Compensation Or Calibration Patents (Class 700/254)
  • Patent number: 8886359
    Abstract: A robot (100) has a robot mechanism unit (1) having a sensor (10) and a control unit (2), and the control unit (2) includes a normal control unit (4) that controls the operation of the robot mechanism unit, and a learning control unit (3) that, when the robot mechanism unit (1) is operated by a speed command that is given by multiplying a teaching speed designated in a task program by a speed change ratio, performs learning to calculate, from a detection result by the sensor (10), a learning correction amount for making the trajectory or position of the control target in the robot mechanism unit (1) approach the target trajectory or target position, or for reducing the vibration of the control target, and performs processes so that the control target position of the robot mechanism unit (1) moves along a fixed trajectory regardless of the speed change ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyonori Inaba, Masakazu Ichinose
  • Publication number: 20140330434
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: TOM NIXON
  • Patent number: 8880221
    Abstract: A humanoid robot fall controller controls motion of a robot to minimize damage when it determines that a fall is unavoidable. The robot controller detects a state of the robot during the fall and determines a desired rotational velocity that will allow the robot to re-orient itself during the fall to land on a predetermined target body segment (e.g., a backpack). The predetermined target body segment can be specially designed to absorb the impact of the fall and protect important components of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Hee Lee, Ambarish Goswami
  • Patent number: 8874270
    Abstract: An article take-out apparatus including, acquiring a reference container image including an open end face of a container by imaging operation by an camera, setting an image search region corresponding to a storage space of the container based on the reference container image, setting a reference plane including the open end face of the container, calculating a search region corresponding to the image search region based on a calibration data of the camera stored in advance, converting the search region to a converted search region, taking out 3D points included in the converted search region by projecting a plurality of 3D points measured by the 3D measuring device on the reference plane, and recognizing positions of articles inside the container using the 3D points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 8874263
    Abstract: A walking robot and a control method in which conversion between walking servo control methods is stably carried out. The walking robot includes a sensor unit to measure angles and torques of joints, and a control unit to calculate voltages applied in a Finite State Machine (FSM) control mode and a Zero Moment Point (ZMP) control mode according to the angles and torques of the joints to drive respective joint motors, to store last target joint angles in the FSM control mode during conversion from the FSM control mode to the ZMP control mode, and to perform a motion based on the FSM control mode by substituting the last target joint angles in the FSM control mode for target joint angles in the FSM control mode during conversion from the ZMP control mode to the FSM control mode, thereby performing stable conversion between walking servo control modes without joint sagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho Seong Kwak, Kyung Shik Roh, Woong Kwon, Min Hyung Lee, Joo Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140316568
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling a real time weaving motion are provided. In order to control operation of a robot in a working space, a main moving path of the robot in the working space is determined, a unit motion constituting the determined main moving path is generated, while a continuous motion in which a unit motion is connected, weaving that dynamically changes offset is generated, and a compensation displacement or a compensation rotation amount that is determined according to the work environment is generated. A position and a rotation amount of the robot are calculated in the working space according to at least one of the unit motion, the weaving, the compensation displacement, and the compensation rotation amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Youngjun Park, Youngyoul Ha, Sangmin Kang
  • Patent number: 8868236
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibration of a robot on a platform and a robot, in relation to an object using a measuring unit mounted on the robot including placing CAD models so that the robot reaches the object, manipulating the CAD models to move the measuring unit to a pose in relation to the platform allowing measurement of a feature on the object, storing the pose, and generating a CAD model of the feature. The real robot is moved to the pose, the real platform is moved where measurements of the feature can be made, 3D measurements of the feature are performed and based thereon generating a second CAD model, performing a best fit between the CAD models, and calculating a 6 degrees of freedom pose difference between the CAD models, and instructing the mobile platform to move to compensate for the pose difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Torgny Brogårdh
  • Patent number: 8868240
