IOH 3.4 Manual

IOH is an innovative electronic data collection tool designed specifically to collect and manage all information associated with field inspections performed for the Pontis Bridge Management System (BMS).

IOH runs on the Microsoft Windows CE platform, which runs on a class of hand-held, pen-based computing devices. Windows CE also offers effective handwriting recognition and sophisticated connectivity with conventional computers.

IOH transfers data to and from Pontis via a serial port connection and a special software module designed to interact with Pontis. This feature allows you to transfer element lists, condition state language, bridge configurations, and past inspection reports to IOH, and to transfer completed inspection reports back to Pontis. This version of IOH is designed to interact with Pontis 3.4.

IOH allows inspectors to create complete inspection reports on the handheld computer by using a stylus to interact with an intuitive GUI designed specifically for Pontis inspections. Extensive data validation and error checking ensure the integrity of the information entered into the application. IOH also offers the inspector context-sensitive on-line help that incorporates the entire Pontis element rating manual including element definitions, condition state language and environment classification language.

In addition to numerical Pontis rating information, IOH also allows inspectors to create and manage notes that can be used to highlight special conditions or to describe safety-related issues.

1.1 The Components of IOH

The IOH bridge inspection system is comprised of a number of hardware and software components that work together.

Hardware

There are two primary pieces of computer equipment, or hardware, that participate in the IOH bridge rating process:

Software

There are three application programs that are involved in bridge inspection when using IOH:

There is also some supporting software, called Microsoft Windows CE Services, that is required for establishing communications between the handheld Windows CE device and the desktop PC.

1.2 IOH Usage Procedure Overview

The following is an outline of the major steps a user would take when using IOH as a mobile Pontis inspection tool. These procedures assume that the IOH unit has been properly set up and that a non-bridge data file has been installed on the handheld.

First, in preparation for inspecting a set of bridges, an administrator would create a bridge file and put it on the handheld. To accomplish this, the following procedure is followed:

The procedure for actually inspecting a bridge with IOH is straightforward. The basic steps are as follows:

When you have a set of signed-off bridges you wish to transfer to Pontis, the following procedure is performed, typically by an administrator, to complete the process:

Creating and Transferring a Bridge File to IOH

Creating a PDI Export File

To create a PDI export file from the Pontis program, select the bridges of interest in Pontis’ bridge list and click the Export button in the Gateway module. Select the Pontis Data Interchange format and specify that you want to include Bridge Data. When you click the Export button, Pontis will create a PDI export file with the extension .pdi.

Making an IOH Bridge File

To create an IOH bridge file from a PDI file, run the Pontificator program on the PC and click the Bridge PDI -> IOH button. After you make the appropriate choices, the Pontificator will create a bridge file with the extension .ioh.

Transferring an IOH Bridge File to the Handheld

To transfer an IOH bridge file from the desktop PC to the handheld, connect the handheld unit to the PC and copy the bridge file into the handheld’s file system. The bridge file is now available to be opened in IOH. Refer to the documentation that was supplied with your handheld computer for details on connecting the unit to a PC and performing file transfers.

Inspecting a Bridge

Creating a New Inspection Report

Typically, a new inspection report is based on an existing bridge structure in your bridge file that already contains the structure unit (‘SU’) and condition unit (‘CU’) configuration of the bridge. A bridge can also be created and coded (configured) from scratch directly on IOH.

To create a new inspection report, select the bridge in the Browser and tap the New Insp... button.

Entering Rating Information

You can freely enter and edit condition unit rating information using the Condition Unit Rating screen once a report is created. Depending on the nature and size of the structure being inspected, as well as other factors, you may choose to rate each condition unit completely before starting another condition unit, or you may be in the process of rating several condition units simultaneously. IOH's support for the entry of incremental rating information and its ability to remind you of your last few entries makes it easy to switch among partially rated condition units without any risk of destroying information or losing your place in the rating process.

To enter condition unit ratings, in the Browser select the CU in the current inspection report, then tap the Details button to view the CU Rating screen.

Completing an Inspection

When an inspection report is complete, it should be marked as Complete so that it can be signed off in preparation for transfer to Pontis. Only the reports that are marked as Complete can be signed off. Note that when you request that a report be marked as Complete, IOH checks the report to verify that it indeed contains all necessary information.

