Robot Grasp Control Using 3D Shape Primitives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot systems face challenges in effectively grasping and manipulating objects in diverse environments due to limitations in sensing and control methods, which hinder precise object recognition and optimal grasping strategies.

Innovation Solution

A robot system equipped with sensors and a controller that captures sensor data to generate a platonic representation of objects using three-dimensional shapes, allowing for the selection of appropriate grasp primitives and locations based on object geometry, enabling precise control of end effectors for effective grasping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If robot systems use traditional sensing and control methods, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately recognize objects and determine optimal grasping strategies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject recognition accuracyVSAvoidsensing and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex sensing and control system into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition module, platonic representation generation module, grasp primitive selection module, and end effector control module. This modular segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through organized functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces platonic representations as an intermediary layer between raw sensor data and grasping control decisions. This intermediary abstraction enables the system to process complex object geometries through simplified geometric models, significantly improving object recognition accuracy without requiring proportionally complex control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If robot systems use simplified grasping methods, then the control system remains simple, but the adaptability to diverse object shapes and environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping adaptability to diverse objectsVSAvoidgrasping control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal grasping control framework that can handle diverse object shapes and environments through a single integrated system. The framework uses platonic representations to universally model different object geometries and a library of grasp primitives that can be selectively applied based on object characteristics, enabling one system to perform multiple grasping tasks across varied environments

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting grasp primitive selection and application parameters based on the specific characteristics of each object detected through sensor data. The system modifies grasping parameters such as contact points, force distribution, and end effector configuration to adapt to diverse object shapes, achieving high grasping versatility through dynamic parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If robot systems implement precise object recognition and optimal grasping strategies, then grasping efficiency is improved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing sensor data into platonic representations before grasping decisions are made. This preliminary transformation of raw data into structured geometric models enables faster and more efficient grasping control, improving productivity by reducing the computational burden during the actual grasping execution phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250001612A1Systems, methods, and control modules for grasping by robots
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 SANCTUARY COGNITIVE SYST CORP
  • US20250001612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250001612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250001612A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and control modules for controlling robot systems are described. An object is represented by a platonic representation, which is one or more basic geometric shapes which approximate the object. A library of ways to grasp these basic geometric shapes is accessed, and an appropriate way to grasp a shape is selected and used to grasp the object at a location where the basic geometric shape at least approximately corresponds to the grasp.