Image-Based Cutting Time Estimation for Sheet Metal Quotations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating machining time for parts are time-consuming, making it impossible for salespersons to immediately present quotations to customers, as they require multiple days to prepare written estimates using CAD and CAM programs.
Innovation Solution
A machining estimation apparatus and method that uses a camera to photograph a part with a dimension reference marker, generating edge data and calculating machining time based on the part's dimensions and sheet metal properties, allowing for immediate estimation and quotation presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CAD and CAM programs are used to estimate machining time, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photographing to create a visual copy of the part, which is then processed through image recognition to extract geometric information. This optical copying method replaces the time-consuming CAD/CAM modeling process while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for machining time estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical interaction-based CAD/CAM measurement systems with an optical imaging and image recognition system. The camera captures the part visually, and software automatically processes the image to extract edge data and calculate machining parameters, eliminating the need for manual or semi-automatic CAD modeling.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional machining estimation methods are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to multiple days required for estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores machining time data for various sheet metal materials and thicknesses. When a part is photographed, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate material properties and performs the complete machining time calculation in one operation, eliminating the multi-day process of traditional estimation methods while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the estimation process by using image recognition to extract geometric features directly from photographs, rather than requiring detailed CAD models. The system calculates machining time based on extracted edge lengths and pre-stored material parameters, achieving both speed and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If detailed CAD modeling is performed for accurate machining time estimation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the image recognition software automatically extracts geometric information from the photographed part without requiring user intervention for manual measurement or model creation. The system autonomously identifies edges, calculates lengths, and determines machining time, making the process simple for salespersons to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to create detailed CAD models to obtain measurement data, the patent inverts the process by using photograph data to directly extract the necessary geometric information. The system works from the simplest input (a photograph) to produce the required output (machining time estimation), eliminating the need for complex intermediate modeling steps.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A camera (11) photographs a part to be estimated, which is produced by cutting a sheet metal in advance, and a dimension reference marker. An image processing unit (12) generates edge data by extracting an edge of the part photographed by the camera (11), and enlarges or reduces the edge data based on a size of the dimension reference marker photographed by the camera (11) such that a size of the edge corresponds to an actual size of the part. A machining time calculation unit (13) calculates a length of a cutting line for cutting out the part from the sheet metal based on the edge of the edge data corresponding to the actual size of the part, and calculates a machining time for producing the part by cutting the cutting line in accordance with a material and a thickness of the sheet metal.