You set the inspection report status using the Status drop list in the Inspection Details screen, which you can view by selecting the report in the Browser and tapping the Details button.

Signing Off on a Bridge

When you are ready to transfer your work back to Pontis, you can sign off the bridges you want moved. Only bridges that are signed off may be included in an export file destined for Pontis.

To sign off a bridge, select the bridge in the Browser and select Sign Off Bridge from the Edit menu.

Transferring Information Back to Pontis

Creating an IOH Export File

The first step in getting information ready for transfer to Pontis is to create an export file in IOH. This is accomplished by selecting Export Signed-Off Bridges from the File menu. When you create the export file, the included bridges are removed from the open bridge file so that you do not inadvertently transfer them again.

Transferring the Export File to the PC

To transfer the export file to the PC, connect the handheld to the PC and drag the export file onto the PC’s file system.

Creating a PDI file

The export file must be processed to create a PDI file for import into Pontis. This is accomplished by running the Pontificator program on the PC and clicking the IOX Bridge Export -> PDI button.

Importing the PDI file into Pontis

The final step in transferring information from IOH to Pontis is to import the PDI file. When running Pontis, click the Import button in the Data Gateway module. When this process is complete, the results of your work will be incorporated into the Pontis database.

Deleting the Export Files

Once you are satisfied that the transfer has been a success, you can delete the IOH export file from both the handheld and the PC, and you may also discard the corresponding PDI file.

Using The Report Archive

IOH provides an archive facility specifically to hold inspection reports that are used for reference only. Any reports from past inspections that you download from Pontis to the IOH unit are automatically marked as Archive reports. Archive reports cannot be modified – they are intended to represent fixed archival information, not works in progress. When you include a bridge in an export from Pontis, all past inspections of that bridge will be included in the resulting bridge file, and they will be viewable on the handheld.

2. Getting Started

2.1 Preparing the Handheld

Important information on the safety, care, and maintenance of your handheld is located in the manual that comes with the computer. Please take time to read the first few sections of the handbook before using IOH. After reading the handbook, you should know how to care for the handheld, how to change the batteries, how to operate the lid, how to remove and store the pen, and how to turn the computer on and off. Also, a section in the handbook takes you through the setup procedure that you perform the very first time you turn on the handheld. Later sections of the handbook are also full of generally helpful information about using the handheld, and much of this information applies to using IOH. Reading these later sections will help you get more out of the handheld and will help you to become a more proficient user of IOH.

Using the Rugged Case

You should always use the rugged case with the handheld when going into the field. The case can help protect the computer from the shock of an accidental drop or other impact.

2.2 Installing IOH

First, install the Pontificator software that IOH uses to convert data to and from Pontis's PDI format:

Additional software is required for establishing communications between the Windows CE handheld device and the desktop PC. This software, called Microsoft Windows CE Services, is supplied on a CD-ROM with the handheld computer. You must first install this software on the desktop PC in order to be able to transfer the IOH software from the distribution diskette to the handheld computer. You will also use the Windows CE Services on an ongoing basis to provide data transfer between Pontis and IOH. Please refer to the documentation supplied with your handheld computer for information on installing and using Windows CE Services.

Important Note: If Trilon preinstalled IOH on the handheld unit, it will be configured to communicate with the PC at the highest possible speed (Serial Port @ 115K). You will need to make sure the PC is configured to use the same speed after installing the Windows CE Services, or you may not be able to connect the handheld to the PC successfully. Consult the documentation supplied with your handheld computer for details on how to configure Windows CE Services.

After successfully installing the Windows CE Services, you can install the IOH program onto the handheld:

You can now launch IOH directly from the Windows CE desktop by double tapping the Shortcut to IOH icon that is on the desktop.

Although IOH is now installed on the handheld, you must also install a non-bridge data file on the handheld before you begin performing inspections.

2.3 Installing a Non-Bridge Data File

In order to run IOH, you must have a non-bridge data file installed on the handheld. This file contains essential information from Pontis that does not pertain to particular bridges. For example, the descriptions and condition state language for all your Pontis elements are contained in this file.

If, for some reason, you do not use the expected name or location for the non-bridge data file, IOH will ask you for the file’s location when you launch the IOH program. IOH will remember the new location, and it will not ask you for this information again until you move the file.

2.4 IOH User Interface Basics

There are some important actions and elements in the IOH user interface with which you should become familiar.

