US 6,148,100 A · 3-dimensional telepresence system for a robotic environment

Abstract

A telepresence system includes a camera pair remotely controlled by a control module affixed to an operator. The camera pair provides for three dimensional viewing and the control module, affixed to the operator, affords hands-free operation of the camera pair. In one embodiment, the control module is affixed to the head of the operator and an initial position is established. A triangulating device is provided to track the head movement of the operator relative to the initial position. A processor module receives input from the triangulating device to determine where the operator has moved relative to the initial position and moves the camera pair in response thereto. The movement of the camera pair is predetermined by a software map having a plurality of operation zones. Each zone therein corresponds to unique camera movement parameters such as speed of movement. Speed parameters include constant speed, or increasing or decreasing. Other parameters include pan, tilt, slide, raise or lowering of the cameras. Other user interface devices are provided to improve the three dimensional control capabilities of an operator in a local operating environment. Such other devices include a pair of visual display glasses, a microphone and a remote actuator. The pair of visual display glasses are provided to facilitate three dimensional viewing, hence depth perception. The microphone affords hands-free camera movement by utilizing voice commands. The actuator allows the operator to remotely control various robotic mechanisms in the remote operating environment.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A telepresence system for assisting in assimilating an operator in a local operating environment into a remote operating environment, the system comprising:

(a) a camera assembly comprising a pair of adjacently disposed cameras to obtain a visual image in three dimensions;
(b) means for orienting the camera assembly;
(c) a visual display unit configured to receive and display the visual image from the camera assembly;
(d) means for enabling the operator to view the visual image on the visual display unit in three dimensions;
(e) a control module configured for attachment to the operator;
(f) a triangulating device configured to receive signals from the control module;
and
(g) a processor module configured to receive signals from the sensing unit and transmit signals to the means for orienting the camera such that the camera is oriented in response to the operators movement.

5 more elements

A telepresence system for assisting in assimilating an operator in a local operating environment into a remote operating environment, the system comprising:

(a) a camera pair configured to obtain a visual image in the remote operating environment;
(b) a pan and tilt device mounted to the camera pair;
(c) a sliding track having the camera mounted thereto, the sliding track being configured to move the camera pair along the length thereof;
(d) a visual display unit configured to receive and display the visual image from the camera pair;
(e) a control module configured for attachment to the operator;
(f) a triangulating device configured to receive signals from the control module;
(g) a processor being configured to:
(i) initialize an initial position of the operator based on inputs received by the processor from the triangulating device;
(ii) establish a map including a plurality of different zones, the zones corresponding to regions in which the operator can move, the zones including a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, the zones being positioned relative to the initial position of the operator;
(iii) receive inputs from the triangulating device to ascertain the coordinates and corresponding zones of the operator as the operator moves while viewing the visual display unit;
(iv) transmit signals to the pan and tilt device for moving the camera along a path at a predetermined speed when the operator is in the second zone;
and
(v) transmit signals to the sliding track for moving the camera therealong when the operator is in the third zone.

10 more elements

A method for operating a processor as part of a telepresence system, the telepresence system further including a camera assembly configured to obtain a visual image, the camera being movable by a means for orienting the camera under a select combination of movement parameters, the movement parameters including speed of camera movement and type of camera movement, a visual display unit configured to receive and display the visual image from the camera, a control module configured for attachment to the operator, and a triangulating device configured to receive signals from the control module, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) initializing a coordinate system based on an initial position of the operator, the initial position being based on inputs received from the triangulating device;
(b) establishing a map including a plurality of different zones, the zones corresponding to regions in which the operator can move, the zones being positioned relative to the initial position of the operator;
(c) receiving inputs from the triangulating device to ascertain the coordinates and corresponding zone of the operator as the operator moves while viewing the visual display unit;
and
(d) transmitting signals to the means for orienting the camera, the signals defining the select combination of movement parameters for the camera, the select combination of movement parameters being unique for each of the plurality of zones.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

3-dimensional telepresence system for a robotic environment

Life of this patent

3-dimensional telepresence system for a robotic environment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29