Hand-Guided Input Repositioning for Ergonomic Operator Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in engaging with input devices for controlling repositionable arms and end effectors in autonomous and semiautonomous electronic devices, particularly when there is an obstructed or partially obstructed view, and the current position of the input device may not be ergonomically favorable for grasping.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an input device, a hand detection system, and a control unit to detect the operator's hand and move the input device to a more ergonomic grasping position closer to the hand, while maintaining alignment with the associated end effector, using position and orientation cues to assist the operator in engaging with the input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system provides automatic repositioning assistance, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hand detection system serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the overall interaction by automatically detecting hand position and triggering repositioning commands. This intermediary handles the complexity of coordination between operator position and device positioning, keeping the interface simple for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through hand detection, where the detected hand position feeds back to the control unit to automatically command appropriate repositioning actions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism manages system complexity by using sensor data to drive automated responses rather than requiring complex manual coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of assisting operator engagement with input devices include an input device configured to be operated by a hand of an operator, a repositionable structure coupled to the input device, a hand detection system, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect a position and an orientation of the hand using the hand detection system, determine, based on the position of the hand, a target position for the input device, wherein moving the input device from a current position of the input device to the target position moves the input device closer to a grasping position for the hand, and in response to determining that an orientation difference between the orientation of the hand and a current orientation of the input device is not greater than a threshold orientation difference, cause one or more actuators to move the input device toward the target position.