3D Device Location Correlation for On-Site Information Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems and methods for correlating information and location of devices within larger entities are inefficient, often relying on human memory or poorly kept records, and automated systems provide insufficient detail about specific devices or their locations, requiring technicians to have knowledge and leaving the site for research.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that correlates three-dimensional coordinates with device information using a database structure, allowing retrieval of details like identifiers, maintenance history, and error codes, and utilizes three-axle positioning devices for precise location identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated monitoring and control systems are used to track device status, then monitoring efficiency is improved, but the systems fail to provide sufficient information about specific device locations and identities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoiddevice location and identity information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by assigning three-dimensional coordinates to devices within the entity. This allows the monitoring system to not only track device status but also precisely locate devices in three-dimensional space, thereby recovering the lost location and identity information while maintaining monitoring efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If technicians rely on human memory or research records to obtain device information, then information retrieval is possible, but efficiency is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation retrieval capabilityVSAvoidtime for research and information retrieval
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service information retrieval where technicians can query device information directly at the device location using the three-dimensional coordinate system. The system automatically provides relevant device information, maintenance history, and operational data without requiring technicians to leave the site or rely on memory, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If comprehensive device information is stored and accessed, then information completeness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of device informationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the entity into discrete devices, each assigned a unique three-dimensional coordinate. Device information is organized and stored in a database structured by these coordinates, allowing comprehensive information storage while maintaining system simplicity through modular, location-based organization rather than complex hierarchical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2506104B1Method and system for correlating information and location
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • EP2506104B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2506104B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP2506104B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of correlating information and location comprises establishing a reference point (104) for an entity (100). A three-dimensional coordinate (202) is assigned to a device that comprises the entity (100). The assigned three-dimensional coordinate (202) is relative to the reference point (104). Information (204) about the device is correlated with the assigned three-dimensional coordinate (202) and stored in a computing device (600). The computing device (600) receives secondary information, and in response to the secondary information received by the computing device (600), the computing device (600) provides at least one of the three-dimensional coordinate (202) of the device or at least a portion of the information (204) about the device.