    Abstract: A walking robot, respective joints of which are operated through torque servo control to achieve stable pose control, and a pose control method thereof. A virtual acceleration of gravity is calculated using the COG of the robot and gravity compensation torques to apply force to links are calculated from the calculated acceleration of gravity so as to actively cope with external changes including external force or a tilt of the ground, thereby allowing the robot to stably maintain an erect pose and a desired upper body angle. Further, the robot maintains the erect pose with respect to the direction of gravity even under the condition that data regarding whether or not the ground is level or tilted are not given in advance, and maintains uniform poses of an upper body and legs while actively changing angles of ankle joints even if the ground is gradually tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kee Hong Seo
  • Patent number: 8862271
    Abstract: A proximity sensor includes first and second sensors disposed on a sensor body adjacent to one another. The first sensor is one of an emitter and a receiver. The second sensor is the other one of an emitter and a receiver. A third sensor is disposed adjacent the second sensor opposite the first sensor. The third sensor is an emitter if the first sensor is an emitter or a receiver if the first sensor is a receiver. Each sensor is positioned at an angle with respect to the other two sensors. Each sensor has a respective field of view. A first field of view intersects a second field of view defining a first volume that detects a floor surface within a first threshold distance. The second field of view intersects a third field of view defining a second volume that detects a floor surface within a second threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Steven V. Shamlian, Samuel Duffley, Nikolai Romanov, Frederick D. Hook, Mario E. Munich, Dhiraj Goel
  • Patent number: 8855821
    Abstract: A bipedal robot having a pair of legs with 6 degrees of freedom and a control method thereof which calculate a capture point by combining the position and velocity of the center of gravity (COG) and control the capture point during walking to stably control walking of the robot. A Finite State Machine (FSM) is configured to execute a motion similar to walking of a human, and thus the robot naturally walks without constraint that the knees be bent all the time, thereby being capable of walking with a large stride and effectively using energy required while walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kee Hong Seo, Joo Hyung Kim, Kyung Shik Roh
  • Patent number: 8845520
    Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Universita' degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”
    Inventors: Nicola Plo Belfiore, Massimillano Scaccia, Francosco Ianniello, Massimillano Presta, Luca Perfetti
  • Patent number: 8849452
    Abstract: A control system or the like capable of causing a controlled object to act in an appropriate form in view of an action purpose of the controlled object to a disturbance in an arbitrary form. Each of a plurality of modules modi, which are hierarchically organized according to the level of a frequency band, searches for action candidates which are candidates for an action form of a robot R matching with a main purpose and a sub-purpose while giving priority to a main purpose mainly under the charge of the module over a sub-purpose mainly under the charge of any other module. The actions of the robot R is controlled in a form in which the action candidates of the robot R searched for by a j-th module of a high frequency are reflected in preference to the action candidates of the robot R searched for by a (j+1)th module of a low frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Takeda, Mitsuhide Kuroda, Shigeru Kanzaki, Takahide Yoshiike, Takumi Kamioka
  • Patent number: 8849456
    Abstract: A robot includes: an arm; a driving source that pivots the arm; an angle sensor that detects a pivot angle and outputs pivot angle information; an inertia sensor that is attached to the arm and outputs inertial force information; a control command generating unit that outputs a control command defining rotational operation of the arm; a control conversion determining unit that determines whether the inertial force information is used when the driving source is controlled; and an arm operation control unit that performs a first control based on the control command, the pivot angle information, and the inertial force information, if the control conversion determining unit determines that the inertial force information should be used, and performs a second control based on the control command and the pivot angle information, if the control conversion determining unit determines that the inertial force information should not be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Motoyoshi, Izumi Iida
  • Patent number: 8849455
    Abstract: A robot system according to embodiments includes a position command generating unit that corrects a position command of a motor based on a rotation angle of the motor, which drives a link of a robot via a speed reducer, and a rotation angle of an output shaft of the speed reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Tetsuro Izumi, Tomohiro Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20140277715
    Abstract: A robot system includes a plurality of robots, a control device, a common work table, and a calibration device. The control device is configured to control the plurality of robots. On the common work table, the plurality of robots are configured to work. Based on a position of a first robot having a calibrated coordinate relative to a position of a second robot among the plurality of robots, the calibration device is configured to calibrate a coordinate of the second robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Ryoichi NAGAI, Tamio NAKAMURA, Dai KOUNO, Tetsuro IZUMI
  • Publication number: 20140277722
    Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a tool, a control device, a work table, a calibration jig, a detector, and a calibrator. The tool is mounted to a distal end of the robot and includes a first plane and a second plane orthogonal to each other. The control device controls the robot. On the work table, the robot works. The calibration jig is fixed to the work table. The detector detects a reference position determined by pressing the first plane and the second plane of the tool against at least one of the jig and the work table. Based on the reference position, the calibrator calibrates coordinates of the robot to be used by the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Ryoichi NAGAI, Tamio NAKAMURA, Dai KOUNO, Tetsuro IZUMI
  • Patent number: 8831779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical robot (R) and a method for meeting the performance requirements of a medical robot (R). The robot (R) comprises several axes (1-6) and a controller (17). A medical tool (21-24) is fixed to a fixing device (18) on the robot (R) and the working range (30) of the robot (R) is set by the controller (17) in particular with safe techniques such that the robot (R) meets the performance requirements of the medical tool (21-24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Ortmaier, Marc-Walter Ueberle
  • Patent number: 8831777
    Abstract: A program changing device includes a sequence interchanging unit for interchanging plural teaching points in a teaching sequence such that total movement time of a robot becomes smaller than that when the robot is moved in line with an initial teaching sequence of the teaching points, a calculating unit for calculating difference amounts between the initial teaching points and a trajectory of the robot that is obtained by executing an after-interchanged operational program by simulation, a position adjusting unit for adjusting positions of the teaching points of the after-interchanged operational program until the difference amounts become equal to or smaller than a predetermined allowable value, and a teaching point changing unit for changing the adjusted teaching points to be the initial teaching points when cycle time of the after-interchanged operational program including the adjusted teaching points is longer than initial cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuki Kimoto
  • Patent number: 8825211
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated steering wheel leveling system and method. Particularly, the automated steering wheel leveling system includes a machine vision, a plurality of motor cylinders, a motor, and a robot, each operated by a process PC. The machine vision photographs a steering wheel to obtain position information of the steering wheel and determines a stroke of a motor cylinder and a grip position of a gripper using the position information. The plurality of motor cylinders move a plurality of grippers to steering wheel to secure the steering wheel. The motor rotates the steering wheel in order to adjust a zero-point of the steering wheel. The robot then moves the machine vision, the motor cylinder, and the motor to the steering wheel to align a shaft of the servo motor with a shaft of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ji Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 8818560
    Abstract: A master-slave manipulator includes a remote manipulation device, a slave manipulator, and a control unit. The remote manipulation device as a master gives an operating command corresponding to a plurality of degrees of freedom. The slave manipulator includes a plurality of joints corresponding to the degrees of freedom. The slave manipulator includes a redundant joint among the joints. The control unit controls operations of the joints in accordance with the operating command. The control unit calculates an orientation change of the remote manipulation device from the operating command at predetermined time intervals and selects and drives one of the joints in redundancy relationship among the joints in accordance with the orientation change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kosuke Kishi
  • Patent number: 8818557
    Abstract: A methodology for using cortical signals to control a multi jointed prosthetic device for direct real-time interaction with the physical environment, including improved methods for calibration and training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Meel Velliste, Sagi Perel, Andrew S. Whitford, Andrew Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8812158
    Abstract: A handling system and method for automatically moving a gravity-based load body using a robot. The load body is supported by a load body holding means connected to an end effector flange of the robot. A gravity compensation device includes a connector element acting on an element or the end effector flange of the robot to compensate for the gravity of the load body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Brudniok, Günter Schreiber, Johann Maischberger
  • Patent number: 8812157
    Abstract: When an error occurs in robot system, a difference between first and second detection values of two sensors or first and second sensors occurs due to differences in position and responsibility. When this difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, control section detects that a difference has occurred in robot system. The first and second detection values of two sensors or first and second sensors are compared, and therefore, reliability of the detection values can be secured. Further, the abnormal state can be determined through the difference between the first and second detection values, and therefore, errors resulting from problems such as variations in gears and speed reducers due to temperature changes of the operational state and disposition environment of the robot can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Morioka, Satoshi Adachi
