Proxy Robots and Remote Environment Simulator for Their Human Handlers

Abstract

A system for controlling a human-controlled proxy robot surrogate is presented. The system includes a plurality of motion capture sensors for monitoring and capturing all movements of a human handler such that each change in joint angle, body posture or position; wherein the motion capture sensors are similar in operation to sensors utilized in motion picture animation, suitably modified to track critical handler movements in near real time. A plurality of controls attached to the proxy robot surrogate is also presented that relays the monitored and captured movements of the human handler as “follow me” data to the proxy robot surrogate in which the plurality of controls are configured such that the proxy robot surrogate emulates the movements of the human handler.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]The present invention claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61,599,204 filed on Feb. 15, 2012, entitled “Space Exploration with Human Proxy Robots;” Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61,613,935 filed on Mar. 21, 2012, entitled “Remote Environment Simulator for Human Proxy Robot Handlers;” and co-pending non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 479,128 filed on May 23, 2012. The application to follow has basis in all of the earlier filings, with special emphasis on the creation of an environment for a human handler reflecting as closely as possible the remote environment of the handler's proxy robot.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present claimed invention generally relates to robotics. More specifically the present invention relates to human proxy robot systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]While the content herein is applicable to robots with some or even a great deal of autonomy as taught in the previous application, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a device that can give a human operator the experience of being present in a robotic agent, providing sensory information through a robot proxy. This technology can be used to create a middle ground between manned and robotic space missions, with the aim of safely exploring space while minimizing risks and cost. The device also includes features to make the human operator feel the same inflexibility as the robot, such as wearing outer wear and using a treadmill method with markers on the boots. Additionally, the device has stability features to ensure the operator can safely maintain their position under varying conditions of pitch and roll. Overall, the invention improves the experience and skill of human operators in space exploration.

Problems solved by technology

Carmein U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,572 discloses ways to make an omni directional treadmill for VR and other purposes, but the methods and apparatus employed do not anticipate the specification to follow.

Nor are his treadmill designs very stable, with the human constrained by balance cuffs, support struts, hand grips and the like just to stay upright.

(Butterfield does depict how a “hill” can be created by moving the user off-center, but the problem with such a small sphere is that there is a constant “hill” created by the small-diameter sphere itself.)

Images