WO2014135169A1

WO2014135169A1 - Interactive directional remote control

Info

Publication number: WO2014135169A1
Application number: PCT/DK2014/050051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steen R. PETERSEN; Finn SCHLITTENLAU
Original assignee: Tca Lift A/S
Priority date: 2013-03-07
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Also published as: DK201370130A

Abstract

A system comprising an operational device (1) which comprises a number of individually moveable sub-units (8-11, 14-16, 19) remotely controlled by a remote control device (3) capable of communicating with the operational device via a communication link (23). The remote control device comprises one or more control elements for controlling the operation of the sub-units. A control unit (24) determines the relative orientation of the remote control device and thus the operator using an orientation unit (50, 21) located on each of the two devices. The control unit continuously adapts the configuration of the control elements to the relative orientation of the operator. This allows the operator to control the sub-units in an intuitive manner where the sub-unit performs a corresponding reaction to the activation of the control element. This reduces the risk of an accident and any unintended movement of the sub-unit.

Description

Interactive directional remote control

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of an operational device, where the system comprises:

- an operational device comprising a front connected to a backside via two sides, wherein the operational device comprises a number of individually moveable sub- units where at least one of these is electrically coupled to a first communication unit located in the operational device, wherein the first communication unit is configured to communicate with a second communication unit via a communication link;

- a remote control device capable of being moved independently of the operational device, wherein the remote control device is configured to control the operation of at least one of the sub-units of the operational device and wherein the second communication unit is arranged in the remote control device;

- a first orientation unit coupled to the sub-unit and configured to detect the orientation of the sub-unit, wherein the first orientation unit is electrically coupled to the first communication unit;

- a second orientation unit coupled to the remote control device and configured to detect the orientation of the remote control device, wherein the second orientation unit is electrically coupled to the second communication unit;

- a control unit coupled to one of the communication units and configured to adapt the control of the sub-unit based on the orientation of the sub-unit and the remote control device.

Background of the Invention

Today it is known to use various moveable operational devices controlled by an operator when having to perform various operations. Such moveable devices are often used by workers to reach otherwise difficult or inaccessible places and/or to transport various equipments or materials in order to carry out the desired task. Such operational devices often comprise a number of individually operated sub-units which are used to move the device from one position to another position, to guide the worker or operator into position relative to the object so that he is able to interact with the object, and/or to carry out a desired operation controlled by the operator. Examples of such devices may be aerial lifts, working platforms, window cleaning equipments, mobile cranes, or the like.

Today, such operational devices are often controlled by using a console located in a working basket or platform which is coupled to a telescopic arm or an arm having one or more moveable joints. The other end of the arm is coupled to a base unit, e.g. on a chassis with wheels or belts. The device is moved into position by the worker in the basket or on the platform via the controls on the console. Before activating the arm, the chassis may be stabilized by moving one or more support legs into position. The worker then moves the working basket or platform into position via the consoles.

A wearable or portable control box may be used to control the wheels on the device when moving it into position and/or movement of the basket or platform. Today, such a control box is also used to control the operation of cranes on trucks during loading and unloading. This allows the operator to move around the truck and more accurately move the crane arm relative to any obstacles. The control box comprises a number of control elements configured to move the crane or the chassis in a specific direction when activated. However, the operator continuously has to be aware of his orientation relative to the operational device as he moves around the operational device. This could lead to accidents or unintended movement of the platform or basket or the entire device when the operator activates the control lever.

The same problem arises if the operational device is a remote controlled airplane, helicopter, boat, or car. Such devices are often controlled by a remote control (called an RC) which is in wireless communication with the operational device. As the car or boat spins around or the airplane or helicopter rotates in the air, the operator has to be aware of his orientation relative to the device when activating the two control levers.

JP 10316397 A discloses a lift with a motor driven chassis on which a rotatable telescopic arm is mounted. A working basket is located at the end of the arm where a console is located inside the working basket. The console comprises a control lever for controlling the movement of the chassis where the control lever is further connected to four light diodes located on the upper surface of the chassis. A controller coupled to the control lever detects the directional activation of the control lever and turns on the respective light diodes which indicate the direction of the unit. The telescopic arm may be placed in a position that makes it difficult for the operator to see the light diodes. This means that the operator has to move in order to see them or only use the information given to him by the console which could lead to an unintended movement of the unit causing an accident or damage to objects located near the unit.

