Robot and Camera Control Layout for Single-Screen Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems lack a user-friendly user interface (UI) for operating both an imaging apparatus and a robot apparatus using a single external input device, which hinders efficient and safe operation, especially in dangerous or inaccessible environments.

Innovation Solution

An external input device with a display area that integrates a robot apparatus operation unit, an imaging operation unit, and an image display unit, allowing simultaneous operation and observation of both systems on a single screen, and includes features like face authentication and synchronized imaging to enhance safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single external input device includes a monitor for displaying images from the imaging apparatus, then the device can operate both the imaging apparatus and robot apparatus, but the user interface becomes complex and less user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation capabilityVSAvoiduser interface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into multiple distinct units: a robot apparatus operation unit for controlling the robot, an imaging operation unit for controlling the imaging apparatus, and an image display unit for showing captured images. This segmentation allows each unit to have a dedicated function, making the interface more organized and easier to use despite the device's versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each display unit is assigned a specific function and location: the robot apparatus operation unit is positioned for easy access by the operator's hand, the imaging operation unit is placed nearby for coordinated control, and the image display unit is positioned to provide visual feedback. This local specialization optimizes the usability of each component while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the external input device integrates multiple operation units and display functions, then it can control both robot and imaging apparatus simultaneously, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated operation capabilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control interfaces for the robot apparatus and imaging apparatus into a single external input device with a unified display area. This merging allows operators to control both systems from one device, reducing the need for multiple separate controls while maintaining full functionality of both apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The external input device is designed as a universal control unit that can operate both the robot apparatus and imaging apparatus. The display area serves multiple functions by displaying different information and controlling different devices, making the input device adaptable to various operational scenarios without requiring device-specific controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the image display unit is disposed between the robot apparatus operation unit and the imaging operation unit, then the layout optimizes operator visibility and control, but the display area requires sufficient space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator visibilityVSAvoiddisplay area space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The image display unit is positioned in the vertical dimension between the robot apparatus operation unit and the imaging operation unit, creating a layered layout. This vertical arrangement optimizes the operator's line of sight and control hierarchy without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the device, efficiently utilizing the available display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20260048512A1External input device, robot system, control method of robot system, control program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CANON KK
  • US20260048512A1 patent drawing
  • US20260048512A1 patent drawing
  • US20260048512A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An external input device is employed, the external input device being configured to operate a robot system including an imaging apparatus capable of changing an imaging point of view and a robot apparatus, the external input device includes a display area, a robot apparatus operation unit configured to operate the robot apparatus, an imaging operation unit configured to operate the imaging apparatus, and an image display unit configured to display an image captured by the imaging apparatus, wherein the robot apparatus operation unit, the imaging operation unit, and the image display unit are displayed on the display area, and wherein the image display unit is disposed between the robot apparatus operation unit and the imaging operation unit.