Multi-head Measuring Apparatus Automatic Point Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional color filter spacer height measurement apparatuses face low measuring efficiency, high errors, and apparatus crashes due to manual allocation of measurement points, which fails to meet production pace and capacity demands.

Innovation Solution

An automatic measuring point position allocation method for a multi-head measuring apparatus, where point positions are sorted and grouped based on X-axis and Y-axis coordinates, matched with gantry and head mechanisms to ensure safe distances and efficient measurement, reducing manual errors and collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual allocation of measurement points is used, then the apparatus can operate with simple control, but measuring efficiency is low and errors occur frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasuring efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically allocates measurement points to measuring heads based on coordinate analysis and safety distance calculations, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The computer executes algorithms to determine optimal head assignments and movement paths, making the system self-sufficient in the allocation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical allocation with an automated computer-based system that uses coordinate data and algorithmic processing to determine measurement point assignments. The computer calculates and controls head movements based on programmed logic rather than manual operator actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple heads measure simultaneously to increase capacity, then production capacity improves, but collision risk between heads increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidapparatus safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system preemptively calculates and enforces safety distances between adjacent heads and between gantries before measurement begins. The computer analyzes coordinates and determines allocation schemes that prevent collision, taking preventive action rather than reacting to potential conflicts during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses coordinate information and safety distance parameters as feedback to continuously monitor and adjust head allocation. The computer processes real-time position data and modifies measurement sequences to maintain safe operating distances while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If sequential recording of point positions is required, then accurate tracking is achieved, but repeated operations increase time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepoint position accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores the coordinates of all measurement points before the measurement process begins. The computer creates a complete allocation scheme in advance that assigns each point to a specific head and determines the measurement sequence, eliminating the need for sequential recording during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If operators manually adjust point positions to ensure safe distances, then collision prevention is attempted, but operator fatigue causes errors and reduces head utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the safety distance verification and head assignment tasks that previously required manual operator intervention. The computer analyzes coordinates and determines safe allocation schemes without human input, eliminating operator fatigue and associated errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operator judgment and adjustment with automated computer-based calculation and control. The system uses programmed algorithms to ensure safe distances are maintained, substituting human cognitive and manual processes with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11300401B2Multi-head measuring apparatus and measuring point automatic allocation method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A measuring point position automatic allocation method for a multi-head measuring apparatus is provided and includes steps as follows: obtaining point position coordinates for all point positions on a surface of a color filter that need measurement, grouping the point position coordinates, matching the Y-axis coordinates of each group with gantry mechanisms corresponding to a measuring range, according to the Y-axis coordinates of the gantry mechanisms matching X-axis coordinates with the measuring head mechanisms, sequentially matching the point position coordinates of all the point positions needing measurement with the gantry mechanisms and the measuring head mechanisms to complete allocation of the point positions.