CA 2043276 Al discloses a similar lift with a different way of controlling the movement of the chassis. The console comprises two control lever connected to a controller located in the unit where the controller is further connected to a decoder located between the chassis and the rotatable base unit. The decoder detects the rotation of the base unit relative to the chassis which is used by the controller to control the activation of the control levers. If the basket is moved from a forward facing position to a backward facing position, then the controller inverts the activation of the control lever so that the unit moves in the same direction as the control lever is pushed or pulled in both cases. In order for the operator to operate the lift he has to be in the basket which means the lift can only operate from the view of the basket. It is not possible for the operator to move around the lift and control the lift remotely which means that the operator has to climb into the basket every time he wants to use the lift, even in a compact state. Other solutions have been proposed, such as using visual directional markings on the different surfaces of the chassis or the use of multiple control boxes to control the device. These solutions all require the operator to position himself correctly relative to the device in order to avoid accidents or any unintended movement of the device or its sub-units.

JP 2006256824 A discloses a remote control device having a joystick for a combined control of the horizontal and vertical movement of the crane located on the vehicle. The horizontal movement is controlled by the operator having to position himself in the direction in which the crane should be moved. The control device determines the absolute orientation in which the joystick is moved. A controller on the vehicle determines the absolute orientation of the crane arm and calculates in which direction the crane arm has to be moved. JP 2007126231 A discloses a similar solution in which the operator is able to lock the direction of movement by activating a switch on the remote control device. The direction of movement is unlocked by deactivating the switch. None of these solutions determine the relative orientation between the crane arm and the remote control device or disclose that the control of the joystick is changed from one configuration to another configuration based on the orientation of the control device.

JP H0971386 A discloses a remote control device for a crane vehicle which determines the direction of movement based on the absolute orientation of the control device and the crane arm respectively. A cone shaped top having a plurality of light diodes allows the operator to visually verify that the crane arm is moved in the correct direction. This solution requires the operator to visually check if he is positioned correctly relative to the crane arm.

US 5552983 A discloses a remote control device for an unmanned aerial vehicle where two switches are used to select a reference for controlling the operation of the UAV. The orientation of the operator, the vehicle or the ground level may be used as a reference for the control. The operator has to manually select a desired reference for controlling the operation of the UAV which could lead to confusion and incorrect movement as the operator moves around.

Object of the Invention

An object of this invention is to provide a control device which adapts the remote control of an operational device to the relative orientation of the operator.

An object of this invention is to provide a control device which allows the operation of the sub-units of a remotely operated device to be controlled in an intuitive manner. Description of the Invention

An object of the invention is achieved by a system, characterised in that:

- the control unit is configured to determine the relative orientation between the sub- unit and the remote control device and to compare it to at least one predetermined threshold value, wherein the control unit is further configured to change the control of the sub-unit from a first configuration to a second configuration if the relative orientation passes at least one predetermined threshold value in one direction. This provides an adaptive way of remote controlling the operation of an operational device. The use of a remote control device allows the operator to move independently relative to the operation device for monitoring and, thus, more accurately controlling the movement of the various sub-units on the operational device. This eliminates the need for the operator to stand inside a working basket or in front of a console on the operational device in order to control the movement of the sub-units. The use of orientation units in each of the devices allows the remote control of a sub-unit to be continuously adapted to the relative orientation of the operator regardless of the orientation of the operational device, such as with a mobile operational device. This allows the operator to interact with or control the movement of the sub-unit in an intuitive and more natural manner, thus reducing the risk of an accident or an unintended movement of the sub-unit as the activation of the control elements results in a corresponding reaction on the sub-unit. This eliminates the need for calibrating the remote control device relative to the operational device before using the remote control device, such as with a stationary operational device which forms the reference line for the remote control device. As an operator tends to forget how he is orientated relative to the operational device, the use of orientation units on each of the devices allows an inexperienced operator to perform a safer and easier control of the operational device. This configuration allows the control device to automatically adapt the remote control of the sub-unit to the orientation of the operator based on the relative orientation. The remote control may be switched or inversed when the relative orientation passes a first threshold value and/or a second threshold value in a positive or negative direction. This allows the activation or operation of the control elements on the remote control device to change from a first configuration to a second configuration, or vice versa. This allows the movement of the sub-unit to follow the activation of or interaction with the control elements, e.g. the sub-unit moves forward when the respective control element is moved forward, and vice versa. The first and second threshold values may define a first interval in which the remote control device is operated according to a first configuration. These threshold values may further define a second interval in which the remote control device is operated according to a second configuration. This allows the operation of the sub-unit to be changed regardless of how the operator is orientated relative the operational device.

According to one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to change the control of the sub-unit from the second configuration to a third configuration if the relative orientation passes at least a second predetermined threshold value in the one direction.

