Mobile Assessment Tool for Physical Asset Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assessors face inefficiencies due to the use of paper-based forms for data collection, leading to data entry errors and longer lead times in decision-making, as they must manually enter information and often revisit sites for supplemental data gathering.
Innovation Solution
A mobile assessment tool that enables data collection and links image data with assessment data using a mobile computing device, allowing real-time interaction and logging into a network-accessible database, with interactive forms and image capture capabilities, facilitating remote data collection and reducing the need for physical site visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If paper-based forms are used for data collection, then ease of operation is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to data entry errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based form system with an electronic device that captures data directly in digital format. The electronic device with touchscreen display eliminates the need for manual data entry, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving data accuracy by capturing information directly in digital form without transcription errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of assessment forms and data on the electronic device. Instead of working with physical paper forms that require manual copying and entry, the system uses electronic copies that can be directly captured, stored, and transmitted in digital format, eliminating data entry errors while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If manual data entry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to longer lead times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with automated electronic data capture and transmission. The electronic device automatically captures assessment data, stores it digitally, and transmits it to remote systems, eliminating the time-consuming manual entry process while the system remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs data capture, validation, and preparation actions preliminarily at the assessment site using the electronic device. By completing data entry and initial processing on-site before leaving the location, the system eliminates the need for subsequent manual data entry and follow-up visits, significantly improving productivity without adding substantial complexity.
3Measurement precision
If assessors revisit sites for supplemental data gathering, then data accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where assessment data is immediately captured, validated, and transmitted to remote systems. The system provides instant confirmation and alerts if additional information is needed, allowing assessors to complete data collection in a single visit without requiring follow-up trips, thereby maintaining data accuracy while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables assessors to perform all necessary data collection, validation, and supplemental information gathering in advance during the initial site visit. The electronic device allows for comprehensive data capture including images, videos, and annotations that can serve as supplemental information, eliminating the need for return visits and reducing time loss while ensuring data accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If interactive forms with image capture are used, then data accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a mobile device that already possesses multiple functions including camera, touchscreen display, and data processing capabilities. By leveraging these existing universal functions, the system implements interactive forms with image capture without adding substantial device complexity, while significantly improving data accuracy through direct digital capture and association of images with assessment data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mobile assessments is provided. The system includes a processing device and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that when executed by the processing device may result in receiving an assessment request associated with physical assets at a remote location relative to an initiator system of the assessment request. An assessment type may be determined based on the assessment request. One or more interactive assessment forms can be retrieved from a database based on the assessment type. The interactive assessment forms may be populated with assessment data based on one or more observed conditions of the physical assets at the remote location. Image data associated with the observed conditions can be captured. The image data can be linked with the assessment data to establish relationship metadata. The image data, the assessment data, and the relationship metadata may be transmitted for storage in the database.