Remote Machine Control Using Light-Beam Depth Perception

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for machines operating in harsh environments often fail due to premature sensor device failures, leading to inefficient operation, potential damage, and incorrect task performance without depth perception.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a light source to emit a light beam, a camera to capture image data of the environment with the light beam, and a controller to provide this data to a remote control device. The light beam provides a visual indication of distance, allowing the remote control device to control the machine based on the displayed distance information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor devices are used to provide depth perception for remote control, then the machine can operate with depth perception, but the sensor devices experience premature failure in harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor device reliabilityVSAvoiddepth perception information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary that projects a light beam to visually indicate distance information. This mediator bypasses the need for complex sensor devices by using optical projection that is resilient to harsh environmental conditions, thus maintaining reliability while preserving depth perception capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic sensor-based depth perception system with an optical system consisting of a light source that projects visual distance indicators. This substitution uses light-based measurement and display rather than electronic sensors, improving reliability in harsh environments where sensor devices fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the machine operates without depth perception due to sensor failure, then the operation continues, but the machine operates inefficiently and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuityVSAvoiddamage to machine

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light source continuously projects visual distance indicators to the operator. This real-time visual feedback allows the operator to maintain efficient operation and avoid harmful conditions, preventing machine damage while ensuring continuous productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides prior visual information about distance and depth through the light beam projection, allowing the operator to anticipate potential hazards before they occur. This beforehand information acts as a cushioning measure that prevents damage by enabling proactive operational adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 the remote control device to operate the machine effectively without relying on potentially failing sensor devices, ensuring efficient operation, preventing damage, and ensuring accurate task performance by providing reliable depth perception through the light beam visualization.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit a light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a camera configured to obtain image data of an environment that includes the light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS12209387B2Remote control operation of a machine using a light beam for depth perception

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A system may include a light source configured to emit a light beam. The system may further include a camera configured to obtain image data of an environment that includes the light beam and a target object. The system may further include a wireless communication component configured to provide the image data to a remote control device that controls an operation of a machine. The image data may be provided to cause the image data to be included in a video feed, of the environment, displayed by the remote control device, The light source may be configured to cause the light beam, in the video feed, to provide a visual indication of a distance from the machine to the target object. Control of the operation of the machine, through the remote control device, is based, at least in part, on the light beam displayed in the video feed.