Mobile Device Communication System for Real-Time Industrial Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collaborative communication in industrial automation environments, such as physical and digital logs, fail to provide real-time information sharing and decision-making capabilities across distributed teams, leading to delays and lack of concurrent access to equipment data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for electronic communication among personnel that allows real-time sharing of equipment operating statuses and task updates, enabling concurrent access and decision-making through user groups, with features like building user groups, sending and receiving information, accessing equipment parameters, and organizing data for priority display, using a non-transitory computer-readable medium and processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical or digital logs are used for information exchange, then information can be recorded and stored, but real-time information dissemination and concurrent access by multiple users are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical logs and console-based digital logs with an electronic communication system using mobile devices. This substitution enables real-time information dissemination through electronic messages and notifications, eliminating the delays inherent in manual log updating and reading. Multiple users can concurrently access equipment data through their mobile devices simultaneously, rather than requiring sequential access to a single console or physical log.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary that receives equipment data from the industrial automation system and distributes it to multiple user mobile devices. This intermediary enables real-time information sharing across distributed teams by acting as a central hub that pushes updates to all relevant users simultaneously, eliminating the need for users to manually check logs or be physically present at a control room console.
2Ease of operation
If access to equipment data is restricted to control room consoles, then data security and system control are maintained, but location-distributed team members cannot access real-time equipment information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control room console access into distributed mobile device access. By dividing the information access function across multiple portable devices, the system maintains security through controlled authentication while enabling location-independent access. Each user receives only the equipment data and notifications relevant to their role and responsibilities, rather than providing universal access to all system data.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as secure authentication endpoints, real-time data display terminals, communication devices for team collaboration, and alert notification systems. This multi-functionality replaces the single-purpose control room console, enabling authorized users to perform monitoring and communication tasks from any location while maintaining security protocols.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shift changes are managed through physical log handovers, then continuity of information is maintained, but real-time communication between shifts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous information flow across shift changes through persistent electronic notifications and messages accessible on mobile devices. When equipment events occur or status changes, notifications are pushed to the current shift's devices and remain accessible to the incoming shift, eliminating information gaps. This continuous electronic record replaces the discontinuous physical log handover process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through electronic notifications when equipment events occur, when messages are sent, or when status changes happen. This real-time feedback mechanism allows both outgoing and incoming shift members to immediately see and respond to critical information without waiting for formal log handovers, enabling faster decision-making and continuous monitoring across shift transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and an apparatus relate to a system for electronic communication between personnel, and sharing tasks and plant device operating statuses. The use of electronic communication allows for interaction between personnel at different locations and provides real time communication between personnel regardless of their location, whether they are on-site, in a meeting, or out of office. Additionally, the use of electronic communication allows for concurrent viewing of information by all the personnel rather than individually viewing a singular physical log book.