Telepresence Robot Callup Interface for On-Site User Initiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telepresence robots require remote operators to initiate communication, leaving on-site users without a means to initiate contact with remote users.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a robot with a camera, driving unit, and callup unit, which can transmit a callup notification to a computer when no communication connection is established, allowing on-site users to prompt remote operators to connect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If communication connection is established only by remote operator initiating contact, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because on-site users cannot initiate communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional communication initiation model where the remote operator always starts contact. Instead, the system allows the on-site user (via the robot) to initiate contact by transmitting a callup notification to the remote operator's computer, enabling two-way communication initiation while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a callup notification as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the on-site user and remote operator. This notification serves as a mediator that triggers the remote operator's computer to establish communication connection, solving the initiation problem without requiring complex peer-to-peer protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot transmits callup notification to multiple computers, then the adaptability improves, but the loss of information increases due to uncertain notification delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot determines whether the callup notification has been received by the computer before proceeding with communication. This feedback loop ensures reliable information delivery by confirming successful notification receipt, preventing information loss while maintaining adaptability to send to multiple recipients
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for a remote operator of a telepresence robot and an on-site user is provided. The communication system includes a robot that is not fixed, and a computer that is capable of communication with the robot. The robot includes a camera, a driving unit that is capable of remote operation by the computer, a first input unit that is for input of an instruction to the robot, and a callup unit that, when communication connection is not established with the computer, transmits a callup notification directed to the computer in accordance with the instruction input to the first input unit. The computer includes a second input unit for input of an instruction to the robot, and a display unit that displays an image captured by the camera and in a case of receiving the callup notification from the robot, displays that the effect that the notification has been received.