Passenger Boarding Bridge Remote Control With Latency Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operation systems for passenger boarding bridges suffer from latency issues leading to potential errors and damage risks during maneuvering, requiring skilled operators to be present on-site and managing idle time effectively.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system with a control unit incorporating a correction circuit for latency management, detection means using laser sensors, and wireless data transmission, enabling precise control and emergency stop mechanisms to prevent collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote operation system is used for passenger boarding bridges, then operator safety and productivity are improved by eliminating the need for operators to be physically present on the bridge, but latency in signal transmission causes maneuvering precision to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmaneuvering precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting the desired position and velocity of the bridge based on current trajectory and control signals. The prediction unit calculates where the bridge should be and how fast it should move before the actual control signal is executed, compensating for the latency in remote operation. This allows the bridge to follow the intended trajectory accurately despite the time delay in signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If remote operation system is implemented, then operator idle time is reduced and productivity increases, but latency in control signal transmission causes errors in maneuver execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual position and velocity of the bridge through detection units, comparing these with the predicted values, and using the difference to correct control signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that despite latency in remote operation, the bridge maintains accurate positioning and follows the intended trajectory reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The prediction unit performs preliminary calculations of the bridge's desired state based on current motion and control inputs. By anticipating where the bridge should be and how it should move before the control signal is fully executed, the system compensates for transmission latency and maintains high control accuracy, enabling reliable remote operation with improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional on-site control is used, then maneuvering precision is maintained through direct operator control, but operator exposure to collision risks and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaneuvering precisionVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary prediction unit that acts as a intelligent mediator between the remote control signal and the bridge's movement. Instead of directly controlling the bridge, the prediction unit processes the control signal, predicts the desired trajectory and velocity, and generates corrected control commands. This intermediary layer maintains maneuvering precision while eliminating the need for operators to be physically present, thereby removing collision risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If correction circuit for latency management is added, then maneuvering accuracy is improved by compensating for signal delay, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaneuvering accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical latency correction mechanisms with a software-based prediction unit that runs on the control device. Instead of adding physical components to compensate for latency, the system uses computational algorithms to predict the bridge's desired state and generate corrected control signals. This substitution of mechanical complexity with software intelligence achieves high maneuvering accuracy while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances maneuvering accuracy, reduces operator dependency, and minimizes damage risks by controlling latency and providing real-time data processing for safe and efficient bridge operations.

Implementation Method 1

detection means comprising laser sensors designed to detect an outer contour of a door of the aircraft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4375420B1Remote operation system for passenger boarding bridges for craft and arrangement of passenger boarding bridges for craft
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 ADELTE AIRPORT TECH
  • EP4375420B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375420B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4375420B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a remote operation system for passenger boarding bridges for craft, comprising display means to display the environment of the bridge; image-capture means designed to capture an area around the bridge, interaction means allowing a user-controller to interact with the system, designed such that the user/controller can introduce and/or alter operating parameters for the system; manual control means accessible to the user/controller of the system; and indicator means for indicating the operating situation of the bridge (10), all of them linked by means of a control unit (1) that controls the movement elements of the bridge. The control unit incorporates a correction circuit for latency management through software, establishing latency values in the signals generated from the interaction means to the movement elements of the bridge (10), such that in the event that the control unit detects a value greater than the predetermined latency value, the control unit (1) generates a signal that activates emergency stop means that are provided on the movement elements (6) of the bridge (10).