Audio feedback control for manufacturing processes

• US 6,188,967 B1
• Filed: 05/27/1998
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Lew, John Stephen, Levanoni, Menachem, Kurtzberg, Jerome M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Isen, Forester W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PENDLETON, BRIAN T
• Application Number:
  US09/085,061
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 702/84, 702/182
• US Class Current: 702/84
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L

Abstract

An arrangement and a method for the utilization of audio signals as a feedback mechanism which is employed for the controlling of manufacturing processes; particularly for monitoring the process parameters and operating conditions.

Claims

1. An arrangement for generating and transmitting audio feedback signals to a user, each being indicative of at least one specific parameter range or operating condition of a manufacturing process;

said arrangement comprising;

(a) means for implementing said manufacturing process;

(b) means operatively connected to said process implementing means for controlling the at least one parameter or operating condition of said manufacturing process; and

(c) means for generating a plurality of audibly distinct audio signals each representative of a specific process parameter range or operating condition, said signal generating means transmitting said audio feedback signals to said user, whereby a fluctuation of said audio signals indicative of a deviation from said process parameter range or operating condition enables said user to implement a corrective action to said manufacturing process.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said process implementing means comprises a worktool or processing implement.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said process controlling means comprises a sensor for sensing said specific process parameter range or operating condition, and a computer having said at least one process parameter range or operating condition of said manufacturing process stored in a memory.

4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said computer includes a keyboard adapted to be operated by said user for correcting said specific process parameter range or operative condition responsive to deviations thereof ascertained through said audio feedback signals.

5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein visual signal generating means is operatively connected to said process controlling means for generating visual feedback signals representative of said specific process parameter range or operating condition.

6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said visual signal generating means is selectively operable in conjunction with said audio signal generating means.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said visual signal generating means comprises a visual display.

8. A method for generating and transmitting audio feedback signals to a user, each being indicative of at least one specific parameter range or operating condition of a manufacturing process;

said method comprising;

(a) implementing said manufacturing process;

(b) controlling said process so as to maintain the at least one parameter or operating condition of said manufacturing process; and

(c) generating a plurality of audibly distinct audio signals each representative of a specific process parameter range or operating condition, and transmitting said audio feedback signals to said user, whereby a fluctuation of said audio signals indicative of a deviation from said process parameter range or operating condition enables said user to implement a corrective action to said manufacturing process.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said process comprises operating a worktool or processing implement.

10. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said process is controlled by a sensor for sensing said process parameter range or operating condition, and operating a computer having said parameter range or operating condition of said manufacturing process stored in a memory.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said computer includes a keyboard adapted to be operated by said user for correcting said process parameter range or operative condition responsive to deviations thereof ascertained through said audio feedback signals.

12. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein visual feedback signals are generated representative of said process parameter range or operating condition.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said visual feedback signals are selectively operable in conjunction with said audio feedback signals.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said visual feedback signals are provided on a visual display.