Tapping

One of the main ways to interact with your handheld is by using the pen that came with it to tap items, such as buttons or words, or to write information. To tap, you simply touch the pen to the screen. If you want to tap a button or word, you can tap on any part of the button or word. Don’t press too hard on the screen when writing or tapping.

The Browser Button

To the right of the menu bar at the top of the screen is the Browser button. This button instantly returns you to the Browser from any other screen. You may also return to the Browser by choosing Browser from the View menu, but the Browser button is usually more convenient.

Keyboard Button

The Keyboard button is located on the taskbar; its icon is a keyboard key with the letter ‘a’ and a stylus. Tapping the Keyboard button displays an on-screen keyboard that you can use to enter information. If the keyboard is already displayed, tapping the keyboard button will hide the on-screen keyboard.

If, for some reason, the keyboard button is not present in the taskbar, press the Keyboard switch located on the case of the handheld computer; this should open the on-screen keyboard, and the Keyboard button should appear in the taskbar.

Entering Text

Before you enter information, you must tap the pen on the screen where you want the information to be placed. A blinking cursor appears and shows you where the information you enter will be placed. If you fail to place the cursor in the location where you want your entry to appear, you might see unexpected results.

There are several ways to enter data into IOH. Handwriting recognition allows you to write directly on the screen of the handheld to enter numbers and words into IOH. Alternatively, you can use the on-screen keyboard or an external keyboard to type information into IOH.

Handwriting Recognition

To enter information using the pen, you must first tap the pen on the screen in the location where you want the written information to go. You may then write anywhere on the screen – the recognized characters will go where the cursor is. You do not need to write inside the box where the information is going. This allows you to choose a comfortable writing position and screen location for data entry. This last point is very important, as you must be very careful about resting part of your hand on the screen while you write. The handheld may not be able to distinguish between your hand and the pen, and your writing may appear garbled.

When you write on your handheld, you write characters using the normal printed or cursive alphabets, as well as numbers, punctuation, and gestures. Often you will write English words, but not always.

Your handheld distinguishes characters and words in part by detecting pauses in your writing. It is a good idea when writing to complete each character without pausing too long before it is finished, and similarly to complete your words without pausing in the middle.

Using CalliGrapher®

IOH is supplied with a handwriting recognition system called CalliGrapher. CalliGrapher provides high-quality handwriting recognition and it allows a great deal of control over written input.

Selecting Text with the Pen

You may need to select something you’ve written or typed; for example, you may do this in preparation for erasing something. To select text, simply draw a line from left to right through the text you want to select. The text will be highlighted, indicating that it is selected.

Erasing text

You erase text by using the Backspace key on the keyboard, or by using the backspace gesture with the pen. The backspace gesture is simply a horizontal line drawn from right to left anywhere on the screen.

To erase a single character, first ensure that the cursor is immediately to the right of the character, then use the Backspace key or the backspace gesture.

To erase several characters at once, first select the text you want to delete, then use the Backspace key or the backspace gesture.

The CalliGrapher Taskbar Icons

There are two important icons that appear on the Windows CE taskbar when CalliGrapher is running:

Recognition Mode On/Off

This icon controls whether or not the pen can be used to enter text on the handheld. If this mode is off, indicated by a white background to the icon, the pen is simply used like a mouse. You cannot perform text entry with the pen. When this mode is on, as indicated by a dark background in the icon, you may use the pen for text entry. To switch between recognition modes, simply tap the icon.

When recognition mode is on, the computer assumes you are entering text whenever you touch the screen with the pen. If you wish to use the pen as a pointer for an operation, such as dragging a scroll bar, but you don’t want to have to switch recognition mode off and then on again, simply touch the pen to the screen and hold it still for a moment; a tone will sound to indicate that you may now use the pen as a pointer. You may now drag the scroll bar or perform another pointer operation.

Normal/Capital/Numeric Recognition Selector

This icon controls what type of text CalliGrapher tries to recognize. When this mode is set to Normal, as indicated by the display of a lower-case ‘a’ in the icon, all types of text, including upper- and lower-case letters and numbers, will be recognized. When this mode is set to Capital, as indicated by the display of a capital letter ‘A’ in the icon, CalliGrapher tries to interpret your writing as consisting of upper-case letters. When this mode is set to Numeric, as indicated by the display of the sequence ‘12’ on the icon, CalliGrapher tries to interpret what you write as numbers. You may want to select this mode when entering condition unit ratings, as it will substantially improve recognition accuracy. To switch among these modes, simply tap the icon until the desired mode is enabled.