  • Publication number: 20140229005
    Abstract: A robot system which requires no manual teaching operation in acquiring calibration values for coordinate transformation, and improves the calibration accuracy includes a robot body, a camera, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus measures, via the camera, a calibration plate at each position and orientation of a first position and orientation group including a reference measurement position and orientation and a position and orientation within a first offset range, calculates a first calibration value based on the measurement value, measures, via the camera, the calibration plate at each position and orientation of a second position and orientation group including a reference operation position and orientation different from the reference measurement position and orientation, and a position and orientation within a second offset range, calculates a second calibration value based on the measurement value, and activates the robot body by using the first and second calibration values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hideaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8805584
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a force-controlled, biped humanoid robot. The method includes selecting a kinematic constraint for the humanoid robot such as maintain the two feet in flat contact with the floor. The method includes moving the humanoid robot into a plurality of poses while enforcing the kinematic constraint. The method includes, during the moving or posing step, collecting angle measurements for a set of joints of the humanoid robot and then, with a processor, running a kinematic calibration module to determine angular offsets for the robot joints to allow determination of joint torques by a robot controller with truer angular orientations. The method includes, during the moving step, collecting relative orientation data from an inertial movement unit (IMU) mounted on the pelvis link, and the angular offsets are determined using relative orientation data. All data is collected from devices on the robot, and no external data collection is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc
    Inventor: Katsu Yamane
  • Patent number: 8805583
    Abstract: A robot, which performs natural walking similar to a human with high energy efficiency through optimization of actuated dynamic walking, and a control method thereof. The robot includes an input unit to which a walking command of the robot is input, and a control unit to control walking of the robot by calculating torque input values through control variables, obtaining a resultant motion of the robot through calculation of forward dynamics using the torque input values, and minimizing a value of an objective function set to consist of the sum total of a plurality of performance indices through adjustment of the control variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bok Man Lim, Kyung Shik Roh, Woong Kwon, Ju Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 8798794
    Abstract: An object is highly precisely moved by an industrial robot to an end position by the following steps, which are repeated until the end position is reached within a specified tolerance: Recording a three-dimensional image by means of a 3-D image recording device. Determining the present position of the object in the spatial coordinate system from the position of the 3-D image recording device the angular orientation of the 3-D image recording device detected by an angle measuring unit, the three-dimensional image, and the knowledge of features on the object. Calculating the position difference between the present position of the object and the end position. Calculating a new target position of the industrial robot while taking into consideration the compensation value from the present position of the industrial robot and a value linked to the position difference. Moving the industrial robot to the new target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Bernd Walser, Bernhard Metzler, Beat Aebischer, Knut Siercks, Bo Pettersson
  • Patent number: 8793020
    Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, the transmitting subsystem comprising means for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams emitted by the transmitting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Chiappetta, Joseph L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8788096
    Abstract: Mobile self-balancing robots for telepresence are provided. The robots comprise a base, a head, and a shaft therebetween. The shaft can be telescoping to allow the head to be extended above the base to about the height of a normal sized person, or can be retracted to make the robot more compact for easier storage and transportation. The head includes components for telepresence such as cameras, a speaker, a microphone, a laser pointer, and a display screen, as well as protection from impacts and falls. The base provides locomotion and balance, and a narrow shaft between the head and base minimizes the robot's weight and reduces the likelihood of collisions with protrusions like table edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Anybots 2.0, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Sokol, Trevor Blackwell, Scott Wiley, Daniel Casner, Benjamin Holson
  • Patent number: 8781628