This allows the operation of one or more sub-units to be controlled according to three, four or more configurations depending on the relative orientation of the operator and thus the control device. This is particular suited for controlling the operation of the support elements, e.g. the four support legs or outriggers, or any other type of sub-unit of which there is at least two situated on the operational device. The control device may be configured to select which of these sub-units should be controlled based on the relative orientation. The sub-units may be controlled individually or in pairs. If the operator is located in front of the sub-unit or operational device, then he may control the two support legs located at the front, and vice versa. If the operator is located at one side of the sub-unit or operational device, then he may control the two support legs located at that side, and vice versa. One or two dedicated control elements on the control device may be used to control the selected sub-units. This allows the operator to control the sub-units that are located closest to him as he moves around the operational device.

Alternatively or additionally the control unit may be configured to determine the position of the operator and thus the control device relative to the operational device and/or the selected sub-unit. In this configuration, the control unit may be configured to select which of these sub-units should be controlled based on the relative orientation and/or position of the operator. The position of the operator may be determined using a position sensor, e.g. a GPS receiver, located in the control device and/or the operational device or sub-unit. Other techniques may be used to determine the position of the operator, e.g. triangulation using at least two communication units or receivers/antennas located on the operational device. According to one embodiment, the control unit in one of the configurations, e.g. the second configuration, is configured to prevent the remote control device from activating the sub-unit.

This allows the operation of the sub-unit to be suspended if the operator is not positioned correctly relative to that sub-unit, e.g. a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the direction of the sub-unit or operational device. The activation of the control elements on the remote control device may be suspended or switched off until the operator has moved into a correct position, e.g. a more forward or backward facing direction relative to the direction of the sub-unit or operational device. Once the control unit has determined that the operator is in a correct position, the activation of the control elements may then be resumed or switched on. The control may be suspended when the relative orientation passes a third threshold value and/or a fourth threshold value in a positive or negative direction. The third and fourth threshold values may define a third interval in which the activation of the remote control device is suspended. These threshold values may further define a fourth interval in which the activation of the remote control device is suspended. This allows the operation of the sub-unit to be suspended regardless of how the operator is orientated relative the operational device.

The sub-unit may instead be operated according to a third configuration defined by the third interval and/or according to a fourth configuration defined by the fourth interval. This allows the operation of the sub-unit to be controlled according to a different configuration when the operator is placed in an incorrect position, if the control elements can be moved along two or more axis. When the operator is placed in a correct position, the sub-unit may be controlled by moving the control elements along a first axis, i.e. forward or backward movement. When the operator is placed in an incorrect position, the sub-unit may be controlled by moving the control elements along a second axis, i.e. side-to-side movement. The switching between the first or second configuration and the third or fourth configuration may be used when the control element is a joystick. According to one embodiment, at least one of the orientation units is configured to detect the geographic direction of the sub-unit to which it is coupled.

This allows the orientation unit to detect the bearing of the remote control device and the operational device or a sub-unit thereof which are then used to determine the relative bearing between the two devices. The orientation device may be an electrical compass, a magnetometer, a GPS receiver, or another device capable to determine the orientation of the device relative to the true north, magnetic north or gird north. The operational device may comprise two or more orientation units located on two or more sub-units. The orientation unit may comprise two sub-units which are used to determine the orientation of that device. This allows the control device to determine the orientation of the sub-units on the operational device which is then used to determine the relative orientation of the operator to that particular sub-unit. This allows the operator to control each of the sub-unit in an intuitive and more natural manner.

The different threshold values may be determined based on the maximum bearing value, e.g. 360°. 0° or 360° being magnetic, grid or true north. The threshold values may be selected so that they divide the maximal bearing into two, three, four, or more intervals, e.g. of 45°, 60°, 90°, 135°, or 180°. If the bearing is divided into two intervals, the threshold values may be selected between 80° to 100°, e.g. 90°, and 260° to 280°, e.g. 270°, respectively. If the bearing is divided into four intervals, the four threshold values defining the intervals may be selected so that they form intervals of equal length or different lengths. The first threshold value may be selected to be between 23° to 68°, e.g. 45°, the second threshold value between 113° to 158°, e.g. 135°, the third threshold value between 203° to 248°, e.g. 225°, and fourth threshold value between 293° to 338°, e.g. 315°. The first threshold value may instead be selected between 338° to 23°, e.g. 0° or 360°, the second threshold value between 68° to 113°, e.g. 90°, the third threshold value between 158° to 203°, e.g. 180°, and fourth threshold value between 248° to 293°, e.g. 270°. The control elements may be activated normally in the first interval defined by the first and fourth threshold values, and may be inverted or switched in the second interval defined by the second and third threshold values. The control elements may be suspended in the third interval defined by the first and second threshold values and further in the fourth interval defined by the third and fourth threshold values.