CalliGrapher has other icons that may appear in the taskbar as well. Refer to the CalliGrapher documentation for information on these features.

Other Editing Commands

CalliGrapher contains many features that allow fine control over text entry and editing. You should refer to the CalliGrapher on-line help document, which may be accessed by selecting Programs/CalliGrapher/CalliGrapher Help from the Start menu on your handheld computer.

Improving Recognition Accuracy

CalliGrapher provides a facility for the user to designate how he/she forms letters. This tool is accessible by choosing Programs/CalliGrapher/Letter Shape Selector from the Start menu.

Protecting Your Recognition Settings

If others use your handheld, their recognition may suffer because of differences between their handwriting style and your configured recognition settings. You can disable and protect your recognition settings by selecting ‘Guest’ mode when someone other than the primary user (the ‘Master’) writes on the computer. To select Guest mode, first choose Programs/CalliGrapher/Letter Shape Selector from the Start menu. In the Letter Shape Selector, choose Guest from the File menu. To return to your recognition settings, choose Master from the File menu.

Restarting CalliGrapher

In some circumstances, you may find that CalliGrapher has stopped running. This will be apparent by the absence of the CalliGrapher icons in the taskbar. To restart CalliGrapher, choose Programs/CalliGrapher/CalliGrapher from the Start menu. The CalliGrapher icons should appear in the taskbar.

Using The On-Screen Keyboard

The handheld has an on-screen keyboard that resembles a standard computer keyboard.

Displaying and Moving the Keyboard

To move the keyboard, tap and hold down the pen on the left border of the keyboard and drag it to a new position on the screen. You may need to drag the keyboard out of the way to see the entry field you’re working with.

The External Keyboard

You may plug in an optional external keyboard to type information into IOH. Information typed on the external keyboard will appear wherever the cursor is located on the screen.

Patience

After making a choice, be patient! IOH may take a few moments to move from one screen to another, or to complete the processing of your last choice. An hourglass may appear in the middle of the screen when IOH is busy processing and cannot accept any additional user input. When the hourglass disappears, IOH is ready for your next request.

Saving Entered Data

IOH will automatically save your work periodically. If you would like to save your work manually at any time, select Save (Compress) or Save As... from the File menu.

2.5 Starting IOH

Launch IOH by double-tapping the IOH icon on the desktop of the handheld computer. IOH will initialize its database, as indicated by on-screen progress indicators, and then the IOH Browser will open.

2.6 Opening a Bridge File

Once the Browser appears, you may open a bridge file by selecting Open… from the File menu. Select the bridge file you want, and tap the OK button. A progress indicator will appear as IOH opens the file. Once the file has been opened, you will see the bridges in the file displayed in the Browser. You may now begin to create and work on inspection reports for the bridges in the bridge file. If you wish to create a new bridge file, choose New from the File menu.

2.7 Exiting IOH

To exit IOH, tap the Close Box in the upper-right corner of the screen. After you confirm your action, IOH will exit. You may also choose Exit from the File menu to exit.

3. Managing Inspection Reports

This chapter discusses how to manage the inspection reports stored in IOH. Reports may be viewed, selected, created, and transferred to the PC for exchange with Pontis.

3.1 Working with Bridge Files

IOH keep information about your bridges in bridge files. A bridge file typically is typically created on the PC where Pontis is running. Bridge files have the file extension .ioh. Each bridge file contains all necessary information about the coding and inspection history of a set of bridges. When you create a new inspection report, the new report is placed in the currently open bridge file.

Bridge files may be used to apportion work to inspection teams, or to logically group bridges by criteria such as region, district, or type. Typically, an administrator will determine the policy for the usage of bridge files.

You can have several bridge files on your handheld at once, though you can only have one bridge file open in IOH at any one time. If you are working with a set of bridges and you need to view or modify a bridge that is contained in a different bridge file, you must switch to the second bridge file by selecting Open... from the File menu. You cannot merge bridge files, nor can you move a bridge from one bridge file to another.

