End-Effector Camera Verification for Robotic Item Stowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in accurately sorting and stowing items in reception spaces due to incorrect placement or failure to place items, especially when following processor-executable instructions, which can lead to errors in item positioning.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising an end-effector and a camera, where the camera captures reference and comparison images of reception spaces, allowing the processor to verify if items are correctly stowed by comparing the images and generating error signals if items are not correctly placed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic systems follow processor-executable instructions to sort and stow items, then automation efficiency is improved, but errors in item positioning occur due to incorrect placement or failure to place items
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of reception spaces before and after item placement, then compares these images to verify correct stowing. This feedback mechanism detects positioning errors and generates error signals, ensuring reliability while maintaining automation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification of item placement with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and image processing. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without mechanical intervention, maintaining automation while improving positioning accuracy verification.
2Measurement precision
If cameras are physically coupled to end-effectors to capture images of reception spaces, then item placement verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: capturing reference images of empty reception spaces, capturing images after item placement, and providing visual feedback for verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification mechanisms, managing complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the reception spaces to verify item placement without physical intervention. These digital copies allow for non-contact verification, improving measurement precision while avoiding complex mechanical verification structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system captures multiple images and compares them to verify item stowing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures reference images of reception spaces before items are placed. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for comparison, enabling rapid verification by simply checking for the presence of expected items in their correct positions, thus reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system focuses image capture and comparison on specific reception spaces containing items, rather than scanning the entire workspace. This partial action approach reduces the amount of data processed while maintaining verification accuracy for critical item placements.
Data Source
AI summary
An end-effector may be summarized substantially as described and illustrated herein.