Remote Operation Mode Replication for Operator Skill Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Less skilled operators face challenges in grasping the remotely operational mode of a working machine, hindering skill improvement in remote operations.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system comprising a working machine with an imaging device, a first remote operation apparatus with a passive mode detector, and a second remote operation apparatus with an actuator, allowing data transmission and control to replicate the operational mode of the first operator's actions for the second operator, enabling tactile and visual feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a simulator provides tactile information to the operator, then the operator can better understand the working machine's action, but less skilled operators still struggle to grasp the remotely operational mode from skilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode informationVSAvoidskill transfer difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a copy of the skilled operator's operational mode by detecting the passive mode of the first operation mechanism and reproducing it through the second operation mechanism. This allows the less skilled operator to directly observe and learn from the skilled operator's actual operational patterns without relying solely on tactile simulation feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting the passive mode of the first operation mechanism and transmitting this information to control the second operation mechanism. This creates a closed-loop system where the operational mode information flows from the skilled operator through the server to the less skilled operator, enabling continuous learning and skill transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If operational mode data is transmitted between remote operation apparatuses, then skill transfer is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskill transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs multiple functions: it manages communication between remote operation apparatuses, detects passive modes, transmits operational mode data, and controls actuators. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional platform, the system reduces overall complexity despite enabling sophisticated skill transfer capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the first and second remote operation apparatuses, facilitating the transmission of operational mode data and controlling the actuator that reproduces the operational mode. This intermediary approach simplifies the system architecture by centralizing the complex data processing and coordination functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3923594B1Remote operation system
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3923594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a system which can supply appropriate information to one operator from a viewpoint that the one operator grasps a remotely operational mode for a working machine by the other operator. In a first remote operation apparatus 10, a passive mode detector 112 detects a passive mode of a first operation mechanism 111, and transmits operational mode data corresponding to the passive mode. In a second remote operation apparatus 20, an operation of an actuator 212 is controlled in accordance with the passive mode of the first operation mechanism 111 in response to the operational mode data, and thereby, a second operation mechanism 211 actively operates.