3.2 Bridge Structures and Inspection Reports

IOH maintains the structure of a bridge (its "coding") separately from its inspection reports. When you create a new inspection report, IOH uses the bridge’s coding to make a blank report with the same structure unit and condition unit configuration. This approach allows you to maintain the bridge’s coding even if you delete or alter its inspection reports.

There are some pieces of information, in addition to the structure of a bridge, that are related to the bridge, and are not related to any particular inspection. These items, such as notes about the bridge itself, are also maintained for viewing and editing in IOH. In this manual, when we speak about the bridge’s structure or coding, we are generally including any such non-inspection-related information as well.

You can modify a bridge’s coding while you are inspecting the bridge using IOH. Any changes you make to a bridge’s coding are reflected both in the current inspection report and in the structural information about the bridge. When you transfer the bridge file back to Pontis, changes to the bridge’s coding will be transferred to the Pontis database.

3.3 Report Status

IOH allows you to assign inspection reports one of several statuses. They are Open, Complete, and Archive.

Open

The Open status is the default status for newly created inspection reports in IOH. You can only have one Open report for a bridge at any time.

Complete

When you complete an inspection report, you must mark it Complete so that it may be signed off and transferred to Pontis. Only reports marked Complete can be signed off.

Inspections

The Inspections entry contains inspection reports, both past (Archive) and current, for a bridge. The Inspections entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with an optional symbol inside. A gray status box indicates that no current report exists; a white status box indicates that there is an Open inspection report; and a check mark in the status box indicates that there is a Complete current report.

To see the list of reports for a bridge, tap the expand box next to the Inspections entry.

Individual Reports

When you expand the Inspections entry, you will see the individual reports for the selected bridge. Each report entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with an optional symbol inside. A white status box indicates the report is Open; a check mark in the status box indicates a Complete current report; and a small "A" in the status box indicates that the report has Archive status.

To see the structure units in a report, tap the expand box next to the report entry; the report entry will expand to display a list of SUs in that report.

Structure Units in the Inspection Report

When you expand an individual report, you will see a list of the structure units in that report. Each SU entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with a symbol inside. An empty status box with a white background indicates that there are Open condition units in the structure unit; a check mark in the status box indicates that all constituent condition units are Complete (or Not Rated); a small "NR" in the status box indicates that the structure unit was Not Rated; and a small "A" in the status box indicates a structure unit within an Archive report.

To see the condition units in a structure unit, tap the expand box next to the SU entry; the SU entry will expand to display a list of CUs in that SU.

Condition Units in the Structure Unit

When you expand a structure unit, you will see a list of the condition units in that SU. Each CU entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with a symbol inside. An empty status box with a white background indicates that the condition unit is Open; a check mark in the status box indicates that the condition unit is Complete; a small "NR" in the status box indicates that the condition unit was Not Rated; and a small "A" in the status box indicates that the condition unit is within an Archive report.

Structural Definition

The Structural Definition entry contains the structure unit and condition unit configuration of the bridges in your bridge file, as well as bridge-related information such as notes about the bridge. The Structural Definition entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with an optional symbol inside. A gray status box indicates that no changes have been made to the coding of the bridge, and a check mark in the status box indicates that there have been changes to the bridge’s coding.

To see the structure units in a bridge, tap the boxed plus sign next to the Structure entry; the Structure entry will expand to display a list of SUs in that bridge.

Structure Units

When you expand an individual structure, you will see a list of the structure units in that bridge. Each structure unit entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with an optional symbol inside. A gray status box indicates that no changes have been made to the coding of the structure unit, and a check mark in the status box indicates that there have been changes to the structure unit’s coding.

To see the condition units in a structure unit, tap the expand box next to the SU entry; the SU entry will expand to display a list of CUs in that SU.

Condition Units

When you expand a structure unit, you will see a list of the condition units in that SU. Each condition unit entry starts with a status indicator that is comprised of a rectangular box with an optional symbol inside. A gray status box indicates that no changes have been made to the coding of the condition unit, and a check mark in the status box indicates that there have been changes to the condition unit’s coding.

Scrolling the browser

If the list of bridges is longer than can be seen on the screen at one time, you may tap the scroll arrows or drag the scroll bar to scroll the list of bridges.

