Universal Remote Operator Station for Multi-Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote operator stations are expensive due to the need for separate stations tailored to specific types of machines, lacking a cost-effective solution for controlling various machines from a single universal platform.
Innovation Solution
A universal remote operator station equipped with a display device, control devices, and a controller that displays a list of machine types, allows selection of a machine, determines its operational functionalities, and maps these functionalities to the control devices, enabling remote operation of different machines using a common set of hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate remote operator stations are provided for each machine type, then machine-specific control functionality is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote operator station is designed with a universal controller that can operate multiple types of machines (excavators, dozers, graders, etc.) through a single device. The controller includes programmable control elements that can be configured to match the specific control schemes of different machine types, eliminating the need for separate specialized stations for each machine type while maintaining machine-specific control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates programmable and reconfigurable control elements that can be dynamically adjusted to match different machine types. The control scheme can be programmed to correspond to specific machine operations, allowing the same physical device to adapt its functionality based on which machine is being operated, rather than requiring fixed specialized hardware for each machine type.
2Device complexity
If a single universal remote operator station is used for multiple machine types, then cost and device complexity are reduced, but adaptability to different machine types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal device capable of operating multiple machine types through programmable control elements. The control scheme can be programmed to match specific machine types, allowing one physical device to perform the functions of multiple specialized stations while maintaining full adaptability to different machine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller allows modification of control parameters and programming of control schemes to match different machine types. By changing the programmed parameters and control logic rather than the physical hardware, the system maintains adaptability across different machine types while using a single universal device.
3Ease of operation
If remote operator stations are equipped with machine-specific controls, then ease of operation for that machine type is improved, but the need for multiple specialized stations increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides ease of operation for different machine types through programmable control elements that can be configured to match the specific control schemes of each machine. The control layout and functionality can be programmed to match operator expectations for different machine types, maintaining ease of operation without requiring separate specialized hardware for each machine.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal controller provides machine-specific ease of operation by programming the control elements to match the operational characteristics of different machine types. This allows operators to experience familiar, machine-specific control layouts and functionalities while using one universal device rather than multiple specialized stations.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operator station for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The remote operator station comprises a display device, a plurality of control devices, and a controller communicably coupled to the display device and the control devices. The controller is configured to display a list of types of machines capable of being operated remotely. The controller receives an input indicative of a machine selected from the list. The controller determines a plurality of functionalities associated with the operation of the selected machine. The controller maps the determined functionalities to the plurality of control devices and further displays the mapped functionalities associated with the control devices.