Boom-Mounted Remote Robot Control With 3D Depth Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote operation technologies face challenges in providing adequate visual and sensory information, particularly depth and positioning information, to operators controlling robots in dynamic and hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a boom-mounted robot unit equipped with a six-degree-of-freedom camera mount, multiple cameras for visual information, and depth cameras for three-dimensional data, transmitting this information in real-time to a head-mounted display via a fiber-optic cable, allowing operators to receive immersive sensory feedback and accurately control the robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional remote operation technologies are used, then the operator can control the robot remotely, but the operator does not have adequate visual information about depth and positioning in three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D video feeds to immersive 3D virtual reality visualization. Multiple cameras capture images from different angles and depths, which are then processed to create three-dimensional point cloud representations. This dimensional enhancement provides operators with depth perception and spatial awareness, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining remote operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical environment through photogrammetry and point cloud generation. Multiple camera images are processed to generate accurate three-dimensional models of the workspace, including depth maps and spatial relationships. This virtual replica provides operators with comprehensive visual information about depth and positioning without requiring physical presence in the hazardous environment.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras and depth sensors are added to provide three-dimensional information, then visual information quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional camera system where the same camera assembly performs multiple functions: capturing 2D images for visual inspection, capturing 3D depth information for spatial mapping, and providing real-time feedback for navigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving comprehensive depth and positioning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple camera feeds and depth sensors into a unified processing pipeline. Images from multiple cameras are combined and processed together to generate integrated three-dimensional point clouds and depth maps. This consolidation approach manages complexity by integrating multiple data streams into a single coherent virtual representation rather than requiring separate processing systems for each sensor type.
3Ease of operation
If real-time sensory information is transmitted to the operator, then the operator's ability to navigate and perform tasks improves, but the transmission bandwidth and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of camera images on the robot platform itself, generating three-dimensional point clouds and depth maps locally before transmission. By pre-processing the raw image data into compressed and structured 3D representations, the amount of data requiring transmission is significantly reduced, thereby lowering bandwidth requirements and energy consumption while still providing comprehensive spatial information to the operator.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and safe remote operation of robots by providing operators with real-time, three-dimensional sensory information, enhancing their ability to navigate and perform tasks in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-optic cable to transmit a signal comprising sensory information collected by the remote capture device to the head-mounted display
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for a remotely controlled robot unit affixed to a boom assembly. The robot unit comprises at least one arm for performing an action, a remotely controlled movable six-degree-of freedom camera mount, at least one camera disposed on the camera mount to capture visual information, and at least one depth camera disposed on the camera mount to capture three-dimensional depth information. Captured sensory information may be transmitted to an operator using a head mount and motion controls for controlling movement of the robot unit. Operator movement captured by the head mount and motion controls may be compared to a digital representation generated from the three-dimensional depth information to aid in positioning and moving the robot unit.