Sensor Location Search Using Reference Image Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service technicians often face challenges in efficiently locating stationary sensors, such as gas measuring devices, due to inadequate documentation, outdated information, and the need for manual search efforts, which can result in increased time and risk of incorrect sensor identification.
Innovation Solution
An operating procedure and arrangement that utilize a mobile data processing device, a central computer, and a central database to facilitate the installation and search phases. This system includes image recording devices for creating reference images, which are used to determine the installation location of sensors, and a geoposition sensor to aid in navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual search methods are used to locate stationary sensors, then service technicians can find sensors, but the time required and risk of incorrect identification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (photograph) of the sensor's installation location and stores it in a database. During search operations, the system retrieves and displays this stored image to guide the service technician to the correct sensor location, replacing manual memory or physical documentation with a visual digital replica.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the sensor installation information and the service technician. The database stores and manages location data, photographs, and sensor identifiers, serving as a mediator that provides accurate information without requiring direct human-to-human transmission of location knowledge.
2Reliability
If detailed documentation is maintained for sensor locations, then sensor identification accuracy improves, but documentation becomes outdated and requires manual updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures photographs and location data during sensor installation and stores them in the database without requiring manual documentation efforts. The installation process itself generates the documentation, eliminating the need for separate manual recording and updating activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs documentation capture (photographing the installation location) at the time of installation, before any potential changes or forgetfulness occur. This preliminary action ensures that accurate baseline information is stored in the database, eliminating the need for later updates unless changes actually occur.
3Productivity
If service technicians manually search for sensors without guidance, then no additional equipment is needed, but the effort and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical search methods (physically walking through areas, checking locations mentally) with an electronic information retrieval system. The search device queries the database and receives digital guidance including photographs and location data, substituting human cognitive and physical effort with automated information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the service technician during the search process by displaying retrieved photographs and location information from the database. This feedback guides the technician's physical movement and search actions, creating a closed loop where information is provided based on the search query and used to direct subsequent search actions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating method and an operating arrangement for operating a sensor arrangement. This sensor arrangement comprises at least one sensor (1.2), preferably several sensors. An installation phase is performed for each sensor. An installation device generates at least one reference image of an installation location (1.2) where the sensor is installed. A data record for the sensor is created in a central database, this data record comprising the reference image(s). A subsequent search phase is performed for at least one sensor (1.2). A search device (4) generates at least one search image (31.1, ..., 31.4) of the environment of the search device. The search image(s) is compared with the stored reference image(s). The result of the image comparison is transmitted to the search device (4). The search device (4) determines information (41.2) about the installation location (1.2) of the sensor (1.2).2), for which it uses the result of the image comparison. The search device outputs the installation location information (41.2) in a form perceptible to a human.