Robotic Tool Substitution Using Image-Based Fit Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic systems face challenges in selecting suitable substitute tools when the specified tool is unavailable, as they lack the ability to determine the physical attributes of the work-piece engagement area and identify alternative tools that conform to these attributes and meet specific constraints.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method that uses graphical image analysis to determine the physical attributes of the work-piece engagement area and selects a substitute tool from available options that best match these attributes and meet constraints such as cost, material properties, and environmental compatibility, utilizing a processor configured to execute this process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a specified tool is unavailable, then the robotic system must select a substitute tool, but the system lacks the ability to determine physical attributes of the engagement area and identify suitable alternatives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool substitution capabilityVSAvoidphysical attributes of engagement area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary graphical image analysis to capture and store physical attributes of the engagement area before tool selection is needed. This advance preparation ensures that when tool substitution is required, the necessary dimensional information is already available for comparing alternative tools against the engagement area specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection and mechanical measurement methods with graphical image analysis technology. The system uses digital imaging and computer vision to automatically determine physical attributes of the engagement area, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and human intervention in the tool selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the system selects a substitute tool without accurate physical attribute data, then tool selection speed increases, but the accuracy of tool-fit matching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool selection speedVSAvoidtool-fit matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy or model of the engagement area's physical attributes through graphical image analysis. This digital representation allows for rapid comparison and evaluation of multiple substitute tools against the stored dimensional data, enabling both fast selection and accurate matching without requiring repeated physical measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11883965B2Cognitive robotic tool selector and applicator

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Robotic processor embodiments determine via graphical image analysis physical attributes of an engagement area of a work-piece that a specified tool physically engages to execute a specific action. The processors identify a model set plurality of alternate substitute tools that are each available within a physical environment of the engagement area and have a body portion with physical dimensions that conform to physical dimensions of the work-piece engagement area, and thereby select a substitute tool that has a body portion that best conforms to the physical dimensions of the work-piece engagement area and meets constraints for substitute tool selection for executing the specific action.