In order to make the task of controlling Mobile-Manipulator Systems (MMS) simpler, a
novel command strategy that uses a single joystick is presented to replace the existing
paradigm of using multiple joysticks. To improve efficiency and accuracy, virtual fixtures
were implemented with the use of a haptic joystick. Instead of modeling the MMS as a
single unit with three redundant degrees-of-freedom (DOF), the operator controls either the
manipulator or the mobile base, with the command strategy choosing which one to move.
The novel command strategy uses three modes of operation to automatically switch control
between the manipulator and base. The three modes of operation are called near-target manipulation
mode, off-target manipulation mode, and transportation mode. The system enters
near-target manipulation mode only when close to a target of interest, and allows the operator
to control the manipulator using velocity control. When the operator attempts to move
the manipulator out of its workspace limits, the system temporarily enters transportation
mode. When the operator moves the manipulator in a direction towards the manipulator’s
workspace the system returns to near-target manipulation mode. In off-target manipulation
mode, when the operator moves the manipulator to its workspace limits, the system retracts
the arm near to the centre of its workspace to enter and remain in transportation mode.
While in transportation mode the operator controls the base using velocity control.
Two types of virtual fixtures are used, repulsive virtual fixtures and forbidden region virtual
fixtures. Repulsive virtual fixtures are present in the form of six virtual walls forming a
cube at the manipulator’s workspace limits. When the operator approaches a virtual wall,
a repulsive force is felt pushing the operator’s hand away from the workspace limits. The
forbidden region virtual fixtures prevent the operator from driving into obstacles by disregarding
motion commands that would result in a collision.
The command strategy was implemented on the Omnibot MMS and test results show that
it was successful in improving simplicity, accuracy, and efficiency when teleoperating a
MMS. / UOIT
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OOSHDU.10155/218 |
| Date | 01 November 2011 |
| Creators | Wrock, Michael |
| Contributors | Nokleby, Scott |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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