According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a first relative orientation between the sub-unit and the remote control device before a first activation of the sub-unit, and to maintain the first relative orientation during the first activation, and to determine a second relative orientation between the sub-unit and the remote control device before a second activation of the sub-unit. The control unit locks the relative orientation of the operator when a control element on the remote control device is activated. This allows the remote control device to control the operation of the sub-unit according to the same configuration while the control element is activated, e.g. pushed or pulled in a specific direction. The operator may then move around relative to the operational device while monitoring the movement of sub-unit. After the activation of the control element is terminated, e.g. the pressure on the control element is removed; the control unit then unlocks the relative orientation. When the same or another control element is activated thereafter, the control unit determines a new relative orientation of the operator and then locks this value. This increases the safety for the operator as the relative orientation is determined and locked each time a control element is activated.

The control unit may be configured to evaluate the setting or movement of one or more other sub-units before activating the desired sub-unit. One or more sub-units may be positioned in a first position, e.g. a neutral position, before a particular sub- unit, e.g. the chassis, may be operated. This increases the safety as some sub-units may only be operated if other sub-units are positioned in their first position.

If the control unit is electrically coupled to two or more orientation units located on different sub-units, the relative orientation to a particular sub-unit may be determined and locked when the control element for that sub-unit is activated via the remote control device. The operational device may be configured so that two or more sub- units may be operated at the same time, e.g. according to different configurations on the respective control elements. The operational device may instead be configured so that the other sub-units may not be operated while a particular sub-unit is operated. This allows each of the sub-units to be controlled individually either at the same time or only one at a time.

According to one embodiment, the communication link is a wireless or wired communication link.

The remote control device may communicate with the operational device via an electrical cable which may have a plug or socket connection at either ends. The operational device may comprise a mating plug or socket connection located at one of the sides or on two sides, e.g. the front and backside or at either sides. The remote control device may alternatively or additionally communicate with the operational device via a wireless communication link using IR or RF signals, light or sonic (aural or visual) waves, electromagnetic signals or another suitable communication link. Alternatively, a Bluetooth, WIFI, or GSM link may be used instead. This allows the operator to select the desired communication link to communicate with the operational device, e.g. based on the signal conditions or interference at the location. The data transmitted over the communication link may be encrypted using a known encryption algorithm or comprise a unique identification number to identify the two devices. If a wired communication link is used, the two devices may communicate with each other via a number of different communication channels. The control unit may select a communication channel based on one or more criteria, such as highest S/N ratio, no present communication on the channel, or other criteria.

The operational device may comprise a local controller configured to control the operations of each of the sub-units where the first communication unit is electrically coupled to the local controller. The local controller is configured to control the function and operation of each sub-unit in a known manner and will not be described in further details. The control unit may be arranged inside the remote control device and configured to control the operation of the control elements on the remote control device. The control unit may transmit and/or receive control signals to or from the local controller of the operational device via the communication link. The control unit may alternatively be arranged in the operational device and transmit and/or receive control signals to or from the remote control device. According to one embodiment, the remote control device comprises at least one selection element configured to switch the operation of a first sub-unit to a second sub-unit upon activation. The control elements in the remote control device may be electrically coupled to one or more selection elements, such as a switch, a push button, a rotatable selection knob, or another suitable selection element. This allows the operator to select which of the sub-units should be activated by that particular control element or to select which of the control elements should be activated. The use of a selection element allows the number of control elements on the remote control device to be reduced as the same control element may be used to control more than one sub-unit.

The remote control device may comprise one or more sets of control elements dedicated to control one or more of the sub-units in the operational device. The control elements may be pivotal control levers, slidable or rotatable control knops, push buttons, well defined pressure sensitive areas on a touch sensitive screen, or another suitable control element. The remote control device may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more joysticks configured to move along one, two, or more axis. The joystick may be configured to control the operation of one or more sub-units in the operational device. This allows the operator to control the sub-units using the different sets of control elements.

The remote control device may comprise a display unit configured to visually inform the operator of the settings on the sub-units of the operational device and/or the orientation of the sub-units. Different status information may be displayed on the display, such as battery or fuel status, oil or hydraulic pressure, position or angle of the support elements, or other status information. The display may further be configured to display the relative orientation of the remote control device and thus the operator and/or if any configuration or settings have been inversed or switched. One or more light diodes and/or audio or vibration units may be electrically coupled to the control unit and configured to warn the operator of an alarm state or that he is placed in an incorrect position. The display unit may be configured so that all or most of the control of the sub-units is performed using one or more well defined touch sensitive areas on a graphic user interface. This allows the operator to monitor the operation of the operational device and to better control the operation of each sub-unit.

According to one embodiment, the operational device is a mobile operational device comprising at least one sub-unit selected from the group of a moveable chassis, a rotatable base unit, a moveable support element, a telescopic moveable arm, an articulated moveable arm, a rotatable working basket, or a moveable jib.

