Machine Tool Camera Startup Using Hardware Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool devices require longer startup times, which hinder efficient machining and measurement processes due to the conventional software-controlled power management of cameras, leading to increased cycle times and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device for a machine tool that employs a real-time OS and hardware-controlled power management to initiate camera startup simultaneously with power supply, allowing the camera to start up independently of software booting, and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) for efficient power and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If software-controlled power management is used for camera startup, then the system can maintain precise control over camera operations, but the startup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into two independent control paths: a hardware-controlled path for rapid camera startup (bypassing software boot) and a software-controlled path for post-boot camera operations. This segmentation allows the camera to initialize quickly through hardware triggers while software handles higher-level control functions afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera startup process is initiated in advance through hardware control before the operating system software is fully loaded. The hardware control unit triggers camera initialization simultaneously with or before software booting, allowing the camera to be ready for operation as soon as software becomes available, eliminating the waiting period that would otherwise exist.
2Productivity
If camera startup is initiated after software booting, then the system can ensure proper software control is established, but the overall system startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hardware control initiates camera startup in advance of software boot completion, performing the time-consuming camera initialization process parallel to software loading. This preliminary hardware-triggered action ensures the camera is ready immediately when software becomes available, maximizing productivity without sacrificing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping hardware-controlled camera initialization with software booting processes. Instead of sequential execution (software boot then camera startup), both processes run concurrently, eliminating idle time and improving overall system responsiveness for machining operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Power over Ethernet is used for power supply, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but additional hardware components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both data communication and power delivery through PoE technology. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power cables and power management hardware, reducing overall device complexity while improving power delivery efficiency through the standardized PoE protocol.
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
This solution significantly reduces the startup time of the machine tool device to approximately one second, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy usage by allowing the camera to start up in parallel with the power supply, while maintaining software control over the camera's power after booting.
Implementation Method 1
uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) for efficient power and communication
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a machine tool is a device for a machine tool attachable to an attachment portion of the machine tool, and includes a processor for performing a process of booting an OS, a function portion for receiving an instruction from an application running on the OS, and a system power supply for sending power toward the processor and the function portion.