Patent Publication Number: US-2022237571-A1

Title: Board Signage Safety System and Method for Use of Same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates, in general, to board signage and, in particular, to a board safety signage system and a method for use of the same for use in construction and maintenance operations to avoid catastrophic events and protect workers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention, the background will be described with reference to maintenance of railway projects, as an example. During the maintenance of railroads, board signage is utilized to protect trains, train crews, contractors, and anyone performing work within a railway right-of-way. The board signage informs the individuals in the area of the conditions and provide guidance that prioritizes safety. Critical to maintaining safety is the timely installation or “establishment” of board signage and the timely dismantling or “disestablishment” of the board signage. During such maintenance, railway workers are frequently assigned the task of establishment and disestablishment. Typically, railway workers rely on manual logs to record the establishment and disestablishment. These practices have been in place for decades despite technology improvements in many other areas. As a result, there is a need for improved establishment and disestablishment of board signage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It would be advantageous to mitigate the risks of improper board signage establishment or disestablishment in the railway industry and other construction and maintenance operations, for example. It would also be desirable to enable a computer-based solution that is easily and quickly deployed without the need for a complex technical analysis. To better address one or more of these concerns, a board signage safety system and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a board signage establishment plan stored on a server includes a schedule of sign establishment locations and sign identification data for multiple signs, such as signs used in construction, maintenance, and the like. Similarly, a board signage disestablishment plan stored on the server includes a schedule of sign disestablishment locations with sign identification data. Field crewmembers utilize the board signage establishment plan on a smart device to correctly install the signs and the field crewmembers utilize the board signage disestablishment plan on the smart device to correctly dismantle the signs. 
     In one embodiment of the method, a board signage establishment plan and a board signage disestablishment plan are created at a server. In particular, the board signage establishment plan and the board signage disestablishment plan may be integrated into a calendar associated with field crewmember smart devices. During board signage installation, the board signage establishment plan is utilized by field crewmembers to acknowledge the establishment of a particular sign and receive a verification status in response. During board signage dismantling, the board signage disestablishment plan is utilized by field crewmembers to acknowledge the disestablishment of a particular sign and receive a verification status in response. This board signage system safety and the method for use of the same as well as other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic block diagram depicting one embodiment of a board signage safety system being utilized for the establishment of signage, according to the teachings presented herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic block diagram depicting one embodiment of a board signage safety system being utilized for the disestablishment of signage, according to the teachings presented herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a smart device shown in  FIG. 1 , which may form a portion of the system; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of a server shown in  FIG. 1 , which may form a portion of the system; 
         FIG. 4  is a conceptual module diagram depicting a software architecture of a board signage safety application of some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a signalization diagram depicting one embodiment of signal communication during an establishment of board signage; 
         FIG. 6  is a signalization diagram depicting one embodiment of signal communication during a disestablishment of board signage; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of a method for board signage safety utilizing establishment of board signage, according to the teachings presented herein; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of a method for board signage safety utilizing disestablishment of board signage, according to the teachings presented herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of several specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , therein is depicted one embodiment of a system for providing board signage safety that is schematically illustrated and generally labeled  10 . A board signage establishment operation  12  is underway in field F. A board signage team  14 , which includes a vehicle  16 , a field crewmember  18 , and a field crewmember  20 , is deployed in the field F to execute the board signage establishment operation  12 . As part of a board signage establishment plan, the field crewmembers  18 ,  20  have already established a sign  22  at location L 1  and a sign  24  at a location L 2 . The field crewmembers  18 ,  20  are installing a sign  26  at a location L 3 . Signs  28 ,  30  are stored in the vehicle  16  for installation at other locations as part of the board signage establishment operation  12 . 
