Wireless Capacity Counter System with Modular Clickers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacity management systems in establishments lack automation and data collection capabilities, leading to inefficient enforcement of capacity limits, especially in the context of stricter COVID-19 regulations.

Innovation Solution

A capacity counting system comprising handheld 'clicker' devices, a Central Capacity Controller, wall-mounted video displays, and portable communications devices, which automate customer counting, provide real-time data, and support historical analysis, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple systems without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual capacity counting is used, then the system is simple to implement, but automation and data collection capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity counting automationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent modular components: handheld clicker devices for counting, Central Capacity Controllers for data aggregation, video displays for monitoring, and portable communications devices for access. Each component operates independently but communicates through standardized wireless protocols, enabling automated capacity counting while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple capacity counting systems operate simultaneously in close geographical area, then coverage is expanded, but interference between systems may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-system operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each Central Capacity Controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple handheld clickers and communicates with portable communications devices. The system uses wireless communication protocols with channel selection and data packet addressing mechanisms that enable multiple CCCs to operate simultaneously in the same geographical area without interference, as each system's data is uniquely identified and routed to the correct receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If real-time data collection is implemented, then historical data analysis is enabled, but data transmission and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains local copies of capacity data and operational parameters in the Central Capacity Controller and portable communications devices. Rather than requiring continuous real-time synchronization, the system periodically exchanges data copies between components, enabling historical data analysis while reducing the frequency and volume of data transmissions, thereby lowering energy consumption for wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11249560B2Capacity counter system

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 KIMCHUK INC

AI summary

A capacity counter system has a central capacity controller, a clicker to indicate when people enter or leave an area, and a video system for displaying a running count of how many people are in the area. The controller, clicker and video system communicate wirelessly using protocols that allow the controller to communicate with a plurality of clickers while being in close proximity to other controllers serving adjacent areas.