Image size measuring device

Abstract

This invention provides an image size measuring device. By enabling the camera unit to capture an image of the measured element without requiring the user to adjust the rotation angle of the object being measured, convenience is improved. During measurement, the control unit identifies a reference rotation angle and calculates a measurement angle for measuring the element based on a pre-stored relative rotation angle. The control unit controls a rotation unit so that its rotation angle becomes the measurement angle. The control unit performs processing for measuring the size of the measured element based on the image of the object captured by the camera unit when the rotation angle of the rotation unit becomes the measurement angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image size measuring device equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates the object being measured. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, image-based dimension measuring devices are configured to measure the dimensions of various parts of a measured object based on images obtained by capturing images of the object placed on a stage. For example, in the device disclosed in JP2010-169584A, images of any part of the measured object are pre-registered as feature images during setup, and these feature images are used to perform a pattern search on newly acquired images during operation, enabling the detection of the object's position and orientation. As a result, the dimensions of measurement elements such as line segments, circles, and arcs can be measured regardless of the object's position and orientation on the stage.

[0003] In addition, JP 2006-284531 A discloses an apparatus that uses a camera to take an image of a machining tool fixed to a spindle of a machining center from the side, performs image processing on the image taken by the camera to extract a contour image, and calculates the size of the machining tool based on the contour image.

[0004] Incidentally, image size measuring devices such as JP 2010-169584 A are equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates the object being measured.

[0005] As a result, the dimensions of the measurement element can be measured by rotating the measurement object, which improves convenience.

[0006] However, for example, when the object being measured is a cylindrical component, and when measuring elements such as a D-shaped cut surface having a flat surface formed on a part of the outer periphery of the component and a hole formed in the component, it is necessary to capture images of these measuring elements by means of a camera. Therefore, there is a problem that the rotation angle of the object being measured relative to the camera needs to be adjusted so that the measuring elements can be captured by the camera, which takes up the user's time and effort. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of this, and its purpose is to improve convenience by enabling the camera unit to capture images of the measured elements without requiring the user to adjust the rotation angle of the measured object.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an image size measuring device for measuring the size of the object to be measured can be assumed. The image size measuring device includes: a rotation mechanism that causes a measured object to rotate about a predetermined axis; a camera unit having an optical axis intersecting the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism and configured to generate multiple measured object images obtained by capturing images of the measured object at different rotation angles; an operation unit configured to receive settings for a reference shape on a first measured object image generated by the camera unit and settings for a measurement element on a second measured object image captured at a different rotation angle than the first measured object image; a storage unit that stores a relative rotation angle relative to the reference rotation angle when capturing the second measured object image; and a control unit that, during measurement, identifies the reference rotation angle from the multiple measured object images based on the settings for the reference shape received by the operation unit, calculates a measurement angle for measuring the measurement element set by the operation unit based on the relative rotation angle stored in the memory relative to the reference rotation angle, controls the rotation mechanism to change the rotation angle of the rotation mechanism to the measurement angle, and performs a measurement process to measure the size of the measurement element set by the operation unit based on the measured object image captured by the camera unit when the rotation angle of the rotation mechanism changes to the measurement angle.

[0009] According to this configuration, the camera unit can generate a first image of the object to be measured and a second image of the object to be measured when setting the image size measuring device. These first and second images of the object to be measured are obtained by taking pictures of the object to be measured at different rotation angles. When the user sets a reference shape on the first image of the object to be measured, the operation unit receives this information. Furthermore, when measurement elements such as line segments, circles, and arcs are set on the second image of the object to be measured, these measurement elements are set. In addition, the relative rotation angle between the reference rotation angle when the second image of the object to be measured and the reference rotation angle when the first image of the object to be measured is captured is stored and maintained in the storage unit.

[0010] When operating the image size measuring device, that is, when continuously measuring the object, the camera unit generates multiple images of the object at different rotation angles. The control unit identifies a reference rotation angle from these multiple object images based on a reference shape set by the operation unit. The relative rotation angle relative to the reference rotation angle can be read from the storage unit. When calculating the measurement angle for measuring the element based on the relative rotation angle, the control unit controls the rotation mechanism to have the calculated measurement angle. As a result, the rotation angle of the rotation mechanism automatically becomes the measurement angle, positioning the element to be measured at a position where the camera unit can capture an image. Therefore, the rotation angle of the object is automatically adjusted, eliminating the need for the user to adjust the rotation angle of the object.

[0011] When the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism becomes the measurement angle, the camera unit captures an image of the object being measured, and the control unit performs processing to measure the dimensions of the measurement element based on the image of the object being measured generated in this way, so that the dimensions of the measurement element can be obtained.

[0012] The reference rotation angle can be the angle itself, identified based on the reference shape, or it can be a specified angle offset relative to that angle.

[0013] In addition, the rotation angle of the object being measured can be manually adjusted by the user. In this case, both automatic and manual adjustments are used together.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, when a feature shape is input as a reference shape on the first image of the object being measured, the feature shape is set. The input form can be, for example, selecting one from multiple candidates. When a reference shape is input, the control unit can accurately identify the reference rotation angle by detecting the reference shape received by the operation unit from multiple images of the object being measured generated by the camera unit.

[0015] For example, when the object being measured is a cylindrical component, examples of the reference shape may include, but are not limited to, a D-shaped cut surface having a flat surface formed on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the component, a hole formed in the component, a pin protruding radially from the component, and a wedge-shaped groove shape.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can calculate the rotation angle of the reference shape facing the camera unit based on the multiple images of the measurement object captured by the camera unit and the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism when capturing each image of the measurement object, and control the rotating mechanism so that the reference shape faces the camera unit.

[0017] With this configuration, the rotation mechanism is controlled so that the reference shape has a rotation angle facing the camera, and therefore, an image of the object being measured can be captured while the reference shape is facing the camera. As a result, measurement accuracy is improved.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the image size measuring device includes a display unit that displays, in association, various rotation angles and second measurement object images captured at each rotation angle, and displays, in a recognizable manner, the angle corresponding to the second measurement object image on which measurement elements are provided. An operation unit is configured such that a rotation angle can be selected on the display unit. A control unit can control the rotation mechanism to have the rotation angle selected by the operation unit.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the user selects a rotation angle on the display, the rotation mechanism is controlled to have the selected rotation angle. Therefore, a second measurement object image taken at the rotation angle can be displayed on the display in association with that rotation angle.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit is configured to register a pattern image of any part of the measured object on the measured object image and position information of the pattern image, and the control unit includes a pattern search execution unit, which performs a pattern search using the measured object image captured by the camera unit during measurement to search for the pattern image registered by the operation unit, and can perform position correction of the measured object image in the X and Y directions based on the execution result of the pattern search in the pattern search execution unit and the position information registered in the operation unit.

[0021] According to this configuration, during setup, any portion of the object image can be registered as a pattern image for search. During measurement, the pattern search execution unit searches for the pattern image using the object image captured by the camera unit. As a result of the search, it is determined whether the object image deviates in the horizontal direction (X direction) or the vertical direction (Y direction). For example, when the image deviates in the X direction, the position of the object image can be corrected in the X direction based on the registered position information. Similarly, when the image deviates in the Y direction, the position of the object image can be corrected in the Y direction.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pattern search execution unit can perform pattern search using multiple images of the measurement object obtained by the camera unit capturing images of the measurement object at different rotation angles during the measurement, and identify the rotation angle with the highest consistency with the registered pattern image, and the control unit can use the rotation angle identified by the pattern search execution unit as a reference angle.

[0023] According to this configuration, a pattern image is searched from multiple images of the object being measured, obtained by capturing images of the object at different rotation angles, to identify the rotation angle with the highest consistency with the pattern image. The measurement element can be measured by controlling the rotation mechanism with this rotation angle as a reference angle.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit can be configured to set the search angle range used by the pattern search execution unit when performing a pattern search.

[0025] For example, when there is a known angular range with significantly low consistency with the pattern image, the processing time for pattern searching can be shortened when the user sets the search angular range to exclude that range. Furthermore, when the patterns on the front and back of the measured object are identical, the user can also set the search angular range to exclude one of the patterns.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit can be configured to receive a designation of a region to be registered in a patterned image on a measurement object image.

[0027] According to this configuration, users can arbitrarily set the areas to be registered in the pattern image. For example, in the case of a measurement object whose shape does not change on the measurement object image even when rotated, the processing time for pattern search can be shortened during measurement because the parts whose shape does not change are registered as the pattern image.

[0028] According to the present invention, the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism that causes the measuring object to rotate automatically becomes the measuring angle, and therefore, convenience can be improved by enabling the camera unit to capture an image of the measuring element without requiring the user to adjust the rotation angle of the measuring object. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of the image size measuring device according to this embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the image size measuring device;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an image size measuring device;

[0032] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view showing the positional relationship between the rotating body and the locking mechanism;

[0033] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the state in which the chuck mechanism is attached to the rotating body;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the chuck mechanism and rotating body, viewed from the left.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing another form of the chuck mechanism;

[0036] Figure 8A This is a diagram of a measuring object made of an axial material, viewed from the side that forms the D-shaped cut surface;

[0037] Figure 8BThis is a diagram showing the state of a measuring object made of an axle rotated until the D-shaped cut surface is at the bottom of the diagram;

[0038] Figure 9A It is a plan view of a measured object made from boxed items;

[0039] Figure 9B This is a side view of a measured object made from boxed items;

[0040] Figure 10A This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for setting up measurement modes;

[0041] Figure 10B This is a flowchart showing the details of the measurement setup mode process;

[0042] Figure 11 This is an example diagram showing the setup user interface screen;

[0043] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of a feature shape selection window displayed in an overlay manner;

[0044] Figure 13A This is a diagram showing the distance between the axis and the D-shaped cut surface as the rotation continues until the D-shaped cut surface is at the bottom of the diagram;

[0045] Figure 13B This shows that when the D-shaped cut surface is larger than... Figure 13A The diagram shows the distance between the axis and the D-shaped cut surface when the position is closer to the camera unit;

[0046] Figure 13C It is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the measured object and the distance between the D-shaped cut surface and the axis;

[0047] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram when the pin has a characteristic shape;

[0048] Figure 14B It is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the measured object and the distance between the pin tip and the axis;

[0049] Figure 15 This is an example diagram showing the parameter setting user interface screen;

[0050] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing examples of preset shapes, measurements, and maximum / minimum combinations;

[0051] Figure 17 This is an example diagram showing a window displayed during editing to perform the automatic angle adjustment function;

[0052] Figure 18This diagram illustrates the automatic angle adjustment function being performed on a measured object that is a boxed item;

[0053] Figure 19 When the characteristic shape is directly facing the camera lens and Figure 11 Corresponding diagram;

[0054] Figure 20A This is an example of a user interface image showing a measured object with the dialog box closed at an angle of 0 degrees;

[0055] Figure 20B This is an example of a user interface image showing a measured object image in a state where the element used to detect the orientation of the measured object has been rotated 90 degrees;

[0056] Figure 21A This is an example diagram showing an unfolded image of the measured object;

[0057] Figure 21B When displaying size and Figure 21A Corresponding diagram;

[0058] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing an example of setting content with a rotation angle of 0 degrees;

[0059] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing an example of setting content with a rotation angle of 90 degrees;

[0060] Figure 24A This is a diagram showing an example of the settings for measuring features when the rotation angle is 0 degrees;

[0061] Figure 24B This is a diagram showing an example of the settings for measuring features when the rotation angle is 90 degrees;

[0062] Figure 25 This is an example diagram showing a user interface screen for registering pattern images;

[0063] Figure 26A This is an example of a user interface image showing a measurement object, which is a boxed item, in a state where the dialog box is closed at an angle of 0 degrees.

