Collision Prevention Patents (Class 700/255)
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Patent number: 11238717Abstract: A method includes receiving first position data from at least one of a TOF sensor or a LIDAR. The first position data is representative of a position of a human within a hazardous environment. The method further includes receiving second position data associated with a plurality of wearable sensors associated with a plurality of personnel. The method further includes comparing the first position data to the second position data to identify a match between the first position data and the second position data. The method further includes sensing a signal to an alert device associated with the hazardous environment such that the alert device issues an alert in response to the first position data failings to match the second position data.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures LimitedInventors: Paul Johnson, Travis McGuire
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Patent number: 11230008Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optimisation method for calculating an optimised movement path of a coating robot (1), including the following steps: defining consecutive path points of the movement path using path point data, wherein the path point data defines the spatial position and orientation of the application device (7) at each path point; calculating possible robot configurations for the individual path points of the movement path, wherein each robot configuration includes all axial positions of all robot axes (A1-A7) and at least some of the path points can be reached optionally via multiple different robot configurations; calculating a path point-related and preferable also sequence-related quality value individually for the different possible robot configurations of the individual path points, such that each robot configuration is assigned a respective quality value; and—selecting one of the possible robot configurations for the individual path points according to the quality value of the differenType: GrantFiled: September 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Dürr Systems AGInventor: Sven Schweigler
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Patent number: 11207777Abstract: A robot controlling device inputs an operation state of a worker from a sensor. The robot controlling device calculates a position vector and a velocity vector of each of the robot and the worker from the operation state of the robot and the operation state of the worker, generates a risk determination area (an area where the robot is stopped, an area where the robot is evacuated, and an area where the robot is decelerated) around each of the robot and the worker, determines a risk based on overlapping between the generated risk determination area of the robot and the generated risk determination area of the worker, generates a collision avoidance trajectory in which collision between the robot and the worker is avoided from a result of the determination, and controls the robot based on the generated collision avoidance trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuaki Nakasu, Kei Imazawa
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Patent number: 11207778Abstract: Systems and a method determine a sequence of joint values of an external axis along a sequence of targets. Inputs are received, including robot representation, tool representation, sequence of targets, kinematics of the axis joints, and/or type of robot-axis motion. For each target, it is generated at least one weight factor table representing, for each available configuration of the axis joint motion, a combined effort of the robot motion and the axis motion depending on the type of combined robot-axis motion. Valid weight factor values of the table are determined by simulating collision free trajectories for reaching the target. The sequence of joint values of the at least one external axis is determined by finding from the weight factor table a sequence of joint values for which the sum of their corresponding weight factors for reaching the target location sequence is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Siemens Industry Software Ltd.Inventor: Moshe Hazan
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Patent number: 11179850Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for planning a path of motion for a robot. In some implementations, a candidate path of movement is determined for each of multiple robots. A swept region, for each of the multiple robots, is determined that the robot would traverse through along its candidate path. At least some of the swept regions for the multiple robots is aggregated to determine amounts of overlap among the swept regions at different locations. Force vectors directed outward from the swept regions are assigned, wherein the force vectors have different magnitudes assigned according to the respective amounts of overlap of the swept regions at the different locations. A path for a particular robot to travel is determined based on the swept regions and the assigned magnitudes of the forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Intrinsic Innovation LLCInventors: Jean-Francois Dupuis, Keegan Go, Maryam Bandari
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Patent number: 11172997Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgical procedure. The system features a portable robot arm with an end effector for precise positioning of a surgical tool. The system requires only minimal training by surgeons/operators, is intuitive to use, and has a small footprint with significantly reduced obstruction of the operating table. The system works with existing, standard surgical tools, does not require increased surgical time or preparatory time, and safely provides the enhanced precision achievable by robot-assisted systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: KB Medical, SAInventors: Szymon Kostrzewski, Olivier Chappuis, Billy Nussbaumer, Daniel Gehriger, Roderik Berthelin