     As depicted, the field crewmember  18  is utilizing a smart device  32  having a display  34  to access the board signage establishment plan. The display  34  includes a schedule of sign establishment locations and sign identification data for each of the signs  22 - 30 , with data  36  displayed for the sign  26  and data  38  displayed for the sign  28 . With respect to the data  36 , the board signage establishment plan indicates the sign  26  is labeled “1035” and is being established at the location L 3 . The data  36  also presents the field crewmember  18  with information about when reminders regarding establishment and any known disestablishment will occur as well as the notification types that will be utilized. The notification types include, but are not limited to, “in-app” notices, which are audio, visual, or audio visual or “out-app” notices, which may be text messages, emails, or telephone calls, for example. Further, the board signage establishment plan may be integrated into a calendar associated with the smart device  32 . Similarly, with respect to the data  38 , the board signage establishment plan indicates the sign  28  is labeled “1036” and is being established at the location L 4  (see  FIG. 1B ). The data  38  also presents the field crewmember  18  with information about when reminders regarding establishment and any known disestablishment will occur as well as the notification types that will be utilized. 
     A board signage safety server  50  is remotely located to the field F in a cloud C. It should be appreciated, however, that the board signage safety server  50  may be located in any remote location, including non-cloud-based locations. As shown, the board signage safety server  50  having a housing  152  has access to a board signage safety database  54  to provide an interface and functionality to the field F, including the smart device  32  associated with the field crewmember  18  of the board signage field team  14 . An off-site project manager  56  is located in communication with the services offered by the cloud C. The off-site project manager  56  may run various reports  58  to give visibility into how the board signage field team  14  is functioning. This can also identify any potential hazardous operations. 
     In one operational implementation, the field crewmembers  18 ,  20  in the field F utilize the smart device  32  as part of a program to complete the board signage establishment plan, wherein the smart device  32  offers an application that accesses the board signage establishment plan from the board signage safety server  52 . As the field crewmember  20  completes the installation of the sign  26 , the field crewmember  20  utilizes the smart device  32  to establish a pairing with the sign  26  by verifying the data  36  or, if necessary, entering at least a portion of the data  36 . The pairing may include verification and/or entry of the data  36 . Once the sign  26  is established, the field crewmember  20  sends an acknowledgment to the board signage safety server  50  including the sign identification data reflected in data  36  with global positioning system (GPS) data, which may include time and location information as part of the GPS data. The board signage safety server  50  receives the information and verifies the information. The board signage safety server  50  then sends a verification signal to the smart device  32  indicating a notification of correct installation of the sign  26  or a notification of incorrect installation of the sign  26 . The board signage team  14  may then proceed accordingly by advancing to the next sign requiring establishment or re-establishing the sign  26 , if necessary. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , as shown, a board signage disestablishment operation  62  is underway in field F. The field crewmember  18  is utilizing the smart device  32  to monitor the operation of the dismantling of the signs  22 - 28 . With respect to data  66 , the board signage disestablishment plan indicates the sign  26  is labeled “1035” and is being disestablished at the location L 3 . The data  36  also presents the field crewmember  18  with information about when reminders regarding disestablishment will occur as well as the notification types that will be utilized. The notification types include, but are not limited to, “in-app” notices, which are audio, visual, or audio visual or “out-app” notices, which may be text messages, emails, or telephone calls, for example. Further, the board signage disestablishment plan may be integrated into a calendar associated with the smart device  32 . Similarly, with respect to data  68 , the board signage disestablishment plan indicates the sign  28  is labeled “1036” and is being disestablished at the location L 4 . The data  38  also presents the field crewmember  18  with information about when reminders regarding disestablishment will occur as well as the notification types that will be utilized. 
     More particularly, as the field crewmember  20  completes the dismantling of the sign  26 , the field crewmember  20  utilizes the smart device  32  to send an acknowledgment to the board signage safety server  50  including the sign identification data reflected in data  66  with global positioning system (GPS) data. The board signage safety server  50  receives the information and verifies the information. The board signage safety server  50  then sends a verification signal to the smart device  32  indicating a notification of correct dismantling of the sign  26  or a notification of incorrect dismantling of the sign  26 . The board signage team  14  may then proceed accordingly by advancing to the next sign requiring disestablishment or correct any dismantling errors with the sign  26 , if necessary. As mentioned, the board signage safety server  50  and the smart device  32  provide reminders and warnings, such as an audio notification or visual notification about the board signage disestablishment plan. 
