Surface Texture Sensor Path Planning for Barrier Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface texture measuring apparatuses using two-dimensional CAD data struggle to create part programs that avoid interference between the camera and work pieces with uneven surfaces, as they lack three-dimensional information necessary for recognizing and avoiding barriers during displacement.
Innovation Solution
A control method for surface texture measuring apparatuses that calculates a safety height based on barrier height, safety gap, and working distance, and determines a safe displacement path to avoid interference by adjusting the sensor's position accordingly, using a formula (Barrier height) + (Safety gap) - (Working distance) to ensure the sensor can clear barriers without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-dimensional CAD data is used for off-line teaching, then programming simplicity is improved, but the ability to recognize and avoid three-dimensional barriers is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing height data (Z-axis information) to the existing two-dimensional CAD data system. The control device acquires height data representing the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece and integrates it with the two-dimensional planar data, enabling the system to recognize barriers in 3D space while maintaining the simplicity of 2D programming interfaces. This allows the sensor displacement path to be calculated in three dimensions, avoiding barriers that would be invisible in pure 2D representations.
2Productivity
If the sensor displacement path is calculated without considering barrier height, then measurement efficiency is improved, but the risk of sensor interference with the workpiece is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by calculating the sensor displacement path in advance, taking into account the three-dimensional height data of barriers before actual measurement begins. The control device computes the required sensor height at each position along the displacement path, identifies sections where the sensor would intersect with barriers, and pre-determines appropriate height adjustments. This allows the measurement to proceed efficiently without real-time interruptions while ensuring safety through advance planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively identifying and preventing potential sensor-barrier intersections before they occur. The system calculates the displacement path, predicts where intersections might happen based on barrier height data, and pre-adjusts the sensor height to avoid these intersections. This preventive approach eliminates the need for real-time collision detection and response, maintaining measurement efficiency while ensuring reliability.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional height data is acquired and processed, then barrier recognition accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by isolating and processing only the essential height data required for barrier recognition, rather than handling complete three-dimensional models. The control device extracts height information at specific measurement positions and along the displacement path, separating this critical data from other workpiece characteristics. This selective extraction reduces processing complexity while maintaining accurate barrier recognition, as the system focuses computational resources only on the Z-axis height information necessary for collision avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A part program generating device includes a CAD data memory storing CAD data of a work piece, a measurement condition definer receiving an input operation performed by a user and defining a measurement procedure, and a part program generator converting the measurement procedure defined by the measurement condition definer into a part program language. The measurement condition definer provides the user with, as a graphical user interface, an editing window capable of editing the measurement procedure in an editing language and a command icon providing a command to be used for defining the measurement procedure as an icon. The command icon includes a circumvention move command icon instructing to overcome a barrier when displacing a sensor from a start point to a target point.