Remote Operator Terminal with Automatic Control Interface Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operator terminals lack the capability to handle multiple types of operation systems, leading to increased operational load on the remote operator and potential inefficiencies in 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, allowing for manual or automatic selection of the most suitable operation system based on the operator's preference and the target mobility type.

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 the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operator terminal is designed to incorporate multiple types of operation systems (physical operation members, pedals, joysticks, buttons, touch panels, voice recognition, mobile terminal integration) within a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions and adapt to different operator needs and mobility types

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control device nests multiple operation system interfaces and processing functions within a unified terminal structure, with each operation system integrated as a component within the overall terminal architecture, allowing complex functionality to be organized in a manageable hierarchy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the remote operator manually selects the operation system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically selects the appropriate operation system based on pre-stored correspondence between mobility types and operation systems, eliminating the need for manual selection by the operator and reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the remote operator terminal supports multiple types of operation systems, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The selection complexity is extracted from the operator's task and transferred to the control device's automatic selection function, which handles the complexity of matching operation systems to mobility types while presenting a simplified interface to the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses pre-stored correspondence data and mobility type information to automatically determine and select the appropriate operation system, providing feedback-based automatic selection that simplifies the operator's interaction while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4629015A1Remote operator terminal
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4629015A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629015A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629015A1 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 control device (250) configured to automatically 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).