Robot Camera Positioning for Multi-Area Workpiece Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems for appearance inspection require increased operational times and efficiency as the number of workpiece portions to be inspected increases, due to the need to reposition a camera for each designated area, leading to longer imaging times.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that configures a processor to acquire data for a robot system to position a camera and workpiece such that multiple inspection areas are within the camera's imaging range, optimizing the positional relationship to reduce the number of repositioning operations and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robot grips a camera and operates to image a plurality of positions on the workpiece, then the appearance inspection can be performed on multiple portions, but the operational time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging positions into a single comprehensive image by calculating a composite image that includes multiple portions of the workpiece. Instead of moving the camera to image each position separately, the system calculates what each position would capture and combines them into one image, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining inspection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of imaging positions and composite image generation before actual imaging occurs. By pre-calculating the optimal positions and synthesizing the composite image data, the system prepares the inspection plan in advance, reducing the time required during actual operation.
2Measurement precision
If the robot repositions the camera for each designated area, then each area can be imaged clearly, but the number of repositioning operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy or model of the workpiece and its multiple positions, allowing the system to calculate and simulate what each imaging position would capture without physically moving the camera. This virtual modeling enables the generation of a composite image that represents multiple physical positions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical spatial movement (moving camera between positions) to a computational dimension by calculating composite images that represent multiple positions. Instead of changing the physical position of the camera, the system changes the dimensional approach by synthesizing multiple virtual views into one composite image.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor that, upon execution of the stored instructions, configures the at least one processor acquire data representing a plurality of portions of a workpiece to be imaged by an imaging unit and acquire first information used in a case where a moving unit that is configured to move the workpiece or the imaging unit moves the workpiece or the imaging unit so as to have a first positional relationship in which a multiple number of portions among the plurality of portions of the workpiece are included in the imaging range.