Interactive Schematic Hot Spots for Machinery Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

The industrial sector faces challenges in training, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex machinery due to the lack of skilled employees and the complexity introduced by microprocessor technology, leading to significant downtime and inefficiencies in understanding and repairing equipment from different manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

The integration of machine-related schematics with digital media such as photos, videos, and databases within a computer-based system, utilizing graphical user interfaces and active regions or 'hot spots' to provide comprehensive and universal access to information, allowing users to select machine events and link to relevant files for training, repair, and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If schematic symbols are used to represent machine components, then information clarity and universality are improved, but the ability of workers to understand and translate symbols to actual parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation clarityVSAvoidsymbol translation ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the schematic diagram that can be displayed on computer screens and interacted with electronically. This digital copy preserves the clarity of schematic symbols while allowing workers to access additional information and training materials that bridge the gap between abstract symbols and physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer-based system as an intermediary between the schematic diagram and the worker. This system provides hot spots, hyperlinks, and multimedia content that act as a bridge, helping workers translate schematic symbols to actual machine parts through guided interactions, animations, and training modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If complex machinery with microprocessor technology is used, then automation and functionality are improved, but the complexity of training and troubleshooting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoidtraining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex troubleshooting and training process into manageable components through the use of hot spots on schematic diagrams. Each hot spot represents a specific component or function that can be explored independently, allowing workers to break down complex systems into smaller, more understandable units with targeted training content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a digital/visual dimension to traditional troubleshooting by displaying schematic diagrams on computer screens with interactive hot spots. This transforms the flat, static troubleshooting process into a multi-dimensional experience that includes animations, videos, and hyperlinked information, making complex microprocessor-controlled systems more comprehensible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If workers rely on schematic symbols without additional training, then information universality is improved, but equipment downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation universalityVSAvoidequipment downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares training materials, troubleshooting guides, and component information in advance and makes them readily accessible through the computer-based system. Workers can access pre-prepared animations, videos, and step-by-step procedures before actually encountering problems, reducing the time needed for troubleshooting and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an interactive feedback mechanism where workers can click on hot spots to receive immediate information, troubleshooting steps, and training content related to specific components. This real-time feedback loop allows workers to quickly resolve issues without prolonged downtime while maintaining the universality of schematic symbols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8401675B2Methods and systems for machine-related information delivery
Publication Date: 2013.03.19 TELEMEDIA LLC
  • US8401675B2 patent drawing
  • US8401675B2 patent drawing
  • US8401675B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for training, maintenance, trouble-shooting and repair of machinery and equipment.