Robot Control Signal Conversion Using Game Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control robots have limited utilization in society due to restricted application fields and require innovative methods to engage a broader population, particularly the 'specific unemployed' who may possess exceptional skills similar to gamers, in contributing to industrial and service robotics.
Innovation Solution
An intermediation device and method that converts manipulation signals from game controllers into operating commands for industrial or service robots, allowing remote operation through a network, thereby expanding the utilization of remote control robots and enabling the 'specific unemployed' to contribute economically and productively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly-sophisticated robot manipulation device is used, then the robot can be operated precisely, but the device becomes expensive and unavailable to normal persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a game controller as a simplified copy or alternative input device that replicates the essential manipulation functions needed for robot control, rather than requiring the full complex original manipulation interface. This allows normal persons to operate robots without needing expensive specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediation device that acts as a mediator between the simple game controller and the robot. This intermediary converts the simple button presses from the game controller into the complex command sequences required by the robot, bridging the gap between simple input and complex robot operations.
2Ease of operation
If a specialized robot manipulation device is used, then the robot can be controlled effectively, but the cost increases to several million JPY making it inaccessible to normal persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable specialized manipulation devices with inexpensive game controllers that cost only several tens of thousands of JPY. While game controllers are consumer-grade rather than industrial-grade equipment, they provide sufficient functionality for robot control at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universality of game controllers which are already widely owned by normal persons for entertainment purposes. By making these existing universal devices compatible with robot control, the system eliminates the need for separate expensive specialized equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the manipulation signal from a game controller is converted into robot operating commands, then normal persons can operate robots, but a conversion system must be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediation device that acts as a mediator between the simple button presses from the game controller and the complex command sequences required by the robot. This intermediary converts the simple input signals into appropriate robot control commands, bridging the gap between different control paradigms.
4Productivity
If remote control robot systems are expanded to society, then more people can contribute to production, but the current system requires specialized knowledge and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a game controller as a simplified copy or alternative input device that replicates the essential manipulation functions needed for robot control, rather than requiring the full complex original manipulation interface. This allows normal persons to operate robots without needing expensive specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, durable specialized manipulation devices with inexpensive game controllers that cost only several tens of thousands of JPY. While game controllers are consumer-grade rather than industrial-grade equipment, they provide sufficient functionality for robot control at a fraction of the cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediation device (2) constitutes a manipulation signal converting module in the intermediation device (2) or a manipulation terminal (3). When the manipulation signal converting module receives a plurality of manipulation signals respectively corresponding to a plurality of manipulation keys, the manipulation signal converting module converts the plurality of manipulation signals into a plurality of individual operating commands, and sends the plurality of individual operating commands to a robot (5).