Spot Scanner Calibration for Storage Library Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges in accurate location and identification of media cartridges due to location-related errors, which can be introduced by physical jarring or electronic component inaccuracies, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential failure rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automatic calibration methods using spot scanners to acquire and decode contrast and topographic data, generating a purported target definition for robotic mechanism positioning and object identification, thereby reducing errors and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensors and location techniques are used to provide robotic mechanism functionality, then location-related tasks can be performed, but device complexity, cost, and weight increase while potentially increasing failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location-related functions (scanning, bar code reading, target acquisition, robotic positioning) into a single integrated spot scanning system. The spot scanner integrates the light source, scanning mechanism, and detection capabilities into one unified device that performs all location tasks, eliminating the need for separate sensors and location techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The spot scanning system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can scan for targets, read bar codes, acquire location data, and provide feedback for robotic positioning all through a single system. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and location techniques are integrated to provide complete robotic mechanism functionality, then all location-related tasks can be performed, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges scanning, bar code reading, and target acquisition functions into a single spot scanning device mounted on the robotic mechanism. This integration achieves complete functionality while minimizing weight by eliminating redundant components that would exist if separate systems were used for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spot scanning system provides universal functionality for all location-related tasks including target detection, bar code reading, and position verification, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized heavy components.
3Measurement precision
If decode levels are increased to improve target feature estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-level decode approach where it performs decoding at multiple threshold levels (providing more than a single measurement) to improve accuracy of target feature estimation. By sampling at multiple levels and synthesizing the results, the system achieves higher precision than a single measurement would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple decode levels to iteratively refine target feature estimates. The decoded information from various threshold levels is synthesized and used to adjust and improve the accuracy of target location and feature identification, creating a feedback loop that enhances measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of robotic mechanism operations in data storage systems by providing precise calibration and object identification, reducing complexity and cost while minimizing failure rates.
Implementation Method 1
receiving raw scan data by scanning the candidate target region with a scanner, the raw scan data including a measured level for each of a number of sample locations within the candidate target region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for automatic calibration of robotic mechanism functions according to accurate decoding and locating of target features using spot scanning. For example, a robotic mechanism in a storage library has one or more integrated scanners that can acquire contrast and/or topographic scan data from a scan window that represents a profile of the scan window expected to have one or more target feature sets. The scan data can be decoded according to predefined target masks (e.g., target type-specific fit tables) at a number of decode threshold levels to estimate target feature values, which can be used to converge on (or otherwise generate) a purported target definition with purported feature values. The purported target definition can be used to facilitate various functions, such as automatic calibration of robotic mechanism positioning and object identification.