Object Engagement Detection Using MEMS Accelerometer Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face challenges in accurately monitoring interaction with objects due to high costs associated with force or torque sensors and insufficient accuracy from motor current measurements, leading to inefficiencies in handling and location correction.
Innovation Solution
A device with sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes, implemented using MEMS technology, is attached to the object to detect engagement with the robot, allowing for precise acceleration measurements and correlation of motion to determine object location and orientation, using signal-based measurements and reporting mechanisms to enhance precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force or torque sensors are used to detect robot engagement with object, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force/torque sensors with an optical/imaging-based system. A camera captures images of the object, and image processing algorithms detect engagement by analyzing changes in object position, orientation, or visual features between frames, substituting mechanical sensing with optical measurement and computational analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that mediates between the camera and the robot control. The processing system analyzes image sequences to detect engagement events, acting as an intermediary layer that translates visual data into engagement detection without requiring direct mechanical contact sensors
2Device complexity
If motor current measurements are used to derive force feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical current measurements with optical imaging and image processing. Instead of inferring force from motor current, the system directly measures object position and orientation changes through camera images, providing more accurate engagement detection without relying on indirect electrical measurements
3Measurement precision
If RFID tags with motion sensors are used to detect acceleration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical acceleration sensors in RFID tags with pure image-based motion detection. By analyzing sequential images of the object's position and orientation, the system derives motion information computationally, eliminating the need for embedded accelerometers in the RFID tags
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional, using it both for object identification/ recognition and for motion detection/engagement measurement. The same imaging device serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for different measurement functions
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
This solution reduces costs by using cheaper sensors and improves accuracy in detecting engagement and determining object location, addressing dead reckoning issues and enhancing robotic handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor of the device could comprise an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor of the device could comprise an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
which may be implemented in a cost-efficient manner, e.g., using MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) technology
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A device (10) is placed on an object (30) handled by a robot (100). Based on measurements performed by at least one sensor of the device (10), engagement of the robot (100) with the object (30) is detected. The measurements may for example include acceleration measurements which allow for detecting movement of the object (30) caused by the robot (100).