Robot Programming Interface With Motion Blocks and Split Settings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot programming methods require users to generate complex text-based programs, which can be difficult for unskilled users and result in degraded program visibility due to the large number of blocks and settings, making it hard to create an easy-to-understand program.
Innovation Solution
A robot programming device and method that utilize an operation unit block defined for each robot operation, with a display control unit to separate programming and advanced setting regions, allowing users to define robot motions using operation unit blocks and input settings in an intuitive block-based interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a program is generated using a block describing a program for each motion of the robot, then the program becomes more structured and easier to manage, but the number of blocks increases significantly, degrading program visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motion commands into a single motion group block. Instead of using separate blocks for each individual motion command (MOVE, FINE, etc.), the invention allows users to define a group of related motions as one unified block, thereby reducing the total number of blocks while maintaining program structure and readability
Solution Approach 2:
The motion group block serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can contain multiple motion commands, define operation units, and represent a complete robotic task sequence. This multi-functionality allows a single block to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate blocks, improving visibility without sacrificing programmability
2Device complexity
If a text-based programming language is used for robot programming, then the program can be generated with fewer lines, but it requires programming expertise and is difficult for unskilled users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming interface into two distinct regions: a programming region for defining motion groups with operation unit blocks, and an advanced setting region for detailed parameter configuration. This segmentation allows unskilled users to work with simplified blocks while still providing access to advanced text-based programming capabilities when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The motion group block acts as an intermediary between simple graphical block programming and complex text-based programming. It provides a visual, intuitive interface for defining robot motions while internally supporting both block and text formats, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for users to directly write complex programming code
3Device complexity
If all settings are integrated in the programming region, then the interface is simpler, but the programming region becomes cluttered and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the user interface into functionally distinct regions: the programming region for defining motion sequences and operation units, and the advanced setting region for detailed parameter configuration. This spatial segmentation allows each region to focus on specific tasks, preventing clutter while maintaining interface simplicity through clear organizational boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension linear interface to a two-dimensional spatial interface with distinct regions. By organizing settings across different spatial zones (programming region vs. advanced setting region), the system improves navigability and visibility without sacrificing interface simplicity, allowing users to access different types of information in logically separated areas
Data Source
AI summary
To generate an easy-to-understand program for a robot in a simple way. A robot programming device performs programming using an operation unit block. The robot programming device includes a display control unit that displays a programming region and an advanced setting region on a display unit. The programming region is a region for programming for running the robot by setting an operation unit block defined for each operation unit of the robot. The advanced setting region is a region for making setting relating to the operation unit block.