WO2010134070A1 - Remote operation system for heavy machinery - Google Patents
Remote operation system for heavy machinery Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010134070A1 WO2010134070A1 PCT/IL2010/000396 IL2010000396W WO2010134070A1 WO 2010134070 A1 WO2010134070 A1 WO 2010134070A1 IL 2010000396 W IL2010000396 W IL 2010000396W WO 2010134070 A1 WO2010134070 A1 WO 2010134070A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- machinery
- control
- assembly
- remote
- unit
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000004247 hand Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/0011—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots associated with a remote control arrangement
- G05D1/0038—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots associated with a remote control arrangement by providing the operator with simple or augmented images from one or more cameras located onboard the vehicle, e.g. tele-operation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of remote controllers. More specifically the invention relates to a novel remote control assembly and to a system for heavy machinery and vehicle operation.
- Remotely controlled systems enable a user to activate and control to some extent a device or system comprised of some electrical components and/or mechanical components.
- Remote controls exist in a variety of applications, although the functionality and abilities of remote controls are usually limited.
- Some forms of remote controllers are available and known in the art for controlling and operating machinery and unmanned vehicles, such as described in US 6,778,097, which relates to a remote radio operating system and operating apparatus, a relay station and radio mobile working machine such as a hydraulic excavator for use in construction sites.
- US 5,263,396, which describes a remote control system for a combat vehicle.
- the invention is directed to a remote control assembly for controlling the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery, said assembly being provided with ergonomic side elements suitable to be held between the two hands of a user, a screen being provided essentially centrally to the top portion of said unit, the periphery of the unit being provided with control and indication switches and/or gauges and/or indicator lights.
- the assembly comprises: a processing unit; a display unit; a plurality of control gauges; and wireless communication means.
- the display unit of the assembly can be split at least into two separate and independent displays.
- the wireless communication means are suitable to transmit video images generated by one or more video cameras provided on the controlled vehicle or machinery.
- the invention is directed to a remote control system for operating an unmanned vehicle or machinery, comprising:
- control apparatus located on said unmanned vehicle or machinery, said control apparatus being suitable to control the motion and/or the operation of said vehicle or machinery;
- - communication means suitable to receive data and/or images from said remote sensors and to transmit control signals from said remote control assembly to said control apparatus.
- the communication means are wireless communication means.
- Fig. IA is a perspective top view of a remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention
- Fig. IB is a perspective bottom view of the remote controller assembly of Fig. IA;
- Fig. 2A is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in one operational mode configuration
- Fig. 2B is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in another operational mode configuration
- Fig. 2 C is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in still another operational-mode configuration;
- Fig. 3A is an exploded view of a remote controller portable carrying-kit
- Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a user carrying the portable kit of Fig. 3A in fully operational mode.
- the present invention provides a remote control assembly which allows complete control of the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery.
- the remote control unit is designed ergonomically for a user to hold it between his two hands, with a screen at the center of the unit, the periphery of the unit being provided with control and indication switches and indicator lights.
- the screen can be a touch screen and the display shown on it can be divided into at least two portions.
- the control is performed using gauges which are on-screen or adjacent to it.
- one important feature of the invention is that it allows remote operation of the vehicle without the need of obtaining a line of sight. This is due to the physical and display-related characteristics of the control unit of the invention, that will be more fully described below.
- the operator may view the required camera angle as a function of the active tool or driving direction automatically, thus releasing the letter from the manual task of switching cameras.
- This requires the implementation of an intelligent display-switching mechanism. Providing such switching mechanism is within the scope of the skilled person and, therefore, such mechanism is not described herein in detail, for the sake of brevity.
- a matching back-unit is provided in some embodiments of the invention, to allow the safe and secure transportation of the remote control module from one location of operation to another, and allows the mounting of an antenna in order to increase the remote operation range of the unmanned vehicle or machinery.
- the remote control unit is generally indicated by numeral 10.
- a large screen, 11, is located at the center of the unit.
- a plurality of control switches and gauges are located on the unit.
