Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention generally relates to digital measuring device. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation to ensure accuracy in concrete quantity calculation for MMS foundation.

BACKGROUND
[002] PV Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation is one of the critical aspects of the construction process, according to extensive utility scale PV Solar installations.
[003] A typical 100 MWp installation would necessitate between 60000 and 80000 module foundations. The distance, elevation, and depth are currently measured manually with measuring tape, resulting in inaccurate quantification of the measured value of the foundation and thus the required concrete quantity.
[004] With current practice, it is difficult for an operator / site manager to verify 100% depth to required value for these MMS foundations.
[005] Currently, existing systems do not succeed in measuring distance, elevation, and depth digitally based on geo-location data.
[006] Other existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to inaccurate measurement. Furthermore, traditional methods of measuring with tapes and scales take time.
[007] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation to ensure accuracy in concrete quantity calculation for MMS foundation, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[008] The principal object of this invention is to provide system and method for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation.
[009] A further object of the invention is to provide system and method to ensure accuracy in concrete quantity calculation for MMS foundation.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a digital handheld tool for measuring distance, elevation, depth that enables user friendly operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0011] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0012] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts/ illustrates a general block diagram of system for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram representation of components enclosed in the system for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of a telescopic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Fig. 4 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of a measuring module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Fig. 5 depicts/ illustrates a comparison table of conventional measurement and smart measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Fig. 6 depicts/ illustrates a graphical representation of conventional measurement and smart measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Fig. 7 depicts/ illustrates a method of measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0020] The present invention discloses a system and method for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation. The system comprises at least one user device, at least one smart measuring device, at least one server and a communication network.
[0021] The at least one user device comprises a data analytics and visualization unit, a communication unit, a processing unit, and a memory unit. The at least one smart measuring device comprises a telescopic module and a measuring module.
[0022] The telescopic module comprises at least one sensor module, an interfacing cable, and a communication module.
[0023] The measuring module comprises a power module, a connector slot, a communication module, a measurement unit, a geo-location module, a display module, a storage unit, a LED indication unit, an alert unit, and a microcontroller.
[0024] The smart measuring device is positioned at the ground level of foundation pit to be measured. The measuring module is initiated by turning ON the power module. The geo-location data is displayed in a display module upon turning ON the measuring module. At least one parameter is measured upon turning ON the measurement unit.
[0025] The measured parameter value are displayed in the display module and saved into the storage unit. The saved data from the storage unit is transferred into the user device. The measured parameter value is then validated using the data analytics and visualization unit. The validated data is uploaded into the cloud from the server.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0027] The present invention discloses a system and method for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation. The present invention discloses a smart digital handheld device which enables the user to check and validate the results. The measuring handheld has been ergonomically designed with adjustable telescopic feature for user friendly operation.
[0028] Fig. 1 depicts/ illustrates a general block diagram of system for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least one user device 102, at least one smart measuring device 104, at least one server 106 and a communication network 108.
[0030] In an embodiment, the system 100 may comprise as many user devices 106 as required by the users. The at least one user device 102 may comprise one or more of wearable device, mobile phones, PDA, smartphones, smart band, smart watch, laptop, computer, etc.
[0031] The at least one smart measuring device 104 measures at least one parameter of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation. The parameter of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation comprises at least one of distance, elevation, and depth.
[0032] The system 100 may comprise as many servers 106 as required by the users. The at least one server 106 may comprise one or more of one or more of mobile phones, PDA, smartphones, laptop, and computer.
[0033] The communication network 108 of the at least one user device 104 may include wired and wireless communication, including but not limited to, GPS, GSM, LAN, Wi-Fi compatibility, Bluetooth low energy as well as NFC. The wireless communication may further comprise one or more of Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), a short-range wireless communication such as UWB, a medium-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a long-range wireless communication such as 3G/4G or WiMAX (registered trademark), according to the usage environment.
[0034] The at least one smart measuring device 104 measures the at least one parameter of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation. The measured parameter values are stored in the smart measuring device 104. Thereafter, the stored measured parameter values are transferred to the user device 102 for data analytics and visualization. The measured parameter values are validated with predefined engineering coordinates and measurements. The validated data is then uploaded on to the cloud from the server 106 via the communication network 108.
