Robot Motion Instruction Control in Noisy Industrial Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial settings, providing accurate voice-based motion instructions to robots is challenging due to noise from surrounding machines and operating sounds, which can hinder efficient collaborative work between humans and robots.

Innovation Solution

A robot system equipped with an input detection portion, motion detection portion, and control portion that analyzes user motions through torque detection devices or touch panels, allowing for the execution of corresponding motion instructions, enabling accurate and efficient communication of motion commands despite noisy environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice-based motion instructions are used to enable convenient collaborative work between humans and robots, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise from surrounding machines and operating sounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of giving motion instructionVSAvoidaccuracy of motion instruction recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (teaching operation support device) that mediates between the human operator and the robot. This intermediary captures the operator's intended motion through various input methods (voice, gestures, touch panel) and translates it into accurate motion instructions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision in noisy environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the voice-based acoustic system with alternative input detection methods including gesture recognition cameras, touch panel sensors, and microphone arrays with noise cancellation algorithms. This substitution eliminates the reliance on clear voice transmission in noisy industrial environments while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the operator moves to a silent position to give voice instructions accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to disruption of collaborative work flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of motion instruction recognitionVSAvoidefficiency of collaborative work

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The teaching operation support device enables the operator to give motion instructions directly at the robot's position without needing to move to a silent location. The device's noise cancellation and multiple input detection capabilities allow accurate recognition of motion instructions right at the work location, maintaining both productivity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The teaching operation support device provides multiple input detection functions (voice recognition with noise cancellation, gesture recognition, touch panel input) in a single unified system. This multi-functionality ensures accurate motion instruction recognition regardless of the noisy industrial environment, eliminating the need for the operator to relocate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the operator gives an extremely loud voice to ensure recognition in noisy environments, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical strain and reduced natural interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of motion instruction recognitionVSAvoidcomfort of giving motion instruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for loud voice projection with alternative detection methods including high-sensitive microphone arrays with noise cancellation, gesture recognition cameras, and touch panel sensors. These substitutions eliminate the physical strain of shouting while ensuring accurate motion instruction recognition in noisy environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The teaching operation support device acts as an intermediary that amplifies and clarifies the operator's intended motion through various sensing modalities. Instead of requiring the operator to shout, the device's noise cancellation algorithms and multiple sensors work together to accurately detect motion instructions at normal volumes, maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11731272B2Robot, control device, and information processing device

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 CANON KK

AI summary

A robot includes an input detection portion, a motion detection portion, and a control portion. The input detection portion is configured to detect an input given from an operator to a robot body. The motion detection portion is configured to detect a motion by using the input detection portion, the motion being given by the operator. The control portion is configured to execute a motion instruction associated with the motion detected by the motion detection portion.