An interactive menu-driven remote control unit for TV-receivers and VC-recorders

The use of remote-control locomotives has become prevalent in most major rail yards in North America. Despite their increased use, they are limited by the functionality and current design of the operator control unit. Human factors research has identified interface design issues with the controller, emphasizing the need to rethink a new generation of remote-control units that can accommodate the growing needs of operational functionality through effective interface design. Towards that goal, we present the preliminary findings of an exploratory study comparing the functional effectiveness and usability of two types of remote-control modalities – a traditional gaming controller and a multi-touch tablet – to drive a locomotive. Initial findings indicate that the game controller modality is preferred over multi-touch, with low variation among participants. However, the preference of control mode (i.e., vehicle power or speed command input) was different for the two modalities. These initial findings are the first of their kind in identifying initial design considerations for future remote locomotive operation and in comparing the use of traditional gaming and multi-touch controllers.

Download Full-text

2A2-G05 Training of Mechanical Engineers by Robot Competition : Robot Contest Using Wireless LAN Remote Control Unit(Education through Robot Contest)

The Proceedings of JSME annual Conference on Robotics and Mechatronics (Robomec) ◽

10.1299/jsmermd.2011._2a2-g05_1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 (0) ◽

pp. _2A2-G05_1-_2A2-G05_4 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shinsaku FUJIMOTO ◽

Tetsuya AKAGI

Keyword(s):

Remote Control ◽

Wireless Lan ◽

Control Unit

Download Full-text

Remote Control Jackleg Drills Reduce Operators’ Overall Noise Exposures

Volume 15: Sound, Vibration and Design ◽

10.1115/imece2009-12833 ◽

2009 ◽

Author(s):

Anthony S. Argirakis

Keyword(s):

Remote Control ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Control Unit ◽

Sound Level ◽

Mine Safety ◽

Health Administration ◽

Mining Company ◽

Anthracite Coal ◽

Metal Support ◽

Baseline Test

Jackleg drills have proven to be a problem when it comes to overexposures to noise for coal miners as well as metal/nonmetal miners. These pneumatic drills are used to drill holes for roof bolting or blast holes in developmental and stoper mining. They are used when mining vertically or steeply inclined deposits. The “Leg” is a heavy metal support which allows the driller to keep the rig steady when collaring the hole as well as keeping it steady while drilling into the hard rock. Since drilling is done basically by hand, the operator remains in close proximity to the noise associated with the pneumatic hammer. Up until now, little has been done with the exception of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and retrofit mufflers to achieve compliance with the noise standards stated in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 30, part 62 for the drills of the type. Just recently an anthracite coal mining company, having noise problems associated with their jackleg drills, purchased a “Remote In-Stope Drill Rig” from a manufacturer in South Africa. A noise study was conducted by the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and the cooperative mining company to determine the effectiveness of the remote control jackleg drill in reducing the operator’s overall noise exposure. The baseline test was conducted on the original jackleg drill. Once the new remote unit was received, it was tested as received from the manufacturer with their hammer and again with the company’s original hammer retrofitted to the drill rig. The company also made modifications to the 8 ft. hose extending it to 20 ft. to allow operation further from the noise source. The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the remote control unit in reducing not only the sound level, but also the overall noise dose. The unit was found to not only reduce the operator’s overall noise exposure when used with either hammer, but allowed drilling to be conducted from a location under permanently supported roof with no vibration on the operator’s hands.

Download Full-text