Service Label Localization for Autonomous Object Servicing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing service rendering systems, such as robotic arms and autonomous vehicles, face challenges in efficiently servicing objects in hard-to-reach locations, requiring manual intervention or specialized scheduling due to the inability to autonomously locate and reach devices installed in open or elevated areas.

Innovation Solution

A service rendering system equipped with an image sensor controller that captures and processes images to identify service labels, extracts the label's encoded service point location, and calculates the precise position to navigate and render services autonomously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If stationary robotic arms are used for servicing objects, then the robotic arms can perform precise mechanical procedures, but the robotic arms cannot reach objects in hard-to-reach or elevated locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverage areaVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from stationary robotic arms to mobile service vehicles that can dynamically move throughout the service area. The mobile vehicle navigates to different locations and uses robotic arms with extended reach capabilities to service objects in hard-to-reach and elevated locations, making the system adaptable to various service scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds vertical dimension capability through robotic arms with extended reach that can service objects at elevated heights. The mobile vehicle provides horizontal mobility while the robotic arm provides vertical access, creating three-dimensional service coverage throughout the facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If manual intervention is used to service devices in hard-to-reach locations, then the devices can be serviced, but significant time and human resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice efficiencyVSAvoidservice time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile service vehicle operates autonomously using onboard sensors, processors, and navigation systems to locate service targets, plan routes, and execute servicing tasks without human intervention. The vehicle independently navigates to devices in hard-to-reach locations and performs maintenance operations, eliminating the need for manual service deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical servicing with an automated mobile robot system. The vehicle uses sensors for detection, processors for decision-making, and robotic mechanisms for physical servicing, substituting human operators with an integrated automated system that reduces service time and human resource requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If specialized technical crews are scheduled to service exceptional devices, then the devices can be maintained, but scheduling complexity and service delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice maintenance reliabilityVSAvoidservice scheduling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile service vehicle autonomously monitors and services devices without requiring human technician intervention or complex scheduling systems. The vehicle independently identifies service needs, navigates to targets, and performs maintenance tasks, simplifying the service system while maintaining reliable device maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile service vehicle is designed as a multi-functional platform that can service various types of devices across different locations and heights. The vehicle carries multiple service tools and can adapt to different maintenance tasks, replacing the need for specialized technical crews for different device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If service vehicles are deployed to reach elevated devices, then the vehicles can access hard-to-reach locations, but the vehicles require extended reach capabilities that increase vehicle complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to elevated locationsVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the service function into two independent components: the mobile vehicle base that provides horizontal mobility and navigation, and the robotic arm mechanism that provides vertical reach and positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the vehicle handling ground mobility and the arm handling elevated access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11017190B1Apparatus and method for locating a service object based on a label

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 TP LAB INC

AI summary

A service rendering system locates a service object based on a label. A controller of the service rendering system receives an image captured by a camera coupled to the controller, processes the image to identify a label image in the image, identifies a label in the label image as corresponding to the service object, and obtains a service point location encoded in the label, where the service point location comprises a location relative to a location of the label. The controller calculates a label position of the label using the image of the label and calculates a service point position using the service point location and the label position.