Component Supply Control Using Side-Surface Pickup Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component supply systems face challenges in accurately determining whether scattered components can be held due to orientation and distance issues, leading to inefficiencies in component pickup.
Innovation Solution
A control method that calculates an index value based on imaging data of a component's side surface to determine if it can be held, ensuring appropriate component pickup by matching the calculated value with a set value, considering the distance between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If component holding determination is based on orientation and distance parameters, then component pickup feasibility can be assessed, but measurement precision is insufficient leading to inaccurate holding determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D top-down imaging to 3D side surface imaging. By capturing images from the side surface of components and using perspective projection relationships, the system extracts height information and spatial position data that cannot be obtained from conventional top-down views. This dimensional change enables more accurate determination of component holding feasibility by incorporating vertical dimension measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical imaging and computational analysis. Instead of using physical sensors or mechanical gauges to measure component dimensions and positions, the system uses imaging devices to capture visual data and applies perspective projection mathematics to extract precise measurements, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If imaging is performed from top-down view, then component position can be detected, but side surface information is lost leading to incomplete holding feasibility assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional imaging approach by switching from top-down vertical imaging to side surface horizontal imaging. This inversion allows the imaging device to capture the side surfaces of components, revealing height information and spatial relationships that are invisible from the top-down perspective. The inverted viewing angle provides complementary information for comprehensive component analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side surface imaging as an additional dimensional perspective. By capturing images from the side rather than from above, the system obtains vertical dimension data (component height) and lateral position information that complements the horizontal plane data from top-down imaging, creating a more complete three-dimensional understanding of component geometry.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple components are supplied on stage, then component availability increases, but interference between components increases making holding determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces perspective projection relationships as an intermediary analytical tool. By applying perspective projection mathematics to the images of multiple components, the system can accurately determine the spatial position and dimensions of each component even when they are closely spaced or partially overlapping in the image plane. This intermediary mathematical model separates and identifies individual component parameters despite their physical proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical separation or mechanical sorting of components with computational analysis. Instead of requiring components to be physically spaced apart to avoid interference, the system uses image processing and perspective projection calculations to virtually separate and identify each component's parameters, allowing multiple components to be supplied and analyzed simultaneously without physical interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
A loose component supply device in which components scattered on stage 156 are imaged by camera 290. Because the viewing angle of the camera is α > 0, a side surface of the component is imaged. Based on the image data of the component, an index value specifying a size of the side surface of the component is calculated. Then, in a case in which the calculated index value matches a set value, it is determined that it is possible to hold the component. In other words, in a case in which there is a certain distance between multiple components, from imaging a side surface of the component, if an index value that specifies the size of the side surface of the component matches the set value, it is determined that it is possible to hold the component. Accordingly, it is possible to determine appropriately whether it is possible to hold the component scattered on the stage.