- switches and gauges are located on the unit.
- 15 - is a linear thumb joystick used to operate some of the tools
- 17 is a linear thumb joystick used to control the display
- buttons used to operate the display
- 20 - is a linear thumb joystick used to guide the vehicle
- 21 -- is the volume control for the speaker of the unit (not shown).
- FIG. IB which is at perspective bottom view of the unit of Fig. IA
- 22 is a switch used to start the engine
- 23 is the gear selector.
- Fig. 2 illustrates different view obtainable from the same remote controlled machinery, in one particular embodiment of the invention.
- the screen is split into two different views, the top one being a view as seen from a camera in a high position on the machinery, while the bottom half of the screen shows the tool at view from a camera located at a lower position.
- the top camera view has been replaced by that of one positioned in the back of the roof for a reverse driving.
- Fig. 2C the bottom view of Fig. 2A has been replaced by the image of a faraway object, taken by a scout camera, which can either be located on the controlled vehicle or at an entirely separate location and the images from said separate camera can be transmitted to the remote control unit via wireless connection.
- Fig. 3A schematically illustrates how a remote control unit 10 is housed in a dedicated housing 30, which can then be carried by an operator, as shown in Fig. 3B.
- the housing which further can contain auxiliary wireless communication means (not shown), can further be equipped with an antenna 31 to extend the range of communication and control with the remotely controlled vehicle or machinery, as schematically shown in the figure.
- the remote control unit 10 which in the figure has been taken out off the housing and is held by the user, can further be provided with straps 32 to facilitate its use while standing or walking, and may further communicate with the wireless communication means located in the housing by wired connection 33, or wirelessly, e.g., via Bluetooth.
- wired connection 33 or wirelessly, e.g., via Bluetooth.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a remote control assembly for controlling the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery, the assembly is provided with ergonomic side elements suitable to be held between the two hands of a user, and a screen which is positioned essentially centrally to the top portion of the unit, while the periphery of the unit is provided with control and indication switches and/or gauges and/or indicator lights
Description
REMOTE OPERATION SYSTEM FOR HEAVY MACHINERY
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of remote controllers. More specifically the invention relates to a novel remote control assembly and to a system for heavy machinery and vehicle operation.
Background of the Invention
Remotely controlled systems enable a user to activate and control to some extent a device or system comprised of some electrical components and/or mechanical components. Remote controls exist in a variety of applications, although the functionality and abilities of remote controls are usually limited. Some forms of remote controllers are available and known in the art for controlling and operating machinery and unmanned vehicles, such as described in US 6,778,097, which relates to a remote radio operating system and operating apparatus, a relay station and radio mobile working machine such as a hydraulic excavator for use in construction sites. Another example is US 5,263,396, which describes a remote control system for a combat vehicle.
In many cases, heavy machinery is operated in hazardous locations, e.g. construction sites and even in combat areas, and it would be desirable to
operate such machinery, whether engineering or military in nature, by remote control, which may be instrumental in saving human lives. However, the art has so far failed to provide remote control apparatus that can be used to efficiently and easily control heavy vehicles and machinery in difficult or hostile terrain.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control assembly and system that overcomes the drawbacks of prior art solutions and which can be used to efficiently operate heavy equipment in a variety of conditions.
It is another object of the invention to provide a remote control assembly that enables the open nature of the remotely-controlled machinery to operate efficiently and to maintain good control over its functions.
It is yet another object of the invention to physically separate the control and display part of the remote control assembly from other technical elements, thereby to achieve superior ergonomics and operational efficiency.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a remote control assembly that maintains most of the operational conventions of the original vehicle cockpit, so as to facilitate the operation of a vehicle by requiring a minimum deviation from the operator's habits and needs.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
Summary of the Invention
The invention is directed to a remote control assembly for controlling the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery, said assembly being provided with ergonomic side elements suitable to be held between the two hands of a user, a screen being provided essentially centrally to the top portion of said unit, the periphery of the unit being provided with control and indication switches and/or gauges and/or indicator lights.
