Machine-Side Speech Logging for Maintenance Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of production and processing machines, particularly in gear machining, leads to higher maintenance and repair challenges due to complex assembly and strict quality and time requirements, necessitating easier and more efficient methods for processing and evaluating maintenance or repair information.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a processing machine with numerically controlled drives, a machine control system, a computer, a microphone, and speech recognition software that converts analog voice inputs into digital inputs for easy storage and evaluation, allowing for real-time voice recordings during maintenance or repair without manual intervention, and enabling automated processing and evaluation through wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual entry methods are used for maintenance information, then data can be recorded, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical entry methods with voice-based acoustic input. Maintenance personnel can speak maintenance information into a microphone, which is then converted to text and stored in the database, eliminating the need for manual typing or form filling and significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service recording where the maintenance personnel themselves capture the maintenance information through voice input without requiring assistance from data entry clerks or other support staff, allowing them to document maintenance activities in real-time as they perform tasks.
2Loss of information
If detailed maintenance records are created, then information completeness is improved, but processing and evaluation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses speech recognition technology to automatically convert voice recordings into structured text data that is directly stored in the database with associated metadata such as timestamps, machine identifiers, and maintenance personnel information. This automated conversion process handles the complexity of data structuring without increasing operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of maintenance information in multiple formats and locations simultaneously. Voice recordings are converted to text, stored in the central database, and can be replicated across different access points and formats, ensuring information completeness while simplifying retrieval and evaluation through standardized digital copies.
3Ease of operation
If voice recording systems are implemented, then manual entry is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the voice recording and speech recognition functionality into the existing machine control system or computer infrastructure. The microphone, speech recognition software, and database storage utilize components that may already be present in the manufacturing environment, allowing the voice-based maintenance recording system to perform multiple functions including hands-free operation, automatic transcription, and structured data storage without requiring entirely separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Device (200) comprising - a processing machine (100) comprising several numerically controlled drives, - a machine control (50) designed to control the drives, - a computer (10), - a microphone (111), - speech recognition software (SW) designed to translate an analog speech input (Sp) made by means of the at least one microphone (111) into a digital speech input, wherein the device (200) comprises a memory (11) for storing the digital speech inputs (SpD).