VR Robot Force Vector Assignment for Task Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method for teaching force vectors to robots, particularly in virtual reality environments, which is crucial for ensuring optimal operation and preventing damage during tasks that require specific force applications.
Innovation Solution
A virtual reality system that includes an electronic controller capable of generating a menu with task user interface elements, allowing users to configure and assign force parameters such as magnitude and direction to robotic tasks, enabling precise force vector assignment for tasks like gripping, pulling, and wiping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If force parameters are configured through traditional programming interfaces, then force vectors can be assigned to robotic tasks, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical environment within a virtual reality system. Users interact with a virtual representation of the robot and its environment, where force parameters can be configured through intuitive graphical interfaces rather than complex programming code. This virtual model allows users to define force vectors by visually selecting magnitudes and directions without understanding the underlying control theory mathematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual reality system acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the physical robot's force control system. Instead of directly programming the robot controller, users configure force parameters through the VR interface, which then translates these high-level specifications into the appropriate control commands. This intermediary simplifies the interaction by hiding the complexity of force control algorithms from the user.
2Manufacturing precision
If force vectors are precisely controlled through detailed parameter configuration, then task execution accuracy improves, but the time required to configure and program tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures standardized force vector options that users can select directly without performing detailed calculations or programming. Common force magnitudes and directions are prepared in advance as selectable parameters, allowing users to quickly assign appropriate force vectors by selection rather than configuration. This preliminary preparation of options maintains precision while dramatically reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual reality interface dynamically adapts to user needs by providing context-aware force parameter suggestions and allowing real-time adjustment of force vectors during task execution. The system can modify force parameters on-the-fly based on task requirements, eliminating the need for extensive pre-programming and allowing rapid iteration and refinement of force applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive force parameter options are provided to users, then adaptability to different tasks improves, but the interface complexity and difficulty of selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual reality interface provides different levels of force parameter detail based on the specific task context. For simple tasks, only essential force parameters are presented, while more complex tasks automatically reveal additional configuration options. This localized provision of complexity ensures that users are never overwhelmed by unnecessary parameters while still having access to comprehensive control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The force parameter configuration is divided into modular, independently selectable components. Rather than presenting a single complex force vector specification, the system segments force magnitude, direction, and application points into separate controllable elements that users can configure independently. This segmentation allows users to adapt force parameters to different tasks by modifying only the relevant segments rather than reconfiguring entire force vectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed and includes an electronic controller configured to generate a virtual reality representation of an environment. The electronic controller is configured to generate a menu within the virtual reality representation of the environment comprising at least one task user interface element and determine when an option for configuring a force parameter is selected from the at least one task user interface element in the menu. The electronic controller is configured to prompt a user to configure the force parameter for a virtual robot manipulation task and assign at least one of a force magnitude or a force direction to the virtual robot manipulation task in response to an input received from the prompt to configure the force parameter.