     With respect to the daily operations by the off-site project manager  56 , as part of a safety protocol, the execution of the board signage disestablishment plan is reviewed and checked and submitted to the board signage safety server  50  and the board signage safety database  54  prior to obtaining any necessary signatures or authorization to reopen an area. Any deficiencies may be reviewed by the off-site project manager  56 . In the event that a condition exists that is considered a safety issue, the off-site project manager  56  may contact the field crew  14  or take other necessary action. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the smart device  32  may be a wireless communication device of the type including various fixed, mobile, and/or portable devices. To expand rather than limit the discussion of the smart device  32 , such devices may include, but are not limited to, cellular or mobile smart telephones, tablet computers, smartwatches, and so forth. The smart device  32  may include a processor  80 , memory  82 , storage  84 , a transceiver  86 , and a cellular antenna  88  interconnected by a busing architecture  90  that also supports the display  34 , I/O panel  94 , and a camera  96 . It should be appreciated that although a particular architecture is explained, other designs and layouts are within the teachings presented herein. 
     In operation, the teachings presented herein permit the smart device  32  such as a smart tablet to execute the board signage safety establishment plan and the board signage safety disestablishment plan, facilitate monitoring and reporting, and receive notifications from the board signage safety server  50 . As shown, the smart device  32  includes the memory  82  accessible to the processor  80  and the memory  82  includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  80  to execute various instructions. 
     In a first embodiment of processor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  80  to receive a board signage establishment plan from a remote server, such as the board signage safety server  50 . As previously discussed, the board signage establishment plan includes a schedule of sign establishment locations and sign identification data for multiple signs. The processor-executable instructions then cause the processor  80  to establish a pairing with a particular sign according to the board signage establishment plan. The processor  80  then, in response to establishment of the particular sign, sends an acknowledgement to the remote server. The acknowledgment includes sign identification data and GPS data relative to the particular sign. The acknowledgement may be a confirmation of installation of the establishment of the particular sign or, for example, include media, such as photograph or video, of installation of the establishment of the particular sign. With respect to the GPS, the processor-executable instructions may cause the processor  80  to document the location of the signs by augmenting GPS data to the board signage establishment plan. The processor-executable instructions then cause the processor  80  to receive a verification signal from the remote server. As previously alluded, the verification signal indicates a verification status of the establishment of the particular sign, which may be a notification of correct installation relative to the establishment of the particular sign or a notification of incorrect installation relative to the establishment of the particular sign. 
     In another embodiment of processor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructions include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, by the processor cause the system to receive a board signage disestablishment plan at a smart device, such as the smart device  32 , from a remote server, such as the board signage safety server  50 . As discussed, the board signage disestablishment plan includes a schedule of sign disestablishment locations and sign identification data for multiple signs. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor  80  to, in response to disestablishment of the particular sign, send an acknowledgement to the remote server. The acknowledgment may include sign identification data and GPS data relative to the particular sign. The processor  80  may be caused to augment the acknowledgement with GPS data. The acknowledgment may be a confirmation of dismantling of the disestablishment of the particular sign that includes media, such as a photograph or video of the dismantling. 
     The processor-executable instructions then cause the processor  80  to receive a verification signal from the board signage safety server  50 , which provides a verification status of the disestablishment of the particular sign. The verification status may indicate a correct dismantling relative to the disestablishment of the particular sign or an incorrect dismantling relative to the disestablishment of the particular sign. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the board signage safety server  50  as a computing device includes, within the housing  52 , a processor  100 , memory  102 , and storage  104  interconnected with various buses  106  in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture that also supports inputs  108 , outputs  110 , and a network interface  112 . In other implementations, in the computing device, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Further still, in other implementations, multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributed therebetween. The processor  100  may process instructions for execution within the board signage safety server  50 , including instructions stored in the memory  82  or in the storage  104 . The memory  102  stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory  102  is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory  102  is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage  104  includes capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the board signage safety server  50 , including board signage safety database storage capacity. The various inputs  108  and outputs  100  provide connections to and from the board signage safety server  50 , wherein the inputs  108  are the signals or data received by the board signage safety server  50 , and the outputs  100  are the signals or data sent from the board signage safety server  50 . The network interface  112  provides the necessary device controller to connect the board signage safety server  50  to one or more networks. 
