Patent Publication Number: US-2022236731-A1

Title: Remote control station and method of operating remote control station

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to remote controlling of machines, and more specifically, to a remote control station and a method of operating the remote control station for controlling various machines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A machine, such as a loader or an excavator, operates at a worksite to accomplish various work operations. The machine may have to travel to a specific worksite and one or more implements of the machine may have to be operated for accomplishing the work operations. With advancement in technology, it is possible for an operator to remotely control the machine from a base station. Such a capability of remotely controlling the machine is specifically desirable in challenging work environments. 
     The base station typically includes a remote control station. Such a remote control station includes an operator interface having various input/output devices and a controller that communicates with the operator interface and the machine. Further, the input devices on the operator interface may include a joystick, a lever, a knob, a switch, a button, or any other device that is movable between various positions for operating the machine. 
     Different machines and implements may use different movements of the input device to control the corresponding machine and/or implement. Specifically, the input devices of different machines and/or implements may have different control patterns to perform a particular work operation. It can be difficult for the operator who is familiar with one control pattern to use a machine and/or an implement having a different control pattern. It may be beneficial for the operator present at the base station to have the ability to change the control patterns while remotely controlling the machine. 
     Further, in order to comply with industrial standards, it is desirable that a signage for a current control pattern is depicted on the operator interface. Typically, the signage is provided on a face plate of the operator interface. It may be challenging and confusing to illustrate different control patterns on the face plate due to space constraints. Thus, multiple part numbers for the face plate are required for different control patterns. Currently, the face plates on the operator interface are swapped to illustrate the signage for the current control pattern which may increase operator effort. 
     U.S. Publication Application Number 2006/0064221 describes a method and apparatus of a work machine wherein the operator changes the control pattern of the work machine by selecting the control pattern from a plurality of control patterns stored in a controller. A first input device is actuated to select a predetermined control pattern for at least one control member. The controller enables an algorithm to change from a first control pattern to a second control pattern in response to the selected predetermined control pattern. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control station is provided. The remote control station includes an operator interface for remotely controlling at least one work operation. The operator interface includes at least one control device. The operator interface also includes an indication system disposed adjacent to the at least one control device, wherein the indication system includes a first symbol associated with a plurality of control patterns of the at least one control device. The operator interface further includes a display device configured to display the plurality of control patterns thereon. Each of the plurality of control patterns includes a second symbol that is substantially similar to the first symbol. The remote control station also includes a controller operatively coupled with the operator interface. The controller is configured to store the plurality of control patterns therein. The controller is configured to receive an input signal from the operator interface for activation of one of the plurality of control patterns. The controller is also configured to transmit an output signal for performing the at least one work operation based on the activated control pattern. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control station is provided. The remote control station includes an operator interface for remotely controlling at least one work operation. The operator interface includes at least one control device. The operator interface also includes an indication system disposed adjacent to the at least one control device. The indication system includes a first symbol associated with a plurality of control patterns of the at least one control device. The remote control station also includes a controller operatively coupled with the operator interface. The controller is configured to store the plurality of control patterns therein. The controller is configured to receive an input signal from the operator interface for activation of one of the plurality of control patterns. The controller is also configured to transmit an output signal for performing the at least one work operation based on the activated control pattern 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a remote control station for remotely controlling at least one work operation is provided. The remote control station includes an operator interface. The method includes generating an input signal for activation of one of a plurality of control patterns associated with at least one control device of the operator interface. The operator interface includes an indication system disposed adjacent to the at least one control device. Further, the indication system includes a first symbol associated with the plurality of control patterns of the at least one control device. The method also includes receiving the input signal by a controller of the remote control station. The controller is operatively coupled with the operator interface and configured to store the plurality of control patterns therein. The method further includes transmitting, by the controller, an output signal for performing the at least one work operation based on the activated control pattern. 
     Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary machine; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a remote control station for remotely controlling the machine: 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a first operator interface, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates different control patterns that may be displayed on the first operator interface of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a second operator interface, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates different control patterns that may be displayed on the second operator interface of  FIG. 5 : 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a third operator interface, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart for a method of operating the remote control station for remotely controlling one or more work operations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary machine  100  is illustrated. Specifically, the machine  100  is embodied as a skid steer loader. Although a skid steer loader is depicted, the present disclosure may be applied to other machines, such as backhoe loaders, excavators, and the like. In the illustrated example, the machine  100  may be used to load and move materials, such as, dirt, asphalt, gravel, rocks, sand, snow, debris, etc. or for digging, grading, and other such work operations. 
     The machine  100  includes a frame  102 . The frame  102  supports various components of the machine  100 , such as an engine (not shown) and an operator cabin  104 . The engine generates output power and may include an internal combustion engine. The engine may include a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, a natural gas engine, and the like. The engine may supply the output power to various components of the machine  100  for operation thereof. Further, the machine  100  includes the operator cabin  104 . 
     The machine  100  may move in a forward direction “F” or a reverse direction “R”. The machine  100  includes one or more ground engaging members  106 ,  108  for movement of the machine  100  in the forward direction “F” or the reverse direction “R”. The ground engaging members  106 ,  108  are embodied as tracks herein. Alternatively, the ground engaging members  106 ,  108  may include wheels. In the illustrated example, the machine  100  includes the first ground engaging member  106  disposed at a left side  110  of the machine  100  and the second ground engaging member  108  disposed at a right hand side  112  of the machine  100 . The ground engaging members  106 ,  108  may move in the forward direction “F” or the reverse direction “R” for the movement of the machine  100 . In some examples, the first and second ground engaging members  106 ,  108  may move together in the forward direction “F” or the reverse direction “R”. Further, it may be contemplated that the first and second ground engaging members  106 ,  108  may be individually controlled for movement in the forward direction “F” or the reverse direction “R”. 
     The machine  100  also includes a work implement  114 . The work implement  114  is embodied as a bucket herein. It should be understood, however, that the work implement  114  may include any other type of work implement. The work implement  114  is connected to the frame  102  of the machine  100  by a pair of lift arms  116 . The work implement  114  is pivotally coupled to the lift arms  116 . Further, the work implement  114  may be mounted with only a single arm, boom, and stick. The work implement  114  may be lifted or tilted to perform one or more work operations. The work implement  114  may be lifted or lowered by a pair of hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders. Moreover, the work implement  114  may be tilted to a dump position or a rack position by one or more hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders, as per requirements. 
     Further, the machine  100  is remotely controllable by an operator present at a base station (not shown). The base station may be located at a worksite where the machine  100  is operating or the base station may be remote to the worksite, without any limitations. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a remote control station  200  is used to remotely control the machine  100  (see  FIG. 1 ). It should be noted that the remote control station  200  may be used to control any type of mobile or stationary machine, without any limitations. 
     The remote control station  200  is in communication with the machine  100 . The remote control station  200  includes an operator interface  202  for remotely controlling one or more work operations. The operator interface  202  may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the first operator interface  202 . The first operator interface  202  illustrated herein is exemplary in nature and it should be understood that the first operator interface  202  may include any other design, as per application requirements. The operator interface  202  is embodied as a physical device. The operator interface  202  may include one or more physical input devices, one or more virtual input devices, or a combination of physical and virtual input devices. For example, in some cases, the operator interface  202  may include physical input devices, such as, a joystick, a switch, a knob, and a pedal, as well as a display screen having virtual input devices. The operator interface  202  may be embodied as a console with various input devices such as a pair of control devices  204 ,  206  and an input device  208 , output devices such as a display device  210 , and signages that assist the operator in remotely controlling the machine  100 . For example, the operator may remotely move the machine  100  in the forward direction “F” (see  FIG. 1 ) or the reverse direction “R” (see  FIG. 1 ) or the operator may remotely move the work implement  114  (see  FIG. 1 ) to perform various work operations, such as loading or unloading material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the operator interface  202  includes a face plate  212 . The face plate  212  includes various signages, indicators, or markings that may assist the operator in controlling the machine  100  (see  FIG. 1 ). Further, the face plate  212  may support various input and output devices of the operator interface  202 . The operator interface  202  also includes the one or more control devices  204 ,  206 . In the illustrated example, the operator interface  202  includes the first control device  204  and the second control device  206 . Alternatively, the operator interface  202  may include a single control device or more than two control devices. The control device  204  may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the first control device  204  and the control device  206  may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the second control device  206 . 
