Motion Space Presentation Device for Robot Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion space presentation devices for robots cannot effectively display the three-dimensional motion space, particularly for arm robots, due to limitations in height information representation, speed of projected images, and deformation on curved surfaces, making it difficult for workers to intuitively understand the robot's motion space, which can lead to collisions or operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A motion space presentation device that generates three-dimensional data by using a work area generation unit, image capture unit, position and posture detection unit, and overlay unit to selectively superimpose segment approximation model images or work area images on real images, adjusting transparency and expression forms based on recognition difficulty, smoothness, and distance from the robot, to provide a more intuitive and accurate representation of the robot's motion space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a projector projects the dangerous area on the floor surface, then the dangerous area can be presented to achieve smooth operation of the robot, but height information of the dangerous area cannot be presented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor projection to three-dimensional virtual reality representation. The motion space presentation device generates 3D visual information including height data, allowing workers to perceive the vertical dimension of the robot's motion space. This dimensional enhancement provides complete spatial information (length, width, and height) that was missing from floor-only projections.
2Speed
If the projected image moves at high speed to match the robot's motion, then the motion space can be updated in real-time, but the image becomes difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the robot's motion space in the VR environment. Instead of projecting images that move with the robot, the system generates a parallel virtual representation that updates based on the robot's position data. This copying approach allows real-time updates without the visual confusion of moving projections, as the VR environment maintains stable spatial relationships.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the installation surface is curved to adapt to different environments, then the projection can cover more areas, but the projected image becomes deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical projection system with a virtual reality-based information presentation system. Instead of using physical projectors that require flat surfaces and suffer from distortion on curved surfaces, the system uses virtual information displayed through VR headsets. This substitution eliminates the need for physical projection surfaces entirely, allowing adaptation to any environment without image deformation.
4Reliability
If the motion space is determined to include all points along the height above the installation surface, then safety is improved, but usable space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by presenting motion space information selectively based on the worker's position and the robot's current state. The VR display shows only the relevant portions of the motion space that pose potential risks to the worker, rather than blanket-marking all space above the installation surface. This localized information presentation maintains safety by alerting workers to actual hazards while preserving usable space for legitimate activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion space presentation device includes: a work area generation unit configured to generate a three-dimensional region in which the movable robot operates; an image capture unit configured to capture a real image; a position and posture detection unit configured to detect an image capture position and an image capture direction of the image capture unit; and an overlay unit configured to selectively superimpose either an image of a segment approximation model of the movable robot as viewed in the image capture direction from the image capture position, or an image of the three-dimensional region as viewed in the image capture direction from the image capture position, on the real image captured by the image capture unit, according to the difficulty in recognizing each image.