Mobile Asset Sample Tracking With Barcode and Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual data entry for asset and sample data in field testing is error-prone and time-consuming, especially in challenging geographical and weather conditions, leading to inefficient asset maintenance and potential misidentification of assets.
Innovation Solution
A mobile asset management application that allows field technicians to collect and correlate asset and sample data using barcode scanning, geolocation, and image recognition, linking the data to a central database for accurate tracking and testing requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used for asset and sample data, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but data entry errors increase and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning (barcode/QR code) and image recognition systems. Mobile devices capture asset identifiers and sample data through scanning and photographing, eliminating manual typing and reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive point-and-shoot interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of asset identifiers through barcode/QR code scanning and physical asset photographs. These digital copies are stored in databases and used for tracking, eliminating the need for manual data transcription while preserving accurate asset information throughout the maintenance process.
2Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used in challenging geographical and weather conditions, then equipment portability is maintained, but identification accuracy decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and handwriting with automated optical recognition systems that work in various environmental conditions. Barcode scanners and image recognition algorithms process asset identifiers automatically, reducing the impact of dirt, mud, dust, and weather on data accuracy while maintaining field portability through mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Assets are pre-equipped with barcodes, QR codes, or other machine-readable identifiers that can be scanned from a distance. This preliminary preparation allows field technicians to quickly capture asset data without needing to physically approach or closely examine the asset, overcoming challenges posed by difficult-to-reach locations and adverse weather conditions.
3Device complexity
If manual data entry is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional mobile devices that combine barcode scanning, image capture, GPS location tracking, and wireless communication in a single portable unit. This universal approach enables field technicians to perform multiple data collection functions without carrying multiple specialized devices, maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving productivity through automated data capture and instant database synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Asset data is collected from one or more asset managers and stored in a known asset database. The known asset database enables tracking and maintenance of assets associated with each asset manager. One or more field technicians may also be associated with assets in the known asset database. A field technician is provided with access to a field asset management application on a mobile device, which allows the field technician to provide data associated with asset samples. Asset sample data is then correlated with asset data. Once an asset sample has been correlated with an asset, a field technician or other party is presented with an interface through an asset management application, allowing the party to place one or more requests for tests to be performed on one or more asset samples. Once the one or more tests are performed, test results data is provided.