Vision-Based Position Detection for Autonomous Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transfer apparatuses in semiconductor manufacturing require time-consuming and labor-intensive teaching processes for accurate positioning, leading to low precision and potential errors due to reliance on human senses, especially when article storages are deformed by external forces.
Innovation Solution
An article transfer apparatus equipped with a position detection device, including cameras and a controller, that autonomously detects the correct position in article storage using detection targets, eliminating the need for a teaching process by capturing images and recognizing reference positions, distances, and alignment information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a teaching process is used to position articles in article storage, then the article transfer apparatus can operate, but the process requires much time, effort, and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The article transfer apparatus uses a position detection device with cameras to autonomously detect and determine correct storage positions without requiring external teaching operations. The system self-calibrates by capturing images of detection targets and calculating positions through image processing, eliminating the need for manual teaching processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual teaching process is replaced by an automated vision-based detection system. Cameras capture images of detection targets, and a controller processes these images to determine article storage positions, substituting human-operated mechanical positioning with automated optical detection and computational processing.
2Measurement precision
If teaching is performed by relying on worker senses, then positioning can be achieved, but the accuracy or precision of teaching is very low
Solution Approach 1:
Human sensory-based positioning is replaced by a camera-based vision system. The position detection device captures images of detection targets mounted on article storage, and the controller calculates precise positions through image processing, eliminating dependence on worker senses and skill levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the article storage environment through camera imaging. By capturing images of detection targets and processing these visual copies, the system determines accurate positions without direct human measurement, achieving higher precision through digital image analysis rather than human estimation.
3Reliability
If teaching is performed manually, then positioning information can be stored, but collision, dislocation, or transfer error may occur when article storages are slightly deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changes in article storage position by continuously detecting the position of detection targets using cameras. When article storage deforms or shifts, the position detection device captures new images and the controller recalculates positions in real-time, ensuring accurate article transfer despite structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position detection device measurements to adjust article transfer operations. By continuously monitoring detection target positions through imaging and using this feedback to determine correct storage locations, the system compensates for article storage deformation and maintains high transfer accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an article transfer apparatus and article transfer method capable of autonomously loading or unloading an article by accurately checking a correct position in an article storage without a teaching process, the article transfer apparatus including a carriage body travelling along travel rails to transfer an article, and a position detection device mounted in the carriage body to detect position information related to a correct position from a detection target mounted in an article storage capable of storing the article in order to place the article at the correct position in the article storage where the article is to be stored.