     The one or more control devices  204 ,  206  includes a physical control device or a virtual control device. In the illustrated example, the control device  204 ,  206  includes the physical control device. The one or more control devices  204 ,  206  may include a joystick, a switch, a knob, and a pedal. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a type of the control device  204 ,  206 , and the operator interface  202  may include any other type of the control device. The control devices  204 ,  206  are embodied as joysticks herein. The control devices  204 ,  206  are illustrated in a neutral position in the accompanying figure. The control devices  204 ,  206  may be moved from the neutral position to perform one or more work operations. In some examples, the one or more work operations may include the movement of the machine  100  or the work implement  114  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the machine  100 . Each control device  204 ,  206  is movable horizontally and vertically to perform the one or more work operations. 
     Further, the operator interface  202  includes an indication system  214  disposed adjacent to the one or more control devices  204 ,  206 . In the illustrated example, the indication system  214  is disposed on the face plate  212  of the operator interface  202  proximate the control devices  204 ,  206 . The indication system  214  includes a first symbol  216  associated with a number of control patterns  218 ,  220  of the one or more control devices  204 ,  206 . In the illustrated example, the first symbol  216  is indicative of the movement of the control devices  204 ,  206 . The first symbol  216  includes two axes that are perpendicular to each other that depict the control pattern  218 ,  220  of the control devices  204 ,  206 . The first symbol  216  provides an indication to the operator that the control devices  204 ,  206  can be moved forward/backward or side to side. It should be noted that the first symbol  216  illustrated herein is exemplary in nature and the first symbol  216  may vary based on a type of the control devices  204 ,  206  and a type of the operator interface  202 . The indication system  214  also includes a generic marking  224  that is disposed adjacent to the first symbol  216 . The generic marking  224  depicted as “O” herein is exemplary, and the generic marking  224  may vary as required. 
     Further, the operator interface  202  includes the display device  210  to display the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  thereon. Specifically, the display device  210  displays the first control pattern  218  and the second control pattern  220 . The control pattern  218  may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the first control pattern  218  and the control pattern  220  may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the second control pattern  220 . In some examples, the display device  210  also includes the indication system  214  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). Specifically, the indication system  214  may be displayed on the display device  210 . The indication system  214  may be displayed on a control pattern screen, a main control page, or a home page on the display device  210 . Further, in some examples, the indication system  214  may be displayed on the display device  210  as well as the face plate  212  of the operator interface  202 . In the illustrated example, the display device  210  includes a single display device. 
     Further, the term “control pattern” as used herein may be defined as a map that coordinates a position of the control device  204 ,  206  with a corresponding work operation being performed. The operator of the machine  100  may switch between the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  as required. The first and second control patterns  218 ,  220  are compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , each of the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  being displayed includes a second symbol  226  that is substantially similar to the first symbol  216 . More specifically, the second symbol  226  is indicative of the movement of the control devices  204 ,  206  (see  FIG. 3 ). Further, a numeric marking  240  associated with the control pattern  218 ,  220  is disposed adjacent to the second symbol  226 . The second symbol  226  provides an indication to the operator that the control devices  204 ,  206  can be moved forward/backward or side to side. It should be noted that the second symbol  226  illustrated herein is exemplary in nature and the second symbol  226  may vary based on variation in the first symbol  216 . 
     Further, the numeric marking  240  varies based on the control pattern  218 ,  220 . For example, the second symbol  226  associated with the first control pattern  218  includes “I” as the numeric marking  240  and the second symbol  226  associated with the second control pattern  220  includes “2” as the numeric marking  240 . The numeric marking  240  is indicative of a serial number of the control pattern  218 ,  220 . Moreover, each control pattern  218 ,  220  displayed on the display device  210  includes a number of control pattern symbols  242 ,  244 . It should be noted that the control pattern symbols  242 ,  244  are different for the first and second control patterns  218 ,  220 . Specifically, the first control pattern  218  includes the first control pattern symbols  242  and the second control pattern  220  includes the second control pattern symbols  244 . The first and second control pattern symbols  242 ,  244  are indicative of the work operation that will be performed based on the movement of the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  towards a particular position. In the illustrated example, the first and second control pattern symbols  242 ,  244  include diagrammatic representations of the machine  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the work implement  114  (see  FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, the first and second control pattern symbols  242 ,  244  may include text instead of the diagrammatic representations. 
