Rod-Mounted Location-Based Illuminance Sensing for Survey Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional illuminance surveys are cumbersome, time-consuming, and pose safety and ergonomic risks due to the need for frequent manual placement and relocation of illuminance meters, often requiring sophisticated and costly GPS instruments for accurate mapping.

Innovation Solution

A portable illuminance mapping apparatus with a rod and base housing location and illuminance sensors, allowing simultaneous capture of position and illuminance measurements from a comfortable ergonomic height, using a control device for real-time data processing and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional illuminance meters are placed manually on the ground at frequent intervals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminance measurement precisionVSAvoidsurvey workflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illuminance meter with a GPS device into a single integrated apparatus. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual location recording and illuminance measurement processes, reducing workflow complexity while maintaining measurement precision through automated data correlation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of marking locations on paper maps with automated electronic GPS tracking. The GPS component automatically records precise location data that is digitally correlated with illuminance readings, eliminating cumbersome manual documentation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated GPS instruments are used to achieve one-foot accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device portability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost and portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes advancements in consumer GPS technology to achieve sufficient location accuracy (within ten feet) without requiring expensive sophisticated GPS instruments. This parameter change in acceptable accuracy thresholds enables the use of more affordable, portable devices while maintaining survey utility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If surveyors bend down frequently to place and relocate illuminance meters, then measurement precision is maintained, but ergonomic safety and survey speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminance reading accuracyVSAvoidsurvey speed and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the measurement capability to elevated positions by mounting the illuminance sensor on an extended pole or mast. This dimensional extension allows measurements to be taken from standing height without bending, improving ergonomics and survey speed while maintaining measurement precision through proper sensor positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances survey efficiency and safety by enabling accurate, ergonomic, and simultaneous data capture, reducing the need for manual bending and costly equipment, while providing real-time illuminance mapping.

Implementation Method 1

an illuminance sensor configured to locally capture location measurements and illuminance measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a location sensor and an illuminance sensor configured to locally capture location measurements and illuminance measurements, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS Satellite Signal Reception:

Data Source

PatentUS20250224271A1Apparatus for location-based illuminance sensing and recording and systems including the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 IMEG CONSULTANTS CORP

AI summary

Described herein is an apparatus for location-based illuminance sensing and recording. The apparatus includes a rod having a first, top end, a second, bottom end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The apparatus also includes a base coupled to the second, bottom end of the rod, the base including a housing retaining a location sensor and an illuminance sensor configured to locally capture location measurements and illuminance measurements, respectively. An illuminance mapping system including the apparatus and a control device communicatively coupled to the apparatus is also described herein, as are methods of operating the apparatus and system.