Visual Sensor Mapping for Easier Environmental Data Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental monitoring systems present data in list or table formats, making it difficult for users to understand the relationship between sensor data and the environment, especially in large setups, and are not user-friendly for lay users.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that displays a visual representation of the environment along with sensor information, allowing users to associate data with specific locations, either manually or through automated processes, to enhance understanding and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data is presented in list or table formats, then data can be displayed systematically, but it becomes difficult for users to understand the relationship between sensor data and the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the presentation of sensor data from a traditional list or table format (one-dimensional data representation) to a visual representation that overlays sensor information onto a graphical depiction of the environment (two-dimensional spatial representation). This dimensional change allows users to intuitively understand the relationship between sensor data and physical locations in the environment, directly resolving the contradiction between systematic data display and relationship comprehension.
2Ease of operation
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then temperature data can be collected, but the system is not user-friendly for lay users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the physical environment (such as a floor plan, map, or graphical layout) and overlays sensor data onto this visual copy. Instead of presenting raw numerical data in tables, the system replicates the spatial relationships of the environment in a simplified visual format that is intuitive for lay users to interpret, thereby improving user-friendliness without sacrificing data interpretation clarity.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor units are deployed in large setups, then monitoring coverage is improved, but data interpretation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the environmental monitoring data into distinct segments, each associated with a specific sensor unit and its corresponding location in the visual representation. By segmenting the data presentation so that each sensor's information is spatially separated and visually distinct in the graphical interface, the system maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage across multiple sensors while preventing the overall system from appearing complex to users.
Data Source
AI summary
Configuring a user interface by which a user can view information regarding one or more conditions of an environment collected by an environmental monitoring system. An environmental monitoring system comprises one or more sensor units disposed in an environment and one or more servers. The servers may receive from an operator of the environment a visual representation of the environment and may identify a position in the visual representation corresponding to the location and configure a user interface to present information regarding the environment based at least in part on the positions. The user interface can be configured to display the visual representation and display information related to the first sensor unit so as to indicate a relationship between the information and the position corresponding to the location of the first sensor unit. Information identifying a location of one or more sensor units may be determined through an automated process.