NFC Order Assignment via Mobile Device Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assigning orders for checking industrial plant elements from clients to contractors are often undocumented, lack direct interaction, and are complex, leading to ambiguities and inefficient processing.

Innovation Solution

A method using mobile devices with wireless and near-field communication (NFC) interfaces to transmit and confirm order identifiers directly between clients and contractors, ensuring quick, documented, and detailed order assignments with optional additional information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If orders are assigned verbally or in writing, then the assignment process is simple, but the assignment remains undocumented or lacks direct interaction leading to ambiguities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorder assignment accuracyVSAvoidassignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile operating device with NFC interface as an intermediary between client and contractor. The device automatically documents order assignments through NFC communication, eliminating the need for complex electronic systems while ensuring reliable documentation and direct interaction between parties involved in the order assignment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic workflow systems are used, then order assignment is documented, but the process becomes complex requiring many individual actions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorder assignment documentationVSAvoidorder assignment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile operating device performs automatic documentation of order assignments through NFC communication between client and contractor devices. The system eliminates the need for manual data entry, searching for employees in lists, or complex electronic workflow steps. The assignment process becomes self-documenting through the automatic exchange of order identifiers and contractor identification via NFC.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential documentation function from complex electronic workflow systems. By using NFC communication to automatically capture and store order assignment data (order identifier from client device and contractor identifier from contractor device), the system removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliable documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If group meetings are used for order assignment, then direct interaction occurs, but the process takes a long time affecting productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect interaction confirmationVSAvoidorder assignment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC-based system enables rapid order assignment by skipping the time-consuming group meeting process. The client and contractor can complete the assignment interaction in seconds through automatic NFC communication, eliminating the need to wait for scheduled meetings while maintaining direct interaction and confirmation between parties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Productivity

If verbal order assignment is used, then the process is quick, but the assignment is not documented requiring additional written or electronic steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorder assignment speedVSAvoidorder assignment documentation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the speed of verbal assignment with the documentation benefits of electronic systems by combining NFC communication capabilities into a single mobile operating device. The device simultaneously captures the assignment interaction in real-time (maintaining speed) and automatically documents it by storing the exchange of order and contractor identifiers (preventing information loss).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates rapid, well-documented, and accurate order assignments with direct interaction, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for paper-based or complex electronic systems.

Implementation Method 1

an interface for near-field communication (NFC). First, the operator's device of the client (e.g. a shift manager or foreman) sends out the identification of the order in the form of a radio signal via the NFC interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

which has an interface to a wireless, packet-oriented network and an interface to near field communication (NFC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless packet-oriented network communication: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP2850497B1Assigning an order from a client to a contractor
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 PRIMETALS TECH GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2850497B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2850497B1 patent drawingFigure 1d~1e
  • EP2850497B1 patent drawingFigure 1f

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assigning an order from a client to a contractor, in which a clear identification code (6, 7) is respectively assigned to the client and to the contractor, the client and the contractor each having a mobile operating device (1a, 1b) provided with an interface with a wireless, packet-oriented network (2) and an interface for near field communication (3). The aim of the invention is to provide a method for assigning an order, in which the assignment of the order from a client to a contractor is carried out quickly, in a detailed manner and with direct interaction between the client and the contractor. Said aim is achieved by the following steps: emitting the order identification code (5, 6) via the interface for the near field communication (3) of the operating device of the client (1a); receiving the order identification code (5, 6) via the interface for the near field communication (3) of the operating device of the contractor (1b); emitting the contractor (5, 7) identification code via the interface for the near field communication (3) of the operating device of the contractor (1b); receiving the contractor (5, 7) identification code via the interface for the near field communication (3) of the operating device of the client (1b); assigning the order to the contractor.