[0064] Figure 26B This is an example of a user interface image showing a boxed object being measured, where the element used to detect the direction of the object being measured has been rotated 180 degrees.

[0065] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in a continuous measurement mode;

[0066] Figure 28A It is a diagram showing an image of a measurement object displayed under positioning guidance;

[0067] Figure 28B It is a diagram showing the alignment of the object being measured with the positioning guide;

[0068] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image used to display measurement results;

[0069] Figure 30 This is an explanatory diagram of the measurement angle without mechanical reference elements.

[0070] Figure 31 It is an explanatory diagram of the measurement angle under the setting of mechanical reference elements; and

[0071] Figure 32 This is an example diagram showing a user interface image displayed on the display when the object being measured is a boxed item. Detailed Implementation

[0072] In the following description, embodiments of this aspect will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit this aspect, its application, or its use.

[0073] Figure 1 This is a front view of the image size measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the image size measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an image size measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image size measuring device 1 measures dimensions such as various workpieces, etc. Figure 1 and 2 The dimensions of the object W (as shown) are measured, and include, for example... Figure 3 The device shown comprises a main body 2, a control unit 3, a storage unit 4, and a rotating unit 5. The control unit 3 can be configured as a separate unit connected to the main body 2 for communication via a communication line, or it can be integrated into the main body 2. Similarly, the storage unit 4 can be configured as a separate unit from the main body 2, or it can be integrated into the main body 2. In this example, the control unit 3 and the storage unit 4 are configured as separate units, but these units can be integrated.

[0074] Note that in the description of this embodiment, the side located in front of the image size measuring device 1 when viewed from the user's perspective is referred to as the front side, the side located behind is referred to as the back side, the side located on the left is referred to as the left side, and the side located on the right is referred to as the right side. The front side can also be referred to as the near side, and the back side can also be referred to as the far side. This is defined only for ease of description.

[0075] (Configuration of device body 2 and control unit 3)

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device body 2 includes a base 10 and an arm 11 extending upward from the back side of the base 10. A stage 12 is provided above the base 10, and the stage 12 is configured to hold the measurement object W. The stage 12 extends almost horizontally. A light-transmitting section 12a is provided near the central portion of the stage 12. The stage 12 can be constructed from... Figure 3 The stage drive unit 12c shown in the figure is driven by

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the device body 2 is provided with an illumination unit 13. The illumination unit 13 includes a direct illumination unit 13a built into the arm 11 and a transmission illumination unit 13b built into the base 10. The direct illumination unit 13a is an illumination device for illuminating the measuring object W placed (stationary) on the stage 12 or the measuring object W that can be rotated from above by the rotation unit 5, and can be formed to surround the optical axis A of the imaging unit 15, which will be described later. Figure 1 (As shown) in a ring shape. The transmissive illumination unit 13b is an illumination device for illuminating the measuring object W placed on the transmissive unit 12a of the stage 12 or the measuring object W that can be rotated from below by the rotating unit 5. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only the measuring object W, which can be rotated by the rotation unit 5, is shown.

[0078] An operation unit 14 is provided on the front side of the base 10. The operation unit 14 includes various buttons, switches, and dials operated by the user. The operation unit 14 is connected to the control unit 3, and the control unit 3 detects the operating status of the operation unit 14 and controls each part according to the operating status of the operation unit 14. The operation unit 14 can be configured using a touch panel or the like that capable of detecting user touch operations. In this case, the operation unit 14 can be incorporated into the display unit 16, which will be described later. Furthermore, the operation unit 14 can be configured using a keyboard or mouse or the like that that can be connected to the control unit 3.

[0079] The incident illumination unit 13a and the transmitted illumination unit 13b are connected to and controlled by the control unit 3. For example, when the control unit 3 detects that the operation unit 14 has started the measurement operation on the measurement object W, the incident illumination unit 13a or the transmitted illumination unit 13b can be turned on to emit light.

[0080] The arm 11 is equipped with a camera unit 15. Figure 3 (As shown). The imaging unit 15 is a component configured to capture an image of the measurement object W placed on the stage 12 or a measurement object W that can be rotated by the rotation unit 5 and generate an image of the measurement object. Examples of the imaging unit 15 may include a camera having an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). Figure 1 As shown, the optical axis A of the imaging unit 15 is set vertically downward. Although not shown, an optical system including a light-receiving lens and an imaging lens is coaxially arranged with the optical axis A of the imaging unit 15. The imaging unit 15 may be an imaging unit that includes an optical system, or it may not necessarily include an optical system. Light emitted from the incident illumination unit 13a and reflected by the measured object W, or light emitted from the transmitted illumination unit 13b and transmitted through the transmission unit 12a of the stage 12, etc., are incident on the imaging unit 15. Methods used in a conventional manner can be applied to methods of focus adjustment performed by an optical system.

[0081] The camera unit 15 generates an image based on the amount of light received. The camera unit 15 is connected to the control unit 3, and the image generated by the camera unit 15 is sent to the control unit 3 as image data. Furthermore, the control unit 3 can control the camera unit 15. For example, when the control unit 3 detects that the operation unit 14 has initiated a measurement operation on the object to be measured, it causes the camera unit 15 to perform imaging processing while either the incident illumination unit 13a or the transmitted illumination unit 13b is turned on to emit light. As a result, the camera unit 15 generates an image of the object to be measured, and the generated image is sent to the control unit 3.

[0082] In the control unit 3, the image of the measured object transmitted from the camera unit 15 is merged into the user interface screen and displayed on the display unit 16. That is, the display unit 16 is positioned above the arm 11 so as to face the front. The display unit 16 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and the display unit 16 is connected to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 controls the display unit 16 to display various user interface screens on the display unit 16.

[0083] Storage unit 4 is connected to control unit 3. Storage unit 4 is configured using, for example, a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk. Control unit 3 is a component that is connected to the hardware described above, controls the operation of the hardware, and executes software functions according to the computer program stored in storage unit 4. Although not shown, control unit 3 is equipped with RAM, etc., and expands the loading module when the computer program is executed, and stores temporary data generated when the computer program is executed.

[0084] The control unit 3 is provided with an edge extraction unit 30 and a measurement unit 31. The edge extraction unit 30 is a component that performs image processing on the image of the measured object sent from the camera unit 15 to extract the edge (contour) of the measured object W. Since the method for extracting the edge of the measured object is conventionally known, its detailed description will be omitted. The edge extraction unit 30 outputs an edge image showing the edge of the measured object.

[0085] The edge image output from the edge extraction unit 30 is input to the measurement unit 31. The measurement unit 31 uses the edge image to measure the dimensions of each part of the object to be measured, W. The user can pre-specify the measurement location. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 14 while viewing the image of the object to be measured displayed on the display unit 16 and specifies any two points on the image, the measurement location of the object to be measured, W, can be identified based on the position coordinates of the specified points. The measurement unit 31 can obtain the dimension of the predetermined part by calculating the distance between edges and edge lengths corresponding to the measurement location specified by the user. The obtained dimension can be displayed on the display unit 16. At this time, the dimension value and dimension line can be displayed superimposed on the image of the object to be measured.

[0086] (Configuration for rotating the measurement object W)

[0087] In this embodiment, measurement is performed not only by placing the object to be measured W on the stage 12, but also by rotating the object to be measured W. Specifically, the image size measuring device 1 includes a rotating unit (rotation mechanism) 5 that generates and outputs rotational force, and a chuck mechanism 6 that holds the object to be measured W, as a configuration for rotating the object to be measured W and its accompanying configuration. Although details will be described later, the chuck mechanism 6 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the rotating unit 5. When the chuck mechanism 6 is mounted on the rotating unit 5, the rotational force output from the rotating unit 5 is sent to the object to be measured W via the chuck mechanism 6 to rotate the object to be measured. The rotating unit 5 can stop when the object to be measured W has rotated by a predetermined angle.

[0088] [Configuration of Rotating Unit 5]

[0089] like Figure 1As shown, the rotating unit 5 is a stage configured to rotate around a predetermined rotation axis B when the measurement object W is arranged above the transmission part 12a of the stage 12, and to stop rotating at any rotation position and maintain this posture. In this embodiment, the rotating unit 5 is configured as a separate body from the stage 12, and can be attached to and detached from the stage 12; however, the rotating unit 5 and the stage 12 can be configured as an integral unit. In the case of the attachable and detachable rotating unit 5, the rotating unit 5 can only be attached to the stage 12 when needed, and can be removed from the stage 12 if not needed.

[0090] Rotating unit 5 includes motor 50 ( Figure 3 As shown), a housing 51 houses a motor 50 and a rotating body 52 rotated by the motor 50. The motor 50 is fixed to the housing 51. The housing 51 is attached to the left end of the platform 12. Incidentally, the housing 51 can also be attached to the right end of the platform 12, and in this case, Figure 1 The stage 12 shown must be configured to be symmetrical from left to right.

[0091] With the housing 51 attached to the platform 12, the output shaft of the motor 50 is arranged to extend horizontally to the right. The rotating body 52 is fixed to this output shaft, causing it to rotate about a rotation axis B that extends horizontally in the left-right direction. Since the optical axis A of the camera unit 15 extends vertically, the rotation axis B intersects with the optical axis A of the camera unit 15. In this embodiment, the rotation axis B is orthogonal to the optical axis A of the camera unit 15, but it does not necessarily have to be orthogonal.

