Patent ID: 6741265
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: B29C,G05B,G06F,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
A network based product design system for product design, the system comprising:a network-based central processing unit capable of product design, the central processing unit comprising: an analytical tool to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the network based product design system including a design for six sigma process; and an order placement tool to enter a request for a product including design criteria for the product, to receive bids for the product from a supplier or a manufacturer, to place an order for the product with said supplier or said manufacturer, and to schedule production of the product; at least one communication link that allows selective two-way communication to the central processing unit; and a network that selectively interconnects and communicates the central processing unit to at least one party through the at least one communication link, wherein each party that is connected to the central processing unit is capable of providing input regarding the product design, the network being capable of allowing the input to be simultaneously viewed by each party as the input is being made so that input made by one party is capable of being accessed by at least one other party, and wherein each party that is connected to the central processing unit selectively blocks particular parties from accessing the input regarding the product design.