Repurposing Legacy Cellular Devices for GIS Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GIS data collection systems are limited by the high cost and complexity of dedicated data collectors, requiring specialized training and being constrained by the need for additional equipment and infrastructure, which restricts the number of devices that can be deployed and the timeliness of data collection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to use legacy electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, as GIS data collectors by installing a GIS data collector application and sending a data dictionary via a wireless network, allowing for cost-effective and user-friendly data collection without the need for extensive training or dedicated PCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated GIS data collectors are used, then data collection capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling legacy cellular devices to perform GIS data collection functions through software installation. The cellular phone, originally designed for communication, is transformed into a multi-functional device that can collect, store, and transmit GIS data, eliminating the need for dedicated single-purpose hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by installing a GIS data collector application that replicates the functionality of dedicated GIS collectors on legacy devices. The application copies the essential data collection capabilities to devices that were not originally intended for this purpose, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining functional equivalence.
2Reliability
If dedicated GIS data collectors are used, then data collection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs this principle by utilizing inexpensive legacy cellular devices instead of expensive dedicated GIS collectors. These legacy devices are already widely deployed and can be repurposed for GIS data collection, significantly reducing the cost per data collector while maintaining adequate functionality through software enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
By making cellular devices universal platforms that can handle both communication and GIS data collection, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive dedicated hardware, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining data collection capability.
3Productivity
If dedicated PCs are required for each data collector, then data management capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PC-based data management functionality and integrates it directly into the mobile cellular device through the installed application. This eliminates the need for separate PC infrastructure at each data collection point, allowing data to be managed and processed directly on the mobile device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular device becomes self-sufficient by incorporating data management capabilities directly into the mobile unit. The device can independently store, process, and transmit GIS data without requiring external PC support, making the system more autonomous and reducing infrastructure complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized training is required for operators, then data collection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By using familiar cellular devices with known user interfaces rather than specialized dedicated collectors, the patent maintains data collection accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation. Users can operate the GIS functions on devices they already know how to use, eliminating the need for specialized training.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method for implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data collection utilizing a legacy electronic device. In one embodiment, a GIS data collector application is installed upon a legacy electronic device which is not originally intended to be used as a GIS data recording device. The method further comprises selecting a data dictionary comprising at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended for use by the legacy electronic device based upon an assigned membership of the legacy electronic device to a workgroup. The method further comprises sending the data dictionary to the legacy electronic device via a wireless communication network.