Tele-presence Robot Camera Panning Tilting and Link Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tele-presence systems face challenges in providing effective remote medical consultation, especially in emergency and noisy environments, where clear communication and optimal camera positioning are hindered by ambient noise and limited mobility of medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable robot face system with a remote device coupled to a control station through a communication link, featuring a camera, monitor, microphone, and speaker, allowing for panning and tilting, and the ability to switch between different communication links and audio sources, enabling clear audio mixing and optimal camera views in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed camera systems are used in emergency vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but the camera positioning cannot be optimized for different viewing scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable camera system with pan and tilt mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of camera positioning. The camera can rotate horizontally and vertically to achieve optimal viewing angles for different emergency scenarios, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to various situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pan to track moving subjects, tilt to adjust vertical viewing angles, and zoom to capture details at different distances. This multi-functional capability allows a single camera system to handle diverse viewing requirements without needing multiple fixed cameras.
2Reliability
If ambient noise is present in emergency environments, then the communication environment is challenging, but clear audio transmission is required for effective medical consultation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the desired audio signal from the ambient noise through directional microphones and signal processing. By focusing on capturing the relevant speech signals while filtering out background emergency scene noises, the system achieves clear audio transmission despite challenging environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces audio processing algorithms as an intermediary between the microphone and the communication channel. These algorithms process the raw audio signals to enhance speech clarity, reduce noise, and improve overall audio quality, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between noisy environment and clear communication requirement.
3Reliability
If multiple communication links are provided for redundancy, then the system reliability improves, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic link management where the communication system autonomously monitors the status of multiple communication links and automatically switches between them based on their operational status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, maintaining high reliability while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the health and status of communication links. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts its behavior, selecting the best available link for communication. This feedback-driven approach ensures reliable communication while automating the complexity of link management, presenting a simple interface to users.
Data Source
AI summary
A tele-presence system that includes a remote device coupled to a control station through a communication link. The remote device includes a remote monitor, a remote camera, a remote speaker and a remote microphone. Likewise, the control station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The control station displays a plurality of graphical icons that each represents a different type of communication link between the control station and the remote device. The graphical icons can be selected to allow a user of the control station to change the communication link between the remote device and its initial node.