AR Robot Path Overlay for Collision-Aware Workspace Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for visualizing and modifying robotic device paths in work environments are error-prone and inefficient, as they do not account for interactions with other robots, humans, and machinery, leading to potential collisions and increased safety concerns, which deter industries from integrating robotic devices into operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects reference points in a workspace, generates a representative path for a robotic device, and displays it within the environment, allowing for real-time visualization and modification of the path using augmented reality, enabling users to view potential collisions and update paths safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional software applications are used to preview robotic device paths on a computer screen, then users can modify operation parameters, but users must mentally visualize interactions with other robots, humans, and machinery which is error-prone and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical workspace that replicates the actual environment including other robots, humans, and machinery. This virtual model allows users to visualize and analyze path interactions without needing to mentally construct spatial relationships, thereby reducing errors and improving planning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a camera and display device as intermediaries between the user and the robotic workspace. The camera captures real-time images of the physical environment, and the display device presents these images to the user, enabling direct visual observation of spatial relationships and potential collisions without requiring mental visualization
2Reliability
If users program robotic devices in an overly cautious manner to avoid all risk of collision, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency and optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization of potential collision scenarios before actual operation begins. By displaying the robotic device's path alongside virtual representations of other workspace elements, users can identify and resolve potential collision risks in advance, allowing for optimized rather than overly cautious programming
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by overlaying path information on real-time camera images of the workspace. This feedback mechanism allows users to see exactly where collisions might occur and adjust paths accordingly, enabling informed decisions that balance safety with operational efficiency rather than relying on overly conservative programming
3Reliability
If iterative reprogramming is performed to address potential collisions, then collision risk is reduced, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to visualize and address all potential collision issues in a single preliminary planning session. By displaying the complete path alongside virtual representations of all workspace elements simultaneously, users can identify and resolve multiple potential conflicts at once rather than through iterative reprogramming, significantly reducing planning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple pieces of information (robotic device path, workspace environment, other robots, humans, and machinery) into a single integrated visual display. This consolidation allows users to assess all potential collision risks simultaneously in one view, eliminating the need for multiple iterative programming sessions
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for displaying a representative path associated with a robotic device. The technique includes detecting at least one reference point within a first image of a workspace, generating the representative path based on path instructions associated with the robotic device and the at least one reference point, and displaying the representative path within the workspace.