3D Model Data Verification Using Actual and Virtual Image Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for confirming the accuracy of three-dimensional model data for machine tools, including attached objects, are inefficient and prone to errors due to discrepancies between actual and simulated conditions, leading to potential interference and machining inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that compare actual and virtual two-dimensional image data of attached objects on a machine tool using imaging cameras and computer-generated models, ensuring accurate representation of shapes, mounting positions, and attitudes by matching gray level values or edge positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If three-dimensional model data of attached objects are manually created and updated, then the model data can be generated and modified, but errors occur between the model data and actual shapes due to operator mistakes or design changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of creating model dataVSAvoidaccuracy of model data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses actual images of attached objects as copies to automatically generate three-dimensional model data. Instead of manually creating models, the system captures images with an imaging device, processes them to extract shape information, and reconstructs 3D models from these image copies. This eliminates operator errors while maintaining accuracy of the actual object shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of creating and updating 3D models with an automated image-based system. The imaging device captures actual objects, and computer processing automatically generates and updates the three-dimensional model data, substituting human operators with automated optical and computational systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional model data are manually corrected to accommodate changes, then the model can be updated, but the correction process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to update model dataVSAvoidtime for correcting model data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images of attached objects and pre-processing them to extract shape information before actual model updates are needed. The system maintains a library of processed image data that can be quickly converted into updated 3D models when changes occur, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual corrections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

When design changes occur, the system uses new actual images as copies to generate updated three-dimensional model data automatically. This copying approach allows rapid adaptation to changes without manual intervention, significantly reducing update time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If interference simulation is performed using potentially inaccurate model data, then the simulation can be executed, but incorrect results may lead to undetected errors in NC programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of interference simulationVSAvoidaccuracy of interference simulation results

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the generated three-dimensional model data with actual images of the attached objects. This verification step provides feedback on model accuracy, ensuring that only verified accurate models are used for interference simulation. The feedback loop maintains reliability while preserving simulation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8310534B2Three-dimensional model data confirming method, and three-dimensional model data confirming apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.11.13 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for confirming three-dimensional model data or the like, capable of confirming easily, efficiently, and precisely whether three-dimensional model data including an attached object attached to a machine tool and at least a part of the machine tool good are accurate. An apparatus 1 for confirming three-dimensional model data is provided with: CCD cameras 13 and 14 for imaging an actual attached object attached to a machine tool 30 to generate actual image data of the attached object; a model-data storing section 17 for storing in advance model data which include the attached object attached to the machine tool 30 and at least a part of the machine tool 30 and which are previously created; a virtual image data generating section 19 for generating, by a computer process, two-dimensional image data, which are virtual image data of the attached object, based on the model data stored in the model-data storing section 17; and an image-data comparing section 21 for comparing, by a computer process, the actual image data of the attached object and the virtual image data thereof to determine whether these image data match.