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Patent number: 11115477Abstract: A session control apparatus, a session control method, and a session control program may maintain a quality of input data output to a processing module. A processing module has a defined condition regarding a quality of the input data. The session control apparatus includes a selection unit and a switching unit. The selection unit selects a second device when the input data fails to satisfy the condition. The switching unit switches a first device that outputs the input data to the processing module to the second device selected by the selection unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Tetsuji Yamato, Taiji Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 11112801Abstract: An operation method of a robot for leading a follower to a destination within an open space includes: calculating a distance between the follower and the robot; when it is determined that the distance is not greater than a threshold, determining a pre-movement location of the robot in the open space and an orientation of the robot, and calculating a linear speed and an angular speed for the robot based on the pre-movement location and the orientation of the robot and the destination; moving according to the linear speed and the angular speed; determining whether the robot has arrived at the destination according to the current position; and repeating the previous steps when it is determined that the robot has not arrived at the destination.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Kai-Tai Song, Yu-Heng Chiu, Shao-Huan Song
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Patent number: 11104007Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling a robot. The apparatus includes an active force detector configured to detect an active force, to which a natural force caused by a physical interaction between a user and a robot and not reflecting an operation intention of the user is applied, applied by the user to the robot operating through the physical interaction with the user, a compensator configured to determine a compensation force for actively compensating for the natural force applied to the active force by using a method of optimizing an internal parameter of a predefined dynamics model, and a controller configured to determine an operation instruction for controlling an operation of the robot from a result obtained by applying the compensation force determined by the compensator to the active force detected by the active force detector and operate the robot.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan UniversityInventors: Ja Choon Koo, Kyeong Ha Lee, Seung Guk Baek, Hyun Jin Lee
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Patent number: 11087200Abstract: In Multi-Policy Decision-Making (MPDM), many computationally-expensive forward simulations are performed in order to predict the performance of a set of candidate policies. In risk-aware formulations of MPDM, only the worst outcomes affect the decision making process, and efficiently finding these influential outcomes becomes the core challenge. Recently, stochastic gradient optimization algorithms, using a heuristic function, were shown to be significantly superior to random sampling. In this disclosure, it was shown that accurate gradients can be computed-even through a complex forward simulation—using approaches similar to those in dep networks. The proposed approach finds influential outcomes more reliably, and is faster than earlier methods, allowing one to evaluate more policies while simultaneously eliminating the need to design an easily-differentiable heuristic function.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Edwin Olson, Dhanvin H. Mehta, Gonzalo Ferrer
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Patent number: 11086314Abstract: Provided is a robotic device including: a chassis including a set of wheels; one or more motors for driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing power to the robotic device; a controller for controlling movement of the robotic device; a processor; a set of sensors; and, a signal boosting device. Further provided is a method for providing a mobile signal boost including: providing a robotic device including: a chassis including a set of wheels; a motor for driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing power to the device; a control system module for controlling the movement of the device; a processor; and, a set of sensors; providing a signal boosting device coupled to the robotic device; and, transporting the signal boosting device to one or more locations within an environment of the robotic device by the robotic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: AI IncorporatedInventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi
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Patent number: 11072071Abstract: A robot system models the behavior of a user when the user occupies an operating zone associated with a robot. The robot system predicts future behaviors of the user, and then determines whether those predicted behaviors interfere with anticipated behaviors of the robot. When such interference may occur, the robot system generates dynamics adjustments that can be implemented by the robot to avoid such interference. The robot system may also generate dynamics adjustments that can be implemented by the user to avoid such interference.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.Inventors: Evan Atherton, David Thomasson, Heather Kerrick, Hui Li
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Patent number: 11045948Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling operation of a work robot for performing work inside a target region using a manipulator includes a trajectory information acquiring unit for acquiring N?1 or N pieces of trajectory information respectively indicating N?1 or N trajectories connecting N work regions where the work robot performs a series of work operations in order of a series of work operations; a classifying unit for classifying the N?1 or N trajectories as (i) trajectories that need correction or (ii) trajectories that do not need correction; and a trajectory planning unit for planning a trajectory of a tip of the manipulator between two work regions relating to the each of the one or more trajectories, for each of the one or more trajectories classified as a trajectory that needs correction by the classifying unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: MUJIN, INC.Inventor: Rosen Diankov
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Patent number: 10953538Abstract: A control device that outputs a command for a robot includes a machine learning device that learns a command for the robot. The machine learning device includes a state observation unit that observes a state of the robot and a state of a person present in a peripheral area of the robot, as state variables representing a current state of an environment, a determination data acquisition unit that acquires determination data representing an interference state between the robot and the person, and a learning unit that learns the state of the robot, the state of the person present in the peripheral area of the robot, and the command for the robot obtained by associating the state of the robot and the state of the person present in the peripheral area of the robot by using the state variables and the determination data.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Fanuc CorporationInventors: Tetsuro Matsudaira, Shuu Inoue
