Non-Stop Image Measuring System Strobe Illumination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image measuring machines in non-stop measurement mode lack a teaching method similar to the standard measurement mode, as the stage does not stop at each position, making it difficult to apply conventional illumination adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The system adjusts strobe illumination pulse width based on operator input while maintaining a fixed positional relation between the imaging means and measurement stage, allowing for the generation and execution of a non-stop image measuring program similar to the standard mode by flashing strobe light at designated positions and adjusting brightness visually.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the measurement stage stops at each measurement position for illumination adjustment, then the illumination can be properly adjusted, but the measurement throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement throughputVSAvoidillumination adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary illumination adjustment during the teaching phase where the stage is stationary, storing the adjusted illumination parameters. During actual measurement, these pre-adjusted illumination settings are reused, eliminating the need for repeated illumination adjustments and enabling continuous non-stop measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process is divided into two distinct phases: teaching phase (for illumination adjustment and program generation) and measurement phase (for actual non-stop measurement). This segmentation allows illumination adjustment to occur only when necessary, improving overall throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the measurement stage moves continuously without stopping, then the measurement throughput increases, but the conventional teaching method cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement throughputVSAvoidteaching method compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the teaching method to match the measurement mode. For non-stop measurement, the teaching phase operates in stationary mode (similar to standard measurement) to generate appropriate programs, while the measurement phase transitions to dynamic non-stop operation, bridging the compatibility gap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The teaching phase creates a copy of the measurement program with embedded illumination parameters and positional information. This program copy can then be executed in non-stop mode without requiring the actual physical presence of the operator at each measurement position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If strobe illumination with adjusted pulse width is used, then instantaneous image information can be captured during movement, but the brightness must be visually confirmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidbrightness adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

During the teaching phase, the system provides visual feedback by displaying the strobe-illuminated image on a monitor, allowing the operator to visually confirm brightness and adjust the pulse width accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise brightness control despite the high-speed strobe operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient non-stop image acquisition and processing without requiring stage stops, enhancing measurement throughput while maintaining accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

This image measuring machine irradiates the measuring object with strobe illumination, as shown in Fig. 10, without making a stop of the measurement stage at measurement positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrobe illumination: Stroboscopic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1729194B2Image measuring system and methods of generating and executing non-stop image measuring program

Publication Date: 2018.01.10 MITUTOYO CORP

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AI summary

The position of an imaging means relative to a measurement stage is moved based on a stage movement instruction input. The amount of light illuminating awork is adjusted by flashing strobe illumination at a certain cycle repeatedly and adjusting the pulse width of the strobe illumination based on an illumination adjustment instruction input. A part program is generated for image measurement including fetching positional information about the imaging means relative to the measurement stage and information about the pulse width of the strobe illumination based on a certain instruction input, irradiating the measuring object with strobe illumination of the pulse width passing through the position indicated by the fetched positional information and fetched at that position, and capturing instantaneous image information about the work.