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 functions, 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, offering three modes of use: basic, expert, and advanced, allowing users to select and create functions without extensive programming knowledge, using predefined libraries and enabling data processing and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple consumer devices with preset functions are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its complexity based on user needs, offering preset functions for simple operations while enabling custom function creation through a visual programming interface when adaptability is required. The device transitions between automated preset modes and user-configurable modes seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in one platform: it operates as a simple consumer device with preset functions, a configurable system with visual programming, and a development platform with external connection structures, making it universally applicable across different user skill levels and application scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced development platforms with external connection structures are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the programming interface into modular visual blocks that represent different functions and operations. Users can assemble complex functions by connecting these blocks without writing code, while the system maintains full adaptability through external connection structures for advanced users.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual programming interface acts as an intermediary between simple user interaction and complex data processing operations. It translates user-friendly block assembly into programmed instructions, bridging the gap between ease of use and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex functions are implemented through programming, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex processing logic directly in the device, the system uses a mobile device as a copy/extension of the processing interface. The mobile device handles the visual programming and complex data processing, while the sensor device focuses on data acquisition, reducing the complexity of the physical device.
4Ease of operation
If simple preset functions are provided, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested architecture where simple preset functions are embedded within a larger system that can accommodate complex custom functions. The preset functions operate as self-contained modules that can be independently used or integrated into more complex user-defined workflows.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system (1) for detecting and evaluating environmental quantities and events is formed by a device (2) and a mobile phone (3), connected together through a Bluetooth connection (4). The device (2) is enclosed in a containment casing (10) housing a support (20) carrying a plurality of inertial sensors (35) and environmental sensors (36); a processing unit (39), coupled to the inertial sensors and to the environmental sensors; a wireless connection unit (38), coupled to the processing unit; a wired connection port (26), coupled to the processing unit; programming connectors (30), coupled to the processing unit (39) and configured to couple to an external programming unit to receive programming instructions of the processing unit; a storage structure (33), coupled to the processing unit; and a power-supply unit (41). The mobile phone (3) stores an application, which enables a basic use mode, an expert use mode, and an advanced use mode.