Machine Tool Distance Measurement Using Known Image Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact distance measurement methods in machine tools, such as those using imaging devices, face challenges in calculating distances quickly due to the time-consuming nature of image processing, leading to idle time during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device comprising an image acquiring unit, a movement mechanism, and a control unit that moves the imaging target and image acquiring unit by a known distance, allowing for the acquisition of images before and after movement, and calculates the distance based on these images, enabling rapid non-contact distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing is performed on simultaneously captured images to calculate distance, then non-contact distance measurement is achieved, but calculation time is excessive and causes idle time during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-moving the imaging device or imaging target by a known distance before capturing images. This preparation step enables the control unit to calculate distance using simple geometric relationships from two images taken at known positions, rather than performing complex image processing on simultaneously captured images, thereby reducing calculation time and eliminating idle time during machining operations.
2Ease of operation
If complex image processing is used to obtain distance from captured images, then non-contact measurement is enabled, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex image processing (computational method) with a mechanical approach: moving the imaging device or target by a known distance using a movement mechanism. This mechanical displacement, combined with simple image capture at two positions, allows distance calculation through basic geometry rather than complex image analysis, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a machine tool including: an image acquiring unit that acquires an image of an imaging target; a movement mechanism that relatively moves the imaging target and the image acquiring unit; and a control unit, wherein the movement mechanism relatively moves the imaging target and the image acquiring unit by a known distance in an imaging direction of the image acquiring unit or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the imaging direction, and the image acquiring unit acquires images of the imaging target before and after the movement, and the control unit calculates a distance between the image acquiring unit and the imaging target in the imaging direction based on a movement distance or a length measured in the two acquired images. This enables distance measurement to be performed in a short time without making contact with an object to be measured.