Industrial Voice Assistant for Concurrent Machine Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial machine interfaces do not allow users to input additional commands while a process is executing, requiring extensive training and manual effort, limiting the ability to control multiple machines simultaneously and monitor status information without visual attention.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent industrial assistant that receives natural language inputs, allowing users to command and query industrial machines while processes are running, providing responses and managing alarms, enabling asynchronous communication and reducing the need for manual input and training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical interface (keyboard, keypad) is used to control industrial machines, then the machine can be controlled and processes can be initiated, but the controller cannot receive additional commands while a process is executing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer between the user and the machine controller. This intermediary system receives natural language inputs from users and translates them into machine commands, allowing concurrent command reception even when the machine controller is occupied with executing processes. The intermediary acts as a buffer that decouples the user interface from the controller's processing constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical physical interface (keyboard, keypad) with an acoustic interface using voice recognition technology. This substitution allows users to input commands through speech rather than physical manipulation, enabling continuous command input without being constrained by the controller's processing capacity or the mechanical limitations of physical interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If traditional physical interfaces are used for machine control, then direct control is achieved, but extensive training is required and manual effort is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical interfaces with an acoustic voice recognition interface. This eliminates the need for users to learn specific keyboard layouts, keypad sequences, or physical manipulation techniques for different machines. Users can naturally speak commands in everyday language, dramatically reducing training time while maintaining direct control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice recognition interface provides a universal control method that works across different machine types and manufacturers. Instead of requiring separate training for each machine's specific physical interface, a single voice-based system provides consistent, intuitive control for all machines, reducing overall training requirements and improving ease of operation.
3Loss of information
If visual displays (screen, indicator lights) are used to show machine status, then information is provided, but the user cannot receive status information while looking elsewhere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display systems with an acoustic feedback system using voice synthesis. Instead of requiring users to look at screens or indicator lights to receive machine status information, the system speaks status updates, alarm conditions, and process information aloud. This allows users to receive complete status information while maintaining visual attention on the factory floor or performing other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic feedback system acts as an intermediary that translates visual machine status data into audible information. This intermediary layer converts data from the machine's visual display systems into spoken language, delivering the same information through a different sensory modality that does not require visual attention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machine interfaces are used, then each machine can be controlled independently, but users cannot control or monitor multiple machines simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal voice-based control system that can address and control multiple different machines through a single interface. The system can distinguish between different machines and issue specific commands to each, or provide coordinated control across multiple machines. This eliminates the need for users to physically move between machines or learn multiple separate interfaces, enabling simultaneous control and monitoring of multiple machines through natural speech.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for communication with an intelligent industrial assistant and industrial machine. The method may include receiving a first natural language input from a user. The first natural language input may be associated with a first command for an industrial machine to perform a first process. The industrial machine may be instructed to perform the first process based on the first natural language input. A second natural language input may be received from the user while the industrial machine is performing the first process. A first response may be determined based on the second natural language input. Communication of the first response to the user may be initiated while the industrial machine is performing the first process. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.