Image Measurement Apparatus Using Optical Reference Setting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional measurement systems using touch probes require time-consuming and labor-intensive operations to set reference coordinates for each workpiece, hindering efficient measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
An image measurement apparatus that includes a light projecting section, an imaging section, a touch probe, a driving section, and a display section, allowing for the setting of contact target positions and characteristic patterns on a workpiece image, which are then used to specify the position and posture of the workpiece and guide the touch probe for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference coordinates are set manually by bringing the probe into contact with reference points before measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the workpiece and creates a virtual copy of the workpiece surface. Reference points are marked on this image copy rather than requiring physical contact with the actual workpiece. This allows users to set reference coordinates by interacting with the image display, eliminating the need for manual probe contact with reference points while maintaining measurement accuracy through the established correspondence between image coordinates and physical coordinates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical operation of physically bringing the probe into contact with reference points with an optical system. A camera captures the workpiece image, and image processing algorithms automatically identify reference point positions on the image. This substitution eliminates manual mechanical operations while improving ease of use and reducing time consumption, as the system can process multiple reference points simultaneously rather than requiring sequential manual contact.
2Measurement precision
If reference coordinates are set manually for each workpiece, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement operations by automatically capturing workpiece images and processing reference points without interruption. The camera can capture images continuously as workpieces are placed on the measurement stage, and the image processing system continuously identifies and processes reference points. This eliminates the discontinuous nature of manual reference setting, allowing measurement operations to proceed continuously and improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing workpiece images and processing reference point identification without requiring manual intervention for each reference point. The image processing algorithms automatically locate and identify reference points on the captured images, and the system automatically establishes reference coordinates. This self-service capability eliminates repetitive manual operations and significantly improves measurement efficiency while maintaining consistent accuracy across multiple workpieces.
3Ease of operation
If a camera is mounted separately from the probe, then the measurement site can be set on the workpiece image, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera imaging function with the probe measurement function into an integrated measurement apparatus. The camera is positioned to capture images of the workpiece from above, while the probe is positioned to contact the workpiece surface. Both systems share common components including the measurement stage, control system, and coordinate transformation mechanisms. This merging allows the measurement site to be set on the workpiece image while avoiding the need for completely separate, independent systems, thus managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables easy and efficient measurement of three-dimensional coordinates on a workpiece surface by simplifying the process of setting reference coordinates and improving the accuracy of measurements through the use of image processing and automated alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a light projecting section which irradiates a workpiece on a stage with detection light
Implementation Method 2
an imaging section which receives the detection light and generates a workpiece image
Data Source
AI summary
A first contact target position, a second contact target position, and a characteristic pattern for specifying a position and a posture of the workpiece are set in association with each other. First and second contact target positions for measurement are specified from a workpiece image newly generated during the execution of measurement such that a driving section is controlled to bring the touch probe into contact with the side surface of the workpiece with the specified first contact target position for measurement as a reference, and the driving section is controlled to bring the touch probe into contact with the upper surface of the workpiece with the specified second contact target position for measurement as a reference. Three-dimensional coordinates of a contact point are measured based on a contact signal output when the touch probe comes into contact with the workpiece.