Mixed Reality Workpiece Machining Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece machining methods, particularly in press-forming for large structures like LNG tanks, face inefficiencies due to the need for pre-prepared wooden gauges for shape examination, which prolong work time and complicate shape judgment, especially for complex shapes and large workpieces, often leading to erroneous deformity assessments.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece machining support system utilizing mixed reality technology, including an imaging unit, position attitude information obtaining unit, virtual image generation, and display unit, which generates a composite image of the workpiece's completed shape, allowing real-time shape examination without the need for wooden gauges, enabling improved work efficiency and accurate deformation assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wooden gauges are prepared in advance for shape examination, then shape accuracy can be verified, but work time is prolonged and work efficiency is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target workpiece shape using computer data and displays it as a transparent overlay on the actual workpiece. This virtual model serves as the examination gauge, eliminating the need for physical wooden gauges while enabling real-time shape verification during machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wooden gauge system with a computer-based virtual reality display system. The transparent image of the target shape is projected or displayed on a screen that the worker can view while observing the actual workpiece, substituting physical measurement tools with digital visualization.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple kinds of wooden gauges are prepared for complicated shapes, then shape examination can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual gauge system that can display any target shape configuration through computer data. A single display system can accommodate multiple different workpiece designs by loading different digital models, eliminating the need to prepare multiple specialized wooden gauges for different complicated shapes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is taken out from the press machine for shape examination, then shape can be verified, but work time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous shape verification by displaying the virtual target image on a screen that the worker can observe while the workpiece remains in the press machine. This allows shape examination to occur without interrupting the machining process or requiring the workpiece to be removed, maintaining continuous productive action.
4Manufacturing precision
If wooden gauge fitting is used for large workpieces, then shape can be examined, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target shape that can be displayed at any scale and position on a screen. This virtual model can be easily adjusted and viewed without the physical manipulation difficulties associated with fitting large wooden gauges to large workpieces, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes imaging unit configured to image a work space at a viewpoint position in a visual line direction of a worker together with a workpiece, a position attitude information obtaining unit configured to obtain a position attitude information which indicates a relative position attitude relation between a viewpoint of the worker and the workpiece in the work space, a virtual image generating unit configured to generate a three-dimensional virtual image which indicates a completed shape of the workpiece in the viewpoint position and the visual line direction of the worker based on the position attitude information, an image composing unit configured to generate a composite image by superimposing the virtual image on a real image of the work space, and a display unit configured to display the composite image. According to the system, efficiency of workpiece machining work can be considerably improved by using the mixed reality technology.