Work Vehicle Remote Control via Image Transmission Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operability of remote-controlled work vehicles is degraded when the image captured by the vehicle cannot be properly displayed by the remote operation device, leading to issues with control signal reception and vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A work vehicle equipped with an imaging device, image transmission unit, and operation signal reception unit that limits operation signals based on the transmission status of the image, allowing for control adjustments according to image delay times to maintain effective remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the work vehicle transmits images to the remote operation device, then the operator can monitor the work target, but image transmission delays occur due to communication deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage transmission qualityVSAvoidimage delay time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images locally and preparing them for transmission before remote operation is needed. The image capture unit continuously captures images of the work target, and these pre-captured images are then transmitted to the remote operation device, reducing the perceived delay time for the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the image capture unit, image transmission unit, and operation control unit that mediates between the work vehicle's operations and the remote operator. This intermediary processes images locally and manages transmission, compensating for communication delays and ensuring continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the operation signal is not limited based on image transmission status, then the work vehicle can operate at full speed, but operability is degraded when image transmission is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework vehicle operation speedVSAvoidremote operation operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation control unit dynamically adjusts the work vehicle's operation based on real-time image transmission status. When image transmission is normal, the vehicle operates at full speed for high productivity. When transmission delays occur, the operation control unit automatically limits the operation speed to match the reduced information flow, maintaining operational safety and effectiveness despite communication conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring image transmission status and using this information to adjust operation signal limits. The operation control unit receives feedback about transmission quality and delay times, then automatically modifies operation parameters to maintain appropriate operability under varying communication conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the operation control unit limits operation signals based on image transmission status, then operability is maintained during delays, but operation speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation reliabilityVSAvoidwork vehicle operation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The operation control unit changes operational parameters (speed limits, operation intensity) based on image transmission status. When transmission is reliable, normal operation parameters are used. When transmission delays occur, the system automatically changes parameters to reduce operation speed and limit complex maneuvers, maintaining reliability while adapting to reduced information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11537121B2Work vehicle, control device, and method for controlling work vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 KOMATSU LTD
  • US11537121B2 patent drawing
  • US11537121B2 patent drawing
  • US11537121B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A work vehicle includes: an imaging device that captures an image in which a work target is shown; an image transmission unit that transmits the image captured by the imaging device to a control device; an operation signal reception unit that receives an operation signal from the control device; and an operation control unit that limits the operation signal according to a transmission status of the image.