[0092] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the chuck mechanism 6 is attached to the rotating body 52. ​​Although in this embodiment the rotating body 52 is directly connected to the output shaft of the motor 50, the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a reduction gear mechanism (not shown) can be provided between the motor 50 and the rotating body 52. ​​In this case, the rotating body 52 is connected to the output shaft of the reduction gear mechanism.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotating body 52 has an annular peripheral wall portion 52b, which protrudes from the connecting portion 52a in the direction of the rotation axis B (to the right) and extends in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis B. The connecting portion 52a and the peripheral wall portion 52b are integral. The axis of the peripheral wall portion 52b is located on the rotation axis B. Threads are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 52b.

[0094] A plurality of slits 52d are formed at intervals in the peripheral wall portion 52b, extending from the front end (right end) of the peripheral wall portion 52b toward the base end (left end) in a protruding direction. The left end of the slit 52d is located in the middle part in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall portion 52b. Because a plurality of slits 52d are formed, the width of each slit 52d is narrow, so that when a fastening force is applied to the peripheral wall portion 52b in the radial direction from the outside to the inside, the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 52b can be reduced. At this time, the deformation of the peripheral wall portion 52b is the deformation in the elastic deformation region, and it returns to its original shape by removing the fastening force. The slits 52d can be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 52b.

[0095] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating unit 5 includes a manual adjustment knob 55 and an encoder 56 for detecting the rotation amount of the manual adjustment knob 55. Figure 3 (as shown) and processing circuit 57 ( Figure 3 (As shown). The manual adjustment knob 55 is supported by the housing 51 so that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the rotation axis B. The manual adjustment knob 55 is located on the front side and left side of the housing 51 and protrudes from the housing 51 toward the left. As a result, the user can rotate the manual adjustment knob 55 with his left hand while sitting in front of the image size measuring device 1. Incidentally, the location of the manual adjustment knob 55 is not particularly limited and can be located on the back side or left side of the housing 51.

[0096] The encoder 56 is built into the housing 51 and can be configured as a conventionally known rotary encoder. For example, when the user rotates the manual adjustment knob 55, the encoder 56 can detect the amount of rotation, and the result detected by the encoder 56 is output from the encoder 56 as a signal related to the amount of rotation to the processing circuit 57.

[0097] The processing circuit 57 is a component for controlling the motor 50 and can be built into the control unit 3 or the device body 2. The processing circuit 57 receives a rotation-related signal output from the encoder 56, converts this signal into the rotation amount of the motor 50, and rotates the motor 50 by the converted rotation amount. The rotation amount of the manual adjustment knob 55 and the rotation amount of the output shaft 50a of the motor 50 do not necessarily have to be identical, and can correspond to each other. For example, when the user rotates the manual adjustment knob 55 by 10°, the encoder 56 detects that the manual adjustment knob 55 has rotated 10° and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation amount to the processing circuit 57. When the processing circuit 57 receives information that the manual adjustment knob 55 has rotated 10°, the processing circuit 57 converts the rotation amount of the manual adjustment knob 55 at a predetermined ratio and outputs a control signal to the motor 50. The control signal can be a signal that causes the output shaft 50a of the motor 50 to rotate less than 10°.

[0098] Because the processing circuit 57 controls the motor 50 almost in real time, the motor 50 rotates substantially synchronously when the manual adjustment knob 55 starts to rotate, and stops substantially synchronously when the manual adjustment knob 55 stops. As a result, the user can rotate the object being measured W at any angle.

[0099] Since the rotating body 52 is directly driven by the motor 5 in this example, the processing circuit 57 can control the motor 50 so that the output shaft 50a of the motor 50 rotates by the amount of rotation of the manual adjustment knob 55. When the reduction gear mechanism is set between the output shaft 50a of the motor 50 and the rotating body 52, the processing circuit 57 can take into account its reduction ratio so that the output shaft 50a of the motor 50 rotates by more than the amount of rotation of the manual adjustment knob 55.

[0100] The rotating unit 5 is provided with a connecting cable to the control unit 3 or the device body 2. Power is supplied to the motor 50 via the connecting cable. In addition, communication between the rotating unit 5 and the control unit 3 or between the rotating unit 5 and the device body 2 is carried out via the connecting cable.

[0101] (Configuration of chuck mechanism 6)

[0102] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the chuck mechanism 6 includes: a chuck body 60, which is attached to and detached from the rotating body 52; first chuck jaws 61 to third chuck jaws 63, which are arranged to hold the measuring object W from three directions; an adjustment member 64, which is configured to change the position of the first chuck jaws 61 to third chuck jaws 63; and a fastening member 80, which fastens and fixes the chuck body 60 to the rotating body 52. ​​In the fastened and fixed state to the rotating body 52, the chuck body 60 rotates together with the rotating body 52 about the rotation axis B via a motor 50. Furthermore, the chuck body 60 includes: a retaining member 65, which retains the first chuck jaws 61 to third chuck jaws 63; and a fastening member 69, which forms a fastening portion.

[0103] The retaining member 65 has a guide plate portion 65a that guides the first chuck jaw 61 to the third chuck jaw 63 in the radial direction and a boss portion 65b to which it is fixed by the fastening member 69, and these portions are integral. The boss portion 65b protrudes to the left from the left side of the fastening member 69. The axis of the boss portion 65b and the axis of the guide plate portion 65a are located on the rotation axis B. Figure 1(As shown). The guide plate portion 65a is provided with a first groove portion 65c, a second groove portion 65d, and a third groove portion 65e. These first to third groove portions 65c, 65d, and 65e extend radially in the radial direction and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The ends of the first to third groove portions 65c, 65d, and 65e open on the outer circumferential surface of the guide plate portion 65a.

[0104] The first chuck jaw 61 to the third chuck jaw 63 each have a first slider 66 to a third slider 68. The first slider 66 to the third slider 68 are components that are inserted into the first to third slots 65c, 65d, and 65e of the guide plate portion 65a and slide longitudinally within the first to third slots 65c, 65d, and 65e, respectively. The first chuck jaw 61 to the third chuck jaw 63 are fixed to the right side of the first slider 66 to the third slider 68, respectively, and protrude to the right from the guide plate portion 65a.

[0105] The first to third protrusions 66a, 67a, and 68a are respectively provided on the left side of the first slider 66 to the third slider 68, protruding to the left. The first to third protrusions 66a, 67a, and 68a protrude to the left side of the left side of the guide plate portion 65a.

[0106] The adjusting member 64 is configured to move the first chuck jaw 61 to the third chuck jaw 63 radially along the first to third slots 65c, 65d, and 65e by manual rotation by a user relative to the chuck body 60 about the rotation axis B. That is, the adjusting member 64 is integrally formed in a disc shape and has an axis arranged on the rotation axis B. A boss insertion hole 64a is formed at the center of the adjusting member 64 into which a boss portion 65b is inserted. With the boss portion 65b inserted into the boss insertion hole 64a, the adjusting member 64 is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation axis B relative to the boss portion 65b. Although not shown, a spiral band is formed on the right side surface of the adjusting member 64 to protrude towards the right. The spiral band extends in a spiral shape around the rotation axis B.

[0107] When the boss 65b is inserted into the boss insertion hole 64a of the adjusting member 64, the helical band engages with the first to third protrusions 66a, 67a, and 68a of the first slider 66 to the third slider 68. When the adjusting member 64 rotates about the rotation axis B in this state, a radial force is applied to the first slider 66 to the third slider 68 due to the helical band. As a result, the first slider 66 to the third slider 68 slide in the longitudinal direction within the first to third grooves 65c, 65d, and 65e. That is, the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63 are able to move in the radial direction. Incidentally, helical grooves can be used instead of a helical band, and any mechanism can be used as long as the rotational motion about the rotation axis B can be converted into linear motion in the radial direction.

[0108] By changing the rotation direction of the adjusting member 64, the movement direction of the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63 can be changed. When the object to be measured, W, is held by the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63, the adjusting member 64 can rotate so that the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63 move in a direction that brings them closer to each other. As a result, the object to be measured, W, can be held by the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63. On the other hand, when the object to be measured, W, held by the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63 is removed, the adjusting member 64 can rotate in the opposite direction so that the first chuck jaws 61 to the third chuck jaws 63 move in a direction that separates them from each other.

[0109] The fastened member 69 is a disc-shaped member and can be attached to the boss portion 65b of the retaining member 65 by means of, for example, a retaining ring 81. With the fastened member 69 attached to the boss portion 65b, the fastened member 69 and the boss portion 65b are integrated to prevent relative rotation. The axis of the fastened member 69 is located on the rotation axis B. The outer diameter of the fastened member 69 is configured to be insertable into the peripheral wall portion 52b of the rotating body 52 of the rotating unit 5.

[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, the fastening member 80 is a so-called nut, and in this embodiment, it is configured as a ring member. The axis of the fastening member 80 is located on the rotation axis B, and a central hole 80a is formed in the center of the fastening member 80 into which the boss portion 65b can be inserted. A circular recess 80b is formed on the left side of the fastening member 80. A threaded groove 80c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 80b, which engages with the thread of the peripheral wall portion 52b of the rotating body 52.

[0111] When the fastening member 80 rotates to engage the threaded groove 80c with the thread of the peripheral wall portion 52b of the rotating body 52, the peripheral wall portion 52b enters the recess 80b. When the fastening member 80 is tightened, due to the action of the thread, a tightening force from the outside to the inside is applied to the peripheral wall portion 52b in the radial direction, and the peripheral wall portion 52b elastically deforms in the radial direction due to this tightening force. At this time, since the fastened member 69 is inserted into the peripheral wall portion 52b of the rotating body 52, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 52b comes into strong contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fastened member 69 due to the tightening of the fastening member 80, and the frictional force acting between these two surfaces becomes extremely large. As a result, the fastened member 69 is fastened to the rotating body 52 in a non-rotatable state, and the chuck mechanism 6 is attached to the rotating body 52. ​​When the chuck mechanism 6 is removed, the fastening member 80 can rotate in the loosening direction, and as a result, the shape of the peripheral wall portion 52b is restored.

[0112] (Another form of chuck mechanism)

[0113] The structure of the chuck mechanism can be changed according to the shape and size of the object being measured, W. Figure 7 The chuck mechanism 700 shown has a first chuck jaw 601 and a second chuck jaw 602. Specifically, the guide plate portion 65a of the retaining member 65 has a first groove portion 65f and a second groove portion 65g extending radially. Both the first groove portion 65f and the second groove portion 65g are formed to pass through the rotation axis B and lie on the same straight line orthogonal to the rotation axis B. The first slider 606 of the first chuck jaw 601 is inserted into the first groove portion 65f, and the second slider 607 of the second chuck jaw 602 is inserted into the second groove portion 65g. The first slider 606 and the second slider 607 have protrusions (not shown) that engage with the helical band (not shown) of the adjusting member 64, and enable the adjusting member 64 to rotate and move radially.

