of a graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A geo asset server 200 resides on a geo asset server host 202 and is coupled to a database 204 including graphic, location, attribute, action, and relationship information about an item. The geo asset host is coupled via a communications link 208 to a plurality of devices, such as sensor 210 and end device 212, associated with a building 206. The sensors are used by the geo asset server to sense various environmental variables associated with the building, such as temperature, smoke levels, carbon monoxide levels, etc. The sensors may also be more sophisticated devices, such as video cameras or microphones, that transmit visual and audio data to the geo asset server. An end device may be a control switch, such as a power control switch for an item, or an actuator, such as damper controller or a motorized video camera mount. The geo asset server host may be coupled to these devices in a plurality of ways such as simple analog connections, digital connections, and two-way communication connections.

The geo asset server host may also be coupled to a client host via a communications network 216. The client host hosts a client 220 that maybe used by a user 221 to send requests to and receive responses from the geo asset server. In operation, the user uses the client to transmit requests to the geo asset server for information about items stored in the database. The geo asset server responds to the requests by generating a graphical illustration of a building floor plan with graphical representations or icons of the items represented spatially in the graphical illustration. The user selects on items in the graphical illustration and manipulates them both graphically and textually to add, delete, and view data about the item. The geo asset server responds to the user's graphical and textual manipulation of the items by updating the database based on the user ' s manipulation of the items.

In addition, the geo asset server may receive data from the plurality of sensors and store the sensor data has a history in the database. A user may view a sensor's history by making a request to the geo asset server using the client. The user may also use the client to send requests to the geo asset server to send commands to the end devices. The user may also request that data from a particular sensor be transmitted via the geo asset server to the user's client for immediate display and viewing.

The client/server architecture of the graphical data representation system allows the system to be operated over all types of communications networks, such as the Internet, intranets, and extranets. This allows the graphical data representation system to be deployed in a variety of settings.

In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the graphical data representation system uses the standard Web protocol

(HTTP), and can be run from any Web browser. In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the graphical data representation system is a text-based system allowing the graphical data representation system to work across all but the most stringent firewalls, while at the same time ensuring the safety of a user's network.

In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the code for the system is written and the data are described using widely-accepted Web standards such as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), extensible Markup

Language (XML), and Document Object Model (DOM).

In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the graphical data representation system can be configured to run with or without a separate server host. This means that the graphical data representation system can be configured to exist and run on any number of machines, thereby creating redundancy for data backup and the ability to run on client computers as standalone systems if the network or server is down.

As the graphical data representation system employs XML-based technologies to create a modular application window interface, similar in appearance to Windows® applications. The difference is that the graphical data representation system "application" does not require installation; it is viewable and manipulatable immediately through a Web browser.

FIG. 3 is a entity relationship diagram for database records in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Data about an item is stored in the database as an item database record 300 for use by a geo asset server. The data includes a graphical representation 302 of the item that is used to display the item to a user in a graphical interface. The graphical representation may be a simple icon, an icon having different appearances dependent on the state of the item, or may be a detailed 2D or 3D representation of the item such as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing. The item data record further includes location data 304 describing the geographic location of an item. The item data record further includes attributes 306 that include data about an item's state. There can be a plurality of attributes 308, such as attribute 310 and attribute 312 for each item and the type of data stored about the item in an attribute may be simple or may be complex. The attributes may also be associated with a history 314 for the attribute wherein the history may include a plurality 316 of values or actions, such as value or action 318, stored for the attribute along with a time stamp 320. An item data record may also include actions 322 associated with an item defining what actions should be taken when an item is manipulated. There may be a plurality of actions 324 associated with an item, such as action 326.

An item may also be associated to other items by relationships 328. A set of items and relationships 330 may be associated with an item. An item 332 may be associated by a relationship in this way.

In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the graphical representations are CAD drawings that are translated into SVG to enable the CAD graphical data to be viewed and manipulated through a Web browser interface. The depiction of CAD type graphical data through SVG as a means of making the information available across intranets and the Internet both because the graphical CAD type information has been converted into vastly smaller amounts easily transmissible data, and the SVG data can be viewed and manipulated through the common Web browser interface. The conversion of CAD type data into SVG data also allows distances, areas and volumes to be measured in a Web browser interface. In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a measurement tool is provided that can take multiple, cumulative distance, area and volume measurements, such as cumulative path measurements (i.e., a series of connected line segments). Using the measurement tool, measurements can be taken in any part of a SVG described structure or other object from a remote area. Measurement output can be converted between metric and English units. Using the item data records stored in the database, a geo asset server may represent data along with location components so that items may be accessed and manipulated in the context of graphical depictions of their locations. Data concerning a certain physical asset type, object, or item may be represented spatially, and such data can be aggregated and depicted in spatially defined layers of an item's graphical representation that can be shown separately or superimposed on other data layers. Where data has an effect within or with respect to a particular spatial area, the "effect-zone" of that data can be shown graphically. For example, a sprinkler's coverage area may be shown by its graphical representation. In addition, relationships can be defined for items such that when a sprinkler zone is selected, an applicable sprinkler control will appear, and conversely, when a sprinkler valve is selected, an applicable sprinkler zone will appear. In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, graphical representations for an item are vector based, so the graphical representations of an item remain clear at all resolutions.