The operational device may be configured as an aerial lift, working platform, window cleaning equipment, mobile crane, or the like where the orientation units may be coupled to one or more of the moveable sub-units on the device. The orientation unit may be coupled to the chassis, base unit, arm or arm section, basket or platform, and/or the jib. The device may instead of an arm comprise a scissor lift unit. The control elements on the remote control device may be configured to control the steering and/or forward/backward movement of the chassis, rotation of the base unit, movement of each arm section relative to the base unit, extension/retraction of the arm, in/out movement of the jib, rotation of the basket or platform, and/or other function of the operational device. This allows the operator to control each of these sub-units in an intuitive manner where a forward or left side activation of the control element results in a corresponding forward or left side movement of the sub-unit, and vice versa.

According to one embodiment, the operation device is selected from the group of an airplane, a helicopter, a boat, or a vehicle.

The operational device may be configured as an airplane, helicopter, boat, or vehicle where the orientation device is coupled to the chassis of the device. The control elements on the remote control device may be configured to control the steering and/or forward/backward movement of the chassis. The control elements may be configured to control the up/down movement of the ailerons and/or side-to-side movement of the rudder. This allows the operator to control the flight or drive in an intuitive manner where a forward or left side activation of the control element results in a corresponding forward or left side movement of the sub-unit, and vice versa. Description of the Drawing

The invention is described by example only and with reference to the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an operational device in a compact state remotely controlled by an operator in a first direction according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the operational device shown in fig. 1 remotely controlled by the operator in a second direction;

Fig. 3 shows the operational device shown in fig. 1 in an extended state remotely controlled by the operator in a third direction;

Fig. 4 shows the operational device shown in fig. 1 in an extended state remotely controlled by the operator in a fourth direction;

Fig. 5 shows the operational device shown in fig. 1 shown from the top;

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the remote control device;

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary configuration of the remote control device and the operational device;

Fig. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the control method; and

Fig. 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of control method.

In the following, the figures will be described one by one and the different parts and positions seen in the figures will be numbered with the same numbers in the different figures. Not all parts and positions indicated in a specific figure will necessarily be discussed together with that figure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an operational device 1 in the form of an aerial lift in a compact state. The operational device 1 may comprise a number of moveable sub-units which can be operated individually or in groups of two or more. The operation of each sub-unit may be controlled by an operator 2 via a remote control device 3 in the form of a wearable or handheld control box. The remote control device 3 may comprise a number of control elements (e.g. joysticks, control levers, buttons, or the like) allowing the operator 2 to interact with the sub-unit. The control elements may be configured to control the movement of each of the sub-unit in one or more directions. The operational device 1 may comprise a front 4 connected to a backside 5 via two sides 6, 7.

The operational device 1 may be configured as a mobile lifting device, such as an aerial lift, which may comprise a moveable chassis 8 having a predetermined length (defining an X-axis) and width (defining a Y-axis). One or more endless belts 8a may be arranged on either side 6, 7 of the chassis 8. The belts 8a may be coupled to at least one drive wheel 8b configured to drive the belt 8a in an axial direction parallel to the X-axis. A motor (not shown) may be arranged on the chassis 8 and may be coupled to the drive wheels 8b. A rotatable base unit 9 may be arranged on top of the chassis 8 where a yawing system (not shown) in the form of one or more yaw bearings may be coupled between the base unit 9 and the chassis 8. The yawing system may be configured to rotate or move the base unit 9 in a radial direction parallel to the Z-axis. One or more moveable support elements 10, 11 may be coupled to the base unit 9 or the chassis 8 on either side 6, 7. The support element 10, 11 may be configured as a support leg or an outrigger which may be coupled to the base unit 9 or the chassis 8 by a moveable joint 12 such as a single joint or a double joint. Preferably two or more support legs 10, 11 are arranged on either side 6, 7 of the chassis 8 or the base unit 9. The joint 12 may be configured to rotate or move the support element 10, 11 in a radial direction parallel to the Z-axis and/or the Y-axis. A linear actuator 13 in the form of a hydraulic, air pressure or gas driven piston or electric actuator may be coupled to the support element 10, 11 for bringing it into contact with the ground on which the operational device 1 is located. The movement of the chassis 8, the base unit 9 and the support elements 10, 11 may be controlled by the remote control device 3 using one or more sets of control elements of the device 3.

One or more arm units 14, 15 in the form of a telescopic arm and/or an articulated arm may be coupled to the top of the base unit 9. The arm unit 14, 15 may comprise a first end coupled to the base unit 9 and a second end coupled to a moveable jib 16. The arm units 14, 15 may be configured to move from a compact position, as shown in fig. 1, to an extended position, as shown in fig. 3. The arm unit 14, 15 may be coupled to the base unit 9 and/or the jib 16 by a moveable joint 17, 18 such as a single joint or a double joint. The jib 16 may at the other end be coupled to a rotatable working basket 19 by a moveable joint 20 such as a single joint or a double joint. The remote control device 3 may comprise a communication unit 21 configured to communicate with a communication unit 22 arranged on the operational device 1 via a communication link 23. The remote control device 3 may be configured to be moved independently of the operational device 1 which allows the operator 2 to move freely around the device 1.

