Multifunctional input device for a robot arm

A system comprising:

• a robotic arm comprising:
• joints;
• a base;
• and
• a tool flange, the joints mechanically connecting the base and the tool flange;
• a controller configured to control movement of the joints to control movement of the tool flange;
• an interface device communicatively connected to the controller;
• and
• an input device associated with the interface device, the input device being configured to receive activation sequences to enable the controller to change a mode of operation of the robotic arm, the controller being configured to perform operations comprising:
• changing a mode of operation of the robotic arm to a stop mode in response to a first activation sequence received on the input device, the stop mode comprising a first mode;
• and
• changing the mode of operation of the robotic arm to a second mode in response to a second activation sequence received on the input device;
• wherein the mode of operation of the robotic arm is changed in response to the first activation sequence or the second activation sequence when the robotic arm is in a third mode of operation;
• wherein the input device comprises a physical button having at least a release position, a middle position, and a fully activated position;
• and
• wherein first activation sequence comprises:
• in response to the input device being in the middle position, the controller receiving a first electric signal and starting a timer;
• in response to the input device being in the middle position for at least a first period of time, the controller allowing operation of the robotic arm after the first period of time;
• and
• either one of the following operations:
• in response to moving the input device to the release position, the first electric signal changing and, in response, the robot controller causing the robotic arm to stop operation;
• or
• in response to the input device moving to the fully activated position, the first electric signal changing and, in response, the robot controller causing the robotic arm to stop operation.

A method of controlling a robotic arm using an interface device, the interface device being associated with an input device, the interface device being in communication with a controller for the robotic arm, the method comprising:

• the controller receiving a first set of electric signals at a first time in response to a first activation sequence received at the input device, the first activation sequence comprising first operations, at least one of the first operations being performed for a first predetermined time;
• the controller causing the robotic arm to operate in a stop mode based on the first set of electric signals, the stop mode comprising a first mode of operation;
• the controller receiving a second set of electric signals at a second time in response to a second activation sequence received at the input device, the second activation sequence comprising second operations, at least one of the second operations being performed for a second predetermined time;
• and
• the controller causing the robotic arm to operate in a second mode of operation based on the second set of electric signals;
• wherein the controller causes the robotic arm to change a mode of operation in response to the first activation sequence or the second activation sequence when the robotic arm is in a third mode of operation.

A controller for a robotic arm, the controller being responsive to an input device, the input device for receiving activation sequences for changing a mode of operation of the robotic arm, wherein the controller is configured to perform operations comprising:

• changing a mode of operation of the robotic arm to a stop mode in response to a first activation sequence received on the input device, the stop mode comprising a first mode, the first activation sequence comprising first operations, at least one of the first operations being performed for a first predetermined time;
• and
• changing the mode of operation of the robotic arm to a second mode in response to a second activation sequence received on the input device, the second activation sequence comprising second operations, at least one of the second operations being performed for a second predetermined time;
• wherein the controller is configured to change the mode of operation of the robotic arm in response to the first activation sequence or the second activation sequence of activation when the robotic arm is in a third mode of operation.

A system comprising:

• a robotic arm comprising joints mechanically connecting a base and a tool flange;
• and
• a controller configured to control movement of the joints to control movement of the tool flange, the controller being responsive to an input device configured to receive activation sequences to enable changing a mode of operation of the robotic arm;
• wherein the controller is configured to perform operations comprising:
• changing a mode of operation of the robotic arm to a stop mode in response to a first activation sequence received on the input device, the stop mode comprising a first mode, the first activation sequence comprising first operations, at least one of the first operations being performed for a first predetermined time;
• and
• changing the mode of operation of the robotic arm to a second mode in response to a second activation sequence received on the input device, the second activation sequence comprising second operations, at least one of the second operations being performed for a second predetermined time;
• wherein the controller is configured to change the mode of operation of the robotic arm in response to the first activation sequence or the second activation sequence when the robotic arm is in a third mode of operation.