Handheld Computing Device Location-Based Services for Plant Workers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software for handheld computing devices in industrial plants does not consider the physical location of workers, limiting its ability to provide location-specific services or features that could enhance decision-making and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of location-based features on handheld computing devices, which use GPS, RFID, barcode reading, and image processing algorithms to provide workers with relevant historical data and task information based on their physical location, facilitating on-spot decision-making and optimizing movement within the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If location-based features are added to handheld computing devices, then worker decision-making and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments location-based functionality into separate modules: GPS/RFID/barcode reading components for location detection, image processing algorithms for visual identification, and software applications for task management. This modular approach allows the handheld device to provide comprehensive location-based services while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the handheld device and the plant's control systems. The server receives location data from various sources (GPS, RFID, barcodes), processes it, and returns relevant task information and historical data. This intermediary architecture reduces the computational burden on the handheld device itself while still providing sophisticated location-based functionality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location detection methods (GPS, RFID, barcode reading) are integrated, then location accuracy and service capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location detection technologies (GPS for outdoor/wide-area location, RFID for indoor/asset tracking, barcode reading for equipment identification) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of each technology - GPS for broad geographic context, RFID for precise asset location, and barcodes for equipment identification - achieving comprehensive and accurate location awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal tool that can perform location detection through multiple methods (GPS, RFID, barcode scanning), capture images, access historical data, and manage tasks. This universal device replaces multiple specialized tools, reducing overall system complexity while improving location accuracy through method selection based on the specific context.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) of operating an industrial plant having processing units that includes a wireless network including a network server, at least one router, and a plurality of workers including a first worker. A first handheld computing device is provided (101) having a wireless transceiver and a processor programmed to implement a location-based service algorithm stored in non-transitory machine readable storage to a first worker. The location-based service algorithm implements obtaining location information that identifies a physical location for the first worker, and adding the location information to wireless transmissions of information by the first worker to others of the plurality of workers or to the network server. The first handheld computing device wirelessly receives (102) server provided plant information that is a function of the physical location, and the first worker performs (103) at least one action guided at least in part by the server provided plant information.