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Patent number: 10899006Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage devices, for robot navigation using 2D and 3D path planning. In the disclosed method, a robot accesses map data indicating two-dimensional layout of objects in a space and evaluates candidate paths for the robot to traverse. In response to determining that the candidate paths do not include a collision-free path across the space for a two-dimensional profile of the robot, the robot evaluates a three-dimensional shape of the robot with respect to a three-dimensional shape of an object in the space. Based on the evaluation of the three-dimensional shapes, the robot determines a collision-free path to traverse through the space.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventor: Benjamin Holson
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Patent number: 10849591Abstract: A system and method of dynamic virtual collision objects includes a control unit for a medical device. The control unit includes one or more processors and an interface coupling the control unit to the medical device. The control unit is configured to determine a position of a first movable segment of the medical device, a volume occupied by the first movable segment being approximated by one or more first virtual collision objects (VCOs); adjust, based on the position and motion goals for the medical device, one or more properties of the first VCOs; determine, based on the position and the properties, first geometries of the first VCOs; receive second geometries of one or more second VCOs associated with a second segment of a second device; determine relationships between the first VCOs and the second VCOs; and adjust, based on the relationships, a motion plan for the medical device.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignees: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC., SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Mahdi Azizian, Jonathan M. Sorger, Holger Kunze, Lutz Blohm
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Patent number: 10824166Abstract: A method of distributing task regions for a plurality of cleaning devices, including: dividing a task map into a plurality of basic sub-regions according to concave corners corresponding to the shape of the task map; combining each two adjacent basic sub-regions, and calculating basic cleaning time corresponding to each of the combined basic sub-regions; repeatedly combining each two adjacent basic sub-regions according to the basic cleaning time, and obtaining a basic partition result; selecting starting blocks according to positions of the plurality of task sub-regions in the basic partitioning result; combining the task sub-regions according to the position of each starting block, the position of each task sub-region, and the cleaning time corresponding to each task sub-region, and obtaining the task region distribution result; enabling cleaning devices to perform cleaning tasks according to the position of each cleaning device and the task region distribution result.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Tao-Chih Hsu, Yang-Sheng Wang, Chun-Ting Chen, Yu-Ching Chen
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Patent number: 10816989Abstract: A method of distributing task areas, adapted to a cleaning device, is provided, including: receiving a task map; obtaining a shape that corresponds to the task map; dividing the task map into a plurality of sub-regions according to a plurality of recesses in the shape; merging the two adjacent sub-regions that have a common long side or short side, and obtaining a plurality of merge results that correspond to each of the merge actions; calculating a plurality of cleaning times for each of the merge results for the cleaning device; selecting the merge result that has the shortest cleaning times as a first distribution result; and enabling the cleaning device to perform a cleaning task according to the first distribution result.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Yu-Ching Chen, Tao-Chih Hsu, Yang-Sheng Wang, Chun-Ting Chen
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Patent number: 10802494Abstract: A method for motion planning for autonomous moving objects (AMO) includes continuously computing or updating a time-dependent trajectory of an AMO to a destination by a computing device avoiding obstacles en route to the destination. The time-dependent trajectory is computed using one or more motion planning computation procedures. The method further includes performing a switching to another motion planning computation procedure when an obstacle is detected or not detected anymore. An obstacle is determined to be detected when a point on the computed trajectory lies within or touches a guard area (GA) around the obstacle. The border of the GA has a certain distance from the detected obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Francesco Alesiani, Chairit Wuthishuwong
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Patent number: 10773385Abstract: A method for operating a robotic system that includes calculating a base motion plan, wherein the base motion plan includes a sequence of commands or settings, or a combination thereof, that operates a robotic arm and a gripper to transfer a target object from a start location to a task location; receiving a contact measure while executing the base motion plan, wherein the contact measure represents an amount of grip of the gripper on the target object; and generating one or more actuator commands/settings that deviate from the base motion plan when the contact measure fails to satisfy a threshold, wherein the one or more actuator commands/settings thereof are configured to operate the robotic arm, the gripper, or a combination thereof to execute one or more response actions not included in the base motion plan.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: MUJIN, Inc.Inventors: Rosen Nikolaev Diankov, Huan Liu, Denys Kanunikov