[0114] The object to be measured, W, which is a boxed item, can be held by separating the first chuck jaw 601 and the second chuck jaw 602 from each other. Alternatively, the object to be measured can be held by bringing the first chuck jaw 601 and the second chuck jaw 602 of the chuck mechanism 700 closer together.

[0115] (Common parts of the chuck mechanism)

[0116] Figure 5 The chuck mechanism 6 shown is a chuck mechanism for holding shafted items, and Figure 7 The chuck mechanism 700 shown is a chuck mechanism for holding boxed items. The structure of the chuck mechanism is not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and can be a chuck mechanism with other structures. In this embodiment, any chuck mechanism can be attached to and detached from multiple chuck mechanisms (including chuck mechanism 6 for shaft items and chuck mechanism 700 for boxed items). The multiple chuck mechanisms 6 and 700 then have shared attachment / detachment parts (fastening member 69 and fastening member 80) relative to the rotating unit 5. As a result, workability becomes advantageous when changing chuck mechanisms 6 and 700. That is, from a hardware perspective, the operation of changing the measuring object W from a shaft item to a boxed item becomes easy.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, the rotating body 52 is a component on the housing 50 side, and the chuck mechanism 6 can be divided into a chuck common part and a chuck changing part. The chuck common part is... Figure 5 The chuck mechanism 6 shown is Figure 7 The chuck mechanisms 700 shown share common components. These common components include those to be fastened to the rotating body 52. ​​The fact that these components are shared means that all chuck mechanisms 6 and 700 can be easily attached and detached without altering the rotating unit 5, thus improving convenience.

[0118] On the other hand, the chuck changing section is Figure 5The chuck mechanism 6 shown is Figure 7 The different components between the chuck mechanisms 700 and 6 are shown. The number of chuck jaws is different between the chuck mechanism 6 and 700, and the number of slots in the guide plate portion 65a is also different.

[0119] (Structure of the object being measured)

[0120] Here, it will be based on Figure 8A and Figure 8B This describes the structure of the object being measured, W, as an axis, but it does not limit the structure of the object being measured, W. Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The measurement object W shown is... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The objects of measurement W shown are different, but in both cases, the object of measurement W is a shaft. A shaft is a component with a cylindrical or columnar portion, specifically a rotating shaft, a support shaft, a rod, a tubular component, or a machining tool, and can be solid or hollow.

[0121] The left side of the measuring object W is held by the chuck mechanism 6. When held by the chuck mechanism 6, the rotation axis B of the rotating unit 5 and the axis of the measuring object W are substantially aligned. The measuring object W has a thickest large-diameter portion W1, a thinner intermediate portion W2 than the large-diameter portion W1, and a thinner small-diameter portion W3 than the intermediate portion W2. A flat surface W4, a characteristic shape, is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion W1. The flat surface W4 is also called a D-shaped cut surface because the cross-section is D-shaped due to the formation of the flat surface W4. A long groove W4a is formed in the center of the flat surface W4 along the axial direction of the measuring object W. First pins W5 to third pins W7, characteristic shapes, are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion W2. First holes W8, second holes W9, and grooves W10, characteristic shapes, are provided in a portion of the small-diameter portion W3. First holes W8 and second holes W9 are through holes, but not necessarily through-holes. A groove W10 is formed in the end face of the measuring object W.

[0122] The characteristic shapes W4 to W10, which are the objects of measurement W, are arranged at intervals in the axial direction or in the circumferential direction. However, there are no particular restrictions on the position and number of characteristic shapes, and there may be only one characteristic shape. In addition, the characteristic shapes are sometimes used as references during measurement, and therefore can also be called reference shapes.

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, a measuring object W20 can be used as a boxed item. The measuring object W20 has a box portion W21, which has a shape close to a rectangular parallelepiped. As characteristic shapes, it is provided with holes W22, slots W23, and pins W24, etc.

[0124] (Measurement Setting Mode)

[0125] The image size measuring device 1 can execute a measurement setting mode to make various settings before operation. After the user starts the image size measuring device 1, the measurement setting mode is started by pressing the execution button of the measurement setting mode.

[0126] (Measurement settings for shafted items)

[0127] The following description will describe the case of a measuring object W made of an axle. References will be made to... Figure 10A The flowchart shown describes the process in the measurement setup mode. In step SA1 after the start, the feature shape is specified and the pattern image is set. Before step SA1, the measurement object W is held by the chuck mechanism 6. When performing the auto-angle adjustment function described later, there are two types: feature shape-based auto-angle adjustment and pattern image-based auto-angle adjustment. In step SA1, the feature shape to be used during feature shape-based auto-angle adjustment is specified, and the pattern image to be used during pattern image-based auto-angle adjustment is set. Both feature shape-based and pattern image-based auto-angle adjustment can be performed, or only one of them can be performed. In the case of performing feature shape-based auto-angle adjustment only, only the feature shape can be specified, and in the case of performing pattern image-based auto-angle adjustment only, only the pattern image can be set. When only the pattern image is set, the pattern image can be searched as the feature image, i.e., the feature shape.

[0128] When describing a specific process in step SA1, in the initial stage, the UI generation unit 32 of the control unit (control unit) generates, as shown in the example below. Figure 11 The setup user interface screen 100 is shown and displayed on the display unit 16. The setup user interface screen 100 includes an image display area 100a for displaying an image of the measurement object captured by the camera unit 15, a rotation unit selection area 100b, a shape selection unit 100c for selecting the shape of the measurement object W, an angle setting unit 100d for setting the rotation angle of the measurement object W, and a camera button 100e. In the rotation unit selection area 100b, the user can select whether to use the rotation unit 5, and can switch between using and not using the rotation unit 5 by operating the operation unit 14. In this example, the case of using the rotation unit 5 will be described.

[0129] The shape selection unit 100c is a component that allows the user to select whether the measured object W is a boxed item or a shape other than a boxed item. In this example, the shape selection unit 100c provides "boxed item" and "shafted item" as options, but other shapes can be provided as options and are not limited to these. Furthermore, the options "boxed item" and "other than boxed item" can also be provided. The user can operate the operation unit 14 to select an option. As a result, the operation unit 14 can receive user selection operations related to whether the measured object W is a boxed item or a shape other than a boxed item.

[0130] When the user selects "box item", the UI generation unit 32 generates a box item user interface screen and displays it on the display unit 16. On the other hand, when the user selects "axis item", the UI generation unit 32 generates an axis item user interface screen and displays it on the display unit 16. For example, when a box item is selected, the user interface screen can be configured to allow switching between feature shapes or allowing only specific feature shapes to be selected.

[0131] Furthermore, the angle setting unit 100d is a component where the user manually sets the rotation angle of the rotation unit 5. Additionally, the camera button 100e is configured to cause the camera unit 15 to capture an image of the measured object W within its field of view. When the user operates the camera button 100e via the operation unit 14, the camera unit 15 begins capturing images within its field of view.

[0132] In step SA1, when in Figure 11 When selecting an axis item in the shape selection section 100c shown, such as Figure 12 As shown, the UI generation unit 32 generates a feature shape selection window 101 and displays the feature shape selection window 101 as an overlay on the setting user interface screen 100. In step SA1, also... Figure 12 Select the characteristic shape of the measurement object W.

[0133] In this example, the case where a D-shaped cut surface W4, as a characteristic shape, is selected as a measurement element of the measurement object W, and the dimensions of the D-shaped cut surface W4 are measured, will be described. To measure the dimensions of the D-shaped cut surface W4, it is necessary to align the D-shaped cut surface W4 directly with the camera unit 15. This alignment means that a line perpendicular to the D-shaped cut surface W4 is parallel to the optical axis of the camera unit 15. Furthermore, when pins W5 to W7 are configured as characteristic shapes, it is necessary to align pins W5 to W7 directly with the camera unit 15. In this case, this alignment means that the axes of pins W5 to W7 are parallel to the optical axis of the camera unit 15. Furthermore, when holes W8 and W9 are configured as characteristic shapes, it is necessary to align the openings of holes W8 and W9 directly with the camera unit 15. In this case, this alignment means that the centerlines of holes W8 and W9 are parallel to the optical axis of the camera unit 15. Furthermore, when a groove W10 is configured as a characteristic shape, it is necessary to align the ends and openings of the groove W10 directly with the camera unit 15. Incidentally, when the groove extends in the axial direction of a shaft such as a wedge groove, the opening of the wedge groove faces the camera unit 15.

[0134] However, in most cases, when the object being measured, W, is held by the chuck mechanism 6, the D-shaped cut surface W4 is not directly facing the camera unit 15, but rather... Figure 11 The deviation from the aligned position is shown. According to this example, the image size measuring device 1 is equipped with an automatic angle adjustment function (automatic alignment function), which can automatically align the feature shape with the camera unit 15 based on a predetermined search algorithm even when the feature shape is not aligned with the camera unit 15.

[0135] The steps to set the search algorithm are: Figure 10A Step SA2 is shown. When the automatic angle adjustment function is executed, the search algorithm corresponding to the feature shape is executed from among multiple search algorithms based on the type of feature shape. The multiple search algorithms based on the type of feature shape can be pre-stored in the algorithm storage unit 41 of the storage unit 4.

[0136] First, the automatic angle adjustment function will be described. The automatic angle adjustment function is set by... Figure 3 The automatic angle adjustment execution unit 33 in the control unit 3 shown performs this function. The automatic angle adjustment execution unit 33 calculates the rotation angle of the feature shape facing the camera unit 15 based on multiple images of the measurement object captured by the camera unit 15 and the rotation angle of the measurement object W when each image is captured, and controls the rotation unit 5 to change the rotation angle of the rotation unit 5 to the calculated rotation angle. In other words, the automatic angle adjustment function searches for the rotation angle of the measurement object W that allows the feature shape to face the camera unit 15.

[0137] That is, when the automatic angle adjustment function is executed, the type of feature shape is selected first. The feature shape selection window 101 is provided with multiple icons 101a that schematically illustrate the feature shapes. The feature shapes are also represented by characters on the corresponding icons 101a.