     Various positions to which the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  can be moved will now be explained in detail. When the first control pattern  218  is active and displayed on the display device  210 , the first control device  204  controls the movement of the machine  100 , while the second control device  206  controls the movement of the work implement  114 . More specifically, pushing the first control device  204  away from the operator past the neutral position to a forward position drives the machine  100  in the forward direction “F” straight ahead. Pulling the first control device  204  back toward the operator past the neutral position to a backward position drives the machine  100  in the reverse direction “R”. Further, pushing the first control device  204  to a left position steers the machine  100  left, and pushing the first control device  204  to a right position steers the machine  100  right. 
     Furthermore, in the first control pattern  218 , pushing the second control device  206  away from the operator past the neutral position to a forward position lowers the lift arms  116  (see  FIG. 1 ), thereby lowering the work implement  114 . Pulling the second control device  206  back toward the operator past the neutral position to a backward position raises the lift arms  116 , thereby raising the work implement  114 . Further, pushing the second control device  206  away from the operator past the neutral position to a right position pushes the work implement  114  to the dump position. Whereas, pulling the second control device  206  to a left position brings the work implement  114  to the rack position. In the illustrated example, the first control pattern  218  for the first control device  204  and the first control pattern  218  for the second control device  206  are displayed side by side on the display device  210 . 
     Further, when the second control pattern  220  is active and displayed on the display device  210 , pushing the first control device  204  away from the operator past the neutral position to the forward position drives the first ground engaging member  106  in the forward direction “F” straight ahead. Pulling the first control device  204  back toward the operator past the neutral position to the backward position drives the first ground engaging member  106  in the reverse direction “R”. Further, pushing the first control device  204  to the left position raises the lift arms  116 , thereby raising the work implement  114 , and pushing the first control device  204  to the right position lowers the lift arms  116 , thereby lowering the work implement  114 . 
     Furthermore, in the second control pattern  220 , pushing the second control device  206  away from the operator past the neutral position to the forward position drives the second ground engaging member  108  in the forward direction “F” straight ahead. Pulling the second control device  206  back toward the operator past the neutral position to the backward position drives the second ground engaging member  108  in the reverse direction “R”. Further, pushing the second control device  206  away from the operator past the neutral position to the right position pushes the work implement  114  to the dump position. Whereas, pulling the second control device  206  to the left position brings the work implement  114  to the rack position. In the illustrated example, the second control pattern  220  for the first control device  204  and the second control pattern  220  for the second control device  206  are displayed side by side on the display device  210 . 
     Further, the operator interface  202  includes one or more input devices  208 . The operator of the machine  100  may use one of the input devices  208  to switch between the different control patterns  218 ,  220  or for activation/deactivation of a specific control pattern  218 ,  220 . The input device  208  allows the operator to browse the different control patterns  218 ,  220  and select a desired control pattern  218 ,  220 , as per application requirements. A cycle icon  246  on the display device  210  may be used to switch between the different control pattern  218 ,  220 . Further, a back icon  248  is also displayed on the display device  210  that assists the operator to return to a previous page. Moreover, the display device  210  as illustrated herein also includes a breadcrumb  250 . Further, if there are more than two control patterns  218 ,  220 , the operator may browse through the control patterns  218 ,  220  until the desired control pattern  218 ,  220  is displayed on the display device  210 . In some examples, one of the control pattern  218 ,  220  may be directly displayed on the display device  210  as soon as the machine  100  connects with the remote control station  200 . Alternatively, the control patterns  218 ,  220  may be accessed directly from the home screen or from a settings menu  252 . 
