Mobile Machine Procedure Simulation for Remote Operator Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators often lack access to the latest equipment procedures and permits, leading to safety concerns and compliance issues when maintaining or operating industrial equipment, especially in remote settings where physical copies may not be available or up-to-date.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing equipment procedures and permits to mobile devices using a synchronization module, which retrieves and displays the most current procedures and permits via a reference code, along with interactive simulations to train operators on proper usage and safety protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical copies of equipment procedures and permits are provided to operators, then operators can access procedure information, but operators in remote settings cannot access the latest procedures and permits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronic copies of equipment procedures and permits stored on mobile devices instead of physical copies. The system synchronizes procedure data to mobile devices, allowing operators to access the latest procedures electronically regardless of their location, thereby resolving the contradiction between having physical copies available and accessing current information in remote settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators use mobile devices to access procedures, then operators can access procedures in remote settings, but operators may not have the latest procedures and permits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of procedure data to mobile devices before operators need to access them in remote settings. The synchronization module updates procedure information in advance, ensuring that operators have the latest procedures and permits stored locally on their devices before they go to remote locations, thus maintaining both accessibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a synchronization mechanism that provides feedback between the central database and mobile devices. When procedures are updated in the central database, the system automatically synchronizes these updates to mobile devices, ensuring that operators always have access to the latest information while maintaining accessibility in remote settings.
3Ease of operation
If comprehensive equipment procedures are provided to operators, then operators can perform maintenance tasks, but operators may misuse equipment due to lack of understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces interactive simulations as an intermediary between the procedure text and the operator. These simulations provide a safe virtual environment where operators can practice procedures and see consequences of actions before performing them on actual equipment, thereby reducing misuse while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary training through interactive simulations before operators perform actual maintenance tasks. Operators can practice procedures in a virtual environment, understand potential consequences, and gain confidence before working with real equipment, thus preventing misuse while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
For machine procedure simulation , a synchronization module stores a plurality of equipment procedures in a procedure database. Each equipment procedure corresponds to an equipment instance of a plurality of equipment instances and each equipment instance corresponds to an equipment reference code. The synchronization module further synchronizes the plurality of equipment procedures to a mobile device. A retrieval module receives a first equipment reference code at the mobile device and retrieves a first equipment procedure indexed to the first equipment reference code. The first equipment procedure includes a machine simulation for the first equipment instance. A training module receives a procedure step directed to the machine simulation. In addition, the training module displays an operator simulation interacting with the machine simulation in response to the procedure step.