[0138] The user operates the operation unit 14 and clicks the icon 101a indicating the feature shape to be measured among the multiple icons 101a in the feature shape selection window 101. This operation is a feature shape type selection operation that can be received by the operation unit 14. As a result, it is possible to... Figure 12 The image of the object being measured (the first image of the object being measured) receives input information related to the measurement reference. Furthermore, the feature shape type selection operation is also an internal search algorithm selection operation.

[0139] When the execute button 101b in the operation feature shape selection window 101 is pressed, the automatic angle adjustment function is executed. First, the measurement object W is rotated by the rotation unit 5 while being photographed multiple times by the camera unit 15. As a result, the camera unit 15 can capture images of the measurement object W at different rotation angles and generate multiple measurement object images. After generation, each measurement object image is stored... Figure 3 The image storage unit 40 of the storage unit 4 shown stores the image in relation to the rotation angle of the measurement object W when each measurement object is photographed.

[0140] Reference Figures 13A to 13C The algorithm is described to align the D-shaped cut surface W4 with the camera unit 15. Figure 13A The image shown is of the object being measured, W, illuminated by the transmitted illumination unit 13b. In this image, the D-shaped cut surface W4 is located at the bottom of the image, meaning that the D-shaped cut surface W4 and the optical axis of the imaging unit 15 are parallel to each other. The distance between the axis of the object being measured W and the D-shaped cut surface W4 in the image is represented by C1. Figure 13B Is with Figure 13A Compared to the image of the object being measured taken when the D-shaped cut surface W4 is rotated towards the side closer to the camera unit 15, the distance between the axis of the object being measured W and the D-shaped cut surface W4 on the image of the object being measured is represented by C2. Distance C1 is shorter than distance C2.

[0141] The relationship between the distance between the axis of the measured object W and the D-shaped cut surface W4 on the image of the measured object and the rotation angle of the measured object W becomes... Figure 13C The relationship is shown in the diagram. The point with the shortest distance in the diagram is... Figure 13AThe distance is longest when the D-shaped cut surface W4 is directly facing the camera unit 15. By searching for the rotation angle with the shortest distance and rotating 90 degrees, the D-shaped cut surface W4 can be made to face the camera unit 15. The rotation direction can be determined based on this diagram. Distances C1 and C2 are evaluation values ​​indicating whether the feature shape is directly facing the camera unit 15.

[0142] In addition, reference will be made Figure 14A and 14B The algorithm for aligning pin W5 with camera unit 15 is described. In Figure 14A, the object being measured, W, is viewed axially; for simplicity, only pin W5 is shown. Distance L is the distance from the axis of the object being measured, W, to the front end of pin W5. Figure 14B This is a graph showing the relationship between distance L and the rotation angle of the measured object W. As shown in the graph, when the measured object W rotates, there are two peaks in the distance L. Since the front end of pin W5 is located between these two peaks, pin W5 can be aligned with the camera unit 15 based on this. Distance L is an evaluation value indicating whether the feature shape is aligned with the camera unit 15.

[0143] exist Figure 10A In step SA3, a reference angle is determined during the process of aligning the feature shape with the camera unit 15. Then, in step SA4, the feature shape is aligned with the camera unit 15.

[0144] Various parameters can also be set when the automatic angle adjustment function is executed. Figure 15 The parameter setting user interface screen 102 displayed on the display unit 16 before the automatic angle adjustment function is executed is shown. The parameter setting user interface screen 102 is generated by the UI generation unit 32. The parameter setting user interface screen 102 is provided with an image display area 102a for displaying the image of the measurement object captured by the camera unit 15, an output pattern selection unit 102b, a search range setting unit 102c, and a search interval setting unit 102d.

[0145] Within image display area 102a, the area to be searched can be specified. Figure 12 Similarly, the frame line 200 shown can also be... Figure 15 The image shown depicts a frame line 201 drawn on the display area 102a. Furthermore, any measurement value can be set as the maximum or minimum within the specified area. For example, types such as line-to-line measurement and circle-to-circle measurement can be set.

[0146] like Figure 16 As shown, this type can be pre-stored in storage unit 4 as a preset shape, measurement content, and maximum / minimum combination. Therefore, it can save users time and effort in setting up.

[0147] Figure 15The output pattern selection unit 102b shown has maximum and minimum options, and one of them can be selected via the operation unit 14. When maximum is selected, the maximum measurement value is searched, and when minimum is selected, the minimum measurement value is searched. In the search range setting unit 102c, the angle range for performing the search can be set. For example, an angle relative to a reference angle can be set, and the angle range can be set to, for example, positive or negative 90 degrees around the set angle. The search spacing setting unit 102d can set the search spacing within the angle range set as described above, and for example, when the search spacing is set to 5 degrees, the search is performed at 5-degree intervals.

[0148] The evaluation value can be the aforementioned dimensional measurement value, but it can also be, for example, the degree of consistency with a pre-registered template image. The template image can be set as an image obtained by capturing an image of the measurement object W, whose characteristic shape has a rotation angle relative to the camera unit 15. After registering the template image, the camera unit 15 captures images while rotating the measurement object W, thereby continuously generating multiple measurement object images with different rotation angles. For each of these measurement object images, a pattern search is performed to search for the template image, and the rotation angle with the highest correlation value of consistency is identified. The identified rotation angle is used as the rotation angle of the characteristic shape relative to the camera unit 15.

[0149] When performing the above-described pattern search, the correlation value can be obtained after simultaneously performing a position search in the XY direction for each measured object image. As a result, even when the position on the measured object image is unknown (such as immediately after mounting the measured object W onto the chuck mechanism 6), the position search and the acquisition of the correlation value can be completed simultaneously.

[0150] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, in the middle of editing the measurement content, a window 103 for performing the automatic angle adjustment function can be displayed on the display unit 16. For example, the window 103 can be displayed by operating the operation unit 14. When "AA Execution" is selected in the window 103 by operating the operation unit 14, the selection window 103a is displayed on the display unit 16. The selection window 103a displays the types of feature shapes, and the user can select the desired feature shape from these feature shapes. The automatic angle adjustment execution unit 33 executes the algorithm corresponding to the selected feature shape and calculates the rotation angle of the feature shape relative to the camera unit 15.

[0151] In this example, such as Figure 18 As shown, even when the object being measured, W20, is a boxed item, an algorithm for aligning the feature shape with the camera unit 15 can be executed. First, the camera unit 15 captures an image of the object being measured, W20, and generates an image of the object being measured. Figure 18As shown, the image of the object being measured is displayed on the display unit 16. On the image of the object being measured, the user uses, for example, a frame line 203 to specify the area that is desired to be directly opposite the camera unit 15. This specification can be made using the operation unit 14. The area that is desired to be directly opposite the camera unit 15 is a flat portion.

[0152] The automatic angle adjustment actuator 33 performs height measurements at multiple arbitrary points within the area enclosed by the frame line 203. Conventional displacement measurement methods can be used for height measurement, and contact displacement sensors or optical displacement sensors can be used. Examples of optical displacement sensors include autofocus systems. The tilt of the surface of the area enclosed by the frame line 203 is obtained based on the measured height and XY coordinates, and the rotation angle of that surface relative to the camera unit 15 is calculated. Furthermore, height measurements within the field of view can be performed based on optical focusing information, and the tilt of the surface of the area enclosed by the frame line 203 can be obtained based on a region map of the measured height.

[0153] After calculating the rotation angle of the feature shape relative to the camera unit 15, the control unit 3 controls the rotation unit 5 to achieve the calculated rotation angle. As a result, as... Figure 19 As shown, the state in which the D-shaped cutting surface W4 faces the camera unit 15 is realized, and the orientation of the measurement object W and the reference angle are set.

[0154] When the operation unit 14 closes the dialog box, the control unit 3 creates an element for detecting the direction of the measured object W, and also automatically sets a reference angle set by the reference shape detection element, so that when the dialog box is closed, the rotation angle of the measured object W becomes the specified angle (0 degrees). Figure 20A The user interface image 104 displays an image of the measured object in a dialog box closed at an angle of 0 degrees, and the element used to detect the orientation of the measured object W is a D-shaped cut surface W4. Furthermore, Figure 20B It is a user interface image 104 that displays an image of the measured object in a state where the element (in this example, the D-shaped cut surface W4) used to detect the measured object W has been rotated 90 degrees. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The angular relationship shown is stored in storage unit 4 as relative rotation angle information.

[0155] In step SA5, measurement elements are set. When setting measurement elements, the rotation of the rotation unit 5 is stopped. The incident illumination image captured by illuminating the measurement object W using the incident illumination unit 13a and the transmitted image captured by illuminating the measurement object W using the transmitted illumination unit 13b are combined and integrated into a single image, and the combined image is merged into... Figure 22The user interface image 104 shown is displayed as a background image. For example, the width of the groove W4a formed on the D-shaped cut surface W4 can be set as a measurement element, and the diameter of the first hole W8 or the width of the groove W10 can also be set as a measurement element. The measurement elements are set by the user operating the operation unit 14.

[0156] The user interface image 104 includes a numerical display area 104a that displays the rotation angle of the rotating unit 5 relative to a specified angle, a rotation operation area 104b that serves as a control unit for operating the rotating unit 5, and an angle display area 104c that displays the rotation angle of the rotating unit 5 in the form of a bar. Figure 20A In the measurement, the rotation angle of the object W is a specified angle; therefore, the numerical display area 104a and the angle display area 104c display approximately 0 degrees. On the other hand, in Figure 20B From Figure 20A The state shown is rotated 90 degrees, and the numerical display area 104a and the angle display area 104c display approximately 90 degrees. The angle display area 104c is provided with an angle indicator line 104d indicating the current angle. Furthermore, the angle display area 104c is provided with a reference angle indicator 104e indicating the rotation angle stored in the storage unit 4 as setting information. The angle indicator line 104d can also be moved via the operation unit 14. When the angle indicator line 104d moves, the control unit 3 detects the position of the moved angle indicator line 104d. The control unit 3 can rotate the measuring object W by controlling the rotation unit 5 to have a rotation angle corresponding to the position of the angle indicator line 104d.

[0157] An operation button is provided in the rotation operation area 104b. When the operation button is operated via the operation unit 14, the control unit 3 detects this. The control unit 3 can rotate the rotation unit 5 in response to the operated button, and can also specify the direction of rotation of the rotation unit 5. The operation button also includes a button for rotating the measurement object W by a fixed angle. Since the fixed angle is 90 degrees in this embodiment, operating the operation button once will rotate the measurement object W by 90 degrees, and operating the operation button twice will rotate the measurement object W by 180 degrees. By operating the operation button with the operation unit 14, an instruction can be given to rotate the measurement object W in units of 90 degrees. The fixed angle can be an angle obtained by dividing 90 degrees into multiple degrees (e.g., 30 degrees or 45 degrees). Regardless of whether the fixed angle is 30 degrees or 45 degrees, an image of the measurement object W is generated every 90 degrees.

