Remote Operator Terminal with Selectable Control Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operator terminals lack the ability to accommodate multiple types of operation systems, limiting flexibility and personalization for remote operators, which affects the accuracy of remote operations.

Innovation Solution

A remote operator terminal equipped with multiple types of operation systems, including high-end, pedal-less, gaze-based, mobile terminal, and software-based systems, along with user interfaces for manual and automatic selection of the preferred operation system, allowing operators to choose or have their system selected based on their skills and the type of mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single remote operator terminal is provided with only one type of operation system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and ease of operation are worsened because operators cannot select their preferred system or adapt to different mobility types

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

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operator terminal is designed to include multiple types of operation systems (first, second, and third operation systems) within a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions and adapt to different operator preferences and mobility types. This multi-functionality allows the terminal to serve diverse operational needs without requiring separate dedicated devices for each operation type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal incorporates a dynamic selection mechanism that allows operators to switch between different operation systems based on their preferences and the specific mobility being operated. The system can dynamically adapt its operational mode, transitioning between different operation systems as needed, rather than being fixed to a single static configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple types of operation systems are integrated into a single remote operator terminal, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal divides the operation systems into distinct, modular components (first operation system, second operation system, third operation system), each with its own user interface and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be independently managed and selected, making the overall complex system easier to operate by presenting only the relevant interface at any given time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal includes a selection unit that enables operators to pre-select their preferred operation system before beginning operation. This preliminary selection action simplifies the operational process by configuring the terminal in advance according to operator preference and mobility type, eliminating the need for complex real-time switching during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If operators can freely select their preferred operation system, then the ease of operation and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring the selected system increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting and measuring
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal incorporates a selection unit that provides feedback to operators about which operation system is currently active and allows operators to view and change their selections. This feedback mechanism ensures that operators are always aware of the system state, maintaining measurement precision while managing the complexity of having multiple selectable systems through clear status indication and control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4629012A1Remote operator terminal
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4629012A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629012A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629012A1 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); and a first user interface (231) configured to allow the remote operator (O) to select a first operation system (210-A) to be used for the remote operation from among the plurality of types of operation systems (210-1 to 210-N).