In one embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises: a processing unit; a display unit; a plurality of control gauges; and wireless communication means.
According to another embodiment of the invention the display unit of the assembly can be split at least into two separate and independent displays.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention the wireless communication means are suitable to transmit video images generated by one or more video cameras provided on the controlled vehicle or machinery.
In another aspect the invention is directed to a remote control system for operating an unmanned vehicle or machinery, comprising:
- a remote control assembly as described above;
- a plurality of remote sensors located on said unmanned vehicle or machinery;
- control apparatus located on said unmanned vehicle or machinery, said control apparatus being suitable to control the motion and/or the operation of said vehicle or machinery; and
- communication means suitable to receive data and/or images from said remote sensors and to transmit control signals from said remote control assembly to said control apparatus.
Preferably, but non limitatively, the communication means are wireless communication means.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be more wholly understood from the following description, when read together with the associated drawings, described as follows:
— Fig. IA is a perspective top view of a remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
— Fig. IB is a perspective bottom view of the remote controller assembly of Fig. IA;
— Fig. 2A is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in one operational mode configuration;
— Fig. 2B is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in another operational mode configuration;
— Fig. 2 C is a view of the display unit of the remote controller assembly according to one embodiment of the invention in still another operational-mode configuration;
— Fig. 3A is an exploded view of a remote controller portable carrying-kit; and
— Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a user carrying the portable kit of Fig. 3A in fully operational mode.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
The present invention provides a remote control assembly which allows complete control of the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery. The remote control unit is designed ergonomically for a user to hold it between his two hands, with a screen at the center of the unit, the periphery of the unit being provided with control and indication switches and indicator lights. The screen can be a touch screen and the display shown on it can be
divided into at least two portions. The control is performed using gauges which are on-screen or adjacent to it.
As will become apparent from the description to follow, one important feature of the invention is that it allows remote operation of the vehicle without the need of obtaining a line of sight. This is due to the physical and display-related characteristics of the control unit of the invention, that will be more fully described below.
Furthermore, because of the special construction of the unit of invention that combines tool-related commands with displays that can display different cameras, the operator may view the required camera angle as a function of the active tool or driving direction automatically, thus releasing the letter from the manual task of switching cameras. This, as will be apparent to the skilled person, requires the implementation of an intelligent display-switching mechanism. Providing such switching mechanism is within the scope of the skilled person and, therefore, such mechanism is not described herein in detail, for the sake of brevity.
A matching back-unit is provided in some embodiments of the invention, to allow the safe and secure transportation of the remote control module from one location of operation to another, and allows the mounting of an antenna in order to increase the remote operation range of the unmanned vehicle or
machinery.
Looking now at Fig. IA, the remote control unit is generally indicated by numeral 10. A large screen, 11, is located at the center of the unit. A plurality of control switches and gauges are located on the unit. For the purposes of illustration a few representative switches and gauges provided in the specific embodiment of Fig. IA will be detailed below, according to the numerals given in the figure:
12 — activates the horn;
13 -- allows the selection of the tool to be used;
14 -- is an emergency stop button;
15 - is a linear thumb joystick used to operate some of the tools;
16 -- controls the motor revolution speed;
17 — is a linear thumb joystick used to control the display;
18 - status lights used to indicate various functions;
19 — buttons used to operate the display;
20 - is a linear thumb joystick used to guide the vehicle;
21 -- is the volume control for the speaker of the unit (not shown).
Similarly, referring to Fig. IB, which is at perspective bottom view of the unit of Fig. IA, 22 is a switch used to start the engine, and 23 is the gear selector.
Fig. 2 illustrates different view obtainable from the same remote controlled machinery, in one particular embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 2A the screen is split into two different views, the top one being a view as seen from a camera in a high position on the machinery, while the bottom half of the screen shows the tool at view from a camera located at a lower position. In Fig. 2B the top camera view has been replaced by that of one positioned in the back of the roof for a reverse driving. In Fig. 2C the bottom view of Fig. 2A has been replaced by the image of a faraway object, taken by a scout camera, which can either be located on the controlled vehicle or at an entirely separate location and the images from said separate camera can be transmitted to the remote control unit via wireless connection.
