Dual-Sided Guide Robot Display Control for Safe Concurrent Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guidance robots with displays on both surfaces face usability issues due to simultaneous operation constraints, user confusion, and safety concerns when one display is in use, limiting the effective utilization of both displays.
Innovation Solution
A guidance robot with front and rear touchscreens that allows restricted use of the rear display when the front is in use, adjusts screen content based on the front display's state, and manages task execution priorities to enhance usability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display on one surface is used for control operations (path guidance, photo taking), then the robot's movement is enabled, but users of the other display are startled by sudden movement or find their usage restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the rear display is in use and proactively restricting or pausing robot movement before it can startle the rear user. The processor monitors usage states of both displays and controls the traveling-enabling unit to pause or restrict movement when conflicting usage is detected, preventing the harmful effect of startling users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both displays operate simultaneously with full functionality, then user experience is enhanced, but overlapping or redundant content causes confusion for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different types of information on different displays based on their usage context. The front display shows control-related content (path guidance, photo taking interfaces) while the rear display shows advertising or informational content. This differentiation ensures each display serves its specific purpose without causing confusion from redundant content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the information content between two displays, with the front display dedicated to control operations and the rear display dedicated to advertising/info content. This segmentation allows both displays to operate simultaneously with distinct functionalities, avoiding content overlap and user confusion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display on the rear surface is touched while the front display is in use, then the request should be processed, but no screen change occurs because the request is ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies feedback by providing visual notification on the rear display when it is touched during front display usage. The processor detects the touch input on the rear display, determines that the front display is currently in use, and responds by showing a notification screen or icon on the rear display indicating that a task is being executed. This feedback informs users that their input was received and explains the current system state.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot restricts movement when rear display is touched during front display use, then safety is improved, but users intending to use the rear display find themselves unsure of what to do
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback through visual notifications on the rear display that explain the robot's restricted state and guide users on what to do next. When movement is restricted due to front display usage, the rear display shows informative messages or icons that clarify the situation and indicate available options, such as waiting for the current task to complete or switching to the front display.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide robot and an operation method of same are disclosed. A guide robot according to the present disclosure may, when there is a request for use of a rear side display while a front side display is in use, allow a limited use of the rear side display and provide a screen corresponding to the request for use. In this case, a range of the limited use may be determined differently according to a use state of the front side display. Accordingly, a double-sided display is utilized more efficiently, and thus the usability of a guide robot is extended.