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Patent number: 10766492Abstract: A driving assistance method detects a behavior of a moving object causing a blind spot area around a host vehicle, predicts a probability of action that the moving object takes when an obstacle is present in the blind spot area, according to a road structure around the host vehicle, and compares the behavior of the moving object with the probability of action that the moving object takes, so as to predict an action of the moving object.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Nanri, Fang Fang
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Patent number: 10723025Abstract: In some aspects, computer-implemented methods for selecting a robotic tool path for a manufacturing processing system to execute a material processing sequence in three-dimensional space can include: providing to a computer-readable product including robotic system data of a robotic tool handling system and workpiece data relating to a processing path of a tool along the workpiece; generating a plurality of possible robotic tool paths to be performed to move the tool along the processing path; identifying one or more obstacles, or an absence of obstacles, associated with the robotic tool paths; comparing robotic tool paths based on a predetermined robotic parameter to be controlled as the tool moves from the start point to the end point; and based on the identified obstacles, determining feasible tool paths, between the start point and the end point that avoid the obstacles, that can be obtained by adjusting the predetermined robotic parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Waseem Khan, Mohammad Keshmiri, Chahe Bakmazjian, Liguo Huo
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Patent number: 10646998Abstract: A system and method for optimizing resource usage of a robot, the method including: receiving a first request to execute a first task, where the first task requires a first set of resources of the robot; causing the execution of the first task; receiving a second request to execute at least a second task, wherein the second task requires a second set of resources of the robot; determining whether any resources of the first set of resources and the second set of resources includes at least one overlapping resource; modifying at least one of the first task and the at least a second task when at least one overlapping resource is determined by omitting at the least one overlapping resource; and executing of the first task and the at least a second task as modified.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: INTUITION ROBOTICS, LTD.Inventors: Roy Amir, Itai Mendelsohn, Dor Skuler, Shay Zweig
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Patent number: 10583561Abstract: In one embodiment, a virtual boundary is provided in the global coordinates of the area map and is converted into a plurality of line segments corresponding to a plurality of partial maps. In one embodiment, a physical boundary indicator is used during a training/mapping run, with the location added to the area map and the physical boundary indicator later moved. In one embodiment, the virtual boundary changes over time to change cleaning areas, act as a gate, change associated cleaning mode, etc. In one embodiment, virtual areas with boundaries are selected by a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: NEATO ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Sarath Kumar Suvarna, Bryant Pong
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Patent number: 10558193Abstract: To optimize an automatically optimized machining time for machining a workpiece in a machine tool, an original parts program is loaded into a machine tool controller. The machining of the workpiece using the original parts program is simulated, where a motion path generated by the original parts program in the machine tool is determined. The motion path is classified into at least one area of potential optimization in which there is no workpiece contact. The at least one area of potential optimization is assigned a tolerance space. An optimized motion path is determined within the tolerance space. The machining of the workpiece using the modified parts program is simulated. The optimized motion path is displayed and marked. Once a user has approved the modification in the parts program, machining of the workpiece takes place using the modified parts program.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Pitz, Ralf Spielmann
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Patent number: 10556349Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed. The robotic system includes a robot with an arm. The arm is configured to be selectively extendable and retractable. An enclosure is coupled to a distal end of the arm. The enclosure includes a limited range network. The limited range network is configured to communicate with another computing device, when the arm is selectively extended.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Inventor: Maan Alduaiji
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Patent number: 10532462Abstract: A method for operating a robotic system that includes calculating a base motion plan, wherein the base motion plan includes a sequence of commands or settings, or a combination thereof, that operates a robotic arm and a gripper to transfer a target object from a start location to a task location; receiving a contact measure while executing the base motion plan, wherein the contact measure represents an amount of grip of the gripper on the target object; and generating one or more actuator commands/settings that deviate from the base motion plan when the contact measure fails to satisfy a threshold, wherein the one or more actuator commands/settings thereof are configured to operate the robotic arm, the gripper, or a combination thereof to execute one or more response actions not included in the base motion plan.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: MUJIN, Inc.Inventors: Rosen Diankov, Huan Liu, Denys Kanunikov
