Portable MFD Location Tracking via User-Provided Floorplans
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the location of large deployments of devices such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices in complex facilities is challenging due to the lack of accurate tracking methods, especially for non-GPS enabled devices, which often require additional equipment and human intervention, leading to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates device end-users into the tracking process by using a portable multi-function device with a user interface, network interface, and processor to receive and process user-supplied floorplans, extract location features, and communicate with a server to store and validate location information, thereby leveraging user input for accurate deployment tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centralized tracking systems are used, then device location can be recorded, but accuracy deteriorates due to human error and lack of real-time validation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the portable device communicate location information to a centralized server, which then validates and updates the floor plan data. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that location tracking accuracy is maintained through continuous verification and real-time updates of device positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs self-tracking by autonomously determining its own location and communicating this information to the server. The device serves itself by maintaining accurate location records without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both measurement precision and data validity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional tracking equipment is added to non-GPS devices, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device serves multiple functions: it performs printing, scanning, copying, and location tracking. By integrating the tracking capability into the existing multi-functional device, the system avoids adding separate tracking equipment, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device uses its own built-in capabilities (such as GPS or alternative location services already present in modern devices) to perform tracking without requiring external specialized equipment. This self-service approach enables tracking functionality while avoiding the complexity of additional dedicated tracking hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual location updates are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates location tracking by having the portable device autonomously determine and communicate its position to the server. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual location updates, maintaining implementation simplicity while dramatically improving update efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The location tracking operates continuously as the portable device moves through the facility, automatically updating the server with its current position. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic manual updates, thereby improving productivity while keeping the system implementation simple.
4Device complexity
If devices are not integrated into the management system, then system simplicity is maintained, but loss of information increases due to lack of real-time tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device continuously sends location information feedback to the centralized management server, which updates the floor plan data in real-time. This feedback mechanism prevents information loss by ensuring that location data is continuously synchronized between the device and the management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous communication between the portable device and the server, ensuring that location information is constantly updated and stored. This continuous action prevents information loss by keeping the management system always synchronized with the actual device positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking large deployments of managed devices in a facility are disclosed. A tracking system is embedded into the managed devices, which may include, for example, printers, copiers, scanners, and multi-function devices (MFD). Location information is generated and maintained using an external server, and when a deployment location check event is triggered, a user of the device is prompted to confirm its deployment location and/or update its location information.