Master/Slave Registration and Control for Diverse Teleoperation Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to applying master/slave registration and control for teleoperation to new industries and use cases, enabling enhanced remote monitoring, autonomous search and rescue, optimized agricultural practices, realistic medical training, and efficient warehouse management.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed limitations in teleoperated systems, particularly in aligning end-effectors with fields of view. However, the technology's potential applications extend beyond teleoperated systems. The new inventive concept solves the problem of applying this core technology to diverse industries, where remote control and synchronization are crucial.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the master/slave registration and control for teleoperation to various new applications. In remote environmental monitoring, the technology enables synchronization of sensor data with teleoperated device movements. In autonomous search and rescue, it facilitates synchronization of the teleoperated device with a remote operator. In teleoperated agricultural systems, it optimizes crop yield and reduces waste. In remote medical training, it simulates real-world medical scenarios. In teleoperated warehouse management, it optimizes inventory management and reduces errors.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the master/slave registration and control for teleoperation, expanding its scope beyond traditional teleoperated systems. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential for this technology to transform diverse industries and developing specific implementations for each use case.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include adapting the technology for use in underwater exploration, space exploration, or disaster response. Variations could involve integrating the technology with artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer vision to further enhance its capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue, agriculture, medical training, and warehouse management. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking to improve remote operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Teleoperation systems, robotics, and remote control technologies involving multi-reference frame synchronization and device control across diverse operational environments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in robotics, control systems, and human-machine interfaces, possessing knowledge of sensor integration, reference frame transformations, and adaptive control methodologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the master/slave registration and control technique disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable framework for synchronizing device movements across reference frames, which can be readily adapted to multiple domain-specific applications by applying standard engineering design principles and integrating domain-specific sensors and control logic.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,280 |
|---|---|
| Title | Master/slave registration and control for teleoperation |
| Assignee(s) | INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. |