Remote Process Control via Mobile Social Network Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial processes, such as commodity loading, often require multiple operators to ensure safety and efficiency, leading to labor costs and inefficiencies, and expose workers to hazards like dust and noise, with inclement weather further complicating the process and degrading the quality of loaded commodities.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and control system utilizing mobile wireless client devices with participant profiles and social network features for remote monitoring and control, enabling real-time interaction and authorization, which includes health and environmental sensors, and a logistics module for improved safety, security, and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operators are used to control the industrial process, then safety is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between operators and the industrial process. This control device receives inputs from multiple operators, processes them according to predefined rules, and executes control actions on the process. The intermediary handles the complexity of coordinating multiple operators, allowing them to work together safely without directly managing the complex interactions themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring the industrial process state and communicating status information back to operators. This feedback loop allows operators to see the results of their actions and understand the current system state, improving safety through situational awareness while reducing operational complexity by automating the monitoring and communication tasks.
2Reliability
If multiple operators are required for the loading process, then safety is improved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables operators to perform many functions independently through automated assistance. The system self-monitors process parameters, self-communicates status information, and self-regulates based on operator inputs according to predefined logic. This self-service capability reduces the number of operators needed while maintaining safety, as the automated system handles routine monitoring and control tasks that would otherwise require multiple human workers.
3Productivity
If operators work in harsh environments with dust and noise, then the loading process can be completed, but health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device extracts the critical control and monitoring functions from the harsh loading environment and relocates them to a protected location. Operators can interact with the system through the control device interface while remaining physically separated from dust, noise, and other hazards. The control device acts as a buffer, allowing operators to perform their duties without direct exposure to harmful environmental factors.
4Quantity of substance
If extended loading time is used with one operator, then labor costs are reduced, but commodity quality degrades due to inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables continuous monitoring and control of the loading process, ensuring that operations proceed efficiently and continuously. By automating monitoring functions and providing real-time feedback, the system maintains optimal loading conditions throughout the process, preventing quality degradation even when loading takes longer due to single-operator operation. The continuous engagement of the control device ensures no critical parameters are missed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for improving process awareness, safety, security, efficiency, and other aspects of industrial and non-industrial processes for participants associated with the processes. The system includes a control device associated with the process, and for each participant, a mobile client device and participant profile. The system improves safety, security, and efficiency by the control device enabling remote monitoring of participants and the process, implementing participant profile limitations, and authorizing participants to remotely monitor and control aspects of the process. The control device incorporates social network features to validate compliance and/or consent of all designated participants in order for control aspects of the process to be enabled. A participant's use of the mobile client device to collect, distribute, view, and interact with data and the process, including visual/video feeds of the process and/or participants, enables real-time interaction with the process and participants regardless of physical proximity of the participant to the process or other participants. The mobile client devices include a GUI for displaying visual feeds and participant interacting with the control device, process, participant profile, and other participants.