System and architecture for providing a modular intelligent assist system

• US 20020112016A1
• Filed: 02/12/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Northwestern University
• Original Assignee: Stanley Works Limited (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lipsey, James, Peshkin, Michael A., Colgate, J. Edward, Santos-Munne, Julio, Klostermeyer, Stephen H., Meer, David, Wannasuphoprasit, Witaya
• Granted Patent: US 6,928,336 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/208
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41815 characterised by the cooperation between machine tools, manipulators and conveyor or other workpiece supply system, workcell
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32014 Augmented reality assists operator in maintenance, repair, programming, assembly, use of head mounted display with 2-D 3-D display and voice feedback, voice and gesture command
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36429 Power assisted positioning
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40313 Graphic motion simulation for ergonomic analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules, is provided. Motion modules provide an assist upon actuation, and are in communication with computational nodes. Communication links between at least two of the computational nodes carry information between the nodes that actuate a motion module.

Claims

1. An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, comprising:

a motion modules providing an assist;

a plurality of computational nodes, at least one computational node controlling the motion module; and

a plurality of communication links between at least two of the plurality of computational nodes, wherein the communication links carry information between the nodes that actuate a motion module.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the motion module comprises a moveable trolley.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the motion module comprises a lift.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein a computational node is embedded in the motion module.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the computational node controls each module and provides communication between a plurality of modules.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the embedded computational node provides communication to a module comprising a sensor.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein the embedded computational node provides communication to a module comprising an actuator.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the computational node comprises a programmable logic device.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the computational node executes motion control algorithms.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the computational node executes automatic motion control algorithms.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the computational nodes stores text messages recallable by an operator.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links implement the CAN protocol.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links provide access to an information network.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links provide access to a local area network.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links access a wide area network.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links access the Internet.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication links provides remote access and programming of the assist system.

18. The system of claim 1 further comprising a user tooling supported by at least one of the motion modules.

19. The system of claim 1 further comprising a skew angle sensor.

20. The system of claim 1 further comprising a lateral position sensor.

21. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vertical position sensor.

22. The system of claim 1 further comprising a user actuator.

23. The system of claim 1 further comprising a hub to allow a user to interface with the computational nodes of the system.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the hub comprises both mechanical support to a tooling or payload and computational capability.

25. The system of claim 23 wherein the hub comprises a interface for connection of a intent sensor.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein the hub comprises a interface for connection of a user computer for programming of the system.

28. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the graphical user interface allows user to view intelligent assist system module parameters.

29. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the graphical user interface allows user to manipulate intelligent assist system module parameters.

30. The configuration system of claim 29 wherein intelligent assist system module parameters are adjusted with graphic sliders.

31. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the graphical user interface allows user to establish default intelligent assist system module parameters.

32. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the graphical user interface allows user to test intelligent assist system modules.

33. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the visual indicators indicate the status of communication links between computational nodes.

34. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the visual indicators indicate the transfer of data between computational nodes.

35. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the visual indicators indicate the fault status of computational nodes.

36. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the host computer system comprises a laptop computer.

37. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the host computer system comprises a handheld computer.

38. The configuration system of claim 27 wherein the host computer system comprises a personal digital assistant.

27. A configuration system for an intelligent assist system, comprising:

a host computer system capable of executing a stored program;

graphical user interface enabling a user to manipulate objects related to modules or computational node; and

visual indicators corresponding to the status of the modules, computational nodes or communication links comprising the intelligent assist system.