Field Device Reports With Graphical Code and Optical Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating and managing reports of field device evaluations and diagnostics are labor-intensive and prone to errors due to manual scanning and non-machine-readable formats, leading to inefficiencies in data management and storage.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a physical report with a graphical code containing coded information, which is scanned and decoded to produce a machine-readable report in a publishable format, reducing manual effort and potential errors by automating the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual scanning and non-machine-readable formats are used for report management, then the process is simple to implement, but labor intensity increases and error rates rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning processes with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The system automatically captures images of physical reports, converts them to machine-readable text, and extracts relevant data without requiring manual scanning operations. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual scanning while maintaining the simplicity of physical report handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of physical reports through automated image capture and OCR processing. The system generates machine-readable text versions and structured data extracts from physical report images, enabling multiple uses of the same report data without repeated manual scanning. This copying approach preserves the original physical report while creating efficient digital representations.
2Reliability
If physical reports are manually scanned and stored, then data can be preserved, but manual effort increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual scanning operations with automated optical capture and OCR processing. The system automatically captures report images, converts text to machine-readable format, and extracts data with consistent accuracy. This eliminates human errors associated with manual scanning while significantly reducing the time required for report processing and data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing report data without requiring manual intervention. The OCR technology and data extraction algorithms autonomously convert physical reports into structured digital data, validate information, and prepare it for storage and analysis. This self-service capability reduces both time consumption and error rates simultaneously.
3Productivity
If reports are converted to machine-readable formats, then data management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated OCR and data processing systems that convert physical reports into machine-readable formats. While this increases automation capability and data management efficiency, it also introduces complexity through optical capture devices, software processing systems, and data structure management. The system balances this by integrating these components into a cohesive automated workflow.
4Reliability
If automated optical capture and decoding is implemented, then manual errors are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated optical capture using cameras or scanners combined with OCR software to decode and extract data from physical reports. This automated system replaces manual reading and data entry, significantly reducing human errors. The system includes image processing algorithms, text recognition engines, and data validation mechanisms that work together to ensure high accuracy in report processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method simplifies the manageability and long-term storage of field device reports by converting them into machine-readable formats, minimizing manual scanning errors and enabling efficient data transmission and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
capturing the graphical code and the at least one signature on the signed report by means of an optical capturing unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for capturing results of an evaluation, diagnosis and/or check of a device functionality of a field device. As part of the evaluation or check, the field device a raw data set of report parameters containing the result of the evaluation, diagnosis or check. The method includes producing a physical report comprising a graphical code having coded information, the coded information including at least a device identification of the field device and the date of the report, and the physical report-being signed with a signature. The method also includes capturing the graphical code and the signature on the signed report using an optical capturing unit, decoding the coded information from the captured graphical code, producing a machine-readable report and/or a report in a publishable file format containing the decoded information, and transmitting the machine-readable report in the publishable format to a server.