Portable Operator Control Device Tactile Feedback Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial robot systems rely on passive tactile feedback for communication, limited to pre-programmed error and safety functions, without user control over which events trigger feedback, restricting its informative capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system where the processor of the operator control device or robot control unit enables tactile feedback upon user-selected events, allowing different tactile feedback indications for various events, such as manipulator movements or program-related actions, through a presentation device capable of providing distinct vibrations or combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tactile feedback is limited to pre-programmed error and safety functions, then the system complexity is reduced, but the informative capability and user awareness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows users to select and configure which events trigger tactile feedback, transforming the static pre-programmed feedback system into an adaptive one. The processor enables users to customize feedback for different events (errors, warnings, informative messages, safety functions) based on their operational needs, thereby increasing information delivery without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of feedback configurability from fixed to variable. By allowing users to modify which events generate tactile feedback and adjusting the characteristics of feedback (intensity, duration, pattern), the system adapts to different operational contexts and user preferences, enhancing information communication without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Loss of information
If tactile feedback is provided for all events, then user awareness is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to excessive feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies tactile feedback selectively to specific events rather than uniformly to all events. Users can configure which local events (error conditions, safety functions, informative messages, manipulator movements) trigger feedback, allowing them to receive detailed information where needed while maintaining ease of operation in routine situations by suppressing unnecessary feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements partial action by allowing users to select only the subset of events that require tactile feedback. Instead of providing excessive feedback for all possible events, the system provides targeted feedback for specifically chosen events, optimizing the balance between user awareness and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive pre-programmed tactile feedback is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability to different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-configure their own feedback preferences and event selections. The processor provides interfaces that allow operators to independently determine which events should trigger tactile feedback and customize feedback characteristics, making the system adaptable to individual user needs without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system transforms from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, user-configurable one. The processor enables real-time or pre-operational configuration of feedback events, allowing the system to adapt to different users, different tasks, and different operational contexts without increasing fundamental system complexity.
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
Enables active user choice over tactile feedback events, enhancing communication by allowing informative feedback beyond errors and safety, improving user interaction and awareness during industrial robot operations.
Implementation Method 1
A similar TPU device indicating a broken data link through vibrations is also known from US7933667
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing presentation of tactile feedback in an industrial robot system (6), comprising a portable operator control device (4), at least one manipulator (1 ) and a robot control unit (2) for controlling the at least one manipulator, said robot control unit comprising a processor (20) and a first communication module (24) for communicating with the operator control device, said operator control device comprising a processor (40), a second communication module (44) for communicating with the robot control unit and a presentation device (52) for providing tactile feedback to a user being in physical contact with the operator control device (4). The method comprises configuring the processor (40) of the operator control device (4) and/or the processor (20) of the robot control unit (2) to enable tactile feedback indication on the presentation device (52) upon the occurrence of a set of events, configuring the processor (40) of the operator control device (4) to control the presentation device (52) to provide tactile feedback indication upon the occurrence of a set of events, and/or configuring the processor (20) of the robot control unit (2) to control the operator control device (4) to control the presentation device (52) to provide tactile feedback indication upon the occurrence of a set of events, and selecting a subset of events for presentation of tactile feedback indication in the operator control device (4). A corresponding industrial robot system and a portable operator control device are also disclosed.