Remote Control Safety System Using Time-of-Flight Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for remotely controlled work vehicles face challenges in determining the distance between the vehicle and the wireless remote control, particularly at longer distances, due to limitations in RFID technology, such as non-isotropic radiation and sensitivity to surrounding geometry, which can lead to unreliable control signals and increased risk of collision.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that maintains constant communication between the work vehicle and the wireless remote control, using time-of-flight ranging and global navigation satellite systems to determine spatial relationships and adjust control signals based on predetermined distance intervals, independent of transmitter strength or antenna shape, ensuring safe operation within a minimum and maximum safety distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID technology is used for distance determination, then the system can detect presence of operators, but the distance measurement becomes unreliable at longer distances due to non-isotropic radiation and sensitivity to surrounding geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from RFID signal strength (which is affected by antenna characteristics and surrounding geometry) to time-of-flight of radio waves (which provides direct distance measurement). This parameter change enables reliable distance determination at longer distances by measuring the propagation time of electromagnetic signals between the work vehicle and remote control unit, eliminating the limitations of RFID-based RSSI methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the safety distance interval is extended to cover longer distances, then the system can maintain operator control, but the signal strength decreases and control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical signal strength-based control system with a time-of-flight measurement system. Instead of relying on signal strength indicators that degrade with distance, the system measures the propagation time of electromagnetic signals, which provides accurate distance information regardless of signal attenuation. This substitution enables extended safety distance ranges while maintaining control reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional RFID-based safety systems are used, then the system can detect operator presence, but the system complexity increases due to need for additional sensors and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radio communication system multi-functional by using it for both control signal transmission and distance measurement. The same transceivers that communicate control commands between the work vehicle and remote control unit are also used to measure the time-of-flight for distance determination. This eliminates the need for separate RFID tags and readers, reducing system complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures reliable communication and control over longer distances, reducing the risk of collision by maintaining the wireless remote control within a defined safety range and allowing for semi-autonomous operation while accounting for variations in operator position and vehicle orientation, thereby enhancing operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle unit is arranged to determine a spatial relationship between the work vehicle and the wireless remote control unit based on information relating to a first position of the work vehicle and information relevant for positioning of the wireless remote control unit
Implementation Method 2
using time-of-flight ranging and global navigation satellite systems to determine spatial relationships
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a safety system (100) for a remotely operated work vehicle (110). The safety system (100) works by continuously establishing a spatial relationship between the work vehicle (110) and a wireless remote control unit (130), wherein at least part of the information needed to establish the spatial relationship is carried as data in signals. The established spatial relationship is then used to control the work vehicle (110).