Visual Procedure Documentation System with Free-Form Text Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software and systems for documenting processes are limited in the length of text that can be entered, requiring operators to spend time looking up instructions and maintaining separate manual logs, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that receives visual operation information in a graphical format and free-form text descriptions, converting them into a data container language for interactive step-by-step process management, allowing for real-time monitoring, automatic execution, and regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional software limits text length in procedure documentation, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but operators must spend time looking up instructions and maintaining separate manual logs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the procedure documentation system with free-form text entry capabilities and automatic log generation functions into a single integrated system. This merging eliminates the need for operators to maintain separate manual logs and look up instructions in external references, directly resolving the time loss issue without requiring multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a natural language processing intermediary that translates operator free-form text descriptions into structured procedure documentation and automatic log entries. This intermediary layer allows the system to accept simple user input while automatically generating comprehensive documentation, reducing both time loss and perceived complexity
2Reliability
If conventional systems require separate manual log books, then the documentation system remains simple, but error-prone manual recording is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating procedure logs and documentation from the free-form text descriptions provided by operators. The system autonomously structures the information, creates timestamps, and maintains records without requiring manual transcription, thereby eliminating human error in documentation while keeping the interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual log writing and documentation with an automated computational system. The natural language processing and automatic log generation mechanisms substitute for the physical act of writing in log books, significantly improving reliability while presenting a simple text-entry interface to operators
3Ease of operation
If lengthy text descriptions are allowed in procedure documentation, then operator guidance is improved, but data processing and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lengthy free-form text descriptions into structured components using natural language processing. The system divides the text into procedure steps, parameters, observations, and conclusions, storing each segment in appropriate data structures. This segmentation maintains the comprehensive guidance quality while optimizing data storage and processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for describing a process visually, converting the visual description to an intermediate format, and directing the process.