Cylindrical Object Marking with Linear Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marking machines for cylindrical objects require precise human intervention for positioning, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with cylindrical objects that need hot stamping or screen printing, and often rely on limited-view matrix cameras and specific sensors for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A marking machine equipped with a linear tracking camera and a linear control camera that interact to precisely position the marking means relative to the object, allowing for correction based on the registration performed by the linear control camera, eliminating the need for photoelectric cells or laser sensors and enabling precise marking across the entire length of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional marking machines use matrix cameras and specific sensors for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The linear camera serves multiple functions: it acts as both a tracking camera for following the object during marking and a control camera for verifying marking quality. This eliminates the need for separate matrix cameras and multiple specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the camera's ability to capture the entire object length in one view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with photoelectric detection using linear cameras. The mechanical adjustment mechanisms and multiple specialized sensors are substituted with an optical system that uses photoelectric cells to detect object position and marking quality, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement capabilities
2Ease of operation
If human intervention is used for positioning objects in marking machines, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The marking machine performs self-positioning through automatic photoelectric detection. The linear camera automatically detects the object's position and the marking's quality, and the control system automatically adjusts the marking position accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual positioning intervention while achieving high marking precision through automated feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the linear camera continuously monitors the object position and marking quality, and the control system uses this information to automatically adjust the marking process. This feedback mechanism ensures high positioning accuracy without requiring manual intervention, as the system self-corrects any positioning deviations in real-time
3Measurement precision
If a matrix camera is used for marking control, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to restricted field of view requiring multiple adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a matrix camera with limited two-dimensional field of view to a linear camera that captures the entire length of the cylindrical object in one dimension. This dimensional change allows the system to view the complete object without requiring multiple adjustments or repositioning, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving productivity through continuous monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine (M) for marking an at least partially cylindrical object (3) has marking means (4, P 3) for the object's peripheral surface and a linear camera (20, P 4) for monitoring the marking. An alignment camera (10, P 2) is used to align at least one particular point on the object before its marking. Means (2, 6, 100) are used to align the object based on the image from the alignment camera and a calculated correction. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for aligning a machine for marking cylindrical objects.