Image-Guided Suction Timing for Wrapped Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots equipped with suction units face challenges in stably attracting and conveying packaged objects wrapped in packing materials, as the quantity and speed of packing material drawn into the suction unit vary depending on the type and surface state, leading to potential vacuum leaks and object displacement during suction operations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that captures images of the packaged object's surface to determine optimal suction parameters, including timing for starting suction, first rest time, and second rest time, based on the surface state, allowing the robot to adjust its suction control accordingly to prevent leaks and ensure stable conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the suction unit performs suction immediately after contact with the packaged object, then the object can be attracted quickly, but the packing material may be drawn into the suction unit causing vacuum leaks and unstable attraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis of the packaged object's surface state before initiating suction. Based on the analyzed surface characteristics (wrinkles, smoothness, material type), the system pre-determines the optimal suction timing and parameters, preventing packing material draw-in while ensuring reliable object attraction.
2Productivity
If the suction unit shifts immediately after suction interruption, then the system productivity increases, but the packaged object may be thrown out due to packing material draw-in
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image capture and analysis to provide feedback about the packaged object's surface state. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the suction timing and duration, and determines the appropriate waiting period before shifting the suction unit, ensuring object retention while maintaining efficient productivity.
3Device complexity
If the suction timing is fixed for all packaged objects, then the control system is simple, but the suction performance varies with different packing material surface states
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes suction parameters (timing, duration, intensity) based on the analyzed surface state of the packaged object. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically according to the image analysis results, accommodating different packing material types and surface conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall control structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables stable and reliable suction and conveyance of packaged objects by adapting suction control to the specific surface conditions of the packing material, reducing the likelihood of vacuum leaks and successful object handling.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit such as a suction pad is attached to the fore-end of a robot arm are frequently used to attract an object by suction to convey the object
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus to output control information for controlling a suction device configured to suction a packaged object includes an input unit and an output unit. The input unit inputs an image obtained by performing image capturing of a surface of the packaged object. The output unit outputs the control information to control timing at which suction is started by the suction device, based on a state of the surface of the packaged object specified from the image.