Remote Work Machine Control With Context-Sensitive Visual Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of remotely controlled work machines, such as demolition robots, face distractions and difficulty in focusing on the task due to excessive information and external stimuli, necessitating a system that provides contextual and adaptive feedback to enhance performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A context-sensitive control system that uses location sensors and projection technology to display operator-supporting information within the operator's field of vision, integrating cumulative measurement data from sensors and transducers to provide dynamic and visually accessible feedback, allowing the operator to maintain focus on the work machine without diverting attention from the task.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator interface contains multiple pilot lights, gauges and indicators to provide comprehensive machine status information, then the information completeness is improved, but the operator is exposed to excessive information and distractions which worsens the operator's ability to focus on the work task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical machine status information from the traditional dashboard of pilot lights and gauges and projects it as overlay images directly onto the operator's field of view through a projection device. This allows the operator to see machine status information without diverting attention from the work machine, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and operator focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection device as an intermediary between the operator interface and the operator's vision. This intermediary projects relevant information into the operator's field of view, allowing the operator to access comprehensive machine status information while maintaining focus on the work task, thus resolving the information overload problem.
2Measurement precision
If the operator must monitor multiple indicators and controls on the remote control unit, then the control precision is improved, but the operator requires frequent attention shifts which worsens the operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machine status information display with the operator's view of the work machine by projecting overlay images containing gauges, indicators and diagnostic information directly into the field of view. This combination eliminates the need for separate monitoring of remote control indicators, maintaining control precision while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the information display from a two-dimensional remote control interface to a three-dimensional overlay in the operator's visual field. This dimensional change allows the operator to access comprehensive machine status information without shifting attention, resolving the contradiction between control precision and operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the remote control unit provides comprehensive feedback through traditional HMI, then the operator support is improved, but the operator must divert attention from the work machine to the control interface which worsens safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical feedback information from the traditional HMI and projects it as overlay images in the operator's field of view. This extraction allows the operator to receive comprehensive operator support information without diverting attention from the work machine, thereby maintaining operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection device serves as an intermediary that delivers comprehensive operator support information directly to the operator's vision without requiring attention shifts. This intermediary system maintains the safety benefit of focused attention while preserving the operator support benefit of comprehensive feedback.
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 improves operator performance and work machine efficiency by presenting relevant information in a visually accessible and adaptive manner, reducing distractions and enhancing situational awareness, thus ensuring safer and more efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna unit (32) with a first antenna (33), a second antenna (34) and a third antenna (35) which are spatially separated from each other and placed at predetermined geometric relative positions on the work machine for generating a plurality of electromagnetic fields (36, 37, 38)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a context-sensitive control system, comprising a work machine (1) controllable by remote control, a remote control unit (3) with an operator interface (22) which enables an operator (2) walking next to the work machine to control the work machine via operator commands, a projection means (50) enabling projection of information for the operator; a communicator (130) configured to receive context-sensitive information in response to signal data from transducers and sensors (S1-Sn) of the work machine and to communicate said information to the projection means (50) configured to project context-sensitive information (150) onto a projection surface (52) in such a way that the information becomes visually visible to the operator (2).