[0035] Fig. 2 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram representation of components enclosed in the system for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] The at least one smart measuring device 104 comprises a telescopic module 210 and a measuring module 212.
[0037] In an embodiment, the smart measuring device 104 is ergonomically designed with adjustable telescopic feature for user friendly operation.
[0038] The telescopic module 210 is configured to measure at least one parameter of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation.
[0039] The measuring module 212 initiates parameter measurement of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation by the telescopic module 210 upon initiation of the measuring module 212. The measured parameter values are then analyzed and visualized for validation.
[0040] The at least one user device 102 comprises a data analytics and visualization unit 202, a communication unit 204, a processing unit 206, and a memory unit 208.
[0041] The data analytics and visualization unit 202 is configured to perform data analysis and visualization. The data analytics and visualization unit 202 may use any data analytics and visualization software application for analyzing and visualizing the measured parameter values. The data analytics and visualization software application comprise at least one of AutoCAD, LibreCAD, SketchUp, OpenSCAD and BRL-CAD. In the preferred embodiment AutoCAD is used.
[0042] In an embodiment, the communication unit 204 of the user device 102 may include wired and wireless communication, according to the usage environment.
[0043] In an embodiment, the processing unit 206 may comprise one or more of microprocessors, circuits, and other hardware configured for processing. The processing unit 206 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory unit 208 as well as communicate with user devices 102 via the communication unit 204.
[0044] In an embodiment, the memory unit 208 of the user device 102 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed.
[0045] Fig. 3 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of a telescopic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0046] The telescopic module 210 comprises at least one sensor module 302, an interfacing cable 304, and a communication module 306.
[0047] In an embodiment, the telescopic module 210 comprises a telescopic rod (not shown in figure) whose length can be adjusted manually by the user as per requirement. The top end of telescopic rod comprises the at least one sensor module 302 and the bottom end comprises a holder unit (not shown in the figure) that enables the user to hold the telescopic module 210 firmly.
[0048] The at least one sensor module 302 senses the measurement of at least one of the parameters of the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation. The at least one sensor module 302 may comprise at least one of IR sensor, laser-based sensor, and ultrasonic based sensor. The at least one sensor module 302 may sense up to a range of 100m.
[0049] The telescopic module 210 is connected to the measuring module 212 through the interfacing cable 304. The interfacing cable 304 from the telescopic module 210 is connected to a connector slot 404 of the measuring module 212. The interfacing cable 304 may comprise at least one of VGA Cable, D-sub cable, analog video cable, DVI Cable, PS/2 Cable, Ethernet Cable, 3.5mm Audio Cable, USB Cable, and Computer Power Cord.
[0050] The communication module 306 is configured to transmit the measured parameter values to a storage unit 414 in the measuring module 212. The communication module 306 may comprise at least one of wireless, and wired connectivity. In the preferred embodiment Wi-Fi module is used.
[0051] Fig. 4 depicts/ illustrates a block diagram of a measuring module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0052] The measuring module 212 comprises a power module 402, the connector slot 404, a communication module 406, a measurement unit 408, a geo-location module 410, a display module 412, a storage unit 414, a LED indication unit 416, an alert unit 418, and a microcontroller 420.
[0053] In an embodiment, the measuring module 212 is ergonomically designed in such a way that it can be worn by the user.
[0054] The power module 402 is configured to provide power supply to the smart measuring device 104. The power is supplied by at least one of a battery source, and a direct power supply. The power module 402 may comprise at least one of a switch, and button to turn ON and OFF the power supply.
[0055] The connector slot 404 connects the interfacing cable 304 from the telescopic module 210 to the measuring module 212.
[0056] The measurement unit 408 is configured to initiate the measurement of parameter value using the telescopic module 210. The measurement unit 408 may comprise at least one of a switch, and button to turn ON and OFF the measuring module 212. Upon initiating the measurement unit 408 the telescopic module 210 measures the parameter value.
[0057] The communication module 406 in the measuring module 212 receives the measured parameter values transmitted from the telescopic module 210. The communication module 306 may comprise at least one of wireless, and wired connectivity. In the preferred embodiment Wi-Fi module is used.
[0058] The geo-location module 410 fetches geo location data from satellite in terms of at least one of latitude, longitude, altitude, timestamp, and date. The geo-location module 410 may use at least one of GPS/ GNSS/ Glonass technology. In the preferred embodiment GPS module is used. The geo-location data is fetched upon initiating the smart measuring device 104 and are displayed in the display module 412.
[0059] The display module 412 displays at least one of geo-location data, and measured parameter values. Further, the display module 412 may comprise one or more software and firmware components for receiving, sharing and displaying data or signal from other devices comprising user devices 102 and server 106.
[0060] In an embodiment, the display module 412 may comprise at least one of LCD module of any size and characters, touchscreen TFT, micro-LED, and OLED. In the preferred embodiment, the LCD module is used.
[0061] The storage unit 414 stores the measured parameter values. The storage of measured parameter values can be done through at least one of wireless connectivity, bluetooth and other connectivity options. In the preferred embodiment, the storage unit used is a SD card.
