Voice Activated Laboratory Control System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory environments, controlling instruments such as positioners and antennas within test chambers is inefficient due to the need for personnel to frequently exit the chamber to adjust settings or seek assistance, leading to time-consuming and costly operations.
Innovation Solution
A voice-activated laboratory environment (VALET) system that uses an audio interface to receive voice commands and transmit signals to an intermediary location, allowing computer instructions to control instruments remotely, enabling voice-controlled operation of instruments like positioners and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel manually control instruments inside the test chamber, then direct observation and adjustment are possible, but personnel must frequently exit the chamber causing time loss and operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with voice-activated electronic control. Voice commands are converted to electrical signals that directly control instrument functions, eliminating the need for personnel to physically move controls or exit the chamber. This substitution of mechanical interaction with acoustic-electronic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining full instrument control capability while eliminating time loss from chamber exits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice commands as an intermediary between the operator and instrument controls. Instead of direct manual manipulation, the operator speaks commands that are transmitted through the voice recognition system to the instruments. This intermediary allows control to be exercised from within the chamber without physical contact with controls, eliminating the need to exit and reenter the chamber.
2Productivity
If traditional manual control methods are used, then instruments can be adjusted, but the operation process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-step manual control procedures with voice-activated electronic control. Instead of navigating through physical controls, menus, and settings, operators issue natural language voice commands that directly execute instrument functions. This substitution dramatically reduces operational complexity and increases productivity by eliminating intermediate control steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice control system serves as a universal interface for controlling multiple different instruments and functions. A single voice command system can adjust settings on various instruments, change frequencies, control positioners, and access assistance, replacing the need for separate control mechanisms for each function and simplifying the overall operational complexity.
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 efficient and convenient control of laboratory instruments, reducing the need for personnel to leave the test chamber and streamlining operations by allowing voice commands to adjust settings, change frequencies, or seek assistance without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an audio interface configured to receive voice commands
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for implementation and use of voice activated laboratory environments (VALET) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a VALET controls a first instrument in a first location, and has, in acoustic proximity to the first location, an audio interface configured to receive voice commands, to enunciate responses to the voice commands, and to transmit a first signal responsive to a first voice command to an intermediary location. The VALET also includes a computer configured to receive a computer instruction from the intermediary location, the computer instruction configuring the computer to select and issue an instrument command to cause the first instrument to effectuate the voice command.