Portable Gas Detector Location Update via Bluetooth Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas detectors require manual or time-consuming processes for updating location information, which can be inefficient for workers in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing low-power Bluetooth wireless beacons at key locations that automatically update the gas detector's location information, allowing the device to associate subsequent readings with the updated location without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual location updating is used in gas detectors, then the device can track location changes, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detector automatically updates its location information by receiving beacon signals without requiring manual user input. The device self-services the location updating function by autonomously scanning for and processing beacon advertisements, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual update process while maintaining accurate location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of updating location (user navigating menus and entering data) is replaced by an electronic/ wireless system. The gas detector uses a wireless receiver to scan for and automatically receive location data from Bluetooth beacons, substituting the manual mechanical interaction with an automated electronic communication system.
2Productivity
If automated beacon scanning is implemented, then location update efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detector integrates multiple functions into a single device: gas detection, wireless beacon scanning, automatic location updating, and data association. By making the device universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated location tracking devices, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Bluetooth beacons serve as intermediaries between the location infrastructure and the gas detector. The beacons broadcast location information that the detector's wireless receiver can automatically scan and receive, simplifying the overall system architecture by using a standardized wireless communication protocol rather than requiring complex direct integration with location systems.
3Measurement precision
If continuous beacon scanning is performed, then location accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous scanning, the gas detector performs periodic beacon scanning at intervals. This periodic action maintains location accuracy by regularly updating location information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning, as the wireless receiver remains active only during scanning intervals rather than continuously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for updating location information on a gas detector device, the method comprising: receiving, by a gas detector device, a wireless beacon, when the gas detector device passes within the range of the wireless beacon, wherein the wireless beacon contains location information; presenting, by the gas detector device, a confirmation message for updating the location information, to a user via a user interface of the gas detector device; updating, by the gas detector device, the location information stored on the gas detector device using the location information from the wireless beacon when the user provides a confirmation input in response to the confirmation message; and associating, by the gas detector device, subsequent readings taken by one or more sensors of the gas detector device with the updated location information, wherein the readings are stored within the gas detector device.