Robot Controller Identification Using Visual Connection Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of identifying the relationships between multiple human machine interfaces, controllers, and robots in industrial settings is exacerbated by the increasing number of cables, leading to confusion and inefficiency in determining which controller is connected to a particular robot and which robot is connected to the controller.
Innovation Solution
Implementing indication elements such as light devices or speakers on controllers and robots to visually or audibly identify them upon user input, allowing rapid and intuitive recognition without the need to search along tangled cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of controllers and robots in a station is increased to improve productivity, then the productivity increases, but the number of cables increases sharply making it difficult to identify connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification function into separate indication elements on each controller and robot. Each device has its own visual indicator that can be independently activated, allowing users to identify connections without tracing cables through the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indication elements (visual signals) as intermediaries between the controller-robot connections and the user. These indicators serve as a mediator that conveys connection information without requiring direct physical inspection of cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more cables are added to connect additional controllers and robots, then the system capacity increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of tracing physical cables with an optical/electrical signal-based indication system. Visual indicators on each device substitute for the manual cable-tracing process, making connection identification easier as system capacity grows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded or varying visual indicators on controllers and robots to represent different connection states or device identities. This allows users to quickly distinguish between multiple connections without physically examining each cable.
3Loss of information
If users manually trace cables to identify connections, then connection information can be obtained, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures indication elements on each controller and robot with unique identification characteristics before operation. This preliminary setup allows for immediate identification of connections during operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tracing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where indication elements provide real-time visual information about device connections and states. This immediate feedback eliminates the delay associated with manual cable tracing and allows users to quickly identify connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a human machine interface, a controller, a robot, and corresponding systems and methods. The human machine interface is configured to control the robot via the controller. The method includes receiving a user input at the human machine interface; and transmitting a control signal to the controller in response to the user input, the control signal being configured to activate a first indication element arranged on the controller to identify the controller.