Selecting Entries

To select an entry at any level in the hierarchy, simply tap on the name of the entry; it will become highlighted. There are several reasons why you might want to select an entry:

Viewing and Editing Entries

To view or edit the details of an entry, select the entry and tap the Details button. An appropriate screen will appear to allow you to view and/or edit the entry. For example, to view and enter condition unit ratings, select the condition unit and tap the Details button. If the entry has no details to view or edit, the Details button will be disabled.

You may also view and edit information about an entry by selecting the entry, or any subcomponent of the entry, and then picking the appropriate choice from the View menu. For example, to view and edit information about a structure unit in an inspection, you may select the structure unit, or any condition unit in that structure unit, and then choose Inspection SU Details from the View menu.

Creating/Adding New Entries

There are many reasons why you may want to add new entries to a bridge file. For example, you may need to add a smart flag condition unit to a bridge during an inspection, or you might be creating and coding a complete bridge from scratch in the field.

To create or add a new entry in the Browser, first indicate where you would like the new entry added (if applicable), and then select the appropriate choice from the Edit menu:

Deleting Entries

To delete an entry, select it and tap the Delete... button or choose the appropriate choice from the Edit menu. After you confirm your action, the entry and its subcomponents will be deleted. For example, to delete a structure unit, select the structure unit and tap the Delete... button; alternatively, you can select the structure unit or any of its constituent condition units, and choose Delete Structure Unit from the Edit menu. After you confirm your action, the structure unit and the condition units it contained will be deleted.

If you delete any entry, such as a condition unit, that affects the coding of a bridge, the entry will be deleted from both the bridge’s coding and from the current inspection report, if there is one.

3.5 Signing Off Bridges

Any bridge that contains information that you want transferred back to Pontis, such as a new inspection report or coding changes, must be ‘signed off’. To sign off a bridge, simply select the bridge and choose Sign-off Bridge from the Edit menu. A check mark will appear in the bridge’s status box, indicating that it is signed-off and may be included in an export file destined for Pontis.

If you sign off a bridge and later decide that you do not want it transferred to Pontis, you can un-sign off the bridge by selecting it and choosing Un-‘Sign Off’ Bridge from the Edit menu.

3.6 Creating Export Files

To prepare signed-off bridges for transfer into Pontis, you must create an export file. To create an export file that contains all the signed-off bridges in the current bridge file, simply choose Export Signed-Off Bridges from the File menu. After you confirm your action, all the signed-off bridges will be moved from the current bridge file into an export file with a .iox extension.

4. Working With Inspection Reports

Inspection reports can consist of general information (inspection date, bridge ID), condition unit ratings, condition unit notes and overall report notes.

4.1 Creating New Reports

To create a new inspection report, first select the Inspections entry in the bridge you want to inspect, and then tap the Add Insp... button. Alternatively, you may select the bridge or any component of the bridge, and then choose Add Inspection from the Edit menu. After a confirmation, the Add Inspection window will appear. When you are done entering the requested information, the new inspection report will be added to the selected bridge.

Note that if the Add Insp... button or the Add Inspection choice in the Edit menu is grayed-out (disabled), you may already have a current inspection for the selected bridge. You may only have one current inspection for each bridge.

4.2 Entering the Inspection Date

4.3 Entering Condition Unit Ratings

To enter condition unit ratings, select the condition unit in the inspection report and tap the Details button, or choose CU Rating from the View menu. The Condition Unit Rating screen will be displayed, allowing you to record rating data for the chosen CU.

IOH provides two approaches for recording condition state ratings. You may directly enter final quantities (or percentages) for each condition state in the Rated entry fields, or you can enter incremental values in the New entry fields that IOH will automatically accumulate towards the total for each condition state. IOH performs a number of checks to ensure that the values you enter are valid, such as preventing you from entering quantities whose total would exceed the total quantity of the CU.

When you are finished rating the CU, and you have entered the other necessary information, you should set the inspection status of the CU to Complete. An inspection report cannot be marked Complete unless all of its constituent condition units are marked Complete (or Not Rated).

The Condition Unit Rating screen contains a large number of entry areas and indicators. These are described in detail below:

Current Bridge

This indicator displays the ID of the bridge being inspected. To the left of the indicator’s label is the status indicator for the bridge.

Current Inspection

This indicator displays the inspection being viewed. To the left of the indicator’s label is the status indicator for the inspection.

Notes Button

The Notes button gives access to the Rating Notes window. If there are inspection or structure notes on the current condition unit, the Notes button will display a bullet (·).

