Mobile Robot Waypointing With Vector Templates for Surface Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding mobile robots to mark geometric figures on surfaces are limited by the need for predefined templates or CAD drawings, which require technical expertise and are inflexible for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
The use of digital vector format graphics allows users to design and manipulate their own templates, enabling flexible scaling, rotation, and placement of geometric figures on georeferenced maps, with a control unit processing and displaying these graphics to compute and provide waypoints for the robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard templates are used for robot marking, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as templates are predefined and cannot be easily customized by end users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital vector format graphics as a copyable, scalable representation of geometric figures that can be stored in a database and repeatedly used for marking operations. This allows end users to create once and reuse indefinitely without degradation of quality or increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic modification of template parameters including position coordinates, scale factors, and rotation angles through digital vector graphics. These parameters can be adjusted interactively on a georeferenced map interface without redrawing the entire geometric figure, providing flexibility while maintaining ease of use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CAD drawings are used for robot marking, then adaptability is improved as any drawing type can be created, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirements for technical expertise in CAD tools and coordinate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, permanent CAD software requirements with simpler, disposable digital vector graphics files that can be created with basic tools and imported into the robot control system. This eliminates the need for expensive CAD software licenses and extensive technical training while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a georeferenced map interface as an intermediary between the user and the robot control system. This visual interface allows users to position and orient geometric figures by dragging and dropping on a map representation, eliminating the need to directly work with coordinate systems and mathematical transformations required by traditional CAD tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If templates are moved to new locations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates as manual repositioning introduces coordinate system errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the georeferenced map displays the current position and orientation of geometric figures relative to the robot's location. This visual feedback allows users to verify positioning accuracy before execution and makes precise adjustments without manual coordinate calculations, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling easy repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning operations with automated digital transformation of vector graphics coordinates. The system automatically recalculates position coordinates based on the new location on the georeferenced map, eliminating human error in coordinate transformation and maintaining precision during relocation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If CAD drawings are relocated to new positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases as it becomes difficult to move and reposition drawings in most systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the geometric figure positioning dynamic through the georeferenced map interface, where figures can be freely moved, scaled, and rotated by the user. This dynamic capability is built into the core system architecture, allowing easy repositioning without requiring complex external tools or procedures, thus improving adaptability while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Use of vector format graphics with robot marking, allowing the end user to design and use his own templates. By using vector graphics formats as a tool to let the user make his own templates, the user will have the flexibility of the CAD files in being able to draw any type of drawing, and at the same time having the flexibility of the templates by being able to move, scale and rotate the template freely.