Camera Virtual Axis Motion Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision systems face inaccuracies, noise immunity issues, and reliability problems due to the use of encoders for providing position data, which can be improved by calculating object position using motion data from a motion controller.
Innovation Solution
A vision system that uses motion data from a motion controller to generate an image acquisition trigger signal, employing a virtual axis application to plan the movement of a virtual axis and calculate an acquisition trigger rate, allowing the camera to synchronize with a motion drive and generate a trigger signal for image acquisition without the need for a separate encoder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an encoder is used to provide position data to the vision system, then object position can be tracked, but the system experiences inaccuracies, noise immunity issues, and reliability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the encoder component from the system entirely. Instead of using an encoder to provide position data, the vision system calculates object position directly from motion data received from the motion controller, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with encoders while maintaining position tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical encoder system with a computational approach. The vision system uses software-based position calculation from motion controller data, substituting the mechanical sensing and encoding mechanism with a digital computation method that is more reliable and accurate
2Speed
If an encoder is used to generate trigger signals, then image acquisition can be synchronized with object position, but the system complexity increases and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position tracking and trigger signal generation functions into the vision system itself. The vision system receives motion data from the motion controller and independently calculates both object position and the timing for trigger signals, eliminating the need for a separate encoder and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system is given multi-functionality by enabling it to perform both image acquisition and position calculation tasks. By using the same motion data for both determining object position and generating trigger signals, the system reduces the number of dedicated components needed while maintaining synchronization capability
3Loss of time
If an encoder is used to track conveyor motion, then trigger signals can be generated at calculated times, but the system suffers from noise immunity issues and accuracy problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system continuously receives motion data from the motion controller and uses this information to dynamically calculate and adjust trigger signal timing. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate timing while being resilient to noise, as the system adapts to actual motion conditions rather than relying on potentially noisy encoder signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods trigger an image acquisition of an object using motion data communicated from a motion controller on a network, the motion controller coupled to a motion drive. A camera, upon receiving motion data from the motion controller, uses a virtual axis application to plan the movement of a virtual axis for a motion cycle, the virtual axis allowing an acquisition trigger rate to be calculated by the camera that follows movement of the object caused by the motion drive. Based on the calculated acquisition trigger rate, the camera generates an acquisition trigger signal for triggering the image acquisition of the object.