Optical Tool Contour Measurement for Precise Stone Edge Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stone processing industry faces inefficiencies and inaccuracies in manual settings of processing tools for edge profiles, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes, particularly in producing kitchen or vanity stone slabs.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement and adjustment method for a set of profile processing tools, including profiling wheels and polishing wheels, which uses a tool setting and tool measuring device to automatically detect and record working contours, allowing for precise coordination of profile coordinates across multiple tools for successive processing of stone slabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of processing tools is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of profiling wheels with an optical measurement system that uses cameras and image processing to automatically detect tool contours and calculate positioning data. This substitution eliminates manual errors while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the actual tool contours using optical sensors. These digital representations are then processed to extract precise geometric data, enabling accurate tool positioning without direct physical measurement. The working contour image serves as a copy that facilitates precise digital analysis.
2Productivity
If automated optical measurement is implemented, then productivity improves, but loss of time during tool measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs tool contour measurement and profile coordinate calculation in advance, before the actual stone slab processing begins. By pre-measuring all profiling wheels and storing their digital contour data, the system eliminates measurement time during production runs, thereby increasing overall productivity without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise tool positioning is achieved through optical measurement, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes raw optical images into usable profile coordinates. Instead of directly controlling tool positioning from complex sensor data, the system uses image processing algorithms as intermediaries to convert visual information into precise positioning parameters, simplifying the overall control architecture.
4Reliability
If manual tool adjustment is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability of processing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the tool measurement system to be self-sufficient by automatically capturing tool contours, processing images, calculating profile coordinates, and generating positioning data without external intervention. This self-service capability ensures consistent processing quality while maintaining system simplicity through automated workflows.
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
This method enhances precision and speed in stone slab processing, reduces downtime and extends tool service life, while lowering costs by ensuring accurate and efficient edge profiling.
Implementation Method 1
an at least partially and/or at least partially concavely curved working contour, in particular a milling contour or polishing contour, of a first profile processing tool of the set of profile processing tools is optically recorded
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~4f
AI summary
An optical measuring and/or setting method is proposed for the combined measuring and/or setting of a set of profile processing tools (18) comprising a plurality of individual profile processing tools (10, 12, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56), wherein the individual profile processing tools (10, 12, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the set of profile processing tools (18) are intended for the successive machining of side edges (20) of stone slabs (22), with at least one tool setting and/or tool measuring device (24), by means of which, in at least a first tool measuring step (26), a working contour (28), in particular a milling contour or polishing contour, which is at least partially and/or at least sectionally concave, of a first profile processing tool (10) of the set of profile processing tools (18) is optically measured at least semi-automatically. is recordedwherein the working contour (28) of the first profile machining tool (10) detected in the first tool measuring step (26) is assigned profile coordinates (102) in a first tool setting step (30), which are stored in a storage unit (32) of the tool setting and/or tool measuring device (24).