Fig. 3A schematically illustrates how a remote control unit 10 is housed in a dedicated housing 30, which can then be carried by an operator, as shown in Fig. 3B. The housing, which further can contain auxiliary wireless communication means (not shown), can further be equipped with an antenna 31 to extend the range of communication and control with the remotely controlled vehicle or machinery, as schematically shown in the figure. The remote control unit 10, which in the figure has been taken out off the housing and is held by the user, can further be provided with straps 32 to facilitate its use while standing or walking, and may further communicate with the wireless communication means located in the housing by wired connection 33, or wirelessly, e.g., via Bluetooth.
As will be apparent to the skilled person all the above description of particular embodiments of the invention have been provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way, except as provided for in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A remote control assembly for controlling the operation of an unmanned vehicle or machinery, said assembly being provided with ergonomic side elements suitable to be held between the two hands of a user, a screen being provided essentially centrally to the top portion of said unit, the periphery of the unit being provided with control and indication switches and/or gauges and/or indicator lights.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, comprising: a processing unit; a display unit; a plurality of control gauges; and wireless communication means.
3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the display unit can be split at least into two separate and independent displays.
4. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the wireless communication means are suitable to transmit video images generated by one or more video cameras provided on the controlled vehicle or machinery.
5. A remote control system for operating an unmanned vehicle or machinery, comprising: a remote control assembly as claimed in claim 1; a plurality of remote sensors located on said unmanned vehicle or machinery; control apparatus located on said unmanned vehicle or machinery, said control apparatus being suitable to control the motion and/or the operation of said vehicle or machinery; and communication means suitable to receive data and/or images from said remote sensors and to transmit control signals from said remote control assembly to said control apparatus.
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the communication means are wireless communication means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL198873 | 2009-05-21 | ||
| IL198873A IL198873A0 (en) | 2009-05-21 | 2009-05-21 | Remote operation system for heavy machinery |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2010134070A1 true WO2010134070A1 (en) | 2010-11-25 |
Family
ID=42113809
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2010/000396 WO2010134070A1 (en) | 2009-05-21 | 2010-05-17 | Remote operation system for heavy machinery |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IL (1) | IL198873A0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2010134070A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105459829A (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2016-04-06 | 中国重汽集团济南动力有限公司 | CAN bus integrated switch panel for truck |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030212478A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2003-11-13 | Rios Jeffrey P. | Control system for remotely operated vehicles for operational payload employment |
| US20080027590A1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2008-01-31 | Emilie Phillips | Autonomous behaviors for a remote vehicle |
| US20080091309A1 (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 2008-04-17 | Walker Richard C | Electrically controlled automated devices to operate, slow, guide, stop and secure, equipment and machinery for the purpose of controlling their unsafe, unattended, unauthorized, unlawful hazardous and/or legal use, with remote control and accountability worldwide |
| US20090069957A1 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2009-03-12 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Unmanned helicopter |
-
2009
- 2009-05-21 IL IL198873A patent/IL198873A0/en unknown
-
2010
- 2010-05-17 WO PCT/IL2010/000396 patent/WO2010134070A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20080091309A1 (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 2008-04-17 | Walker Richard C | Electrically controlled automated devices to operate, slow, guide, stop and secure, equipment and machinery for the purpose of controlling their unsafe, unattended, unauthorized, unlawful hazardous and/or legal use, with remote control and accountability worldwide |
| US20030212478A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2003-11-13 | Rios Jeffrey P. | Control system for remotely operated vehicles for operational payload employment |
| US20090069957A1 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2009-03-12 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Unmanned helicopter |
| US20080027590A1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2008-01-31 | Emilie Phillips | Autonomous behaviors for a remote vehicle |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105459829A (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2016-04-06 | 中国重汽集团济南动力有限公司 | CAN bus integrated switch panel for truck |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IL198873A0 (en) | 2010-02-17 |
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