PLC Voice Command Input Through CMS Audio Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require multiple user inputs to execute control commands, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a microphone input with the condition monitoring system (CMS) to process voice commands, utilizing existing CMS hardware to convert analog microphone data into digital audio files, which are then used by the CPU to determine control commands through speech recognition algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 process cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of control command inputVSAvoidtime for executing control command

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input operations (button presses, menu navigation) with voice-based acoustic input. The microphone captures voice commands which are converted to digital audio files and processed by speech recognition algorithms, substituting the mechanical interaction paradigm with an acoustic one that requires fewer steps and less time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces voice recognition software and speech-to-text conversion as an intermediary between the user and the PLC control system. This intermediary layer translates natural language voice commands into executable control commands, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through menu structures and reducing the number of input operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If voice control functionality is added to PLC, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of control command inputVSAvoidcomplexity of PLC system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing CMS hardware components (microphone input, A/D converter) serve multiple functions - their original condition monitoring role and the new voice command input role. The A/D converter processes both vibration sensor data for condition monitoring and microphone data for voice recognition, eliminating the need for separate dedicated voice input hardware and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the PLC's existing processing capabilities and hardware resources to handle voice recognition tasks. The CPU that already exists for PLC control is utilized to process audio files and execute speech recognition algorithms, rather than requiring a separate dedicated processing unit, thereby avoiding additional hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated voice recognition hardware is added, then voice control capability is achieved, but hardware modifications are extensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice command input capabilityVSAvoidease of PLC implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves voice control capability by making the existing CMS hardware components serve dual purposes. The microphone input and A/D converter that originally handled vibration sensor data now also process audio signals from microphones, allowing voice recognition functionality to be added without extensive hardware modifications or dedicated voice input components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables simple and efficient voice command input for PLCs, allowing for direct processing or output of control commands without the need for extensive hardware modifications or additional inputs.

Implementation Method 1

The CMS comprises an analog-digital-converter, A/D-converter, wherein the A/D-converter is configured to determine the audio file using the received microphone data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4293440A1Programmable logic controller with voice control

Publication Date: 2023.12.20 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a programmable logic controller, PLC, (100) with voice control, comprising: a central processing unit, CPU, (20) wherein the CPU (20) is configured to run an application program; a condition monitoring system, CMS, (10) wherein the CMS (10) is configured to provide condition data of an industrial unit; a microphone input (50), configured for providing microphone data (DM); characterized in that the microphone input (50) is connected with the CMS (10), wherein the CMS (10) is configured to: receive the microphone data (DM), determine an audio file (F) using the received microphone data (DM), and provide the audio file (F) to CPU; wherein the application program is configured to determine a control command (C) for the PLC (100) using the provided audio file (F). plant.