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Patent number: 10421199Abstract: A skin for a robot includes a first composite layer structure, a second composite layer structure and a number of first insulating protrusions. The first composite layer structure is used to be arranged on a housing of the robot, and includes a base adhesive layer arranged on the housing of robot, a first supporting layer stacked on the base adhesive layer and a first silver conductive adhesive layer stacked on the first supporting layer. The second composite layer structure covers the first composite layer, and includes a second silver conductive adhesive layer stacked on the first composite layer structure, and a second supporting layer stacked on the second silver conductive adhesive layer. The first insulating protrusions are arranged between the first silver conductive adhesive layer and the second silver conductive adhesive layer, and separate the first silver conductive adhesive layer and the second silver conductive adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP.Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Bin He, Hailang Zhou, Musen Zhang
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Patent number: 10398516Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a pitch rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a yaw rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the pitch rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the yaw rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the pitch rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the yaw rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along the firstType: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: CMR SURGICAL LIMITEDInventors: Thomas Bates Jackson, Luke David Ronald Hares, Keith Marshall, Steven James Randle
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Patent number: 10395502Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for providing smart mobility assistance. For instance, in one example, a device includes a set of sensors, a processor, a first set of feedback mechanisms, and a communication device. The set of sensors is to monitor an area surrounding a user of a mobility assistance device. The processor is to detect a hazard in the surrounding area, based on the monitoring. The first set of feedback mechanisms is to provide the user with an alert that notifies the user of the hazard. The communication device is to send a notification to a third party informing the third party of the hazard.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Enrique Eulloqui, Mary Ellen Nester, Mimi Gourley, Jessica Garza, John Staggs, Larry Pearson, Renee Irby, Morgan Waldon, Yvonne Galindo
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Patent number: 10345814Abstract: A control system which for use in a host motor vehicle is configured and intended for recognizing motor vehicles traveling ahead, to the side, and/or behind and preferably stationary objects situated ahead, based on surroundings data obtained from at least one surroundings sensor associated with the host motor vehicle. The at least one surroundings sensor is configured for providing an electronic controller of the control system with surroundings data that represent an area in front of the host motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Martin Keller, Christian Goette, Torsten Bertram, Andreas Homann, Christian Wissing, Karl-Heinz Glander, Carsten Hass, Till Nattermann, Markus Buss
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Patent number: 10339370Abstract: A method of determining obstacle collision by using an object moving path includes: acquiring a topological skeleton corresponding to a path area on an image including a moving path of an object and an obstacle; determining, from among skeleton points forming the topological skeleton, branch points that are interconnecting points between branches of the topological skeleton; determining a target branch from among the branches by using the branch points; selecting, from among points forming the target branch, a plurality of target points to determine whether the moving path is a collision path of the object; and determining whether the moving path is the collision path by using the target points.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.Inventor: JinHan Lee
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Patent number: 10266201Abstract: A guidance system may derive a K-turn path when a vehicle reaches an end of a first way line in a field. The guidance system may send the K-turn path to a steering controller to turn the vehicle around in a headland area to the beginning of a second way-line in the field. A first segment of the K-turn path may turn the vehicle along a first path in a forward direction and a second segment of the K-turn path may turn the vehicle along a second path in a reverse direction. A third segment of the K-turn path may turn the vehicle along a third path in the forward direction to a starting location of the second way-line. The K-turn path uses less area than other types of turns reducing the amount of headland used for turning around the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Tri M. Dang, Timothy J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10245729Abstract: A sensorized covering, prearranged for covering at least part of a movable structure of an automated device. The sensorized covering is useful for sensing an actual impact or anticipating an imminent impact to the automated device. The sensorized covering includes one or more covering modules wherein each covering module may include contact sensors and/or proximity sensors, a loading bearing structure and/or controls. The individual sensorized modules may be independently connected or controlled, or connected together and collectively controlled. Examples of the automated device my include a movable robots or an automated guided vehicles (AGVs).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Comau S.p.A.Inventors: Stefano Bordegnoni, Francesco Ciniello, Giuseppe Colombina
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Patent number: 10220514Abstract: A method for controlling a manipulator, with the method being particularly suitable for the respecting of predetermined monitoring limits. The method operates by initiating a halting movement or a speed capping based on an identified actual override trend, and is thus suitable, in particular, for path movements by means of spline interpolation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbHInventors: Holger Tronnier, Günther Wiedemann, Stefan Burkhart, Andreas Aurnhammer, Manfred Hüttenhofer
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Patent number: 10214207Abstract: A vehicle, a method and a vehicle observability enhancing system are provided. The system is configured to determine if a host vehicle is positioned within selectively one of an observable zone (A) of at least one detected vehicle, or an unsafe unobservable zone (B) of the at least one detected vehicle. If the host vehicle is positioned within the observable zone (A), the system is arranged to generate a control signal indicative of maintaining the host vehicle in the observable zone (A) of the at least one detected vehicle for at least a predefined time duration before the host vehicle is allowed to enter an unsafe unobservable zone (B) of the at least one detected vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Jonas Nilsson, Mattias Erik Brannstrom, Mohammad Ali