    Abstract: A torque-based walking robot and a control method thereof which stably controls walking of the robot. In the control method, in which high rigidity, equal to that achieved through a position-based control method, is achieved using a torque-based control method without switching between the position-based control method and the torque-based control method while the robot is in motion, a difference between a target torque and a measured torque is forcibly generated by limiting a torque range measurable by each torque sensor, thereby increasing voltage applied to each actuator, and thus achieving high rigidity, equal to that achieved through the position-based control method, using the torque-based control method without switching between the position-based control method and the torque-based control method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho Seong Kwak, Jeong Heon Han, Kyung Shik Roh
  • Publication number: 20140188274
    Abstract: A robot system display device is provided for graphically displaying components of a robot system which carries out a desirable process by measuring a position of a target object with a vision sensor. The robot system display device acquires an arrangement of the vision sensor relative to other components of the robot system based on calibration data for the vision sensor and pre-stored shape information of the vision sensor. The robot system display device graphically displays the vision sensor in a virtual space based on the relative arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuta Namiki
  • Patent number: 8768513
    Abstract: Methods of correction of rotational and linear misalignment in multi-link robots are provided. The method allows for precise orientation of an end effector to put or pick substrates at a target destination by correcting for both positional and rotational orientation errors. The method rotates a boom linkage to a position adjacent to the target destination, corrects for linear and rotational error by rotating a boom linkage as well as an upper arm link as well as extending or retracting a wrist member. Systems including long boom linkages are disclosed. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Keith Cox, Izya Kremerman
  • Publication number: 20140180310
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Chris Julian, Robert C. Younge
  • Patent number: 8761930
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Nixon
  • Patent number: 8761937
    Abstract: A walking robot and a control method thereof. The walking robot includes a main communication path, a subsidiary communication path, at least one master generating a communication protocol and transmitting the communication protocol through the main and subsidiary communication paths, and a plurality of slaves communicably connected to the at least one master through the main and subsidiary communication paths, increasing a value of an access counter of the communication protocol received through the main communication path, decreasing a value of the access counter of the communication protocol received through the subsidiary communication path, and forming loop-back paths connecting the main communication path and the subsidiary communication path when a communication error has occurred, wherein the at least one master judges whether or not the communication error has occurred from the values of the access counter of the communication protocol having passed through the plurality of slaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Owan Kim
  • Patent number: 8761936
    Abstract: A teaching line correcting apparatus defines a first plane, which is determined by a first reference position of a preset first reference region, a second reference position of a preset second reference region, and a third reference position of a preset third reference region, defines a second plane, which is determined by a detected position of the first reference region, a detected position of the second reference region, and a detected position of the third reference region, calculates a corrective value for equalizing the first reference region to an origin, equalizing the first reference position of the first reference region as the origin to the detected position of the first reference region as the origin, and equalizing the first plane to the second plane, and correcting reference coordinates where operating points are taught based on the calculated corrective value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Hayama, Shinya Murakami, Yutaka Hariya, Naoki Eto, Masashi Takebe
  • Patent number: 8761990
    Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards driving a robot or other mobile device safely through an environment by using a depth camera to obtain depth data, and then using the depth data for collision avoidance. Horizontal profile information may be built from the depth data, such as by collapsing a two-dimensional depth map into one-dimensional horizontal profile information. The horizontal profile information may be further processed by fusing the depth camera-detected obstacle data with any closer obstacle data as detected via infrared-based sensing and/or sonar-based sensing. Driving suggestions from a user or program are overridden as needed to avoid collisions, including by driving the robot towards an open space represented in the horizontal profile information, or stopping/slowing the robot as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Georgios Chrysanthakopoulos, Michael J. Wyrzykowski
  • Publication number: 20140156072
