Remote Controller for Portable Field Measurement Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable field measurement devices for construction materials lack modern technologies such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Internet connectivity, and digital communication, leading to inaccurate geolocation and manual, error-prone data collection processes.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that connects to portable field measurement devices, enabling remote operation through GNSS geolocation, digital communication with mobile devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular radio, and electronic reporting of outputs, thereby automating data collection and reducing user exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If portable field measurement devices are equipped with modern technologies (GNSS, Internet connectivity, digital communication), then measurement precision and data collection efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate controller device that acts as an intermediary between the portable field measurement device and the user's mobile device. The controller contains the GNSS receiver, communication interfaces, and processing logic, while the portable measurement device maintains its simple, rugged design. This separation allows the measurement device to gain modern technologies without increasing its own complexity, as these components are housed in the external controller.
2Productivity
If manual data collection processes are used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (writing data in field notebooks, manual GPS coordinate recording, physical data entry) with automated electronic systems. The controller automatically captures measurement data, retrieves GNSS coordinates, and transmits everything digitally to the mobile device, eliminating the need for manual data transcription and significantly reducing data collection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where the portable measurement device and controller automatically perform data capture, processing, and transmission without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously retrieves its location, conducts measurements, and sends results to the database, freeing the operator from tedious manual tasks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If users operate portable field measurement devices directly, then ease of operation is maintained, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to user exposure to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a mediator that enables remote operation of the portable measurement device. The user interacts with the system through a mobile device while the controller handles the actual device control and data collection, allowing the user to remain at a safe distance from hazardous environments while maintaining full operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems are described for remotely interacting with a portable field measurement device. Systems can include a controller that can: couple to a mobile device; receive user input from a user through the mobile device; cause the portable field measurement device to execute the operations directed by the user; electronically record data output from the portable field measurement device resulting from the directed operations; and report the data to the user via the mobile device, and/or to a remote electronic database. In some embodiments, a robotic arm can be used to actuate the portable field measurement device.