Remote Operation Assistance Using Proximity-Based Machine Inhibition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 server that evaluates the mode switching and short-range wireless communication status between the work machine and a portable terminal to permit or prohibit remote operation, ensuring the operator's safety by determining whether the operator is within proximity based on communication signals.
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 machine and operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of operator proximity through short-range wireless communication before permitting remote operation. The server evaluates whether the operator is within a dangerous proximity range and only allows remote operation when the operator is sufficiently far away, thus preventing potential contact before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operator proximity through wireless communication signals and provides feedback to the server. The server uses this feedback to dynamically control whether remote operation is permitted, adjusting the operation state based on real-time proximity information to maintain safety while enabling efficient remote operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching is allowed without proximity verification, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to unexpected situations during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
Before allowing mode switching between actual operation and remote operation, the system performs preliminary verification of operator proximity through short-range wireless communication. The server evaluates the proximity status and only permits mode switching when it is safe to do so, preventing unexpected situations during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback on proximity status to control the mode switching process. The server receives proximity information and uses it to determine whether mode switching should be permitted, ensuring that transitions occur only under safe conditions while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If short-range wireless communication is implemented to assess proximity, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a portable terminal device that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operator's interface for controlling the machine and the proximity detection device through its wireless communication capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal device uses its own built-in wireless communication functions to perform proximity detection and provide identification information. The device serves itself by utilizing its existing communication capabilities rather than requiring separate dedicated detection hardware, thus minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.