Haptic Virtual Joystick for Precise Remote Excavator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for construction equipment, such as excavators, lack precise control and physical feedback, especially in hazardous environments where direct joystick control is not possible, leading to unintended complex movements and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that utilizes a mobile device to simulate a virtual joystick with haptic feedback, allowing for precise control of construction equipment by generating distinct haptic profiles for different operational sections and dynamically initializing the touch point, thereby enhancing control accuracy and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual joystick is implemented in a mobile application for remote control, then the excavator can be controlled remotely, but the control precision and physical feedback are insufficient compared to a real joystick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a haptic feedback system that generates resistance forces on the virtual joystick to simulate the physical feedback of a real joystick. The haptic interface provides tactile resistance during virtual joystick operation, enabling the operator to sense movement boundaries and operational states, thereby improving control precision to match real joystick performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual joystick that visually and tactilely replicates the appearance and operational characteristics of a real joystick on the mobile device screen. By copying the visual design and adding haptic resistance patterns, the system enables remote control with precision comparable to direct real joystick operation
2Device complexity
If a virtual joystick is used without haptic feedback, then the device complexity is reduced, but unintended complex movements occur and control accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system provides real-time tactile resistance and force feedback during virtual joystick operation, enabling the operator to sense movement boundaries and operational states. This feedback mechanism prevents unintended movements by providing physical cues that guide accurate control, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs haptic vibration and resistance patterns generated by the mobile device's haptic interface to simulate the mechanical feedback of a real joystick. These controlled vibrations and resistance forces provide tactile guidance during operation, preventing unintended movements and improving control reliability
3Measurement precision
If distinct haptic profiles are generated for different operational sections, then control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the virtual joystick's operational range into multiple distinct sections (dead zone, movement section, motionless section, boundary sections), each with its own haptic profile. This segmentation allows the system to provide differentiated tactile feedback for different operational states, improving control accuracy while keeping the software architecture manageable through modular profile design
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
The system enables precise and safe remote operation of construction equipment by providing tactile feedback and dynamic initialization, improving operation efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic interface provided in the mobile device and configured to generate a haptic profile upon the virtual joystick being touched and dragged to operate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a remote control system for construction equipment, which includes a work apparatus operated according to operation information of a real joystick, that allows construction equipment to be remotely controlled using a mobile device, the remote control system including: a receiver, a virtual joystick interface, a haptic interface, and a transmitter.