Robot and Camera Calibration Using Tags in Automated Labs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automation in lab environments faces challenges due to non-standardized communication languages between operators and robots, lack of operator expertise, and varying interfaces among equipment and robots, leading to difficulties in protocol execution and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
A lab automation system that calibrates robots and cameras using position sensors and tags, captures image data to determine locations, and communicates through standardized interfaces to streamline protocol execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different robots and equipment with varying interfaces are integrated into the lab system, then the system's adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity and communication latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal standardized interface that enables different robots and equipment to communicate through a common protocol. This interface layer translates between various device-specific protocols and a standardized communication format, allowing the lab system to integrate diverse equipment without increasing complexity. The standardized interface acts as a universal adapter that maintains adaptability while reducing interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface layer as an intermediary between various robots and equipment. This mediator translates communication protocols and standardizes data formats, enabling seamless integration of diverse devices. The intermediary layer handles protocol conversion and data normalization, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct point-to-point connections between multiple different devices.
2Ease of operation
If manual calibration of robot arms is performed by human operators, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated calibration systems that perform calibration tasks without human intervention. Robot arms use sensors, vision systems, and self-diagnostic capabilities to automatically determine their positions and calibrate their movements. The system services itself by detecting calibration needs and executing calibration routines autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with automated sensor-based systems. Instead of human operators physically adjusting and calibrating robot arms, the system uses sensors, cameras, and computational algorithms to detect positions and calculate calibration parameters automatically. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with sensorimetric and computational methods dramatically increases calibration speed while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If standardized communication interfaces are implemented across all lab equipment, then the productivity and latency are improved, but the ease of manufacture and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal standardized interface that serves multiple functions: it provides a common communication protocol, handles data normalization, and enables seamless integration of diverse equipment. This multi-functional standardized interface improves productivity by enabling efficient protocol execution and reduced latency, while the modular design maintains ease of manufacture through standardized components that can be manufactured using consistent processes.
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
The system enhances protocol execution efficiency by standardizing communication and reducing latency, enabling seamless integration of diverse robots and equipment within the lab environment.
Implementation Method 1
The lab automation system captures image data of the protocols being performed using a camera system of cameras stationed throughout the lab
Implementation Method 2
The lab automation system determines a location of the camera relative to the robot arm based on the determined position and the location of the tag (e.g., by triangulating)
Data Source
AI summary
A lab system calibrates robots and cameras within a lab. The lab system accesses, via a camera within a lab, an image of a robot arm, which comprises a visible tag located on an exterior. The lab system determines a position of the robot arm using position sensors located within the robot arm and determines a location of the camera relative to the robot arm based on the determined position and the location of the tag. The lab system calibrates the camera using the determined location of the camera relative to the robot arm. After calibrating the camera, the lab system accesses, via the camera, a second image of equipment in the lab that comprises a second visible tag on an exterior. The lab system determines, based on a location of the second visible tag within the accessed second image, a location of the equipment relative to the robot arm.