Robot Workarea Visualization Without Explosion-Proof Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of explosion-proof cameras and increased workload for operators due to the need to adjust camera positions in response to changing workpiece sizes or conditions, such as paint injection and welding, hinder efficient remote operation of robots in explosion-proof areas.
Innovation Solution
A robot system that uses a control device and display to show the spatial relationship between the robot and workpiece as three-dimensional models from a different perspective, allowing remote operation without the need for an explosion-proof camera, thereby reducing facility costs and operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an explosion-proof camera is disposed in the workarea to enable remote operation, then the robot can be operated remotely, but the facility cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the workarea using three-dimensional models of the workpiece and robot, combined with real-time position information. This virtual model replicates the spatial relationships and allows operators to monitor and control the robot remotely without needing physical cameras in the hazardous environment, thereby eliminating the need for expensive explosion-proof imaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that receives position information from sensors and transmits it to a display device. This intermediary processes and transforms raw sensor data into a comprehensible virtual representation, enabling remote operation without direct line-of-sight or physical cameras in the workarea
2Ease of operation
If the imaging location of the camera is changed to accommodate different workpiece sizes or conditions, then the workpiece and robot can be seen, but the operator's workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual model that automatically updates in real-time as the robot moves and as workpiece conditions change. The three-dimensional model and position information are continuously refreshed without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece sizes and conditions automatically, thereby eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust camera positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automatic updating of the virtual model based on real-time position information from sensors. The control device autonomously maintains an accurate representation of the workarea without requiring operator intervention to reposition imaging devices or adjust viewing angles
3Ease of operation
If the camera position is adjusted due to paint injection or welding light, then the tip-end part and workpiece can be seen, but the facility complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera adjustment system with an information-based virtual modeling system. Instead of physically moving cameras to overcome obstacles like paint injection or welding light, the system uses three-dimensional models and position information to maintain visibility of the tip-end part and workpiece under all conditions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system (100) of the present disclosure includes a robot (101) installed in a workarea (201), an interface (102), a display (105), and a control device (111). When operating the robot (101) to perform a kind of work defined beforehand to a workpiece (300) based on manipulational command information on the robot (101) inputted from the interface (102), the control device (111) displays on the display (105) a spatial relationship between the workpiece (300) and the robot (101) in a state where the workpiece and the robot are seen from a direction different from a direction in which an operator looks at the robot (101) from a manipulation area (202) that is a space different from the workarea (201), based on three-dimensional model information on the workpiece (300), three-dimensional model information on the robot (101), and the manipulational command information.