Moving Object Interval Control for Operator-Specific Work Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The variability in operator characteristics, such as body size and work proficiency, leads to inefficient work processes due to unsuitable vehicle spacing, affecting the efficiency of operations on moving objects in manufacturing systems.

Innovation Solution

A control device that adjusts the interval between moving objects based on acquired operator characteristics, using a predetermined correspondence to set a target interval that accommodates individual differences, thereby optimizing work efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standard interval between moving objects is maintained, then the manufacturing system operates efficiently with uniform spacing, but operators with varying body sizes and proficiency levels experience reduced work efficiency due to unsuitable spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to operator characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the interval between moving objects based on real-time operator characteristics (body size, proficiency level) rather than maintaining a fixed standard interval. The controller modifies spacing parameters adaptively to match each operator's specific needs, resolving the contradiction between uniform efficiency and individual adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the interval parameter between moving objects based on operator characteristics. By adjusting this physical parameter according to acquired data about body size and proficiency level, the system optimizes work efficiency for each operator while maintaining overall system productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the interval between moving objects is increased to accommodate larger operators, then work efficiency for those operators improves, but the overall manufacturing throughput decreases due to reduced spacing density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device applies local quality by providing different interval settings for different operators based on their specific characteristics. Each operator receives a customized spacing configuration tailored to their body size and skill level, rather than applying a uniform interval to all operators. This localized optimization maintains overall throughput while improving individual work comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of operator characteristics data is performed, then accurate proficiency level information can be entered, but the system complexity increases and time is lost for data entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproficiency level accuracyVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acquisition unit enables self-service by automatically acquiring operator characteristics data without requiring manual input. The system autonomously collects and processes information about body size and proficiency level, eliminating the need for operators or administrators to manually enter data. This maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing system complexity and data entry time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4703839A1Control device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4703839A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703839A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703839A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device includes: a controller configured to control operations of a plurality of moving objects capable of moving under unmanned driving; and an acquisition unit configured to acquire characteristic information of an operator performing a work between a target moving object to be controlled among the plurality of moving objects and a continuous moving object moving in front or rear of the target moving object, wherein the controller is configured to control the target moving object and the continuous moving object such that an interval between the target moving object and the continuous moving object is a target interval, using the acquired characteristic information.