Gas Detection Cluster Icon for Monitoring Panel Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hazardous gas detection systems face difficulties in efficiently receiving and displaying readings from numerous gas detectors on a central monitoring panel, especially in areas with hundreds of detectors, leading to challenges in timely and reliable alarm response.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless safety system with radio frequency transceivers and processors that use a cluster icon to represent groups of closely situated gas detectors, allowing for efficient display and identification of detector status, and configuring the grouping parameter based on predefined areas and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gas detectors are distributed throughout the area under surveillance, then gas detection coverage and reliability are improved, but the complexity of receiving and displaying readings from all detectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual detector icons into a single cluster icon when detectors are located within a predetermined proximity of each other. This combining approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing the visual complexity on the central monitoring panel, allowing operators to monitor hundreds of detectors without being overwhelmed by individual icon clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster icon serves multiple functions simultaneously: it represents multiple individual detectors, indicates their collective location, shows their status (normal/alarmed), and provides a clickable interface to view individual detector details. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate visual elements for each detector.
2Ease of operation
If each gas detector is displayed as an individual icon on the map, then individual detector identification is improved, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to use in areas with hundreds of detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detector icons into a single cluster icon when detectors are within a predetermined proximity. This reduces display clutter while maintaining the ability to identify individual detectors through interaction (clicking the cluster icon displays individual detector information).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the display based on the number and distribution of detectors. When detectors are sparse, individual icons are displayed for clear identification. When detectors are dense, cluster icons are used to reduce clutter. The system transitions between these display modes based on spatial density, optimizing both identification and display clarity.
3Reliability
If a central monitoring system receives readings from hundreds of gas detectors, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to use and respond to alarms expeditiously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detector readings into cluster representations on the central monitoring panel. This allows comprehensive monitoring of hundreds of detectors while presenting information in a consolidated, easily interpretable format that enhances alarm response efficiency by reducing visual clutter and highlighting critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color changes to indicate alarm status. When detectors within a cluster detect hazardous gas levels, the cluster icon changes color (e.g., from green to red) to provide immediate visual feedback. This color-coding system enables rapid alarm response by allowing operators to instantly identify problematic areas without examining individual detector readings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method incorporating the steps of a display of a gas detection system depicting a map of a predetermined geographic area and a plurality of portable gas detectors on the map via a respective gas detector icon, a programmed processor of the gas detection system identifying a number of gas detectors of the plurality of portable gas detectors within a predetermined portion of the area depicted on the display, the number exceeding a threshold value and a programmed processor of the gas detection system replacing the icons of the identified gas detectors within the portion with a group icon.