Context-Aware Operator Support Using LLM and Vector Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine operator support systems lack context-aware, personalized assistance, struggle with high complexity of modern machinery, and fail to integrate real-time machine data and operator feedback, leading to prolonged downtimes and inefficient problem resolution.

Innovation Solution

A context-aware machine operator support system utilizing a large language model and two specialized vector databases to provide tailored responses by integrating context information, historical data, and operator feedback, optimizing queries for relevant information retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional troubleshooting methods (printed manuals, personal experience) are used, then operators can access information without complex technology, but the time required to resolve problems increases and machine downtime extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproblem resolution timeVSAvoidsupport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical information delivery methods (printed manuals, face-to-face knowledge transfer) with an intelligent digital system. The system uses natural language processing and automated information retrieval to substitute the manual troubleshooting process, significantly reducing resolution time while maintaining ease of use through intuitive interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary intelligent system that acts as a mediator between operators and the vast repository of technical information. This intermediary automatically retrieves, synthesizes, and delivers relevant troubleshooting information, eliminating the need for operators to manually search through complex documentation or rely on colleague availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operators rely on personal experience or colleague assistance, then no advanced technology is needed, but knowledge transfer becomes inconsistent especially during off-hours or with high staff turnover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknowledge consistencyVSAvoidsupport system automation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable human-dependent knowledge transfer system with an automated intelligent system. This system consistently retrieves and delivers accurate troubleshooting information based on machine data and documented procedures, eliminating variability associated with human memory, availability, and experience levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to automatically retrieve, analyze, and generate troubleshooting recommendations without human intervention. The intelligent system serves itself by continuously learning from machine data and feedback, maintaining consistent knowledge delivery across all operating conditions including off-hours and high-turnover environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If general digital solutions are implemented, then access to information improves, but context-aware personalized assistance is still lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext-aware capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the information delivery to the specific context of each situation. The system analyzes machine-specific data, operator role, and problem characteristics to deliver customized troubleshooting guidance rather than generic information, making the system highly adaptable to local conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the system continuously adaptive through machine learning. The system evolves its responses based on feedback from operators and actual machine data, dynamically adjusting its knowledge base and recommendation strategies to improve context-awareness over time without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive machine data integration is implemented, then problem diagnosis accuracy improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the most relevant features and data points from comprehensive machine data streams. Rather than processing all available data, the intelligent system identifies and focuses on critical parameters related to the specific problem, reducing processing complexity while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms raw machine data into meaningful diagnostic parameters through intelligent processing. The system changes the state of data from raw sensor readings to contextualized diagnostic information, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through automated parameter transformation and selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4703903A1Context-aware machine operator support system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4703903A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703903A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4703903A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a context-aware machine operator support system comprising a large language model, a first vector database for storing rated question/answer pairs, a second vector database for storing domain-specific document chunks, and a graphical user interface. The system is configured to receive context information related to a machine operator's environment, use the context information to restrict a search context and optimize a query for relevant information, retrieve information from the first and/or the second vector databases based on the optimized query, and generate, using the large language model, a response to the machine operator's query based on the retrieved information and the context information.