The use of a spatially oriented graphical representation allows the use of the same user interface to display, gather and update information. In prior art systems, database data point to an inert pile of graphical data. By using SVG, the graphical data representation system database data includes the graphical data. As such, the database outputs graphical information. When the database is changed, the graphical output changes, and when the graphical output is changed, the database is changed.

All data maintained by the graphical data representation system are treated as "live", changeable data, in the sense that the graphical data representation system allows the data to be manipulated by a user using the graphical representation interface. When data are manipulated, whether this manipulation takes place due to actions at the client level or the server level, the changes are reflected in the data maintained by the graphical data representation system in the database. If the graphical data representation system is distributed across several different computers, changes made by one user are viewable automatically by other users with appropriate access rights. Updating of graphical data representation system data can take place in real-time, with instantaneous updates viewable by other users, or at regularly scheduled intervals.

Item data stored in the database can be modified by an individual user, with appropriate rights, and/or an administrator of the program by changing the location and/or other graphical representations of the data, as well as by making text and numeric based modifications. In one graphical data representation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, item data is maintained in one or more databases.

Using the graphical representation associated with an item, information associated with a particular physical asset/object can be depicted both graphically and textually. Graphical and locationl information is presented by using SVG-based icons and polygons. Text information may be displayed by pull-down menus and panels linked to the graphical representation of the item. Data can be added, changed, or deleted by adding, moving or deleting graphical representations of the data. Location related data can be changed by adding, moving or deleting graphical representations of the data. Non-graphical data associated with data that is depicted graphically can be modified by selecting the graphical data representation and adding, modifying or deleting associated information. Example: click on a door and then add the key number; click on an office and change the number of the office.

Examples of data that may be associated with an item using the item's attributes may include procedures, instruction manuals, and other textual or graphical information applicable to particular items or assets in the graphical data representation system database can be made available to the user by selecting the asset and activating a contextual link to that information. For example, if a user needs to know about a feature on a fax machine, the user right clicks on the icon representing the fax machine and selects instruction manual, the graphical data representation system then displays the searchable fax machine user manual. As another example of the types of data and actions that may be associated with an item or asset by the graphical data representation system include emergency procedures. When a user clicks on the the graphical data representation system's emergency icon, a pick list of possible emergencies is displayed. The user clicks on the applicable emergency and the graphical data representation system automatically displays the pre-determined procedures for dealing with such an emergency. For example, if a user notices a noxious smell, the user clicks on the emergency icon and selects "Bad Smell /Noxious Odor". The graphical data representation system displays the applicable procedure for dealing with such a problem. Emergency procedures applicable to a particular asset depicted by the graphical data representation system can be activated by right clicking on, or otherwise selecting the contextual menu applicable to, the graphical representation of the asset and selecting "Emergency Information" and then choosing the applicable emergency.

In addition, the graphical data representation system automatically displays the pre-selected emergency procedure applicable to the particular problem. For example, if there is an electrical short in an office machine, the user right clicks on the icon representing the machine, selects Emergency information, and then clicks on the link that is designated as "Electrical Problem". The graphical data representation system activates the applicable emergency procedure by displaying a graphical representation of the circuit breaker panel, highlighting the , breaker applicable to the electrical circuit powering the office machine and indicating that the breaker should be switched off. At the same time, the graphical data representation system also displays an additional data layer showing the location of the circuit breaker panel so that user can easily locate and shut off the necessary circuit breaker. As an example of how historical information may be associated with an item, sensors are depicted graphically in a data layer like other assets, with the current value of the sensors displayed. Historical sensor data information is available to the user by choosing "Historical Data" from the context menu applicable to a particular sensor. The graphical data representation system then displays the data in chart (graphical) and other user selectable formats. Actions may be linked to sensors so that the graphical data representation system may react to an out of sensor range. For example, if a sensor value is out of range, the graphical data representation system automatically displays the location of the sensor, the nature of the value variance and a link to the applicable instruction manual, emergency procedure, etc. If the out of range value of the sensor denotes an emergency affecting an evacuation route, graphical data representation system hides or shows the particular evacuation route as unavailable and selects remaining applicable routes.

In addition, graphical data representation system can be configured to initiate certain alerts or other processes when particular out of range sensor values are registered. For example, if weekend office temperatures exceed a certain limit in a computer server room, the graphical data representation system pages the network manager with the out of value temperature. As another example, if a smoke detector linked to the graphical data representation system detects a likely fire, the graphical data representation system automatically displays an alert on all user displays, along with the available evacuation routes and emergency response procedures.

Control actions can be initiated by selecting an icon depicting a control, selecting "Control Activation" from the control's context menu and then choosing the required action from textually described alternatives and/or from a graphical depictions of the actual control interface.

