Coordinate Measuring Machine Image Matching for Safe Workpiece Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of measuring workpieces using coordinate measuring machines is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with similar workpieces that have different dimensions, as the machine may collide with the workpiece if the wrong measurement procedure is applied, leading to reduced precision or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilize an image capturing device to capture images of the workpiece, access assignment information from a database, and automatically identify matching representations by assessing the images and similarity information, allowing for the selection of the correct measurement procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user manually scans through existing measurement procedures to select the correct one, then the measurement process can be initiated, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate measuring machine automatically identifies the workpiece type and selects the appropriate measurement procedure without user intervention. The system uses image recognition to capture workpiece images, compares them against stored representations in a database, and autonomously determines the correct measurement plan, eliminating manual scanning and selection by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of scanning through procedures is replaced by an automated image recognition and pattern matching system. The system uses computer vision technology to capture workpiece images, processes them through software algorithms, and automatically retrieves the corresponding measurement procedure from the database, substituting human operator actions with automated computational processes
2Productivity
If the wrong measurement procedure is applied to similar workpieces with different dimensions, then the measurement may be performed quickly, but collisions occur leading to reduced precision or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the workpiece type before initiating the measurement process. By capturing images and matching them against the database in advance, the system ensures the correct measurement procedure is selected before any measurement actions occur, preventing collisions and damage that would result from using the wrong procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing captured workpiece images with stored representations in the database. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify the correct measurement procedure is selected by matching visual features of the actual workpiece with the expected features in the database, ensuring safety before measurement begins
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple predefined measurement procedures exist for similar workpieces, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but the complexity of selecting the correct procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary image recognition layer between the workpiece and the measurement procedures. Instead of directly managing multiple measurement procedures, the system uses image capture and pattern matching as an intermediary step that automatically translates the physical workpiece into the appropriate digital measurement procedure, simplifying the selection process despite the presence of multiple options
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the workpiece and stores them in the database alongside their corresponding measurement procedures. By working with image copies rather than directly handling the physical workpiece or manually selecting procedures, the system enables automated pattern matching that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple measurement options for similar workpieces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces errors and increases precision by identifying similar workpieces and selecting the appropriate measurement procedure, thereby preventing collisions and ensuring accurate measurement.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one capture image of the workpiece to be measured
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of measuring a workpiece to be measured by using a coordinate measuring machine, the method including the steps: - placing the workpiece (4) to be measured in a working space (6) of the coordinate measuring machine, - capturing at least one capture image of the workpiece (4) to be measured while the workpiece (4) is placed in the working space (6), - accessing assignment information on assignments of at least some of a plurality of representations of workpieces to images of workpieces, the plurality of representations being stored in a database (35; 45), wherein each of the at least some of the plurality of representations has been assigned to at least one image of a workpiece based on a selection result of a selection that was made earlier resulting in a corresponding part of the assignment information, - automatically identifying possibly matching representations that are possibly matching the workpiece (4) to be measured from the plurality of representations stored in the database (35; 45), - outputting (33) output information about the possibly matching representations that have been identified, wherein the step (32) of identifying the possibly matching representations includes identifying (40) at least one assigned possibly matching representation based on the assignment information by assessing the at least one capture image and identifying (41) at least one similar possibly matching representation that is identified as similar to the at least one assigned possibly matching representation based on predefined similarity information.