     The memory  102  is accessible to the processor  100  and includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  100  to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor  100  to provide an interface for an off-site project manager. The processor-executable instructions also cause the processor  100  to maintain the board signage safety database  54  in the storage  104 . As discussed, the board signage safety database  54  may include information about various projects, board signage field crews, signs, board signage establishment plans, and board signage disestablishment plans. In one implementation of the processor-executable instructions, the processor  100  accesses and analyzes a board signage establishment plan and sends a reminder notification, by way of an application, text, or telephone call, for example, to one or more individuals, such as a field crewmember, about an upcoming installation of a sign or a missed installation of a sign. 
     The processor  100  is caused to receive data from various smart devices, including the smart device  32 , and append the data to the board signage safety database  54 . Upon receiving an acknowledgement regarding board establishment from the smart device  32 , for example, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  80  to evaluate the acknowledgement and send a verification signal in response. The verification signal may indicate the correct or incorrect establishment of a particular sign. 
     In one implementation of the processor-executable instructions, the processor  100  accesses and analyzes a board signage disestablishment plan and sends a reminder notification, by way of an application, text, or telephone call, for example, to one or more individuals, such as a field crewmember, about an upcoming dismantling of a sign or a missed installation of a sign. The processor  100  is caused to receive data from various smart devices, including the smart device  32 , and append the data to the board signage safety database  54 . Upon receiving an acknowledgement regarding board disestablishment from the smart device  32 , for example, the processor-executable instructions cause the processor  80  to evaluate the acknowledgement and send a verification signal in response. The verification signal may indicate the correct or incorrect disestablishment of a particular sign. In one embodiment, following the receipt of a signal from the smart device  32  that an incident has occurred, the information and the data stored at the board signage safety database  54  about the particular project is locked and only accessible by designated parties. Further, the processor  100  is caused to issue reports based on the data in the board signage safety database  54 . 
       FIG. 4  conceptually illustrates the software architecture of a board signage safety application  120  of some embodiments that may render information, such as the reports  58  (see  FIGS. 1A-1B ), and notifications, such as texts and in-app messages, as well as the board signage establishment plan and the board signage disestablishment plan. In some embodiments, the board signage safety application  120  is a stand-alone application or is integrated into another application, while in other embodiments the application might be implemented within an operating system  150 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the board signage safety application  120  is provided as part of a server-based solution or a cloud-based solution. In some such embodiments, the application is provided via a thin client. That is, the application runs on a server while a user interacts with the application via a separate machine or device remote from the server. In other such embodiments, the application is provided via a thick client. That is, the application is distributed from the server to the client machine and runs on the client machine. 
     The board signage safety application  120  includes a user interface (UI) interaction and generation module  122 , management (user) interface tools  124 , graphics data tools  126 , geolocationing tools  128 , the report modules  130 , notification/alert modules  132 , a database module  134 , a field module  136 , and a director module  138 . The board signage safety application  120  has access to the board signage safety database  54 , which in one embodiment, may include pre-existing site data  140 , acquired site data  142 , board signage libraries  144 , activity inventories  146 , and presentation instructions  148 , which presents instructions for the operation of the board signage safety application  120 . In some embodiments, storages  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  are all stored in one physical storage. In other embodiments, the storages  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  are in separate physical storages, or one of the storages is in one physical storage while the other is in a different physical storage. 
