Remote Work Machine Surroundings Imaging Before Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote operators of work machines face challenges in efficiently confirming the surroundings of the machine due to their distance, making it difficult to perform tasks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A work assistance server generates and displays a surroundings image of the work machine on a remote operation apparatus's display device, ensuring the operator confirms the image for a predetermined time before allowing the machine to operate, using a combination of image pickup devices and processing elements to facilitate remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple fixed point cameras are installed at the work site to monitor the entire site, then the operator can overlook the site, but the operator cannot efficiently confirm the specific surroundings of the work machine due to distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image pickup devices mounted on the work machine to capture real-time video images of the surroundings, creating a visual copy of the environment that is transmitted to the remote operation apparatus. This allows the operator to see the surroundings as if present at the site, solving both the information loss and confirmation efficiency problems
2Reliability
If the operator remotely operates the work machine from a distance, then safety is improved, but the operator cannot efficiently perceive the situation around the work machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces video images captured by image pickup devices as an intermediary between the operator and the work machine surroundings. These images serve as a mediator that transmits visual information about the environment to the remote operator, maintaining safety distance while preserving situational awareness
3Loss of information
If cameras are attached to the work machine to capture images, then the operator can recognize positional relationships, but the operator still faces difficulty in efficiently confirming the video image due to remote operation distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image pickup devices that serve multiple functions: capturing wide-angle views of the surroundings, providing real-time video feeds, and enabling the operator to recognize positional relationships with objects. This multi-functional approach efficiently addresses both information loss and productivity concerns in remote operation
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A work assistance server 10 according to the present invention includes a first assistance processing element 121 that generates a surroundings image including a region around a work machine 40 when a request to start work by the work machine 40 is made, and a second assistance processing element 122 that permits the work by the work machine 40 on condition that the surroundings image is displayed on an image output device 221 of a remote operation apparatus 20.