Robot Motion Workflow Control for Easy Program Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional industrial robots require expert intervention and are time-consuming and expensive to reprogram when changing work types or environments, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for easy robot control by receiving information on work type and environment, generating workflows, measuring environments using contact or non-contact devices, and generating work programs based on user teaching, enabling efficient modification of robot programs without expert assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional robot control programs are developed based on low-level commands with detailed robot operations, then the robot can perform precise operations, but only experts can create or modify programs making it time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation precisionVSAvoidprogram creation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically generates low-level control commands from high-level user instructions. This mediator translates simple user-defined tasks into detailed robot operations without requiring users to understand complex programming, thus maintaining precision while improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a universal programming interface that can handle multiple types of robot operations through a single high-level command structure. This multi-functional approach allows users to perform various tasks using the same simplified method, eliminating the need for expert knowledge of different operation types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional robots are manufactured to perform only one type of work in a predetermined work environment, then the robot can operate reliably for that specific task, but it cannot easily adapt to new work types or environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidwork type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the robot system to automatically adjust its control program based on detected work environment changes. The system dynamically generates new programs by combining stored command patterns with current environmental data, enabling the robot to adapt to different tasks while maintaining reliable operation through proven command structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple types of command patterns and operation templates during system setup. When a new task is encountered, these pre-prepared elements are automatically selected and combined to generate appropriate control programs, eliminating the need for expert reprogramming while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If expert help is needed for developing new control programs or modifying conventional programs, then the robot can be precisely controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidprogram development time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service programming by allowing the system to automatically generate and modify control programs using stored command patterns and detected work parameters. The robot system serves itself by autonomously creating precise control sequences without external expert intervention, dramatically reducing program development time while maintaining control precision through validated command structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If detailed low-level commands are used for robot control, then precise robot operations can be achieved, but the complexity of the control program increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation precisionVSAvoidcontrol program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control program into modular command patterns that can be independently stored and recombined. Each pattern represents a specific operation type, and the system automatically assembles these segments to create complete control sequences. This segmentation reduces overall program complexity while maintaining precise control through specialized, optimized command blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3354418B1Robot control method and device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 DOOSAN ROBOTICS INC
  • EP3354418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3354418B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3354418B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for controlling a robot are provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method can include receiving information on a work type of robot motion performed by the robot; generating workflow of the robot motion based upon the received information on the work type of the robot motion; measuring information on work environment in which the robot motion is performed in accordance with the work type and the workflow of the robot motion by controlling the robot; receiving work information on the robot motion in accordance with the work type and the workflow of the robot motion by controlling the robot; and performing the robot motion in accordance with the work type and the workflow of the robot motion by controlling the robot based upon the measured information on the work environment and the received work information on the robot motion.