Bending Machine Rear-Space Imaging With Perspective Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bending machine operators face challenges in maintaining an unhindered view of the rear machine space due to the design of the press beam, leading to increased physical stress and risk of injury, especially when handling complex parts and performing multiple tasks simultaneously, with existing solutions risking damage to camera and projector setups and causing perspective distortions.
Innovation Solution
A bending machine equipped with a work area image capture apparatus that includes an image capture system connected to a display and image processing processor, allowing for perspective correction based on the operator's position, using cameras and position determination systems to provide a clear, real-time view of the machine interior without physical contortions, and optionally using data glasses for precise field-of-vision adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the press beam design is used to support bending tools, then bending operations can be performed, but the view into the machine interior is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the machine interior (rear stop area) and transmit them to a display unit. This allows the operator to view the machine interior without physically bending over or changing the press beam design, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining the press beam structure and improving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy (image) of the machine interior that is displayed on a screen. This copy allows the operator to observe the rear stop and workpiece orientation without directly viewing the restricted area, effectively bypassing the visibility problem while preserving the original press beam design.
2Measurement precision
If cameras and projectors are disposed in front of the press beam, then work area can be monitored, but damage risk to apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the vulnerable position in front of the press beam and relocated to a safer position on the press beam itself or on the machine frame. This extraction removes the apparatus from the high-risk zone where sheet-metal parts could cause damage, while still allowing it to capture the necessary work area images.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is positioned or protected in advance to prevent damage. This could involve placing the camera in a protected enclosure, using protective barriers, or positioning it where sheet-metal parts cannot reach, thereby cushioning against potential damage before it occurs.
3Manufacturing precision
If the machine operator bends over to check workpiece contact with rear stop, then correct orientation can be verified, but physical stress and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera acts as an intermediary that allows the operator to verify workpiece orientation and contact with the rear stop by viewing images on a display unit. This eliminates the need for the operator to physically bend over and directly observe the rear stop area, thereby reducing physical stress and injury risk while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy of the workpiece and rear stop area that is displayed on a screen. The operator can verify correct orientation by examining this copy without physically positioning themselves in the hazardous area, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring manufacturing precision and avoiding physical harm.
4Measurement precision
If perspective correction is not applied to captured images, then system complexity is reduced, but operator understanding and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical act of the operator physically positioning themselves to view the machine interior is replaced by an electronic image processing system. The coordinate transformation module digitally adjusts the captured images to provide the correct perspective, substituting complex mechanical viewing adjustments with automated computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system changes parameters of the captured images (coordinates, perspective angles) through coordinate transformation to present the view in a form that matches the operator's natural perspective. This parameter adjustment improves operator understanding without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the viewing system.
Data Source
AI summary
A bending machine with a work area image capture apparatus has a machine frame, a longitudinally extended, fixed machine table, and a longitudinally extended press beam moved by a drive relative to the frame and guided therein. The longitudinal expanse and the press beam movement direction define a working plane establishing a front working and manipulation space and a rear machine space. An image capture apparatus above the machine table in the machine space has a capture region oriented toward the machine space and is connected with a display configured to represent the captured image of the capture region. The capture apparatus is connected with the display by an image processing processor having a coordinate transformation module configured the captured image perspective. The coordinate transformation module is connected with a wireless position determination system configured to determine the machine operator position in the working and manipulation space.