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Patent number: 10192195Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for coordinating motion between components of an inventory system. A first set of instructions associated with a first task to be performed by a first robotic device may be received. A second set of instructions associated with a second task to be performed by a second robotic device may be received. The first and second robotic devices may be configured to utilize corresponding operational areas that may overlap to define an area of overlap. Light information representative of the spatial condition of at least one of the robotic devices may be projected onto a projection surface. The light information may be utilized to determine that at least one of the first and second robotic devices is utilizing the area of overlap. A remedial action may be performed to coordinate motion of the first and second robotic devices within the area of overlap.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jeremiah David Brazeau
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Patent number: 10131348Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processor includes a memory and processing circuitry. The circuitry receives area information indicating a second area in a first area around a movable body apparatus and third areas in the first area, wherein the movable body apparatus is movable in the second area and an object is present in each of the third areas. The circuitry receives movement information including at least one of a velocity, a movement direction or an acceleration of the apparatus. The circuitry acquires evaluation values each indicative of a damage to be caused when the apparatus collides with each object in the third areas, and determines, based on the evaluation values, a position corresponding to a first object which causes a least damage.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Kaoru Sugita, Masahiro Sekine, Tomoki Watanabe
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Patent number: 10118295Abstract: A manual feed apparatus of a robot comprises an interference calculation apparatus configured to calculate an operable range in which the robot can operate without causing interference. The interference calculation apparatus includes an operation range setting part configured to judge a position at which the robot can operate without interfering with a peripheral object and set the operable range. The operation range setting part calculates the operable range during a period when the robot is stopped. The interference calculation apparatus calculates an operation allowable range in a direction in which the robot operates based on the operable range. The robot control apparatus executes control for reducing a speed of the robot when the operation allowable range is smaller than a predetermined judgement value.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuya Oumi
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Patent number: 10005312Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a computer-assisted, handheld machining tool allows even an inexperienced user to carve a complex 3D object, while maintaining artistic freedom to modify the sculpture from an initial CAD design. The tool prevents the user from unintentionally removing material from a volume defined by the CAD design. It does so by slowing or halting spindle rotation as the bit approaches or penetrates the protected volume. The user can override this protective feature. The tool may operate in at least three interaction modes: (i) a static mode in which a static CAD model is used, where the computer assists by preventing the user from damaging the static model; (ii) a dynamic mode where the computer dynamically modifies the CAD model during the sculpting process; and (iii) an autonomous mode where the computer can operate independently of the user, for tasks such as semi-automatic texture rendering.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Amit Zoran, Joseph Paradiso, Roy Shilkrot
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Patent number: 9945677Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automated route discovery. A computing device can receive location data for designated actor(s) of a plurality of actors operating within an environment. The plurality of actors can also include a robotic device. The computing device can determine a route network of paths taken by the designated actor(s) within the environment, where the route network includes information about frequencies of paths taken by the designated actor(s) based on the location data. The computing device can receive a starting location and a destination location for the robotic device. The computing device can select a selected path from the starting location to the destination location based on the route network taken by the designated actor(s). The computing device can provide an instruction to the robotic device to use the selected path to travel from the starting location to the destination location.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventor: Kevin William Watts
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Patent number: 9925668Abstract: A robot includes: an arm; and a controller that operates the arm, the controller generating a pathway according to a relative position and a relative orientation of: a first object that moves together with the arm; and a second object and according to a first position of the first object.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Tohoku UniversityInventors: Takashi Nammoto, Kazuhiro Kosuge, Abhilasha Saksena
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Patent number: 9833906Abstract: A method of path planning for array-based pick-and-place performed with a robotic arm is characterized in that: during each instance of the pick-and-place process performed with the robotic arm, an X-axis position sensor and a Y-axis position sensor sense coordinate errors of a pick-and-place point such that a controller calculates a position compensation value according to the sum of vectors of the coordinate errors, corrects the pick-and-place position of the robotic arm according to the position compensation value, and generates the coordinates of the next pick-and-place point. By repeating the aforesaid process flow, it is feasible to perform plenty array-based pick-and-place jobs.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: HIWIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Chen-Ming Wong, Shu-Hung Liu
