Remote Guidance Device with Independent Camera and Projector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems face challenges in efficient remote maintenance due to limitations in the use of projectors and cameras, leading to slow information sharing and long downtimes during unexpected breakdowns, as local workers struggle to collaborate effectively with external experts over distances.
Innovation Solution
A data presenting device equipped with a camera and projector, allowing independent control of the camera's field of view and projector's presentation area, enabling remote users to provide instructions and gather data efficiently by receiving camera and projector control commands, which enhances situational awareness and communication accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and projector are controlled together as a unified system, then the system structure is simple, but the freedom of use and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent camera control and projector control modules. The camera control commands (including field of view control) and projector control commands (including presentation area control) are processed separately, allowing each component to be controlled independently while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The data presenting device is designed to accept and process multiple types of control commands universally - both camera control commands and projector control commands - through a single communication interface, enabling the system to adapt to various operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated control systems.
2Reliability
If external experts are flown in to provide remote assistance, then the quality of expert support is improved, but the time required and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The data presenting device acts as an intermediary between the remote expert and the on-site personnel. It transmits camera images and projector presentations through a communication session, enabling the expert to see what the local worker is doing and provide visual instructions without being physically present, thus eliminating travel time while maintaining support quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the on-site situation through camera imaging and reproduces expert instructions through projector presentation. This allows the expert to work with visual representations of the actual equipment and procedures, providing the same level of expertise as if physically present without the need for travel.
3Ease of operation
If camera and projector controls are coupled, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ability to provide independent visual guidance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control commands are segmented into distinct camera control commands and projector control commands. Camera control commands adjust the field of view independently, while projector control commands position presentation items independently in the presentation area. This segmentation allows each control function to operate autonomously without interfering with the other, maintaining simplicity while enabling independent visual guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, data presenting device and computer program product are provided for assisting a remote user. The data presenting device includes a communication interface, a camera having a field of view in which images are captured, a projector having a presentation area in which presentation items may be presented, and a control unit which receives field of view control commands a command to project a presentation item in the presentation area, controls the field of view of the camera and controls the projector to project the presentation item in the presentation area, wherein the control of the projection in the presentation area is made independently of the control of the field of view.