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus for determining a position of a tool center point (31) of a tool (30), which is attached to a tool attachment surface (32) of a robot (1), with respect to the tool attachment surface (32) includes: a camera (4) attached to the arm tip portion of the robot (1); a touch-up point (an origin of ?m) disposed in a working space of the robot; a measurement section (11a) for measuring the position of the touch-up point by using the robot and the camera; a first storage section (12a) for storing the measured position of the touch-up point; a second storage section (12b) for storing a position of the robot (1) when the tool center point is aligned with the touch-up point by moving the robot; and a calculation section (11b) for calculating the position of the tool center point with respect to the tool attachment surface of the robot by using the stored positions of the touch-up point and the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Kazunori BAN, Katsutoshi TAKIZAWA, Gang SHEN
  • Publication number: 20140156071
    Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile robot system is provided. The method includes at a mobile robot, transmitting a signal while traveling in a traveling region, at a beacon, receiving the signal transmitted from the mobile robot over 360 degrees and determining whether the mobile robot has approached the beacon, at the beacon, transmitting a response signal to the mobile robot if the mobile robot has approached the beacon, and at the mobile robot, performing avoidance navigation to prevent collision with the beacon when the mobile robot receives the response signal of the beacon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Pyo HONG, Kyung Hwan YOO, Jae Young JUNG, Jae Man JOO, Dong Won KIM, Woo Ram CHUNG, Hwi Chan JANG
  • Patent number: 8744625
    Abstract: In the control of a multi-joint robot main body, it is necessary to execute intricate track calculations and synchronous operations in parallel, even if the track calculations are intricate and times required for the calculations are indefinite. For this purpose, a robot controlling device of the present invention includes a shared memory, and first and second processing units connected to the shared memory. The first processing unit performs track calculation processing which includes calculating operation command data indicating a series of command values to be output to arm motors, based on a command to operate the multi-joint robot main body to a desired position posture, and storing the calculated operation command data in the shared memory. The second processing unit performs synchronous processing which includes acquiring the operation command data stored in the shared memory, and synchronously outputting the command values to the arm motors at predetermined time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mahito Negishi
  • Patent number: 8731720
    Abstract: Systems and methods as described for providing visual telepresence to an operator of a remotely controlled robot. The robot includes both video cameras and pose sensors. The system can also comprise a head-tracking sensor to monitor the orientation of the operator's head. These signals can be used to aim the video cameras. The controller receives both the video signals and the pose sensor signals from the robot, and optionally receives head-tracking signals from the head-tracking sensor. The controller stitches together the various video signals to form a composite video signal that maps to a robot view. The controller renders an image to a display from that portion of the composite video signal that maps to an operator view. The relationship of the operator view to the robot view is varied according to the signals from the pose sensors and the head-tracking sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Anybots 2.0, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Blackwell, Daniel Casner, Scott Wiley
  • Publication number: 20140135983
    Abstract: A controller for use with a nondestructive inspection system communicates with the nondestructive inspection system and with a robot for moving an inspection probe of the nondestructive inspection system relative to an object under inspection. The controller is configured to periodically generate estimated position information of the probe moving relative to the object under inspection and communicate the estimated position information to the nondestructive inspection system as the nondestructive inspection system collects inspection data from the probe. The controller receives actual position information from the robot, the actual position information indicating an actual position of the probe, and corrects the estimated position information based on the actual position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Joseph Donar, W. Robert Nelson, Gregorio Balandran
  • Patent number: 8718821
    Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, the transmitting subsystem comprising a mechanical sweeping transmitter laser integrated in combination with a high point of a housing infrastructure of the robotic device so that none of the structural features of the robotic device interfere with sweeping of the transmitting element of the mechanical sweeping transmitter laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Chiappetta, Joseph L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8718823
    Abstract: A thereminist robot has a characteristic model of theremin and is capable of performing in response to an environment of theremin performance by calibrating the characteristic model before the performance. A robot 10 has a first arm 12, a second arm 11, and a pitch model for indicating an arm position corresponding to a pitch of the theremin The robot 10 plays the theremin by moving the first arm 12 to the arm position corresponding to a musical note based on the target note and the pitch model. The robot further has a parameter adjustment unit for adjusting parameters of the pitch model that change depending on environments surrounding the theremin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsujino, Hiroshi Okuno, Takeshi Mizumoto
