Sensor Chain Identification via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of defining sensor chains for coordinate measuring machines is error-prone and time-consuming, often leading to incorrect sensor configurations that result in collisions and measurement inaccuracies, and existing electronic identification systems are not standardized, expensive, and limited in coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method using cameras and image processing to automatically identify sensor chain components by comparing captured images with reference data, allowing for precise and reliable measurement without manual input, and ensuring correct sensor configurations for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual process is used to define sensor chain, then user can select sensor components, but the process is error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies sensor components through image capture and recognition, eliminating the need for manual selection. The camera captures images of the sensor chain, and the control unit automatically processes these images to identify components, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of selecting and configuring sensor components is replaced by an optical-electronic system. A camera captures images of the sensor chain, and image processing algorithms automatically identify components, substituting human manual operation with automated optical detection and computational analysis.
2Extent of automation
If electronic identification system is used, then automated identification is achieved, but the system is expensive and not standardized
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex electronic identification chips embedded in each sensor component, the system creates optical copies (images) of the sensor chain using a camera. The control unit then processes these image copies to identify components, replacing expensive electronic identification hardware with simpler optical copying and image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the sensor chain and the control unit. Rather than requiring direct electronic communication between sensor components and the control system, the camera captures visual information that serves as an intermediate representation, which is then processed to achieve automated identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual sensor chain definition is used, then flexibility in selection is maintained, but collisions and measurement errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by capturing images of the actual sensor chain configuration and comparing it with the required configuration. The control unit processes the images to identify components and verify they match the part program requirements, providing immediate feedback on whether the correct sensor chain is installed, thereby preventing measurement errors.
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 approach enables automated, precise, and reliable sensor identification, reducing the risk of errors, improving user-friendliness, and ensuring accurate measurements by automatically verifying the correct sensor configuration, even for non-standard components.
Implementation Method 1
images of the sensor configuration are taken and processed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing information about a sensor chain of a coordinate measuring machine is disclosed. The coordinate measuring machine may include a drive mechanism for moving a tool carrier relative to a base for approaching a measurement point. The CMM also may also include a sensor chain carried by the tool carrier and an arrangement of sensor chain components providing a particular sensor configuration for measuring the measurement point, and a camera for providing an image of at least a part of the sensor chain. The method may include capturing an image of at least a part of the sensor chain, deriving at least one sensor chain property from the image by image processing, comparing the sensor chain property with reference data which relates to a set of known sensor chain components and providing an output relating to the comparison of the sensor chain property with the reference data.