As items may linked to other items by relationships, data layers can be linked in the graphical data representation to depict for the user associated assets and related asset information.

For example, an electrical outlet, applicable circuit breaker, and electrical panel in which such circuit breaker is located may be represented using linked items.

Items may also be non-physical objects. For example, the graphical data representation interface allows a user to identify the spatial location of tracked incidents or other data by adding an icon to the appropriate location on a graphical data representation location layer. Data previously associated with a particular incident or other data point can be accessed from the context menu associated with a user-selected incident or data point. The user can also add data to an existing incident or other data point, or create a new spatially located incident or other data point and associate data with it by choosing the appropriate context menu item applicable to the incident or data point.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a data display and update process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A user uses a client 220 to transmit a request 400 for graphically represented data to a geo access server 200. In response, the geo access server generates a query 402 for the requested data and transmits the query to a database 204 including item data records. In response to the query, the database generates a response 404 that is transmitted back to the geo access server. The response may include all of the graphical representations, locations, attributes, actions, and relationships for an item. If needed, the geo access server transmits the item's graphical representation 406 to a graphics engine for conversion into SVG format. The graphics engine translates (410) the graphical representation and transmits the translated graphical representation 412 to the geo assets server. The geo access server then gets (414) the appropriate documents 418 from a document store 416 that will be used to generate 420 user interface documents 422 using the item's data. The user interface documents are transmitted to the client which uses the user interface documents to graphically represent the item's data to the user as previously described in FIG. 1.

The client also receives user inputs 426 in response to the item data displayed to the user. The user inputs are transmitted to the geo access server which uses the user inputs to perform actions in accordance with the user inputs. If needed, the geo access server generates a data update 430 that is transmitted to the database and the database uses the update to update an item's stored data. In addition, if needed, the geo asset server generates (432) new user interface documents 434 reflecting the item's changed data and transmits the new user interface documents to the client for generation of a new user interface display.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a sensor reading process and end device command process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a sensor reading process, a sensor 210 transmits sensor data 500 to an geo access server 200. The geo access adds a time stamp 502 to the sensor data and stores the sensor data in the database for future use. In addition, the geo access server may transmit a command 504 to an end device 212 which responds (506) by performing an action. If needed, the geo access server transmits and update 506 to the database to reflect the end device's changed state.

FIG. 6 is a sequence of a real-time sensor reading and sensor data presentation process and a real-time end device command process in response to a user request in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Sensors may be read and their data presented to a user in real-time. In addition, an end device may be commanded directly in real-time by a user using a graphical data representation. In a real-time sensor reading process, a user uses a client 220 to transmit a request 600 for real-time sensor data from an identified sensor to a geo access server 200. The geo access server uses the request to get (602) sensor data 604 from a sensor 210. The geo access server uses the sensor data to generate (606) user interface documents including a display 608 including the sensor data for transmission to the client. The client receives user interface documents and uses them to generate a display for display to the user.

An example of using the graphical data presentation system to view sensor in real-time is using the system to view images from a video camera. In addition to allowing pan and zoom operations of a video camera over networked interfaces, the graphical data presentation system video data layer shows a graphical depiction of each camera's field of view based on camera specifications in the graphical data presentation system database modified by real-time camera location and zoom data. If camera specification data are changed, graphical data presentation system automatically changes camera field of view information stored for the camera in the database.

To operate an end device in real-time, a user uses a client to transmit a request 610 including an identifier of an end device and an action to perform to a geo access server. The geo access server receives the request and uses the request to generate 612 a command 614 for transmission to the end device. If needed, the geo access server generates and update 616 that is used to update a database 204 to reflect the changed state of the end device.

FIG. 7 is an architecture diagram of a data processing system suitable for use as a geo asset server host in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A data processing system includes a processor 700 operatively coupled via a system bus 702 to a main memory 704 and an I/O interface control unit 706. The I/O interface control unit is operatively coupled via an I/O local bus 708 to a storage controller 710. The storage controller is operatively coupled to a storage device 712. Computer program instructions 714 implementing a geo asset server are stored on the storage device until the processor retrieves the computer program instructions and stores them in the main memory. The processor then executes the computer program instructions stored in the main memory to implement the previously described features of a geo asset server.

The storage device also includes storage locations for an item database 204, instructions for a graphics engine 408, and electronic documents 416 used by the geo asset server to generate user interface documents. In one embodiment of a geo asset server in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic documents are generated by server scripts dynamically rather then being statically stored are pre- written documents.

The I O interface control unit is further coupled to a network device controller 718 that is also coupled to a network device 720. The geo asset server uses the network device to communicate with other software objects and devices via a communications network as previously described.

Although this invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the claims' equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of graphically representing an item's data, comprising: providing a database having an item graphical representation associated with an item location and item data; generating a graphical user interface for a user using the item graphical representation and the item location; receiving from the user using the graphical user interface a user input, the user input representing a manipulation of the item's data; and updating the item data in the database in accordance with the manipulation using the user input.