  • Publication number: 20140121832
    Abstract: A robotic device having an arm including an actuator and inertial sensor, a first calculator adapted to calculate an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the actuator based on a rotational angle data from an angle sensor, a second calculator adapted to calculate one of an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the arm based on an output detected by the inertial sensor, and a comparator adapted to compare one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration calculated by the first calculator and one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration calculated by the second calculator with each other, and it is determined that the inertial sensor is at fault if an absolute value of the difference between the actuator and the arm in one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration in the comparison section is larger than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shigenori SASAI
  • Patent number: 8706301
    Abstract: Methods of and a system for providing force information for a robotic surgical system. The method includes storing first kinematic position information and first actual position information for a first position of an end effector; moving the end effector via the robotic surgical system from the first position to a second position; storing second kinematic position information and second actual position information for the second position; and providing force information regarding force applied to the end effector at the second position utilizing the first actual position information, the second actual position information, the first kinematic position information, and the second kinematic position information. Visual force feedback is also provided via superimposing an estimated position of an end effector without force over an image of the actual position of the end effector. Similarly, tissue elasticity visual displays may be shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyi Zhao, Tao Zhao, David Q. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8700215
    Abstract: An inner pressure of an actuator is measured by a pressure measuring unit, and an amount of displacement of a movable mechanism is measured so that a position error compensation unit to which a desired value for the displacement and the measured value are inputted is allowed to compensate for a position error, and a desired value for a pressure difference of actuators that are competitively driven from the desired value is calculated by a desired pressure difference calculation unit, and an adjusted correcting value of the desired value for the pressure difference, obtained from the desired value of displacement and the measured value, is adjustably outputted from an adjustable desired inner-state correction unit, and thus, the outputs of these unit are inputted to a pressure difference error compensation unit so that a pressure difference error is compensated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mayumi Komatsu, Yasunao Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20140100694
    Abstract: A camera-based auto-alignment process can include gripping a first calibration tool by a gripper unit of a robotic arm. Images of the first calibration tool can be captured by a camera coupled to the gripper unit. The gripper unit and camera unit can be aligned on two roughly parallel axes. The images can be analyzed to calibrate the axis of view of the camera with the gripper axis, providing an XY calibration of the robotic arm. The gripper unit can be calibrated on a Z-axis using optical calibration with landmarks provided on a second calibration tool, and/or by moving the gripper unit towards the work surface until it makes contact with the work surface and stops. Once calibrated, the camera can be used to identify one or more landmarks at known locations on the work surface to align the robotic arm with the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Rueckl, Sebastian Streibl, Manuel Sickert
  • Patent number: 8694161
    Abstract: A collaborative robotized system comprises: a mobile platform furnished with running device, with an electric motor propulsion assembly, and with a longitudinal mechanical linkage assembly comprising an articulation; an electrical power source; manual control device of the system; remote control device of the system; a computer assembly of at least one computer; hardware-incorporating device suitable for integrating sensors and effectors, and software-incorporating device suitable for integrating software elements; and management device for managing integrated sensorimotor behaviors, suitable for arbitrating implementations of several sensorimotor behaviors in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Thierry Deveze, Joël Morillon, Laurent Vasseur
  • Patent number: 8688273
    Abstract: A walking control apparatus of a robot includes a joint portion provided in each of a plurality of legs of the robot, a pose sensing unit to sense the pose of the robot, a walking state determination unit to determine a walking state from the pose of the robot, a knot point compensation value calculator to determine a Center Of Mass (COM) of the robot from the pose of the robot and to calculate a knot point compensation value, a desired angle trajectory generator to generate a reference knot point of the joint portion corresponding to the walking state, to compensate for the reference knot point using the knot point compensation value so as to generate a desired knot point, and to generate a desired angle trajectory of the joint portion using the desired knot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju Suk Lee, Woong Kwon, Kyung Shik Roh