A control unit 24 arranged on the operational device 1 may be configured to adapt the control of one or more of the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 to the relative orientation of the remote control device 3 and thus the operator 2. The control element on the remote control device 3 may be activated according to a first configuration when the operator 2 is positioned in a substantially backward facing position, as shown in fig. 1. The operator 2 may use a set of control elements on the remote control device 3 to control the movement of the chassis 8. When the operator 2 pushes the control element forward (marked with arrow 25) the chassis 8 and thus the entire device 1 move backward in the axial direction (marked with an arrow 26).

Fig. 2 shows the operational device 1 in a compact state where the operator 2 has moved to a substantially forward facing position. The control unit 24 may determine that the relative orientation of the operator 2 and thus the remote control device 3 has passed or crossed a first threshold value. The control unit 24 may then change the configuration of the control element on the device 3 so that the control element may be activated according to a second configuration. The activation of the control element in the second configuration may be inverted relative to the activation in the first configuration. When the operator 2 pushes the control element forward (marked with an arrow 27), the chassis 8 and thus the entire device 1 move forward in the axial direction (marked with an arrow 28).

Fig. 3 shows the operational device 1 shown in fig. 1 in an extended state where the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 may be remotely controlled by the operator 2 via the remote control device 3. The support elements 10, 11 may individually or in pairs be moved into position so that the chassis 8 is stabilised relative to the contours of the ground. One set of control elements on the device 3 may be used to control the support elements 10, 11 so that the chassis 8 is placed in an elevated and/or levelled position relative to the ground. The support elements 10, 11 may alternatively be configured to automatically place the chassis 8 in the level position using one or more levelling or tilting sensors, e.g. using reference bubbles, water lines, or optical signals to determine the orientation of the chassis 8.

The arm unit may comprise an articulated arm 14 comprising two or more rotatable arm sections 14a, 14b interconnected to each other via one or more moveable joints 29 in the form of a single joint or a double joint. One or more linear actuators 30 in the form of hydraulic, air pressure or gas driven pistons or electrical actuators may be coupled to two adjacent arm sections 14a, 14b for moving the basket 19 in an axial direction parallel to the Z-axis (marked with arrow 31). The arm unit may comprise a telescopic arm 15 comprising two or more telescopic arm sections 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d which are configured to slide relative to each other. An outermost arm section 15a may be coupled to the arm 14 by one of the joints 29. The other arm sections 15b, 15c, 15d may be arranged inside the outermost arm section 15a where the innermost arm section 15d may be coupled to a linear actuator 31. The linear actuator 31 in the form of hydraulic, air pressure or gas driven piston or electrical actuator may be configured to move the basket 19 in a lateral direction relative to the Z-axis (marked with arrow

32) .

A linear actuator (not shown) in the form of hydraulic, air pressure or gas driven piston or electrical actuator may be coupled to the jib 16 for rotating or moving the basket 19 in a radial direction parallel to the X-axis and/or Y-axis (marked with arrow

33) . The joint 20 may be configured to rotate or move the basket 19 in a radial direction parallel to the Z-axis.

The operator 2 may use one or more sets of control elements on the remote control device 3 to control the movement of the articulated arm 14, the telescopic arm 15, the jib 16, and/or the basket 19. When the operator 2 pushes a control element forward (marked with an arrow 34) the telescopic arm 15 retracts in the axial direction (marked with an arrow 35).

Fig. 4 shows the operational device 1 in an extended state where the operator 2 has moved to a substantially forward facing position. As described earlier, the control unit 24 determines that the relative orientation of the operator 2 has passed or crossed the first threshold value. The control unit 24 then changes the configuration of the selected control element on the device 3 so that the control element may be activated according to the second configuration where the activation of the control element is inverted. When the operator 2 pushes the control element forward (marked with an arrow 36) the telescopic arm 15 extends in the axial direction (marked with an arrow 37).

