Remote Support Control for Safe Worker-Proximity Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation support systems fail to ensure smooth transition between remote and manual operation of working machines, leading to disruptions and inefficiencies when a worker is near the machine, as they require manual intervention to prevent remote operation.
Innovation Solution
A remote support system with a controller and notifier that allows for seamless transitions between remote and manual operation based on worker proximity, using communication terminals to send and receive notifications and control the working machine accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the remote operation support system prohibits remote operation when a worker is near the working machine, then worker safety is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of worker proximity through communication terminals before remote operation begins. When a worker is detected near the machine, the system proactively notifies the remote operator and automatically prohibits remote operation in advance, preventing safety issues before they occur while maintaining operational efficiency through automated prevention rather than manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors worker proximity through communication terminals and provides real-time feedback to the remote operator. When a worker enters the prohibited zone, the system sends notifications and automatically adjusts operation permissions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains safety while minimizing disruption to operational flow
2Loss of information
If the system requires human remote manipulator to notify worker to leave before remote operation, then worker awareness is improved, but operation smoothness deteriorates due to communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the notification function through communication terminals without requiring manual intervention from the remote operator. The communication terminal autonomously detects worker presence, sends notifications to the worker's device, and manages the prohibition of remote operation, freeing the remote operator from communication tasks and maintaining operational smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends notifications to workers in advance through communication terminals before remote operation is prohibited. This preliminary notification ensures workers are aware of upcoming restrictions and can prepare accordingly, reducing last-minute disruptions and maintaining operational flow
3Reliability
If the remote operation is prohibited in advance when worker is near, then safety is improved, but worker productivity deteriorates as worker does not know when remote operation will occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through communication terminals to workers about their proximity status and upcoming remote operation prohibitions. Workers receive continuous updates about when remote operation will be prohibited, allowing them to plan their activities accordingly and maintain productivity while ensuring safety through informed decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A remote support system includes a remote device to remotely manipulate a working vehicle, a controller provided in or on the working vehicle and configured or programmed to control the working vehicle based on remote manipulation information relating to a remote manipulation from the remote device, and a notifier to provide a notification indicating that the remote manipulation is to be performed when the working vehicle receives the remote manipulation information sent from the remote device and provide a notification indicating that a manual manipulation or a repair is to be performed when the remote device receives information relating to the manual manipulation or the repair of the working vehicle.