PLC Voice Control Using CMS Audio Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require manual input methods for control commands, which are cumbersome and inefficient, often necessitating multiple user interactions to navigate menus and execute desired commands.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a condition monitoring system (CMS) with a microphone input to process voice commands, utilizing existing CMS hardware to convert analog microphone data into digital audio files, enabling direct voice control of PLCs through a central processing unit (CPU) analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control devices with display and menus are used, then control commands can be executed, but multiple user inputs are necessary making the operation cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction with display menus and buttons with a voice-based acoustic input system. The microphone captures voice commands that are converted to text and processed by the PLC, eliminating the need for manual navigation through menus and multiple button presses, thereby significantly improving ease of operation and reducing the time required to execute control commands.
2Productivity
If voice control is implemented in PLC, then operation efficiency is improved, but additional hardware components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing CMS hardware multi-functional by enabling it to process both its original condition monitoring data and voice command inputs through the same analog-to-digital conversion pathway. The microphone input is routed through the CMS's A/D converter, allowing the existing hardware infrastructure to serve dual purposes without requiring dedicated voice processing components, thus improving productivity while minimizing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing CMS hardware is used for voice input, then device complexity is reduced, but the CMS must process both condition data and microphone data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality in the CMS by enabling it to adapt its processing role based on the input source. The CMS dynamically switches between processing condition monitoring data from sensors and processing voice commands from the microphone, both routed through its analog-to-digital conversion system. This dynamic adaptability allows the CMS to handle multiple data types without requiring separate dedicated processing paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates simple and efficient voice-controlled operation of PLCs by leveraging existing CMS components, allowing direct voice command execution without additional hardware changes.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone input, configured for providing microphone data
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable logic controller (PLC) with voice control includes a CPU configured to run an application program, a condition monitoring system (CMS) configured to provide condition data of an industrial unit, a microphone input for providing microphone data, the microphone input connected with the CMS, which is configured to receive the microphone data, determine an audio file using the received microphone data, and provide the audio file to the CPU; wherein the application program is configured to determine a control command for the PLC using the provided audio file.