Fig. 5 shows the operational device 1 from the top side in a compact state where the operator 2a is placed in a substantially backward facing position and operator 2b is placed in a substantially forward facing position. The operator 2 may have a set of control element on the remote control device 3 to control the steering of the chassis 8 and/or the basket 19. The control unit 24 determines the relative orientation of the remote control device 3a and thus the operator 2a has not passed the first threshold value, and the control element on the device 3a is activated according to a third configuration. When the operator 2a pushes the control element to the right side (marked with an arrow 38) the chassis 8 or basket 19 steers in a radial direction parallel to the Z-axis (marked with an arrow 39). The control unit 24 determines the relative orientation of the remote control device 3 and thus the operator 2b has passed the first threshold value and changes the configuration of the control element of the device 3b. The control element on the device 3b is activated according to a fourth configuration. The activation of the control element in the fourth configuration may be inverted relative to the activation in the third configuration. When the operator 2b pushes the control element to the right side (marked with arrow 40) the chassis 8 or basket 19 steers in the opposite radial direction parallel to the Z-axis (marked with an arrow 41).

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the remote control device 3 comprising a number, e.g. six, of control elements 42 for controlling the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19. The control elements 42 may be configured as individually activated pivotal control levers which may be activated by pushing or pulling them in a forward or backward direction (marked with an arrow 43). The control elements 42 may be arranged on the outer surface of a housing 44. The control elements 42 may be arranged in pairs so that two control elements 42 have to be activated at the same time for controlling one of the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19. An emergency stop button 45 and/or more control elements 46 in the form of push buttons may be arranged on the housing 44. The control elements 46 may be configured to control different functions on the operational device 1, such as start/stop or other relevant functions.

A display 47 in the form of a touch sensitive display may be arranged on the housing 44. The display may be configured to visually display the settings of one or more of the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 to the operator 2. The display 47 may be configured to graphically display the relative orientation of the remote control device 3 and/or if the activation of one or more of the control elements 42 is inverted. One or more well defined touch sensitive areas (not shown) on a graphic user interface on the display may be used to control the operation of the operational device 1. One of the control elements 46 or a touch sensitive area on the display 47 may be configured to function as a selection element for selecting a desired sub-unit 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 which is to be controlled by a particular control element 42.

Coupling means 48 may be arranged on the housing 44 for attaching one or more straps configured to be placed around the waist or neck of the operator 2. This allows the remote control device to hang freely from the body of the operator 2.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary configuration of the remote control device 3 and the operational device 1. An orientation device 49 may be arranged inside the housing 44 and may be electrically coupled to the communication unit 21. The display 47 and the control elements 42, 46 may be further electrically coupled to the communication unit 21.

The communication unit 22 may be coupled to the operational device 1 and may be electrically coupled to an orientation unit 50 located on the operational device 1 via the control unit 24. The orientation units 49, 50 may be an electric compass configured to detect the geographic orientation, e.g. between 0° to 360°, of the device 1, 3. The orientation device 50 may be coupled to any one of the sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 and electrically coupled to the control unit 24 by a wired communication link.

The control unit 24 may be electrically coupled to a local controller (not shown) in the operational device 1 which is configured to control the operation of the various sub- units located on the device 1. The control unit 24 may be configured to transmit and/or receive control signals or commands from the local controller. The control unit 24 may further transmit and/or receive control signals from the remote control device via a wireless RF communication link 23.

The control unit 24 may continuously receive the geographic orientation from the two orientation units 49, 50 based on which the control unit 24 may determine the relative orientation of the remote control device 3. The relative orientation may then be compared to the first threshold value, e.g. of 90°, for determining if the activation of the selected control element 42 configured to control the selected sub-unit 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 should be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa. The relative orientation may be compared to a second threshold value, e.g. of 270°, for determining the desired configuration. The two threshold values form an interval of 270° to 90° in which the control element 42 may be activated according to the first configuration. The control element 42 may be activated according to the second configuration in the second interval of 90° to 270°.

The control unit 24 may be configured to lock the relative orientation of the device 3 when the control element 42 is activated. The control unit 24 may determine a new relative orientation of the remote control device 3 after the control element 42 is deactivated. This prevents the selected sub-unit from being moved in an unintended direction which could lead to an accident. The control unit 24 may be configured to control two or more sub-units 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 at the same time where the locked relative orientation for the two selected sub-units may differ. This allows the control elements for the two sub-units to be operated according to different configurations.

Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of the control method according to the invention in which the control element 42 is prevented from activating the selected sub-unit, e.g. the chassis 8, if the operator 2 is placed in an incorrect position relative to the selected sub-unit 8. Fig. 8a shows the operational device 1 while figs. 8b-d show the control device 3 placed in three different orientations relative the operational device 1. The control unit 24 determines the relative orientation between the selected sub-unit 8 and the control device 3 and compares it to at least four threshold values, e.g. of 60°, 120°, 240° and 300°. If the control unit 24 determines that the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within a first interval 51 defined by the first and fourth threshold value, as shown in fig. 8b, then the control elements 42a, 42b are activated (marked with arrow 52) according to a first configuration for moving the sub-unit 8 in a desired direction 53. If the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within a second interval 54 defined by the second and third threshold value, as shown in fig. 8d, then the control elements 42a, 42b are activated (marked with arrow 55) according to a second configuration for moving the sub-unit 8 in the desired direction 53.

