Manual production pacemaker
OwnerBrian K. Breiholz, Toru Moritake +1inventors
InventorsBrian K. Breiholz, Toru Moritake, Yoshihito Kondo
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Abstract
A pacing apparatus for use in a manual production line features a sensory output configured to provide varying sensory cues scaled to a desired task achievement period. The pacing apparatus may also include a sensory display having a plurality of lights configured to provide varying visual cues scaled to a desired task achievement period. A system for pacing workers in a manual production line may include means for entering data corresponding to a desired task achievement period and means for providing varying sensory cues scaled to the desired task achievement period.
Claims38
A pacing apparatus for use in a manual production line comprising a sensory output configured to provide varying sensory cues selectively scaled to a desired task achievement period and corresponding to relative portions of said achievement period.
A pacing apparatus for use in a manual production line comprising a sensory display having a plurality of lights, said sensory display configured to selectively provide varying visual cues scaled to a desired task achievement period and corresponding to relative portions of said achievement period.
A system for pacing workers in a manual production line comprising:
- a) means for entering data corresponding to a desired task achievement period;
- and
- b) means for providing varying sensory cues scaled to said desired task achievement period and corresponding to relative portions of said achievement period.
A method for pacing a manual production task such as in a manufacturing production line, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a pacing apparatus comprising a sensory output configured to provide varying sensory cues scaled to a desired task achievement period;
- b) setting the sensory output to provide particular varying sensory cues corresponding to particular relative portions of said achievement period;
- c) starting the pacing apparatus at the commencement of said production task;
- d) providing varying sensory cues corresponding to said relative portions of said achievement period, whereby a worker can sense where in said period he or she is relative to how much work remains to complete said production task;
- and
- e) stopping said pacing apparatus upon completion of said production task.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.