     The board signage safety application  120 , in one implementation, provides a database of all pertinent information required for a site including, but not limited to, owner, operator, address, dimensions of work, and specifications describing the nature of work to be performed, materials and equipment to be used and installed and details of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing installations, and other utilities as well as right-of-way information, such as roadways and railways. On-site safety information is also preferably included. The pre-existing site data  140  may include all pertinent information required for the site that was pre-existing. Construction-related and maintenance-related forms, such as “Form B,” may be included in the pre-existing site data  140 . The board signage safety server  50  may track the life and expiration of such forms and certificates to provide notifications prior to expiration when renewal is required. The pre-existing site data  140  may also include information about job assignments, including having input data on specific questions based on limitation containment in accordance with applicable local, state, and national standards. Such job input information may also include the job ticket specifying a job number and job name assignment. A field crew may be assigned to a job number and job name assignment and the smart device being utilized by the field crew may be employed to send reminders and follow progress. Such information may be provided with a confirmation mechanism. The UI interaction and generation module  122  generates a user interface that allows the end user to specify parameters that may be utilized to generate various reports and notifications. 
     The pre-existing site data  140  may also include any site plans which may be any type of architectural plan, landscape architecture document, or a detailed engineering drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan usually shows a building footprint, travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, landscaping and garden elements, as well as other utilities. The site plan may be provided in a CAD format or other format and may include geolocationing information therein. In one implementation, the site plan may include a computerized representation, such as a computerized grid, of the utilities and the rights-of-way, including railway right-of-ways, at the location. Railway operators and other utility operators may adopt GPS mapping and locating technology to provide the ability to store and retrieve accurate location information nearly instantaneously regarding utilities. Such information may be used as part of the site plans. Furthermore, any observed inconsistencies or changes to the location information can be updated to continuously improve the quality and accuracy of the right-of-way information or other data in the pre-existing site data. Such information and data may include geolocationing data on desired sign locations. This data which augments the pre-existing site data is the acquired site data  142 . 
     The board signage libraries  144  may be all information concerning the type, make, model, and manufacturer of the signs. The activities inventories  146  may include all information about the status of the activities in the project and progress. The presentation instructions  148  may include information and data that permits a user to utilize the board signage safety application  120  and navigate the features therein. 
     Once the parameters have been established for the generation of reports by default or by an end user utilizing the management (user) interface tools  124 , the graphics data tools  126  operate on the site plan or other vector graphics data files with texture identifiers or two or three dimensional map image files specified in one or more map tiles that may be raster-based map tiles, for example. The graphics data tools  126  create the augmented data for the site plan to determine the signs and sign locations and calendar for the signs, including the board signage establishment plan and the board signage disestablishment plan. The geolocationing tools  128  interfaces with the geolocationing data embedded in the site plan and the geolocationing data provided on-site by the smart device, for example. This geolocationing information supports the graphics data tools  126  and the augmentation of the site plan. The report modules  130  may be executed to containerize and annotate the data elements to generate the required report or reports. Additionally, by way of example, the reports modules  130  may generate sign usage reports that allow an owner to determine actual hours of use for financial evaluation of each sign program. 
     The notification/alert modules  132  may be executed to provide notifications of varying levels of urgency to the field crew, field crewmembers, or the off-site project manager  56 . The notifications and alerts may be sign related as previously discussed and include notifications and alerts about upcoming establishments, disestablishments or in-progress establishments and disestablishments. The database module  134  may be executed to obtain data from the board signage safety database  54 . The field module  136  provides the necessary interface or interfaces for the field crews, and, similarly, the director module  138  provides the necessary interface or interfaces for project directors. 
     In the illustrated embodiment,  FIG. 4  also includes an operating system  150  that includes input device driver(s)  152  and a display module  154 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the input device drivers  152  and display module  154  are part of the operating system  150  even when the board signage safety application  120  is an application separate from the operating system  150 . The input device drivers  152  may include drivers for translating signals from a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, tablet, touch screen, gyroscope, or accelerometer, for example. A user may use one or more of these input device drivers  152 , which send signals to their corresponding device driver, in combination with the display module  154  to interact with the board signage safety application  120 . The device driver then translates the signals into user input data that is provided to the UI interaction and generation module  122 . 
