Portable Production Machine Data Capture via QR Code Display

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable production machines, such as welding machines, face challenges in capturing and transmitting production data to a server, especially in remote locations without internet access, and require retrofitting to accommodate data capture methods.

Innovation Solution

A portable production machine equipped with sensors to monitor the production process, a display device for displaying data set images, and a mobile terminal to capture and transmit these images via a data link, allowing data to be stored temporarily and sent to a server when network access is available, using machine-readable coding like QR codes for efficient data representation and extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable production machine is used in remote locations without data network access, then the machine can operate independently, but the production data cannot be transmitted to the server

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoiddata transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control device converts production data into machine-readable data set images (such as QR codes) in advance, displaying them on the display device. This preliminary conversion enables the data to be captured by a mobile terminal's camera and stored locally, ensuring data can be transmitted later when network access is available, thus resolving the contradiction between operational independence and data transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the portable production machine and the server. The mobile terminal captures data set images displayed on the machine's display device, stores the data locally, and transmits it to the server when network access is available. This intermediary solution bridges the gap between remote operation and centralized data compilation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If data is captured and stored on a mobile terminal for later transmission, then data can be sent when network is available, but data storage time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata storage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary conversion of production data into machine-readable images immediately when data is generated, even in remote locations. This allows the data to be ready for transmission as soon as network access becomes available, minimizing storage time while ensuring reliability through immediate data preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional input apparatuses like keyboard and mouse are used, then parameter calibration is possible, but the apparatus cannot withstand adverse environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter calibrationVSAvoidenvironmental resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input apparatuses (keyboard, mouse) with optical scanning technology. Barcode scanners and mobile terminal cameras capture data set images optically, converting visual information into digital data. This substitution eliminates mechanical components vulnerable to environmental conditions while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive scanning and display interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a data line connection is used to connect welding apparatuses to the server, then data transmission is reliable, but the system cannot be used in remote locations without internet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its data transmission method based on network availability. In remote locations without internet access, it uses offline data capture and local storage on mobile terminals. When network access becomes available, it automatically transmits the stored data to the server. This dynamic approach maintains both reliability and location flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal serves as a mobile intermediary that can operate independently of fixed data line connections. It captures data from the production machine, stores it locally, and transmits it to the server when network access is available, enabling reliable data transmission regardless of location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230039394A1Portable production machine, mobile terminal, production system, and method for capturing data

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a portable production machine, a mobile terminal, a production system having a portable production machine and a mobile terminal, and a method for capturing data. According to aspects of the disclosure, on the production machine - which can be, for example, a welding machine or cutting machine - production data is automatically captured, organized into data sets, and converted into data set images, which are displayed on a display device. The displayed data set images are captured with a mobile terminal and transmitted to a central server. As a result, a plurality of production machines can be incorporated into a data system without the need for any changes to the hardware in the production machines.