To view or enter condition unit notes for the condition unit being rated, tap the Notes button; the Rating Notes window will appear. The top pane in this window contains notes on the current condition unit that are to be associated with the bridge, not with any particular inspection. Pontis refers to these notes as "Condition Unit Notes". These notes are accessible when examining the bridge’s coding, or when viewing the CU from any inspection report that contains the CU.

The bottom pane in the Rating Notes window contains notes on the condition unit that pertain to the current inspection; Pontis calls these notes "Element Notes". These per-inspection notes are only viewable when viewing the inspection to which they belong.

Current Structure Unit

This indicator displays the structure unit being inspected. To the left of the indicator’s label is the status indicator for the structure unit.

Current Condition Unit

This area displays the condition unit being rated. In addition, this area can be used quickly to navigate to another condition unit within the structure unit. To switch to another condition unit, tap on this item, and a drop-down list ("drop list") of condition units in the structure unit will be displayed; tap the condition unit you wish to rate. Condition units that are marked Complete (or Not Rated) will be displayed with a leading bullet (·). Condition units in Archive inspections are considered complete, and they will be shown with a bullet as well. Open condition units will be displayed with a leading apostrophe (').

Condition Unit Information Button

This button is located immediately to the right of the Current Condition Unit drop list. Tap this button, which is labeled with an ‘ i’, to get the complete Pontis description of the element in the current condition unit.

Inspection Date

In Pontis, each condition unit in an inspection report receives its own inspection date. Use this area to indicate the date the condition unit was inspected. You may enter a date into this area, or you can tap on the button to the right of the entry area, and you will be presented with a calendar from which you may select the condition unit inspection date.

Condition Unit Description

Status

Each CU in an inspection report in IOH has a status assigned to it that reflects the completeness of the inspection of that CU. CU’s can either be Open, meaning that the inspection of that CU is still in progress, or they can be Complete, which indicates that the CU has been completely inspected. There is a third status, called Not Rated, which may be assigned if, for some reason, the CU was not rated as part of the inspection. CUs marked as Not Rated allow the inspection report to be marked Complete, but the CU will not be transferred to Pontis when the report is transferred.

An inspection report is not considered complete, and therefore cannot be marked Complete in preparation for sign-off and transfer to Pontis, if any of the constituent CUs are in the Open state.

In order to set a CU’s status to Complete, a total quantity must be present and you must have completely rated the CU; an inspection date must also be present. Once a CU is in the Complete or Not Rated state, you can’t make any changes to the rating information. If you want to make changes, you must first change the CU’s status back to Open.

Each Flag Check Box

This indicator contains a check mark if the element in the condition unit being rated must have its entire quantity placed in a single condition state. You cannot change this indicator; it is set by the element’s definition in Pontis.

When a condition unit’s Each Flag is set, you do not need to enter quantities into condition states; you simply tap on the Rated entry area for the condition state in which you want to place the CU, and IOH will automatically put the CU’s total quantity in that state.

AutoFill Check Box

The AutoFill check box controls IOH’s AutoFill mode. AutoFill is a convenience feature whereby all currently unrated quantities are automatically assigned to Condition State 1. You can use AutoFill to speed the inspection of a condition unit by eliminating the need to record those portions of each CU that exhibit no deterioration; you can focus your attention on the deteriorated areas of the structure.

To enable AutoFill mode, tap the AutoFill check box. The quantity of the CU that you have not yet assigned to other condition states will be automatically placed in Condition State 1. As long as AutoFill mode is on, the quantity in Condition State 1 will automatically be adjusted to reflect changes in the other condition state totals. When AutoFill is enabled, you can’t enter quantities directly into Condition State 1; these values are computed automatically.

One disadvantage of AutoFill is that you can’t easily discern how far along the inspection of an element is, because there will not be any unrated quantity to guide you.

Percentage Entry Mode Check Box

You can enter condition state ratings using units appropriate for an element, or you can use percentages. The Percentage Entry Mode check box allow you to select the entry mode you prefer.

To switch between entry modes for the current condition unit, simply tap the Percentage Entry Mode check box. When you are in quantity entry mode, the check box will be unchecked; when you are entering in percentages, the check box will have a check in it.

