Modular Environmental Sensing With Variable User Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for environmental data detection are either limited to simple consumer applications or require advanced programming skills for complex data processing, failing to bridge the gap between simplicity and complexity in user accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a multisensor device connected to a mobile phone via wireless connection, allowing for flexible function creation through different usage modes (basic, expert, and advanced) without requiring extensive programming knowledge, using pre-loaded functions and a graphic tool for creating new functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device uses simple preset functions for consumer applications, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its complexity and interface based on user needs. It provides simple preset functions for basic users while enabling complex programmable functions for advanced users, allowing the device to transition between different operational modes and complexity levels
2Adaptability or versatility
If a system provides complex programmable functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality into distinct layers: simple preset functions for immediate use, and complex programmable functions for advanced applications. This segmentation allows users to access only the complexity level they need, reducing the perceived system complexity while maintaining full adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device requires programming knowledge for data processing, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer that translates simple user actions into complex data processing operations. Users can interact with the device through intuitive interfaces while the system handles the underlying programming and data processing complexity automatically
4Measurement precision
If a system uses specific programming languages for development, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses virtual machines and interpreted languages that copy the functionality of compiled programming languages while being easier to use. This allows precise data processing and measurement while maintaining accessibility for users without extensive programming knowledge
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting and evaluating environmental quantities and events is formed by a detection and evaluation device and a mobile phone, connected through a wireless connection. The device is enclosed in a containment casing housing a support carrying a plurality of inertial sensors and environmental sensors. A processing unit is coupled to the inertial sensors and to the environmental sensors. A wireless connection unit, is coupled to the processing unit and a wired connection port, is coupled to the processing unit. A programming connector is coupled to the processing unit and is configured to couple to an external programming unit to receive programming instructions of the processing unit. A storage structure is coupled to the processing unit and a power-supply unit supplied power in the detection and evaluation device. The mobile phone stores an application, which enables a basicuse mode, an expert use mode, and an advanced use mode.