Voice-Controlled Overhead Hoist Transport Under Signal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead hoist transports in semiconductor production sites face inefficiencies and safety risks due to signal interference, leading to delayed control and increased personnel risk during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A voice control system for overhead hoist transport that includes a sound receiving unit, database unit, voiceprint extracting unit, and processing unit, allowing for immediate control through voice commands and authorized user verification, enhancing flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote controllers (IR or WiFi communication) are used to control OHT, then control functionality is provided, but signal interference causes delayed control and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic signal-based remote control (IR/WiFi) with acoustic wave-based voice control. The sound receiving unit captures voice commands through acoustic waves, which are less susceptible to the types of signal interference affecting electromagnetic communications in semiconductor production environments. This substitution fundamentally changes the control medium from electromagnetic to acoustic, resolving the interference problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice commands as an intermediary control mechanism between the operator and the OHT system. The sound receiving unit, voiceprint extracting unit, and processing unit work together to translate voice commands into control actions, providing a reliable communication channel that bypasses the signal interference issues plaguing traditional remote controllers.
2Speed
If voice control system is implemented, then control speed and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit serves multiple functions: it processes voice commands, performs voiceprint recognition for authentication, determines control intentions, and translates commands into OHT control signals. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional unit, the patent achieves rapid control response without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice control system performs self-authentication through voiceprint recognition. The voiceprint extracting unit automatically compares captured voiceprints against stored templates, and the processing unit autonomously determines whether authentication succeeds without requiring manual verification. This self-service capability speeds up control response while keeping the system architecture manageable.
3Reliability
If voiceprint recognition is added for authorized user verification, then security is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Voiceprint templates of authorized users are pre-stored in the database unit before actual control operations. When a voice command is received, the system quickly compares the captured voiceprint against these pre-prepared templates rather than creating and verifying authentication data in real-time. This preliminary preparation of authentication data dramatically reduces verification time while maintaining security.
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 timely control of overhead hoist transports, reducing production inefficiencies and personnel risks by allowing flexible and secure voice-controlled operations in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sound receiving unit (710) that is disposed on the housing (100) for receiving an ambient sound
Data Source
AI summary
A voice control method of an overhead hoist transport (OHT) includes some steps as follows. An ambient sound is received. A determination is made as whether the ambient sound is any of control commands for controlling an OHT. If the ambient sound is one of the control commands for controlling the OHT, a determination is made as whether the control command is for immediately stopping the OHT. If the control command is for immediately stopping the OHT, the OHT is immediately stopped according to the control command, otherwise, a determination is made as whether a voiceprint pattern of the ambient sound matches a preset voiceprint pattern of an authorized user. If the voiceprint pattern matches the preset voiceprint pattern, the OHT is instructed to perform a move corresponding to the control command.