     As discussed, during the maintenance of railroads, board signage is utilized to protect trains, train crews, contractors, and anyone performing work within a railway right-of-way. The board signage informs the individuals in the area of the conditions and provide guidance that prioritizes safety. The board signage safety system presented herein ensures timely installation or “establishment” of board signage and the timely dismantling or “disestablishment” of the board signage through the use of a geolocation-based system that provides reminders, plans, and verification of work completed. 
     It should be appreciated, however, that the teachings presented herein are not limited to board signage related to performing work within a railway right-of-way on a railroad. More generally, the teachings presented herein are applicable to any industry using signage that may be periodically installed and later dismantled. Such industries include agricultural, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, transportation, as well as service industries, including delivery and security. By way of example and not by way of limitation, with respect to the agricultural industry, in forestry, signage may be deployed near and within a logging operation and later dismantled. In the manufacturing industry at a steel plant, signage may be deployed to provide guidance to drivers and the signage may later be dismantled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a signalization diagram  170  depicts one embodiment of signal communication during an establishment of board signage. As shown, an application  172  is installed on a smart device, such as the smart device  32 . In some embodiments, the signalization begins with a registration  174  of the application  172  with the board signage safety server  50 . A board signage establishment plan  176  is accessed by the application  172 . Following the board signage establishment plan  176 , the board signage  22  is established at establishment  178  and then media with GPS data  180  is captured by the application  172  and sent as an update  182  to the server. Continuing with the board signage establishment plan  176 , the board signage  24  is then established at establishment  184  with media with GPS data  186  being captured by the application  172  and sent to the board signage safety server  50  as an update  188 . In this instance, the board signage safety server  50  determines that the board signage  24  was established in the incorrect location. An alert  190  is provided by the board signage safety server  50  to the application  172 . The board signage  24  is then established in the proper location at establishment  192  with media with GPS data  194  being provided to the board signage safety server  50  via an update  196 . Then, continuing with the board signage establishment plan, the board signage  26  is established at establishment  198  with an acknowledgement  200  that does not contain media being provided to the board signage safety server  50  via an update  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a signalization diagram depicts one embodiment of signal communication during a disestablishment of board signage. As shown, an application  172  is installed on a smart device, such as the smart device  32 . In some embodiments, the signalization begins with a registration  214  of the application  172  with the board signage safety server  50 . A board signage disestablishment plan  216  is accessed by the application  172  to determine the schedule and location of the signs to be dismantled. Following the board signage disestablishment plan  216 , the board signage  22  is disestablished at disestablishment  218  and then an acknowledgement  220  of the dismantling is provided to the board signage safety server  50  via an update  222 . Continuing with the board signage disestablishment plan  216 , the board signage  26  is then disestablished at disestablishment  224  with media with GPS data  226  being captured by the application  172  and sent to the board signage safety server  50  as an update  228 . In this instance, the board signage safety server  50  determines that the board signage  24  was disestablished in the incorrect order and board signage  24  was missed. An alert  230  is provided by the board signage safety server  50  to the application  172 . The board signage  24  is then disestablished at disestablishment  232  with media with GPS data  234  being provided to the board signage safety server  50  via an update  236 . As previously discussed, typically, railway workers and other field crewmembers rely on manual logs to record the establishment and disestablishment. This can result in misplaced signs with respect to establishment, forgotten signs with respect to disestablishment, and other errors. The board signage establishment and disestablishment plans presented herein, in combination with the systems described herein, mitigate the risks of these errors to provide efficient board signage establishment and disestablishment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , one embodiment of a method for utilizing a board signage safety system and providing board signage safety is shown. The methodology starts at block  250  and progresses to block  252  where a smart device is registered with the board signage safety server and, if necessary, any required application downloads and installation occur as well as registration of the contact information, including phone number or email address, of the smart device with the board signage safety server. At block  254 , a board signage establishment plan is sent from the board signage server to the smart device. At this time, the board signage establishment plan may be integrated into a calendar associated with the smart device to further aid reminders as well as tracking of progress. In one embodiment, as part of the board signage establishment plan, in-app notifications and texts may be sent to the smart device to remind the user, such as a field crewmember, of upcoming board signage establishment dates, times, and other scheduling information. 