[0158] In addition to the operation of the rotation operation area 104b, the operation of the rotation unit 5 can also be performed based on the operation of the manual adjustment knob 55 described above, and can also be performed based on the operation of specifying a position on the unfolded image. An example of the unfolded image is shown below. Figure 21A and 21B As shown in the diagram. The unfolded image is an image showing the unfolded shape of the measurement object W. The unfolded image is obtained by cutting the central portion of the original image (generated by taking multiple images while rotating the measurement object W) and using the central portion as the image to be connected, thus connecting the multiple images to be connected. When this unfolded image is displayed on the display unit 16, when the user clicks on the desired position on the unfolded image, for example with the mouse (which is the operation unit 14), the stage 12 is moved and the rotation unit 5 is controlled so that the clicked position is displayed in the center of the screen. Figure 21B As shown, the measured values ​​can be displayed on the expanded image.

[0159] In addition, the image of the measured object is the input that receives information related to the measurement reference. Figure 12 The first image shown is of the object being measured, but the image used to set the measurement features is... Figure 22 The image shown is a second measurement object image taken at a rotation angle different from that of the first measurement object image.

[0160] Figure 23 It is the image of the measured object when the rotation angle is 90 degrees, and it is compared with... Figure 22 The image of the measured object shown is also obtained by synthesizing the incident illumination image and the transmitted image. Figure 23 This shows an example where the diameter of the second hole W9 is set as a measurement element.

[0161] The rotation of the measurement object W can be performed by operating the operation buttons in the rotation operation area 104b or by using the automatic angle adjustment function. When using the automatic angle adjustment function, the display can be shown on the display unit 16. Figure 17 The window 103 shown allows for the selection of feature shapes.

[0162] Figure 24A and Figure 24B This is a diagram used to describe a situation where the dimension between two measuring elements is measured. Incidentally, this example shows that the measuring object W is provided with a third hole W11 between the first hole W8 and the second hole W9, and the axes of the first hole W8 and the second hole W9 are orthogonal to the axis of the third hole W11.

[0163] Figure 24A An example of the settings for the first measuring element (first hole W8) when the rotation angle is 0 degrees is shown, and the first hole W8 is set on the first measuring object image. Figure 24BAn example of the setting of the second measuring element (third hole W11) when the rotation angle is 90 degrees is shown. The third hole W11 is set on the second measuring object image, and the rotation angle of the second measuring object image is different from the rotation angle of the measuring object image where the first measuring element is set. By setting the first hole W8 and the third hole W11 as measuring elements, the dimensions of the axis of the first hole W8 and the axis of the third hole W11 can be measured. Incidentally, the difference in rotation angle between the measuring object images used when setting the first and second measuring elements is not limited to 90 degrees, and can be any rotation angle of each measuring element facing the camera unit 15. Furthermore, when setting measuring elements, the measuring elements can be set at any rotation angle. Figure 10A Of the three settings described in step SA6, the measurement settings for the 0-degree angle measurement element and the measurement settings for measurement elements at different rotation angles are not required.

[0164] When completed as described above Figure 10A In step SA5 of the flowchart shown, the process proceeds to step SA6 to register the pattern image used for position correction. When registering the pattern image, it is displayed on the display unit 16. Figure 25 The user interface screen 105 shown is for pattern image registration. The user interface screen 105 is provided with an image display area 105a, which displays a transmission image captured by illuminating the measurement object W using the transmission illumination unit 13b.

[0165] In the image display area 105a, a search range box 206 indicating the area to be searched and a registration range box 207 indicating the area to be registered as a pattern image are displayed superimposed on the transmission image. The position and size of the search range box 206 and the registration range box 207 can be arbitrarily set by the user operating the operation unit 14. When the operation unit 14 is operated, any part of the measured object W can be surrounded by the registration range box 207. As a result, any part of the measured object W can be registered as a pattern image, and the position information of the pattern image can also be registered.

[0166] The user interface screen 105 is equipped with a selection unit 105b for selecting the camera angle. In the selection unit 105b, one can select whether to perform a pattern search on an image captured at the starting angle, on an image captured when the measured object W is rotated 360 degrees, or on an image captured when rotating within a specified range.

[0167] When completed as described above Figure 10AIn step SA6 of the flowchart shown, the process proceeds to step SA7 to store the measurement settings in storage unit 4. In step SA7, the measurement element and relative rotation angle are stored. That is, any angle by which the measurement element is rotated relative to a reference angle is stored. Furthermore, in step SA7, the pattern image set in step SA6 for position correction is also stored.

[0168] (The correct detailed process)

[0169] The settings process is not limited to Figure 10A The process shown, and can be, for example, in Figure 10B The process is shown in the flowchart. Figure 10B In step SA11 of the flowchart shown, the feature shape is specified. The specification of the feature shape can be combined with... Figure 10A The specification of the feature shape in step SA1 is the same. Alternatively, a pattern image of the measured object W can be set instead of the feature shape. In this case, only the angular range to be searched is searched in the next step SA12. Either the feature shape specification or the pattern image setting can be performed.

[0170] In step SA12, the evaluation criteria, i.e., the search algorithm, are set. This can be done as follows: Figure 10A The evaluation criteria can be set automatically when selecting the type of feature shape as described in step SA2, or they can be set independently of the operation of selecting the type of feature shape.

[0171] In step SA12, an area containing a characteristic shape (e.g., a D-shaped cut surface W4) can be specified. For example, the user specifies an area on the image of the measured object displayed on the display unit 16 where the D-shaped cut surface W4 exists. It is sufficient to use a characteristic shape other than the D-shaped cut surface W4 and specify an area containing the characteristic shape. Specifically, as... Figure 12 As shown, a frame line 200 is drawn around the area containing the feature shape (e.g., a D-shaped cut surface W4). Examples of drawing the frame line 200 include, but are not limited to, diagonal dragging using a mouse or similar method. The designation of the area containing the feature shape is received by the operation unit 14. When the designation of the area containing the feature shape is received, the position and size of that area are obtained. For example, there is a situation where a measurement object W includes multiple feature shapes, and it is desired to measure only the D-shaped cut surface W4. In this case, only the D-shaped cut surface W4 needs to be directly facing the camera unit 15. Therefore, if the user designates the area containing the feature shape as described above, only the D-shaped cut surface W4 can be directly facing the camera unit 15 without considering its alignment with other feature shapes. Multiple areas containing feature shapes can be designated.

[0172] In step SA12, the angular range for searching feature shapes can also be specified. For example, the rotation angle range can be specified using the currently displayed rotation angle of the measurement object W as a reference. This specification operation is received by the operation unit 14. For example, there may be a situation where feature shapes such as pins W5 to W7 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction on a measurement object W, and it is desired to measure only the size of pin W5. In this case, only pin W5 needs to be facing the camera unit 15. Therefore, if the user specifies the angular range where pin W5 exists, only pin W5 can be facing the camera unit 15 without considering its alignment with other feature shapes.

[0173] When the search settings are complete, the process proceeds to step SA13 to store the search settings in the storage unit 4. Afterwards, the process proceeds to steps SA14 and SA15. That is, in this example, a search method that considers the fact that the object being measured, W, is rotated by the rotation unit 5 can also be applied. For example, in the case of a rolling shutter where the camera unit 15 scans images line by line from one side of the sensor to the other, if an image is captured while the object being measured, W is being rotated, the image of the object being measured will be distorted. If the rotation angle of the feature shape relative to the camera unit 15 is searched based on this distorted image of the object being measured, the accuracy may decrease. However, there is an advantage: based on the image of the object being measured captured while the object is being rotated, the search time for the rotation angle of the feature shape relative to the camera unit 15 can be shortened.

[0174] The image size measuring device 1 is configured to perform search processing that improves search accuracy while shortening search time. Specifically, the camera unit 15 generates multiple rotating images obtained by repeatedly capturing images of the rotating object W and multiple stationary images obtained by repeatedly capturing images of the object W when its rotation has stopped, as object images. In step SA14, the automatic angle adjustment execution unit 33 first performs a coarse search for the rotation angle of the feature shape facing the camera unit 15 based on the multiple rotating images. This coarse search identifies a range of rotation angles where the feature shape is likely to be facing the camera unit 15. Subsequently, in step SA15, within the range of rotation angles identified by the coarse search in step SA14, a fine search is performed based on the multiple stationary images to calculate the rotation angle of the feature shape facing the camera unit 15. The range and spacing of the rotation angles used for the coarse search can also be changed. Furthermore, since fluctuations exist while the object W is rotated, algorithms for detecting and removing fluctuations can be applied. Incidentally, the coarse search in step SA14 can be omitted.

[0175] Subsequently, in step SA16, to... Figure 10AIn the same manner as step SA3 shown, a reference angle is determined during the process of aligning the feature shape with the camera unit 15. The reference angle may be the angle when the feature shape is aligned with the camera unit 15, or it may be the angle at which the feature appears in the evaluation value of the evaluation item set in step SA12.

[0176] In step SA17, the angle between the feature shape and the camera unit 15 is calculated. Next, in step SA18, the angle is compared with... Figure 10A The feature shape is aligned with the camera unit 15 in the same manner as step SA4 shown. Incidentally, Figure 10A The processing of steps SA5 to SA7 can be performed after step SA18.

[0177] (Measurement settings for boxed items)

[0178] When setting up the measurement of boxed items, in Figure 10A In step SA1 of the flowchart shown, select Figure 11 The settings interface screen 100 shows "Box Items". Then, select... Figure 12 The "Minimum Width" option is shown in the Feature Shape Selection window 101. Furthermore, similar to the case of axis items, the area to be searched is specified. The Automatic Angle Adjustment Unit 33 searches for the rotation angle that minimizes the width as an evaluation value, and calculates the rotation angle of the feature shape relative to the camera unit 15.

[0179] When a boxed item is selected via the operation unit 14, the control unit 3 controls the rotation unit 5 to rotate the measurement object W20 in 90-degree increments. The boxed item typically has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and by rotating the measurement object W20 in 90-degree increments, the camera unit 15 can capture images of each of the four sides of the rectangular parallelepiped. When the rotation angle for capturing an image of a specific measurement object is 0 degrees, the rotation angle for capturing the next image of the measurement object can be 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees. Furthermore, rotations of 90 degrees followed by a stop, continuous rotations of 180 degrees followed by a stop, and continuous rotations of 270 degrees followed by a stop are also included in the 90-degree increment rotations.

