Piezoelectric Object Recognition via Transfer Function Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object recognition devices fail to accurately recognize objects by learning signals obtained from differences in transfer functions of contact materials according to frequencies, limiting their effectiveness in robotics and pattern recognition applications.

Innovation Solution

An object recognition apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric actuator unit and sensor unit, each comprising a piezoelectric film with conductive material and shielding films, generates and receives vibrations to learn and classify objects based on inherent characteristics, employing the piezoelectric and inverse piezoelectric effects to differentiate objects by frequency responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional object recognition devices use basic vibration sensors without piezoelectric elements, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and ability to learn transfer functions of contact materials is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical vibration sensors with piezoelectric film-based sensors that convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. This substitution enables precise measurement of vibration characteristics and transfer functions of contact materials, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the inherent properties of piezoelectric materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect to change the measurement parameter from direct mechanical vibration detection to electrical signal generation. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric film and measuring the resulting electrical responses during contact with objects, the system achieves precise characterization of contact materials' transfer functions across different frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the piezoelectric film is exposed to the external environment without shielding, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of vibration signal reception is degraded by external interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies shielding films to the piezoelectric films before they are exposed to the external environment. This preliminary protective action prevents external electromagnetic interference and environmental factors from degrading the vibration signal reception, ensuring reliable operation of the object recognition apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding films serve as a protective layer that cushions the piezoelectric films from external interference before such interference can affect the measurement. This beforehand protection maintains the integrity of the vibration signals and electrical measurements without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If object recognition requires exploratory procedures like rubbing or slipping, then basic sensors can be used, but the recognition accuracy and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary characterization of objects by measuring their transfer functions across multiple frequencies before actual recognition tasks. This preliminary action creates a comprehensive database of vibrational characteristics that enables rapid and accurate object identification without requiring exploratory procedures like rubbing or slipping during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuous vibration signal acquisition during object contact, maintaining constant measurement of the transfer function characteristics. This continuous measurement approach eliminates the need for intermittent exploratory actions and enables real-time, accurate object recognition with high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 accurate object recognition and classification by learning transfer functions inherent to objects, allowing for precise identification without exploratory procedures like rubbing or slipping, and is adaptable for integration with robot hands and manipulation instruments.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator unit configured to contact an object and generate vibrations and transmit them through objects based on an inherent characteristic of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a sensor unit set next to the actuator unit to receive the vibration and generate a voltage signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11609211B2Object recognition apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.03.21 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH
  • US11609211B2 patent drawing
  • US11609211B2 patent drawing
  • US11609211B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an object recognition apparatus, which includes: an actuator unit configured to contact an object and generate vibrations and transmit them through objects based on the inherent characteristic of the object; and a sensor unit connected to the actuator unit to receive the vibration and generate a voltage signal.