Virtual Asset Tag for Climate-Control Device Data Automation
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for collecting and centralizing data on climate-control devices are labor-intensive, error-prone, and lack centralized information, hindering maintenance and upgrade decisions due to manual data entry and lack of automation in device identification.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a virtual asset tag by processing images of climate-control devices to extract pertinent information, using image processing techniques to verify accuracy and centralize data, and employing a network for communication and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data entry methods are used to collect device information, then technicians can gather data from equipment plates, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology. Image capture devices photograph equipment plates, and software automatically extracts and digitizes the information, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of equipment plate information through imaging and OCR processes. Instead of manually transcribing data, the system captures images and automatically converts them into structured digital records, enabling accurate replication of information without manual intervention.
2Loss of information
If technicians manually inventory devices during service calls, then some device information is collected, but data remains siloed and not centralized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously siloed device information into a centralized database. By capturing images and extracting data during service calls, the system consolidates device inventories, maintenance histories, and specifications into a unified accessible repository that eliminates information silos.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional data management system that serves multiple purposes: device inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, specification storage, and historical record-keeping. This universal system replaces multiple separate manual processes with a single integrated platform.
3Extent of automation
If RFID tags or barcodes are affixed to devices, then automated identification is possible, but the tagging process remains manual and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual RFID tagging or barcode affixing with automated image-based identification. Instead of physically attaching tags during manufacturing or service calls, the system uses OCR to extract identification information directly from existing equipment plate text, eliminating the manual tagging process entirely.
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
Facilitates accurate and centralized data collection and storage of climate-control device information, reducing errors and enabling efficient maintenance and upgrade decisions.
Implementation Method 1
A technician creates a virtual asset tag by, for example, taking an image of the air conditioner and its surrounding environment. That image is processed to facilitate the extraction of pertinent information about the device's characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing information regarding a climate-control device is provided. The method includes the steps of generating a virtual asset tag of the climate-control device; processing the virtual asset tag; and extracting information about the climate-control device from the virtual asset tag.