Unified Operation Interface for Virtual-to-Real Skill Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation apparatuses fail to seamlessly transfer skills learned in a virtual space to the operation of real work machines due to significant differences in specifications between virtual and real machine operations.

Innovation Solution

An operation apparatus that includes an input device for user commands and a communication device to connect with a simulator, allowing the virtual work machine to be operated using the same input device, thereby enabling the transfer of skills from virtual to real machine operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate operation apparatuses are used for virtual and real work machines, then each can be optimized for its specific function, but the user cannot transfer skills learned in virtual space to real machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskill transferabilityVSAvoidoperation specification differences
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation apparatus is designed to serve dual purposes: it can operate both the virtual work machine in the simulation system and the real work machine. The control unit can switch between receiving operation signals for the virtual machine and transmitting operation signals to the real machine, allowing users to practice in virtual environment and directly apply skills to real operation without needing separate control devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the virtual and real work machines. The control unit mediates the operation signals, enabling seamless transition from virtual practice to real operation. The apparatus includes communication interfaces that can connect to both the simulation system and the real work machine, facilitating skill transfer through standardized operation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operation apparatus is designed for real machine operation, then it can control the actual work machine, but it cannot be used for virtual space simulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual operation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication interface requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation apparatus incorporates multiple communication interfaces and a flexible control unit that can adapt to different operation modes. The control unit is configured to receive operation signals and can route them appropriately - either to the real work machine through transmission interfaces or to the virtual work machine through communication interfaces connected to the simulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically switches between different operational configurations based on the selected mode (virtual or real). The apparatus can change its functional state to match the required operation type, enabling it to serve both purposes with a single unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4692469A1Operation apparatus and operation system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4692469A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692469A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692469A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an operation apparatus (1) allowing a skill learned in a virtual space to be utilized on a real work machine and an operation system (100) provided with the same. The operation apparatus (1) includes an input device allowing a command for moving a work machine (20) to be input thereto and a communication device that transmits information on the command to a simulator (90). The communication device communicates with the simulator (90) so as to allow a virtual work machine (120) in a virtual space provided by the simulator (90) to be operated by use of at least a part of the input device.