Handheld Measurement Device Storage Modes for Contextual Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Technicians face burdensome tasks when recording multiple measurements across different locations and projects, often missing important contextual information due to limitations in existing recording methods during troubleshooting and installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A portable handheld measurement device with measurement circuitry, a processor, and a storage system that automatically stores measurement values and contextual data in both limited replay and persistent storage modes, allowing for efficient data access and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If technicians use separate recording methods for different job sites or projects, then measurements can be recorded, but the technician burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement recording completenessVSAvoidtechnician workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement recording functions into a single handheld device with automatic project and location tracking. The device merges measurement data collection, contextual information recording, and project management into one integrated system, eliminating the need for separate recording methods for different job sites or projects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically tracks project information, location data, and measurement values without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages data organization and storage, reducing the technician's burden while ensuring complete and accurate recording of all measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If technicians use basic recording methods, then measurements can be recorded, but important contextual information is missing or difficult to discern

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of stored informationVSAvoidcontextual information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments information storage into distinct categories including measurement values, contextual information, project data, and location information. This segmentation allows the device to capture and preserve all types of information systematically, ensuring that contextual details are not lost while organizing data for easy retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If technicians make multiple measurements at different locations and projects, then comprehensive data is collected, but data management becomes burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal measurement dataVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld device provides universal functionality for capturing measurements, tracking location, managing projects, and organizing data across multiple job sites and projects. This multi-functional approach simplifies data management by providing a unified system that handles all aspects of measurement collection and organization, rather than requiring separate tools for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2778627B1Storage modes for measurement values and contextual information
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 FLUKE CORP
  • EP2778627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2778627B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2778627B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, a portable handheld measurement device automatically stores measurement values in volatile memory in a limited replay storage mode that comprises a storage limitation that applies to the plurality of measurement values stored in the limited replay storage mode; receives a replay request; and, responsive to the replay request, presents at least some of the measurement values stored in the limited replay storage mode. In another aspect, a portable handheld measurement device automatically stores measurement values and associated contextual data according to a persistent storage mode; and automatically stores the measurement values according to a limited replay storage mode, wherein the limited replay storage mode comprises a storage limitation that is not present in the persistent storage mode.