Method and device for tracking and exploiting at least one environmental parameter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting and analyzing cleanliness in urban settings are inefficient and lack real-time monitoring and adaptive solutions, leading to suboptimal cleaning operations and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a camera system connected to a central unit for real-time monitoring and geolocation of environmental parameters, which classifies and improves cleanliness by analyzing images from various sources, including vehicles and static supports, and provides data-driven insights for continuous improvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time monitoring and classification of environmental parameters is implemented, then productivity and decision-making speed improve, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness monitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the monitoring task by dividing it into distinct functional modules: image capture by cameras, real-time processing by the central unit, classification by algorithms, and execution by actuators. This modular segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification and identification of environmental parameters in real-time before executing cleaning actions. The central unit pre-processes images to identify litter types, locations, and priorities, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient resource allocation during the actual cleaning operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive image analysis and classification algorithms are used, then measurement precision and classification accuracy improve, but use of energy and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by focusing computational resources only on analyzing regions of interest within images rather than processing entire frames. The central unit identifies areas containing environmental parameters and applies classification algorithms selectively to those regions, maintaining high detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to full-image analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If multiple cameras and sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then reliability and coverage improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple cameras and sensors into a coordinated network managed by a central unit. Rather than operating independently, the cameras and sensors are integrated to work together as a unified monitoring system, with the central unit coordinating data from all sources to achieve comprehensive coverage and high reliability while managing the complexity through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Speed

If real-time processing and automatic classification are implemented, then speed of action and responsiveness improve, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical inspection and classification with automated optical detection and algorithmic processing. Cameras capture images of environmental parameters, and the central unit uses classification algorithms to automatically identify and categorize objects, enabling rapid response speeds while managing processing complexity through software-based solutions rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11881019B2Method and device for tracking and exploiting at least one environmental parameter

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 CORTEXIA SA

AI summary

Method for tracking and exploiting at least one environmental parameter such as cleanness in an urban setting; method comprising the following successive steps: —Planning measurements of at least one environmental parameter; —Tracking in real-time said parameter by means of a camera located on-board a vehicle or fastened to a static holder; —Geo-positioning the parameter; —Classifying the parameter depending on the characteristics thereof, such as category, danger or typology; —Improving the environmental parameter based on the data obtained in the 2 preceding steps. The invention also relates to a device using said method.