Moveable Display Support for Hands-Free View Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Teleoperated systems often have restrictive and static viewing areas that require users to adjust their head and body position to conform to the viewing device, and manipulation of the viewing device may require interrupting instrument manipulation, leading to distractions and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A moveable display system that includes a support mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the display unit to be translated, rotated, and tilted based on user input, enabling seamless adjustments without the need for additional physical attachment to the user's head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the viewing device is made static and rigid to maintain stability, then the device structure is simplified, but the user must conform head and body position to the viewing device, causing user fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static viewing device into a dynamic one with multiple degrees of freedom. The display unit is coupled to the support mechanism through links that enable movement in multiple directions, allowing the display to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to follow natural user head and eye motions while maintaining structural stability through the mechanically-grounded support.
2Ease of operation
If the display unit is made movable to follow user motions, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support mechanism into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link) that can move relative to each other. Each link provides a specific degree of freedom, and the display unit is coupled to these segmented components, allowing complex motion capabilities while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism with multiple links serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical grounding for stability, enables movement in multiple degrees of freedom for comfort, and maintains a compact structure. The same mechanism that allows display movement also provides the mounting structure and defines the motion constraints, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hand input devices are used to control the displayed view, then viewing customization is achieved, but the user must interrupt instrument manipulation, causing distractions and potential inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using head input devices that automatically detect and respond to user head motions without requiring manual intervention. The display unit moves in response to detected head movements, allowing the system to serve itself by interpreting user intent through natural head positioning rather than requiring explicit hand controls, thus maintaining task continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head input device acts as an intermediary between the user's natural head motions and the display unit control. Instead of directly manipulating controls, the user's head position serves as the intermediary signal that the system translates into display movement, enabling seamless view adjustment without interrupting instrument manipulation.
4Productivity
If eye tracking sensors or voice commands are used for hands-free view control, then task continuity is maintained, but the control precision and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing methods (eye tracking, voice commands) with a mechanical solution. The head input device uses mechanical sensors to detect head motions, and the support mechanism uses mechanical linkages to translate these detections into display unit movements. This mechanical substitution maintains task continuity while providing superior precision and reliability through direct physical coupling and mechanical advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations relate to a moveable display system. In some implementations, a control unit includes a first support and a second support coupled to the first support. The second support is linearly translatable along a first axis in a first degree of freedom with respect to the first support, and at least a portion of the second support is linearly translatable along a second axis in a second degree of freedom with respect to the first support. The control unit includes a display unit rotatably coupled to the second support. The display unit is rotatable about a third axis in a third degree of freedom with respect to the second support, and the display unit includes a display device.