[0062] The SD card is then inserted into the user device 102 for data analytics and visualization. The measured parameter values is then validated with the predefined engineering coordinates and uploaded onto the cloud for record. Addition of GSM/ GPRS/ M2M technology to provide cloud computing and storage of data directly from the field to cloud.
[0063] The storing the measured parameter value in the storage unit 414 and displaying the measured parameter value in the display module 412 is carried out simultaneously.
[0064] The LED indication unit 416 is configured to provide indication regarding power and measurement status of the smart measuring device 104. It can be of any variable brightness and color as per user requirement.
[0065] The alert unit 418 is configured to create notifying sound after completion of measurement of the parameters. Further, it also provides alert upon turning ON/OFF the smart measuring device 104. The alert unit 418 can generate sound of any variable decibel value as per user requirement.
[0066] The microcontroller 420 controls the operations of the smart measuring device 104 by processing the instructions from the user and communicates with other units. The microcontroller 420 may comprise at least one of ATMega series, STM, Raspberry pi, Renesas, and Texas Instrument.
[0067] In another embodiment, the measuring module 212 may be used as a standalone device for measuring the parameters with geo-location data without using the telescopic module 210. The measuring module 212 may be placed onto a column post. Further, the measuring module 212 is initiated by turning ON the power module 402. The measurement unit 408 may further comprise a sensor module (not shown in figure) that enables measurement of the parameters. Upon initiating the measurement module 212, the sensor module measures the parameter values. Thereafter, the measured parameter value is stored into the storage unit 414 and validated by the data analytics and visualization unit 202. Subsequently, the validated values are logged on to the server 106.
[0068] Fig. 5 depicts/ illustrates a comparison table of conventional measurement and smart measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0069] The term DIGEOcheck hereinafter referred to as smart measuring device 104.
[0070] The comparison table in fig. 5 depicts comparison between the conventional measurement data and smart measuring device 104 data. The measured parameter value by smart measuring device 104 data is accurate in comparison with the convention measurement. Further, the conventional measurement does not provide geo-location data. On the other hand, the smart measuring device 104 provides geo-location data in addition to the measured parameter value.
[0071] Fig. 6 depicts/ illustrates a graphical representation of conventional measurement and smart measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0072] The graph illustrates variation in measured parameter value between conventional measurement data and smart measuring device 104 data for each foundation.
[0073] Furthermore, the time taken for measuring parameter value by smart measuring device 104 is less than 1 second whereas the conventional measurement is a tedious time-consuming process.
[0074] Fig. 7 depicts/ illustrates a method of measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of Module Mounting Structure (MMS) foundation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0075] The method 700 begins with initiating a smart measuring device by turning ON a power module, as depicted at step 702. Thereafter, the method 700 discloses displaying the geo-location data in a display module upon turning ON the measuring module, as depicted at step 704. Subsequently, the method 700 discloses measuring at least one parameter using a sensor module upon turning ON a measurement unit in the measuring module, as depicted at step 706.
[0076] Thereafter, the method 700 discloses displaying the measured parameter value in the display module and save them into a storage unit, as depicted at step 708. Subsequently, the method 700 discloses transferring the saved data from the storage unit into a user device, as depicted at step 710. Thereafter, the method 700 discloses validating the measured value using a data analytics and visualization unit, as depicted at step 712. Subsequently, the method 700 discloses uploading the validated data into a server, as depicted at step 714.
[0077] The advantages of the current invention digitization and automation of parameter measurements of Module Mounting Structure foundation. More specifically, the instant distance, elevation and depth value of foundation can be measured at any time with wide range of visibility.
[0078] Further, the present invention enables real time GPS tracking of Module Mounting Structure foundation. The verification and validation of all measured values are facilitated. Furthermore, it enables security checks for verification of foundation distance, elevation and depth with respective geo-location data.
[0079] An additional advantage is that the accurate quantification of concrete for Module mounting structure foundation is achieved by using a handheld tool that enables user friendly operation.
[0080] Further, the advantages includes tracking of solar PV modules specifications as per string configuration, creation of a digital geographical map with module mounting structure and foundation locations for enhanced tracking and traceability, adoption of laser technology to locate the validated center point of the foundation or any object, complete tracking of the Module mounting structure foundation process across the vast swathes of land, monitoring the daily installation progress of module mounting structure foundations, cost savings in terms of reduced personnel deployment / error, re-verifications, poor quality etc., increased speed for module mounting structure foundation with accurate distance, elevation and depth helps in reducing the working capital required for installation for large solar projects.
[0081] Furthermore, PV module mounting structure foundation data are recorded for future tracking. On every successful reading of parameters, measured parameter value will be triggered to send to cloud for further computing. More specifically, the status of foundation with required parameter will get logged into a storage system and cloud for computing and data analysis.
[0082] Applications of the current invention include PV module mounting structure foundation applications. Additionally, it can be used in any industrial application where structure’s distance, elevation and depth and geo-location data is required to be logged.
[0083] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

