Head-Mounted Display With Fiber-Optic Remote Sensing for Hazardous Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote operation of machinery is challenging due to the lack of appropriate sensory information, especially in hazardous environments where traditional electrical connections are not feasible, and the user lacks the same viewing perspective as they would during traditional work.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote capture device with cameras and microphones, a fiber-optic cable, and a head-mounted display that provides real-time sensory information, including visual and audio, adjusted based on the user's viewing angle, using a processor to process and transmit data across a dielectric gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connections are used to transmit sensory information, then data transmission is achieved, but electrostatic discharge occurs in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fiber-optic cables as an intermediary medium to transmit sensory information between the remote capture device and the user's display device. This optical transmission medium eliminates direct electrical connections across the dielectric gap, preventing electrostatic discharge while maintaining reliable data transmission in hazardous environments such as those near energized power lines.
2Reliability
If remote operation is implemented without proper sensory information, then user safety is improved, but operational accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive sensory copy of the remote environment by deploying multiple cameras and microphones on the remote capture device. These sensors capture visual and auditory information from the hazardous location, transmitting it through fiber-optic cables to the user's head-mounted display. This copying approach allows the user to experience the remote environment immersively without physical exposure to hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical sensing systems with optical and acoustic sensing. Fiber-optic cables substitute for electrical wiring to transmit data, while optical cameras and acoustic microphones replace direct mechanical contact sensors. This substitution enables safe remote operation by eliminating electrical hazards while preserving sensory information quality.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras and microphones are deployed to capture comprehensive sensory information, then information quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single integrated remote capture device assembly. Multiple cameras and microphones are combined on one platform, with their outputs consolidated into unified video and audio signals transmitted through fiber-optic cables. This merging approach maintains high-quality comprehensive sensory information while reducing the overall system complexity compared to distributed sensing arrangements.
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
Enables users to operate machinery remotely with immersive sensory information, allowing for accurate and safe operation in hazardous environments by providing stereoscopic vision and binaural audio, adjusted to match the user's viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-optic cable connected to the remote assembly to transmit a signal including the visual and audio information across a dielectric gap
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing real-time, sensory information associated with a remote location using a remote capture device and a head-mounted display. In some embodiments, the system comprises a fiber-optic cable to transmit a signal comprising sensory information collected by the remote capture device to the head-mounted display. Further, the remote capture device may be secured onto a boom of an aerial device.