Telepresence Robot Control UI for Modular Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems for remote presence and tele-surgery lack the ability to efficiently manage multiple robots with unique features and provide a user-friendly interface for controlling and accessing these features, especially in medical and tele-presence applications.
Innovation Solution
A remote control station that can access and identify unique features of multiple robots, displaying a user interface that corresponds to these features, allowing for the control of robots equipped with laser pointers and projectors, and enabling multiple users to share access and control through a network, with features like arbitration systems for conflict resolution and encryption for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system is designed to support multiple robots with unique features, then the system's versatility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing unique features increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments robot management by creating separate software modules for each robot type and feature set. Each robot is represented as an independent software object with its own feature profile, allowing the system to handle multiple robots without monolithic complexity. The user interface is also segmented to display only relevant controls for the currently selected robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The control station implements a universal software platform that can manage multiple types of robots through a common interface. The system uses feature detection and adaptive UI generation to provide robot-type-specific functionality within a universal framework, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate control stations for each robot type.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed controls for unique robot features, then the ease of operation for specific tasks improves, but the device complexity and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts its structure and content based on the selected robot type and its unique features. When a user selects a specific robot, the system automatically generates and displays only the relevant controls and parameters for that robot, keeping the interface simple and focused. The interface can be reconfigured on-the-fly without requiring a complete redesign for each robot type.
3Productivity
If multiple users can access and control robots simultaneously, then the productivity and collaboration capability improve, but conflicts and coordination difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms that monitor user access and control status. When multiple users attempt to access or control the same robot, the system provides immediate feedback about current access status, pending requests, and conflict states. This allows for transparent coordination and resolution of control conflicts through visible system state information.
4Reliability
If the system secures communication and access control, then the reliability and security improve, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security-related actions in advance, such as establishing encrypted communication channels before data transmission begins and pre-authenticating users before granting access to robot controls. Access control lists and security permissions are configured beforehand for different user roles, eliminating the need for complex real-time security decisions during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control station that accesses one of at least two different robots that each have at least one unique robot feature. The remote control station receives information that identifies the robot feature of the accessed robot. The remote station displays a display user interface that includes at least one field that corresponds to the robot feature of the accessed robot. The robot may have a laser pointer and/or a projector.