Entering Pontis Quantities and Percentages

To enter condition state rating numbers, simply tap in the appropriate entry areas to place the cursor, then write your entries. All quantity rating entries must be integers – no decimals are permitted. You may enter one decimal place when rating in percentages. You may enter negative numbers in the New entry fields to deduct from the total amount for that condition state. Do not include a percent sign when entering percentages – it is sufficient to set the entry mode to percentage.

Total Quantity Entry Field

The Total Quantity entry field contains the total quantity of the current condition unit, in appropriate units. You may enter or change the current CU’s total quantity by entering a value in this field. IOH will ensure that the sum of the Rated entry fields does not exceed the total quantity.

The Rating Grid

The actual condition state ratings for the current condition unit are displayed and entered in the Rating Grid. This area contains a column for each condition state, and rows for incremental entry, your previous incremental entry, totals for each condition state, a visual progress indicator, and reference ratings from a previous inspection. In addition, the condition state column titles are actually buttons that permit the viewing of condition state language.

Condition State Description Buttons

IOH has descriptions of each condition state, as defined in your Pontis system, available for reference to help you decide what condition state best describes the observed condition of a condition unit.

To review a detailed description for a specific condition state, tap a Condition State Description button; the Condition State Description window will open.

New Entry Fields

You may enter incremental element ratings in the New entry fields. This feature allows inspectors to build a complete CU rating from partial ratings, which is extremely useful for inspecting large or complicated structures. To accumulate your entry into the running total for the condition state, tap the Enter button. The Rated entry fields will be updated to reflect the new entries, and the New entry fields will be cleared. Any pending entry will also be accumulated automatically when you tap outside the entry’s box.

Previous Entry Fields

These fields display the last incremental entry accumulated. You can refer to this information to help you keep your place in the rating process.

Rated Entry Fields

The Rated entry fields display, and permit the entry of, the total rated quantity for each condition state. You can directly enter values into these fields. Note that if the current CU is in AutoFill mode, the Rated entry field for Condition State 1 will not be available for data entry; IOH will compute this value for you.

Progress Indicator

The progress indicator provides a visual indicator of what portion of the current condition unit has been rated. This indicator is initially blank, and as ratings are entered, it grows from left to right. When the condition unit is completely rated, the indicator will extend completely across the width of the rating grid. When AutoFill is on, the progress indicator is superfluous, so it is not displayed.

Reference Ratings Row

The Reference Ratings Row displays condition state ratings for the current condition unit from a previous inspection. To the left of the Reference Ratings Row is an indicator of the previous inspection being displayed; this indicator consists of the inspection date and inspection event key. You can change the reference inspection being displayed by tapping the small up and down arrows to the right of this indicator.

Remaining to be Rated Field

The Remaining to be Rated field shows you numerically how much of the CU has not yet been rated.

Total Rated Field

Enter Button

Tap on the Enter button update the values in the Rating Grid any time you make an entry.

When you have made a new entry in some field, but you have not yet tapped the Enter button, a bullet (·) will be displayed in the Enter button to remind you.

Note that you can achieve the same effect as the Enter button by tapping in any other entry field, as you might in preparation for making another entry. This feature permits you to make several entries without your having to tap the Enter button between each entry. However, it’s a good idea to always tap the Enter button after you make your last entry to ensure that the displayed totals and other indicators are up-to-date.

Recording Inspection and Bridge Notes

IOH allows inspectors to record overall notes for the inspection report in addition to condition unit notes. You may also write notes for the structure overall which will not be associated with an inspection.

To enter notes about a bridge that are not related to any particular inspection:

4.4 Completing an Inspection Report

A report is completed and made ready for sign-off by marking it Complete. IOH will not allow an unfinished report to be marked Complete. When you attempt to mark a report Complete, the following checks are performed:

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

5.1 Hardware

I’ve lost my handheld’s pen. What else can I use?

You should never using anything other than the pen that came with your handheld to write on the screen. Contact the manufacturer or place of purchase of the handheld to obtain replacement pens.

5.2 Software

How do I contact IOH technical support?

IOH technical support can be reached during normal business hours by calling (215) 790-6204. Leave a detailed message including your name, organization, phone number, the time you called and the nature of the problem you are experiencing, and a technical service representative will contact you within four business hours of the time you called.

Inspection On Hand (IOH)

User's Manual

Version 3.4

1. Introduction