[0180] Figure 26A This is user interface image 104, displaying an image of the measured object in a state where the dialog box is closed at an angle of 0 degrees. Furthermore, Figure 26B This is a user interface image 104 displaying an image of the measurement object in a state where the element used to detect the direction of the measurement object W has been rotated 180 degrees. As described above, it is possible to perform... Figure 10A Step SA1 in the flowchart shown.

[0181] In step SA2, essentially in the same manner as with the shaft object, while displaying a background image as the object to be measured, the measurement element with a rotation angle of 0 degrees (the front measurement element) and the measurement element with a rotation angle of 180 degrees (the back measurement element) can be set separately. When the measurement element with a rotation angle of 0 degrees is set as the first measurement element and the measurement element with a rotation angle of 180 degrees is set as the second measurement element, the dimension between the first measurement element and the second measurement element can be measured.

[0182] When Figure 26A When the background image shown is used as the first measurement object image (front view image), Figure 26B The background image shown is a second measurement object image (back view) obtained by capturing an image of the measurement object rotated 180 degrees from the image of the first measurement object that has already been acquired. This can be addressed separately for... Figure 26A The background image shown and Figure 26B The background image shown is used to set up a first XY coordinate system (front side coordinate system) and a second XY coordinate system (back side coordinate system). The dimensions between the first and second measurement elements can be measured by transforming the first and second XY coordinate systems. Specifically, a matrix for transforming the first and second XY coordinate systems can be obtained. For example, during the display of the back image, the measurement elements on the front side can be transformed using the aforementioned matrix to display them on the back image without deviation, and the measurement elements on the front side can also be specified. During the display of the front image, the same transformation can be performed on the measurement elements on the back side. As a result, the dimensions between measurement elements with rotation angles differing by 180 degrees can be measured without deviation.

[0183] Furthermore, the first and second measurement object images can be converted to each other based on the contour of the measurement object W in the first measurement object image and the contour of the measurement object W in the second measurement object image, so as to measure the size between the measurement element on the front and the measurement element on the back.

[0184] The shape of the measurement element on the front side and the shape of the measurement element on the back side can be displayed simultaneously on the display unit 16. In this case, the measurement elements on the front side and the back side can be displayed in different display formats. Examples of different display formats include changing the color or line type between the measurement elements on the front side and the measurement elements on the back side.

[0185] (Continuous measurement mode)

[0186] The image size measuring device 1 can execute a continuous measurement mode after the measurement setting mode. The continuous measurement mode is started by the user pressing the execute button. The continuous measurement mode is a mode that sequentially measures multiple objects W, and can also be referred to as the mode for operating the image size measuring device 1.

[0187] (Continuous measurement of items on the axis)

[0188] The following description will describe the case of a measuring object W made of an axle. References will be made to... Figure 27 The flowchart shown describes the process in continuous measurement mode. In step SB1 after the start, measurement settings are performed. Specifically, when multiple settings are performed in the above measurement setting mode and the multiple settings are stored in the storage unit 4, the setting file for continuous measurement is selected and executed.

[0189] Furthermore, the object to be measured, W, is mounted on the chuck mechanism 6. During the stage when the object to be measured, W, is mounted on the chuck mechanism 6, the relationship between the mechanical angle (the rotation angle defined by the image size measuring device 1) and the rotation angle of the object to be measured, is uncertain. Furthermore, errors may occur between measurement setup and continuous measurement when the object to be measured, W, is mounted on the chuck mechanism 6.

[0190] When step SB1 ends, the process proceeds to step SB2. In step SB2, the position and orientation of the measured object W are confirmed. At this time, as... Figure 28A As shown by the dashed lines, the positioning guide 208 can be displayed as an overlay on the image of the object being measured. For example, the positioning guide 208 can be a semi-transparent pattern image, or it can be the outline of an image. Furthermore, if an incident image taken at the same angle as the pattern image during the measurement setup exists, a composite image of the pattern image and the incident image can be displayed in a semi-transparent overlay. The framed area indicated by reference numeral 209 in the figure represents the region of the pattern image.

[0191] The user can adjust the rotation angle of the object being measured, W, to ensure that the positioning guide 208 and the object being measured are aligned. The rotation angle of the object being measured, W, can be adjusted by rotating the manual adjustment knob 55. Figure 28B This shows the completed adjustment of the rotation angle of the measurement object W. Incidentally, if the setting for rotating the measurement object W by 360 degrees was selected when registering the pattern image, then it is not necessary to adjust the orientation of the measurement object W.

[0192] When step SB2 ends, the process proceeds to step SB3, and based on the conditions set in the continuous measurement and the information maintained in the measurement settings, the measurement in the measurement settings is automatically performed for the current measurement object W. First, a pattern search is performed in step SB4. Specifically, Figure 3 The pattern search execution unit 34 shown performs a pattern search to search for pre-registered pattern images using images of the measured object captured by the camera unit 15. For example, the pattern search execution unit 34 performs a pattern search using multiple images of the measured object obtained by the camera unit 15 capturing images of the measured object at different rotation angles, and identifies the rotation angle that achieves the highest consistency with the registered pattern image. At this time, the rotation angle that achieves the highest consistency with the pattern image can be detected within the set angle range. Since the measured object W is rotated, this can be called a rotation pattern search.

[0193] When the rotation pattern search ends, the process proceeds to step SB5. In step SB5, the deviation from the pattern image is detected in the measurement object image with the rotation angle identified in step SB4. Subsequently, based on the detected deviation and position information, the position of the measurement element is corrected by the same amount as the detected deviation. This corresponds to the position correction process.

[0194] When the position correction process is complete, the process proceeds to step SB6. In step SB6, the automatic angle adjustment function is executed. For example, the feature shape specified when setting the reference angle in the measurement settings is used, and the orientation of the measured object W is detected by the automatic angle adjustment function. Measurements can be performed within a mechanical angle range around the angle obtained by the following formula.

[0195] Pattern search detection angle during continuous measurement + automatic angle adjustment during measurement setup - pattern image capture angle during measurement setup

[0196] When the detection of the orientation of the measured object W by the automatic angle adjustment function in step SB6 ends, the process proceeds to step SB7 to calculate the reference angle and the measurement angle. For example, based on the characteristic shape and the offset of the reference angle during the measurement setup, the mechanical angle corresponding to the reference angle during continuous measurement is calculated. In other words, the reference rotation angle is identified, and the measurement angle for measuring the measured element is calculated based on the relative rotation angle (offset) relative to the reference rotation angle stored in the storage unit 4.

[0197] After calculating the measurement angle, the process proceeds to step SB8. In step SB8, control unit 3 controls rotation unit 5 to achieve the measurement angle calculated in step SB7. As a result, the rotation angle of the measured object W becomes the measurement angle.

[0198] When the control of the rotation unit ends, the process proceeds to step SB9 to measure the measurement element. In step SB9, firstly, when the rotation unit 5 reaches the measurement angle, the camera unit 15 captures an image of the measurement object W to generate a measurement object image. As a result, the measurement element can be measured.

[0199] After generating the image of the measurement object Figure 3 The edge extraction unit 30 shown performs image processing on the image of the object to be measured to extract the edges of the characteristic shape of the object to be measured W. The edge information output from the edge extraction unit 30 is input to the measurement unit 31, and the measurement unit 31 performs measurement processing to measure the size of the measurement elements based on the image of the object to be measured.

[0200] When the measurement process ends, the process proceeds to step SB10 to perform the display process. In the display process, the UI generation unit 32 generates, for example... Figure 29 The user interface image 110 shown is used for displaying measurement results, and the control unit 3 displays the user interface image 110 on the display unit 16. The user interface image 110 is provided with a first image display area 110a, a second image display area 110b, a third image display area 110c, and a result display area 110d. The image of the measured object when the rotation angle is 0 degrees can be displayed in the first image display area 110a, and the image of the measured object when the rotation angle is 90 degrees can be displayed in the second image display area 110b. That is, the images of the measured object with different rotation angles can be displayed in the first image display area 110a and the second image display area 110b.

[0201] In the third image display area 110c, one, two, or more measurement elements, along with their dimension lines and measurement values, are displayed superimposed on the image of the measured object. The third image display area 110c is set to be larger than the first image display area 110a and the second image display area 110b.

[0202] The results display area 110d displays the name, measured value, and judgment for each measurement element. The judgment indicates whether the measured value is outside the preset range and can be displayed as, for example, OK or NG. The displayed judgment can include the judgment results for each measurement element and the overall judgment result that integrates these judgment results.

[0203] (Measured by mechanical angle)

[0204] Whenever the object being measured, W, is attached to or removed from the chuck mechanism 6, the relative rotation angle between the object being measured, W, and the chuck mechanism 6 varies. Therefore, the following steps can be used to eliminate measurement errors.

[0205] That is, the processing in this step is efficient when it is desired to measure a light spot that can only be measured when the chuck mechanism 6 is at a specific angle. For example, if it is desired to measure the total length of the object W, it is necessary to capture an image of the end face of the object W on the side of the chuck mechanism 6. However, the end face of the object W on the side of the chuck mechanism 6 is held by the chuck mechanism 6 and therefore cannot be captured (it is difficult to capture an image). However, as Figure 5 As shown, three chuck jaws 61 to 63 are spaced apart in the chuck mechanism 6. Therefore, depending on the rotation angle, the end face of the object to be measured on the side of the chuck mechanism 6 can be seen from the interval between the chuck jaws 61 to 63. When the camera unit 15 takes an image at this rotation angle, it can capture the end face of the object to be measured on the side of the chuck mechanism 6 and acquire it as an image.

[0206] To achieve this, a mechanism for specifying the angle to be measured is provided by specifying the mechanical angle when measuring the object W in the measurement settings. As a result, measurements can be performed at the same mechanical angle regardless of the relative rotation angle between the object W and the chuck mechanism 6. Specifically, the configuration allows the mechanical angle to be selected as a reference when specifying the rotation angle during the measurement settings, and this mechanical angle can be specified. This operation can be achieved by the user operating the operation unit 14.

[0207] Figure 30 This is an explanatory diagram of the measurement angles in a setting that does not include mechanical reference elements. Even if the relative rotation angle between the measured object W and the chuck mechanism 6 differs between the measurement settings and continuous measurements, the relative angles between the various elements will not change solely due to the change in the difference between the reference angle and the mechanical angle.

