Chat-Based Process Control Interface for Intuitive Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control methods require in-depth knowledge and training, making it difficult for new users to control processes effectively without guidance from experienced employees.
Innovation Solution
A program product that converts process plans into a chat-based interface, allowing users to interact through messages with virtual and real communication participants, utilizing chatbots that can learn and assist in process control, enabling intuitive control without extensive knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional process control software is used with workflow diagrams and structured interfaces, then process control functionality is achieved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for extensive training and in-depth process knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual workflow interface (diagrams, buttons, structured menus) with a conversational text-based interface. Users interact with the process control system through natural language chat messages rather than navigating complex graphical interfaces, thereby substituting a mechanically complex interaction model with a linguistically simple one that leverages human natural communication abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chatbot as an intermediary between the user and the process control system. The chatbot translates natural language user inputs into structured control commands and process actions, mediating the interaction between the simple conversational interface and the complex underlying process control logic, thus shielding users from interface complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If experienced employees provide direct instruction to new users, then process control accuracy is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to the time-consuming training requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the chatbot automatically provides context-aware guidance, suggestions, and corrections to users during process control operations. Instead of requiring external training from experienced employees, the system itself serves as the instructor, delivering just-in-time guidance based on the current process state and user actions, thereby enabling new users to achieve reliable process control without formal training programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The chatbot continuously monitors user actions and process state, providing real-time feedback in conversational form. When users make incorrect decisions or miss critical process information, the chatbot verbally guides them back on track, ensuring process control accuracy is maintained through continuous adaptive feedback rather than upfront training.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive process information is presented to users through traditional interfaces, then complete awareness of process decisions is achieved, but information overload and complexity increase making it harder for users to follow and intervene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic information presentation where the chatbot adaptively adjusts the amount and type of process information provided based on the current situation, user needs, and process criticality. Rather than presenting static comprehensive information that overwhelms users, the system dynamically generates context-relevant conversational messages that provide complete necessary information in an easily digestible format, optimizing both information completeness and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are known for controlling processes using control software which keeps different control elements ready at the same time. In this respect, the process of suppressing or putting control elements out of service if the control elements are not available is likewise known. The invention is to be improved, however, in that control elements and decisions are given to the user such that an intuitive use is facilitated, and the user is guided through the control of a process. For this purpose, a process control is carried out via a program product, which is represented as a chat. The user and the program product act as communication participants, wherein the planned process is controlled by control commands which are requested in the course of the chat and entered or selected in response thereto.