Voice-Controlled PCB Conductive Path Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current design support tools for editing conductive paths on PCBs are inefficient, requiring users to manually move a cursor to input numerical values for path width changes, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

An editing support apparatus that includes a first converter for input device operations and a second converter for voice commands, allowing users to update conductive paths directly through voice inputs, streamlining the editing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cursor movement and keyboard input are used to change conductive path width, then editing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductive path editing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for cursor movement and input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of moving a pointing device cursor with voice-based acoustic input. Users speak commands like 'change width to 0.5mm' instead of manually navigating the cursor to input fields, converting mechanical pointing operations into acoustic signal processing that directly triggers editing actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces voice recognition software as an intermediary between the user and the CAD system. This mediator converts spoken commands into executable editing operations, eliminating the need for direct manual interaction with the graphical interface and input fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If voice commands are used for editing conductive paths, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional converters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductive path editing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure with multiple converters

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the input system universal by accepting multiple types of input through different converters. The first converter handles traditional pointing device operations while the second converter processes voice commands, allowing the same editing function to be accessed through whichever input method the user prefers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic input system where the conversion method adapts based on the command type. The system can switch between pointing device conversion and voice signal conversion depending on what the user provides, making the interface flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230409787A1Design support apparatus and method for supporting editing of electric circuit

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 ZUKEN

AI summary

An editing support apparatus for supporting editing of an electric circuit, includes a first converter configured to convert an operation on a contact type input device into a first command, a second converter configured to convert a voice signal into a second command, and an editing unit configured to update the electric circuit in accordance with the first command and the second command. The editing unit updates a conductive path that forms a part of the electric circuit in accordance with the second command provided from the second converter when editing the conductive path.