 
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A smart measuring device (104), comprising:
a measuring module (212) configured to initiate at least one parameter measurement by a sensor module, wherein the measuring module (212) comprises:
a power module (402) configured to provide power supply to the smart measuring device (104);
a communication module (406) configured to receive the measured parameter value transmitted from the sensor module;
a measurement unit (408) configured to initiate the measurement of parameter value using the sensor module;
a geo-location module (410) configured to fetch a geo location data from satellite;
a display module (412) configured to display at least one of the geo-location data, and the measured parameter values;
a storage unit (414) configured to store the measured parameter values; and
a microcontroller (420) configured to control the operations of the smart measuring device (104) by processing the instructions from a user and communicates with other units.

2. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of a distance, an elevation, and a depth.

3. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geo location data comprises at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, a timestamp, and a date.

4. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a telescopic module (210) connected to a measuring module (212) by means of an interfacing cable (304), wherein the telescopic module (210) comprises:
at least one sensor module (302) configured to sense the measurement of at least one parameter of the foundation; and
a communication module (306) configured to transmit at least one measured parameter value to the measuring module (212).

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a connector slot (404) that connects the interfacing cable (304) from the telescopic module (210) to the measuring module (212);

6. The device (104) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the telescopic module (210) comprises a telescopic rod that is configured to adjust the length of the telescopic rod by the user as per requirement.

7. The device (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the telescopic rod comprises:
a top end connected with the at least one sensor module (302); and
a bottom end connected with a holder unit that enables the user to hold the telescopic module (210) firmly.

8. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor module (302) comprises at least one of IR sensor, laser-based sensor, and ultrasonic based sensor.

9. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geo-location module (410) uses at least one of GPS, GNSS, and Glonass technology.

10. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display module (412) comprises at least one of LCD module of any size and characters, touchscreen TFT, micro LED, and OLED.
11. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (414) uses at least one of GSM, GPRS, and M2M technology to provide a cloud computing and storage of measured parameter values directly from the field to cloud.

12. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a LED indication unit (416) that is configured to provide indication regarding power status and measurement status of the smart measuring device (104).

13. The device (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alert unit (418) that is configured to:
create notifying sound after completion of measurement of the parameters; and
provide alert upon turning ON/OFF the smart measuring device (104).

14. A system (104) for smart measuring, comprising:
at least one smart measuring device (104) configured to measure at least one of the parameters of a foundation, wherein the measured parameter value is transmitted to at least one user device (102);
the at least one user device (102) comprises a data analytics and visualization unit (202), wherein the data analytics and visualization unit (202) is configured to:
perform data analysis and visualization of measured parameter values;
validate measured parameter values with the predefined engineering coordinates; and
upload a validated parameter values onto a server (106) via a communication network (108).

15. A method (700) for measuring distance, elevation, depth and GPS co-ordinate tracking of foundation, comprising:
initiating a smart measuring device (104);
displaying the geo-location data in a display module (412);
measuring at least one parameter using a sensor module;
displaying the measured parameter value and saving them;
transferring the saved data from a storage unit (414) into a user device (102);
validating the measured parameter value; and
uploading the validated data into a server (106).

16. The method (700) as claimed in claim 13, comprising:
initiating the smart measuring device (104) by turning ON a power module (402);
displaying the geo-location data in a display module (412) upon turning ON the measuring module (212);
measuring at least one parameter using the sensor module upon turning ON a measurement unit (408) in the measuring module (212);
displaying the measured parameter value in the display module (412) and save them into a storage unit (414);
transferring the saved data from the storage unit (414) into the user device (102);
validating the measured value using a data analytics and visualization unit (202); and
uploading the validated data into the server (106).

17. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising providing the parameter, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of a distance, a elevation, and a depth.

18. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising providing the geo location data, wherein the geo location data comprises at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, a timestamp, and a date.

19. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising connecting a telescopic module (210) to a measuring module (212) by means of an interfacing cable (304), wherein the telescopic module (210) comprises:
sensing the measurement of at least one parameter of the foundation by means of at least one sensor module (302); and
transmitting at least one measured parameter value to the measuring module (212) by means of a communication module (306).

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, comprising connecting the interfacing cable (304) from the telescopic module (210) to the measuring module (212) by means of a connector slot (404);

21. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising configuring the telescopic module (210) wherein the telescopic module (210) comprises a telescopic rod that is configured to adjust the length of the telescopic rod by the user as per requirement.

22. The method (700) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the telescopic rod comprises:
a top end connected with the at least one sensor module (302); and
a bottom end connected with a holder unit that enables the user to hold the telescopic module (210) firmly.

23. The method (700) as claimed in claim 158, comprising providing the at least one sensor module (302), wherein the at least one sensor module (302) comprises at least one of IR sensor, laser-based sensor, and ultrasonic based sensor.

24. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising the geo-location module (410), wherein the geo-location module (410) uses at least one of GPS, GNSS, and Glonass technology.

25. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising the display module (412), wherein the display module (412) comprises at least one of LCD module of any size and characters, touchscreen TFT, micro-LED, and OLED.

26. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising the storage unit (414), wherein the storage unit (414) uses at least one of GSM, GPRS, and M2M technology to provide a cloud computing and storage of measured parameter values directly from the field to cloud.

27. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising configuring a LED indication unit (416) to provide indication regarding power status and measurement status of the smart measuring device (104).

28. The method (700) as claimed in claim 15, comprising configuring an alert unit (418) for:
creating notifying sound after completion of measurement of the parameters; and
providing alert upon turning ON/OFF the smart measuring device (104).