Collaborative Robot Workspace Projection for Visual Action Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collaborative robots lack effective means of interacting with humans, particularly in noisy environments or for individuals with hearing impairments, and existing methods like acoustic signals or warning lamps are inadequate for providing specific and preemptive information about robot actions.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative robot equipped with a camera and projector in a fixed geometric relationship projects context-related information directly into the work area, enabling visual communication and adjusting projection parameters based on camera data to maintain clear and relevant information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If acoustic signals are used for robot-human communication, then information can be transmitted, but the signals become inaudible in noisy environments or when hearing protection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic signal transmission with optical projection. Instead of using speakers to emit sound waves that can be blocked by noise or hearing protection, the system uses a projector to display visual information directly in the workspace. This substitution of the transmission medium (from acoustic to optical) eliminates the harmful effects of noisy environments and hearing protection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from auditory communication to visual communication by projecting images into the three-dimensional workspace. The projector displays information that floats in space, allowing workers to see robot status, warnings, and instructions visually rather than audibly. This dimensional shift from sound waves to light projection solves the problem of inaudibility in noisy environments.
2Loss of information
If warning lights are used to indicate robot actions, then robot status can be communicated, but human attention must be diverted from the actual work process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the workspace itself as an intermediary medium for communication. Instead of using separate warning lights that require attention diversion, the system projects information directly into the workspace where the worker is already looking. The workspace acts as a canvas that delivers robot status information without requiring the worker to shift their focus from the task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent projects information locally into the specific workspace area relevant to the current task. Rather than using general warning lights that require broad attention, the system displays information precisely where the worker is working, allowing them to perceive robot status while maintaining their focus on the local work area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and projector are positioned far apart, then they can be independently mounted, but the fixed geometric relationship required for accurate projection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and projector into a single integrated module with a fixed geometric relationship between the two components. This merging ensures that the relative positions and orientations of the camera and projector remain constant, enabling accurate projection mapping while still allowing the entire module to be mounted on different robot components. The integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise spatial relationships internally while preserving external mounting flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A method for operating a collaborative robot (1, 2) is provided, wherein the collaborative robot (1, 2) monitors a spatial area (16) with a camera (14, 31) and wherein the collaborative robot (1, 2) projects information into a projection area (15) which is at least a sub-area of the spatial area (16) monitored by the camera (14, 31) with a projector (13, 32) which is in a fixed geometric relationship to the camera (14, 31), and a collaborative robot (1, 2) for carrying out the method, wherein the collaborative robot (1, 2) has a camera (14, 31) for monitoring a spatial area (16) and a projector (13, 32) which is designed and configured to project information into a projection area (15) which is at least a sub-area of the spatial area (16) monitored by the camera (14, 31). (16) is to project, wherein the camera (14,31) and the projector (13,32) are arranged in a fixed geometric relationship to each other in or on a common component.