Arc Tool User Interface for Machine Vision Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current precision machine vision inspection systems have limited and non-intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) controls for setting up video tool regions of interest (ROIs) and operating parameters, making it difficult for users to efficiently configure and customize arc video tools, especially for features like arc-shaped objects with varying radii.

Innovation Solution

A novel user interface system for configuring arc video tools with distinct types of ROI parameter control features, including curvature-changing, symmetrical radial dimension changing, and in-place ROI rotation modes, allowing users to edit and adjust parameters with a reduced number of operations, using specific mouse operations and mode symbol cursors for intuitive control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional GUI controls are used for setting up arc video tools, then basic functionality is maintained, but user efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate due to the large number of operations required and non-intuitive interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configuring arc video toolsVSAvoidtime required for tool setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The arc tool configuration is segmented into distinct operational modes (curvature-changing mode, symmetrical radial dimension changing mode, in-place ROI rotation mode). Each mode handles specific parameter adjustments independently, allowing users to configure complex arc tools through a series of simple, mode-specific operations rather than managing all parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on user selection. Each mode activates specific parameter adjustment capabilities (e.g., curvature-changing mode adjusts only radius of curvature, while symmetrical radial dimension changing mode adjusts both inner and outer radii). This dynamic mode switching simplifies the interface by presenting only relevant controls for the current configuration task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameter adjustment modes are implemented, then functionality and versatility improve, but device complexity increases due to multiple control features and modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in configuring arc tool parametersVSAvoidcomplexity of GUI controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration interface is segmented into distinct operational modes, each responsible for specific parameter adjustments. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high versatility while managing complexity by organizing controls into logical, isolated groups rather than presenting all controls simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each operational mode provides localized quality by offering specialized controls for specific parameter types. For example, curvature-changing mode provides dedicated controls for radius adjustment, while symmetrical radial dimension changing mode provides controls for both inner and outer radii. This local specialization makes each control set simpler and more intuitive for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration of each parameter is required, then precision control is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming nature of sequential parameter setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of arc parameter configurationVSAvoidefficiency of tool setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the available controls based on the selected operational mode. Each mode activates only the relevant parameter adjustment capabilities needed for that specific configuration task, allowing users to maintain precision control over arc parameters while significantly reducing the total number of operations required compared to manual configuration of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7769222B2Arc tool user interface
Publication Date: 2010.08.03 MITUTOYO CORP
  • US7769222B2 patent drawing
  • US7769222B2 patent drawing
  • US7769222B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A combination of arc tool user interface features and operations are provided for efficiently defining an arc tool region of interest in a machine vision inspection system. Multiple distinct types of parameter control features are provide in an arc tool GUI. The distinct types of parameter control features may be distinguished by their relative locations, or by distinct symbols, or the like. One or more of the types of control features may include at least two modes of operation. In one such mode of operation restricted to one type of control feature, a user may change the nominal radius of curvature of the arc tool using a single cursor motion. In another such mode of operation shared by multiple types of control features, a user may rotate the region of interest of the arc tool using a single cursor motion.