Robot Path Modification via Reference Point Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modifying robot paths are complex, error-prone, and require significant user expertise, as they involve sequential modification of individual path points, often leading to unintended changes in the surrounding robot path.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for the specification of a modification area with two or more path points, where a reference point is modified to automatically adjust the entire area, preventing unintended changes to adjacent points and enabling users to modify entire sections by shifting a single reference point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual path points are modified sequentially, then the robot path can be adjusted to accommodate new obstacles or process changes, but the modification process becomes complex, error-prone, and requires high user expertise while causing unwanted changes in adjacent path points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot path adaptabilityVSAvoidmodification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual path point modifications are merged into a single modification operation. The system identifies a sequence of path points and applies a unified modification approach where modifying one reference point automatically triggers coordinated modifications of adjacent points, transforming multiple discrete modification tasks into one integrated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot path is segmented into distinct modification areas and non-modification areas. By defining start and end path points, the system creates a bounded modification zone where changes are confined, preventing unwanted propagation to adjacent path points outside this zone. This segmentation allows localized modifications without affecting the entire path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If individual path points are modified sequentially, then specific local changes can be made, but the remaining robot path in the vicinity experiences unwanted changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath point modification precisionVSAvoidunwanted path changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system preemptively prevents unwanted changes by establishing a modification area boundary before modifications occur. The start and end path points define a protection zone that shields adjacent path points from unintended modifications. This preliminary anti-action mechanism ensures that modifications are contained within the specified area, counteracting the potential harmful effect of propagation to neighboring points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the robot path are assigned different modification properties. Within the modification area (between start and end path points), path points are permitted to change. Outside this area, path points are protected from modification. This local differentiation allows precise control over where changes occur, enabling high precision modifications exactly where needed while preserving the integrity of surrounding path sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple path points are modified individually, then comprehensive path adjustments can be achieved, but the time required for modification increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath modification comprehensivenessVSAvoidpath modification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and grouping of path points that require modification. By automatically detecting sequences of path points and defining modification areas, the system prepares the modification structure in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually specify each point, enabling comprehensive modifications to be initiated through a single operation rather than multiple individual steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The modification system performs self-service by automatically identifying path points within the modification area and executing coordinated modifications without requiring user intervention for each individual point. The system autonomously determines which path points fall within the bounded area and applies modifications systematically, enabling comprehensive path adjustments to be achieved through automated processes rather than manual point-by-point editing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2879842B1Method and programming means for modification of a robot path
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2879842B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2879842B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method in accordance with the invention for modification of a robot path (B) which has a plurality of path points (P1,...,P10) comprises the following steps: (S20) specificying a modification region (M) which has at least two path points (P2,...,P10) of the robot path; (S30, S40) specifying a modification (νR) of a reference point (R) of the modification region; and (S50) automated modification of the modification region, in particular of path points of the modification region, on the basis of the specified modification.