Behavior Tree Workflow Creation for Industrial Workcells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workflow creation methods in industrial technologies rely on text descriptions, leading to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and limited flexibility due to the need for multiple unrelated engineering tools and complex development cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a workflow creation method that utilizes a node library with preset behavior tree nodes, including main control nodes and function block nodes, displayed on a graphical user interface, allowing users to construct and instantiate behavior trees for representing workflows and defining operations in workcells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If text descriptions and multiple engineering tools are used to execute workflows, then workflow execution capability is achieved, but development cost increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unrelated engineering tools into a single integrated workflow creation platform. The platform provides a unified graphical user interface that combines node library management, behavior tree construction, and workflow execution capabilities, eliminating the need to switch between separate tools for data collection, annotation, model training, and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow creation platform is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple workflow creation tasks through a single interface. The platform supports various workflow types (e.g., data collection, annotation, model training, deployment) using the same behavioral tree construction mechanism, making it adaptable to different industrial automation scenarios without requiring tool-specific operations.
2Ease of operation
If multiple unrelated engineering tools are used for workflow execution, then workflow functionality is achieved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by providing a consistent graphical user interface and uniform interaction patterns across all workflow creation operations. The platform uses a standardized node library and behavior tree construction approach for all workflow types, ensuring that users interact with the system in the same way regardless of the specific workflow task, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Loss of time
If traditional text-based workflow methods are used, then workflow definition is achieved, but development cycle lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining a library of reusable behavior tree nodes that represent common workflow operations. Instead of creating workflows from scratch using text descriptions, users can select from pre-configured nodes in the library and assemble them through graphical interface operations, significantly reducing the time required for workflow creation while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include workflow creation methods. An example includes: storing preset behavior tree nodes in a node library, the nodes including main control nodes for controlling a running state of a workflow and function block nodes operable for implementing operations of a resource in a workcell; displaying the library on a GUI; receiving construction of behavior a tree and an instantiation configuration operation performed by a user on the GUI based on the node library, the behavior tree representing a workflow used for defining operations to be executed by a workcell; and generating a behavior tree instance corresponding to a workflow in response to the construction of the behavior tree. Construction of the behavior tree based on the node library comprises: connecting the start node, the function block nodes, and the end node or the start node, the function block nodes, and the loop node sequentially.