The control elements 42a, 42b are prevented from activating the movement 53 of the sub-unit 8, if the control unit 24 determines that the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within a third interval 56, as shown in fig. 8c, defined by the first and second threshold values or the third and fourth threshold values. The operator 2 is then instructed, e.g. via a message on the display 47, to move to a correct position as shown in fig. 8b or 8d.

Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of the control method according to the invention in which the control of the support elements 10a, 10b, 11a, l ib is selected based on the relative orientation of the control device 3. Fig. 9a shows the support elements 10a, 10b, 11a, l ib of the operational device 1 in an extended position while figs. 9b-d show the control device 3 placed in four different orientations relative the operational device 1. The control unit 24 determines the relative orientation between the operational device 1 and the control device 3 and compares it to at least four threshold values, e.g. of 45°, 135°, 225° and 315°. If the control unit 24 determines that the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within the first interval 5 defined by the first and fourth threshold value, as shown in fig. 9b, then the two control elements 42a, 42b are used to selectively activate and control the operation of the support elements 11a, l ib facing the rear of the operation device 1. If the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within the second interval 54' defined by the second and third threshold value, as shown in fig. 9d, then the two control elements 42a, 42b are used to selectively activate and control the operation of the support elements 10a, 10b facing the front of the operation device 1.

As operator 2 moves relative to the operational device 1, the operator 2 is able to orientate the control device 3 relative to the operational device 1 as shown in fig. 9c so that the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within a third interval 56' defined by the third and fourth threshold value. The two control elements 42a, 42b are then used to selectively activate and control the operation of the support elements 10a, 11a facing one side of the operation device 1. If the control unit 24 determines that the relative orientation of the control device 3 is within a fourth interval 56" defined by the first and second threshold value, as shown in fig. 9e, then the two control elements 42a, 42b are used to selectively activate and control the operation of the support elements 10b, 1 lb facing the other side of the operation device 1.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the operation of an operational device, where the system comprises:

- an operational device (1) comprising a front (4) connected to a backside (5) via two sides (6, 7), wherein the operational device (1) comprises a number of individually moveable sub-units (8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19) where at least one of these is electrically coupled to a first communication unit (22) located in the operational device (1), wherein the first communication unit (22) is configured to communicate with a second communication unit (21) via a communication link (23);

- a remote control device (3) capable of being moved independently of the operational device (1), wherein the remote control device (3) is configured to control the operation of at least one of the sub-units of the operational device (1) and wherein the second communication unit (21) is arranged in the remote control device (3);

- a first orientation unit (50) coupled to the sub-unit (8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19) and configured to detect the orientation of the sub-unit, wherein the first orientation unit (50) is electrically coupled to the first communication unit (22);

- a second orientation unit (21) coupled to the remote control device (3) and configured to detect the orientation of the remote control device (3), wherein the second orientation unit (49) is electrically coupled to the second communication unit

(21);

- a control unit (24) coupled to one of the communication units (21, 22) and configured to adapt the control of the sub-unit based on the orientation of the sub-unit and the remote control device (3), characterised in that

- the control unit (24) is configured to determine the relative orientation between the sub-unit and the remote control device (3) and to compare it to at least one predetermined threshold value, wherein the control unit (24) is further configured to change the control of the sub-unit from a first configuration to a second configuration if the relative orientation passes at least one predetermined threshold value in one direction.

2. A system according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (24) is further configured to change the control of the sub-unit from the second configuration to a third configuration if the relative orientation passes at least a second predetermined threshold value in the one direction.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the control unit in one of the configurations, e.g. the second configuration, is configured to prevent the remote control device (24) from activating the sub-unit.

4. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one of the orientation units (49, 50) is configured to detect the geographic direction of the sub-unit to which it is coupled.

5. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the control unit (24) is configured to determine a first relative orientation between the sub-unit and the remote control device (3) before a first activation of the sub-unit, and to maintain the first relative orientation during the first activation, and to determine a second relative orientation between the sub-unit and the remote control device (3) before a second activation of the sub-unit.

6. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the communication link (23) is a wireless or wired communication link.

7. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the remote control device (3) comprises at least one selection element configured to switch the operation of a first sub-unit to a second sub-unit upon activation.

8. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the operational device (1) is a mobile operational device comprising at least one sub-unit selected from the group of a moveable chassis (8), a rotatable base unit (9), a moveable support element (10, 11), a telescopic moveable arm (15), an articulated moveable arm (14), a rotatable working basket (19), or a moveable jib (16).

9. A system according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the operation device (1) is selected from the group of an airplane, a helicopter, a boat, or a vehicle.