Work Machine Conversation Detection for Activation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sound generated by work machines hinders successful communication between the operator and individuals around the machine, disrupting conversations.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with external sound collection devices and information transmission devices, including microphones and light bars, to facilitate communication by detecting and conveying the direction of sound sources and machine states, with a processor controlling the activation of the machine based on conversation status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the work machine operates normally without restrictions, then productivity and machine utilization are improved, but noise from the machine hinders communication between the operator and surrounding individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of conversation states using microphones and speech recognition before the noise becomes problematic. When a conversation is detected, the system proactively restricts machine activation in advance, preventing the harmful noise effect from occurring while maintaining productivity during non-conversation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the acoustic environment using microphones and speech recognition algorithms to detect conversation states. This feedback loop allows the control unit to dynamically adjust machine activation based on real-time conversation detection, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and preventing noise interference
2Reliability
If the machine restricts activation during conversations, then communication quality is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts machine activation restrictions based on the detected conversation state. During detected conversations, the system applies activation restrictions to ensure communication quality. When no conversation is detected, the system immediately恢复正常 operation to maintain productivity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the restriction temporary and context-dependent rather than permanent
3Adaptability or versatility
If speech recognition and conversation detection systems are added to the work machine, then communication support capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls machine activation for productivity management, processes speech recognition data for conversation detection, and implements communication support features. By making the control unit multi-functional, the system adds communication capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the work machine's existing audio output (announcements, operation sounds) as the acoustic basis for speech recognition and conversation detection. This self-service approach allows the machine to use its own operational sounds for detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware and reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a lower traveling body; an upper slewing body slewably mounted on the lower traveling body; a cabin mounted on the upper slewing body and configured to be boarded by an operator of a work machine; and a processor, and a memory storing instructions that cause the processor to execute a process. The process includes acquiring, from a speech button, a camera, or a microphone, information related to a situation of a conversation between the operator and a person around the work machine; and receiving an output of the speech button, the camera, or the microphone, wherein the receiving includes restricting activation of the work machine when a conversation is being held between the operator and the person around the work machine.