Voice-Controlled Shovel Display Interface for Operator Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of shovels, particularly less experienced ones, face difficulties in efficiently operating the ICT setting screen due to the need to physically interact with hardware switches, which can be cumbersome and distracting during operations.

Innovation Solution

A shovel equipped with a display device, audio input device, and a hardware processor that recognizes speech inputs, allowing operators to control the ICT setting screen through voice commands, thereby eliminating the need for manual switch operation and enhancing operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators use hardware switches to control the setting screen, then the setting can be changed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and distracting during shovel operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting screen operationVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware switch system with a voice recognition system. The audio input device captures speech commands, and the hardware processor converts and executes these voice commands to control the setting screen, eliminating the need for manual switch operations and reducing operational complexity during shovel operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an audio input device and speech recognition system as an intermediary between the operator and the setting screen control. This intermediary translates voice commands into control signals, providing a more natural and less distracting interface compared to direct hardware switch manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operators manually operate hardware switches during shovel operations, then settings can be adjusted, but the operator must release their hand from the operating lever

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidease of setting adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switch operation with voice-based control, allowing operators to adjust settings without releasing the operating lever. The voice recognition system captures commands while the operator maintains control of the shovel operations, enhancing both safety and operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the setting screen requires multiple hierarchical levels of navigation, then comprehensive settings can be accessed, but less experienced operators find it difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings accessibilityVSAvoidease of use for inexperienced operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The voice recognition system allows operators to directly command specific setting adjustments without manually navigating through hierarchical menus. The system interprets natural language commands and directly implements the corresponding settings, making the interface more intuitive and accessible to operators regardless of their experience level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11566401B2Shovel and assist device to work together with shovel

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a cab mounted on the upper turning body, a display device provided in the cab and configured to display a setting screen associated with work assistance, an audio input device provided in the cab, and a hardware processor configured to perform audio recognition. The hardware processor is configured to recognize speech input through the audio input device and executes a process related to the setting screen according to a recognition result.