Gripper-Based Grape Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement techniques require additional actions from workers to specify objects, which can impose operational burdens and reduce efficiency, especially in tasks like berry thinning where precise and rapid measurement of features like the number of grapes is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus that uses a gripper to detect grasping and movement of objects, allowing for automatic specification and measurement of feature amounts through image analysis and sensor data, without requiring explicit user operations for measurement initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a worker manually specifies the object to be measured, then the measurement can be accurately targeted, but the operational burden and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus automatically identifies and specifies the object to be measured by detecting the gripper's grasping action and movement, eliminating the need for manual object specification by the worker. The system serves itself by autonomously determining measurement targets based on natural workflow actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the grasping action and object identification before the actual measurement process. By detecting the gripper's approach and grasp in advance, the apparatus prepares the measurement configuration automatically, avoiding the need for post-grasping manual specification.
2Measurement precision
If additional actions are required to specify the object, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the object specification function with the measurement function into a single integrated process. The detection of grasping action, object identification, and measurement initiation are merged into one automated workflow, eliminating separate specification steps and improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of specifying an object by the worker is replaced with an automated detection system using sensors and image processing. The mechanical specification process is substituted with electronic detection and automatic object recognition, thereby eliminating additional operational steps.
3Ease of operation
If the measurement starts automatically upon grasping, then the operational load is reduced, but the measurement timing precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the gripper's movement and the object's position to dynamically adjust and optimize measurement timing. By continuously monitoring the grasping process and object stabilization, the apparatus determines the optimal moment to initiate measurement, ensuring both operational simplicity and timing precision through real-time feedback control.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a measurement apparatus or a measurement method, an information processing apparatus executes: a process of specifying a bunch of grapes to be measured on the basis of detection of grasping of the bunch of grapes by a gripper; and a process of starting to measure the number of pieces of the specified bunch of grapes.