Contextualizing Device Operating Procedures via State Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current troubleshooting and maintenance procedures for electromechanical devices, such as printers, are often inaccessible, text-based, and not contextualized to the specific device's configuration and status, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in application.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that contextualize operating procedures by using a device model to segment and contextualize instruction steps based on the device's current state, allowing for automated generation of user-specific assistance through natural language processing and device data integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If technical manuals are provided in digital form with graphical illustrations, then the quality of procedure description is improved, but the procedures remain generic and not contextualized to the specific device instance and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes technical manuals by segmenting procedures into discrete steps and linking them to device model components before runtime. This preliminary structuring enables dynamic contextualization when the procedure is actually executed, resolving the contradiction between having complete procedure descriptions and adapting them to specific device contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms static digital manuals into dynamic, context-aware guidance by retrieving real-time device state data and filtering/providing only the relevant procedure steps for the current device configuration and status. This makes the same manual adaptable to different device instances and states.
2Ease of operation
If contextual instructions are embedded within the device display, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but the instructions are limited to simple issues and lack detailed information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments complete technical manual procedures into discrete, manageable steps that can be displayed individually on the device screen. Each step is linked to device model components, allowing the system to provide detailed information in small, digestible portions that are easy to follow on limited display real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves procedural information from the two-dimensional device display to a multi-dimensional space that includes historical context, device state data, and detailed manual content. By separating the detailed information storage from the display presentation, the system can provide both simplicity and detail simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If users review technical documentation to find relevant procedures, then comprehensive information is available, but time is lost in searching and interpreting generic descriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from device state sensors to automatically determine which procedure steps are relevant to the current device condition. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually search through generic documentation, as the system dynamically filters and presents only the applicable steps based on actual device state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing device state data and retrieving the relevant procedure steps without user intervention. The device essentially guides itself through the troubleshooting or maintenance process by matching its current state against the procedural knowledge base, saving user time and effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If procedures use technical terminology and generic descriptions, then applicability across device families is improved, but user interpretation effort and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by associating specific technical terms from the manual with corresponding components in the device model. When a procedure step references a component, the system retrieves the actual device state and terminology for that specific component instance, making the generic procedure locally adapted to the user's specific device while maintaining overall applicability across device families.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for contextualizing operating procedures are provided. A set of procedures is provided, each including text describing user actions which are to be performed on a physical device to implement the procedure. A device model refers to components of the device on which user actions are performable and provides state charts which link an action performable on the respective component with states assumed by it. The text of each procedure is segmented to form a sequence of steps. Each step includes an action to be performed on one of the components of the device that is referred to in the device model. When a request for one of the procedures is received, the corresponding sequence of instruction steps is retrieved. A current one of the instruction steps is contextualized, based on device data received from the device and the state chart of the respective component.