Remote Operator Terminal Calibration for Multi-Control Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operator terminals lack flexibility in accommodating multiple types of operation systems, leading to potential usability issues due to non-uniquely determined zero points and varying user preferences.

Innovation Solution

A remote operator terminal equipped with multiple types of operation systems, allowing manual or automatic selection and calibration of a preferred operation system, including high-end, pedal-less, gaze-based, mobile terminal, and software-based systems, with user interfaces for selection and calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single remote operator terminal is provided with multiple types of operation systems, then adaptability and usability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operator terminal is designed to accommodate multiple types of operation systems (steering wheel, pedals, joystick, buttons) within a single device, making it universally applicable to different mobility types and operator preferences without requiring separate terminals for each operation type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control device segments the calibration process into distinct phases: presenting notifications to the operator, detecting operation signals from different operation systems, and separately calibrating zero points for each operation system type, thereby managing complexity through structured division of functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If calibration is performed for each operation system type, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calibration of the zero point for each operation system type before actual remote operation begins. The calibration process is initiated automatically when the terminal is activated, preparing the system in advance so that precise measurements can be made during operation without time-consuming calibration delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is designed to be operator-driven through interactive notifications and simple actions (such as pressing buttons or maintaining positions), allowing the operator to participate actively in their own calibration process, which reduces the time and resources needed for calibration while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4629013A1Remote operator terminal
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4629013A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629013A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629013A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote operator terminal (200) to be used by a remote operator (O) for a remote operation of a target mobility (100-T) is provided. The remote operator terminal (200) includes a plurality of types of operation systems (210-1 to 210-N), a user interface (233), and a control device (250) configured to perform calibration of a targe operation system (210-T) among the plurality of types of operation systems (210-1 to 210-N). In the calibration, the control device (250) presents a first notification to the remote operator (O) through the user interface (233), the first notification prompting the remote operator (O) to perform a first action on the targe operation system (210-T). Then, the control device (250) sets a zero point of the targe operation system (210-T) based on a content of the first action or a state of the targe operation system (210-T) during the first action.