Cable State Evaluation Using Machine Learning in Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a technique to accurately and quantitatively evaluate the state of cables in robots, as existing methods lack precision and reliability in monitoring cable conditions during operations.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning apparatus that acquires image data of cables while a robot performs predetermined operations and generates a learning model representing the correlation between image data and cable states, using a camera and processor to classify normal or abnormal cable conditions through supervised learning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional cable monitoring methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability of cable state evaluation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable state evaluation precisionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical cable monitoring methods with an optical-based machine learning system. A camera captures images of the cable, and a machine learning model processes these images to evaluate cable state, substituting physical sensing mechanisms with optical imaging and computational analysis to achieve higher measurement precision

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary machine learning model that acts as a bridge between raw cable images and cable state evaluation. The model learns the mapping relationship from image data to cable conditions through training, serving as an intelligent intermediary that translates visual information into diagnostic insights without direct physical contact with the cable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If machine learning model is trained with comprehensive learning data, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time for data collection and model training increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable state detection accuracyVSAvoiddata collection and model training time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by collecting and organizing learning data in advance, including normal and abnormal cable images with corresponding state information. The machine learning model is trained offline before actual cable monitoring begins, so that during operation, only inference is needed rather than full retraining, significantly reducing real-time processing time while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by using image data as input features for the machine learning model, transforming the cable monitoring problem into an image recognition task. This parameter transformation allows the system to leverage computer vision techniques and process cable states through learned visual patterns rather than traditional sensing parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11398003B2Machine learning apparatus, robot system, and machine learning method of learning state of cable
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 FANUC LTD
  • US11398003B2 patent drawing
  • US11398003B2 patent drawing
  • US11398003B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine learning apparatus that can quantitatively and accurately evaluate the state of a cable in a robot. A machine learning apparatus for learning a state of a cable mounted in a robot includes a learning data acquisition section that acquires, as a learning data set, image data of the cable captured by a camera while the robot performs a predetermined operation, and data representing a state of the cable while the robot performs the predetermined operation, and a learning section that generates a learning model representing a correlation between the image data and the state of the cable, using the learning data set.