Remote Workstation Interface for Mixed Load Handling Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote control workstations for load handling equipment are limited to controlling a single type of equipment, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to unattended operations across different types of load handling equipment in areas like harbors, where multiple types of equipment are used.
Innovation Solution
A remote control workstation capable of communicating with and controlling multiple types of load handling equipment by determining the connected equipment's type and displaying a specific control view, allowing for adaptable operation across various types of load handling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single remote control workstation is used for one type of load handling equipment, then the control interface can be specialized for that equipment type, but multiple remote control workstations are required for different equipment types, reducing operational efficiency and increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control workstation is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple types of load handling equipment. The system includes a communication interface configured to establish connections with different equipment types, a processor that identifies equipment type through communication protocols, and a display that dynamically presents customized control interfaces based on the connected equipment. This allows a single workstation to replace multiple specialized workstations while maintaining equipment-specific control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is made dynamic rather than static. The display dynamically adapts its content based on the type of load handling equipment currently connected. The processor receives equipment type identification data and dynamically generates or selects the appropriate control interface layout, control parameters, and operational modes. This dynamic adaptation enables the same physical workstation to provide optimized control for different equipment types without requiring manual reconfiguration or physical changes.
2Reliability
If multiple remote control workstations are deployed for different equipment types, then each equipment type can have dedicated control, but the complexity of managing multiple workstations increases and safety monitoring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system consolidates multiple dedicated workstations into a single universal workstation that can control different equipment types. The communication interface is designed to recognize and adapt to various equipment types through automated identification protocols. The processor maintains equipment-specific control parameters and interface configurations internally, allowing the system to provide dedicated control for each equipment type while presenting a unified management interface to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives information about the connected equipment type and automatically adjusts the control interface and parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the workstation maintains optimal control settings for the specific equipment type without requiring manual intervention or complex setup procedures, thereby reducing management complexity while preserving equipment-specific control reliability.
3Productivity
If a universal remote control workstation controls multiple equipment types, then operational efficiency improves, but the interface must be adaptable to different equipment types, increasing software complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The software architecture is designed to be dynamic and adaptive rather than static and fixed. The processor automatically identifies the equipment type through communication protocols and dynamically loads or configures the appropriate control interface and parameters. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide equipment-specific control functionality while maintaining a unified user experience, effectively managing software complexity through automated adaptation rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual copying of equipment-specific interface configurations rather than maintaining separate physical workstations. The processor creates virtual representations of different equipment types and their control interfaces, allowing the same physical display and control mechanisms to present different logical interfaces based on the connected equipment. This copying approach reduces the need for complex custom software development for each equipment type while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control workstation for controlling more than one type of load handling equipment. The remote control workstation is configured for communications with a plurality of types of load handling equipment and configured to cause connecting to one of said load handling equipment (202), determining a type of the connected load handling equipment (204), and in response to establishing a connection between the remote control workstation and said load handling equipment, displaying on a user interface of the remote control workstation a load handling equipment type specific control view from a plurality of load handling equipment type specific control views in accordance with a load handling equipment type of said load handling equipment (208).