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Patent number: 9820823Abstract: A method of controlling an end effector of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument may include receiving a first input signal indicative of a high grip level input at a master grip input mechanism that controls a slave gripping force of the end effector; receiving a second input signal indicative of a user's readiness to operate the surgical instrument to perform a first surgical procedure; and outputting a locking signal in response to receiving the first input signal and the second input signal together to lock one or more degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument during the first surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gregory F. Richmond, Gary S. Guthart
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Patent number: 9800757Abstract: A print system includes a client device, plural mobile printers, and a server device. The client device issues a print instruction in accordance with a user operation. The plural mobile printers each receive a print instruction and move to a destination indicated by the print instruction so as to perform printing at the destination. The server device selects a mobile printer which will perform printing based on a print instruction issued by the client device, in accordance with selection standards including judgement standards for judging whether or not it is necessary to distribute a print instruction over plural mobile printers or to transfer a print instruction from one mobile printer to another mobile printer.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideki Fujimoto, Tetsuya Kobayashi, Mariko Miyazaki, Kunitoshi Yamamoto, Hajime Kajiyama, Naoya Ogata, Akira Ichikawa
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Patent number: 9682476Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for selecting robot poses to account for cost. In various implementations, a plurality of candidate instruction sets may be determined. Each candidate instruction set may be configured to cause a robot to assume a different respective set of poses while traversing a reference point along a path. In various implementations, a cost incurred while the robot implements the candidate instruction set to traverse the reference point along the path may be calculated. A candidate instruction set associated with an incurred cost that satisfies a first criterion may be selected from the plurality of candidate instruction sets. In some implementations, the selected candidate instruction set and incurred cost may be associated with the path.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Mario Prats
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Patent number: 9586320Abstract: A method includes the following steps: actuating a robotic arm to perform an action at a start position; moving the robotic arm from the start position toward a first position; determining from a vision process method if a first part from the first position will be ready to be subjected to a first action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the first position; commencing the execution of the visual processing method for determining the position deviation of the second part from the second position and the readiness of the second part to be subjected to a second action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the second position; and performing a first action on the first part using the robotic arm with the position deviation of the first part from the first position predetermined by the vision process method.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Timothy Daro, Jeffrey A. Abell, Raymond D. Turner, III, Daniel J. Casoli
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Patent number: 9579793Abstract: The invention relates to a robot and a method for controlling a robot. The distance between an object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof or a first motion of the object is detected by means of a non-contact distance sensor arranged in or on a robot arm of the robot and/or on or in an end effector fastened on the robot arm. The robot arm is moved based on the first motion detected by means of the distance sensor, a target force or a target torque to be applied by the robot is determined based on the distance detected between the object and the robot, and/or a function of the robot or a parameterization of a function of the robot is triggered based on the first motion detected and/or a target distance between the object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof detected by means of the distance sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbHInventors: Dirk Jacob, Tobias Ortmaier
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Patent number: 9541401Abstract: The present application provides systems and methods for quickly determining the shortest route from one arbitrary point in the ocean X to another Y. Specifically, the present application discloses a routing method that accepts two arbitrary points on the ocean and dynamically finds the shortest route between them that avoids a known set of “obstacles”. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of these obstacles is a spherical polygon defined by its vertexes, with the adjacent pairs of vertexes connected to each other by bordering great-circle segments.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Gerald G. Brown, Alan R. Washburn
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Patent number: 9452531Abstract: A method, system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for controlling a robot in the presence of a moving object are provided herein. The method includes capturing a number of frames from a three-dimensional camera system and analyzing a frame to identify a connected object. The frame is compared to a previous frame to identify a moving connected object (MCO). If an unexpected MCO is in the frame a determination is made if the unexpected MCO is in an actionable region. If so, the robot is instructed to take an action.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Harshavardhana Kikkeri, Bryan J. Thibodeau