Mobile Device GIS Data Collection via Wireless Software Upload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional GIS data collection systems are hindered by high costs, complex user interfaces, and the need for specialized training, limiting the number of devices that can be deployed and the timeliness of data collection due to expensive dedicated GIS data collectors and the requirement for additional equipment and training.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize legacy mobile electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, by uploading a GIS data collector application and data dictionary via a wireless network, allowing these devices to function as GIS data collectors, simplifying the user interface, and enabling data collection without extensive training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated GIS data collectors are used, then data collection capability is ensured, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes mobile electronic devices universal by enabling them to perform both their original functions and GIS data collection functions through software installation. The mobile device becomes a multi-functional tool that can handle communications, entertainment, and specialized GIS data collection tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated single-purpose hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a software copy of GIS data collection functionality that can be installed on existing mobile devices. Instead of requiring expensive dedicated hardware, the system copies the essential data collection capabilities into software form that runs on consumer mobile devices, dramatically reducing hardware costs while maintaining functional equivalence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If dedicated GIS data collectors are used, then data collection functionality is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the GIS data collection functionality from complex dedicated hardware systems and isolates it as a separate software application. This extracted software can then be installed on simple, familiar mobile devices, separating the complex functional requirements from the hardware platform and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical and hardware-based GIS data collection systems with a software-based solution. By substituting physical dedicated devices with software applications running on mobile platforms, the system reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining data collection functionality through virtualized operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional GIS data collectors are used, then data collection is performed, but user interface complexity increases requiring specialized training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collectionVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal familiarity that users have with mobile device interfaces. By building the GIS data collection interface on top of familiar mobile phone or PDA controls, the system inherits the ease of use associated with these ubiquitous devices, eliminating the need for specialized training while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to perform GIS data collection tasks using their existing knowledge of mobile device operation. The interface is designed to be self-explanatory and intuitive, allowing users to independently complete data collection tasks without requiring external training or specialized instruction, thus achieving self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If more GIS data collectors are deployed, then data collection timeliness improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection timelinessVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive mobile devices that can be widely distributed without significant cost burden. These devices serve as disposable or temporary GIS data collection points that can be deployed en masse to improve data collection coverage and timeliness, replacing the need for expensive long-lived dedicated equipment while achieving better productivity through increased deployment scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8081987B2Method and system for implementing a GIS data collection network

Publication Date: 2011.12.20 TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) network. In one embodiment, configuration data comprising a unique identification of a mobile electronic device and an assigned membership of the mobile electronic device to a workgroup is received. The method further comprises selecting a data dictionary comprising at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended for use by the mobile electronic device based upon the assigned membership of the mobile electronic device to the workgroup. The method further comprises sending the data dictionary to the mobile electronic device via a wireless communication network.