Automatic Polishing System with 3D Vision and Demarcation Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic polishing systems face challenges in obtaining accurate three-dimensional shape data for controlling work robots and polishers, especially when CAD data is confidential or deformed, and in avoiding sensitive areas during polishing, which hinders reliable and safe automatic polishing processes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic polishing system that uses a three-dimensional image capturing machine to capture images with an area demarcation marker, producing position information for controlling the work robot and polisher, allowing for precise movement and avoidance of sensitive areas without requiring CAD data, and includes features like self-propelled vehicles, lift devices, distance sensors, and followable expanding/contracting and swinging devices for uniform polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional shape data is obtained by capturing images with a three-dimensional image capturing machine, then the need for CAD data is eliminated and polishing averting portions can be identified, but the accuracy and reliability of the position information for controlling the work robot and polisher is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces area demarcation markers as intermediary elements that are attached to the polishing target surface. These markers serve as mediators between the three-dimensional image capturing machine and the control device, enabling precise identification of the polishing area and generation of accurate position information without requiring CAD data. The markers provide reliable reference points that bridge the gap between image capture and precise robotic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual polishing is performed by a worker, then flexibility and adaptability to complex shapes are maintained, but the worker is exposed to health hazards from powder dust and suffers from physical stress due to forced postures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic polishing system where the work robot autonomously performs polishing operations based on position information generated from three-dimensional image data and area demarcation markers. The system serves itself by automatically navigating, positioning, and executing polishing tasks without human intervention, thereby eliminating worker exposure to harmful dust and physical stress while maintaining adaptability to complex surfaces through automated control.
3Measurement precision
If CAD data is used to control the work robot and polisher, then precise position information can be obtained, but CAD data is difficult to obtain due to confidentiality and may not reflect actual deformations in the article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first capturing three-dimensional images of the actual article surface and attaching area demarcation markers before generating position information for polishing. This preliminary image capture and marker attachment process creates accurate position data directly from the actual article geometry, eliminating the need for prior CAD data preparation while ensuring the position information reflects any deformations or variations in the real article.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automatic polishing system that allows a polishing treatment of an article while circumventing a polishing averting portion of the article. A polisher is attached to a leading end portion of a movable arm of a work robot. A control device controls the work robot and the polisher, based on position information of a polishing target surface of an article, so that the polisher is moved along the polishing target surface by a movement of the work robot while providing a polishing action on the polishing target surface at the same time. An image of the article including an image of an area demarcation marker annexed to the article for demarcating the area of the polishing target surface is captured by a three-dimensional image capturing machine. The control device produces the position information of the polishing target surface by determining the position of the area demarcation marker based on image data of the image.