Remote Operation Handover for Stable Working Machine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

When switching remote operation actors of a working machine, the operating state can become unstable due to inappropriate actions by the new operator, leading to potential instability in the machine's operation.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system that includes a first and second remote operation apparatus, a remote operation server, and a working machine, where the system detects the state of the operators and working machine using state detectors and selects a more suitable operator based on experience and skill levels to ensure a stable transition of remote operation authority, thereby minimizing operational instability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If remote operation authority is switched between operators, then operational continuity is maintained, but operating state stability deteriorates due to inappropriate actions by the new operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidoperating state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the operator's state (fatigue level, attention, stress) and provides feedback to the remote operation server. This feedback loop enables the server to assess operator suitability and make informed decisions about remote operation authority allocation, preventing instability caused by inappropriate operator actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of operator states before switching remote operation authority. By evaluating operator suitability in advance through state detection and server assessment, the system ensures that only appropriate operators assume control, thereby maintaining operating state stability during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If operator state monitoring is implemented, then operator suitability for remote operation can be determined, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator suitability determinationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operation server performs multiple functions: it manages remote operation authority allocation, monitors operator states, assesses operator suitability, and controls working machine operations. By consolidating these functions in a single server, the system achieves reliable operator suitability determination without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote operation server acts as an intermediary between the working machine and multiple remote operation apparatuses. It centralizes the complex tasks of state monitoring and suitability assessment, simplifying the architecture by providing a single point of control rather than distributing complexity across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3922775B1Remote operation system and remote operation server
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3922775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a system which can avoid instability of an operating state of a working machine, when switching a remote operation actor of the working machine. In a case where a state of one or both of a working machine 40 or a first operator is a specified state when the working machine 40 is remotely operated through a first remote operation apparatus 10, a first notification corresponding to the specified state is transmitted to a remote operation server 30. In the remote operation server 30, a second remote operation apparatus 20 which is appropriate in view of content of the first notification is selected as the remote operation actor of the working machine 40.