Marker-Guided Robot Control for Versatile Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot control systems lack versatility and proper control when handling articles, especially in scenarios where multiple robots perform different actions or when obstacles are present, as they are designed for single-action tasks and not adaptable to varied operations.
Innovation Solution
A robot control system that includes a placement area, an information providing part, an information acquisition part, and a control device, which acquires and utilizes information on handling actions, obstacle avoidance, and relative position correction to control robot actions dynamically, allowing for enhanced versatility and proper control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robot control system is designed for a single specific action (transporting an article from a mobile platform to a work cell), then the control precision for that specific action is improved, but the versatility of the robot system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the robot to perform multiple different actions (transport, processing, assembly, inspection) through a unified control system that reads action information from markers. The same hardware platform can be reconfigured for different tasks by simply changing the marker information, making the system versatile without sacrificing control precision for any specific action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the robot's action information changeable based on marker content. The robot transitions from static pre-programmed actions to dynamic actions determined by real-time marker reading. This allows the system to adapt its function dynamically while maintaining precise control through the established marker-based positioning system.
2Reliability
If a robot control system uses fixed pre-programmed actions, then the reliability of executing that specific action is improved, but the adaptability to different actions and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the robot read action information from markers in its environment before executing actions. The marker provides feedback about the current task context, and the robot adjusts its behavior based on this feedback. This maintains reliability through structured information reading while enabling adaptability to different situations through variable marker content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the action information stored in markers to change robot behavior. Instead of reprogramming the robot, the system changes the parameters (action type, target position, processing mode) encoded in the markers. This maintains execution reliability through consistent reading mechanisms while enabling adaptability through variable parameter content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots are used to perform different actions, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing all robots with the same marker-reading capability and action information structure. Each robot is a universal platform that can perform any action defined in the marker, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for different tasks. This reduces system complexity while maintaining versatility through standardized multi-functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized robots into a single unified control approach. Instead of having different robots with different hardwired functions, the system merges all action knowledge into external markers, allowing any robot to execute any action by reading the appropriate marker. This reduces device complexity while maintaining system versatility.
4Reliability
If obstacle detection devices are added to enable obstacle avoidance, then the safety and reliability of robot operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the robot use its existing marker-reading camera to detect obstacles, rather than adding separate detection devices. The robot reads obstacle information from markers placed on obstacles, using its primary sensing capability for dual purposes. This maintains operation safety through obstacle detection while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the marker-reading system multi-functional by using it for both action identification and obstacle detection. The same camera and processing logic that reads task markers also detects obstacle markers, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware. This maintains reliability through comprehensive obstacle awareness while keeping device complexity low through universal component usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control system according to an embodiment may include: a placement area in which the article is placed; an information providing part that is provided on one of a robot unit including the robot and the placement area and configured to provide information on handling of the article by the robot; an information acquisition part that is provided the other one of the robot unit and the placement area and configured to acquire the information from the information providing part; and a control device configured to control, when the robot handles the article, the robot based on the information acquired by the information acquisition part.