     At decision block  256 , if an establishment map is available as part of the board signage establishment plan, then the establishment map is accessed at block  258  before proceeding to block  260 . The establishment map may show locations with GPS data and preferred routing information for establishment of a series of signs. On the other hand, if an establishment map is not available, then the methodology proceeds from decision block  256  to block  260 . At block  260 , the board signage is established. At decision block  262 , if the board signage establishment plan and the smart device are enabled for media then media, such as photographs or video of the board establishment, is captured at block  264  before the methodology continues to block  266 . If media is not enabled, then from decision block  262  the methodology proceeds directly to block  266 . 
     At block  266 , the smart device sends an acknowledgement of the establishment of the sign to the server. In one embodiment, a GPS unit associated with the smart device determines the location of the board signage establishment for the acknowledgement. If media is enabled, then the media is sent as part of the establishment. At decision block  268 , the board signage safety server  50  verifies the acknowledgment and associated establishment of the sign. If the establishment is verified, then the methodology advances to decision block  270 . On the other hand, if the establishment is not verified, then an alert is sent to the smart device of the field crew at block  272  and the sign is disestablished at block  274  before the methodology returns to block  260  for establishment—or re-establishment—of the sign. Returning to decision block  270 , if other board signage requires establishment as part of the board establishment plan, then the methodology returns to block  260 . If all board establishment has completed, then the methodology advances from decision block  270  to an end at block  276 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a method for utilizing a board signage safety system and providing board signage safety is shown. The methodology starts at block  300  and progresses to block  302  where a smart device is registered with the board signage safety server and, if necessary, any required application downloads and installation occur as well as registration of the contact information, including phone number or email address, of the smart device with the board signage safety server. At block  304 , a board signage disestablishment plan is sent from the board signage server to the smart device. In one embodiment, as part of the board signage disestablishment plan, in-app notifications and texts may be sent to the smart device to remind the user, such as a field crewmember, of upcoming board signage disestablishment dates, times, and other scheduling information. At this time, the board signage disestablishment plan may be integrated into a calendar associated with the smart device to further aid reminders as well as tracking of progress. 
     At decision block  306 , if a disestablishment map is available as part of the board signage disestablishment plan, then the disestablishment map is accessed at block  308  before proceeding to block  310 . The disestablishment map may show locations with GPS data and preferred routing information for disestablishment of a series of signs. On the other hand, if a disestablishment map is not available, then the methodology proceeds from decision block  306  to block  310 . At block  310 , the board signage is disestablished. At decision block  312 , if the board signage disestablishment plan and the smart device are enabled for media then media, such as photographs or video of the board disestablishment, is captured at block  314  before the methodology continues to block  316 . If media is not enabled, then from decision block  312  the methodology proceeds directly to block  316 . 
     At block  316 , the smart device sends an acknowledgement of the disestablishment of the sign to the server. In one embodiment, a GPS unit associated with the smart device determines the location of the board signage disestablishment for the acknowledgement. If media is enabled, then the media is sent as part of the establishment. At decision block  318 , the board signage safety server verifies the acknowledgment and associated disestablishment of the sign. If the disestablishment is verified, then the methodology advances to decision block  320 . On the other hand, if the disestablishment is not verified, then an alert is sent to the smart device of the field crew at block  322  and the sign is established at block  324  before the methodology continues to decision block  320 . At decision block  320 , if other board signage requires disestablishment as part of the board disestablishment plan, then the methodology returns to block  310 . If all board disestablishment has completed, then the methodology advances from decision block  320  to an end at block  326 . 
     The order of execution or performance of the methods and techniques illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, elements of the methods and techniques may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and that the methods may include more or less elements than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular element before, contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possible sequences of execution. 
     While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.