Mobile Device Workflow Planning for Frozen Precipitation Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling frozen precipitation on roadways, such as snow and ice, lack efficient and optimized systems for planning and executing treatment operations, particularly in terms of workflow, resource allocation, and cost estimation, often relying on remote controllers that do not utilize advanced mobile technology effectively.
Innovation Solution
A software application on a mobile device that integrates GPS and user-input information to create a workflow plan for treating frozen precipitation, including virtual maps to estimate area, cost, time, and required resources for treatment, allowing for more efficient management of snow plows and spreaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote wired or wireless controllers are used to control ice or snow control equipment, then the equipment can be controlled remotely, but the system lacks efficient workflow planning and optimization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional remote controllers with a mobile device running a software application that integrates GPS data, virtual maps, and workflow optimization algorithms. This substitution transforms the control system from simple remote operation to an intelligent planning and execution system that automatically optimizes treatment workflows based on real-time location and site information.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device software application performs multiple functions: it serves as a remote controller, GPS tracker, virtual map display, workflow optimizer, and resource allocator. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized devices while improving overall productivity and planning efficiency.
2Device complexity
If traditional remote controllers are used, then equipment control is simplified, but resource allocation and cost estimation are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The software application automatically performs resource allocation and cost estimation by integrating GPS data with virtual map information. The system self-calculates treatment requirements, equipment needs, and associated costs based on real-time location data and site characteristics, eliminating the need for manual resource planning while maintaining control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives GPS location data and site information, processes this feedback through optimization algorithms, and automatically adjusts workflow plans and resource allocation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that resource allocation and cost estimates are continuously optimized based on actual conditions without increasing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If advanced mobile technology is integrated into the control system, then workflow optimization and resource allocation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GPS functionality, virtual map display, workflow optimization algorithms, and equipment control into a single integrated mobile device application. By combining these previously separate systems into one unified platform, the patent achieves workflow optimization and resource allocation capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If virtual maps and GPS integration are used, then area determination and cost estimation accuracy improve, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads virtual map data and site information into the mobile device before field operations begin. By preparing and storing necessary geographic and site data in advance, the system enables accurate real-time area determination and cost estimation without requiring continuous heavy data processing during active treatment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A frozen precipitation treatment analysis system may include, in one embodiment, an electronic mobile device and a Global Positioning System (GPS). The mobile device may have software that uses the GPS and inputted information to produce a work flow plan for treating frozen precipitation at a site. In another embodiment, a frozen precipitation treatment analysis system may include an electronic mobile device and a virtual map of a site requiring frozen precipitation treatment analysis. The mobile device may have software that uses the virtual map and inputted information to determine the area of the site and/or other factors related to the frozen precipitation treatment analysis.