Automated Machine Configuration via OCR Image Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field service engineers face inefficiencies and errors in configuring diagnostic devices for machines due to the manual and time-consuming process of collecting and entering machine properties, which can lead to delayed and inaccurate setup, especially when dealing with multiple machines.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that captures images of machine nameplates, extracts text using OCR, and matches the data with a repository to retrieve and apply corresponding configuration settings, integrating image processing and template libraries for quick and accurate configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data collection and entry from machine nameplates is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human verification, but configuration time increases significantly and error rates rise when dealing with multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing down and typing data with an automated optical character recognition (OCR) system. The OCR technology captures images of machine nameplates and automatically extracts text data, eliminating the need for manual data collection and entry. This substitution dramatically reduces configuration time while maintaining accuracy through automated data transfer to the condition monitoring system.
2Reliability
If manual configuration process is used, then engineers can verify data accuracy, but error rates increase due to repetitive manual entry tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template copying where a master configuration template is created once and then automatically replicated across multiple machines. The OCR-extracted data from nameplates is mapped to this template, allowing rapid deployment of consistent configurations across numerous machines without manual re-entry. This copying approach ensures uniformity and reduces errors while significantly improving productivity.
3Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented, then configuration time is reduced and productivity increases, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration system that handles multiple machine types and nameplate formats through a single integrated platform. The OCR engine and template system are designed to be agnostic to specific machine types, allowing the same system to configure diverse equipment. This universality reduces implementation complexity compared to creating separate systems for each machine type while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for a machine configuration. In an embodiment, an image capture device 110 captures an image associated with a machine 135. A diagnostic device 120 receives the image and extracts data from the image that identifies the machine. Once the machine 135 is identified associated configuration data is used to configure the diagnostic device 120.