VR System for Remote SST Maintenance via Virtual Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sending technicians to diagnose and repair systems like Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) is costly and often requires additional experienced technicians, leading to delays and unavailability of SSTs for customer access.
Innovation Solution
A Virtual Reality (VR) system for maintenance and repair is established, allowing technicians to interactively manipulate 3D virtual representations of SSTs within a VR session, enabling remote collaboration and real-time guidance for troubleshooting and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If technicians are sent to diagnose and repair SSTs, then repair capability is provided, but travel costs and time are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SST and the physical environment in a VR simulation. Technicians can diagnose and repair the virtual SST remotely, eliminating the need to travel to the physical location. The virtual model replicates all diagnostic and repair functions of the actual SST, allowing complete remote servicing while saving travel time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The VR simulation acts as an intermediary between the technician and the physical SST. Instead of direct interaction requiring physical presence, the technician interacts with the virtual SST through the VR environment, which mediates the diagnostic and repair processes. This intermediary enables remote expertise while eliminating travel requirements.
2Reliability
If experienced technicians are brought in to help, then problem-solving capability improves, but repair time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VR simulation merges multiple technicians into the same virtual space, allowing them to collaborate simultaneously on the same problem. Experienced technicians can guide less experienced ones, or multiple experts can work on different aspects of the problem at the same time. This combination maintains high problem-solving capability while reducing delays through parallel collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The VR environment serves as a communication intermediary that enables real-time collaboration between technicians regardless of their physical locations. Multiple technicians can join the same VR session, share observations, and coordinate actions without the delays associated with sequential troubleshooting or physical travel between locations.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If technicians travel to SST locations, then on-site diagnosis is achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a precise virtual copy of the SST and its operating environment that replicates all diagnostic functions. Sensors and data from the physical SST are integrated into the virtual model, allowing technicians to perform complete on-site diagnosis remotely. This virtual replica eliminates the need for physical travel while maintaining full diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel with a digital VR-based diagnostic system. Instead of technicians physically traveling to SST locations, they use VR technology to access and diagnose the virtual SST model. This substitution eliminates travel costs while maintaining on-site diagnostic accuracy through the virtual representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A Virtual Reality (VR) system and method are provided that facilitates diagnosing and solving problems associated with a terminal. A VR session is established and a VA room rendered for participants. Files describing and program instructions for interactively manipulating the terminal are loaded into the VR room. At least one component piece of the SST is manipulated based on direction provided by a VR input device operated by a participant during the VR session.