[0208] on the other hand, Figure 31 This is an explanatory diagram of the measurement angles in the setup including mechanical reference elements. It shows the case where element 4 is specified with a 0-degree mechanical angle. Even if the relative rotation angle between the measured object W and the chuck mechanism 6 differs between measurement settings and continuous measurements, the relative angles between the elements will not change solely due to the difference between the reference angle and the mechanical angle. This is because... Figure 30 The situation is the same as shown. However, regardless of the reference angle, the element specified using the mechanical angle can be measured at the same mechanical angle.

[0209] (Continuous measurement of boxed items)

[0210] The processing flow for continuous measurement mode of boxed items is basically the same as that for continuous measurement mode of shafted items. The differences from shafted items will be described in detail below.

[0211] Even in continuous measurement mode for boxed items, Figure 27In step SB1 of the flowchart shown, measurement settings are performed, and a settings file for continuous measurement is selected at this time. During the stage of mounting the object to be measured, W20 (as a boxed item), onto the chuck mechanism 700 of the boxed item, the mechanical angle and the angle of the object to be measured, W20, are uncertain. However, since the chuck mechanism 700 has two chuck jaws, namely the first chuck jaw 601 and the second chuck jaw 602, the mounting angle typically varies in 90-degree increments. Furthermore, the mounting position and tilt of the object to be measured, W20, may differ between the measurement settings and continuous measurement.

[0212] Subsequently, in step SB2, the user rotates the manual adjustment knob 55 to confirm whether the measuring object W20 can be installed in the same position and angle in two or more directions, and adjusts the orientation and installation position of the measuring object W20. At this time, as... Figure 28A The positioning guide shown can be displayed as an overlay on the image of the object being measured.

[0213] Next, after steps SB3 and SB4, the process proceeds to step SB5. In step SB5, alignment is performed based on the results of the pattern search. At this time, for measurement elements located at rotation angles different from the rotation angle (θ) when the pattern image was captured, a deviation corresponding to Δθ is corrected. The correction amount is set as ΔX in the X direction, Δy*cos(Δθ) in the Y direction, and Δy*sin(Δθ) in the Z direction. Steps SB6 to SB10 are the same as in the case of shafted objects.

[0214] During continuous measurement, it is possible to measure not only the dimension between two measuring elements with a rotation angle difference of 180 degrees, but also the dimension between two measuring elements with a rotation angle difference of 90 degrees.

[0215] (Display format)

[0216] exist Figure 29 In the user interface image 110 shown, the measurement object images displayed in the first image display area 110a and the second image display area 110b are displayed vertically in a manner aligned horizontally. The following processing is sufficient for horizontal alignment: for example, assuming a horizontal virtual line extending vertically on the screen, and the left ends of the measurement object images displayed in the first image display area 110a and the second image display area 110b are located on this horizontal virtual line.

[0217] Furthermore, although not shown, the measurement object images displayed in the first image display area 110a and the measurement object images displayed in the second image display area 110b can be displayed side-by-side in a manner aligned vertically. The following processing is sufficient for vertical alignment: for example, assuming a vertical virtual line extending horizontally on the screen, and the upper ends of the measurement object images displayed in the first image display area 110a and the second image display area 110b are located on this vertical virtual line.

[0218] As described above, in the case of boxed items, rotation is performed in 90-degree increments. Similarly, the design drawing used as the basis for processing also describes dimensional indications or tolerances of the drawing as seen from multiple directions in 90-degree increments. Therefore, when the image in the first image display area 110a and the image in the second image display area 110b are displayed in a manner that aligns the top and bottom edges or the left and right edges, two images can be displayed as in the design drawing. As a result, the three-dimensional shape can be easily grasped, the correspondence between the various drawings can be easily identified, and the dimensional indications or tolerances indicated in the drawings can be easily compared.

[0219] The user can select either the measurement object image displayed in the first image display area 110a or the measurement object image displayed in the second image display area 110b. The user's image selection is received by the operation unit 14. The control unit 3 controls the rotation unit 5 to have the same rotation angle as the measurement object W20 when capturing the received measurement object image. In other words, when one of multiple measurement object images is selected, the rotation angle of the measurement object W20 can be automatically set to the rotation angle when capturing the image, and this function can be referred to as a navigation function.

[0220] The camera unit 15 captures an image of the measurement object W20 in the following state to generate a preview image: the rotation angle of the measurement object W20 is the same as the rotation angle of the measurement object W20 when the selected measurement object image is captured.

[0221] The preview image generated by the camera unit 15 is displayed in the third image display area 110c of the user interface image 110. Each image is simultaneously displayed in the first image display area 110a, the second image display area 110b, and the third image display area 110c. Since the third image display area 110c is the largest, the preview image is displayed in a magnified state compared to the other images. As a result, it is easier to read the dimension lines or measurements on the preview image.

[0222] User interface image 110 can display images of three or more measurement objects with different rotation angles to each other. For example, images of three measurement objects with rotation angles of 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees can be displayed. Even in this case, the image of the measurement object selected by the user can be zoomed in and displayed as a preview image.

[0223] Figure 32 This diagram illustrates an example of a user interface image 104 displayed on the display unit 16 when the measured object W20 is a boxed item. In this example, multiple images are displayed to the right of the user interface image 104. Specifically, two or more images of the measured object with different rotation angles can be displayed, and for example, two or three images obtained by rotating in units of 90 degrees can be displayed. The user can select any image to display. As a result, a display format corresponding to the design drawing used as the basis for processing is achieved.

[0224] On the other hand, Figure 32 The user interface image 104 displays a preview image on the upper left. The preview image is a magnified version of the image selected by the user from the measurement object image on the right. In this example, the measurement object image, captured at a 90-degree angle, is magnified and displayed as the preview image. The measurement result can be displayed on the preview image.

[0225] (Functions and effects of the embodiments)

[0226] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can input a feature shape as information related to the measurement reference on the measurement object image during measurement setup, and can also set measurement elements such as line segments, circles, and arcs on the measurement object image generated at different rotation angles. The storage unit 4 can store the relative rotation angle between the reference rotation angle when capturing the measurement object image with the measurement elements set and when capturing the input measurement object image with the feature shape.

[0227] Then, during continuous measurement, the camera unit 15 generates multiple images of the object being measured, W, taken at different rotation angles. The control unit 3 can identify the reference rotation angle from the multiple images of the object being measured based on the feature shape received by the operation unit 14. The relative rotation angle relative to the reference rotation angle can be read from the storage unit 4. When calculating the measurement angle for measuring the element based on the relative rotation angle, the control unit 3 controls the rotation unit 5 to have the calculated measurement angle. As a result, the rotation angle of the rotation unit 5 automatically becomes the measurement angle, so that the element being measured is positioned where the camera unit 15 can capture an image. Therefore, the user does not need to adjust the rotation angle of the object being measured, W, relative to the camera unit 15.

[0228] Furthermore, the object to be measured, W20, which is a boxed item, can rotate in 90-degree increments, allowing the camera unit 15 to capture images of the corresponding four sides of the rectangular parallelepiped. When capturing one side of the object to be measured in an image with a rotation angle of 0 degrees, a first measurement element can be set on the image. Furthermore, when capturing another side of the object to be measured in an image with a rotation angle of 90 degrees or 180 degrees, a second measurement element can be set on the image. The control unit 3 can measure the dimension between the first and second measurement elements present on two different surfaces.

[0229] Furthermore, by specifying the characteristic shape of the measurement object W, the rotation angle of the characteristic shape relative to the camera unit 15 can be calculated based on the characteristic shape and the changes in shape on the image of the measurement object. As a result, the characteristic shape of the measurement object W can be made to face the camera unit 15 directly, thus eliminating dependence on individual skill, ensuring smooth adjustments, and allowing for adjustments to be made in a short time.

[0230] The above embodiments are merely examples of various aspects and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and alterations falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of this aspect.

[0231] As described above, the image size measuring device according to the present invention can be applied to a device equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates the object being measured.

Claims

1. An image size measuring device for measuring the size of an object, characterized in that it comprises: A rotating mechanism that causes the measuring object to rotate about a predetermined axis; The camera unit has an optical axis that intersects the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism and is configured to generate multiple images of the measurement object obtained by capturing images of the measurement object at different rotation angles; The operation unit is configured to receive settings for a reference shape on a first measurement object image generated by the camera unit and settings for measurement elements on a second measurement object image captured at a different rotation angle than the first measurement object image. The storage unit stores the relative rotation angle of the second measurement object image when it is captured, relative to the reference rotation angle when the first measurement object image is captured. as well as The control unit identifies the reference rotation angle from the plurality of measurement object images based on the reference shape settings received by the operation unit during measurement, calculates the measurement angle for measuring the measurement element set by the operation unit based on the relative rotation angle stored in the storage unit relative to the reference rotation angle, controls the rotation mechanism so that the rotation angle of the rotation mechanism becomes the measurement angle, and performs measurement processing for measuring the size of the measurement element set by the operation unit based on the measurement object image captured by the camera unit when the rotation angle of the rotation mechanism becomes the measurement angle.

2. The image size measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit calculates the rotation angle of the reference shape relative to the camera unit based on multiple images of the measurement object captured by the camera unit and the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism when capturing each image of the measurement object, and controls the rotating mechanism to make the reference shape face the camera unit.

3. The image size measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: The display unit correlates each rotation angle with the second measurement object image captured at each rotation angle, and displays the angle corresponding to the second measurement object image on which the measurement elements are set in a recognizable manner. The operation unit is configured to perform an operation of selecting a rotation angle on the display unit, and The control unit controls the rotating mechanism to give it the rotation angle selected by the operating unit.

4. The image size measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The operation unit is configured to register a pattern image of any part of the object being measured on the object image, as well as the position information of the pattern image. The control unit includes a pattern search execution unit, which uses the image of the measurement object captured by the camera unit during the measurement to perform a pattern search for the pattern image registered by the operation unit, and performs position correction of the measurement object image in the X and Y directions based on the execution result of the pattern search in the pattern search execution unit and the position information registered in the operation unit.

5. The image size measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit performs the pattern search using multiple images of the measured object obtained by the camera unit capturing images of the measured object at different rotation angles during the measurement process, and identifies the rotation angle that has the highest consistency with the registered pattern image. The control unit uses the rotation angle identified by the pattern search execution unit as the reference angle.

6. The image size measuring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The operation unit is configured to set the search angle range for the pattern search execution unit to perform the pattern search.

7. The image size measuring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The operating unit is configured to receive a designation for a region to be registered in a patterned image on a measurement object image.

Images