Remote Operation Selection Interface for Construction Machine Scheduling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of an efficient operation selection system that allows operators to easily choose desired operations and remote manipulation devices for construction machines using information terminal devices, such as smartphones and tablets, despite the growing demand for remote manipulation systems due to operator shortages and the need for flexible work schedules.

Innovation Solution

An operation selection system is developed, comprising a server, orderer terminal, master device, slave device, and information terminal device, which enables operators to select operations and remote manipulation devices through a network, allowing for remote operation of construction machines. The system includes a database for storing operation and device information, and generates display data for the operator to select desired operations and devices based on job items, skill levels, and remuneration, facilitating convenient scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote manipulation system is introduced to address operator shortages, then the ability to collect operators from foreign countries and enable flexible work schedules is improved, but the complexity of selecting operations and remote manipulating devices increases for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible work scheduleVSAvoidoperation selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables operators to independently search for, select, and book remote manipulating devices and operations through an information terminal device without requiring manual intervention from administrators. The operator can autonomously complete the entire selection process based on their preferences and availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An information terminal device serves as an intermediary between operators, orderers, and remote manipulating devices. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the complex selection process by presenting available operations and devices in an organized manner, allowing operators to easily make selections without dealing with the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operators are allowed to select operations and devices using information terminal devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple components including server, databases, and communication interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation selection easeVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: an information terminal device for user interaction, a server for processing, and databases for storing operation and device information. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks efficiently, simplifying the overall operation selection process while managing system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The information terminal device acts as an intermediary that shields operators from system complexity. It provides a simplified interface that translates user selections into system commands, hiding the complex backend processes involving server communication and database queries from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote manipulating devices are provided in various facilities including rental offices, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the difficulty of managing and coordinating device availability across multiple locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice provision flexibilityVSAvoiddevice availability management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The information terminal device serves multiple functions: it allows operators to search for available remote manipulating devices across various facilities, select desired devices, book them for specific operations, and receive notifications. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate management systems into a single unified interface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to operators regarding the availability of remote manipulating devices at different facilities. The information terminal device queries the server to obtain current availability status and presents this information to the operator, enabling informed selection decisions without requiring manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3859618B1Job selection system and job selection method
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3859618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859618B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3859618B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A server causes an information terminal device to display a selection image for allowing an operator to select a desired operation among one or more operations and a desired master device among one or more master devices based on operation request information stored in a first database and master device information stored in a second database. The information terminal device sends to the server a selection instruction of the operator who selects the desired operation and the desired master device via the selection image. The server receives an operation order acceptance of the operator by storing, in an operation plan database, an operator ID, a master device ID and the operation designated by the selection instruction in combination with one another.