Columbus, OH (PRWEB) July 05, 2012
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted two additional patents to MoreSteam.com for features included in MoreSteams popular EngineRoom? data analysis software. The recently granted patents cover advances introduced by MoreSteam several years ago, specifically an interactive feature called Hypothesis Testing in Plain English that guides users through the proper set-up, testing and analysis of data used in process improvement initiatives. The USPTO, which granted the original EngineRoom patent in May, 2010, is currently considering approval of several additional EngineRoom patents.
EngineRoom is an all-purpose software tool that provides process improvement practitioners with a full suite of powerful, simple-to-use data analysis tools within Microsoft? Excel?. The patented wizard technology assists the user in navigating through proper test selection, assuring all underlying assumptions are addressed and confirming the implications of the users choices. Questions prompt proper test set-up and analysis. For example, the wizard may suggest using a control chart to assess process stability prior to hypothesis testing. The hypotheses statement is automatically constructed by prompting the user to describe the problem being addressed, and the interpretation of results is presented in easily understandable terms using the language provided by the user.
The new patents, which raise the total number of EngineRoom? product patents to three, cite MoreSteams president, Bill Hathaway, as the inventor. Since the initial launch of EngineRoom in 2002, computing in the process improvement market has, for all practical purpose, become a commodity, stated Hathaway. The real value is in interpreting the results and acting on them to make sound, data-driven decisions. Features like the hypothesis testing wizard are the reason that EngineRoom is fast becoming the tool of choice for teaching and learning in Lean Six Sigma training initiatives. MoreSteams own e-Learning products have featured EngineRoom software for years, exposing our students to an essential tool for data analysis.
The approved patents bolster the recognition of MoreSteams contributions to data analysis computing. These additional patents granted by the USPTO reflect MoreSteams view that the original patent could have claimed broader inventions, commented Tim Kelley, MoreSteams general counsel. After considering the broader claims, the USPTO agreed. Kelley also noted that the USPTO has yet to rule on MoreSteams portfolio of pending patent applications that relates to MoreSteams EngineRoom technologies, but did indicate that some of them relate to MoreSteams interactive Design of Experiments (DOE) wizard. The DOE in Plain English is an assisting technology similar to the hypothesis testing wizard. It guides practitioners step-by-step through the process of experimental design selection and analysis, said Kelley. We expect these pending applications to mature into patents in due course.
MoreSteam declined to comment on its plans for enforcing or licensing the patents. We are always considering the technology landscape, said Hathaway. Much has changed since we first filed an application with the USPTO in April, 2006. Technologies that were unique then have become more common place. While we will continue to innovate, we also need to make sure our investments in development generate a return. Kelley further noted, Several EngineRoom software customers have licensed the patents, and we expect we will add more licensees to our program.
Visit http://www.moresteam.com/engineroom for more information, or download a free 30-day trial copy of EngineRoom?. The purchase price for individual users is $ 295, with discounted volume pricing and enterprise licenses available for qualified buyers. Contact MoreSteam for details. The patents discussed above are available at the following URLs:
http://www.moresteam.com/patents/US8046190.pdf;
http://www.moresteam.com/patents/US8050888.pdf; and
http://www.moresteam.com/patents/US7725291.pdf.
About MoreSteam.com
MoreSteam.com is the leading global provider of online Lean Six Sigma training and Blended Learning technology, serving over 2,000 corporate clients and over 50% of the Fortune 500 with a full suite of Lean Six Sigma e-Learning courses, EngineRoom? data analysis software, TRACtion? online project tracking software, Crucible? online testing, and SigmaSim? online DMAIC simulations and games. MoreSteam.com was launched in the year 2000 in response to the high cost of traditional Six Sigma training and tools, and has now trained over 350,000 Lean Six Sigma professionals. MoreSteams mission is to enable people to advance the performance of their organizations by delivering powerful tools for process improvement to the widest possible audience at the lowest price available.