     In an example, the input device  208  may embody a switch, a button, a knob, a lever, and the like. In the illustrated example, the operator interface  202  includes six input devices  208  that are embodied as buttons. Any of the six input devices  208  may be programmed such that the corresponding input device  208  is used for the selection of the control pattern  218 ,  220 . In some examples, the display device  210  may be embodied as a touch screen such that the operator may switch between the different control patterns  218 ,  220  or activate/deactivate the desired control pattern  218 ,  220  by providing inputs directly to the display device  210 . 
     The remote control station  200  also includes a controller  254  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) operatively coupled with the operator interface  202 . In an example, the controller  254  may be present at the base station. In another example, the controller  254  may be present on the machine  100 . In an example, the controller  254  may be in communication with various components of the machine  100 . In such an example, the controller  254  may transmit control signals directly to the components of the machine  100 . Alternatively, the controller  254  may be in communication with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) present onboard the machine  100 . In such an example, the controller  254  may transmit control signals to the ECU and the ECU may in turn control the components of the machine  100 . In some examples, the ECU onboard the machine  100  may be programmed to perform the functions of the controller  254 . 
     The controller  254  may be embodied as a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving signals from various components of the machine  100 . Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the controller  254 . It should be appreciated that the controller  254  may embody a machine microprocessor capable of controlling numerous machine functions. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller  254  may additionally include other components and may also perform other functions not described herein. 
     The controller  254  stores the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  therein. In an example, the operator may have to select a specific control pattern  218 ,  220  upon starting the machine  100 . In another example, as soon as the controller  254  wirelessly connects with the machine  100 , a specific control pattern  218 ,  220  may be displayed on the display device  210 . Such a control pattern  218 ,  220  may embody a pre-set or default control pattern that may be stored in the controller  254 . When the controller  254  includes the pre-set or default control pattern, the work operations may be performed based on the pre-set or default control pattern until the operator selects another control pattern  218 ,  220 . 
     Further, the controller  254  receives an input signal from the operator interface  202  for activation of one of the number of control patterns  218 ,  220 . More particularly, the operator interface  202  includes the input device  208  that is communicably coupled with the controller  254  for receipt of the input signal. In an example, one of the six input devices  208  is operably connected to the controller  254  and is capable of sending the input signal to the controller  254  that is indicative of the selected control pattern  218 ,  220 . Further, the controller  254  transmits an output signal for performing the one or more work operations based on the activated control pattern  218 ,  220 . The output signal may be provided directly to the components of the machine  100  or the output signal may be transmitted to the ECU. In an example, wherein the work operations are being directly controlled by the controller  254 , the controller  254  may send the output signals to control the ground engaging members  106 ,  108  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the work implement  114  according to the control pattern  218 ,  220  selected by the operator. 
     Moreover, at any time during operation of the machine  100  the operator may switch between the different control patterns  218 ,  220 . For example, during initial machine operation, the operator may use the first control pattern  218  for performing the work operations. In such examples, the work operations are performed based on the first control pattern  218 . Subsequently, the operator or another operator may use the input device  208  to switch to the second control pattern  220 . Further, the controller  254  may switch between the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  based on receipt of the input signal. In some examples, the controller  254  may transmit an output signal to the machine  100  for performing the work operations as per the second control pattern  220 . 
     It should be noted that the controller  254  may activate one of the control patterns  218 ,  220  from the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  or switch between the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  based on a type of the machine  100 , a type of the work implement  114 , and a state of the machine  100 . For example, the controller  254  may detect the type of the machine  100  and accordingly activate a default control pattern based on the type of the machine  100 . Further, the activated control pattern  218 ,  220  is displayed on the display device  210 . In an example, wherein the machine  100  is a skid steer loader, the controller  254  may display a default control pattern applicable to the skid steer loader on the display device  210 . 
