Machine Tool Abnormality Detection Using Reflected Light Position

The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system with an optical system. Instead of using wired or wireless electrical signals that require complex distinguishing mechanisms, the system uses a camera to photograph abnormality detection lamps on machine tools and processes the visual information through image processing and luminance calculation. This substitution eliminates the need for complex signal distinguishing mechanisms while maintaining abnormality detection capability.

The patent creates a visual copy of the abnormality state by photographing the abnormality detection lamp with a camera. Instead of transmitting the actual electrical signal, the system captures an optical image of the lamp state and processes this copy to determine abnormalities. This copying approach simplifies the transmission and identification process while preserving the essential abnormality information.

The patent uses the luminance state (on/off or bright/dim) of the abnormality detection lamp as a visual indicator. The camera captures the luminance information, and the system calculates the difference between the photographed luminance and reference luminance to determine if an abnormality exists. This approach maintains simple lamp-based notification while adding automated visual detection to reliably identify which specific machine tool has the abnormality.

The system establishes a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors the lamp state, the control management unit calculates luminance differences, and this information is used to determine and notify abnormalities. This automated feedback mechanism ensures reliable identification of abnormal machine tools without requiring complex manual monitoring or signal distinguishing.

The patent divides the monitoring field into discrete segments, with each machine tool having its own dedicated abnormality detection lamp and corresponding camera field of view. The control management unit processes each machine tool's image separately, calculating luminance differences for each individual tool. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple machine tools while maintaining the ability to accurately identify which specific tool has an abnormality.

The patent introduces the camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the machine tools and the monitoring operator. Instead of directly observing multiple lamps or processing multiple electrical signals, the camera captures visual information from each machine tool and the control management unit processes these images to identify abnormalities. This intermediary approach enables accurate distinction between multiple machine tools while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.