Machine Tool Camera Image Rotation for Coolant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically removing chips in machine tools face issues due to attachment errors of cameras, leading to misalignment between the imaging area displayed on the screen and the actual imaging area, which affects the accuracy of coolant discharge and reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that includes a correction unit to adjust the image orientation based on a reference line, allowing the outline of the specific area to match the displayed image, and a display control unit to overlay a corrected image on the screen, ensuring accurate alignment of the imaging and displayed areas despite limited camera adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a camera is additionally installed in an existing machine tool to enable automatic chip removal, then automated chip removal capability is achieved, but attachment errors cause misalignment between displayed imaging area and actual imaging area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (coordinate transformation matrix) that copies and represents the physical camera's imaging characteristics, including its attachment errors. This virtual model allows the system to compensate for physical misalignment by digitally transforming coordinates between the camera coordinate system and the machine tool coordinate system, thereby resolving the alignment issue without requiring perfect physical installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the coordinate parameters between different reference systems by establishing a coordinate transformation matrix. This parameter transformation allows the system to adjust for attachment errors by mathematically converting coordinates from the camera's perspective to the machine tool's coordinate system, ensuring accurate correspondence despite physical misalignment.
2Measurement precision
If the camera angle is adjusted to eliminate coordinate differences, then alignment accuracy is improved, but adjustment may be limited by camera structure and installation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment approach with a computational solution. Instead of physically adjusting the camera angle to achieve alignment, the system uses coordinate transformation matrices to mathematically correct the misalignment. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with computational correction resolves the limitation imposed by fixed camera mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation matrix as an intermediary between the camera coordinate system and the machine tool coordinate system. This mathematical intermediary enables accurate coordinate correspondence without requiring direct physical alignment or adjustment of the camera, thereby overcoming the limitations of camera structure and installation position.
3Reliability
If manual chip removal is performed by stopping machine tool operation, then chip accumulation is prevented, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the machine tool system to automatically monitor and manage chip accumulation using the camera and image processing capabilities. The system serves itself by detecting chip buildup, determining scattering positions, and triggering coolant discharge or alerts without requiring external human intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the machining chamber, detects chip accumulation states, and provides information back to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic decision-making regarding coolant discharge or operator alerts, ensuring chip accumulation is controlled while the machine tool operates continuously without manual interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device according to an aspect processes an image P0 to be used for a machine tool that takes the image of an imaging area with a camera and discharges fluid toward a target on the basis of the image P0. The information processing device includes: a reference information storage unit that stores, in advance, a line BL that is to correspond to an outline of a specific area SA of the machine tool on the image P0 when the image P0 is displayed; a correction unit that turns the image P0 in a rotating direction of an optical axis of the camera so that the outline of the specific area SA displayed on the image PO matches the line BL; and a display control unit that causes a corrected image, resulting from correction by the correction unit, to be displayed on a display unit.