Adaptive Machine Interface Control Using Operator Behavior Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine systems lack an efficient and adaptive interplay with operators, as they do not effectively utilize operator behavior data to tailor information presentation and alert mechanisms, leading to suboptimal operator-machine interaction.

Innovation Solution

A machine system with a computing system connected to multiple machines, featuring operator detection units and human-machine interfaces that collect and analyze operator behavior data to selectively present machine information, tasks, and alerts based on operator habits and proximity, using various interfaces such as panels and loudspeakers, and adapting information presentation based on the operator's identity and distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the machine system presents all machine information to the operator through human-machine interfaces, then the operator receives complete information, but the energy consumption increases and operator efficiency decreases due to information overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operator behavior data through detection units and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust information presentation. The computing system analyzes operator state (attention level, task complexity) and selectively presents only relevant information through human-machine interfaces, avoiding information overload while maintaining completeness of essential information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Different types of information are presented with different levels of detail and prominence based on their relevance to the operator's current task and state. Critical information receives prominent presentation while less urgent information is suppressed or presented in condensed form, creating a differentiated information presentation strategy that reduces overall information volume while maintaining essential completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the machine system continuously presents information through all human-machine interfaces, then the operator has constant access to information, but the energy consumption increases and operator efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidoperator efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous information presentation, the system uses periodic updates triggered by operator behavior changes or task transitions. Information is presented at appropriate intervals based on operator state monitoring, ensuring availability when needed while avoiding constant interruptions that would reduce efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The information presentation system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time operator state. Human-machine interfaces are activated or deactivated, and information types are adjusted according to the operator's current task, attention level, and performance state, creating a flexible system that adapts to operational requirements rather than following a fixed presentation schedule.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the machine system uses operator behavior data to selectively present information, then operator efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing system performs multiple functions: it monitors operator behavior, analyzes behavioral patterns, determines operator state, selects appropriate information, and controls human-machine interface activation. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single system component rather than requiring separate systems for each function, making the added complexity more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The computing system acts as an intermediary between operator detection units and human-machine interfaces. It processes raw operator behavior data, interprets it to determine operator state, and translates this into controlled information presentation. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic rather than requiring direct connections between all detection units and all interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4009123B1Method of operating a machine system and machine system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 UNITED GRINDING GRP MANAGEMENT AG
  • EP4009123B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009123B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4009123B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of operating a machine system (1) comprising a plurality of machines (2). Said machines (2) are in particular machine tool devices with numerical control, NC, or programmable logic controller, PLC, control systems and are connected to a computing system (3) of the machine system (1). The machine system (1) further comprises human-machine-interfaces (8; 9; 10; 11) to present machine (2) information and at least one operator detection unit (6; 7). Said operator detection unit (6; 7) detects a machine operator (4) being in the proximity of a machine (2) and/or walking past a machine (2) and collects operator behavior data (5). The operator detection unit (6; 7) sends the collected operator behavior data (5) to the computing system (3) which selects information to be presented to the machine operator (4) in dependence on the operator behavior data (5) and selects at least one of the human-machine-interfaces (8; 9; 10; 11) to present said information. Finally, the respective human-machine-interfaces (8; 9; 10; 11) present the selected information.