     Further, the controller  254  may detect the type of the work implement  114  and accordingly activate a default control pattern based on the type of the work implement  114 . Moreover, the activated control pattern  218 ,  220  is displayed on the display device  210 . In an example, wherein the work implement  114  is a bucket, the controller  254  may display a default control pattern applicable to the bucket on the display device  210 . Further, the controller  254  may allow activation of one of the control patterns  218 ,  220  or switching between the control patterns  218 ,  220  only when the machine  100  is in a stationary condition or brakes of the machine  100  are activated. In some examples, the controller  254  may also check a state of the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  to allow activation of one of the control patterns  218 ,  220  or switching between the control patterns  218 ,  220 . More particularly, the controller  254  may determine if the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  are in the neutral position. Only if the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  are in the neutral position, the controller  254  may allow activation of one of the control patterns  218 ,  220  or allow switching between the control patterns  218 ,  220 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another design of an operator interface  502 , hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the second operator interface  502 , associated with the remote control station  200 . Functionalities of the second operator interface  502  are similar to the functionalities of the first operator interface  202  described in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . The second operator interface  502  includes a first control device  504 , a second control device  506 , and an indication system  514  similar to the first control device  204 , the second control device  206 , and the indication system  214  explained in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . The indication system  514  includes a first symbol  516  similar to the first symbol  216  explained in relation to  FIG. 3 . Further, the operator interface  502  includes a display device  510 . In the illustrated example, the display device  510  includes a first display screen  511  and a second display screen  513 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in this example, a first control pattern  518  for the first and second control device  504 ,  506  are displayed on the first and second display screen  511 ,  513 , respectively. Further, a second control pattern  520  for the first and second control device  504 ,  506  are displayed on the first and second display screen  511 ,  513 , respectively. The first and second control patterns  518 ,  520  are similar to the first and second control patterns  218 ,  220  explained in relation to  FIG. 4 . Further, the first and second control patterns  518 ,  520  include a second symbol  526  similar to the second symbol  226  explained in relation to  FIG. 4 . 
     As illustrated, a back icon  548 , a breadcrumb  550 , a settings menu  552 , and the second symbol  526  are displayed on the first display screen  511  and a cycle icon  546  is displayed on the second display screen  513 . Further, the operator may be able to switch between the different control patterns  518 ,  520  or activate/deactivate a specific control pattern  518 ,  520  using the second operator interface  502 . For this purpose, the operator includes an input device  508 . In the illustrated example, the input device  508  is a knob that can be used to browse through the different control patterns  518 ,  520 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another design of an operator interface  702 , hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the third operator interface  702 , associated with the remote control station  200 . Functionalities of the third operator interface  702  is similar to the functionalities of the first operator interface  202  explained in relation to  FIG. 2 to 4 . The third operator interface  702  is embodied as a portable or handheld computing device. In an example, the third operator interface  702  may include a computer, a mobile, a tablet, and the like. 
     The third operator interface  702  includes a first control device  704  and a second control device  706 . Functions of the first control device  704  and the second control device  706  are similar to the function of the first control device  204  and the second control device  206  explained in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . However, in the illustrated example, the first and second control devices  704 ,  706  are embodied as virtual control devices. More particularly, the operator interface  702  is embodied as a physical device which in turn includes virtual control devices or virtual input devices. Each of the first and second control devices  704 ,  706  are displayed on a display device  710  of the third operator interface  702  such that tapping or pressing on the first and second control devices  704 ,  706  translates to the work operation on the machine  100  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Further, the display device  710  displays a first control pattern  718  and a second control pattern (not shown) thereon. The first control pattern  718  and the second control pattern are similar to the first and second control patterns  218 ,  220  explained in relation to  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, the display device  710  displays the first control pattern  718  and the second control pattern proximate to the corresponding first and second control devices  704 ,  706 . The first control pattern  718  includes a second symbol  726  similar to the second symbol  226  explained in relation to  FIG. 4  and also a number of control pattern symbols  742 . The second control pattern may also include a second symbol (not shown) similar to the second symbol  226  explained in relation to  FIG. 4  and also a number of control pattern symbols (not shown). 
