Remote Operation Force Feedback for Abnormality Notification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation systems for moving bodies, such as vehicles and robots, lack effective mechanisms to notify remote operators of abnormalities in real-time, potentially leading to safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A remote operation system that includes processors to determine abnormalities in communication, the moving body, and the remote operator terminal, and applies an increased operation reaction force to the remote operator when an abnormality occurs, effectively notifying them of the issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional abnormality notification methods (visual/audible alerts) are used in remote operation systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the notification effectiveness and remote operator awareness of abnormalities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the abnormality notification system provides real-time force feedback to the remote operator through the operation member. When an abnormality is detected in the moving body or its surroundings, the notification unit generates a reaction force that is transmitted back to the remote operator, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enhances abnormality awareness without requiring complex additional interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional visual or audible notification mechanisms with a mechanical force feedback system. Instead of relying on screens, speakers, or other complex notification devices, the system uses the existing mechanical connection between the operation member and the notification unit to transmit abnormality information through tactile force, substituting mechanical interaction for electronic notification channels
2Reliability
If the operation reaction force is increased to notify the remote operator of an abnormality, then the notification becomes more noticeable, but the operation force required by the remote operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit applies the reaction force in a periodic or pulsating manner rather than as a continuous force. This periodic action creates distinct tactile sensations that are easily recognizable by the remote operator, allowing clear abnormality notification while keeping the average operation force relatively low. The intermittent nature of the force application prevents excessive cumulative force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force is applied locally and selectively to specific operational parameters rather than uniformly increasing force across all operations. The notification unit targets specific operation members or control inputs where abnormalities are detected, providing focused tactile feedback only when and where needed, thereby maintaining low operation force for normal operations while achieving high notification clarity for abnormal conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operation system includes a moving body is a target of a remote operation performed by a remote operator and a remote operator terminal on the remote operator side. The remote operation system determines whether at least one of an abnormality in a communication between the moving body and the remote operator terminal, an abnormality in the moving body, and an abnormality in the remote operator terminal occurs. The remote operation system sets a gain to be larger when the abnormality occurs than when no abnormality occurs. The remote operation system calculates a reaction force control amount by multiplying a base reaction force control amount by the gain. The remote operator terminal applies an operation reaction force according to the reaction force control amount to a remote operation member operated by the remote operator.