Automatic Generation of the Denavit-Hartenberg Convention

This paper presents the automatic setup of the Denavit-Hartenberg notation for open chain robots. A graphical interface and a virtual construction kit using established joint and link symbols are provided. The user combines symbols by pick and place to define the kinematical configuration. A matrix is automatically generated that competely represents the geometric configuration. Related to this matrix the Denavit-Hartenberg notation is automatically determined - a new feature that solves the generic problem for the first time. Since the definitions resulting from the Denavit-Hartenberg convention are not unique, some additional rules and modifications in the sequence of applying the rules are used in order to obtain a unique description. Furthermore it is outlined how the presented solution can be extended to an integrated tool for the prototyping of new or modified robotic structures.