     In the illustrated example, the control pattern symbols  742  are embodied as texts instead of diagrammatic representations. For example, the accompanying figure illustrates that the first control pattern  718  is active. Accordingly, for the first control device  704 , a text “forward” represents movement of the machine  100  in the forward direction “F”, a text “reverse” represents movement of the machine  100  in the reverse direction “R”, a text “steer left” indicates steering of the machine  100  to the left, and a text “steer right” indicates steering of the machine  100  to the right. Further, for the second control device  706 , a text “lower” represents lowering of the work implement  114  (see  FIG. 1 ), a text “raise” represents raising of the work implement  114 , a text “rack” indicates the movement of the work implement  114  to the rack position, and a text “dump” indicates the movement of the work implement  114  to the dump position. Similarly, when the second control pattern  720  is active, the second control pattern symbols that are embodied as texts may be depicted proximate to the first and second control devices  704 ,  706 . 
     Further, the operator may be able to switch between the different control patterns  718 ,  720  or activate/deactivate a desired control pattern  718 ,  720  using the third operator interface  702 . For this purpose, the display device  710  may include a dedicated input device (not shown) that allows switching between the different control patterns  718 ,  720 . The input device is embodied as a virtual device. In the illustrated example, the input device may be provided on the display device  710  itself in the form of an icon. The operator may switch between the different control patterns  718 ,  720  or activate/deactivate a desired control pattern  718 ,  720  by providing inputs directly to the input device on the display device  710 . 
     In some examples, the operator interface  702  may include physical control devices, such as the first and second control devices  204 ,  206  (shown and explained in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), as well as the display device  710 . In such examples, the operator interface  702  may have physical joysticks and the display device  710  may display the control pattern  718 ,  720  as well as include virtual control devices such as virtual buttons, virtual switches, virtual joysticks, etc., based on application requirements. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     This section will now be explained in relation to the operator interface  202  explained in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . However, it should be noted that the details mentioned below are equally applicable to the operator interface  502 ,  702  explained in relation to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart for a method  800  of operating the remote control station  200  for remotely controlling the one or more work operations. The remote control station  200  includes the operator interface  202 . At step  802 , the input signal for the activation of one of the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  of the one or more control devices  204 ,  206  of the operator interface  202  is generated. The operator interface  202  includes the indication system  214  disposed adjacent to the one or more control devices  204 ,  206 . Further, the indication system  214  includes the first symbol  216  associated with the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  of the one or more control devices  204 ,  206 . Moreover, the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  are displayed on the display device  210 . Each of the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  being displayed includes the second symbol  226  that is substantially similar to the first symbol  216 . 
     At step  804 , the input signal is received by the controller  254  of the remote control station. The controller  254  is operatively coupled with the operator interface  202  and stores the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  therein. In an example, the controller  254  switches between the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  based on receipt of the input signal. Further, the controller  254  activates one of the control patterns  218 ,  220  from the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  and switches between the number of control patterns  218 ,  220  based on the type of the machine  100 , the type of the work implement  114 , and the state of the machine  100 . At step  806 , the controller  254  transmits the output signal for performing the one or more work operations based on the activated control pattern  218 ,  220 . In some examples, the output signal is transmitted for the movement of the machine  100  or the work implement  114  of the machine  100 . 
     The present disclosure relates to the remote control station  200  for remotely controlling the work operations associated with the machine  100 . Further, the face plate  212  of the operator interface  202  includes only the indication system  214  having the first symbol  216  and the display device  210  of the operator interface  202  displays the control patterns  218 ,  220  in a detailed and clear manner. Thus, the operator interface  202  described in the present disclosure reduces part numbers as the control patterns  218 ,  220  are displayed on the display device  210  instead of the face plate  212 , and the face plate  212  may not have to be swapped for different control patterns  218 ,  220 . 
     Further, the remote control station  200  allows the operator to switch between the different control patterns  218 ,  220  using the input device  208  and the display device  210 . Accordingly, the operator may switch between the different control patterns  218 ,  220  in order to operate the machine  100  according to a familiar or preferred control pattern. Further, the present disclosure allows quick change between the different control patterns  218 ,  220  thereby saving time and efforts of the operator. The present disclosure provides a digitally configurable remote control station  200  that may be used with various types of machines. Further, the teachings of the present disclosure can be applied to physical operator interfaces as well as virtual operator interfaces, such as tablets, mobile phones, and the like. 
     While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.