Remote Work Machine Operation Gating by Operator Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote operation of work machines can lead to unexpected situations, such as contact between the machine and the operator, due to inadequate assessment of the operator's proximity during mode switching from actual to remote operation.
Innovation Solution
A remote operation assistance system that includes a server with evaluation result recognition and assistance processing elements to assess the mode switching and short-range wireless communication status, permitting or prohibiting remote operation based on these evaluations to prevent operator-machine contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote operation is permitted without assessing operator proximity, then remote operation efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential contact between work machine and actual machine operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of operator proximity through short-range wireless communication detection before permitting remote operation. The evaluation result recognition element checks whether the actual machine operator is in the vicinity (within communication range) before allowing the work machine to switch to remote operation mode, thereby preventing unsafe operations in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the proximity status between the work machine and actual machine operator through wireless communication signals. The evaluation result recognition element receives real-time feedback on operator presence and dynamically controls whether remote operation can be executed, adjusting operation permissions based on current safety conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching mechanism is added to enable remote operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine control device performs multiple functions: it acts as both the mode switching mechanism (switching between actual operation and remote operation modes) and the evaluation result recognition element (assessing operator proximity through wireless communication). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mode switching function and the proximity evaluation function into a single integrated control system. The evaluation result recognition element and mode switching mechanism work as unified components within the work machine control device, merging safety assessment and operation mode control into one coordinated system rather than separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and the like capable of assisting remote operation of a work machine performed by a remote operator in such a way that contact between the work machine and an actual machine operator and other unfavorable situations can be avoided. Even in a situation in which a first evaluation result is affirmative and a work machine 40 can be remotely operated via a remote operation apparatus 20, but in a situation in which a second evaluation result is affirmative and it is highly probable that a worker carrying a portable terminal 60, such as an actual machine operator OP2, is so close to the work machine 40 or on the work machine 40 that short-range wireless communication between the work machine 40 and the portable terminal 60 is established, remote operation of the work machine 40 is inhibited.