Haptic Interface for Vehicle and Robotic Arm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telematic control systems for robotic systems require separate input devices for controlling vehicle bases and robotic arms, leading to increased system bulk, user training times, and lack of fine-grained control and haptic feedback for both components using a single device.
Innovation Solution
A single haptic interface with a touch-screen video display and articulating arms that can toggle between vehicle base and robotic arm control modes, providing haptic feedback through motive devices, allowing for simultaneous control of both components using a single input device with six degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate input devices are used for vehicle base and robotic arm control, then each component can be controlled with dedicated controls, but system bulk and user training time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vehicle base control and robotic arm control into a single unified input device. The controller includes a joystick for vehicle base control and additional controls for robotic arm manipulation, all integrated into one handheld unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing system bulk while maintaining dedicated control capabilities for each component through the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The single input device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both vehicle base control and robotic arm control. The controller includes a joystick for vehicle navigation, buttons for mode switching, and additional controls that can manipulate robotic arm joints. This universal device replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing complexity while providing dedicated control functions for each system component.
2Ease of operation
If separate input devices are used for vehicle base and robotic arm control, then each component has specialized controls, but user training time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging vehicle base and robotic arm controls into a single device, the user learns one unified controller interface rather than switching between multiple devices. The consistent control paradigm across both functions reduces cognitive load and training requirements, while still providing specialized controls for each component through the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller provides specialized controls for both vehicle base and robotic arm within a single device. Users learn one set of control mechanisms that apply to both functions, reducing training time compared to learning separate control systems. The multi-functional design maintains specialized control capabilities while using a consistent interface paradigm.
3Device complexity
If a single simple input device is used for both vehicle base and robotic arm control, then system bulk is reduced, but fine-grained control and haptic feedback are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vehicle base and robotic arm controls into a single device that incorporates multiple control mechanisms with different precision levels. The joystick provides coarse control for vehicle navigation, while additional buttons, switches, and refined control elements provide fine-grained control for robotic arm manipulation. This combination maintains precision capabilities while using a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the single controller provide different levels of control precision appropriate for their function. The joystick area provides broader, coarser control suitable for vehicle movement, while specific buttons, triggers, and control elements provide fine-grained control for robotic arm joint manipulation. This local differentiation of control quality within the unified device maintains measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity.
4Device complexity
If a single simple input device is used for both vehicle base and robotic arm control, then system bulk is reduced, but haptic feedback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The unified controller integrates haptic feedback mechanisms for both vehicle base and robotic arm control within a single device. Force feedback motors and vibration actuators are incorporated into the controller housing, providing tactile feedback to the user regardless of which component is being controlled. This merging maintains haptic feedback capability while using a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single input device incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide haptic information to the user during operation. Force feedback from the robotic arm and status information from the vehicle base are transmitted through vibration and resistance mechanisms in the controller. This feedback loop maintains reliability and situational awareness while using a unified control device.
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
This solution enables more compact and cost-effective control interfaces with improved precision and reduced user training, allowing for fine-grained control of both vehicle bases and robotic arms using a single sophisticated controller.
Implementation Method 1
Haptic technology or haptics involves tactile feedback provided by a device to a user. The tactile feedback is typically provided by applying forces, vibrations and/or motions to one or more portions of a user interface device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface (101) for converting human control input gestures to telematic control signals includes a plurality of articulating arms (107, 108, 109) each mounted at a base end (113, 115, 117) to an interface base and coupled at an opposing end to a housing (106). The articulating arms are operable to permit linear translational movement of the housing in three orthogonal directions. At least one sensor (116) of a first kind is provided for measuring the linear translational movement. A pivot member (201) is disposed in the housing and is arranged to pivot about a single pivot point. A grip (102) is provided and is attached to the pivot member so that a user upon grasping the grip can cause the pivot to rotate within the housing. A button (118) is provided to switch between at least two modes, wherein when in a first mode control signals are used to control a vehicle base (502), and when in the second mode control signals are used to control a robotic arm (504) coupled to the vehicle base (502).