Data collection and monitoring system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data collection and monitoring systems for public or commercial facilities face challenges in efficiently managing and distributing information about consumable levels in dispensers across multiple areas, making it difficult for cleaning staff to track refilling needs and for management to plan work effectively.
Innovation Solution
A data collection and monitoring system that includes sensors for each dispenser, a data collecting unit for wireless communication with sensors and a central server, and a mobile device for users, which forwards data to the mobile device when it enters the space, allowing for real-time updates and efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a data collection and monitoring system with sensors and central server is implemented, then information about consumable levels can be obtained, but the complexity of the system increases and makes it difficult to distribute information efficiently to cleaning staff across multiple areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the facility into multiple defined spaces (washrooms, restrooms, etc.), each with its own data collecting unit. This segmentation allows information to be collected and distributed locally for each space, reducing the complexity of centralized information management while ensuring efficient delivery to cleaning staff members responsible for specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the data collecting unit and the cleaning staff. When a mobile device enters a defined space, the data collecting unit automatically forwards relevant sensor data to that device, eliminating the need for complex centralized distribution systems and reducing information loss.
2Productivity
If cleaning staff manually check each dispenser, then they can identify refilling needs, but this process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors in each dispenser automatically monitor consumable levels and provide real-time feedback to the data collecting unit. When a dispenser needs refilling, the system automatically generates and sends a notification to the mobile device of cleaning staff, eliminating the need for manual checking and significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensers perform self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect when consumables are low. This self-service capability eliminates the need for cleaning staff to manually inspect each dispenser, allowing them to focus only on areas that require attention and thereby increasing overall efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in each dispenser to monitor consumable levels, then refilling needs can be detected automatically, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data collecting unit serves multiple functions: it collects data from multiple sensors across different dispensers, processes the information, communicates with mobile devices, and manages notifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems for each dispenser, thereby maintaining measurement precision while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the data collection, processing, and communication functions into a single data collecting unit that serves the entire defined space. By combining these functions rather than having separate systems for each dispenser, the solution achieves accurate consumable level detection while minimizing device complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A data collection and monitoring system for at least one defined space within a public or commercial facility includes: a plurality of sensors each monitoring a predetermined parameter; and a data collecting unit arranged for communicating with said sensors within a range of communication which corresponds to the extent of said defined space, with at least one mobile device for a user and with a central server which is associated with a storage medium. The storage medium is adapted for storing and monitoring data related to said sensors. Said data collecting unit is arranged for forwarding data relating to the sensors to the mobile device when the mobile device enters said space.